tallymia

Hi everyone, so I had registered here awhile ago but never really participated, but now I think I need all the help I can get. I have had the surgery year and half ago (19 months now), and I have not lost a single pound. I am really ashamed about it, but there is nobody in my life that knows I have the Lap-band (and I mean NO ONE, friends or family), so I really have no one to talk about this. I have also moved to a different state for a job right after the surgery, so I haven't seen my doctor (or any lapband doctor) in over a year. Before you judge me, yes, I know I was not mentally ready for this, but this thing has been inside for almost two years, so it's time I get my life back in order.... Few things about me: I am in my 20's female. I moved to different city 2,000 miles for a job, so I have no family or close friends here to help me get through this. I weighted 195 lbs before surgery and weigh exactly the same right now. I have had one fill after surgery, and at first I felt little restriction but it went away with time. I have also been vegetarian for 10 years now, so I survive on carbs. Is there any hope for me??? Is it possible I had stretched my pouch over the time? I know I need to start by finding a doctor in my city, but what else do I need to do to get on the track??? Any little suggested or words of incouragement will be greatly appreciated :cursing: Also, if anyone from NYC, maybe can recomment a doctor here. Please help, I feel like I lost control of my life :scared2:

Thanks mominkansas, support group is exactly what I need, but do I need to be a patient of that center to visit their group sessions? What I mean is that for example NYU has a great session, but do I have to have a doctor there, or can I just visit? I know I should be probably asking them about it...... Thanks for the idea, I'm going to call them right away. I'm in desperate need to talk to someone about this.

Ok, so I thought I'd update this thread in case anyone else has fallen off the wagon and needs to start over by going to a new doctor. I called my first choice, NYU center: $475 for first consultation to become a patient, + $175 for some initial test, and + $125 for each fill...... well, that's out :wink: Next, Lenox Hill, $350 for first consultation + $100 for every fill (Not sure about any tests). Still a lot, but more doable that NYU. Then I called few smaller places that do not take outside post-op patients at all!!! This is going to be harder than I thought. Hopefully I can settle on a doctor by end of the week, who's not going to cost me an arm and a leg. And, no, my insurance will not cover it, so I had paid for the surgery out-of-pocket. Thanks for everyone's moral support, wish me luck :eek:

Hi Lauren, Dr. Kurian is the one I've been considering, but I ran across somewhere that NYU med is a little pricey, since I'm paying out of pocket. I have to call around on Monday, because I do want to make a commitment, which means I have to be able to afford more than just one visit. I will try calling Lenox Hill offices, thanks for the pointer.

Thanks everyone, I just found 3 different doctors in my area I am going to call on Monday. I am so anxious, I would call right now but it's Saturday night, so I just have to be paitient until Monday! Wish me luck, I'm already getting excited !!!!

Actually I lost 10 pounds the first month, but then gained it back over the year and half.... so now I'm back to 195. I know 10 pounds gain is not a lot considering I haven't had much restriction or haven't been dieting at all, but I am still mortified that I stretched my pouch. I guess I wont know until I make it to the doctor. The thing is, the reason I've been putting this away for so long is that I'm sooo embarrassed to face the doctor and tell than how irresponsible I've been. :cursing:

Yes, you are exactly right. I was too naive to think this was the answer and the weight will magically fall off. And no matter how many times the surgeon repeated this was "just a tool", I nodded my head, but still thought if I could just get this piece of plastic, everything will be OK. I am so dissapointed with myself... :cursing:

I had to travel exactly one week after surgery and it was not easy... I had to drive by myself 500 miles, which was very difficult because when you sit up and do not move for several hours (as you will have to do on the plane) the port site started hurting and ALL the gas pain went to my left sholder like never before. It started huring my neck and even went up to the left side of my head. I had to stop at the rest stop and lay down for half and hour! I felt like my left side of stomach back and head was going to explode!! With all this said, I had NO prior pain for the week, was off my painkillers and thats why I decided to travel. The pain went away the next day, but I would definitely not do it again! Nor do I suggest you try traveling, especially to NYC. You might think you're feeling perfectly fine, but between sitting in the plane, airport wait, and lifting the suitcase it will probably not be easy. You have to really think this one out, or better have someone travel with you!