debrainwater

I had my Lap-band in April 2008 and did very well with it. I lost between 75-100 lbs and had minimal issues with it. I did have heartburn daily, felt like I was choking at night (not to bad) and food would seldom get stuck. I was able to keep the weight off for almost 8 years. It wasn't until Aug 2016, I noticed that I would extreme abdominal pain after eating. My husband was able to get new insurance through his work, so we went to the ER. They must have ran 3 different test on me and it wasn't until the next day after my bariatric surgeon was notified, did they figure out that my band had slipped. I was so upset that they had to remove it, I literally cried. I was so scared to gain the weight back. I begged my surgeon to just adjust it, to no avail, it was removed. I went to see my PCP to ask for the sleeve and she told me she would request for an approval, but didn't think I would get approved due to not meeting the criteria. Well, GREAT news, I was APPROVED and will be having the sleeve done in about a month. I have to wait 3 months to heal. Another great thing is my husband has decided to have the surgery (sleeve) as well. My question, do you feel that we should have it done the same time or at different times? And, it the recovery different then the lap-band procedure?

Good morning, Everyone! Well, it sure has been a long time since I visited this web-site! I was banded over 4 1/2 years ago and I am currently batteling the urge to over eat (well not anymore). I started off at 225 lbs, dropped down to 153lbs. and then balooned up to 173lbs. I went in to get a fill and it didn't do anything, I could still eat anything I wanted. And, recently my medical Dr. put me on an anti-depressant to help with the raging hormons (don't you just love getting older?). So that did not help with the weight loss, actually I gained. I realized that I am at a point were I needed to do something different, so I joined WW (weight watchers) to help with my eating habits. They told me in the begining that I would need to do something more than just the lab-band, well, my way worked for about 3 1/2 years. Not anymore, I decided to do something different and it's working, I have lost 10lbs in a week. I am also a "GRATEFUL" recovering addict who just celebrated 7 years on 5/23/05! Keep up the great work! Debbie

Hello: What I mean by getting back on track, due to the Holiday's I sort of slipped on my eating habits (Cookies, cakes, etc.) the yummy stuff. I have had 3 or 4 fills since my surgery. I have a fill scheduled for Friday. Congratulations on your up coming 2 years.....That so awesome........:thumbup: Good luck, Debbie

The band is working good, I have lost 47 pounds thus far. With the holidays it was sort of tuff, gettting back on track now. As far as the meetings, I didn't share about it. The only people that know about it are from my womens meeting, my sponsor and my family. I didn't feel it necessary to share with everyone. As far as the pain, I only took the pain meds in the hospital, I used liquid tylenol at home. My clean date is 5-23-05. Just taking it one day at a time......what about you? Have you had your surgery yet? When is your clean date? Did you share? Where do you live? I'm in the city of Orange. Best of luck, Debbie:thumbup:

Hey Kelly, My name is Debbie and I am from So Cal also....Orange County area. I have been banded since April 14, 2008 and have lost 41 pounds. As they say....One day at a time. Good luck with your surgery.

Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is doing well, as for me I had my surgery on 4/14/08 and am extremely grateful. Before and right after my surgery I lost 12 pounds, to date I have lost 22 pounds. I was told that I should be losing 2 pounds a week. I am exercising, eating right and still not losing pounds, but here is the confusing part, I am losing sizes. I went from a size 18 to a size 14 pants and size 3x to a x-large shirts. Why am I losing sizes and not weight. Don't get me wrong Iam grateful that I'm losing anything but just a little confused. I have a doctor's appointment today to get a fill. Extremly grateful for my new way of life....... Debbie Weight Loss Tickers

Today is day three on my Protein shakes, I am doing much better then I thought I would. I do have the headaches, bad mood and my stomach feels tight. I am assuming that is because something is shrinking? But I have done very well. Thanks for everyones support. 3 days down, 11 days to go till surgery. YEAH. I am truly blessed today. My concern is I just took a week of pre-scheduled vacation, back to work for two weeks, then out for two weeks after the surgery. It sounds like everyone is back to work pretty quick. Why is my Doc making me take two weeks? Also, regarding pain....I am a recovering addict; I am wondering will I be able to do it with out any narcotics? I am ok with taking Tylenol. Is there anyone out there who used Dr. Hamamji, St.Joseph's, Orange, CA? God Bless:lol: Debbie

Today is day three on my Protein shakes, I am doing much better then I thought I would. I do have the headaches, bad mood and my stomach feels tight. I am assuming that is because something is shrinking? But I have done very well. Thanks for everyones support. 3 days down, 11 days to go till surgery. YEAH. I am truly blessed today. My concern is I just took a week of pre-scheduled vacation, back to work for two weeks, then out for two weeks after the surgery. It sounds like everyone is back to work pretty quick. Why is my Doc making me take two weeks? Also, regarding pain....I am a recovering addict; I am wondering will I be able to do it with out any narcotics? I am ok with taking Tylenol. Is there anyone out there who used Dr. Hamamji, St.Joseph's, Orange, CA? God Bless:lol: Debbie

My surgery date is 4/14 and I am on the Protein shake diet. 3 days down, 11days to go. YEAH! My concern is I just took a week of pre-scheduled vacation, back to work for two weeks, then out for two weeks after the surgery. It sounds like everyone is back to work pretty quick. Why is my Doc making me take two weeks? Also, regarding pain....I am a recovering addict; I am wondering will I be able to do it with out any narcotics? I am ok with taking Tylenol. Thanks again everyone for all your support. :wink_smile: God Bless Debbie

P.S How do I add the tracker info to my post?:wink_smile:

Thanks Everyone, Today is day three on my protein shakes, I am doing much better then I thought I would. I do have the headaches, bad mood and my stomach feels tight. I am assuming that is because something is shrinking? But i have done very well. Thanks for everyones support. 3 days down, 11 days to go till surgery. YEAH. I am truly blessed today. :wink_smile:

My surgery is scheduled for 4/14/08 at St. Joseph's hospital in Orange with Dr. Hamamji. The support there so far has been wonderful.

My surgery is scheduled for 4/14 and yes, my Doc has me on "New Direction" weight control system (protein shakes). It truly sucks, yesterday was the first night and I'm already out of my mind. I can only have a 9 oz protein shake, three times a day and all the water I want. I am a little confused, if I wasn't able to stick to this diet before, how does my doctor expect me to now? My poor family, I am trying so hard not to be grumpy. I just keep saying the "Serenity Prayer". Can anyone please give me some words of wisdom or encouragement? Any suggestions?