LaMonica
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Everything posted by LaMonica
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Thanks Bama! Trust me I understand just how you feel...the first time I had the unfill I gained about 10 pounds back but now looking back it was a slight hiccup! I am a little sad now that he took SO MUCH out but he basically had to because of how severe my swelling was...and thinking back on it, must have been that way for several months! So I can eat more of course, and unfortunately my appetite has slightly increased so I'm back to drinking 1/2 gallon water/day and am going to try to start the Couch 2 5K program to combat the increase in calories. I am thinking maybe in 2 months or so to go back to get SOME fluid put back in, but not all of it because I don't want this problem to creep up on me again, plus I really just want to build muscle and maintain my weight, not lose anymore. Congrats to everyone on their weight loss so far and keep up the good work!!!
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Do you ever get to where you don't feel like a fat person?
LaMonica replied to southernrootslbc's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
A great topic!! I was banded 3 years ago, my highest weight was around 280/size 22 and now I am 146/size 6. I don't necessarily "feel fat" but I still do things like look at small walking spaces and think "It will be hard to walk through there" and I still look at Lane Bryant and other plus size clothing stores when I walk through the mall and stuff because that used to be the only place I could really go. While I have been this size for serveral months now, it still feels weird that I am no longer plus size. I agree with the previous poster that said "skinny people" make such negative comments about "fat people". I guess since I was so big I was never at liberty to hear all of these secret conversations and now that I do I get highly upset and make sure to tell them how rude they are being. Inside I will always be a "fat girl" as I spent 24 years that way and not "fat" in a bad sense...I am still compassionate and I don't look down on others who have weight struggles or any struggles for that matter, It will always be a part of who I am no matter what the clothes and scale may say. Just in a positive and learning way instead of a beating myself up kind of way. -
PLEASE people whenever you are throwing up ANYTHING GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR A SLIGHT UNFILL!!!! I was banded in 2008 and first had a reflux/vomiting/foamy (NASTY MESS LOL) issue in 2009 due to allergies as many others have stated. I went to my surgeon, had a slight unfill untill the irritation from all the vomiting went away, and slowly had Fluid added back. I also started taking OTC allergy meds more regularly to help. I had my last fill in January 2010 up until last week, May 2011. I started having the issue again December 2010 and took Mucinex, drank hot fluids, ate earlier in the evening, etc. and none of that helped my problem. Sometimes even when I didn't eat anything I would have the issue, to where often I wouldn't eat at all just drink due to the pain, and embarassment of trying to eat and it immediately coming back up. As nasty as it sounds, sometimes I would have slime come up in the middle of my sleep and wake me up. During that time I was finalizing a divorce and moving to another city so I didn't see my doctor as I was caught up in other things. Fast forward to last week when I finally saw a surgeon - he did a fill/unfill under fluro - my lower esophagus and my pouch were both SUPER SWOLLEN!! He took out about 1/2 of my fluid and I immediately felt relief. Doc said basically the band over time had gotten too tight and wasn't allowing everything to get through. Add post-nasal drip, and irritation from the vomiting, and swelling and irritation came. After the unfill my pouch immediately went down in size, and he said my esophagus should take a few weeks to go down also. That night I did NOT have any issues, and I haven't to this day. The longer you go with the issue the worse it can get, including slippage or erosion of the band. I was super scared, but it was a simple fix.
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Problems with fills--3+ years post-op
LaMonica replied to joolz1226's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
What are you eating? Make sure that you are mostly eating proteins and vegetables, and lay off on starches and breads as much. Keep drinking plenty of water. Just because you can eat it doesn't mean that it's great for you to have, and it's quite possible that the weight you have put on is because of your increased carbohydrate intake. Do you exercise? Remember the band is a tool, not a "cure" for eating so make sure that you are putting in the same effort the band is as far as food choices. -
Hey lady...haven't seen you post in a while on your Rave thread could you give us an update? Hoping that all has and is going well with you!!!
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Dr. Frank Felts - Word of Caution
LaMonica replied to ronnie87's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I am sorry that your experience was a bad one. I was banded by Dr. Felts May 2008 and he also called me from his cell phone the day after surgery and also the next week although he was out of town on vacation. Dr. Felts is no longer with True Results which would be the reason why they turned you away, and like the other poster said most surgeons will not just "assume" or take over another surgeon's client, especially when the original surgeon is still local and still practicing. I was very educated not only by Dr. Felts' staff but by him as well during each one of my fill visits that were all done by him personally. If I had any questions, he would answer and not just some nurse. He would never rush through any appointments and was always prompt. I haven't had a fill in over a year but to date I have lost 130lbs. I was featured on his website after 1.5 years for a success story so I know these stories are real: http://drfrankfelts.com/patient-results-weight-loss-surgery-dallas-texas/lamonica-lap-band-results.html Maybe if you visit him in his new office you can get some of your issues resolved. Also nobody I know personally or researched had any complications. Thanks, -
Hey Tina...it's been a while since I posted and I apologize but I am thankful that you are still updating as you are still inspirational to me. I am keeping you in my prayers as far as your physical health goes, and I am sorry but thankful to hear that you saw a negative pattern rising in your relationship. You may not remember me but long long ago I was contemplating divorce myself. I filed in December and am waiting for February 7th to have my final hearing so I can be as excited as you were about being FREE. Can't wait to read your next update, and I hope your boys are doing great. Much love, hugs, and prayers to you sweetie... ~LaMonica
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Goal was 160...I am now 146!! (May 2011)
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2 year Bandiversary June 20 2010
LaMonica commented on luckyfive101's gallery image in Member Photo Gallery
Thanks for the comment...you look amazing! Plateau has been my middle name several times...just hang in there you can do it! -
Thanks for the photo comment! I am about 5'6" (the people with me in that pic are much shorter lol) and my starting weight was 280/size 22. My doctor had told me that 170 was a good target weight but now I'm at 160-165 (depending on what I eat that week) and I still need to tighten up some fatty areas. But I am excited and ecstatic with my weight loss and sometimes cannot believe my eyes either. Good luck with your journey!!
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Thank you for the lovely pic comment! And congrats on being in onederland it's amazing isn't it!!
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Thanks! Good luck...hope the date comes in soon. Loose skin isn't a problem really it's still some loose/jiggly fat like on my arms/thighs/stomach that I don't like. I haven't been able to get in the gym like I need to but I've heard that toning with weights/resistance bands is what helps along with drinking plenty of water. The good part is that since the weight loss is gradual that many skin problems that people have with gastric bypass we don't suffer as much with lapband. I hope everything goes well for you!!
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Sexy mama! Thanks for the photo comment...I am so busy now I don't get to browse around here like I used to but you are looking so good!! -
At my fattest - I have my LAP-BAND?? consultation next week. I hope I'm accepted!
LaMonica commented on taxcafe's gallery image in Member Photo Gallery
Good luck on your consultation! And that dress is so beautiful...just like you! -
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