jennhatten

My name is Jennifer and this is my story. It all started after my divorce. I had been gaining steadily since my youngest daughter was born. I tried weight watchers, exercise programs and carbohydrate addicts diet. I would lose no more than 20 and then start gaining again. I explored the lap band option and found good news. My insurance paid for it! I had my surgery in 2008 and started on my journey to losing 80 pounds. What I didn't know was that my hair would fall out, I couldn't eat anything healthy without throwing it up. I started bruising easy and my body hurt all the time. I tried some 5K's and walking but anymore than that I felt like my body had been tossed around in a cement truck. My doctor at the time kept stating that I was eating wrong and I needed to chew better. It didn't matter, I still threw up and sometimes threw up Water and my pills. I got another fill and immediately had to have an emergency unfill. I started gaining again. I lived on Protein shakes and mashed potatoes but only a little. Again, the doctor didn't listen and I insisted on having an unfill. Over the last few years I have gained back up to my pre-op weight. Now, I'm starting over again. I went to another doctor who told me it was normal to throw everything up and to be miserable. My band looks good and there isn't anything wrong. He went on to tell me that my diet was wrong and I was told wrong. He explained that I should only eat dry dense meats and doughy food and that no one should eat fruits and vegetables because all they are is sugar. This goes against everything I have ever read or learned. I went into this process to be healthier and stronger, not to feel like a bulimic, weak person At this point I'd like to use my band but I feel like I have no support and no one understands. I have been reading about food intolerance and inflammation during that "time of the month" causing banders problems. It seems like everything that could go wrong it has. I do want to continue this process but I really need some help and support. I need advice on how to deal with the pain everytime I eat. HELP!

I went to there rules class today. It is quite apparent that they are misleading everyone. The center is pushing people to eat "dry, dense, doughy" foods. I questioned it several times and was told it was not necessary to eat veggies. The doctor that originally performed my surgery has closed shop so I will be taking my records elsewhere. Thank you all for your suggestions. I will NOT be going back.

I am so sorry that you have endured this. I understand the accusations and pointing fingers. Most doctors do not really listen to us. They make assumptions based on the "norm". My mother in the 80's had such a hard time with IBS that she mostly slept on the couch every afternoon and night. Her doctor put her on valium because it was "in her head". Now we know that IBS is real and has discovered food allergies contributing to it. Keep your head up. Research holistic ways to heal your body in addition to what the doctor is telling you. Don't give up!