Melissa Lea

Whatever, very similar situation happened to me. I thought I had slipped. I went for a complete unfill under fluro and it was determined that I was not too tight and not slipped. I elected to have a complete unfill. Long, long story short....my situation....took nearly 5 months to diagnose the problem after unfill. I ended up in emergency room with abdominal pain, distension, vomiting. After all test for gallbladder were done and normal the ER doc did a CAT scan to learn I had a bowel obstruction. After 3 days in hospital, a surgeon was consulted to evaluate my situation. He elected to do laporscopic exploratory surgery to see what was up with my obstruction. This surgery turned into an open, emergency bowel small bowel resection. The catheter to my band had come lose and wrapped around my small intestines 5 times shutting off the blood supply and killing a small sections (abt 5 inches) of my intestine. My general surgeon had never seen or heard of this happening. Nor has the bariatric surgeon I'm working with (im looking into revision). sadly, there are operative pics that show this. I am by no means trying to scare your nor am I implying this is happening to you. What I am saying is listen to your body and command further testing. My general surgeon said my bowels were starting to perforate which could have killed me with poison leaking into my body. This kind of GERD is not normal and your body is speaking loud and clear. By the way....I was 4 years post op when this happened. Best regards, Aspi

Hello Junbies ...... I haven't seen a June Band Crew thread yet so thought I would start it . I'll be banded on June 9th in Texas. I'm getting very excited about it. I know that the band is just a "tool" to aid in my weight loss journey and it will take a lot of hard work on my part to make it successful. I've been overweight my whole life with the earliest memories being around age 4. Although no one else in my family is overweight, I am extremely fortunate to have full family support in my decision. I know that there are many people who's family doesn't offer the support they need. I would love to meet other pre-bandsters being banded in June to walk with me to the banded side of life and offer each other support. I wish you all the best. Melissa Lea :hippie: Pre-bandster 240 lbs June 9, 2006 Spivak self-pay

Most recent full body pic. You can click on the picture to see it larger. I just learned that :wink:

So sorry I left ya hanging!! I have been thinking about each and every one of you and had EVERY intention of getting on here my bandiversary date of June 9, 2009. I am 3 years out, 80 pounds down, still 20 pounds from my first goal and then about 15 more pounds for my ultimate "dream" goal but will be happy at my goal. I have no struggles except I am a turtle pace loser. I am happy to report that the tortes did win the race :-). I too will win this race. In December, I have already decided I will start to scope out plastic surgeons to interview and ask questions about procedures whether I am at my goal or not. I am extremely fortunate to have such a supportive family and close friends. I have to admit, for the most part, I am still a "closet" bandster and I prefer to keep it that way. It makes things simpler for me. I will see if I can figure out how to upload a recent pic of me. I hope more peeps come on and post. I've been really bad about posting lately. But I haven't forgotten about you all. Hugs & Happy Bandiversary!! Melissa

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! I'm sorry that I haven't been on here much lately. My life has just been crazy, busy with work and the new house. I barely have time for me. I miss you all and think of you all often. Touch base when you can. Melissa Lea

Thanks for the info quennee. I will reasearch this doctor some more. Michee, did you have your reconstruction surgery in canada? Melissa Lea

Hey Quennee Where in Mexico if you don't mind me asking. I will be self pay and need a full body recontouring procedure. I am self pay for band and I am almost positive I will be self pay for reconstructive surgery as well. I still have about 30 to 40 more pounds I want to lose but I am starting to research my options. Thanks! Melissa

Hey Everyone! I know, I know!! It's been awhile since I last posted. I have to admit that the Halloween Candy has gotten the best of me this year but tomorrow is a new banded day :rolleyes2: Socalgal --don't be jealous, book a cruise!! I LOVED IT!! I am so ready to go again. Lucy --it's great to hear from you and your success. I am happy to see you are enjoying life. Regina --I want to see pics from this bull ride!! I'm waiting. I hope everyone else is doing well. I hope that others will pop in soon and give us a quick update on the band or just life in general. Have a great one! Melissa Lea

How was the fling Regina?? Glad to see you are enjoying your walks Socalgal. Barb465 I'm glad to hear you have restriction. It's been awhile since I have posted. I have been crazy, busy as usual with work, the new house and I just returned from my vacation, a 7 day cruise and I absolutely had a great time!!! I wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone and to let you know I am still hanging around. Will try to stop in a bit more frequently as things settle down for a couple of weeks (I hope, fingers crossed). I hope to hear from everyone soon. Melissa Lea

"Bottle of determination"?? Let me know if you find it Pinky!! I've been doing alright with the band. I hit another plateau so I decided to take a break from the band which means I have maintained for a couple of weeks. It's been a good break but time to get back on the bandster wagon and hit my goal by Christmas, another 20 to 30 pounds gone. I hope that everyone has enjoyed the summer. I know for the most part I have but I am ready for some cooler weather. I hope to hear from some other bandsters soon. I hope everyone is doing well. Have a great weekend!! Melissa

Hi Everyone!! July has been a quite month on the board. I am just as guilty as everyone else! I've been traveling for vacation and enjoying this summer time. As usual in my life, things are crazy, busy. Still trying to unpack since I moved into the new house. It would be nice if I have actually been home on a weekend since moving in. I will be this weekend, but I have compnay coming. I hope everyone is doing well. Drop in and say hello when you get the chance. PS. I am at an all new time low in my weight 181.5 pounds this morning. I am a slow looser and that is fine by me. Melissa Lea

Hey Everyone! I got moved into the house and finally got internet service at home. Thought I'd drop by and say a quick hello before I head out of town, "again!!". I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July Holiday weekend! Melissa

Congrats to everyone that has had their band anniversaries. I can't wait to hear from those whose anniversary dates are coming near. It is an exciting month for us all. I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello. I have been packing and packing and packing as my move date into the new house in this coming Saturday. I never seem to have enough time in the day. I will be glad to get settled into the new place. I am sure that will take me a couple of months. Have a great rest of the weekend and enjoy Father's Day. Melissa Lea

Hey Everyone! Today is my 2 year band anniversary. It was 2 years ago that Barb12 and I sat in the waiting room anxiously awaiting our procedure. I am so glad to have had you on this journey with me as well as each and everyone of you. I could not and would not be where I am today without each and everyone of you. Today my weight on my 2 year anniversary is 185#. Right before Memorial Day weekend I was at 183# but managed to gain 4 pounds over that one weekend. I think every now and then it is alright to endulge. But now I am back on the losing side. For the NSV I am in a very comfortable size 14 pant and some 12's, tops are 16's but regular sizes. I have actaully been able to go into "normal" sized clothing stores and people wait on me without judgement and are excited to help me. Also, I am trying to exercise more, I have more energy than I had 2 years ago, and most of all, I like the way that I am starting to look and trying very hard to be more comfortable in this body God has given me (and will give me after a nip/tuck in the future). I hope that everyone is doing well and will check in on their anniversary date. We are still here for each other. And for those of us, like myself, that haven't quite made it to goal ....let year 3 be the one we celebrate our goal :biggrin:. Love ya! Melissa

Hey Everyone! Just dropping by to quickly say hello. I have not fogotten my bandster family. I have been crazy, busy with work and now a move to the new house on top of it. June is gonna suck!! Will try to pop in when I can keep my head above water. I hope everyone is having a great summer thus far!! Melissa

Socalgal --i just saw your pic of your bathing suite. I thought you looked great!!! But I agree, if you are not comfortable in the bathing suite then buy one that you are comfortable in. Barb4 it sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I am happy that you were able to have this travel expereince. Pinky ---hope you are doing better after your slight unfill. I hope everyone else is doing great! I am a nervous wreck at the moment as I am trying to close on a house next week. I have absolutely no time to get any of the things I need to get done completed. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Melissa lea

Hi Everyone! It's good to hear from some of you that we haven't heard from in a while. I know that life gets busy. I have been crazy busy with work and in the process of buying a house. I am so ready to pull my hair out. I reached a new milestone today on the scale, down to 185 pounds. I hope the weight loss momentum continues in my favor as things have been moving so slowly for me. Pinky and socalgal --good luck with your fills. I am sure that you both will have a very positive weight loss journey in no time. Barb --welcome back from your travels. Where all did you go again? Good luck with your fill when you body settles down and you are able to get one. Has anyone heard from Barb12??? I think she must have fallen off the face of the earth :frown:. I hope she and others drop by soon and say hello!!! Melissa Lea

Hey Everyone! I wanted to drop in and say a quick hello. Things have been pretty hectic in my life right now (personal and professional). But even during my absence, I think about my banded buddies all the time. I hit a new milestone last week. I made it to the 180s!!! I feel like that is a HUGE vicotry for me. I can't tell you the last time I have seen that number. Today, I weighed in at 188.5. I am so excited. I am trying to run with this new momentum and get some more weight off of me before things slow down again. I have come to the conclusion that I am a "slow" loser and that's fine by me. I hope to hear from everyone soon. Thanks Socalgal about the pics. I will try and put a couple up soon. Would love to see current pics of everyone as well. Take care! Melissa

Will someone please remind me how to post pictures on here from photobucket? Thanks! Melissa

Hey Julie!! Congrats on your upcoming procedures. I have been thinking about some procedures I will want to have but still need to lose at least 40 more pounds. That would put me at 100 pounds lost. Barb4 --have an awesome time on your travels. Have a great one everyone! Melissa

Pinky --thanks for the compliment. It is always nice to hear. Also, congrats on the closing. I know how thrilled you are to have the condo off your hands. I do know how much you enjoyed the condo. I hope that everyone has a Beautiful Easter :thumbup: Melissa

Hey Everyone! I am glad to hear from some of you that have been away for awhile. Regina --as for the email notifications you may have to reset it. You can go into "my account" then "edit options" then scroll down for email notifications. I am very glad that your DH is getting the much needed rehab that he needs. I know that you will adjust to the changes in your life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy --I am very happy for you. It sounds like things are moving in the right direction for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Pinky --congrats on the condo deal. I know how happy you will be to have that off your hands. I am glad to know that your DD is getting back out into the game of "love". I had the worst PB of my banded life today. It seriously let me know that I am banded today. I've had it pretty easy with that thus far. Today last about half an hour. I think I got a small piece of meat or something stuck. Whew! I feel for you guys/gals that have this frequently. I FINALLY get it!!! I hope everyone is doing well. Melissa

Hey Socalgal! Hang in there. I think you are doing great. Some of that weight gain is most likely fluid from your cycle. Keep doing the things that got you to your goal and you will be just fine. Pinky --sounds like things went well at your nutritionists appt. I hope that he/she is able to offer you the accountability that you need to reach your goals. I am treking along. I lost another pound, finally!!! But I have lost many inches. I have had several NSV that I have noticed. Last week I pulled out an old XL concert T-shirt thinking this should fit just fine. It is actually too big. I am also wearing a blouse I bought last year, only 10 pounds heavier, and not able to even button it. It is now fits with room to spare. I had a set back in my running as I kind of re-injured my ankle. Or I should say...the ankle is lettling me know what it will and will not let me do for right now. I have been trying to just walk several times a week and I hope by the end of march pick my running up again. Not that I was doing that much running. I hope everyone is doing well. I am off to my life on the highway. Have a great day! Melissa

Socalgal --so very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is to battle our own demons, esp when it comes to food. You know that we are here for you should you need to vent. If you don't want to vent on the public forum you are more than welcome to PM. I will listen. I have had a very interesting day today. I had 3 PB epsidoes. For the first time since having this darn band i feel tight!! I actually want to jump for joy. I feel like for the first time in a year, I was able to stick to the "bandster" portion or less. I am glad to hear from everyone. I hope all are doing well. That cold front is moving here in the south. It's windy, rainy, and getting very cold. I just hope the rain stops before I have to work tomorrow. I do not like working in the rain. Have a great one! Melissa

Socalgal --so sorry of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Melissa Lea