Foxglove

I SCUBA quite a bit and have never had a problem with my band. I checked with other banded divers before I got mine and was told it's a non-issue. I do not eat anything before I get on the boat to dive, however. But I didn't do that before I had the band, either.

Usually a lurker but had to let you know how much I LOVE Goodwill! After I lost 90 pounds and reached my goal, I had to replace my entire wardrobe. I sold EVERYTHING I owned on ebay and as I did so, I replaced with high quality, nice looking clothes. My wardrobe dropped by 1/3 because it took two or three things to sell to be able to buy one thing. But ebay takes time and I like to try things on --you know, shop! Then I found Goodwill and I'm hooked. There are three stores near me. I go as often as possible. Since I'm over 55, I receive a senior discount --and I go on 50% off Wednesdays. Because I am thin (yes, really --I keep myself about 10-15 pounds below goal weight) it seems everything fits and looks good! Most recently I bought a suede jacket (with tags still attached) and a summer dress --total cost? $7.50. I'm a teacher and as I said, a bit older. I don't wear "the latest styles" but I do wear nice clothes every day. The only things I don't buy at Goodwill are shoes. I wear a size 12 and have never found any to fit me! I've been the same size for 7 years now. That's one of the lovely things about lapband --I get up every morning and know my clothes will fit. Perfectly. Maybe I've replaced my food addiction with a Goodwill addiction! LOL. :-)

For long time, too long, I allowed fear to dictate my life. In my 20s and 30s there were many things I didn't do because I was afraid --including driving 3 hours by myself to visit my mom in the hospital, going to the pool to swim, going places with my husband like car races. My fears were real to me --might have an accident, might get lost, might be laughed at, might not be able to sit in the bleachers that long, etc, etc. One day I woke up --really. I had a chance to SCUBA dive --I'd done that in college--but that was 20 years ago --I needed new certification --ooooh, pretty scary --but I thought I'd check it out --I'd been a crackerjack diver in college --so maybe --I found out that EVERYONE in the class was my age or older and in not so perfect shape. I took the class, passed, and took my brand new C card to a topical island --and BY MYSELF--found a dive boat and went diving. At that time and now, those boats are mostly men (older --it's an expensive sport) and a few women MY AGE and MOST divers were, well, heavy people --no skinny minnies. And I had FUN! After that, I started doing more "scary things." I'd sit myself down and say, 'What's the worse that could happen and how would you deal with it." I got AAA incase of car problems and now drive all over the US by myself, with my hubs, and with daughters and half the time I'm pulling a huge trailer! And then there was this weight thing --like everyone here, I'd tried it all, lost it a ton of times (I was 100 pounds overweight) , and was heavier than ever when I found an ad for lapband. Selling point to me was that it could be taken out if . . .well, not sure what the if was. Step by step I did the process. Now the day of the surgery, I said to my hubs, I'm scared --he pointed out that I had a greater chance of dying on the way to the hospital than in surgery. And, you know, at the weight I was, I really didn't want to live --I didn't tell people that, but I was gaining more weight each year ---I'd be over 600 pounds by the time I retired at the rate I was going. And I KNEW what life was like for overweight people in retirement centers. I'd rather die. But I didn't. And now nearing retirement, I'm 5'10", 150 pounds, with dyed blonde hair and a wardrobe that has a lot of sequins and black leather in it. Remember courage is doing something when you ARE scared. Keep thinking -- This is your chance --grab it and fly with it. It's kind of like getting on a plane --you have to ,at some point, trust the pilot will get you safely to your destination. If you can't make that step, then you can never fly. So anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.

You sound like a really nice person --too nice. But I'm not saying you need to be rude, either. My Ma was "old South" and NO BODY pushed her around but she was so sweet about everything you never knew when you'd be "told off." Conversations with her on a topic that was NONE of Someone's business went like this: Busybody: Oh, Mary, your weight is . . . Ma: Daisy May, I do not want talk about my weight when we can talk about your trip to Timbuktu --and how are those boys of yours doing? Why I don't believe I have ever seen two nicer looking fellows. . . In otherwords, no one REALLY wants to talk about YOUR LAPBAND --they just want to "get your attention" negative or positive --so give it to them. People really just want to talk about themselves. Next time you meet your family or friends, come armed with questions about them --their families, their trips. Stop talking about yourself. As a formerly depressed and fat person (100 pounds ago) I thought way too much about ME ME ME --now I try to follow Dr. Phils advice and make sure that every one I meet leaves feeling better about THEMSELVES than when they ran into me. The best defense is a good offense. Take control of the conversation. When it get's close to your end zone (where you don't want them to be) punt a queston into their territory then listen to the answer. Shelby

Hopefully someone can hook you up with a dr near you whom you can talk to, but in the meantime --and this is tough because I only started "being this way" after drs started being younger than I am ---be ASSERTIVE --don't accept the "pat on the shoulder." Tell the dr what YOU want HIM to do --after all, you are paying the bill. If he was cleaning your house, would you let him do it HIS way? Yes, he's the expert, but this is YOUR lapband. Ask him how much Fluid he can put in at a time. IF he says, well, I can put in another oz and then you'll be shut tight, then ask, can you put in a 1/2 oz and we'll try that? RE Money, my dr did not charge me if I came in the same week --so if he'd put in too much on Monday, he'd adjust on Thursday w/o a charge. ASK your dr to do the same or stick around the office long enough to know if you are in a good place. As I said, I was filled shut once and that's no fun. But pick a month --four consecutive weeks, make a pest of yourself until you get the fill amount that works for you. Day one, make an appt. and TELL your dr what you are going to do --I want a fill, and I've made an appt for a week from today to have it taken out a bit or added to -- (you can always cancel the appointment) --if he starts to pat you on the shoulder, whip out your BILL for the whole thing and say, "Hey, DR, I've paid $20 K --and this isn't working for me. I want a fill. Let's try it or please recommend me to another DR who will do this." (Ball in his court). If he starts on the internet, how you eat, etc, keep saying, "Sorry, Doc, I want a fill. I need a partner in making this lab band work and if it isn't going to be you, then I need to know that now." He'll either throw you out of the office or give you a fill. I'm betting he'll give you the fill. We women are too passive, especially if we've been overweight --do you really think you should pay $20K to be told you need to diet? Hell NO! FYI I'm the worst at dieting. I don't eat anything I'm supposed to, I drink with meals, I eat popcorn (why is that such a big deal?) and I drink Coke. One thing I don't do is drink booze but I never did, nor do I drink coffee or smoke. But today I had cerial for Breakfast (with nuts), potobella mushroom with cheese for lunch (cooked in butter), and one bbq pork rib for dinner. I have to eat tiny amounts b/c I'm so tight, but I'm ok with that. I don't feel hungry. I have to remind myself to eat sometimes. Honestly, keeping weight ON is a concern now. At 142 I look pretty drawn in the face. I like 152. I'm trying to stay there. Make that appointment, look the DR in the eye and say, "I'd like a fill. Let's talk about how much you can put in." If he starts to pat, keep saying it, and pull out that bill!!! Shelby

I think you need to see your doctor and have another fill --at least that's what I'd do. I've been filled to the point where nothing would go down, even water (at the drs office) and he immediately unfilled "a little" --since then I've been happy with what I have --no fills in 4 years --but I AM filled pretty tight --have to watch what I eat and how much or it just sits there for a long, long time. Sometimes fluid can leak out, I suppose, but in all honesty, going through all you have, you need to go back to your doc and say, hey, let's work on this together. I cannot see how an unfill would achieve anything excpet put you back where you were. FYI started at 242, currently 152 and have been at 152 for a year --It took me about a year to get to 162, then just sort of continually drifted downward with no particular effort until 152. I do not exercise but I'm a farmer so very active. I don't know about a 'sweet spot' --I think if my doc were alive he'd think I was a bit too tight (he died) but his associate doesn't want to change anything since I'm where I want to be. If I slip down past 142, I'll probably go see her about a slight unfill -- I no longer see the bariatric folks --just my GP --I call once a year to see if they want to see me, but so far no. I did call when I went o Celebrex and it made me barf every night --but that's just how some people react to it. Once I stopped taking it, I stopped barfing. TMI Sorry. Work with your doc, he's the expert. :-)

I think I understand . . .only for me, "feeling normal" was "being big" --big child, big teenager, big momma, then fat momma! Five years ago I got banded and without any of the complications here, lost about 5-10 pounds a month (1-2 pounds a year) and one day I was 100 pounds less --242 to 142 --I'm 5'9. There were some psychological changes too --I called my doctor's nurse (I only saw him for the six fills and one unfill --then he died) --because I was worried I'd starve to death --she said that fear was normal, about the time you start feeling bones under your skin, you start worrying about "what if I can't stop" --but "we're here" she said and assured me I wouldn't starve to death. One day in the mall, I saw an attractive woman and thought how I had a similar shirt --only it WAS me in a mirror! ME! and I thought I was attractive!!! Until then, I avoided looking at my reflection . . . And size by size I went down. And down. And down. When I hit the weight I wanted, I got a face lift, dyed my hair platinum blonde and got rid of EVERY stitch of clothing I owned "before" I sold every sinlge thing on ebay or gave to Good will ---then I bought underware at Victoria's Secret, clothes from ebay and Goodwill --but with labels from Gap and TAlbots --as high end as I could afford and find and I bought NEW SHOES (my feet shrank too) with HIGH HEELS. I wear makeup every day!! Do I feel normal? Heck NO! I feel great!!! :-)

After losing 90 pounds (12 past goal) with the lapband, I did a complete overhaul --dyed my hair platinum blonde, grew it past my shoulders, sold ALL my clothes on ebay and went for a whole new younger look with what I bought. No more jumpers and Berkinstocks -now it's leather pants and three inch heels.. And I had a face lift too. I don't look anything like I did before --people from "before" do not recognize me and some have had touble believing I'm who I say I am confusing me with my daughter.

Since lap band sugery four years ago and 92 pounds ago I have: Ridden my horse in a horse show competition and WON! Secretly tried on my daughters' clothes (they fit!) Dressed in a beautiful ballgown and gone to a white tie dinner and dance with my husband (we now take lessons for dancing, another accomplishment) Realized that when I speak and people ignore me it isn't because I'm fat --it's because they are rude Discovered that every problem I've had isn't cured by being thin (and I am on the thin side now) Bought lots of clothes at goodwill and they all fit and look great! Thank you for starting this thread!:thumbup:

as you said, others must be in the same boat. I'm in Elkhart, IN -- I know there are bariatric places within an hour drive -South Bend - but it seemed like a lot of time and $ to go to someone new, hassle with all the records transfer, and the various indigities of medical prodding and disrobing for someone who has no issues for the past two years. Still, the "just in case" idea seems logical. But I'll call the office --perhaps they are referring everyone to the same place --won't know unless I call --on the other hand I did receive a letter about the new doctor and how he won't be doing any weight related surgery . . .

I was banded five years ago --lost 15 pounds more than my goal (92 pounds total)--I have no problems at all. Been at the same weight for two years. I used to see my doctor once a year after I lost the weight and had just the right amount of fill --but last month, he died. No one is doing lap bands here now. A general surgeon took over his practice. I don't know if I should make an appointment since it's now close to the once-a-year date ($125 self-pay) go in, say hello, and that everything is fine. Doesn't seem to be much point. Except for general questions about my health, the LAP-BAND® doctor never did anything except fill and unfill until I was happy with the amount. I do have a GP who does blood work and all that --so is there any reason to see the doctor who took over for my doctor who died?

I'm a long, long time lurker, love how you help each other and maybe me. I've had my band 4 years. Made my goal, and have lost 10 pounds more. Had a fill in Jan. 08, but by August saw my weight was starting to creep up (6 pounds) and had a fill (total of 5 in 4 years). Now I feel my band is perfect, except for one little problem. At night, after being asleep for 5 or 6 hours (around 3 AM usually after going to bed at 10 PM) I have stomach juice slipping up into my mouth, wakes me up, I cough, spit, go back to sleep and then a few hours later, do it again. I've tried not drinking fluids after 7, not eating after 7, drinking tea or hot water before bed, tums, and nothing seems to work well. I know I could call the DR and get an unfil for $140, but to be honest, this level seems to work well --weight is back off, not hungry, everything else is fine. Any idea on how to stop the nightly ooze??

I don't do anything special. From what I read here, it's a matter of learning to live with the band. I fought it for awhile. Puked. Then with the encouragement of the two great nurses who work with my dr, gradually accepted what my band allowed. Instead of eating a lot, I ate a little. That felt better. Soon it was a habit. Now it is my life. I eat protein first each meal. I try to eat 50-75 g of protein each day. I drink lots of water. Actually, I ONLY drink water. Nothing else except protein shakes. No booze. Dr said I could after a year, but I just never did start. I gave up coffee, too. Upset my stomach. I treat my body well -and gently, and it does ok. I think I have a pretty tight fill because any over eating is immediately uncomfortable. I must eat slowly, chew well, or OUCH. I usually eat fish because it takes too much effort to eat meat (chew, chew, chew). Although I don't exercise perse, I'm hugely active --outside all the time, and lots of walking. So, no, nothing special, just listened to every word my doctor said, did everything the nurses said. I think being a self-pay made me more motivated to make it work. I had a few times along the journey when I thought, "Oh, that's it. Done. Won't lose any more." Then I'd head back to the Dr. and get a little fill and the weight would start to come off again. Once I plateaued for 4 months before I went back into the Dr. He asked why I waited so long. I had no answer. I still don't know why I waited except that I'd lost 50 and I thought that was all I would lose. He did a fill and I began to lose again. My weight has been absolutely stable for 2 years -five up/five down on an almost daily basis. --Foxglove

Long time lurker, 3 years postband, never posted before, but have enjoyed everyone else's posts. Made my doctor's goal in a year, then continued on to lose 15 more pounds, and if I got to choose, I'd lose 10 more. At 5'10, my doctor said he felt 172 was a good weight. Currently I reside between 155-160, and I think 142 is ideal. However, EVERYONE ELSE thinks I'm too thin at my current weight. Husband wants me to gain 10 and 3 daughters agree. I feel fine at 155-160 and my clothes fit perfectly. I have no fat spots, love handles, or anything else I need to lose to lose. But at 142 I'd be "model thin" and that might be kind of cool. Still, my husband's opinion is so crucial --we've been married for 32 years. He always says he doesn't find super skinny women attractive. And I might point out that even when I weighed 266 he always said I was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. So, who do you think should decide? Doctor? Husband? Me? Oh, and FYI, I missed the whole sagging skin problem. Just luck or genes, but I did dodge that bullet so I don't think everyone who loses 100+ necessarily gets loose skin. On the other hand, my loss was slow, relatively, over a year . . . So did you decide how much to lose? Someone else? Foxglove