ccar50

I thought i was the only one banded 3-9-06 and now I know its true. :ohmy:

Better than I think I have a right to expect but NO where near where i thought i would be. I lost 135 within the first year and then nothing. In fact i have put back on aobut 15 but i have been stable for quite a while. I work out in a gym and do a lot of outdoor activities an d for the most part I am healthy. I would like to lose the rest of the weight but I guess it is just not as important as I thought it was If I stop and think back a coupple of years I guess I would have to admit that this is WAY different. How you doing? Craig

As people have siad. this is a LIFELONG journey. I am over 2 years and 130 Lbs out and I still struglle with most of the smae questions. I konw quite a few people that have reached goal and continue to struggle. We dd not get this way overnight and it is not reasonable to think we can change habits made over a lifetime in a few months, or even years for that matter. Relax. the band will work. As far as I'm concerned the main thing the band does is give us time to learn and develop new habits. Some of the best support you can get will come from these boards. LBT is a good one as are wlsfacts.com and some of the ones specifically operated by special groups like Dr or location. Over the years we have all become experts at beating ourselves up. Once you have taken the step to get banded you can begin to give that up. You have already made a serious committment to an improved life now you are beginning the long hard journey to tweak it Craig

Michelle: The most commonly reported cause of shoulder pain is reflected pain, usually associated with pressure against the diaphram. Gas can also be a cause but reflected pain seems more likely after a fill. If you want you can go to wlsfacts.com and they hace a forum there where you can ask a question of a real Dr and get a response in a day or so. that way you would get an accuarate answer. Craig

If something gets "stuck" your bodies response is to lubricate it and help it go down. That is what the "slime" is. It has been described, somewhat acurately, as hurling a jelly fish. PBing is "Productive Burping" or in most cased just plain old vomiting but not quite as nasty since it comes from higher up and is not mixed with as much stomach acid etc. The best way to avoid it is to follow the rules. Eat small quantities and chew it well. Unfortunatley there is a learning curve and the likelyhood of avoiding this all together is about 0. Some people are very bothered by PBing and will do anything to avoid it. Others, such as myself, are not overly put off by it and tend to push the limits far too much. in any case it is not as bad as you imagine and it is not an obstacle that can't be dealt with. Good luck on your journey Craig

The key here is in your second sentence. Life Changes. You have made the decision to change your life and that will involve changing what and how much you eat. The cool thing is the band is a fantastic tool to help you make those changes. You will find that you don't want to eat the same things as before. I would have to say that I do not feel that I am "missing" anthing, except maybe beer :ohmy: I can eat just about anything in smaller quantities but i am amazed by the things I no longer want. Good Luck Craig

While it is true that the band takes work so do all of the other proceedures. Even without working you will probably lose substantial weight with the band. I tend to doubt very seriously those statistics. I have know some people that didn't lose much with the band but they worked really hard at not losing. The band is just a tool. It allows YOU the time and some help in changing YOUR habits. I think the vast majority of people lose considerable with teh band. You might go to www.wlsfacts.com and use the ask a Dr feature to ask a barriatric surgeon about the success results. Good luck in whatever you choose. Above all remember that it is YOUR choice and you wanat to choose a program you think will have the best results for YOU. Craig

Sounds like its probably gas and the port but never take anything for granted with the band. Especially in the beginning. Its always better to qsk the questions. this board is good but your Dr is even better :smile2:There is also a feature on www.wlsfacts.com where you can ask a Dr and get a quick reply fromo a barriatric surgeon. Not a substitute for your own Dr but a response from a real Dr can help make things calmer. Craig

There has been a lot of controversy over this issue. I think the current thinking has changed a little though. You might want to go to www.wlsfacts.com and click on the ask a Dr banner. that will get you a response from a currently practicing barriatric surgeon. It would at least be one more opinion:smile2:Craig

Dont get me wrong. I love my band. I was banded a little over 2 years ago. I lost most of the weight in the first year. I have lost about 130 Lbs total but i still have 20-30 left ot go. I am OK at this weight but i would like to reach the end. More importantly though I live a longg distance from and fill doctors or after care. I have had ot return to Mexico for all fills and adjustments. My duaghter, also banded, had a problem with slippage that resulted in the need for additional surgery. Even theough she had the best surgeon in the world, Dr Aceves :thumbup: its still something to think about. Seems like the Sleeve is gaining in populatiry and doesnt require the same maintenance. That would be a big plus for me. I have been researching on al the boards, including the newest one Weight Loss Surgery Forum and it looks like I am not the only one thinking about this. Anyone have any advice Thanks Craig

Gang:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> You know you love it when I call you that J <o:p></o:p> I guess we never stop learning about the band. I just learned a very scary and expensive lesson. The worst thing is that I had to learn it at the expense of my daughter’s health and comfort. Before you start throwing things at me be aware that she is 27 and somewhat responsible for her own decisions, but I don’t deny the influence a father can have. ANYWAY as I write this she is recovering from surgery at Almater having just had her band re-positioned. She was banded 2 years ago in July. She lived apart from us in Hawaii so I only saw her a few times since banding but talked with her by phone multiple times every day. She often complained about being “too tight” Since I have never really felt that much restriction myself I tend to assign terms of “wusses” or worse whenever I read of people complaining about how tight they are, with the exception of those proven cases of over tightness where you cant even swallow your own spit. I have had more than my share of PB episodes but they are not really due to over restriction but rather extreme stupidity, one of my fortes btw. Anyway Janice moved home about 3 months ago. She had just been seen by a Dr in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:State> and had been unfilled because of a recurring problem with being too tight. I asked her, for economic reasons, to try to get a fill before she came home. She did and because it wasn’t done with flouro and because there was a slight miscommunication between her and this Dr. she got a little more than she asked for. When she got home she started having problems with being too tight. At first I tried to get her to “man up”, as we say, and just suffer through it. We tried liquids etc but she was obviously having some issues. She went to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region> and they removed some and over the next month or so it got even worse. She lost weight like there was no tomorrow and all I could think of was how great that must be. She could not sleep laying down and we would wake every night to hear her cough for a while and then head to the can and hurl. I tried SOO hard to will it away. Our local Dr, not a band Dr just a clinic GP, thought it must be GERDS so he put her on Nexium. This seemed logical to me also because most of my family has had this issue at one time or another and because I have a masters in biology and therefore know exactly enough to be dangerous. No change. Then they decided it must not be strong enough so they changed to a different drug but still no effect. Over the last 2 or 3 weeks I saw her unable to eat or drink hardly anything and if she tried a few hours later it would come back up. That even included water. Still I waited. Finally I was convinced she was dehydrated and suffering from lack of sleep and could not go on like this so we put her on a plane and entrusted her back into the loving and EXPERT care of the staff at Almater. They saw her and admitted her into the hospital and it didn’t take long to diagnose that the band had severely slipped. A few hours ago they went in and thanks to the skills of that group of doctors it looks like they were able to save her band. She is very close to goal and with a little luck I’m not sure she will even need to get it filled again. If she does you can be damn sure it will ONLY be by Aceves and crew. <o:p></o:p> OK so what are the lesions here,<o:p></o:p> 1)Father didn’t always know best, even when it was a tv show. It’s YOUR body, listen to it and take it seriously.<o:p></o:p> 2)Don’t mess around with being overtight, that’s not how the band is designed to work<o:p></o:p> 3)Don’t mess around with being overtight, that’s not how the band is designed to work<o:p></o:p> 4)It is unfortunate but for some of us economics plays a major role in this decision and we need to face reality before hand and budget for fills and aftercare. It can become an even greater expense if you don’t and have to make some dumb decisions because of economic pressure. The net costs of a band are minimal, and probably even negative in the long run, but the initial costs must be accounted for.<o:p></o:p> Ok end of this lecture. Test will follow, double spaced blue essay books, pen only please.<o:p></o:p> As Always<o:p></o:p> Craig<o:p></o:p> PS If you haven’t had a chance to yet, you may want to check out the newest Weight Loss site and forum located at www.wlsfacts.com I think they are going to present a lot more about the gastric Sleeve and could probably use some people posting to get it started.<o:p></o:p>

Reflections on the Second Anniversary I am grateful and happy that I made the decision to be banded 2 years ago. I am not as grateful and happy as I should be, though, as my wife and daughters are quick to point out. If they are correct I would not be here writing this now but more likely dead or in a worse place than I was both mentally and physically. I, like many, tend to lock the bad up in a closet somewhere and only visit it when it suits me. I also tend to be 20% grateful for what I have and 80% jealous of what I don’t. When people congratulate me for the weight I have lost my tendency is, and always has been, to reply that yea, it’s a start, instead of acknowledging that I have indeed done a good thing. Well you know what? I have done a very good thing, for both myself and my family and by extension possibly for all mankind as well J. I have gone from a 360 Lb depressed type 2 diabetic with bad knees, severe sleep apnea and a ton of other related physical problems, to a current 219 Lb never satisfied but relatively healthy specimen. Hey, life aint perfect fer nobody. I no longer exhibit any symptoms of diabetes and I was injecting insulin and taking a cabinet full of meds before. Diabetes does not disappear but I am free of all medications and symptoms. Many, in fact most, of the physical problems I have endured throughout my life have either disappeared or at least become much more manageable. For me one of the most important changes is in the way I feel when I enter a room full of people. I no longer feel like I stick out like a sore thumb and with that feeling gone I can concentrate on the reason I entered the room in the first place, whatever that may have been. For each of us the changes are different but still have a series of common threads. Physical activity is greatly enhanced, self esteem is elevated and life is still not a bowl of cherries. I include the last because I think it is important to remember that this is not a magic bullet but rather a tool. A fantastic tool that can accomplish many wonderful things if it is used correctly, grasshopper. Good tools by themselves can not build a good house. It takes a good carpenter to wield them. I’ll drop the analogies here since they can go on forever and the rest is fairly obvious. I had been heavy since birth and like most participated in just about every diet and weight loss program known to man. I even had a limited 2 year success where I went from 305 to 173 and held it for 2 years but the crash and rebound that followed was even more devastating. Skip ahead another 20 years and I find myself at 354 Lbs in poor health and depression. I attended a mini class reunion of my University wherein was reacquainted with an old classmate who lives in Mexico City. I went to a rather unique school where most of the students and teachers were from latin countries and we were all bilingual. He took one look at me and told me about a procedure his wife had had in Mexico where they placed a gastric band and he told me of her amazing results. I was, of course, quite skeptical but a month or so later I began my own research. When I decided that was the procedure I wanted I tried to find a way to get it done in the US but without insurance it was a losing battle. Even with insurance it is still not as easy as it should be. Since I was going to have to pay for it myself my research led pretty quickly to Mexico. Even though I am no Stranger to Mexico or other latin countries I still did almost a year of research and anguish before I made the decision. I had narrowed it down to two doctors and situations in Mexico. It turned out that the Patient Coordinator, or whatever you wish to call them, that I had been in the most contact with had actually represented both before. She helped me make the decision based on my specific concerns. The rest, as they say, is history. I ultimately chose Dr Alberto Aceves. I have since come to know this man as both a great surgeon, source of sage medical advise and a good friend. This is not intended to be a commercial for Dr Aceves but rather a reflection on my journey to date so I’ll try not to mention his unbelievable care and skill again in this treatise J I lost the first 100 Lbs fairly quickly and easily. At least I considered it easy. I kept detiled and exact records of everything I ate broken down by Calories, Fat, Carbs and Protein. I also kept exact records of exercise. Weigh loss without exercise is possible but I liken it to racing a car without oil. It will still run but not anywhere near its potential and it will still burn out too early. I think one of the reasons it was “easy” is that I was obsessed with it. Listen to anyone that is about to be banded or during the first 6 months and you will see an enthusiasm that is seldom matched. In my case reality set in at about a year. I had plateaued and to a large degree still am. Here, however, is the real lesson. The band is the tool that buys me time to learn new habits. I developed habits over a lifetime that led to the bad conditions described above. It is not realistic to expect that I can develop a whole new set in the course of a year or even 2. It is no longer about get thin quick but rather about getting healthier and developing a different lifestyle that results in different behaviors and values. That, my friends, takes time. I am, in fact, writing this to remind myself of that as well as to remind myself that it is necessary to pay this forward in order to keep it fresh and exciting. I still make bad choices. I still beat myself up. I still wish I had the fortitude to stick with it 100% and effect all the changes I think are possible. BUT I have begun to learn to temper that with the reality that I have already begun those changes and that time alone will tell the tale. I realize this is a long re-introduction and I assume that if you have read this far you either still do not have a life or you are truly interested. If I can be of any help to you as you do your research or as support for someone who is also walking this path, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Guys: I think take it easy means slow down and begin the process of learning. This is not a quick fix nor a short journey. You didnt develop the old habits overninght and youo are not going to get new ones in just a few weeks. 2 years post banding and I am still just beginning to learn about myself and what it takes to make such radical changes. I very much agree with Jack. I was not filled for the first time until about 6 months in. I still have never felt the restriction a lot of people talk about but I HAVE lost 130 + Lbs. The band is a tool. You will hear that over and over and its SOOO very true. Learning to use it to the best advantage takes time and dedication. Take it easy and good luck :-)

Has who lost all that weight since Jan 8th?? I looked back over the posts and I dont see who you are talking about? I was banded 2 years ago.

I was banded by Dr Aceves 2 years ago and it was easily the best medical experience of my life. I had my daughter banded by him 6 months later. I have lost some 130 Lbs so far and my daugher has a new lease on life as well. I think you have made one of the best decisions you could possibly make. If you want to discuss it in person please feel free to contact me.

Ok let me throw in my 2pesos also. I have been banded for 2 years and lost over 130 LBS so far. I had a WONDERFUL experience with Dr Aceves. I also had my daughter banded by him. We have had better success and experieinces by returning to him for fills than we have had by American fill Drs and so continue to go back. This whole thread is undoubtedly going to sound like one big add for each of our favorite Drs. Glad to see you are doing your ressearch though. I'm sure you can contact anyone of the repondents to this inquiry for more information and questions. I am always happy to talk to people about it.

Jayme: What are the things I have to live without? I kknow how korny it is going to sound but the reality is that the things I gave up are.... Diabetes, Apnea, Swollen legs, shorter and more painfull life span.. The list goes on. I am not thankfull enough for it but thats the real truth. I gave up worrying about food all the time, where am I going to eat next and what am I going to eat. I still love food. I gave up worrying how peopole are going to react when they see me and wheter or not they were staring at me when I was eating. I know its a lot to give up :-) but hey... Really the only thing I gave up is the ability to overeat certain foods. The only down side I experience very frequently is pb'ing, sliming, or the more common word, vomiting. It is not as gross as it sounds and does not bother me all that much. It can be embarrasing at times. It is really my own fault. I am still not very good at listening to by band and stopping when I know I should. I'm getting better but still not there. There have been a few public incidents recently that are embarrasing but not devestating. Its hard to explain but pbing or sliming is NOT as bad as true vommiting. My daughter, on the other hand, who is also banded, would rather jump off a tall building than have an incident of pbing, let alone in public. Ok Ive strayed off the main subject. There really is so little down side to my banded experience that it is hard not to be overly enthusiastic. One thing to remember is that you will get out of the experience what you are willing to put in. Excersise is a necessary component for most people to acheive all the results they can. I realize some people really can;t but the great majority of us can and those that do reap an even greater benefit. In closing, ladies and gentelmen, the down side would be that there are some complications, as with any proceedure, but the benfits SOOO outweigh the risks that it is hard to imagine why anyone would not accept them. Good luck on your journey and if I can help in nay way please dont hesitate to contact me Craig

OK I guess I'll add my name too :-) I am now wo years out and have lost 135 Lbs. Still have 20 to go.

Ok Just a quick warning. Many of us that get banded seem to have addictive personalities :-) Sometimes when we give up one addiction, llike food for instance, we replace it with another, like alcohol or gambling. This is more common than you might think. The point is to choose your additicions carefully. I do now what yoou mean, howvere, baout no longer liking even the smell of coffee. Funny how things can change so radically.

After care is indeed an important consideration. I live several hundred miles from a fill Dr of any kind. I have found it more convenient, and actually cheaper, to return to Mexico for my fills and follow up. I am confident that in an emergency the local Drs would do what is necessary. My daughter lived in Haweaii until a week ago. She had problems with fills and unfills. She had to have 2 emergency unfills and had endoscopy to look for erosion etc. Her insurance company paid for this even though she was banded in Mexico. They would not, however, pay for her to be refilled. She will be gong back to Mexico for further help. I personally, and I do mean personally, am more comfortable having my Dr in Mexico do the work. I feel that he is taking a much more personal interest in me. Just my opinion. BTW, although my "join" date shows as recent you can see by the other dates that I have been banded for 2 years. I lost my ID on this board and had to re-register. I am not a shill and I am not a patient coordinator. I AM a banded person interested in helping other banded people and potential banded people. These support groups have been VERY helpful to me over the last two years and its time to pay it forward.

Dont want to make it seem like we're ganging up but i also was banded by Dr Aceves in Mexicali. The follow up has been as fantastic an experience as the surgery itself was. There are a number of good Drs in Mexico as well as some bad ones. the same is equally true here in the US. I am fond of saying that I have never been in a hopital in the US of the caliber of the one I was in in Mexico. You are on the right track, You need to keep researching and take every opportunity you can to talk to people that have been banded and cehck out thier experiences. Best of luck to you.

I was banded 2 years ago by Dr Aceves in Mexico. He asked that we go off of coffee for at least 2 days before surgery. I had been an avid coffee drinker before that. I gave it up just before surgery and CHOSE not to start it again. i substituted tea instead. I have had about 4 cups of coffee in the last 2 years and don't miss it at all. I drink herbal teas just to have something warm to drink. Remember that part of this process is changing old habits. It feels good to have some small victories along the way :cursing: With that said though I donpt consider coffee to be a bad thing, just something I decided to change to show myself that i could.

Hi Amanda: If you wind up having to self pay be assured that it is the best money you will ever spend. It is pretty easy to justify in light of the changes it will make in both longevity and quality of life. Even though it is expensive if you put it in perspective it is cheaper than a new car, which will last only about 10 years at best. You are doing the right thing consulting the boards. The research process is lengthy and individual. There are a lot of qulified surgeons out there and a lot more programs to choose from than even just a few years ago. Best advise would be to actually contact some of the people you meet on the board for more candid conversations. i know that helped me decide. I swear by my surgeon and hospital, Dr Aceves, the same as I know many other people swear by thiers. The point is there are a lot of good surgeons out there, you just need to find the one best suited to you.