Coo

Yes, and I still take Xanax every day for it. I was banded in 2007, had my ups and downs, and for me the panic is not worse and not better before or after. I am glad I had it done, but it isn't a cure all, I can chow down as much chocolate as ever, but it is great for portion control. I didn't suffer after the surgery, but I did as I was told, to the letter. Hope you get it sorted out soon

Wheetsin, me too. I heard/read somewhere you can't ever get to see my surgeon, he was great and he did the first six months care. I found I didn't feel comfortable with a total stranger doing all this and discussing my issues, staff also changed. And then I found I seemed to be coming face to face with 3 people I seriously didn't want to meet unexpectedly in a doctor's rooms (anxiety attacks and acute embarrassment at banding which is a total secret) and I haven't been back. I pretty much pray the band remains in it's current status quo for quite some time.

Hi all I too have not been here for years, I couldn't even remember which year I had my surgery until I read Oregan Holly's post, and remembered her *waving! I feel my brain still overrides any success the band gives me. I don't have tight fills, and haven't had mine touched for over 2 1/ 2 years, probably a bit longer. I got down to within 30 pounds of my goal, but have succeeded in twice putting 20 pounds back on and then losing it and it's back now and I'm just starting again. So it's not the quantity for me it's totally the sugar addiction and comfort / stress eating. Like others, life's downs have tended to be my achilles heel, and I although not hungry all the old patterns are right there, sugar, fat and carbs. I have a bit of a tooth issue one one side, and have never been able to much up salads since the surgery. I can have finely sliced fresh stuff, but still often have issues as soon as I take on "healthy summer food". Winter in some ways is easier, Soups and veggies, not a lot of crunchy stuff to get stuck! I don't feel it was a total loss, and my surgeon say to expect 30% of what I wanted to lose, well, for me 60% will be an acceptable amount, but whether I can ever get back there, and stay there is in the future.

Hi Nicole, I dont' want to disillusion you too badly, but we were fully insured and were were about $1300 out of pocket. If this will be an issue for you, perhaps you can start a special account so it can build up slowly whilst you learn about the banding.

Hi Bandster 1007. Am I? In spirit, but can't seem to get back on track. I also wonder why my email notifcations are now going to spam :scared2:. I am not counting calories, which is just as well, as I'm thinking it is self sabotage, and no just mid winter (here) that is doing it for me. I am trying to count the good things........... like the weight lost, and the postives - I could be way worse and back where I started. I've also had a bit of extra stress and reverted to my old "comfort foods" which of course leave you feeling twice as bad later :wink2:. Thanks for starting this thread :smile:

I hope you can soon seen the plus side of your loss :frown: I was very strict with drinking for the first six months, and it was difficult. Then I asked the Doc for a 1/2 fill (no. 3) just to top up a bit as felt my portions will a little large and I wanted a bit more control. It was this the re-started my drinking - I have found so much discomfort that I have many things getting stuck, which didn't without that fill. So this Fluid eleviates this problem for me. Of course I haven't lost weight either. I have had to virtually give up salads, even before the cold weather, a fine excuse. However, was able to eat lots of crunchy stuff prior to this - I don't even attempt cucumber and apples these days, so at my next visit I am going to get the 1/2 fill out, and try and resume my non-drinking with meals again!

Another happy Camper of Doc Watson's here :frown: I am my own worst enemy, always have been, and it's nothing to do with banding or Doc Watson. I had virtually no wind pains, and always wondered if it were down to his surgical technique. I guess we are all different on the inside too! There wasn't a lot of pain in the big scheme of post op pain, and i like his relaxed after care attitude. You may have to wait to see him, but ya know the best things in life have to be waited for I HATED limbo land, which is where you are now, and that was capped off with the Optiyuk stage just prior to surgery. My BMI and weight was similar to yours. I have a whole box of vanilla Optiyuk if you want it! However I really liked the strawberry and Cappucino - more expensive but sooooooooooooo much nicer :eek: Good luck!

Well, I dropped back in here, finally and this was the first thread I saw in Oct 07 Bandsters! I am OFF TRACK, as I feared would happen. I sort of got half way, winter came, and now I just get by day to day. I need so much motivation, so I hope this thread will begin :frown:

:wink2: This is all excellent news !!! Mine is only a minor victory, seemingly, compared to these. My rope-like undies are now starting to slip, and I have bought some "decent" underwear - it never seemed worthwhile for so long. And, I gingerly tried on a nice pair of cord jeans from 3 winters ago, very doubtful I could wear them out last week, and the zip came straight up, and I felt so good.

Oh, Allison, I am feel so bad for you. You highlight exactly why I am in the camp of "Secret Keepers". I must be appalling having to live with your sister when she is so judgmental and lacking in understanding - your father too - we aren't all so damn perfect to be athletes - some of us have issues, and we must deal with them as best as we can. Big hugs for the journey, hang on in there, once you start to see results, I am sure you'll feel better able to deal with them and their negativity.

Glad you are back on the board, and of course home again Jen. What an ordeal you and your family have been through. I guess it will be a slower road for you than the rest of us. I am sure you have had a really limited diet in hospital and rehab, so I'm sure the odd treat will be more beneficial than detrimental. I find I need the odd thing, and that the best part is that I have control now and don't eat the whole packet. Hope your rehab goes well, and you soon have some more movement and freedom, not to mention peace of mind.