skhopp

Is there room for another in the "What the H*LL is wrong with me club? Because I'd like to join. I was banded May 2007 - lost 0 (ZERO) pounds. I lost about 10 or 12 pounds on the PRE-op diet, but nadda since surgery. Talk about depressing and frustrating - I know exactly how the rest of you feel. I only wish I had SOME weight loss to report since surgery. I NEED HELP!

dear 4meonly: Could you tell me your reason(s) for switching from the band to the sleeve? Please and thank you!

Me again! After I posted my original thread, I found some posts by others regarding basically the same thing. Sounds like the mini bypass is not very well liked, and not performed by many surgeons in the US. That's good to know. It just sounded good because of the lower risks than the regular bypass. This is all so confusing! Still, I would greatly appreciate ANY help. thanks in advance

Isn't it interesting to hear different doctor's rules? I like the rule about consuming pop, so long as it's diet!

Lynette617-Can I trouble you for the raspberry cheesecake smoothie recipe? And, what's a bodybugg? thanking you in advance.

this is to neworleanslady and MacMadame: Apparently I didn't give enough of my background the first time. So, here it goes... I have had my band since May 2007 - 19 months-I have not lost a single pound since the day I left the hospital! I lost about 10 or 12 pounds on the PRE-op diet/phase, but NOTHING since surgery. Although, I will be the first to admit that I have not followed all the band rules. I have made poor food choices and haven't exercised like I should. However, I do feel that despite that, my portions have been cut drastically, such that I should have had SOME weight loss by now. This is very upsetting, disappointing, depressing, and frustrating - to say the least. I now have 2.5 cc in my 4 cc band. I was supposed to have 4 cc in it, but lost restriction, so I had all the fluid withdrawn and measured, and lo and behold, there was only 1.5 cc in the band. Not sure yet if there is a leak or if it was just a careless fill. I'm to go back to the dr on 1/7 to have the fluid measured again. The PA I seen doesn't think there is a leak, though, because she had good "vacuum" as she was drawing the fluid out. Apparently, if the fills are given carelessly, fluid is allowed to leak out as the needle is being withdrawn from the port - which may be the case. I'm hoping for the best, but I am here to tell you that WLS is a big step, a big decision, and one that I thought I made correctly. However, it is a lot to sacrifice to wind up with no success. That being said, I know a lot of people on this site have had huge successes and I applaud each and every one of them, as the band DOES NOT WORK ALONE, you have to put forth a lot of effort as well, and that's tough (as we all know). I think it's safe for me to say that the band was not the right WLS for me - it doesn't work for everyone, and as much as I wanted to be one that it works for, I'm afraid I'm not. Granted, I have not had any terrible side effects that some have had (reflux,slippage,eroding,flipped port), and for that I'm thankful. Good luck on your decision. And, please, don't let my experience scare you away from the band, because like I've said, I am in the minority here. Thanks for your advice and any other info would be helpful.

dear neworleanslady: I have seen a few posts about the sleeve, and wondered more about it. Actually, I wanted to know the very same thing you asked. May I ask you why you are thinking of switching from the band to the sleeve? I had asked someone else on here once, and her reason was because she was on maintenance. However, I have not been successful with the band, but don't know much about the sleeve. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated (that goes for anyone reading this post). thanking you in advance

thanks so much for your quick replies - flowers and TQUAD64. I do appreciate your opinions. It helps me make my decision. flowers - I never thought about the fat content in candy and chocolate being so low. I was just thinking about them being fattening foods, poor choices, and empty calories; however, you're right, candy and chocolate are my triggers - and is the fat content in them enough that alli would help? I'm gonna have to think about this. thanks for bringing that up. Stephanie

Thought I would revisit the alli theory. I have come to the conclusion that I do not have the willpower to quit eating junk. I am seriously thinking of trying the alli. The band does control my hunger and portion sizes; however, I don't have to be hungry to eat junk food (is this true for anyone else?) My theory is that junk food is my one biggest fault that I can't seem to get a grasp on. Hope I don't offend anyone as that isn't my intention; but, how many times would you have to have an "accident" before you avoided the triggers of the "accidents"? Maybe this would be the answer to getting myself off the not-so-good foods. I'm just throwing this out there again with the hopes that someone else would see my reasoning for trying this. Please save yourself the time, if you are against alli -- you may not be in my shoes. I know the do's and dont's of having the band, and I am here to tell you that different things work for different people. Just wondering if anyone else sees where I'm coming from?

I drink pop frequently and hope I haven't damaged my pouch. One of my New Year's Resolutions is giving up pop (like I should have done 2 years ago).

Rita - Everyone is different - and if you're not tired of hearing that already, you will get there *lol*. But, really, any weight loss is something to pat yourself on the back about. If it makes you feel better about yourself, I will tell you that I am 19 mos out from surgery and haven't lost a single pound since the day I left the hospital. I lost 10-12 pounds on the PRE-op diet, but nothing since then. I try really hard to keep my head up, and I have to look at my story as success, only because without the band, I would be much heavier. At least, the band has kept me from gaining. That being said, to ease your mind about my lack of success -- I directly relate my issues to me not working with the band, and instead believing that the band will work by itself. I will tell you that it does not - only took me 1 1/2+ years to admit that! (sometimes I'm a slow learner!) Seriously, be proud of yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself - it's way too early in the game for you to do that! How long did it take you to put the weight on? Probably longer than 1 mo and 8 days. Relax. You can and will do this.

Just to make you all feel better about yourselves -- I am 19 mos out from banding and haven't lost a single pound. I lost about 10-12 pounds on the PRE-op diet, but NOTHING since surgery. Everyone is different, and I applaud those of you that are successful. Granted, my lack of success is directly related to me hanging onto some old, bad habits. Anyone who has lost weight should be proud. That being said, I am proud of myself for not gaining weight, because that can happen too. And, I am certain that without the band, I would be much heavier than I am. Kudos to all and Good Luck!

Printed off the 5 day pouch test steps. Working on my grocery list, now. F-I-R-E, Fire Up, Fire Up, Fire Up (I used to be a cheerleader in high school - back in the thin days where I thought I was fat)

I'm getting to this thread a little late, but I would like to join you guys. I need, really, really, really need a jumpstart. I've heard so much about the 5 day pouch test, and often think of doing it (story of my life - THINK about doing things), but I am ready to actually do it. I'm a little behind you all, but ready to start. Hang on tight!!!

I am hooked on soda. This past weekend was THE WORST. I'll guess that I had 8-10 REGULAR (not even DIET) sodas the last 2 days - how freakin' sad is that? (I don't need any preaching, please) I know the dangers and I know I shouldn't have any carbonation, and I know I shouldn't consume that many liquid calories, and I know I need to drink water in place of these demon drinks. I need to kick this terrible habit once and for all. I guess I just needed to confess this to all of you. Thanks for listening!

Count me in! I'm not going to be a very good buddy as far as offering any success stories or advice; however, I am a great listener and can relate to all of your troubles with the band. Banded May 2007, only weight loss was that during pre-op, NOT A STICKIN' POUND SINCE SURGERY! I have NO drive, NO motivation, and NO willpower, and I don't know why. I want to lose the weight, I want to feel good, I want others to notice and comment on my success. I am tired of the frustration and depression. I often feel like such a failure because even WLS hasn't helped me lose weight - how sad is that? I know the band is only a tool - and you have to work with it to be successful. I'm not an idiot - I get it; however, I just don't make it work. If anyone is giving "kicks in the butt", sign me up, too. I'm here - let's get going. Stephanie

I need your support as well - ALL OF YOU. I've been banded 19 mos - going on 20 - and am the same weight now as the day I had surgery. I, too, am at rock bottom in the mental department. I cannot take anymore of the depression or frustration. I know exactly what I need to do, and just the same, what I need to quit doing, but why am I not DOING it? I don't get it - I don't understand. I am a very intelligent person, I have common sense -- I have NO drive, no willpower to speak of. I am soooo upset with myself. Please HELP - any advice is appreciated. thanks -- Stephanie

Carbonation is not recommended for those with the band. My understanding is that it can cause the new "pouch" to expand and/or the band to slip. However, I still have not been able to kick the habit - drink soda every day. *cringing* I've been banded 19 mos and did well in the beginning staying away from soda - then old habits creeped back up and caught me! Still working on kicking the habit once and for all. Some banders cannot tolerate carbonation - unfortunately, I can; however, that doesn't mean that my band or pouch is going to be able to tolerate it forever.

Dear White06: I'm so glad to hear from you. Your story is so similar to mine, I would have thought I posted it, except my surgery was May 2007. I too feel like I haven't ever posted good news or any successes on this site. Just always been the devil's advocate. The only weight loss I've had was the 10 pounds I lost while on the PRE-op diet, and maybe some the 2 weeks following surgery. No weight loss in 19 months. Until I read your post, I started to think I was the only one out there that has not lost much weight, any weight , or gained weight with the lap-band. By the way, I LOVE your quote at the end of your post. That is sooo true. At my consultation, they told me the band is only a tool, and that I would have to work with it. I thought "I'll show you guys, this band will do all the work". Guess who showed who? I have went thru periods of denial ("this isn't my fault - it's the stupid band's"), and several periods where I've given up and figured "why try?". Well, it's just been recently that I've admitted to myself and others that the lack of weight loss can be attributed to none other than myself. The band controls my portions, from there, I continue to make poor choices in what I do eat and drink, and I don't exercise to speak of ("I don't have the time"). I can't answer your question about measuring food, because of course I don't have the *time* for that, either. But, I would like to know the answer as well. Please know that you are not alone -- this has been one let down after another. I never dreamed this would lead me to be the most frustrated, depressed, and disgusted that I have ever been. I know losing weight is a life long battle, I guess I just thought the band would make it much easier than it has. Keep posting - we'll help each other thru this rough, rocky road. Stephanie

Dear LastOptionAtty: thanks for the recommendation of the Oprah magazine - I've never read one of her magazines (didn't realize she had one). I have a recumbent bike that has sat in my living room for 2 years - needless to say, I have not got my money's worth out of it! Also, Santa brought the kids a Wii system yesterday. So, I'm going to take advantage of it, and buy myself the Wii Fit when I get paid next week. I was gonna wait til my b-day and hope someone would get it for me, but that's not til February. I want to start now while I'm still motivated and make exercise a habit as soon as possible. I'm reading a great book - got it yesterday for Christmas (already on page 81) It's by Prevention magazine; called Prevention 2008 Shortcuts to Big Weight Loss. It totally makes sense - the main idea being that studies are proving that (3) 10 minute work outs a day are just as good, if not better, than 30-40 minutes of exercise. It is a lot easier for me to find a 10 minute block of free time 3 times a day than it is to allot 30 minutes + each day. Which I think is one reason many people are going to this. I've read this theory more than once in the last couple of months. I think they're on to something. Thanks for your advice. I hope my story helped you some. I don't mean to make you think twice about having the lap band, because losing weight as slow as I am (not at all) is not a norm - but that's the story of my life - abnormal! Good luck

Well, my doctor hasn't said anything about the lack of weight loss because I haven't seen him since surgery. Apparently, you have to beg to see the doctor for follow-up visits, at Hurley anyway. All I have ever seen was the fill nurse and the dietician, with the exception of the last visit - I got to see the PA! Don't get me wrong, the nurses and PA and dietician are very well educated, I just would like an MD's words of wisdom every now and then. There are a couple of things that I've not done right -- I don't get enough Protein and I consume too much junk (because it doesn't get "stuck" like other foods do, some call these "slider" foods) AND I don't exercise. The band is only a tool -- it will control your portion sizes; however, if you don't commit to making changes in what you eat and drink (chips, ice cream, high cal drinks) you will not lose weight. I have had 7 fills, and 1 slight unfill last Dec because of persistent vomiting (6 times a day). My stomach was just too sensitive to give the size fills that they normally give - it took me more time to adjust to each fill. No one has ever suggested that I may have a slippage. However, they are doing Fluid checks on me right now to rule out a leak. Few weeks ago I lost ALL my restriction, after having a large fill by a not-so-experienced fill doctor (not at Hurley - I tried to save myself some miles) so I went back to Hurley to see what the problem was. I should've had 3.5 cc in my 4 cc band - only had 1.5 cc. Don't know where the other 2 cc walked off to. Could be a leak or could've been a careless fill (withdrawing the needle improperly can cause fluid to lead back out). Hafta go back in a week or two to have it drawn out and measured again to see if there is a leak or not. But, most of my problems have been within my control - I just didn't have my head in the right places. Gook luck to you - and remember, every surgery has its risks; however, they are fairly minimal with the band. It's a good tool - if you are willing to work with it. I am now - but wasn't for the last year and a half. It takes some changes that you have to be willing to make, and some trial and error to figure out what you can eat and what you can't eat - everyone's different.

Just found this thread. Is it too late for me to join you guys? I've been banded 19 mos and haven't lost ANY weight since surgery *Yikes*. I'm more motivated now than I've been in a long time. I'd like to commit to 30 minutes a day, for 4-5 days a week. There's no excuse for me to not be able to stick to that - except of course, I'm a bit lazy. I'm gonna try really, really hard. This is it, I HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING! The band has been waiting far too long for me to decide to work with it!

I just came across this thread - didn't know it existed! I was banded May 21, 2007 at Hurley in Flint, MI. I have been struggling, struggling, and struggling. I know everyone that tries to lose weight struggles whether you have had WLS or not. But, this is BAD. I have only lost 10 pounds, and that was all during the PRE-op diet. I am soooo frustrated, depressed, and discouraged. I have given up many times since surgery. I was in denial at first that this stupid band wasn't working, and I was doing everything I could to help it work. Guess what??? 19 months later I'm past denial, and admitting to myself that the band is doing exactly what it's there to do --- control portions. I, on the other hand, am doing everything I used to do --- making poor choices and not exercising. I am now commited to making this work - only took me 1 1/2 years to decide that "I" have to work at this as well. Any encouragement I can get would be good. Congrats to all who have succeeded in this lifelong journey. Stephanie

becky - actually I am going thru this right now as well. I was supposed to have 3.5 cc in my 4 cc band, but I was losing restriction, so I made an appointment to see what the problem was. They withdrew all of my fluid to measure it, and there was only 1.5 cc in the band. They put in 2.5 cc, and I have to go back next week to have it measured again. The PA I seen said she doesn't think it's a leak because she had good "vaccum" or suction when she was withdrawing the fluid. However, that cannot be ruled out just yet. She said the other thing that sometimes happens is if you have someone who isn't really careful when they give a fill, they can actually cause some fluid to leak back out while they are withdrawing the needle. And, I went to this yahoo fill doctor one time, the week that my restriction was lost, coincidentally - and I think that may be what happened. Hopefully, your problem is nothing that will require additional surgery - and mine too. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, while I have them crossed for me! I'm thinking of you.

I am sooo glad I came across this thread. I have been to the doctor several times complaining of fatigue - falling asleep any time of the day, including while driving **Yikes**, I have been thru a sleep study that did NOT show sleep apnea. I have been battling this for 2+ years and it's a pure miracle that I haven't killed myself or anyone else because of the dozing while driving. No one has offered any help. However, I just had a panel of follow-up labs done the day before Thanksgiving, and it showed that my B12 was low. Because I hadn't been taking my multivitamin, the dietician suggested I get back on that. I have, but still don't see any difference in the fatigue - even went in the ditch 3 weeks ago (pretty sure I fell asleep). I wonder how I can get someone to try the B12 shots on me??? Or, do you all think the over the counter supplements are just as good?? Thanking you in advance.