krkmed

Well, exactly 8 months to the day after getting it, I lost my band. I was having terrible pain in my abdomin, and it turns out that all the tissue around my band and tubing was infected. They had to take it out, and the doctor who did it said he would not consider re-banding me. I'm not sure how I feel. Very lost, I guess. I've met so many great people on this journey, and now I feel like I've no longer got anything in common with them. And although my weight-loss was never stellar (I lost about 50 lbs in 8 months), I'm scared to death about gaining that weight back, let alone how am I going to lose any more? I'm going back to Weight Watchers later this week, but I'm not sure that will be enough. I'm too scared to do an RNY at this point, given what just happened (what if it hadn't been fixable?), but I'm not sure what my other options are. Especially now that my BMI is just a little bit lower, I know I won't qualify for another surgery. I don't know what else to do at this point. Can anyone else relate?

Well, for those that are following: I did end up getting a VSG. I couldn't keep the weight off on my own. But the good news is that I LOVE my VSG - it is working much better for me than the band ever did. I now weigh less after one month with my VSG than I ever did with my band. But that's just me...a lot of people do have good luck with the band; I wish them well, but unfortunately, it wasn't the greatest tool for me. Good luck to everyone out there!

Update: I can't keep the weight off on my own. I'm having a VSG on 12/29/2008. Wish me luck! Cheers, ~Katherine

Well, here I am 2 months later without my band. I have gained back about 15 pounds from my lowest weight, but I think I've finally got that under control. As scared as I was to gain the weight back, as soon as my appetite came back after surgery, it was like a free for all. But then I realized that wouldn't work either, so I've been dilligent with WW, and now my weight has stabilized. Also, I just started exercising in the last two weeks, and I think that is helping. I doubt I'll every be "skinny", but I think I might be able to avoid another surgery. I don't know for sure, though. I meet with the surgeon next week to talk about it (his idea), so we'll see. I've been eyeing the VSG, but it SO permanent! While I didn't have the greatest experience with the band, I'm just glad it could be removed and the problem was fixed. Anyhow, thanks to all that have commisterated with me!

Hello all Northern Nevadans ! Ballet Nevada is starting a new stretch and dance class for adults and teens - Movement for Mobility! As per the flyer, this is a "special class for people with chronic pain, disease, diabetes, mobility, obesity/weight challenges…Increase ease of movement, flexibility, self esteem…ultimately find joy and inspiration from music, your body and the magic of dance. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.” Even better, this is VERY low cost. A $5 donation per a class OR canned food items to be donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada . Okay, so now the important info: when and where. It will be Thursday nights from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ballet Nevada, upstairs at 2920 Mill Street (at the southwest corner of Mill and Terminal – behind QuikStop) starting next week, Thursday, February 28th, 2008. The phone number for Ballet Nevada is 329-2026, and their website is www.balletnevada.com. They really are excited to offer this class, and they want to make it into whatever we feel would be most helpful to all of us. Have a great day!