Jersey Jesse

I was banded in January of 2006. I lost over 100 pounds before I had my first fill. My start weight was 340, and now it is 215. I was told that my band eroded and needs to be removed. I am really upset about this since I paid out of pocket for the surgery and it took me almost the last 5 years to pay off the $19k. Now that I need to get it removed, I'm scared to death that I will regain the weight. The doctor I spoke to said that a band will never be in my future once this is removed, and he said that I can't get a sleeve done until I regain weight. What are my options? Any suggestions? I have insurance that will cover the removal but not a new band or a sleeve, so I need to know what my best bets are. Thanks in advance. Jesse

I had an EGD and the gastro told me that he saw an erosion. I also saw a band surgeon who's in my network and he said that it would need to be removed, and that I will never be a candidate for another band, even tho I've never had complications, infections or any other surgical complications. I have read that several surgeons are now doing band conversions to sleeves when erosion occurs and that it's becoming much more routine due to the growing number of older bands that have been eroding. I would love to get my benefits company to pay for the surgery since its a required surgery, and I would assume they would pay for the removal, but I would need to speak to a surgeon to figure out how much additional out of pocket expense it would be to do the conversion at the time of the removal. I really want the conversion, but because I am unemployed and paying $1400 a month for COBRA alone, adding a $10k debt on top would make my wife and I just cry, especially since I just finished paying off the first procedure. It almost feels like buying a new car with a warranty, and the day you make your last payment and the warranty has expired, the car dies, and now you have to pay to have someone dispose of it for you. I'm so depressed about the situation. Thanks for your help. Jesse

Thought I'd stop by and show where I'm at these days.

It's been a while since I posted an updated pic so here goes. I was banded Jan. 30th, 2006 at 339, now I'm 202 and here's a before and after for comparison.

Ok, so its been a long time since I posted here and I just got a "Happy Birthday" email from LBT and figured I'd come back and say hi and post some new pics. Let me know what you think. Jesse

I found a solution for relieving restriction discomfort. It may not work for everyone but it is definitely working for me as of late. Brief History: Every time I eat something, the first few bites make me feel a terrible discomfort for the first minute or two, and it basically halts all eating or drinking until the discomfort goes away. Well - This was unacceptible when I was going to lunch with coworkers and I had to excuse myself every time I went somewhere to eat because I had to head to the bathroom to get rid of the slime. My Solution: After having a bad PB episode at home, I tried something that seemed to be the last thing I would ever try. I took a deep breath and held it. Lo and behold, the pain subsided, the food slid down properly and I was able to resume eating without discomfort. WHAT A REVELATION!!! Finally, I had something I could do to help me cope with the restriction pain. My Theory on why it works: I believe that the deep breath (literally filling my lungs to capacity) seems to help my esophagus compress and squeeze the food down. If I then follow the deep breath with a small sip of some liquid, the pain leaves even faster. Just my two cents. Hope this is useful to someone. Jesse PS - Thanks again for the continued help and support. Had this site not existed, I would feel much more alone, and for this, I'm extremely appreciative. Banded January 30th, 2006

Man - all you gals have husbands/boyfriends who have no idea how lucky they are. I've lost over 110 pounds and while I feel damn sexy now , my wife has absolutely zero interest in sex and its really crushing my self-esteem. I only wish I knew how to motivate her. She says that sex for women is emotional, but she's been starting lots of fights and arguments lately, and I play the passive "whatever you say dear" role cause I just don't want to prolong the agony, but then later, she blames our fighting as the reason she won't have sex, so either way, I lose.

I figured it might be time to update this thread with some recent pix now that summer is here. These were taken on June 30th.

Denial isn't a river in Egypt if you know what I mean. People only admit to what they aren't ashamed to admit to. The band isn't a magic pill, it requires a behavior change.

I don't think the band was unnecessary, as there is still some restriction, its more of a mental reminder to eat with limits. As for my daily diet, I typically eat: Breakfast: A Quaker Oat Granola bar (low fat) Lunch: Tuna or chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with a couple slices of pepper jack Dinner: Mostly a lean meat dish, like turkey meatloaf or salmon steak and a side veggie (broccoli or spinach) My workout routine: Day 1: Biceps, triceps and forearms Day 2: Chest and shoulders Day 3: Back and calves Day 4 (if I work out a 4th): Typically abs, lower back and traps If you want a more thorough breakdown, send me a private message and I can give specific exercises and weights/reps/sets

Redstrat - thats exactly how it was for me. I haven't had a fill yet to date either and I still continue to lose weight, although much slower than before.

Almost at my goal weight, although my goal weight may be changing. I'm really stuck now that I'm more muscular than I initially thought I'd be when I first was banded, so I'm still not sure what a reasonable number to set for myself is. Anyway, here is a current pic of me with my before side by side so you can see a comparison. Its been about 16 months since my band date so this is still a work in progress for me. Before: After:

Bandito - I hate to say this, and hope this is only my experience, but I have had to give up golf. The port feels like it digs into your guts when you turn your torso sharply.