apeters

That's awesome, it sounds like you're on the right track. It is a process and the band can be fickle but I think it's a great tool! Keep up the good work!

Good morning everyone: Just a quick update. I had my pre-op physical yesterday so everything is a go for band removal next week. I also had an appointment with the therapist that works with patients from the weight management program. It was helpful to talk through what's happened and better understand the loss I am feeling about the band. She made the comment that I've probably given it a little too much "power" over my weight loss or gains. She's probably right. I didn't make another appointment but it is nice to know that the resource is there if I need it. I'm hoping that after the band is out, I'll be able to put it behind me and move forward. As to the eating plan, I decided to take advantage of the January special and join nutrisystem. I thought the idea of having a set eating plan before the surgery and afterwards would be a help. Just one less thing to stress about. I'm a rule follower, which is probably why the lapband worked so well for me! The good news is that I lost 4 pounds in the first week so I am happy about that! Hope everyone else is well and moving in a forward direction too! Take care, Anita

Ebonymc, I think that's sound. I would do anything to make my band work for me before I would want to try another surgery. Your surgical options are limited and permanent. If you try everything and it doesn't work, then you'll be better prepared to make your decision.

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for having this board and being able to share the "not always positive" experiences we've had with our lapbands and other WLS. I'm on a few other online forums but they're mostly for folks thinking about the band or new bandsters and it doesn't feel like the appropriate place to talk about my troubles. I'm happy for this place, to be able to read what others have gone (or going) through, to ask my questions and to share my experiences. I would feel pretty isolated without it so I am grateful!

Wow, Jean, I read your post from yesterday and then today's and wow! You've had quite the experience. I have "Bandwagon" and count it as one of my best resources for the band. I've loaned it to a few people who are considering the band based on my weight loss success. I've recommended it to others who have the band and have struggled. Thank you for your honesty. You're right, 5 months out may be too soon to say whether you love the sleeve or not. I love my band too and I haven't quite reconciled that I'm going to lose it. Knowing that I have to wait for a period of time before I can do anything else has motivated me to do what I can to prevent unnecessary weight gain. I've already gained 30 pounds over this last year so I can't let this go. I'm worried BUT proactive.

I've known a few people who had insurance cover their conversion to sleeve or GB after losing their band because the band failed. I think it really depends on the insurance company though, best thing is to call. I've heard the similar line about a former bandster destined to gain all their weight back. I would think that's likely but not because of the WLS. Isn't the statistic for anyone who has lost weight gaining it back pretty high, something like over 50% or higher? I guess my point is make the best decision for you but don't let someone tell you that you have to have another WLS. The decision should be based on your needs. Did you lose your weight and now you just have to maintain? What's different now than before your WLS surgery? Have you learned how to eat intuitively? Exercise regularly now? Write everything down that you eat? If you've developed all of the good habits that people who "lose weight and keep it off" do, maybe you don't need another WLS. I'm in the same boat. I'm having my band removed on 1/23 because of erosion and the surgeon has said that I'll have to wait anywhere from 2-6 months before I can even consider another surgery and I don't even know what my insurance would cover. I'm only 30 pounds over my goal though and he is encouraging my to try it without and see what I can do. He makes a good point that the band was a tool that helped me lose the weight but it didn't lose the weight, I did by eating my Protein, drinking my Water and exercising. I've learned the good habits over the last 5 years, maybe I can just keep doing that. I don't know the answer but I wish you all of the best as you make the best decision for yourself. Take care, Anita

I had BCBS of MI and they had similar requirements. Letter from my general doctor, evidence of failed weight loss attempt, diet under dr supervision, BMI of 40, etc. The program at Sparrow Hospital helped me document all of this and I think that's fairly common. Easiest thing is to call the number on the back of the card. They were easy to work with, good luck!

Rocky: Have you tried one of the food counting apps? I use sparkpeople. It's easy to set up, I can access from my iPad, iPhone or Mac and you can save a food to your favorites if you eat it regularly. It provides calories and all of the nutrition information. I know there are many others but that might make it easier. I know they have android versions too. Good luck! Anita

That's awesome! I understand about the waiting, the month of waiting for the surgery has been long but I know I just need to get it out. I'm excited for you and will be anxious to hear how you adjust after this new surgery. Sending the best to you!

Congratulations on your surgery date, I'm glad you're getting what you want. The surgeon told me that I would have to wait at least 2 months before I could even consider any surgical options. Is your insurance covering it? I haven't looked at my policy for revision surgery, is that what the 2nd surgery is considered? I've found some motivation and am doing better recording my food in spark people and I've gotten some exercise every day this week. My plan is to stay focused but keep it simple between now and the surgery and maybe lose a few pounds. One day at a time, right? Thanks for the reply,it's really great to talk to someone who has been through it. Anita

I'm scheduled for lapband removal on 1/23 due to erosion. These posts have been very helpful in letting me know what to expect afterwards so thank you for your willingness to share! Christiemr, I'm really struggling emotionally. I lost 110 pounds with the lapband and I'm really grieving the loss of the band, even though it probably hasn't been working for me for awhile. I've gained 30 pounds over the last year and I have not been able to focus or adhere to a good plan to get it off. I want to do better, I know I don't want to gain all this weight back. How are you doing now? What has helped?

Debbie: Not a failure! You had a baby and a leak! You'll get it fixed and then you're back on the program. It's probably surprising you didn't gain more than you did! You lost it before and you can lose it again. You have the advantage of being so much smarter about how the band works and what you need to do to get good results. Hang in there!

The band is a fickle thing. Stress has absolutely caused my band to tighten in the past. It's not worth it because that continued PB'ing and acid causes inflammation which continues to prevent good eating & drinking habits, even if you get some fluid out. So run, not walk, and get some fluid removed. Remember, this is a journey, not a race and you want the band to last & work for the long haul. Best to you!

I'm 4 years out, 110 lbs lost but struggling with recent weight gain. Can't seem to find the green zone! It sounds like you are both too tight and could use an unfill. Just a little out can make a world of difference. Acid reflux is no fun and cause some serious damage. Good luck! Anita

Hi Maggie: Sorry for the delay in responding, just logged back on and saw the message. I am almost 5 months out and down 65 pounds. I plan to wander into Onerderland sometime soon! The process has gone well; having to learn new habits or suffering the consequences. :biggrin: I found reading a lot of posts to be very helpful. What's great about this site is how nicely everything is grouped. I read a lot of stuff online and purchased a few good WLS books : Fighting Weight by Khalila Ali and Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I like lots of information and all of that helped. Be sure to post as you move through the process and be sure to post with any questions. Take care, Anita

I went through Sparrow Weight Management Center and the surgeon who is affiliated with them is Dr. Pandu Yenumula. He has offices in the Sparrow Professional Building. I feel very comfortable with him; I've received great care! Here's a link about him: Sparrow Health System: Bariatric Surgery

Hi Stacey: I'm in East Lansing too. I had a very supportive primary who was incredibly helpful as I went through the process at Sparrow. Her name is Elizabeth Hughes and she is at Mid-Michigan Physicians on Lake Lansing Road. Her number is 517-913-3980. Let me know if I can provide any other information.

Danyel: Here's the link to the tutorial: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/ Hope that helps, glad you're doing so well!

Hi Danyel: Congratulations and welcome to the banded side! You're absolutely correct to just hold on weighing; this time is for healing. Follow your dr's instructions, walk, sip Water and take your Gas-X. Be sure to post and let us know how you are doing. Take care!

Hi elvisfan: If you've read through the thread, then you know most of my experience. The staff is caring and professional. Any bumps have been resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. They do require the 4 week pre-op and 4 weeks post-op clinics and classes. I found them to be very helpful. Pre-op, they & other clients answered a lot of my questions. Post-op, it was very reassuring. One of the pieces I really like about the program at Sparrow is the fact that they do such a great follow-up program. I know that I'm going back in 3 months, 6 months, and annually for 5 years. One of the other benefits to the program, in my opinion, the staff (medical, behaviorist, exercise physiologist, etc.) are all available for private appointments if I need them. Good luck with your decision. Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.

The soreness lasted for about a week. Everyday got a little bit better till there was just an occasional twinge here & there. At two weeks out, I had moments where I could have almost forgotten that I even had it done. So, just hang in there, it does get better. My follow-up with the nutrionist was held following class one evening and it was a group session with everyone who had had surgery the same day. I didn't schedule it, Carrie was teaching the class that night and had mentioned that she would meet with us after class. It was very helpful to get the menus and have the chance to ask specific questions. Don't worry about your appetite, it will come back! :smile: I had a few weeks where I really didn't care about food (or drinking) at all. And then it came back with a vengeance about 3 weeks out. I should have called Dr Y's office to see about moving my fill appt up but I thought I had to wait the full 4 weeks so I toughed it out. When I went in for my fill, he said that I could always call ahead if I'm too hungry prior to the next appointment. Everyone is different though, just try to get your drinks down as best you can, and enjoy the extra weight loss!

Congratulations Jeanette! Keep walking and sipping, gas-x can be helpful too. I'm doing well. I had my first fill two weeks ago and I can still feel the restriction. The mental hunger is tricky for me and I can see where the restriction is helpful in dealing with that. My weight loss has slowed down a bit in the last two weeks but I'm at 31 pounds lost so I'm pleased with that. The great news is that I did my monthly measurements and I've had signicant losses in inches over the last month; like 2 inches + everywhere. If you haven't taken measurements yet, I'd really recommend it. It can definitely help measure your success when the scale doesn't cooperate. :thumbup: I'll be at SWMC next Thursday (May 8th) to make up a class that I missed so we should be in the same group. Maybe we can officially meet? Take care and email if you have any questions or if there is anything I can help with....

Jeanette, Just checking in, hopefully you are home and resting. I hope everything went well. Drop me a quick email when you get a minute. Kepp walking, drink your water and rest! Take care, Anita

My surgery was March 18th. My first appointment was in October so the whole process took 5 months. Probably not all that bad considering the holidays and all. Good luck with yours, I hope it goes well. Are in Lansing too?