adorkbl

Honestly, if you have had to be unfilled several times because of suspected slips... I would get an upper GI done. Your slip may be severe enough that it needs a surgical repair. Hard to know without the test. I am sorry about the complication and regain. I have been there and understand the frustration. I hope you are able to figure things out and get back on track soon.

I had to reschedule my hiatal hernia surgery with band repositioning. I am bummed I have to wait another month... but it was a choice I had to make. The hospital where I am having my surgery called for presurgery registration and advised me I would owe my co-insurance upfront since it was considered "cosmetic". Pffft. Whatevs! So they wouldn't let me make payments or get billed. "Normally we do, but your surgery is cosmetic..." Bullhockey!! Anyway... my FSA funds reset July 1st... and Melissa, the AMAZING wonderful and oh so patient insurance coordinator at my surgeons office (she ROCKS... I owe her a HUGE thank you card), was able to reschedule my date to July 9th... WITHOUT having to resubmit all my paperwork!!! YAY! Very happy! We were hoping they were not going to say we had to resubmit for authorization! I just had this feeling that insurance would not approve the surgery again (fluke they did the first time!)... and Melissa agreed... would be risky to have to resubmit. So I have another month to continue to make myself as healthy as I can for this operation. I have lost 15 pounds now since I recommitted myself 2 months ago. I am VERY happy with my results. My heartburn is still daily... but I am doing everything I can to minimalize it.

It was the band repositioning portion that was "cosmetic/weigh loss"... even though that was just a byproduct of the surgery I needed. It is all good. Just a slight delay... but I will get there. I don't want to stomp my feet too loud or they may unauthorize it. Haha.

I would ask to have a fill under fluoroscopy done. I went back and forth for waaaay too long with missing Fluid, then fluid that stayed, and then missing fluid. Turns out my port was leaking and I lost almost 2 years dealing with a leaky port. I kick myself for not being more pro-active and letting it go for so long. I hope it is a fluke, but if it has happened more than once... I think it needs to be evaluated! Good luck!

I initially lost 100 pounds in about 18 months. Then I had some complications... and regained 54. Part from the leak, and part because I gave up for awhile. Had my port replaced and relost about 30 pounds. Then life got in the way and I regained almost all of the 30. I am back on track... again... and am down a total of 70 since surgery. I have to really watch my crab and sugar intake. If I eat fruit, I keep it in the afternoon. Exercise is also VERY important I do well when focused.. I think I lose slower than some... and have to work a wee bit harder. But when I stay focused, and have no mechanical issues... I do lose weight.

I have PCOS and thought that I would lose enough weight with the band to reduce the severity and increase my fertility. That did not happen. I am 4 years post-op and have had several additional surgeries due to complications/side effects. I have another surgery coming up next month to reposition the band and fix a hiatal hernia. Do your research. If you are looking into the band as a tool to help you lose weight and manage your PCOS... great! I would caution against looking into the band as a possible way to increase your fertility. It may happen as a happy side effect... but do not go into this surgery with that expectation. Good luck with your journey!! Hubby and I just celebrated our 11th anniversary and are currently waiting to be matched for a domestic adoption.

Oh wow. I am so sorry you have a leak AGAIN... in the SAME place. I would be so upset with my surgeon. I had a leak in my port, luckily when the port was replaced that fixed it. I hope this fix will be the solution for you!

My surgeon said 2 weeks. I asked him more than once... "are you SURE I can go in after 2 weeks" lol. Such confidence I have in his first answer. We have a pool/spa and I am using swimming as my main exercise right now, so I wanted to be CERTAIN it was ok. So 2 weeks!

Saw her on Kathy... she had lost 40 by the time of that interview.

Glad you are feeling better!! i never had one for any of my surgeries... never even had it mentioned!

Looking good!!!

Don't give up. It is HARD to get back on track when you get sidelined. All the initial excitement and energy is gone. But it IS do-able. I have had several setbacks along the way and am starting over for the second time. It seems harder each time. Take it slow. When you start getting your fills again, don't rush it. Don't get to the point where you are eating the wrong foods just to get it past the band. Refer to the green zone chart. Most importantly.. don't WAIT until you start getting fills to start over again. I used my setbacks as an excuse to eat poorly and ignore the bandster rules. You will only make more work for yourself in the long run!! So you don't have restriction right now... fill up on veggies. Continue to follow the bandster rules for quality! Lean Proteins, avoid sugars and starches, and eat your veggies. Yes it is going to suck... but get your mind back on track. YOU CAN DO IT! Then when your fill level get back to a good restriction, you have half the battle already under control. Now you can just reduce your portions. Hang in there. I am sorry you have had a setback. Don't let it discourage you. You had success initially... so you know it can work for you.

I guess that depends on many factors. For me... I would not want the added expense of an overnight stay. If your insurance covers it 100%... then that is a non issue. I did extremely well after my surgery and had little pain. I liked being home and comfortable. If I had the option with my upcoming surgery, I would chose to recover at home again. Nothing is better than your own bed.

Thank you! June is my month of positivity!! Out with negativity! Boo yeah.

Name ~ Lori Goal weight for June 29th ~ 306 Weight on June 1st ~ 314 Dietary goal for June ~ No fast food. Exercise goal for June ~ Swim 4-5 times week & increase endurance. Personal goal for June ~ Remain positive & squash negativity. Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet ~ 70 pounds Favorite summer activity ~ BBQ & swimming with family & friends

Thanks!! I am making the most of my wait and took up swimming. Going to swim as much as I can pre-surgery before I am restricted. I would LOVE to be under 300 by surgery and shock the scrubs off my Dr... but that is 14 pounds away. A tad ambitious for a month. We shall see!!

Harliquinn...my first EGD experience was awful too. Gagging and discomfort. They maxed me on twilight drugs... But I was completely lucid! Horrible. The EGD I had done 2 months ago was night and day different. They used propofol and it knocked me out. Felt GREAT when I woke up. No nausea. Didn't remember the procedure at all. Just wanted to let you know that things have improved over the years. Dont be afraid of the procedure!! Just ask for propofol if they want to do an EGD.

I will have to try nasal spray. I have had a lot of sinus issues this spring. Good tip! Thanks.

Sounds like your last fill was too much. Have a slight unfill. When you are close to optimal restriction, a fill as small as .25cc can make a big difference.

I am so sorry you are having a rough journey!! I am glad you advocated for yourself and got a new doctor. Hopefully the new one will be a better fit for you. Have you had any tests done specifically to check for a problem to explain your symptoms? For instance an upper GI or an EGD? I ask because I have had issues with reflux and heartburn as well. I had an EGD done and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. I am scheduled for surgery to have it repaired and my surgeon feels it will alleviate my symptoms. (I also struggle with inconsistent restriction) About two months ago I was where you are at... frustrated, pissed, disillusioned, and I just wanted my band removed. I decide to recommit myself to the bandster ways and have had some success (I have lost 17 pounds in 2 months). I have had to slow waaaay down and admit to myself that I was eating too big of bites too fast. I have had no PB experiences since I refocused. If I read correctly all of your fill level is out? If your band has been empty for awhile, and you are still experiencing reflux, perhaps the size band used was too small for your anatomy? I really hope you get some resolution and feel better soon. No one deserves to suffer daily like that. Hang in there. Talk to your new surgeon. Ask about an EGD or an upper GI to rule out problems. A surgeon peeking at it when removing your gallbladder is not sufficient!!

Congrats!! Awesome progress.

I flew home from Colorado to Arizona 2 days after my surgery. I was fine. But I have a high pain tolerance. I also didn't take any pain meds after surgery and was cooking and grocery shopping the day after.

In a smoothie.... Yes. Plain,,,,no. Sits in my pouch too long and give me heartburn. Although that might change after hiatal hernia surgery.