vericks

Make sure and call his financial office and have them get you a detailed cost analysis for all the costs of the surgery, including doctors cost, hospital cost, technicians cost, etc., plus all the test you have to have before with the various doctors to get approved for surgery. This is very important. There are always hidden costs!

Jessica I thought it was just me, but I had a similar experience with Lisa. Like you, I love Dr. Enochs, but I am concerned over his PA's. Dr. Enochs did a great job with the surgery, however I never see him either. Once the surgery and first year or two are up, it's always with the PA''s. That is okay, if the PA's are considerate and concerned. If they would truly listen to what you are saying, instead of relying on that new fandangled scanning machine of theirs! I don't know, maybe their hands are tied. I was going to switch over to Brett, the PA, whom I have not met, however, after hearing your comments, I am thinking now that it won't make any difference.Why this dramatic change, where is the love? It's been over 5 years since I have had my lap band. I went in to get a fill, which I rarely have requested. I wasn't losing weight, but gaining. I assumed I would be met with concern and kindness. I also assumed I would get a fill. I was scanned on their new machine and watched the flow and restriction, where upon I was told I was plenty restricted. I told them I wasn't, that I was gaining, and that I hadn't had that issue the previous years on lapband. I also informed them I could eat more and that I was hungrier, than previous times. I left with no fill. I left with feelings of "not another failure." The re-gaining had never occurred during the earlier lap band years. I waited a month, went back and said there had been no change. I was still re-gaining. I had to get forceful and say that I would speak to Dr. Enoch. Lisa then relented and gave me a small amount of fill . Lisa suggested, in a firm tone, that I needed to exercise and cut back on my eating. As she pointed to my head, she referred that perhaps my problem was "in my head." Needless to say, I left upset and downhearted. I didn't pay all this money for the lap band, not including all the pain and time, to have comments like that said to me. To have a PA think "it's all in my head!" Do you know how many years fat people have had to endure that statement! I still haven't lost the weight, even after trying to cut back on my eating and regular exercise, with the Rex Center. I signed up for the Weight and Nutrition program. I am still losing and gaining those 4 or 5 pounds. When a PA says" well maybe you should decide if you can be happy with losing 50 pounds" (that has been my weight loss) instead of realizing that I have at least 50-70 pounds more I need to lose, it shows little compassion or concern. Why one, who is a medical professional, couldn't understand the frustration, is beyond me. You would think dealing with lap-band patients day in and out, the PA would see a need or change for the patient, who is trying and has tried for years to lose weight. I am happy I have lost 50 pounds, however, I am not happy about re-gaining pounds. I have worked hard to maintain that lost. Tthat was suppose to be one of the purposes of the lapband, to restrict from re-gaining. From the beginning, I was told that one of the advantages of the lapband was that if you did start to regain, you could always tighten the band. I have a large band that isn't even half used (well maybe a little over half). So why put in such a large band if you are not expecting to increase the restriction, especially when the patient is obviously gaining? Sometimes a machine doesn't detect what a person knows and feels when there is a change (or in this case, NO Change) with the body. Perhaps the staff should reconsider their approach with their patients, especially their long-term patients, we all will be long-term eventually. If complaints, better yet, disappointments continue like these, surely it can not be good for business. We own our own business and if I treat my customers in such a manner, I don't think my customers would last long. Enochs, as a surgeon, is great, professional, cordial, and likeable. I would highly recommend him for the surgery, however, I wish he would listen to his patients concerns, when it comes to dealing with the PA's and the fills for the band. I don't know what's happened to his Physician Assistants? Vericks I'll be at his seminar on August 12th! :wink2:

Anyone have Dr. Enochs in Raleigh, NC?

Sorry, it's been awhile, life seems to always be busy. It's been almost two years since my surgery and although weight lost has been slow, it remains consistent. I have lost about 70 to 75 pounds. I still want to lose about 40 more pounds but I focus on the day by day stuff and realize that I take on things better a day at a time. My health has greatly improved and my clothes size have dropped from a size 26 to a size 18 to 20 (I wear my clothes lose). I have been ever so happy with the lap band results, however I did get a downer today when I went to apply for new health insurance and they told me I would be put in a high risk tier (level) for my monthly payments, due to the lapband surgery. I don't understand this, does anyone else share this experience. First you get dinged for the obesity factor and now for the correction. I ask the agent why the high risk classification? He said that it's because the surgery is an unknown and they don't know what the longterm repercutions will be. Does this seem a fair factor in determining our insurance rates? When did we start rating on the factor of what might be an outcome. I explained that I have no complications from my lapband surgery, which by the way, would be corrective if I ever did. I also explained the improvement of my health with the surgery. He said there was nothing he could do, that's the decision of the insurance ratings board. So what do we do from here? It truly doesn't seem fair. I mean can insurance increase their rates if they just think you are a possible candidate of cancer or any other illness? I think not! So why us? I thought ratings should be based on facts, not perceptions or predictions? Anyone know of any fair insurance plans? Sorry just had to get this frustration out! Now, back to my weight success. I am a slow loser and being a senior might also have a bit of factor, older can be harder. I am increasing my exercise and that has seemed to help significantly, however I have picked of a couple of courses at school and it's taking it's toll on my time to committ to exercise. So there it is, I am alive, increasing in health and in attitude, and continue to say that lapband was the best decision for me personally. Hope all of you are being successful in your endeavors and God Bless! Oh hang in their slow losers, it can keep on happening!

Brittny88 I did set up a consult and got a list of all the prerequisites they had prepared. You will have to see a few specialists. If you have made a definite decision, it's best to get started on the pre-requisites right away. It takes some time to get into all the specialists. I started out initially with the Duke weight center and was very disappointed, then I found Dr. Enochs and was very pleased. Just get appointments set up as quickly as possible, they have recommendations of specialists they deal with, who know the routine. Dr. Enochs has a support group that meets every month, you might want to consider attending one of their meetings. They have the information of when and where. It's held at Rex Hospital. Vickie (Hey I am in Morrisville, Mebane is not too far!)

Yes, most of us can identify with the love and comfort of food. We have all been there, and probably will always struggle, however, for me the lapband has lessened that desire, especially with the amount. I am a slow loser but a consistent loser. I was unsure, scared, hesitant, desperate, and the feelings go on and on. However, I wanted to feel healthy and be able to get some kind of control over this weight issue. I had tried so many different things. The lapband has helped me personally to get a better perspective on my eating habits. Does the lapband take away my desires, control my weight gain, stop my bad habits, no…however the band gives me incentive to keep trying, to not feel like a constant failure, to limit my amount, to shrink to a weight that lessens my hunger, to improve my health, etc. Is the lapband a cure all, NO, but it's a tool. As for me it's been a successful tool. It's taken me almost two years to lose 75 pounds and I need to lose at least 40 more, but I see the possibility now, something I had totally given up on. So go into this as informed and realistically as possible. Find a good surgeon, mine was Dr. Enoch and he was great for me. We, who relate to you totally, wish you the best in your decision and your weight lost. Initially the band took a good month to feel truly feel good. The first week was a bit tough but manageable, each week after better and better. Prepare to lose slowly, but I feel that losing this way has been more long term in the end. So far continue to lose a pound at a time, sometime, 1/4 or 1/2 in a month, but it's better than continually gaining. Keep Smiling Vickie from Morrisville, NC

I can understand that getting tired of being tired. Since my lapband, I have found my energy level has defintily increased. I can walk a flight of stairs without feeling like I am going to stop breathing or have a hear attack. I admit my weight loss has been a slow process, about 70 to 75 pounds in two years. I am almost below the 200 pound on scale, would like to lose 40 more pounds once I hit that mark. Hope all goes well in your decision with the lap band, lapband was the right decision for me, but everyone has to come to that confirmation themselves. Good luck and welcome! Vickie

I've been out two years from surgery now. I recommend Dr. Enochs, highly. I had minimal pain and few if any issues. He is a competent and kind doctor.

What's NSV stand for?

I support the definitions and the nominee. As a slow loser, at just one more fill until my band is at it's quota, we need positive support and continual encouragement. From one turtle to another!

I had my surgery with Dr. Enochs, now going on a year. He was a wonderful surgeon and I enjoy his staff, especially since he has moved back to Cary. I've lost 55 pounds and hope to lose 70 to 80 more. Yes, its a slow process, however it is a process that continues to work a pound at a time. The scale is going in the right direction! Thanks for all the feedback on Dr. Enochs, for me it was the right decision. vickie

Great idea!:clap2: Vinesqueen has such a positive attitude. We all need encouragement and comradship. I am chanting the LBTSL mantra at this very moment. Everyone, we can do this and this is not a race! Thanks Vickie (the ultra slow loser) Banded July 2006 3.0 cc's total 34 pounds down and fluctuating up and down 2 pounds. Hoping for a progressive 2007/2008 year. 280/246

Wow, that's encouraging, it gets so frustrating when my scales continually go up and down with a pound or two, however as of yet I have lost at least a pound or two per check up (about month or month half apart). Thanks for the encouragement. How do you get committed to sticking to the right things to eat. Do I need to join a Weight Watchers type plan? vericks

Thanks so much for that wonderful encouragement. It helps to hear someone else say that slow is okay and maintaining is a strength. Like you, I Yo-Yo'd all the time, never maintaining. Hurrah for us banders and let's keep on keeping on!

Hi it's been awhile since I last posted but Kathy you are right, I am up to 3cc's and I have started losing more weight. I am at a 30 pound lost since my surgery back in May. It is coming off slowly but I seem to average about 2 pounds a month or so. I have just started a water aerobics class (yes I finally bit the bullet and purchased the most covering bathing suit I could find). I am enjoying the class and relating to my fellow classmates which all have similar weight issues as myself. This is helpful and the exercise doesn't cause the joint pain I usually feel from non water exercises. It's two days a week and I hope to increase that by four days eventually. So life goes on and I am staying optimistic! Hope the best of days for all of you. Still love the band!

I like my doctor, but he is in Cary, NC. I'm not sure how far Columbus is. His name is Dr. Enochs.

:mad: :fencing: Cathy, The weight is not going to melt off, and I doubt you will have any great results until after you begin the fills. This is tough on most of us who have made the wrong choices for so long when it comes to eating. I have been banded since July and have totaled about 30 pounds. Most of this was initially lost my first few weeks after surgery, because I just couldn't keep much down. Now I have been averaging about 1 to 2 pounds a month to a month and a half. I have had four fills and am at 2.2 cc's. I still battle with binges so I am trying to come up with an answer for that issue. I know that those who have gotten on a routine of exercise, even if just a couple of days, seem to record a better lost record. I am seeking to get some motivation in that area, even if it means hiring a personal trainer for a couple of weeks. I also find I am still a binge eater, however the band does limit the binge compared to the olden days. Never be ashamed at the efforts you are making to battle the bulge. You need to pat yourself on the back for making a courageous attempt at resolving an issue that is affecting you life daily. We are not people who want to give up! We are looking for a way, the band was your choice. If you are like me, you have probably tried many things, and the band was a major turn to lead me down a new path. I too feel discouraged, but I will not be defeated, even if I fail, I will get back up and just keep trying, It might take years, it might take a lifetime, but I am better off if I don't stop and continue to go on, even if I am a Turtle! Keep the Faith! Vickie

Megan, I hadn't realized that if I drank with meals it would allow me to eat more food. I find that many times if I drink right away while eating I will not be able to keep the liquid down and thus a trip to the bathroom. So are you saying never drink when you are eating, period!? vickie

:help: Okay, it seems that as I listen to the slow losers comments we need some suggestions as to how to eat better, how to increase our weight loss success, how to prevent discouragement, what amount of cc's seem to be successful for a slow loser(who has noticed a major difference at what cc amount), how would you know what is too much a fill (what kind of sensation occurs?), any advice to keep us believing that the surgery will pay off even if long term down the road (and by the way, what's considered long term.... a year, two years, etc.) Alright don't give me the standard each of us is different, we know that, but our common attribute is the need to lose weight. We need to hear some of these facts and realities of those who have fought the fight and are still suceeding. Please and thank you! Vickie :mad:

Good question! I am having the same struggle. I'm maintaining but not losing. I can't seem to find a motivating factor to get on a routine. What do you suggest when it comes to eating things. I still seem to eat too much of the wrong things. It amazes me that the food that is the most tempting, example ice cream, popcorn, sweets, seem to be the easiest too digest. How do we get our heads to think of some alternative foods with less calories?

Hi Luciana, I just wanted to check in on you. I believe your surgery date is near. I am presently in Georgia, but will return home soon in NC. Yes food will get stuck and it will be somewhat painful as it tries and goes down. You will soon learn to recognize that you are eating probably too large an amount, too fast, or a food item that doesn't go down easily, such as breads. Usually you will just go and spit the item out or vomit. Often I think before we are banded we visualize the vomiting as retching, but I haven't really experienced anything like that. I know when I need to get up and excuse myself to unclog the pipes, as my husband says. You learn quickly when to recognize the things that cause that reaction, so you can avoid making the same mistake. Most people fear if they will have time to react to the food that is stuck. and the answer for me is yes, I have time to excuse myself, when necessary. I found that if I remind myself to put the fork down after every bite and chew, I rarely have problems. I also found that if I am conversing with someone while eating, I have to remember to focus on how much and how fast I am eating. I remind myself to not drink before or during the meal, so as not to fill up the stomach. I have been able to take small sips of liquid, but I am talking very small sips of water, at the beginning or end of a meal. That works for me not necessarily for everyone else. I never feel like I am choking just like something is stuck. Maybe you relate that to choking. But I don't feel like the food cannot be removed or heimlich essential. I have had my depressing moments, especially at being such a slow loser. I keep telling myself that the scale is not going up and every pound is better than at the place I was at before. Exercising is a big help, so I am trying to get a routine going. Hope you will do well. We all made this decision because we want to change, and hopefully this procedure will give us all the jump start we need. Good Luck! Vickie in Morrisville, NC

Hello, There is a wonderful support group of ladies that meet once a month in Charlotte. I live in the Raleigh area, so I don't get out your way. Check out the North Carolina forum and you will hear all about them. I think you would enjoy getting to know them. They always sound like they are having a party. Of course, we would all be glad to help and encourage you along your path. It's good to research and read. Many on the web site can tell you about the various doctors in the areas. Just fill free to post any questions. Make sure you look at the site that tells you about pre-op preparation and your needs. Also there is a wonderful list of post op information, as well. You can also find information on questions you should ask your doctor. These are all found right on lap band support site menu. Read, read, read, then the decision will inevitably be up to you. My weight has been very slow losing. I had a slight complication after surgery, but nothing major. I am doing well with the band. I have been banded since July and lost 32 pounds, however the holidays are killing me. It's important you feel confident in your doctor and you take the time to investigate. I changed my first doctor and moved on to the one that completed my tests and the surgery. You can ask about doctors on the web site, and many times some one will have known the doctor or can suggest doctors in your area. Hang in there it's a lot of paper work and tests before you get to that point of surgery. You can do this, I am not one who jumps into these kind of things and I feel this was the best choice and safest for me. Good Luck Vickie

Its been a challenge to stay away from the goodies. Why does it seem esier to get down the junk food and sweets than the good food. Working on controlling the amount of wrong foods compared to amount of right foods. Takes a major mind adjustment because I am a grab and go person. Truly is better if you plan ahead things to have to put your hands on quickly. I do much better when I eat small meals or snacks throughout the day. As the stomach tightens I notice that when I initially go to eat the first few bites are harder to get down. Bread seems to be a bit harder to swallow. I puked up a Happy Meal cheeseburger that didn't want to go down so easily. Your right, I probably shouldn't be eating a McDonalds cheeseburger, but at least its the kids meal size. I do avoid the fries. I look for progress anywhere, and thats progress for me. Gotta start somewhere! Laying off the diet soda and try to drink more water. I buy flavored waters and that seems to satisfy me. I wish there was a support group close to me. The nearest one is about an hour away. I think the support group would be a big benefit. :youcandothis: I am at a weight of 250 pounds now, down 34 pounds since my surgery. Hope to put a exercise regime into my New Year resolutions. Wish the weight would come off a little faster, but I am happy its not going up. 34 pounds less is a lot happier situation than more! Happy Holidays Vickiehttp://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/wl/youcandothis.gif

Its been a challenge to stay away from the goodies. Why does it seem esier to get down the junk food and sweets than the good food. Working on controlling the amount of wrong foods compared to amount of right foods. Takes a major mind adjustment because I am a grab and go person. Truly is better if you plan ahead things to have to put your hands on quickly. I do much better when I eat small meals or snacks throughout the day. As the stomach tightens I notice that when I initially go to eat the first few bites are harder to get down. Bread seems to be a bit harder to swallow. I puked up a Happy Meal cheeseburger that didn't want to go down so easily. Your right, I probably shouldn't be eating a McDonalds cheeseburger, but at least its the kids meal size. I do avoid the fries. I look for progress anywhere, and thats progress for me. Gotta start somewhere! Laying off the diet soda and try to drink more water. I buy flavored waters and that seems to satisfy me. I wish there was a support group close to me. The nearest one is about an hour away. I think the support group would be a big benefit. I am at a weight of 250 pounds now, down 34 pounds since my surgery. Hope to put a exercise regime into my New Year resolutions. Wish the weight would come off a little faster, but I am happy its not going up. 34 pounds less is a lot happier situation than more! Happy Holidays Vickiehttp://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/wl/youcandothis.gif