marys

Just wanted to let my friends at lapbandtalk know i had my band removed last Friday. Even though the docs did not think the band was causing my problems (burning in mouth/throat) - I was desperate. Unfortunately they (Dr Ortiz and crew) were right and the burning came right back when I got home. Now they are further checking me for possible heartburn but it still seems far fetched since it's only in my mouth BUT - I would say I am recovering nicely from the surgery but very depressed to have lost the band for nothing and still be suffering. I pray every day for an answer to my ailment so I can treat it and finally feel better. I am on the verge of leaving my job due to the stress and constant feeling so bad. Today it's not too bad and I feel I might one day find out what is wrong but most days are pretty dismal. Now, I'm also plagued with thoughts of gaining weight and already dealing with the constant feeling of being hungry. ugh - The band didn't get me where I wanted weight wise but it definitely kept me from gaining and overeating - I will sorely miss it. mary

Well i made it almost two years without ever eating the junk some folks talk about going down easy - maybe have had a few Cookies, a few small bags of chips but have really followed those old bandster rules pretty much to the letter - yesterday had a meltdown/depression (too long to go into here) coupled with horrible pms (i started the day with a blob of ketchup with salt in it - soooo sad) and just a feeling of giving up - why the hell am i doing everything right and basically the only banded person in the world still fat and not losing -suffice it to say at an all time low well i learned how to binge with the band and i wont share cuz i'm sure you can imagine - had more then my fill all day of sweets and salt and fell right back into my old pattern of eating to soothe myself. i hope i can stop - i feel like i crossed some line of just giving up. i have been there before but always pull myself back up out of this band despair but it was always without that reminder of how much food helps me. it also felt good to eat and eat - you see what i mean??? i feel broken and unfixable right now.

Just pulled this off the internet - I believe it's by Michael Murray the alkaline diet proponent. It does make you think - don't see many thin people drinking diet soda and it never helped me lose any weight... Why "Diet" Soda Makes You Fat Many people see diet soda is an innocuous, harmless beverage that can't possibly cause any harm to their waistline since it doesn't have any calories. Think again. Research published this summer in the medical journal Circulation shows that people who drink more than one soda a day -- whether it's regular or diet -- have an almost 50 percent increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which doubles their risk for heart disease and diabetes. Two years ago, a study at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that there was a 41 percent increase in the risk for being overweight for every single can of diet soda a person consumed daily. But how can something with no calories increase the risk for obesity and heart disease? There are several possible ways. First, my own theory is that the sweet taste works in the brain to create a conditioned response. The body responds as it usually does to normal sugar -- with insulin, the fat-storing hormone. Those circuits in the brain are pretty primitive and ancient, and they can't immediately distinguish chemical fakery. As far as your brain is concerned, sweet means sugar. It's entirely possible that physiologically, you would respond to aspartame in the same way as you would to table sugar. It's only a theory, but it makes sense to me. Second, sugar creates its own cravings. Just as a taste of rum creates an unstoppable craving in an alcoholic, it's entirely possible that the taste of sweet, even if it's fake, creates the same cascade of cravings in a carb addict that regular sugar does, leading to overeating and binging and all the rest of the reasons people put on weight. Third, many people think that by drinking diet beverages they're "saving" calories. They subconsciously allow themselves to eat more, figuring it's not doing as much harm since they're drinking a diet drink. The diet drink gives them subconscious "permission" to eat more. What's worse than making you fat, aspartame may be toxic. Aspartame is made primarily from three ingredients: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Methanol, an alcohol, breaks down in the body to formaldehyde, a poison if there ever was one. Apologists for aspartame say that it doesn't create enough formaldehyde in the body to cause any damage, but I'm not so sure. Exposing children to formaldehyde levels as low as .75 mg daily for several months has been shown to cause gradual toxicity. Plus, diet soda is frequently stored in hot warehouses, causing chemical breakdowns that went undetected in the original safety studies that looked at "ideal" conditions. Soda is bad news, whether regular or diet. Period. Note: Dr. Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition and health. He's a board certified nutrition specialist with a Master's degree in psychology. Dr. Bowden is also a life coach, motivational speaker, former personal trainer and author of the award-winning book, Living the Low Carb Life. [www.jonnybowden.com]

Here's what's happened since my last posting. Saw a general practitioner - she took vials of blood (the lab or someone 'lost' over 1/2 of it) and so far she found a very slight zinc deficiency and a Vitamin D deficiency. The gastro guy I saw (to rule out any stomach/gastro issues) was convinced it wasn't heartburn etc. but still suggested DOUBLING the full dose of nexium and taking it 2x a day - said it couldnt hurt. Well it did - it causes dry mouth so i went to dentist who was stunned - said my mouth was so dry the roots of my salivary glands were showing all over my tongue. He suggested dry mouth spray - over the counter - inexpensive and i had almost immediate relief.Off all nexium - taking good and high levels of supplementation - drinking soy milk, sitting in sun for 1/2 hr every day and feeling much better - heat is there but intermittent and no real bad episodes of burning. Am not planning on going back to doctors unless it doesn't go away comletely in two weeks. oh yeah also taking a spoon of cod liver oil- ugh and YUK - every day. I could have an underlying issue causing dry mouth but i think it was extreme stress which I truly had - taking phentermine and being on a huge diet (cuz i was unfilled) and afraid to gain weight - taking maalox for over a month - huge doses cuz i thought i had heartburn - and being on a liquid diet (labband docs instructions) cuz we were thinking this was heartburn - then the double nexium - all dry mouth causers - so - i guess i would say - do what u think is right but i wish i had kept my band - the band docs said it wasn't the band but i was desperate to feel better and thought it was. I would think carefully about whyyouare doing it and weigh opionions if that will help your condition. it feels pretty bad to know i went thru that and didn't need to. good luck

I have a burning/hot feeling in my mouth - sometimes tongue, sometimes palate, in back of throat. Feels like I ate about 30 tic tacs. Have had it for two weeks. Mostly constant, seems gone or less in morning, gets a little worse at night. Had several hours with no heat - was worse - now constant but lower level. Was too tight (caused lots of drainage, throat clearing) - completely unfilled. One week prior to unfill the burning began. It is not heartburn but was treating as heartburn. 2 weeks on huge dosage of antacides and mostly liquids so maybe I have overdosed. Gave up maalox and back to Mexico for band removal. endo and other tests showed band is fine and no one thinks it's heartburn (I never had it so thought it was). Saw a diet doctor for three weeks and was getting b-12 shots - missed one week and stopped doctor and shots - could it be that? Going to an ear, nose, throat guy who is also an allergist tomorrow and praying so hard he can figure this out. It's scary and just bad enough to be totally negatively affecting my life. Does anyone have any ideas what I should test, what kind of doctor(s) i should see? Thanks to anyone with an idea or suggestion. This is making me crazy. mary

Hey - thanks for that suggestion - I had read about thrush and did have that checked out. My tongue was black for the longest time due to the antacids - the doctors think (though not 100% convinced yet) that I am allergic to toothpaste. Now, I've used toothpast forever with no problem but i do switch around a lot. I bought a small tube of something (most likely colgate or crest) that had these silver squares mixed in - don't remember if it was flavor bursts or tartar control - but that may have done it. I'm to brush and gargle with baking soda/water and see what happens in 10 days. I'm on day three and it is much better - mostly intermittent now - so I'm hopeful. This diagnosis was from an ENT doc who is also an allergist. I have an internest appt on the 27th just in case this is still going on. I kinda went backwards to different docs - probably should've started with the internest but I kept thinking reflux and band related. Thanks again for your suggestion! Mary

Hi everyone - I recently was completely unfilled due to reflux (initial symptoms were allergy like - drainage/throat clearing) & I went MONTHS like this until I was told this was reflux. 'Ran' To Mexico last month 2/18 an had all Fluid out. Went on liquid diet + maalox for 4 days (as prescribed) felt better - ate very lightly for one week - no trouble - started eating normally (really!) with only one pig out (1/2 steak/cheese with BUN - no onions, mayo) Big but not like prebanding. Anyway - last weekend reflux came back and now with burning. Back on liquids and maalox. Local band doc gave me nexium but mexican doc suggested not taking it due to sitting in pouch (which i thought was not there now due to unfill) I am awaiting mexican docs call now (again) - he has my on liquids and maalox until tommrow - Well - I am not better - I have 'heat' in my throat and mouth and sometimes chest - maalox is making me gag and giving me the runs (sorry). And frankly I am scared and ready to book a ticket to get this band out. I'm thinking it slipped or eroded - NEVER had heartburn before banding. I'm ready to book a flight tuesday for band removal - this is seriously impacting my life/sleep and I'm starving. Help - any advice - suggestions - been through it. Thanks, Mary

I think they blindfolded me because that dang tube was sooooooo long and it's important to stay calm. It also takes about 1/2 hour to complete. They pull it out a little and read some numbers off it - then the nurse put Water in my mouth and he would tell me when to swallow. I was so thirsty from fasting (in case of surgery) I didn't mind the water LOL but it was a bit hellish. Even though I am a big baby I can make myself stay calm but boy was I glad when it was over. He also gave me a DVD on the endo and all the results from all tests so I won't have to do them again. And, back to Dr. Martinez - good lord that man is so darn handsome - and such a bedside manner. My boyfriend allows my little crush on him - heh- Phew! Thanks again everyone - I'll try to keep all posted - when I figure this all out.

I'm home from Mexico - was prepped for surgery - went for the endoscope (thank God you are asleep for that one!) and two types of barium studies to find out MY BAND IS FINE! They offered to take it out - if I wanted - but suggested I wait to see if I can figure out what is really wrong. Had another test in Mexico (wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy) - where you are AWAKE but they blindfold you - check your esophogus - with a tube down thru nose to way down there - they take readings - then make you swallow a bunch of times. Nicest mexican doctor but here's the difference. I go for the second test and he pats me on the shoulder and says "This you must be awake for - and it is uncomfortable and a little painful". I asked if I signaled him could we stop and he says "No, we don't stop' you just stay calm. Ugh. So - band is fine - no one thinks it is reflux. They recommended a few more tests state side - ear nose and throat and gastro guys but I'm resting for a week. My innards are sore so still not eating much but some. The burning is subsiding and I'm taking multi Vitamins and B vitamins and thinking the month of liquids and month of antacids was killing me. My body is probably so out of wack from stress and no food. I've lost 10lbs since this all started although I'm not saying that to 'brag' or necessarily think it is good - it is somewhat ironic. I was sad to think I would lose the band but would still do it if for some reason it is necessary or maybe even as a last resort but I'm not there yet. I will also say - my docs - at the Obesity Control Center - and all the staff are beyond wonderful, competent and caring. The care and attention to me were/are beyond anything I have ever received in the states. My local land band doc has STILL NOT CALLED ME BACK FROM LAST TUES. when i was in such distress. My OCC docts (particularly Dr. Martinez) are saints in my books - and the nurses - don't get me started. Thanks everyone who sent me well wishes - I love my lab band community - you are all a lifeline and such a good support - hugs, mary

No, not sure yet and the doc said maybe (to hernia) but even that can cause a slip (my band sister just had hers removed and put back in from a hernia they thought caused the slip) They will scope me and do tests first - it's just his opinion - and I just feel like it's slipped up - so, a slight chance no -but i'm pretty sure it is coming out.

Yikes, am heading to Mexico Sunday for band removal on Monday - doc says he has seen this many times and is almost positive the band has to be removed. I'm thinking so too as my quality of life is hurting these days. Am scared and sorry (in most ways) to lose it. Really my own fault though. Please wish me luck. I hate having to have surgery again but want relief. mary

Yes, you are too tight. Please don't wait too long to get some Fluid out - that is a huge fill esp for a second fill. you want to go up very slowly esp in the beginning. Being too tight is probably going to result in my band being taken out next week. Here is what my doc gives to all fill patients now...caution are you too tight? can't tolerate any solid food can eat very small amounts of solid food (painful and only a little stays down) can't tolerate liquids (this is an emergency) regurgitation of swallowed foods (pbing) heartburn (throat clearing apparently is a sign - this is MY note not the docs) night coughing or choking repeated pulmonary infections constant abdomina pain worsened by eating or drinking. these symptoms can appear immediately or a long time after a fill for no apparent reason; if you decide to wait there is ahigher risk of complications. please take to heart -IF YOU DECIDE TO WAIT THERE IS A HIGHER RISK OF COMPLICATIONS. a proper fill should restrict you in slight ways -you should be able to eat three (or maybe two -sometimes Breakfast is tighter) solid food meals. Personally I wouldn't have any fill level that doesn't allow me to eat THREE solid food meals a day in relative comfort- good luck - don't wait - mary

I know you probably don't want to hear this but the band is only a tool to help you lose weight - you still have to try very hard to make healthy choices, follow the band 'rule', exercise, etc. Possibly in the beginning you lost a lot of weight due to the surgery, more restricted diet, etc. Then as you 'adjusted' to the band started eating less healthy, etc.... Some people (like me) think the band is the answer - and it is just a 'help' - you still gotta work it - some people have to work it harder than others. It is suppossed to be in for life so give yourself some time - be a little patient with yourself as you learn how to live (for life) with this band. Definitely seek a group or person to help - food diary calorie counter and exercise are key - i have always like fitday.com -it's free and kinda fun. Weight watchers maybe (although don't mention you had surgery-they are pretty 'anti') and keep trying. You are healthy and still have your band. You can still work it and let it help you to lose weight again. You can do it. Don't give up. Mary

I was so worried when I got my first fill I got sick and let me tell you it is not bad at all. I hate needles and am the BIGGEST baby and I mean it - it isnt bad. I will say if you carry most of your weight in your tummy (mine is below the waist lol) you might like the numbing agent - but my port isn't too deep and I swear it really doesn't hurt - it hurts less than when I get blood drawn. Seriously. In fact, one fill I had the numbing shot and that was a bit worse than going without it. I promise you-it isn't bad at all. Try not to build it up in your mind - we wouldn't lie to ya. mary

I haven't eaten solids since Tuesday - I gave up coffee (suffered madly with a two day headache) and nothing acidic - mostly Water, a gatorade like drink, a few popsicles, some cream Soups, and a few Protein shakes. Even water starts me throat clearing or burning. I just made plans to go to Mexico next Tuesday (I wanted Monday) but I guess they are busy and sent the money for removal. I'm sad but need to get on with my life as this is seriously impeding i'm sure my health, my work, my home life, everything. I'll let you know how everything goes. mary

hey ladies, thanks for your comments and I'm not overly religious either but I'm not opposed to prayers! I was unfilled before but never for reflux - once to see if looser would help me lose weight - once an emergency (I ate a piece of sushi in the morning and got so stuck even Water wouldn't go down) and I think this is my third. My unsolicited advice to others - keep a fill that's comfortable and easy to maintain (i.e. eat healthy and well - just smaller amounts) - I've spent way too long looking for a fill that would 'make me lose weight' always going up and then down with the fill amount - if I stopped losing - add more. And I guess that's what they say but for me I should have stopped long ago and just kept living my life - trying to eat healthy, etc. If I keep this band and if I ever get another fill it will be the tiny=est amount ever - Just enough to give me a nudge to stop -

Yes, yes, and YES! Definitely consider an unfill and don't wait - I just went thru something similar with throat clearing and i waited months - was scared to death i had a slip. thankfully all is ok although i was a week on liquids and maalox and just had a bout last night - i have to take it super easy and i'm unfilled totally so it's hard as heck not to eat. good luck - act quickly - don't wait.

I say lie away - it's no one's business unless you decide to make it so - I found a hernia repair sounds good, is accepted and generally keeps nosy people happy. But I also agree with the person who said - just say your dgtr was confused - it wasn't you getting surgery - it was a friend. Just decide before someone asks you - keep it short and sweet and don't elaborate.

Stella, Please call OCC immediately and one of the docs will take your call - I just spoke directly to Ortiz and martinez within the last week - they are extremely responsive. I don't think Ortiz does the endoscope anymore but the flouro doesn't show if your band has eroded. Something is not right and you need to be agressive to find out what it is. Best of luck - please don't wait. mary

I posted my experience elsewhere but will do so here again - I had a nice fill for about 6 months then it tightened up unexpectedly resulting in throat clearning/drainage that took months for me to determine WAS reflux. Reflux is and can be a definite sign of a too tight band and should be immediately checked out- a slight unfill early can save major complications down the line. I wouldn't wait - I did and spent three nights in fear I had slipped my band - I now have a commplete unfill and resting things for at least 6 weeks. please please please be cautious.

Hi Everyone - I never had heartburn in my life and always heard/thought it was burning in your chest/throat, etc. Well about 3 months ago - I started with this drainage and throat clearing that just kept getting worse. First with food then with liquids. Went to an allergist cuz i thought it was food allergies. The doctor listened and immediately said that isn't food allergies - that is reflux! Since it originally started after eating out - I admitted I was probably over eating which I tend to do when eating out. I also know overeating can cause me to experience drainage -the sniffles. I vowed to watch it - etc. etc. To make a long story short - I ended up at my surgeons and have a complete unfill - not only was my situation very serious - any type of reflux is very serious and should be taken as such - please don't wait if you are experiencing these symptoms - My fill was fine and tightened up for no particular reason - I had gone almost 6 months with this fill before this started happening. I am so thankful my band hasn't slipped and I have a chance to fix this problem. I've been banded almost 3 years and am still learning =hope this help someone else. If you are experiencing this problem - please see your doctor immediately. Mary

Hi Jack, good to hear from you - I'm not on the boards as much as usual. I guess it doesn't matter how long we've been banded - we still experience these 'hardships'. Glad the sausage 'passed' lol and you are better now. I guess I'll confess to another bad behavior - I can't seem to suffer with stuck things now- if something gets stuck - i'll take a sip of water and you know what happens. I know, I know - not good but there you have it. take care, mary

Recently moved back to DC (live in DC - work in friendship heights) and would love to meet fellow bandsters - I'm off on President's day and would be happy to help coordinate a lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Don't want to step on toes if other meetings are happening but want to hook up let me know if you are interested or if something is already planned. My old stomping grounds - utah - had a monthly dinner... was a lot of fun. mary

I have been searching for months and months and FINALLY FOUND A LOCAL FILL DOCTOR. I just spoke to Carolyn in his office but he does fills and unfills and has flouro (and is also a surgeon who does lapbands and gastric bypass) - his name is Dr. Marc Rickford and he charges 150.00 and 140.00 (for office visit and flouro). I'm so excited. I already made plans to go to Mexico but may change that to start with a local doc That's all the info i have now but pm me if you want to talk further. Providence Hospital (near Catholic University ) Depaul Professional Building 1160 Varnum Street NE Suite 300 Washington DC 20017 Telphone: 202-448-4080 Fax: 202-448-4082

Finally! A fill doctor in D.C. for Mexican Patients I have been searching for months and months and FINALLY FOUND A LOCAL FILL DOCTOR. I just spoke to Carolyn in his office but he does fills and unfills and has flouro (and is also a surgeon who does lapbands and gastric bypass) - his name is Dr. Marc Rickford and he charges 150.00 and 140.00 (for office visit and flouro). I'm so excited. I already made plans to go to Mexico but may change that to start with a local doc That's all the info i have now but pm me if you want to talk further. Providence Hospital (near Catholic University ) Depaul Professional Building 1160 Varnum Street NE Suite 300 Washington DC 20017 Telphone: 202-448-4080 Fax: 202-448-4082 __________________