NewSho

I have actually lived all of those places, yet "Normal Sized Land" is someplace I haven't visited or lived in for a long, long, time. For me Phen-Fen time was awesome (I'd probably take it tomorrow if it ever came back on the market again, how crazy is that :phanvan ) and those years were the last "normal" size times for me too. If I get these next pounds off, then I'll be officially thinner than my Fen-Phen years. That's a huge deal. :clap2: But the #1 thing I craved was Being able to shop & have more fashion choices. I desperately wanted to shop in hip trendy stores which have been out of reach to me because of my size. I'm a Real Shopaholic so being able to go to regular stores, and different departments within stores, seems like a godsend. And eventually I'll be able to just stop going into Plus Sizes areas out of habit (found myself doing that yesterday, but that's one habit I'm gladly going to break) and remember to start in the regular sizes. The next thing was having increased opportunity to meet/attract men. I feel like, attractive or not - my weight absolutely meant I was working from a smaller pool of available men. Yes it would be great if men just liked me for myself and gave me a chance, but the brutal truth is that there are some men who wouldn't consider a larger-sized woman no matter how attractive she was. Society trains men to seek out women who are of certain size range - and I was past that size range, honestly. And shedding some weight has already meant I see a big change in how/how many men just approach me, watch me, observe me - and even hold doors open for me. This attention ranges from the downright polite (helping me with packages, taking lots of time to give me directions) to men outright flirting with me. :kiss2: Just today I watched a man look at me, then stop to take a second look again. It's a good feeling, but not entirely familiar yet. But hey, I plan to make stopping traffic my normal daily activity, pretty soon!

Aw....just think, your posts might be inspirational for other readers. So really we're giving back to each other, right? Continued success.

Well I often refer to my LapBand as the "Silicone Freeloader" :phanvan but also as a Ticking Time Bomb. I've been banded so long (2001) they still used the OldSchool perigastric technique on me... Most doctors started using the Pars Flaccida method between 2002 & 2003 and that technique is associated with much lower rates of erosion....so don't worry. Now as for me... (*tick*tick*tick - do you hear that?)

This one is unbelievable. I had a gynecological surgery not long ago, and since then the hormones I've been given, totally screw with my T.O.M. and I was anticipating that with my next 'cycle' I would be experiencing some band tightness. I called my regular doc who was out of town for a couple of weeks. So I went to the back-up doc to see if he thought I needed a slight unfill or if I'd be OK. I told him I was not sure I needed one, was hoping I didn't need one but wanted his professional opinion. Keep in mind, the previous month I had the best restriction I've ever had and the single fastest weight loss I've had since my initial banding period. I was so pleased with my good restriction, and my good portion control. I had a good time, drank a bit (well I did go to Vegas :heh: ) and still lost a lot. The backup doc said he'd check how much was in. After checking, he said he thought he should take a teensy bit out. I freaked out and asked that he only do so if he thought it was absolutely necessary. He said he promised he'd only take out .1 or so. (I know it's not exact, but he stressed only .1 or so.) and to not get so uptight. I got upset because he was withdrawing for a long time (I've been doing this fill thing a while, but have NEVER had to have an unfill so this is a huge deal for me.) He questioned my attitude and stressed he was the doc, he knew better, etc. I asked again how much he took out and he said "just about .1 - you'll barely feel a difference." Days later, I called him saying I was ravenous:hungry: around the clock, my food wasn't staying in the pouch long, and I was eating more often than normal. (Not my normal eating pattern at all.) I even told him hat I was concerned a might need a bit of the fill back in because I was afraid of gaining back all I had lost. He dismissed my concern and told me to "Tough it out, and not to expect the band to do the work for me." Uh, yeah. Got that it's a tool - but I actually need my tool to work. I was so despondent over how much I've been eating and I was kicking myself for not being able to be a good band citizen. I've been miserable.:cry Well, when I thankfully got back to my regular doc (who knew I was going to see the backup while he was out of town, and is fine with it ) that I was not losing and was actually gaining, kind of. (Well I lost one pound since he had seen me last before leaving town, but that was up from where I was when I saw the back up doc. Does that make sense? ) So my regular doc agrees I definitely need a fill. He checks how much is in my band, and then pauses, and checks again. He asks me how much I thought was in there. I quote what the doc quotes. Nope, he says, you've got .5 less than when you were in here last. I try to be reasonable. I ask him: "Could a doctor make a mistake and take out that much while trying to remove just .1 ?" He says: "Nope. It's not quite exact, but it's not that in-exact either. Sometimes you try to take out .1 and get .2 but you'd notice getting THIS more out that you intended. Maybe he thought you really needed a significant unfill. And no, he doesn't think it is a leak. I'm so mad/disappointed/hurt, I can barely drive home.:Banane40: So I tell this story to a friend from support group and she tells me she also suspected he did the same thing to her (but never could never prove it.) She said she believes he took more out to 'teach a lesson' against 'relying on the band.' And to make her have to work harder on her own. Sound familiar? I'm so furious. The backup doc's actions are unforgiveable. He could have at least told me or admitted to me that he was giving me a bigger unfill. It was deliberate. Even if there was a medical reason for having it, I should have been told. How dare he play G-D with my dang near $20,000 tool.:Banane59: And after all this time (not to mention how much I've paid for these very costly fills just to get back to the same point) I got a little bit of my restriction back but my regular doc didn't want to take me back up too quickly, so I only got a .4 fill. Basically I'm behind where I was a month ago. I'm moving backwards. :cry I really think the hard part about banding isn't the food, or the occasional PB or sliming incident - it's getting to the right restriction level. And right now, I'm absolutely defeated. I'm just so 'down' At this rate, I'll never get this weight off. I'm having a "Now, exactly why didn't I have a bypass?" type of week. :Banane40: Oh well, I'll keep trying to claw my way back to good restriction. But it's hard.

... it was very easy. Much less recovery than the original LapBand surgery. I think it was a Wednesday morning I was weighed, checked, talked with anestheiologist, tested, and then wheeled in the OR. I was back out 30 minutes later in the recovery room. Just over 2 hours later I was walking through a store pushing a shopping cart, and picking up Rx meds for pain (Lortab - nasty stuff so I only took one dose and realized I did not need that junk.) I wasn't groggy, I really felt fine - just some tummy soreness. I wore an abdominal binder (Spandex/Cotton wrap) from my original surgery. By that Friday I was back at Happy Hour. (Well I had soup, and something light.) I really think it was only a portion of the original surgery - in terms of affect.

Thankfully... I'm so happy that in all my years of banding, I've been able to just use regular foods and make it, even during mushies and purees. I don't have kids, never want to deal with baby food in any form. (Totally unappetizing.) It was easier at the soft food phase. (Of course the normal suggestions are cottage cheese, yogurt, Soups, side dishes, and those sorts of things that you can buy at the grocery store.) Since I don't cook either - and eat out for most of my meals - I literally found it easier to get things on the go. I even had to eat Fast Food during this phase. I don't normally eat that stuff (I don't eat any red meat or pork, even before banding) so for me, it's easy to go thru some of those quick places without being tempted to eat other things on the menu. That stuff is usually nasty to me:cry , so I just get what fits my food plan, and go. At Taco Bell, for example (There's always one of those nearby) the pintos-n-cheese is a little small container. Before I was 'filled' I could almost two of them. They are tasty and full of Protein, no cooking required. At McDonalds (yuck, they're the worst) try the Yogurt Parfait (have them keep the separate crunchy granola topping). I can't stand KFC but people say their Mashed Potatoes & Gravy are easy to eat on the run. That's just not my style. At Quizno's Subs I enjoyed the regular (not large) Broccoli and Cheese soup. It's not as high in calories as you'd think. In fact, all of their soups are quite tasty. YUM Again these are all choices if you're not tempted by other things on their menus that might be band-unfriendly for a new Post Op. But for me, it helped me get through a difficult phase with little interruption.

Wow ! Look who's chugging right along like the Little Engine That Could ? You're close to the finish line, Liz.

Thanks everyone. I even slept (but not very well :notagree ) on this to make sure how I felt. Sure, I'll repeat the explanation, too. After my gynecological surgery,I saw major hormonal differences in my band restriction (this was even before this last fill that got me the good restriction) since I was going to experience a full-fledged scary hormonal cycle again, my OB/Gyn (who is supportive of the band, but admits to just being in a learning point about it) advised me to consult my band doc to make sure I wouldn't suffer discomfort or damage my band. It seemed prudent, as I've been through a lot. I've never sought nor needed an unfill previously, but I was trying to make sure everything was on point. I didn't run to the band doc like the Fat Scotsman character from "Austin Powers" ripping through the doc's office and grabbing unfill needles and just screaming "Get in my belly!" I appreciate your support everyone. And of course, I haven't advocated any violence or vandalism. I can't prove what this backup doc did, but my rather friendly, congenial regular doctor really had a raised eyebrow about how such a mistake was made. He knows how I feel about unfills though, so he figures I didn't ask for it. So personally I'm sure ready to give the backup doc a piece of my mind. My pal thinks I should not call the back up doc's office just in case something happens and I really need to go back to him one day. I guess I feel like no matter how bad things got, I hope I'd never have to take a chance with someone like that. That's what I'm weighing today.

Oh, LapBandit. How horrible. Her behaviour is disrespectful. You deserve a doctor that is fully 100% supportive of you, and ALL aspects of your health including your LapBanding. For you to lose 100# and her to say that... Nah, she's collected her last co-pay from you. I know there is a doctor out there that can do better for you.

Oh yay, LadyS! Like I said, no one is hardly ever in their room much anyway. For $240 *with* airfare? OMG, I'd sleep in the airport, almost. That's a great deal. We do have some Vegas area members on LBT so I hope they contact you. My cousin is going back at the end of this month (for a trade show) but I'm holding out. I want to go back in 6 months ( February ) - that's when the NBA All Star Game is. I hope by February, I'll have some some weight really off, and with my Bad Girl wardrobe and I can hit all the Hot Spots like The Palms. :kiss2: Love that pool there. Have fun!

Hey PhotoNut. This was an absolutely well-thought out, well-phrased posting. You are kickin' butt with the band ! :clap2: My only concern is this bit I highlighted above. That's great that you can lose 2# a week after a complete unfill but part of that is probably related to your starting weight and starting BMI. Remember that the smaller we Bandsters get, the more 'fill' volume it might take to get us a level of restriction. I know I have much less fatty tissue around my stomach now than when I was banded. When I was heavier, I could lose weight with none or almost no fill - if you think of the band like a belt, you can see while it takes more tension to restrict something a smaller stomach. To be frank, if I was completely unfilled - there is no way I would lose a lot per week (especially 2#) unless I did something really drastic. And it couldn't involve anything as nutritious as broccoli, plums, or chicken. :phanvan At my current weight, like a lot of Bandsters experience, that "quick peel-off layer" of flab has been significantly reduced. It's a grind to lose each pound as my body feels like it's already given up it's available extra weight. (So it thinks, but just wait. ) So we should remember that being unfilled and still losing 2# a week might not happen for lower BMI / lighterweight folk. It's like that classic phrase, "Your Mileage May Vary." Rock on, PhotoNut. Rock on! (Hey I'm making progress on my shorter signature, eh? - Signed, Appreciative Grasshopper.)

Well. As I mentioned I was switched to a lower-profile (or a Lo-Pro, as I call them) port. Today I went in for a much needed fill which have unfortunately turned into McFill Appts. I waited so long that my parking cost me $11 ! So finally I see the doc and he says, "Now where exactly.... is your port?" I was like... um, it's down there. (I point down, to the lower right.) He's like, "Oh yeah. How'd your port end up down there?":confused: I remind him that it was moved during my Tummy Tuck (I didn't want it up against my waistband)...So he's like, "Oh yeah! It's in a totally different place." But then it hit me. No wonder I'm totally unaware of my port except when I'm having a fill. I've been banded since time began and My port is so far down, it just doesn't ever really bother me. But it figures. Even in Banding, I manage to be an oddity.:nervous

Congrats. I *luv* Vegas - and had a blast there last month. Question: Do you have kids? Are they coming with you? If not, "Circus Circus" might be a little more family-oriented :Banane41:than you're looking for. (They call it a Circus for a reason, LOL). Plus it's wayyyyyyyyyyyy down the wrong end towards downtown. All the grown-up action is on The Strip. :beer: Now, if it's one of your fave places in Vegas (my cousin loves it - so that's where she likes to stay) then you're all set. Anyway, it doesn't matter much since no one gets much sleep :notagree in Vegas. In fact, where you stay is much less important than where you go... or what you do. Enjoy!

Well let us know what you find out at your appt. I am very curious to the things that make my restriction ease or evaporate. We'll see.

There are lots of stories, including mine, on the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery thread right here on this forum. (Go back to the Main Board for the link . ) You can check out some "TT After LapBand" anecdotes and other pre-op patients questions.

I am so so so happy I didn't get an unfill for my TT or my Gynecological surgery with MiniTT. OMG. All I could think is that I'd be stuck around the house, recovering, and snacking. Whereas luckily I stayed at the same restriction level and ate normally but still managed to maintain (well after the fluid retention & swelling of the surgery, of course). Now, of course, you should do what's right for YOU = but since I'm still not at goal, I am grateful for not having to be even slightly unfilled at my surgeries. Happy Healing after your TT - when it's all said and done, you'll be so pleased.

((( hugs ))) I totally sympathise. The EAP (Employee Assistance Program) idea is a good one. I used to work for one, and they are often an underutilized (and free) resource. Some even have ElderCare type programs to help those caring for an elderly or sick parent.

I have the original Serial number (copied from my chart) from my Low Profile port and it definitely says "Inamed Low-profile access port." There ya go.

CONGRATS! Yay for you! What a wonderful, fantastic, inspirational feeling. I can only hope I ever get to that point... it will be a sweet victory indeed.

I don't have any suggestions sorry. That great Dr. Vivian Sanchez supposed to be outstanding at Beth Israel but I don't think she takes patients banded in Mexico. There's another doc there, Dr. Schneider, but again you might check to see their requirements. Did you have some options lined up before surgery? Or maybe a referral from other Mexican surgery patients in the area? WHEW. Wow, folks have to be very brave to get banded without knowing exactly where their fills are going to be done. Good Luck & Congrats on your banding.

Wow, congrats on the 115# lbs loss! :clap2: That's amazing in such a short time. I don't know, even after 18 months, I'm not sure 3 months is a plateau, when you're this far out. Since you just got that last fill (you didn't mention how much it was, or how good you think your restriction level is) it's still a bit early to tell if this fill will be your "sweet spot." All I can say is the closer you get to your goal (yours or your body's, whichever comes first :rolleyes ) the slower it sometimes is. When you have lots of excess weight to lose, it comes off much faster. But honestly, I thought I had hit a full-fledged stop to my weight loss and even my original surgeon thought I might be at the band's end. I was so mad because I was well over 35# away, and I thought I had no other options. :cry So while I was contemplating a revision to a bypass (quite seriously) I consulted another doctor for fills, who thought that there was still life in my band, and that we'd try. Well after 4 1/2 months, two small fills got me jump started again. So it is possible you're not done yet. Have faith. Remember Bandsters can always try to jump start their weight loss even 2 or 3 years later. That's one benefit that RnY or bypass patients often can't claim.. So, maybe the fat lady hasn't sung. (Heck, I haven't even warmed up my voice, yet! :heh: ) I would never, ever, ever even think to write to some person I didn't know: "You're just going to be an average person who some people find attractive and some people don't." Respectfully, I think that's bollocks. To some people, it is worthwhile to work at being attractive. It's no more setting themselves up for disappointment then cheering for their favourite football team or hoping that it won't rain on a particular day. It's all relative, and people certainly can define what's important to them. Just like some folks think having Weight Loss Surgery is worthless to them, having it and doing all that is needed to get to whatever level they aspire to (including plastic surgery, if they like) is acceptable. Everyone should define what their goals are, and luckily that's individual. Just a thought.

... to please get the (*&^%$#) space out of the top of my signature? I've edited it out a zillion times, but it still shows up. I'm SO frustrated. It's like it thinks my old Ticker is still up there, but I've long since deleted it when it got out of date. Now I'm stuck with the space and I've done all I know to do. Suggestions?

Aw, MaryB: :cat:"In Loving Memory of Mouse" Oh:think This made me think of my late, great, and dearly missed Cocoa Puff. She was a great cat - and a wonderful companion.

((( Hugs, Penni. )))

I tried that, PhotoNut. Believe me, I've cut and paste until my manicured little fingers were exhausted. I've wiped and wiped the space out, but it keeps coming back. I'm OK at HTML but BB code and IMG code really bug me, cuz I can't see what I'm doing, LOL. Of course, I will try it again, but I'm so frustrated. Again, thanks.