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!