paulajm

I really don't like people like me. It's like, "shake Yourself -- if you can't do it then nobody can talk you into it." However, I'm having the hardest time right now and honestly have no one to help me. I was hoping by posting this I might find someone who has possibly been through this. I was banded on March 4, 2008. I did really wonderful for a long time. I even went through a period that I wasn't really interested in food. However, back this past October-ish my daughter (I guess it's always easier when you can blame someone) got me hooked on McD's Hot Mocha's. Then I got hooked on the oatmeal Cookies that are 3/$1.00. THEN I found out that those cookies had 150 calories EACH. However, that hasn't deterred me. I often times get 3 early in the day and then 3 later in the day. Now, I'm back to "sneaking" around to eat cookies, etc. I've gained 15 pounds over the past few months. My clothes are getting tight again. I don't like who I am. I'm embarrassed for people to see me because I think they are noticing I'm gaining weight. Why have I now allowed food to control my life and who I am. For approx. 1 1/2 yrs. I was in control and happy with myself. Is there anyone out there who had to somehow "get a hold of yourself" again? How did you do it? Were you or are you a foodaholic? I thank anyone who read this long, rambling post. :biggrin:

Hi all of you Alabama Bandsters. My name is Paula and I live in Russellville, AL. I was banded on March 4, 2008 by Dr. William "Jay" Suggs in Decatur. It has been a great process thus far. I have NOT regretted one day of having had the band. To this point, I have lost 70 pounds. I began at 301 and now am 231. My weightloss now has, however, slowed down. I've been in the 230's for several weeks now. I know I probably need to go get a fill, but I will have to wait for a little while longer. I don't actually post to the Lap Band website very often, but was very interested in getting to meet some of you Alabama Bandsters and keep up with your progress. Feel free to post back and let's build this Alabama Forum. Have a great day.:eek: Paula

I was banded on March 4th and have had only 1 fill. I have been losing at a good pace and I am pleased. Back in July I was out of the country (China) for 2 weeks and my eating was not normal (as far as staying on a schedule eating). I came home and had lost between 6 & 7 pounds while there. Then the weekend after I got home I came down with a viral "bug" of some sort that lasted for 4 days. I lost another 6 or 7 pounds, for a total loss since the banding on 63 pounds! I (actually gladly) gained back about 5 pounds. Now for about 4 weeks I keep going back and forth. One day or so I may lose 1 or 2 pounds back, then a few days later I will gain back the pound or two. I'm not doing anything different than before the big loss of the trip and being extremely sick. I want to get back to losing again. I guess I can go for a fill, but it seems strange that I can't get back to losing again. Anything similar to this ever happen to anyone else? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Paula:confused:

Hi everyone who has responded to this thread. I don't get to get back here as often as I had intended when I first joined this site. Regardless, it's now Aug. 22nd and I am 58 pounds lighter than on March 4th when I had my surgery. I feel wonderful. I have only had 1 adjustment, but will probably be having one sometime in September. I still praise God for this wonderful tool that He blessed me with. I take every chance to share with people who want to know about the procedure and tell them I would do it again tomorrow. I started at 301 pounds and look forward to getting down below 200. I wish everyone the best on their journey in LapBand land. I'll try to check back in sometime. God bless you all. Paula

Well, today is a new day. I went for my third attempt at getting my first fill and after only 3 puncture holes, my doctor was able to give me my first fill!!! While I had my doctor's full attention, I talked one-on-one with him about the insurance issue (of which he certainly knew nothing about at this point). He told me to please not stress about it and whatever I could do would be fine. He told me a PAYMENT PLAN would be acceptable and to just tell that mean insurance clerk how much I would be paying. I left with a large load off of my shoulders. Actually shed a few tears as he was telling me to please not stress over this problem. My doctor said it was so refreshing to see somebody concerned over paying him instead of just never paying and never worrying about it. So, although I now have a new bill every month for a while, things are better. Thanks again for all of the comments. (I was beginning to feel like a pin cushion!!) Have a great day. Paula

Thank you for the kind replies.

I don't have anyone to talk my frustrations over, so I just thought I'd type. I know there isn't anything anyone can do, but maybe it will help me just to rant. I had my Lapband surgery on March 4th. At the end of 6 weeks when I went back for my checkup and for my first fill, I had lost 22 pounds (of which I'm proud). In the doctor's office, after 2 needles (a shorter one and then a longer one) and 10 minutes of trying (and much sticking), he didn't have any success filling the band. He scheduled me to come back last Thursday (4/17) to his other office and we would do the procedure with the help of sonogram. On Thursday, after 30 minutes, 4 needles and 9 more puncture spots on my already sore stomach from three days prior, he was still unsuccessful. I am now scheduled to go to the hospital tomorrow to attempt it again with the fluoroscope. "They" say that the third time is the charm. Let's hope so. On top of all of this worry and frustration, I get a telephone call from the doctor's office today and was informed that the insurance "mispaid". Previously, the doctor's office contacted the insurance company (BCBS)because BCBS had paid more for the procedure than normal. The insurance clerk says she was told by BCBS that the payment was correct. So, she then proceded to forward me a refund check for what I had overpaid. Now after 6 weeks have gone by, BCBS now says they paid too much and want their $423 back. I called BCBS myself today and they told me that when the insurance clerk called, they noted on my record that they told her they were going to reprocess the claim to see if it was paid correctly. Now, I'm between the insurance company telling me one thing and the doctor's office telling me another thing, but the bottom line is the doctor's office wants $423 immediately and I don't have $4.23, must less $423. I am so begining to regret ever going through this. The doctor hasn't been able to fill me, and the doctor's assistant says if I don't pay the money back immediately, then they won't be servicing me anymore and could take legal actions. I think there is a song out there "Had a bad day..." Well, I've had a bad week and am ready to scream. Again, I'm sure nobody really cares because this isn't anybody's elses problem, but it does help just to "air my frustrations." Certainly doesn't solve anything, but -- well.

Hello Dito. I, too, an excited that you and your wife are doing this together. My daughter (18 yrs old) had the procedure back on Nov. 19 and I had it done Mar. 4th. Although we were a couple of months apart, it certainly makes it easier that we are both doing it together. For me, the first 7 days were the roughest (with the first 3-4 really rough). However, I woke up on day 8 and felt 100% back to normal. That short 7 days was such a short span of the rest of my life becoming healthy. I am now 19 pounds lighter and looking forward to the numbers going higher. Best wishes to a successful surgery day! Paula

Dear Paisley and others: My name is Paula and I was banded March 4th. After 5 weeks I am down 19 pounds and feeling great. I go for my first fill this upcoming Monday (Apr. 14). I wish you all the best in the beginning stages of your journey. I was fortunate not to have the 6-month waiting period. My daughter also had the procedure done back on Nov. 19th and she has lost 60 pounds thus far! The BAND is wonderful and so very worth it!! Have a great day to all. Paula P.S. I've got to learn how to get a cute name fixed up too!

Hi. My name is Paula. Although I am no expert yet, I agree with what has been said so far. The no drinking with a meal is a basic fundamental. The way it was explained to me, the food needs to stay in your little stomach for a while. If you drink with a meal, you are just pushing it on through the pouch and you will get hungrier sooner, hence you will be eating more. Eating more means more calories, which means it is easier to gain. Again, I am only 5 weeks into this process, but I have lost 19 pounds so far. My daughter had the surgery on 11-19-07, and she had lost 60 pounds so far. We do not drink with our meals. Good luck with getting back on the losing track. God bless you. Paula

Hi Sherry. My name is Paula. I don't live in Memphis, but am only about 3 hours away in NW Alabama. I was banded on March 4th and am doing well. Went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have lost 10 pounds. Good luck with your pre-diet and getting approved by the insurance company. Paula