ruthgal1

Hi Everyone, After much debate, I finally had to have my band removed. I absolutely did not want to do it but I really had no choice. I'd had a few problems with it over the 2.5 years I had it in including two hospital stays. With both hospitalizations my stomach had actually come up through the band because I was throwing up so much. The first problem I had went on for months because it was too tight. The second major issue was because of a band slippage and eventually self corrected and then finally I ended up in the hospital again in another state and the doctor recommended I have it removed because of the severity of the stomach issue. I cried my eyes out because I didn't want to do it but knew I had to for my health. I had lose close to 100 pounds and was so afraid of gaining it back. I had it removed in October. I immediately felt so much better afterwards. I've gained a few pound back but have done well so far. I'm still concerned about gaining weight back though. I guess after years of bad habits I have to constantly focus on eating the right things. I really thought I would have the band the rest of my life. I'm still upset about removing it but also know it had to be done. Honestly, if I had the money, I would get it back in... or even get gastric bypass... but I just need to continue doing the right things and keep the weight off. I will NOT go back to where I was. I'm at my goal weight and that is where I will stay! Ruth

That you so much for your support! Encourage is so important in this journey and it helps to have people who understands the ups and downs of this.

Hi Everyone, The best decision I made was on March 6, 2008... this was the day I got my LAP-BAND®®®®®®®® surgery by Dr. Richard Collier (Houston, JourneyLite). Although all has not been smooth, overall it's been a great journey. I started at 232/size 20 and today went in and weighed 145/size 8 with a BMI of 22. Dr. Collier said... "you've reached your goal weight; you're in the normal range." Well, I haven't been in the "normal" range for... well, I can't remember when I was ever in the normal range for my weight. :eek: Pretty awesome!! I had one major problem happen about 8 months ago. My band was too tight and I waited way too long to go in and determine what was wrong. I was throwing up all the time and had horrible acid reflux. When I finally smartened up and went in my esophagus was completely full and stretched out and the band had slipped and Dr. Collier had to take all of my Fluid out. Wow! What a difference that made. Fortunately, the band moved back into place. I really stayed on track, though, and did not gain weight. About 2 months later I got a fill and then a small one about a month later. Over the past month or so I have been burping a lot. When I went in today my esophagus was slightly expanded (just a bit over the band) and fluid was not moving threw well. This was causing air to get in my esophagus and so I was burping. This time only a little bit of the fluid was taken out and already I feel better. I'm not concerned, though, about gaining weight because after two years I've learned new eating behaviors. I'll go back in about 2 months to ensure everything is okay and possibly get a refill. Also, I'm going to see the dietitian on Thursday to get on a maintenance plan so I'm sure I'm eating the right things. I guess my point is that even though I've had a couple of problems I still feel this was absolutely the best decision I made two years ago. Check out my before and after pics! :tongue2: Ruth

Not sure if you got that checked out but I had the same thing. For me, it was... well, blood. The blood had built up and basically one of the stitches came loose and out the blood came. For the most part it all came out. The doctor said the rest would slowly self absorb back into my body.

You can do it Cocobutta!! Set backs and the occasional problem are not unusual. The key is not letting it get you down and sticking to the plan. You've come this far; there is no way you won't make it to your goal weight. I bet when you get your next fill you will start to lose weight again. That 30 pounds will be gone before you know it! Ruth

Thank you Melissa. The main thing I found was to listen to what your body is telling you. I waited way to long to go back to the doctor. The minute I started getting the reflux I should have gone in. I was to the point that I couldn't even eat without throwing up. Just stupid on my part. You'll do great!

Hi Everyone, Today I had to get all my Fluid taken out of my band because of a very stupid mistake and may have to have surgery again! :smile2: My story. One that I hope you learn from. Last June I got my third fill which put me at 6.8 cc. For several months everything went great. Then about 6 months ago I woke up in the middle of the night with horrible acid reflux and in a lot of pain. The next day, I called my doctor to come in. The acid reflux basically went away and I canceled the appointment (the beginning of my stupid mistake). Over the next several month (leading up to today) I had consistent acid reflux, stomach problem and food always getting stuck. I also had increased bouts of throwing up. Well you would think I would get myself to the doctor... but I didn't. Heck, I was losing weight!! Finally this past week I literally could not keep anything down and threw up over a three day period. Hmm, finally got myself to the doctor today and well... you guessed it... not only was my band too tight but I had caused it to slip because I didn't take care of this when I had my first serious incident of acid reflux. Had I gone in, this never would have happen. They could have taken some of the fluid out and all would be well now. Instead, I have suffered for six months out of stupidity and stubbornness. Okay, so now I feel incredibly better... absolutely no pain now. My fear is gaining weight back. I've lost 75 pounds so far and am in the best shape I have been in for a long time. Am I strong enough to get through this? I'm challenging myself to be strong enough. I've decided to look at this in a positive light and continue to keep on the same path of healthy eating I have taken over the past 1.5 years. I will not go back!!! Next steps are to see if the band begins to adjust back to position. If it does (I go back to my doctor in 3 weeks) then we will start to fill again. If not, back in to surgery to get it placed properly. So my advice to everyone. Listen to your body! If you are in pain, go to your doctor immediately.

Thanks for the support everyone. Yes, Dr. Collier is wonderful. He knew exactly what the problem was even before seeing the x-ray. I could see very little swelling on the x-ray and have easily been able to eat soft foods. He said to really take it easy until I see him in July. I just hope it adjusts on its own. I really don't want to go through surgery again. Acid reflux is basically that acids from your stomach coming back up. Like heartburn but worse. I was getting it all the time but would wake up in the middle of the night coughing and gagging. It really is horrible. You'd know it if you had it. Definitely a bad symptom for banders.

Hi Everyone, It's great to read so many success stories. I can't say enough positive things about having this done. I'm healthier and happier and have no regrets. I feel great now. I still have weight to lose but my confidence in my ability to do so is so high. I used to go on diets all the time but in the back of my mind I knew I would fail. This time, I won’t fail… and with losing 50 pounds so far I’m well on my way to success. I’m getting a lot of comments from people now on how good I look. I finally decided to buy clothes that actually fit me instead of a bunch of baggy clothes with flower prints on them and the great comments keep coming! It’s a nice feeling. The other great benefit is how much better I feel. My back and knees don’t hurt like they used to and I don’t have nearly the stomach pains that I would constantly get. It's all thumbs up for me and I wouldn't change a thing. Ruth

Thank you for the very kind words! I've now lost 65 pounds and still feeling great. :-) Ruth

Thanks! Great link. Now I just need to try all these yummy recipes. LOL!

Hi Everyone, I've been considering going the 'raw food' route and have just starting doing some research. Is anyone else eat just raw foods? Do you have suggestions for getting started? I also just bought a Samson juice extractor and am looking for some good recipes. So if you have some (fruit or veg.) I would love to get them. If you have good websites on this topic I would also be grateful if you sent them along. Thanks! :thumbup:

Great feedback! Just the information I was looking for. I appreciate the time you took to help me out.

Thank so much! That sounds good. I'll give that a try tomorrow. I just bought a nice juicer about two months ago and have basically just done juice. SO much better then store bought without all that sugar added. I probably wouldn't go full raw either but I definitely want to get more creative with what I make.

That's similar feedback I have heard from others. Do you have any recipes or websites you used to determine what to eat? Thanks!

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and thank you for the nice reply. The key for me has been my attitude about it. I'm not saying there hasn't been some rough points but in order for it to really work you must change your attitude about food and eating habits. The band is just a tool, it is not a magic wand. You have to work at to make it successful but the band definitely helps. Good luck to you! Let me know how it goes.

I take Muscle Milk Light vanilla and really like it. It's the powder version. I mix in a little ground cinnamon and vanilla extract and it's very tasty. The regular version is very high in calories but the light version isn't bad. In fact, I tried a lot of different Protein drinks and I like this one the best. Everyone's taste is different, though, so you just need to find the one you like.

I did a search on Sally's site: Sally Beauty Supply Thanks for the tip. I just might try the shampoo.

I have experienced the same thing. I started taking Biotin 1000 about a month or so ago and am just now starting to see a slight improvement. You can get it any where (Wal-mart, GNC, etc.). My doctor and nutritionist said this was very normal. My doctor said it was from the increase in Protein intake but others say it's basically from the quick changes the body is going through. Either way, it's not something I've been happy with but understand it is a part of the process. I'll take a few less hairs and 50 less pounds! Ruth

I was banded on 3/6/08 and it was the best decision I've ever made. I will admit it hasn't always been easy but I'm 40 pounds lighter and physically and mentally feeling better. I'm also self pay. There are some things I can't eat. Steak is out. Other meats can be difficult if dry (chicken, turkey). I can eat bread but must eat it very slowly. I don't seem to have a problem with seafood, though. I've eaten snacks/desserts without any problem. Hmm, interesting I don't have a problem with the food I should be eating the least of. I have thrown up a few times if I've eaten too fast or too much. Absolutely not a fun thing. Thought I was going to die. I agree with the others. Each person is different. What some can eat, others may not be able to. The main point is that you are willing to make the necessary changes in life to make the surgery successful. The fact is, the band is just a tool. The tool won't work if you don't use it right. Good luck in your decision.

This is a normal reactions. After surgery, you are swollen from the operation so the muscles and opening around your band don't let as much in. As you heal, the swelling goes down and more can go through the opening. Once you get your first fill, you will feel the restriction again.

It's very important to follow your doctor's orders and stay on the full liquids until he/she says otherwise. If you had the eggs, beef, etc. too early you could displace your band. The band is only stitched with four of five stitches. The point of this time frame is to heal. If you eat the wrong foods you chance ruining everything you've done up to this point. Believe me, I know what you are going through. Those first three weeks were hell. I felt hungry most of the time and if I had one more yogurt I thought I would scream. The minute my doctor told me I could move to mushies last Friday, I went to the store and bought eggs, cottage cheese, thicker Soups, white fish, etc. I can't believe I was actually looking forward to eating cottage cheese! LOL! Hang in there. Soon enough you'll move on to other foods and it will all be worth it.

I have a 10cc band and my doctor said that the most that would be needed is anywhere from 5 to 7 cc. The upper limit would really depend on each person and where you are most comfortable with your weight loss. He said you would never get a full 10cc as that would not be healthy... basically no food would get through. My first fill is on the 4th and he said I would probably get 4cc. That will be four weeks after my surgery. Then in another 4 weeks I will get my second fill. He said after that second fill is when I will really feel the restriction. I may need one more fill but then that should be it. Once the Fluid is in your really shouldn't be going back and forth for fills unless something is wrong with the band. I guess I'm one of the rare ones but I have free fills for a life time (included in the cost of my surgery)... although, again, it's not like I'd be going back much once I get that second or possibly third fill.

I would definitely like a book. This is the very reason I was looking on line today... to see if there was a book geared towards those who have been banded. Unfortunately, I don't have any recipes to share, though. ruthgal1@yahoo.com