chichigirl

Hi, checking with your specialist is best of course, but they do have ways of working with warfarin and surgery. I am also on this medication and there have been a couple of invasive procedures done that required my temporary stop of taking it and everything was fine. Basically, the heprin is given via an injection in the hospital, the warfarin or coumadin is the same thing but in a pill form. I was not on it at the time of my banding as it was some time ago that I had the procedure, but I did have cardiac problems even then. I went through it without a hitch. I was one of the lucky ones in that I had 0 problems with the surgery and, thank goodness, to date with my band. Good luck. Keep us posted. Cindy

Hi, I am now 51 but I was banded in February 2002, almost 6 years now. I have had my ups and downs with it, but to be totally honest, the downs have been my own doing. You still have to be committed to changing your lifestyle and doing what it takes to lose, proper nutrion and exercise. Prior to banding I was a diabetic on insulin, had had one heart attack (at age 38), severe coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and so many other things, it would take forever to list. I initially lost over 120 pounds, relapsed if you will, had all of the fill removed which left me with next to nothing in the way of restriction. I pigged out and put back on every once. But considering the way I was eating, it was no big surprise. I have since dealt with my emotional issues, which were what was the worst for me, and have now dropped 102 lbs and plan on 2008 being the year I finally hit my goal!!!! Even with all of my health issues, having the band has been the best thing I ever did for myself. I have had zero problems with it as long as I did not abuse it, eating the wrong foods and amounts. Good luck. Make sure you work on any emotional issues you have regarding your weight. You don't have to have them solved yet, but if you are at least working on it, it will help in the long run. Cindy

Hi and Happy New Year! I am in Miami, actually the Doral area, which is West Miami. I was banded almost 6 years ago and have never regretted the decision to do it. My surgery was very easy, though everyone is different. I have had emotional issues, which is why I am still a long way from goal, but things are getting better, I have dropped 100 lbs this year and looking forward to the new year coming. My surgery was done by Dr. Gomez who is now Coconut Grove at Mercy Hospital and I adore him. He is very good and knows alot as he has been doing this for a number of years and studied under Dr. Jacobs, a legend in gastric surgery in Miami. Good luck, feel free to PM me for my email or phone number if you would like. I'm afraid my fingers would be worn to nothing if I had to type all of what I have been through so far on this wonderful journey. Cindy

In my case, I was absolutely convinced I had totally stretched out my stomach, I broke every rule in the book, sodas, drinking with my meals, eating too much, you name it I did it. Now after almost 6 years, I can say with absolute certainty, that I did indeed stretch it a bit, but not enough to matter. I had a gastroscopy done as well as a barium swallow. Doctor says, there is only very minor dilation of the stomach. This tends to make me believe that it must really be a whole lot more difficult to stretch the old stomach than I thought. Cindy

How about getting new motivational tools, like DVD's for different exercise programs, sports equipment for something you would like to take up, new work out gear? Not only is it fun, it may help towards your next reward. Cindy

Hi, Well, congrats on your surgery date. The excited nervous is quite the usual for most of us. It is something to look forward to, but does hold a bit of fear as well. Try to stay focused on the big picture and what this will mean for you for the rest of your life. I had my surgery well over 5 almost 6 years ago and even though I haven't been 'perfect' I am so very glad that I did it. I have not regretted it once. Even when I went through some difficult times psychologically, I simply had the Fluid completely removed, dealt with my issues and a therapist and have since, gotten right back on the horse. I am so glad he had not run away :-] I wish you well, this is a great place to come for advice and comfort. The folks here really do care about one another and everyone tries to help whenever they can. Cindy

Hi, I have to agree with Danna, whenever calorie restriction is cut so dramatically, it makes most of us miserable!!!! You do the best you can, and yes, there are docs who will refuse to move ahead but that is usually if the person loses no weight or even gains, usually, of course every doctor is going to be different. It all depends on what his surgical experience has been with others. If he had a problem with someone with a fatty liver, that would seem to make him a bit more conservative. Anyway, hang in there, it will be so worth the torture you are having to put yourself through right now. You are so very close now and that light at the end of the tunnel must be getting brighter for you. I wish you well with your surgery, keep us posted. Cindy

Hi, I am not new here, but have not been around lately so please forgive me for asking, but why is your caloric intake so low? Given the fact that you are exercising, it is quite possible that you are simply not receiving enough nutrients and your metabolism is shutting down. All the talk about metabolism is confusing and conflicting at times, I know, but I have heard that if you don't take in enough calories, it can actually stall your weight loss, albeit a temporary stall. Also, you sound as though you are weighing every day. Maybe you should cut back to once a week, that way you won't be so frustrated by the numbers. I know, we all do it, always with the belief that if it goes down, that's what we need to motivate us to keep at it. Especially when we make ourselves miserable by starving. Give you system time to adjust, you have only had the surgery a short time ago. I promise you that if you give it time, it will work. Hope this helps. Cindy

Congrats on your surgery Yoda and for losing the 16 lbs beforehand!!!! Good for you!!! As for the hunger, sometimes the pain meds can attribute to stirring up the hunger chemicals withing our bods. Everyone of course responds differently, but sounds as though you are definitely amongst those who are hungrier than those who go in the opposite direction. Sorrrrry, I know it's not fair, but this too shall pass. Whatever you do though, don't stop with the pain medication, then you'll just be hungry and hurting. As for missing the gas pains, I don't think that would really be possible, they're kinda loud and strong from what I understand. I am happy to say that I did not experience them myself, but if you are having doubts, what harm could it do to take a dose and see if your suspicions are right? Now is not the time to play hero. Besides, you are already a hero, you went for the surgery and came through it with flying colors from the sounds of it. Hope you feel better soon. The hunger will subside, it always does. Try warm clear liquids as they tend to be more soothing and satisfying. Good luck wise one. Cindy

Why did you have to have the band removed? Obviously something went wrong with it, I'm sure you are feeling really depressed after having gone through everything, losing 60 lbs, contrats, and then going through another surgery to have it removed. Depression is an evil in most of our lives, we must try really hard to take control over it and not have it ruin our lives. For me depression has been a major source of my over eating. You'll often hear the term head hunger used on this board, and believe me it is really real, it does exist. Try to remember how good it feels now, vs when you were heavier and remember, the band is a tool, a valuable, helpful and wonderful tool, but it's still you that takes control and loses the weight. You can do it and keep that ball rolling until you find another surgeon. There must be another doc in your area that does the surgeries, it's become more and more popular and many docs have joined the band wagon(pun intended) Be strong, come here often, and cry to us when you need a lift. That's what this forum is all about, support. Let us be your cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate shakes. I promise you we do not have any calories, fat, or anything else that will put weight on you so dig in here and have all you want, guilt free. I seriously wish you the very best, I know it must be devastating to have gone through what you have. But you have survived and that's what is really important. Remember you are already a true blue success story:clap2: Cindy

I am with Alexandra, I counted the day I started losing weight, which, in my case immediately following my approval for the surgery. I was at my highest and banded or not, every ounce I have lost since then counts in my book. Some of it with the band, some without. Cindy

Hi and congrats on your banding. Sounds as if you are really overdoing things, especially with the lifting. I certainly understand your wanting to get things settled, but remember to take care of yourself first or you could really put yourself in bed, the last place you want to be when you've got so much to do. I doubt that the stairs are a major concern, but the lifting is. Yes you are probably feeling the area on your left side more because of the band and the surgery, not to mention the port. I don't believe that lifting can cause slippage, but you are still healing, it was surgery and you have sutures(stitches) inside that you may be straining and irritating. Hope you can slow down a bit and enjoy coming to the boards. There are a lot of nice, supportive people here and I think you will find it most enjoyable. Welcome:D Cindy