hillmama

how are you b vitamin levels? In particular b-12? I have had alot of hair loss due to a deficiency.

I must chime in here. I had a mirena IUD placed in 2006. I didn't have a period for awhile, but then I did. I had lap band surgery in March of 2008. In January 2009 (this year), I started having cramping. I never cramp so I called my OB/GYN. Everything looked normal but she couldn't find IUD. That was a HUGE problem to me. An ultrasound revealed NO MIRENA IUD. An abdominal x-ray showed the IUD perforated through my uterus and was in my intestines. My dr said this is very rare but it can happen. In most cases where they can't find them, they have fallen out but I was not that lucky. I am lucky I didn't end up pregnant and I am lucky that I didn't have to have some of my intestines removed or end up with a coly bag forever. Definitely check for it if you get one. The insertion of the IUD was very crampy but nothing unbearable. But as a bandster I would personally stay away from them. After that IUD removal, my band was never the same and I had to have a revision on my band in November of this year. I truly believe that IUD surgery was the cause. They do work really well for some people but I just wanted to share my experience.

I would definitely say my asthma is better. I rarely use medicine at all anymore!

I was banded March 25, 2008 Yes I have thrown up! I would throw up occasionally the first six months when I would try new foods or eat improperly - meaning not chewing each bite enough, eating too fast, etc or attempting a food I simply knew I couldn't consume. However, I developed a concentric pouch dilitation after another abdominal surgery almost a year post op. When that happened, I threw up daily, just about every meal, or anytime I put something in my mouth. It varied. I couldn't pinpoint exactly anything, it was very fickle and not normal or predictable. I thought it was normal for awhile, but it was not. throwing up like that is not normal. once the problem was identified, I went through months of trying to fix it nonsurgically with fills and unfills. Got sick alot. Finally had to have a revision. Hope this helps!

YAYAYAY!!! Congrats! Hope you feel better soon - you will :biggrin: and you will be so glad you are a fellow bandster :sad:

I would be very careful comparing your weight loss to that of others. Everyone is very different and you need to stay confident and motivated in your journey. There are people that lose really slow and people that lose really fast. I didn't lose much at all the first six months and then after that the weight started falling off. You are seven weeks post op, so give it some time and listen to your body. Best wishes

I would be thankful for gaining a cup size! that's awesome! I was a DD before surgery and now it's like I have nothing. yes, I know exactly what you mean about feeling bones you are not used to. My hip bones are the ones that have stuck out the most to me, as well as my ribs, even my wrists and knees. I do have some of the squishy, loose skin but I plan to have most of that removed. I started at 282 in March of 08 and was down to 130 by this summer. I'm in a fluctuating phase right now due to a revisional surgery but I still feel the bones

Honestly, I completely understand your fear of gaining any weight back, but I would let them let some fluid out. I had an abdominal surgery after I was banded - I had an IUD that perforated through my uterus and was in my intestines. After that surgery to remove the IUD, my band was never the same. I kept getting really sick and I truly feel as though that's when my complications started. That's just my personal opinion. I have now had surgery to have my band revised and have gained a few pounds, but I get to start having fluid back again tomorrow. Good luck and best wishes!

cat lady, even though I have endured my fair share of complications with my band I would without a doubt do it all over again!! That's what it all comes down to. I would in a heartbeat. I can not live without my band!

Thank you KTKaya. I'm feeling better. It's just been a long journey :thumbup: Barble - I think that's all part of it. I went through a phase where I withdrew, but never with my kids. Everyone else though I did withdraw from. Relationships change and you feel different. There is so much to this whole experience that is mental and I think that the mental aspect isn't given the amount of attention that is needed by practitioners. Definitely talk to your PCP. I've read alot about depression being very common with WLS patients. It would make sense - think about all the nutritional changes and what the body goes through. It would make sense to me that it would create imbalances. I think mine has been brought to the surface by vitamin deficiencies and the complications I've experienced. Hang in there and keep us updated.

You are not alone in feeling like this. The emotional part of your whole journey will hit you at different phases than others, but post op depression is pretty common. I really didn't have much of that going on that I was aware of until I had this last revisional surgery and I've been a mess. I'm four weeks post op. Hang in there and lean on those who understand what you're going through.

I know, I totally understand that. Surgery by choice creates much more anxiety and fear, especially being a mom. It took me three years to decide I would do the surgery because I have children! The risk of complications is what scared me the most. I talked to my surgeon about that and he reassured me that the risk was very low.... Think about the positives of this surgery and how it will change the example you set for them! You will be okay. When you get to the hospital, express to them your nerves are haywire and that you need an IV 'margarita!'. STAT! I have had several surgeries and I have never had anything for my nerves in pre-op. I just had a lap band revisional surgery four weeks ago. the anesthesiologist gave me a shot of versed or what he called a "maragarita" in the pre-op waiting room. I was so looped up when my surgeon came that I did not care! You just need to be able to relax. Hang in there and let us know how you feel afterward!