My_o_My

I never thought I would lose enough weight to actually post, so for all of you who have slow weight loss - do not lose faith. I think I almost went one full year without a fill, I didn't have great restriction, and then I begged for him to fill me tight - and he did, and the weight started to come off again - THANK GOODNESS. I've got 40 more to go, but I have HOPE!

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I get this pure Protein bar - with 20 grams of protein and only 2 net carbs. I like the slim fast low carb shake with 20 grams of protein and 6 carbs. I've used 'ultra met' with about the same amount of protein/carbs in powdered form when I'm at home.

Insurance would not approve me. I sold my car, and drove around a pile of junk so that I could have the band. My whole family sacrificed, I have three little mouths to feed, and pets who depend on me. I buy all my clothes at second hand stores. I would have sold anything - I wasn't even at the point you are where my health was adversely affected to the degree I could not work - but I know the burning I had to get it done, because I could feel my health fraying at the edges, beginning to unravel. So keep plugging away, and stay positive, I know you want it YESTERDAY, I sure did. But I started doing all the little things I needed to do, working all the little angles. I agree that weight loss will help many physical conditions, and health care companies should look at it that way - I wonder why they don't. I have GREAT insurance - and they absolutely would not do it for ANY of us with the policy - NONE. It was mind boggling. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Insurance would not approve me. I sold my car, and drove around a pile of junk so that I could have the band. I would have sold anything - I wasn't even at the point you are where my health was adversely affected to the degree I could not work - but I know the burning I had to get it done, because I could feel my health fraying at the edges, beginning to unravel. So keep plugging away, and stay positive, I know you want it YESTERDAY, I sure did. But I started doing all the little things I needed to do, working all the little angles. I agree that weight loss will help many physical conditions, and health care companies should look at it that way - I wonder why they don't. I have GREAT insurance - and they absolutely would not do it for ANY of us with the policy - NONE. It was mind boggling.

My weight loss has been stagnant, so I visited the doctor. A new, extemely pleasant, caring physician helped me. He said his fill would be .2-.3 cc - I beged for the latter. He gave it to me. And I am REALLY restricted. mostly liquied, but if I chew really really good, I can tolerate about 3 tablespoons of Beans, or Cereal, or salad. I'm grumpy, about not being able to eat, but excited that I can't at the same time THE PROBLEM Two nights ago at about 1:30 I woke up, and was drowining in Fluid in my esophogus. I went to the bathroom and threw up this <b>thin, clear, sweet yet EXTREMELY acidy fluid.</b> I went back to bed and was fine. The next night, more aware, same thing, earlier on, but all night I struggled to sleep feeling stuff in my throat. Last night I took my anti seizure medication in tiny fragments (in case that was doing it) over a period of one hour, with Water, No food 3 hours prior to sleeping, and I sleep sitting up. I was uncomfortable, but no acid puke. I don't want to sleep sitting up. Have I puked too much in the past and ruined my diaphram, or my valve? I want to sleep lying flat, but it feels like somethings wrong - any ideas...suggestions???? HELP

I'm going to give that a shot - I haven't tried those. I get such great ideas here!

Talking to you guys has made me look at this issue quite seriously. I was worried initially, but now, feel GI Jane about making sure I'm not harming myself. I feel a little trapped in that I work M,T,W,F of this week, and my one day of is the day my doctor is out of the office. I know a local bariatric doc personally, and I know if I get in any trouble, he would help me. UPDATE Yesterday I didn't eat, I drank Protein shakes and hydration - I probably had 3-4 litres of Fluid without any problem. The pills that I take at night I could tell (even broken up) were an issue. I broke them up in pieces and took them over the space of an hour. <b>I am happy to report I am without reflux!</b>. I didn't feel any of that choking and gagging and didn't have to throw up. I slept well, and I was sleeping like usually. I'm still on the fluid only. Went to the store yesterday and bought a whole bunch of different kinds, protein, broth, Water - I bought v8 (and realized how stupid that was). THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I won't feel bad if this becomes something bigger than me - I will seek help. I feel like with you guys support I was able to stabilize - and I really appreciate it.

I had an experience, where I didn't feel comfortable or understood, and I was looking for solace. It's very difficult when that happens, but I'm glad you kept looking and found a place where you can find what you are looking for. I have always felt supported here, but we are all so unique, Perhaps when all is said and done, you might let us know how things worked out for you.

OK you guys - THANK YOU so much! I don't want to fiddle around with my physical health, but know my access to my physician is limited, and if not absolutely crucial I'd like to stick it out for a short period. I HAVE totally been drinking coffee which I will stop, and I will also go back to purely Protein and Water, and sleep sitting up. I think with some slight weight loss, good nutrition, solid food restriction, positioning so as not to aspirate, I can stick it out another week. First full week in March I work only two days, and so if it continues, I can see my physician. I am thankful for your support, and will use the unfill if necessary and not feel bad about it. :clap2:I am so glad this forum exists. I haven't been able to be as involved as I might related to work - however, it is my ONLY support, other than my sister - and I am very thankful!

I'll try not to feel so stigmatized. My doctor is at least an hour and a half from me in GOOD traffic, and I work every day except thursday next week (his is in surg on Thursdays) - so I'm not certain it's even an option for an unfill. Waiting another week - do you think it would be ok?

I've been toying with that as well. But I keep thinking if I can just keep this up long enough, the band will become loser with weight loss and I won't need to unfill. I'm struggling with feelings that I will fail yet again, and an unfill makes me feel even moreso. And then I think - what if it doesn't work - what if I've damaged myself and even an unfill won't work. Then it will be harder to lose weight, as well as having GERD. I had the fill on Monday and it's now Saturday - the symptoms started Wednesday night. I'm really torn.

I totally get what you are going through. My doctor looked at me, pointed to his head, and said - you have to change this. I got that - but it's hard. I've been without food this week because of a big fill (or what seems like one) - THIS is what I expected - someone who would FORCE me not to eat. I could eat all day long, but really, I'm worried. I think about how tight that band is on my stomach - and I feel a NEED to lose weight so that there is no erosion. I don't want to dislodge it so I'm not taking PB's so lightly. I only had one PB this week, but I had two disturbing middle of the night throw ups. Very acidy, the kind that makes you wince - nothing really in them, just phlegm and a little bit of sediment - it was disturbing, and I worried about esophageal erosion. So - I'm scared to cheat - but it's making me lose weight - I can see it. Make the doctor fill you - tell him you need it.

I went a year without a fill, and this past time 5 months between apts due to a new job. It's been a struggle, and this week I went to the doctor - I had gained 2 lbs - I was soooooo distressed - I've never gained. I'm so dissappointed in myself. I cheat, and I'm failing. My physician spends literally 1-2 minutes with me each and every follow up. This past time, a new doctor spent time with me and I can't tell you how amazing it felt. He asked me questions, encouraged me, and spent more time with me than my original physician did if you combined all of my post op appointments for almost the past two years. So, this physician gave me a fill .2-.3 cc - I made him put the .3cc in - and I am tight tight tight. I can barely eat. Perhaps a couple tablespoons of salad. I'm drinking my protein shakes, and my coffee (it's my indulgence - drip in the morning with coffeemate and a small mocha in the afternoon). I'm tempted to blederize everything and let it slide down, but that's what I did before. I could eat a whole can of chunky soup if I blenderized it. I also ate things with LOTS of dressing so that it would go down. I'd eat more in the evening because I could. And I started eating candy, not a lot, but it exists in abundance at my office and I'd been so good for over a year - I just broke. So I'm in the doctors office this week and there is this woman who got banded 6 months ago and has lost 80 lbs. I ask her what she does. She weighs all of her food, she rarely cheats, keeps all banned food out of her house. She just did what they said. Why can't I be like that. There have been moments when I am, but I haven't been able to keep it up beyond a few months at a time.

I'm scheduled tomorrow for an MRI - I started thinking - can I have that with the band - does anyone know??? The doctor who scheduled it has NO IDEA I have the band. Help - quick!

Yep it went great. I was researching the band manufacturers (because last night it was too late to call my doc), but they confirmed this morning MRI was ok - I have Inamed. I was so embarrassed to say it. I've lost over 50 lbs now - and most would consider that a failure, so I'm embarrassed to tell people because it makes me feel bad that I had this done, plus, even worse, I'm a failure at it. Lord have mercy - I need some cheese!

I never received a card. I have no idea what I have in my gut. I'm having a brain MRI, and I work at a hospital - I DON'T want to tell the technician (it's too small of a world). Are all lap bands alike?

In September, frustrated with my weight loss, I decided I needed a fill. It has been almost a year since my fill. My surgeon is extremely reluctant to fill me, and apparently I have adopted his conservative - albeit frustrating philosophy. which is: If I don't lose weight, tightening the band might cause erosion. Once I lose weight, then the band might need to be tightened since fatty tissue around it will change the restriction. Now I'm petrified to get this thing filled, or worried he will add like .1 cc and I'll end up paying 200 bucks. I haven't had labs taken since my pre op, and my insurance will cover it. My pre op appointments usually last less than 2 minutes unless I have a fill. Initially I didn't think I needed the support, but I think I do now. Since the fill I've lost - I don't weigh myself - probably 5 or less. He says my band is not 5ml - but less than that (4ml or less) - do they even make a band that small? The good news is I'm consistently losing weight - not much, but enough that in a couple years - I will be where I want to be. My skin is shrinking nicely (a goal of mine), so I shouldn't complain. I do have restriction - sometimes only a few bites, in the evenings usually more depending on what I eat. I still slime a lot because the restriction is so sporatic and usually I don't know I've eaten too much until it's too late. Anyone else losing weight slowly - or have a slow weight loss success story - I would love some encouragement.

You guys make my surgeon look like a butcher. My scar is so thick. It's been a year and a half and it's huge, raised, red and ugly

I understand the slow weight loss. First - get the fill. Then, for one month do a no sugar, no milk, high Protein, low carb diet. Just see what happens. The slim fast high protein LOW CARB are good shakes and easy. Get some high protein low carb bars and have a few bites when you are hungry. Cut some veggies - cucumbers, avacados, brocolli and get a little nummy dipping sauce to snack on when you are hungry. If you have to have chocolate - get some sugar free Chocolate, or sugar free candies to snack on. Don't overeat them - you'll regret it (they have a laxative effect if taken in too high a quantity). I call it a 'self limiting snack'. If you are older and have heart disease give this your best shot . I don't always deny myself everything, I eat the things I like, but I've found the things that I like have changed. I want vegetables, fruit, and good food. I don't crave the sweets and chips that I did before. I think perhaps it's the aversion therapy (constant sliming when I had a few chips). I cannot tell you how important it is to have restriction.

At the hospital I work at the gastric bypass and lap band surgeons are selling 'their' surgery. The gastric bypass surgeon would not consider doing surgery on a smaller person with a BMI under 40, he does significantly larger people. He's a great guy, and he absolutely is concerned about the health of his patients, and getting referrals 'in enough time' before their vessels have had too much damage with diabetes and hypertension. He is trying to make physicians understand how important earlier intervention is. The lap band physicians will do weights that are less, and patients have BMI's less than 40. They like the fact that it is less invasive, flexible, doesn't make any large abdominal structure changes - it was the perfect option for me. I personally think that both surgeries have their benefits. Each surgeon sells the benefits of theirs. But in my opinion - it is like apples and oranges. I really hate any bad mouthing of procedures or scare tactics - I think each person should go to presentations and decide for themselves what is best for them - there is NO SUPERIOR SURGERY - you have to find what is BEST FOR YOU. I've lost weight, and many people comment, I'm pretty tight lipped with my surgery - there is a lot of prejudice and judgement out there - and it really bugs me. People comment that surgery isn't the right way, and you shouldn't do it, they can be really nasty about it - and it bugs the heck out of me. They don't know I've had it done. I usually defend it, not as someone whose had it done - but as someone whose in favor of people getting it done. I feel bad about myself being a closet bandster, but I work in a fishbowl. OK, my rant is over.

I had the procedure done, and I went for the most experienced who wasn't close to me. There is a new doctor, who is starting banding in our area. I have known him as a fantastic laproscopic surgeon for almost 2 decades, and now he has decided to do this surgery. So he went to all the conferences, got a partner that taught him, watched, and has done a few. From what I understand, he does a fine job because he's so skilled with a laprascope. If that's the only way my insurance would cover it, I would probably do it. But I'd like to know how those other patients were doing, and perhaps even talk to one anyhow - just to make myself feel better. Now, my surgeon - has done a LOT, tons of clientele - he's busy, he's rushed, it's impersonal, he rarely gives me advice, my appointments last mere minutes (usually less than 4). So - this new guy, the tradeoff might mean he knows your name, he spends more time with you and you get great follow up care. I know I don't, and my weight loss is going down in small amounts.

Well, it's not that I didn't suspect my slow weight loss was attributed to the double grande iced mochas (with half and half). It was that I hadn't realized how they had actually set me on the doorstep of obesity, and now kept me from leaving. I never had a weight loss problem as a child or an adolescent. My mothers family tends to get chunky between 30-55, then get small. My fathers family are all beanpoles. After all three of my children were born, I was a decent size - about 150-160. I had successfully managed to get smaller, and had a few gains and losses, bumping me between 140-170. THEN, my coffee habit began. It was slow initially, no appreciable weight gain, a mochoa now and then. Then mochas became daily, but that wasn't overnight either. I've tried and tried to pinpoint what it was that caused me to gain. There were many other things that could have allowed me to gain, and that stopped me from maintaining that range that I had always stayed in, and then of course the decreased activity. But, after the lap band, I realized the one factor that was causing my weight loss to stagnate, appeared to be coffee, which might be the factor that caused me to gain so much weight slowly over so much time (my family could never understand why I kept gaining weight - I really didn't eat oversize portions, tons of junk food or lots of candy). After the Band was eating practically NOTHING, and yet NOT losing weight. Because I had paid such close attention to my weight, because I was so certain that the food I was actually ingesting could NOT be doing this - I realized what was - my RESTARTED coffee habit (the stagnation happened right around the time I started having my mocha once or twice a day (again). It caused me to realize how eating normally, and having that extra coffee or two a day had affected my body. It was a slow and steady gain - a lb or two a month but 12 months a year, over almost a decade has taken it's toll. I will never be able to have that mocha again every day - and I've realized that. I just can't do it. So every morning I drink drip coffee with coffeemate creamer, and the lbs are starting to come off. Every once in a while I treat myself - but not like before. I've learned to deny myself when I feel a craving. I can't allow it to hurt me any more. And, when I consider the cost - (I paid for my surgery) as well as the actual cost of the coffee - I realize - I just can't afford it. I usually depeleted the cash in my purse every other day (I was always trying to find a dollar or two for my daily coffee) - now, I can go all week and never spend that 10 bucks that's in my wallet. I indulge myself with sugar free candies (I am always carefell never to over-indulge as it has such negative gastric side effects -diahhrea). I hope this helps someone.

It was my experience that because I was cash pay, things went lightening fast. No insurance companies to coddle, required tests because of good practice, not satisfaction of jots and tiddles. I am a young, healthy (except I weighed 242 at 5 feet 5 inches) and these were the tests I had done to be able to get surgery as a cash pay: Endoscopy Pulmonary Function Tests EKG Chest X Ray Labs Psych Testing Interist Visit So, get ready for some more tests, and be patient. You are lucky if insurance covers you, but they have all sorts of strings attached to the amounts that they give physicians - in order to be paid, the physicians have to make sure that they satisfy the insurance companies. That has been my experience.

Firstly, don't feel like a failure, you're probably not optimized on your fills. However, and this was the stern news I got from my doctor "you need to start looking at food differently" - and indeed he was right. He further stated "do not try to eat as much as you can, you eat the little bit and then you STOP". I needed a completely different concept on food, because at times, I feel like I can eat more - so I purposefully choose really small containers, and take really small portions - it's my new mindset. I got this tongue lashing after being banded almost a year ago and being stagnant in my weight loss. I had also begun drinking ALOT OF Mocha's. Because I ate so little, I stopped my Protein and opted for mocha's. IT didn't work - and I knew it didn't work, and I still did it! Anyhow - I'm back on track, losing again (but still afraid to weight myself) - everything is loosening up (clothes wise) and I feel that hope again. So don't be distressed, there is no time limit on losing the weight. You'll get your rhythm, you'll get optimized - everyone loses at different rates, don't judge your success based on their success.