crazy8

I would like to share my story and get some feedback, I believe mostly for courage. In Nov 2007 I had lap band surgery... I was so excited and could hardly wait to have it done. At the time, my ins company did not pay for the surgery, so as most of you on here have found out, you have to get private loans... well after all of this and the whole process builidng up to the surgery, the day finally arrived! I had my surgery for lap band, only to have it removed in April 2008. I had a very bad infection that would not let liquids or food pass thru to my stomach. I lost approx 100 lbs but nearly died in the process. When I had my band removed I spent a week in the hospital with a drain hanging out of my stomach. After my surgery failed I became very depressed because I felt like nothing would save me at that point. I kept the weight off for about a year but slowly it crept up on me. For one reason or should I say excuse after another, i found a way to eat myself back to where I was and way beyond. For the past 7 years I have lied to myself thinking it didn't matter if I was fat or not... I have been my biggest supporter of that thinking and I look at myself and see just where that has gotten me. I've always been the class clown and its easy poking fun at myself but deep down I don't like me too much for what I have done. I have missed out on sooooo many things because its just easier to hide behind the pain and food then to deal with life. I never have thought of myself as an "emotional" eater, but I eat because I'm hungry... I wish I had an on off switch for this but I don't... I wish I could wake up and not be hungry all the time... Food has controlled my life for soooo stinkin long, and I can truly say that I am an addict. I crave it, I will do whatever means in order to have it, I hide it, I have ALL the characteristics of an addict, only mine is with food... I found out about 3 weeks ago that I have severe arthiritis in my knees, I'm bone to bone on both and can barley walk it hurts so bad. They told me there is nothing they can do for me because of my age... my ortho doc even said if I weighed 189 he still wouldn't do the surgery. But he was very very crase and told me I had to loose weight. Well after everything health wise that I have bben thru this was the real deal. To imagine not being able to walk much longer if I don't do something about my weight is just unacceptable to me!! As hard as it was to hear I made a huge decission. I got home called my insurance co and lucky enough they will help pay for bariatric surgery in 2014!!! As excited as I am about this, I am VERY apprehensive about it at the same time. I have lots of concerns as this sugery will not be able to be reversed if something goes wrong. I have discussed this with my primary doctor but I still have my worries. I will go to my mandatory meeting on Jan 11 and then hopefully after that I will be able to start everything else. I just wanna make sure all my ducks are in a row with my insurance so I will be contacting them again after the first of the year to make sure. There's so much to do, as I have gone thru this all before but not with the insurance part. So if any of you out there can help calm some of my nerves about all of this I'd really appreicate it!! Thank you!!!!

I'm getting food stuck on a regular basis now. Everyday for a week I have gotten my food stuck. Anytime I try to eat anything solid, it gets stuck in my chest and I end up throwing it up just to feel better. What is going on with this? Is it normal? I was banded November 26. I was having some problems with my ribs hurting really bad and they completley drained my band. They took out 3ccs. I'm supossed to go to the dr. on Monday for a fill. But I don't understand whats going on. I used to be able to eat about anything as long as I chewed it well and took small bites. I'm scared it might be slipped. I can eat soup, mashed potatos, pudding etc.... Can someone please help me out here? Anyone else had this experience and if so what did you do? Thank you. I will be waiting to hear from someone!!!!

I was banded on Nov. 26th 2007. I was very excited and so looking forward to this operation. My insurance didn't cover so I had to take out 2 loans just ot get it. Every since I have had the surgery I have had major problems. My doctor doesn't really listen to me. I have tried many different kinds of medicines. I puke anytime I try to eat solid foods and I have been completely swollen shut and that was when I was in the hospital. I couldn't eat or drink anything and got very dehydrated...twice. I've had two infections. Its a very long story that goes on and on. Now they want to go in and look around but its gonna cost me 10,000 just for them to do that. Of course the surgeon will absorb his cost but I think something went wrong during my surgery and he won't confess to anything. I was in the er two weeks after surgery. I have been unfilled twice and I am currently completley unfilled. I cannot eat anything solid still. Can get down liquids at this point. He has tried me on Reglan which is for esphogus problems but that didn't work either. I can't go on like this, but I cannot afford the surgery to fix it either. If it will even fix it. They are going to remove the band or look for a hernia, etc.... I am not happy with my surgeon or his bedside manner either. I have kept track of all the dates and appointments I have had to go to. My family and friends have told me to get a lawyer. But I know nothing about malpractice suites and I don't know if I have one on him or not. If someone out there could please advise me on what to do in this situation I'd really appreciate it. Any lawyers out there or someone who knows one, if you could tell me what I should do???? I'm sooo depressed and I would of never done this had I known. I hope someone can help me. And if anyone else has gone thru this puking up your food, of any kind...please help. I never had this problem before so if it is in my esophagus what can I do? And what are some symtoms you may of had? Thank you and I hope to hear from someone soon!!!! crazy8

I had lap band surgery on Nov. 26th and I have had some major problems and I was jus wonderin if anyone on here had some problems and then had the RYN done? And I was also wonderin if anyone on here has had a medical malpractice suite? Thank you and I hope to hear from someone soon!

I was banded on Nov. 26th and I have had nothing but problems. From infections to a broken rib etc.... I went to Tallgrass Bariatric Surgery in Topeka Ks and I was wondering if anyone else on here had been there and had problems??? This has been the worst thing I have ever been thru in my life!! I have been in the hospital 2xs. My band has been completely swollen shut and has not healed since my surgery. I haven't had any real food for 3 months. I have lost over 50 lbs. which is great but its not the way I imagend it. I have been starving at some points I can't even drink Water and thats when I have been put into the hospital for dehydration. I have been gaining a little weight because of the steroids they have me on. I have had to get my regular physician involved because my dr. will not listen to me. He saw for himself in a barium swallow that nothing was going down but he isn't that concerned. But my regular dr. sure is. Its very heartbreaking and has taken its toll on me physically. And my family for always having to run me to the dr. which is 2 hrs away from where I live. I am not happy with everthing that has gone on and I was just wondering if anyone else on here has gone to the place in Topeka Ks?? I hope to here from someone I need some encouragement badly!! I'm one of those people that is probably going to reject the band. I paid for this out of my pocket, my insurance wouldn't pay anything. Its like they got their money and now they are done. I have never been treated so badly by a dr. ever. So give me a shout out if anyone else has gone thru this in some way or another. Thanx!:shades_smile:

I have tried to see another surgeon but they won't take me because they don't want to be liable. Which in some ways I understand, I put myself in there place but it sure doesn't solve the problem. I don't want to go back to my dr. but it looks like I have to in order to get fixed. But its hard because the trust has been broken and I'm very offended by his behavior. I have to go back there this week and I will get some answers one way or another. Then we will see what happens from there. Thank you for sending me your comment and I'll keep in touch.

I totally agree with you!!! I have never felt more like a "number" in all of my life! My thing is....if they can't even stay in touch with you after surgery, to me they have too many patients. I was dying to get in there to get this life saving thing done for myself (literally) and now I'm dying to be able to be normal again. Now that I know there are more like this and getting treated the same way I am. It makes me mad and makes me want to fight even harder to get something done about this. I don't know about you but I paid my money up front. No insurance. Blue Cross will not pay anything. So like many others I have talked to, I had to get a loan. Which was not easy. I too am very greatful for this web site. It has helped me sooo much. Because my dr. sure hasn't helped. I have had more ?s answered on here then he has. And actually some things he has told me were totally different than what I have been told by actual people who have gone or going thru this. I hope you are doing well and I too will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for your reply and keep in touch please. Stephanie

Thank you to those of you who responded to my thread. My regular dr. has mentioned me getting an attorney but not until I have been treated. Cause no matter what, I have to go back cause no one else will even touch me. So I have to wait this out patiently even though I am losing my cool. Its not that I want to have a lawsuit but enough is enough. I just want this fixed!!! I was sooo excited before all of this and now its an everyday struggle just to get thru it. Again, I appreciate your comments and I thank you for sharing your time with me. Crazy 8

I would like to know on an average about how many calories I should be consuming a day? And what are some of the foods you guys/gals have been eating on here. Thank you.

I would like to know approximatley how many calories, on an average should I consume a day? I would really appreciate some insight on this please. I don't want to eat too much.

I have had pain in mmy left side and into my chest for a week now. Thursday nite I spent most of the time in the er. They checked for blood clots and my heart, thank God it wasn't that. But I have an infection on my port site. I have been taking antibotics for a couple of days. I went and seen my surgeon on Friday. They took out 3ccs of my band. I had surgery Nov 26th and this is the second infection I've had. When they drained my band they told me that it usually relives the discomfort. But it hasn't I still cannot take a deep breath in. It is scaring me a little and I was just wondering if someone else has gone thru the same thing???? I feel like maybe they got something they weren't supposed too in surgery. It isn't gas pains they have listened and there are no rumbles in there so they are not sure. I'm supposed to call them back on Monday if it hasn't gone away. But I want to know from other people on here that have actually had the band done if they have experienced any of these things and what they did to relieve them??? I hurt really really bad. I can't sleep, tylenol doesn't help, tums don't help either. I'm sooo tired!! Apparently my band is in the right place and all is well with it so I don't understand whats going on. I'll be waiting on a reply...hopefully.

Thank you for your kinds words everyone! Found out I had a broken rib and cartlidge torn in between my ribs. Hasn't been fun and I really wonder if this is worth all the pain. I hope so but so far I'm not impressed. I'm sure it will be in the end. But I'm not impressed with the surgeon this far. I don't know if he knew he did it or not but it makes me wonder when I wake up and see I have fingerprint bruises on my arms. I was already on the surgery table before they put me under. I had an infection the next day. Had surgery at 9:30 was out of the surgery center by noon. They were supossed to have a hotel room ready for me. I was very groggy and still somewhat sudated. When my friend that was with me went to check me in, there was no reservation for me and to make matters worse they were booked. Long story short I live 2 hours away from the surgery center so we had to find a room. We did get rembersed but still.... my story just goes on from there. I really down and upset about the whole deal. Plus, now since I 'm drained I'm starving!!!! This really sucks so far and I really hope it will get better. This is my dream and so far its been a nightmare.

My question is I have been extremely hungry and am dying for meat. I haven't ate any, don't even know if I could. But I'm soo hungry. I have been eating mashed potatoes dulited down with chicken broth. They told me anything that I can suck thru a straw is acceptable. But I did manage to eat a few crackers. I chewed extremely well and I didn't have a problem getting or keeping them down. But now I'm scared that I messed up something. I really need some advice about this. I have lost 20lbs. since Nov. 16th but I'm just soooooo hungry. Please help!!!!:help:

maria Everything will be okay. As you already know... as a mother we always put our families first. Theres no way you could of concentrated on yourself worrying about your son. Sometimes we put ourselves last on the list. I guess thats just the nature of being a mom. But as soon as all is well you get back into this game and you do it for you. And only do it when you are ready and comfortable in doing so. You CAN do it!!!! Thats what we are here for. To get you back on track and be positive for you. So hang in there. All will be well.

I'm going to start my liqiud diet tomorrow and I'm needing some advice on what exactly should I eat/ or should I say drink??

My message was for kuchiegrl. I'm obviously new on here and haven't quit figured out how to use all these buttons. Sorry!! Please bare wit hme.

Thats awesome!!! It seems like it has taken forever to get to this point. I am soooo ready. We will deffinatly have to stay in touch esp. since we are having our surgeries on the same day and almost same time. I haven't gone on total liquids yet I've just cut way back on my food intake. Starting tomorrow I'm going to straight liquids. I don't have to start on my pre op diet until Friday but I figured doing it this way would make it a little easier than going cold turkey. Sooooo we'll see. I got rid of any junk in the house so I wouldn't be tempted. Good Luck to you also and keep in touch!!

To make33 Hi again! My surgery date is Nov.. 26th. This Friday I go in for all the pre op work ups done. 2 weeks from today. My surgery is scheduled for 9:30am. I live 2 hours away from the hospital where I'm getting this done so they told me I have to spend the night. Its actually in the hotel right next to the surgical center. Its at no extra charge to stay there and they told me that they make anyone living 90 mins. away stay there just in case of any complications. I just want to come home to my own bed though. But I will do as I'm told. When was your surgery?

Make33 Thank you sooo much for the advice!!! I will do as you said. I copied it down and everything. I had bought slim fast optima but I am not going to use it because of all the sugar it has in it. I really appreciate you responding to me. I'm really anxious about my surgery and it has been a long journey for me to get this far. I want to make absolute sure nothing goes wrong. I'm not supposed to start my liquid diet until Friday but I'm starting early just to make sure all goes well. And the Lord knows I could stand to be on a liquid diet a little early:hungry: Was you in a lot of pain after your surgery? At first I had no fear of the surgery and now after reading a lot of these I'm a little nervous. Some people I have talked to from my hometown, old me it was a breeze. Now I'm finding out that that may not be the case. I know everyones different but I honestly thought I would just walk right out the office and all would be well. I have a high pain tolerance but I'm a little worried I must admit. Well thank you and maybe we can keep in touch. I'm sure I will be on here a lot so I won't think about eating and to get even more information than I already know. I'm going to try to keep myself very busy!!!

I'm gettin a little nervous but mostly anxious!!!! I am starting my liquid diet tomorrow. I actually have until friday before I have to start but I thought I would start a little early to be on the safe side. I figured if I would happen to cheat I will have 4 days to get all the cinks out. And I would really like to give it my absolute best shot to NOT cheat!! I know it will be hard but I also know the end result so that helps. I just had an early Thanksgiving so I won't want any of the goodies next Thursday. I know its going to be hard but I'm ready. I have things plannned out for myself after I get home from work so I won't dwell on eating. I'm sure I will be on here a lot just for support to get thru this first part of it. I told my family food is an addiction for me and it would be like me telling them to quite smoking cold turkey. Its the same for me. Does anyone else feel the same way?? I am a little confused about what to really eat right now. Or should I say drink? I would really like to know what other people have tried. I bought some slim fast but that has a lot of sugar in it. So please help me out here if you can. I've read many different things on this, now I would like to hear from someone thats actually gone thru it. Any ideas or pointers on what I should be doing would be greatly appreciated at this point. Thank you. :help:

I am getting banded on Nov. 26 and I am soooo ready!!! It has been a long process getting to this point. It almost seems like this has gone on forever but I can finally see the light of day!! I am supposed to start my post op diet on Nov. 16. But I am reading about lots of others who have started even earlier than the 10 days prior to surgery. So I think I too am going to start mine early. My doctor is Dr. Dunshee. I am sooo excited about this! But I am nervous and I want to make sure I eat all the right foods from now on. I'm still a little uncertain on what to eat before and after my surgery. So if anyone can give me some ideas I would greatly appreciate it. :help: