Band_Groupie

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

...or should I say Catsup...no, make that Catch Up... So much going on here that I didn't get a moment to even post my already completed posts...my Bandiversary, my scheduled visit to my Surgeon, my new projects... ...but those will come this week... ...let's catch up on the other important other stuff...life! It's the last day of Spring Break here for DS2, and DH took off a few days last week, so thus the busy week. He's got a crazy schedule the next two weeks, so we (OK, my 'honey-do list') needed to get lots of things done...he's got a late dinner today, off to Italy tomorrow with three guys from China, gets home late Saturday night and then has to catch a flight about 4 hours later out west for the week...ugh...I don't miss work travel. He's going to miss my Birthday and his this week *sigh*. DD spent the weekend with us, but DS1 had some big projects due and finals coming up, so unfortunately he couldn't get home from college. Saturday was our 29th Anniversary...we were supposed to go out Friday, but I had a stomach bug...and since DD was home Saturday night, we spent it with the kids and made a pact to do something big next year for our 30th. We had fun dying eggs...DS2's eggs...can you tell he loved the 'tie dye' kit best. We had a great time watching movies together and playing games...DD peed her pants laughing (she must have gotten my incontinence genes) when we played 'Just Dance 2' on the Wii and DH and I did a duet dance (DH has two left feet, but he beat me anyway because I was laughing so hard). DD and I did some girly things...painted our toenails...we dyed our hair in honor of Easter...mine turned purple...well a gray purple (I swear, wish I'd thought to take a pic), and not on purpose...and then we fixed it...and I let DD trim my hair for the first time for fun (it kept getting shorter and shorter...and I had to get out the scissors to even a few things up this morning). I gave DH's hair a trim for his trips (I started trimming people's hair in college, so you know I'm a professional LOL...besides, as he would say, there's not much left to trim LOL). Here are the kids...DS2 hamming it up after finding his hidden basket... DD opening her 81 eggs after the big hunt. Yes, we still hide an obnoxious amount of eggs for each kid (the older they got, the more we hid) in different rooms in the house...and yes, they still love the hunt...I'm sure we'll still be doing this until they have kids of their own. I made a great Easter brunch (OK, pick your chin up off the floor...yes...I cooked)...with a new recipe for a toasted crusty bread and savory egg casserole...YUM. We had the traditional Easter ham dinner, with some new appetizers (the Pittsburgh potatoe perogies were a little bland...I need to look up a sauce for next time). *Portion of Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Folllow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

Great post, and awesome WL! -BG

It's in the 40's now and we had hail and snow this week, but we're supposed to see 80 degrees on Sunday for the first time this year...com'on spring! -Had a great visit with my middle sis, her DH, and her youngest (of four boys). Here are some pics from downtown one day; visited DD's apartment, ate, and took a trip up one of the inclines (steel mill workers used to ride these down the hills to work at the mills on the rivers). [/url] 'Martha Moment' of the week: helped my Sis sew four new pillows for her Living Room (and she helped me pick fabrics for DD's old room). *Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book Weight: 154, down 2. Even though I was in line with meals, no, I don't deserve a good weight loss this week...did I mention that I bought the Costco 'big chocolate cake' and the 'cheesecake medley/variety pack' (and had a slice of both)? I sent the rest of the giant cake out the door with DD's BF and my nephew (chocolate = trigger food...and I don't even like cake). I'm going to send my daily meal list/amounts (OK, not this past week) in to Dr. Oz (*Note: Sent the show an email with specifics that they got wrong.). If you didn't see his show on LB (mainly regarding the new ruling for lower BMIers), videos are on his site HERE ...the LBers they had on were either lying or malnourished; 5 teaspoons of yogurt OR a cup of broth is a meal?!...and aren't both those sliders (this gal is a full 6 months out from surgery)? I was mostly angry with the bariatric Doc who didn't point out that their meals shown are NOT what is recommended and that none of them had enough protein. Thank G*d I didn't see this before my LB or that would have scared me off. Off to find my meds...head thumping, shaky, nauseous...I feel a migraine coming on...or maybe it's a sugar detox? Happy Weekend All! Come visit my blog and help me with the Lap Band book you talked me into writing http://bandgroupieth...t.blogspot.com/

So sorry to hear about all the troubles...I don't blame you for contemplating removal. I'd like to ask a few questions for clarity...I'm wondering why the Gastro didn't find the hole in the esophagus, didn't they do an upper GI before the surgery? I'm unclear why he would 'move the band up' (I'm picturing the band on the upper part of the stomach and the hole being above it in the esophagus)? Did your Band Doc know all along that you were having reflux, vomiting, etc. (all signs that you were too tight)? I know people who get to their sweet spot with almost nothing in their band (we all have different anatomy)...I'm wondering why they didn't fill you much more slowly after the complication? You should never have to 'tough it out' and deal with issues like you've been having since last summer (I know you know that being too tight can cause lots of complications). I read that the reflux damage can take up to 9 weeks to heal completely, so I hope you're feeling better soon! You may just be one of those that needs nothing or very little in your band to have restriction...and don't let any breakthrough reflux start again...if it is, you're too tight. Sorry for all the questions, just trying to see what's happening and help you out. I'm sure you're so frustrated with all this...glad that at least your WL is great! ((hugs))

So glad you're feeling better! My MIL had the shingles and said it was SO painful! Hope this fill does the trick!!!

- I've decided to start dieting to get these last pounds off (Atkin's as that was my most successful diet, several times). YAY...all the bacon and cheese I can eat! *Portion of Post Deleted For Lap Band Book - You know that first bullet up there...April Fools! And no, I'm not making fun of those that follow Diets with the Band (do what works for you). Hey, I knew I couldn't pull the pregnancy card again. - I started work on our Study I showed you (and DD's old room). I love blogging as it often helps me think things through and get new ideas (many from you)...I decided to "go shopping" in my own home and moved out two big pieces and moved in four smaller ones. DH got home late Saturday (poor guy/geez work...and it's a Sunday return this week), so Sunday I put him and DS2 to work moving all the furniture around to see how we liked it. When DH saw everything and where I was setting the small old TV (note here; this is not our main 'TV' spot-we have a nice flatscreen in the great room and a huge big screen in the basement), he decided he wanted to make his stamp on the 'new' room and went shopping.... I swear if 'She who dies with the most fabric wins!', is the women bumpersticker, then just replace 'Fabric' with 'TV's' for men! I've got lots of furniture and shelf painting ahead of me, but I'm excited about the final plan (pics to come when it's done). - My 'Martha Moment' this week: Remember the lamps for the Study I made, and that I noticed that the dried sheet moss had faded over time to a 'dead looking' brown? Well, I went out and bought new moss, but it wasn't as green as I wanted. I decided to try dying it with green food coloring in water...it worked...I started out covering (glue gunned on the moss) these topiaries that are also for the Study. I was dreading the lamps as I'd have to take all the glued on moss off the Styrofoam and replace it...and I wasn't sure how that would go (aka I was feeling lazy and knew it would be a ton of work). Then I had an idea...dye the faded moss that was already on it! A foam brush to dab on the solution...and voila! Think outside the box! (I wish being a 'green thumb' was always that easy!) - I've been 'Spring Cleaning'; kids rooms and my art closet for the past month...have a huge pile for charity, but I let my kids decide what they wanted to keep and box up (mainly toys they aren't using anymore). I think they all got the 'hoarder' gene from DH and I. I now have boxes of trophies (that they'll never look at again, but don't know it yet) and sets of their favorite toys...hey, it's a small price to pay not to be 'that Mom' (the one that threw away all their things). I've still got lots to finish up. - My middle Sis and her family are arriving tomorrow for their 'Spring Break' (I've been busy getting DD's empty/now 'guest room' back in order...shopped my house again and moved some furniture in)...'cause doesn't everyone want to vacation in Pittsburgh for their Spring Break (not much 'green' in sight herd, but hey my Snow Crocuses are blooming, and it's snowing...now who's playing the April Fools joke...snow in April?!!)? And no, I didn't know they were coming when I started the 'Spring Cleaning' so my house is a wreck and I'm cleaning like a wild woman. I'm so excited to see them! - Had a 'drinking girls' lunch yesterday with a neighbor (somewhat like a 'working girls' lunch, but without the working)...no, I only had one glass of wine...I SO needed the break from the housework and DH doesn't get home until early Sunday morning, so no help in sight LOL! Back to work! - 156 lbs., down 1 (again). Happy Weekend Fools! I'd recommend the rubberband on the kitchen sprayer (if you have a separate one from the faucet)...lined up just right...gets 'em every year!

Hey darling girl! I'm not back here often, but imagine my surprise when I saw your blog this morning...SO happy for you!!!! Congratulations, I know that was a big step to take, and I SO get the 'NORMAL' thing! You've been such an inspiration for me and so many others! ((hugs)) -BG

I'm here for you (hey, we're Band date sisters!)! The great thing about out Bands is that we have them forever...it's never too late to get back on track. OK, here's some thoughts (just trying to help)...I'm guessing you don't have perfect restriction/Sweet Spot right now? When's the last time you visited your surgeon?

JT, SO happy to hear from you! I think they should warn us that unfills seem to be as much a part of this process (as are gains...I know). Have fun on that cruise! I want to see that skinny pic! Size 10?!! AMAZING!!!

So good to hear from you! I went through the 'no doc' thing too (and gained a lot more than you)...get that new doc! Hope your foot heals quickly! -BG

Still eat everything (my Doc had no restrictions). -BG

Come share our 2 year Bandiversary HERE

Come share our 2 year Bandiversary HERE

*Portion of Post Deleted for LB Book On another note...we went to a Valentine's Day couples party at one of my GF's houses (old neighbor's of ours that now live about 30 min. away). She had about 75 people and a spread of food everywhere (and a chef's station with made to order crab cakes and different pasta dishes). We had a blast and I did fine with tiny amounts of food during the evening (tortellini, cheese hunks, chicken dish, and even meatballs). She asked each couple to send pics of themselves during their dating years (fun idea), which she printed up and had on display boards. As expected when anyone sees old pics of my DH, his got the most reaction from everyone who knows him...here's why (enjoy!)... Here we are in 1978 shortly after meeting... A few years later... The giant glasses were in...and barely a moustache now (No, not on me!...I was busy moving toward the 'big hair')... And here's how he came back from Geology field camp one summer in college...I didn't recognize him when he got back (all the Geology majors had beards...well, except the women). And OMG what was I thinking with the perm?! And here's our engagement picture as we were finishing college (and why my kids say 'You married Sasquatch!'). Our friends last night were calling him 'Mountain Man' (and asking me who my 'first husband' was LOL). Here I am ready to go last night in my Valentine pink. Here I am with my Valentine (and I had to leave Tucker in...looks like ghost cat!)...DH needs to get better at lining up timer pics and remembering he's a lot taller than me LOL. And here I am at the party...with some friends...that have obviously had too much to drink, as you can see by their fuzzy faces. And why do I always pick short friends? I'm an amazon compared to my petite friends and the 4" heels didn't help. </H3>

As usual, I'm behind sharing (here are my last three blogs, also here http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/[/url] ), enjoy! *Portions of Posts Deleted for Lap Band Book It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood... I've finally done it! I've met my first Blogger friends in person! My Pittsburgh neighbors! Here we are at lunch today. We were talking about how we started our blogs and how we found each other...I remember back when I started my blog on LBT (before I really knew what a blog was) and I thought it was just a spot on LBT for me to keep a little journal. I was so surprised to soon find friends there that I instantly had something in common with (on the scary internet of all places!)...our weight battles are such a connecting and bonding tie to each other. Having only met one LBer before in person (a nurse at my PCP...side note: It was great to finally meet Judi and thank her, as her blog was one that I had poured over when I started researching the LB (she's the perfect model for a textbook LB journey...no complications, no unfills, no Gallbladder out even...she's worked her Band perfectly...I, on the other hand...well, as my friend says 'It all happens to you so you can write about it for everyone else! These ladies are as fantastic in person as on their blogs and it was so fun to meet them...let's do it again soon! On to other news... Urologist Specialist check up today (yes, I was in the stirrups before going to lunch...yay)...and what did the Nurse and then my Doc want to talk about?....my LB of course. Last time I saw them I was about 60 lbs. down and today they were each full of compliments and questions. We're off to Philly tomorrow evening to stay with DH's sister/family (they have 2 kids about my kids ages) for the long weekend...DS1 can't go as he has a charity event this weekend at PSU ('Thon'), but DD is driving herself and meeting us there (she doesn't have Monday off and will come back early Sun). We need to get out there as we haven't seen DH's parents in awhile (remember, they had to cancel vacation with us this past summer...her hip). DH's sis says they've stopped driving at night, so I'm not sure if they're up to driving out to us anymore or not, we'll see...it's hard to find time for us all to be together and make the trip, now that the 5 teen/older grandkids are going every which way with schools/jobs, so we'll have to grab moments when we can, like this. Have a great weekend all...enjoy this heat wave (60's here YAY!)! Happy President's Day! Extra-Long We had a great extra-long weekend. We had an easy trip out as the sun was shining and the snow was almost all melted. We stayed with DH's sister/family and just relaxed, did some crafting with the girls, and visited. DH's parents live about 30 min. away and we talked a lot about their upcoming move to a retirement condo (a double like my parents moved to). At least they haven't started building their phase yet so we have about 1.5 years to recover from my parents move before another 'big move' begins. They took us to their Club (an old DuPont mansion is the Clubhouse) for dinner Sunday night: We left fairly early on Monday and coming back through the mountains on the turnpike we ran into the deepest fog I've ever been in. We were afraid we'd get rear ended if we slowed down too much, so it was a delicate balance driving less than 40mph with flashers on (and there was no pulling over to wait this out...just get down the other side of the mountain). We were white-knuckling it for awhile and I was helping to 'spot' for DH as I leaned forward (yeah, like that would help) and bugged my eyes out. Here's a pic after it cleared a little, but even here you can only see a few car lengths ahead. Thank goodness we left early as about 1/2 hour from home the rain, then snow started and it was accumulating fast. By morning we had about 10 inches on the ground. School was cancelled yesterday due to all the snow, so it was an EXTRA-long weekend. I've got a physical this morning (and DS2's is this afternoon) with my PCP Doc and I haven't seen him since my visit with him in 2008 when I first discussed the LB (I saw his CRNP's for all my LB visits). I'll remind you that he didn't give me the warm fuzzies about getting the LB then, so I'm super curious to see what he says today. As promised, I'll ask him about long-term use of a PPI for reflux (no, I haven't started using my Nexium again). The scale is very slowly moving (just as it should be this close to my maintenance weight) and I'm seeing the 150's again some days...sweet Goddess of Restriction! Let's hope I'm back to stay!

Hang in there, you'll be surprised how quickly it turns around once you start to feel better (for me about a week, but I'm old LOL).

I'm hoping you have your approval already. Mine took less than 48 hours (Highmark PPO Blue). Happy Banding! -BG

Exactly what she said. The new and improved Bands, plus the differences on how the surgeries are done have improved the amount of complications dramatically. Keep researching...everything you learn now will help with your success. One word of warning...most successful Banders no longer post at all...so there is a disproportionate amount of long-term banders with problems here as they are the ones coming back to research and get help with their problems...just something to keep in mind.

Following! Mine's in the sig...

***This is an excerpt of my current writings for the LB Book I'm writing*** For those not following my blog; I lost 100lbs. and reached my goal of 148 lbs. in June...then I had a 2cc unfill in June, 1cc back in Oct. (I'd gained 15 lbs. back, but was still barely in the Normal BMI range), and then my doc's practice shut down. I've been maintaining my weight (not easily), but waiting for a small fill since Oct. I went last week (Feb.) to the new Doc ((that took over their practice at my old hospital) for a fill and I was expecting to have to make a separate appointment for the fill (IF he'd give me one). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bottom line…I got a F-I-L-L yesterday and I couldn't be more happy about it! I either got a fill…because I was incredibly lucky…OR…because I was incredibly prepared. I'm choosing to believe that it was a little of both. The "Preparation"… Me and my 'almost OCD' have gotten better at preparing for Doctor visits. I don't know why I always get nervous going to the Doctor's (especially a new Doc visit), but I still do. I can remember what I want to say and give a speech in front of a room of several thousand people, but send me into a Doctor and I get nervous and have come away forgetting to ask about some of the main things I planned to ask about…yes, kicking myself all the way home. In my 'Year of getting Healthy' (the year I started the LB process and also went to every other Specialist for other health issues besides the LB ones), I knew I had to improve my Doctor visit skills if I really wanted to improve my health. After all, I'd tried addressing most of these health issues in the past (without much success) with many of the same Specialists. I decided that my main problem is that I'm not a complainer (with as much whining as I do here, you're not believing me, are you), and I hate whining about my health issues…I hate asking for personal help…the worst thing would be for a Doc to think I was a hypochondriac (Mom, it's all your fault again…you're the same way). I've always gone to the Doctor when I was sick enough, but I tend to play-down how bad things are and I only focused on the one or two most pressing issues…I thought it was up to the Doctor to put all my health history together. If the treatment didn't solve everything then I accepted that my growing health issues were 'just a part of getting older…and fatter', and that I'd just 'learn to live with them'. You'll remember that it all started with a physical at my PCP, where, for the first time, I planned the agenda for my visit and took in a list of all my health issues (OK, that one got a little derailed by my PCP first sending in a brand spanking new med student-who didn't own a pen, and I think didn't shave yet, but it was a good starting point). The planning was a result of my DH's insistence as he was in on a few prior Doc visits where he saw first hand how I didn't give them ALL the health issues and he was shocked how much I downplayed how bad things were and how he had to bring things up for me. He reminded me that my last job in business process improvement, I spent a lot of time designing meetings, leading groups through mapping processes, managing their focus, and getting to ALL the issues and details so you could see, analyze and improve things…not exactly what I was doing in these Doctor meetings. So I started using my old skills for ME. I think yesterday's Doc visit is a good example of all the changes I've made, how far I've come, and might have some things you can use: - TAKE CHARGE! - When I called my old practice last week and was told the first date available was 2 months out at my hospital, I didn't schedule it. It was unacceptable timing after already waiting 5 months for them just to set up new Docs. Instead I decided I'd go to the new Doc's office (further away), and got his name and phone number there. - Don't accept things you aren't happy with, whether it be timing, a second opinion, or even moving to a new Doc if you're not happy with your care (reminding you that after a hysterectomy and bladder sling surgeries both for incontinence, it came back and I'd just accepted it for years…a new Specialist and one daily pill and I'm cured). I'll also remind you that in Bandster Hell, I changed my appointment for my third fill to much sooner than my old Doc's fill schedule (from 6 to 2 weeks). I certainly wasn't sure going in that I wouldn't just be thrown out (on my unrestricted Band), but I knew that at the very least, I'd created the opportunity to plead my case for how I'd done my research and at this point there was no good reason to delay another fill, and I was going to make him explain to me 'why not' (no one seemed to notice and I got my fill). BE YOUR OWN PATIENT ADVOCATE! CREATE YOUR OWN DESTINY! - DO YOUR RESEARCH! - I found out everything I could online about the new Surgeon's practice. I knew that he was the Doc I'd wanted to see at this hospital way back when we attended their WLS Seminar (another Doc, we hated, gave the seminar and that was that). I found out that a few years back he'd been rated the best Bariatric Doc in Pittsburgh and his practice was rated best in PA. - When I called to set the appointment I was prepared…I had all my info together and knew what answers I wanted to come away with. I gave the scheduler a brief rundown of who I was and why I was calling and explained why I wasn't just waiting to see him at my old hospital. When she explained that my old office was telling patients the wrong thing and that I had to come for a 'first visit' before I'd get a fill, I was surprised, but I didn't get defensive. I just nicely asked questions for clarification and by doing so I got some details I already knew I wanted; the fact that he has 'visits' in the bariatric offices (wants to get a patient history first) and does fills in the hospital led to me asking why…and that's when I found out that he does fills under fluoro (machine is at the hospital), and I also asked and found out that he does all the fills himself (no Tech's doing fills like lots of Doc's have)…building a relationship with one Doc (or one Tech if you prefer them over your Doc) is important to good long-term LB care IMO…going in to someone different each time just doesn't work well for me (and some of the larger practices just have everyone on a similar fill schedule/philosophy)…I came away happy that I was in good hands with another small practice where I'd see the same person each time who could get to know me and my LB history. - Having researched fills, I knew what a fill under fluro was so I didn't have to ask for an explanation, which I'm not even sure a scheduler could explain or would. I'd done the research and knew that fills are always best scheduled for the afternoon when most of us are looser (or the evening if your Doc has hours)…even though I wasn't going to be getting a fill, I didn't know if there might be other testing (maybe Water chugging contests) and so I still asked for an afternoon time (when the fill came this totally saved me). - I knew from my research that the best time to schedule a Dr. visit is first thing in the morning, or first thing after lunch (not only for lesser wait times, but the Doc's typically are fresher, more receptive and spend more time with you because they aren't behind in their schedule yet) so I asked for a day with an appointment time within the first hour after lunch. She scheduled me for a visit two business day's away right after lunch. - MAKE IT EASY ON THEM! - Don't waste your few precious minutes with your visit doing things you can avoid…you'll free up your time to really get to your concerns if you're prepared. Years ago, I'd bring my meds (or just remember what they were) and I'd spend time with them going over each one while they wrote them down. I now have a typed up list of all my medications and supplements (even things like Benefiber are important when your talking about LB issues) and it's broken down on a table by: Prescription's vs. OTC's, Name, Dosage/mg's, Times/Amounts per day (and don't forget the 'as needed' ones…I take several prescriptions when I get a migraine, and even things like Tums or even Papaya enzymes can lead to talking points and let them know what's going on), and why I'm taking it (don't forget this one…remember some meds. Doc's use to treat many ailments, so it's easier for them to see that ie. I take this one for migraines, and this for asthma). I update this list and I take in a copy for them…they always ask if they can copy it and are so happy when I say it's theirs (I learned the hard way when one Doc went to copy it so she could make any notes on it and that was 5 min. of my visit). It literally took the Resident yesterday less than a minute to scan through the 17 items I take and she had no questions. - The Resident yesterday came in and as we got started she realized she had no pen…guess who had one ready to give her (remember that newbie med. student!). - The Resident was going through my history (file from my old Doc) and mentioned that she was confused about a few things and that she couldn't read his writing on a few visits. She asked me 'What happened in June of 2010?'. Guess who went over to her purse and pulled out a piece of paper with the answer…I expected they'd be going through my history and with all the things that have happened since my LB there was NO way that I would remember dates or weight changes. I had spent a few minutes going through my weight loss spreadsheet (where I also keep notes on major things) and here are the things I thought were worth having on hand/wrote them down and brought them with me- Date and weight for the following events: (these are in the order they happened to me) Start of process, Surgery Day, Breathing Issue/hospital overnight, Fills 1-4 with amounts of each, Heartburn and Nexium prescription started/ended (on and off several times), Endoscopy for pain and found bezoar, Gallbladder Surgery, Goal Day, Reflux at night, Esophageal Spasms, Unfill and Fluoro test (the June visit she couldn't decipher), and 5th Fill. I also had to refer to this list to easily answer many other questions she had: she had my surgery date weight, but didn't find my actual starting weight, she also thought I was now at my lowest weight (so I corrected that…SUPER important when you're asking for a fill for them to see you've had a big gain), and I was able to answer when the regain started (unfill date), how much I'd regained, how long I'd been about this weight (since 5th fill beg. of Oct.), and what my total fill is now (she was thrilled she didn't have to add them up). Even going to the same Doc, having my basic history with dates (and weight for LB Doc) has saved me over and over with residents or when my regular Doc was out for an emergency. DON'T expect that because they have a file in front of them with pages and pages of your history that they have 1. The time to read it all. Or 2. The ability to remember everything with every patient (Even if you're seeing the same Doc every time…they see a LOT of patients and you shouldn't hesitate to remind them of what's happened!). If I hadn't had this with me, I know I would have struggled to remember many events, and dates…heck, I couldn't even remember my surgery day weight without it! The point is two-fold…it would have taken a lot longer to cover, and it gave her the feeling that I was informed about my history and confident in the details I was sharing. - PREPARE YOUR AGENDA! - No, I don't mean a typed up agenda (that's just full-blown OCD…and off-putting). Think through the kind of visit you'll be having, anticipate the things that may/may not happen, think hard about what you want to get out of the visit…what are the things you want to happen/come away with, and then think about whatever you can do to prepare to achieve those things. - I expected the weigh in and knowing that I would be asking for a fill I knew I wanted to show as much gain as possible, so I ate/drank a lot prior, wore my jeans, boots and my giant heavy leather coat (the last two I was surprised I wasn't asked to take off, but as a result I weighed 7 pounds more than my morning weigh-in at home, although eventually I told the Resident that it was that much less at home). I expected the medicine and history reviews and brought my info., which set the tone I wanted that I was a Bander who was informed and in charge of their process. Then I expected that they would see that even with the regain, that I've done better than the average Bander (I even knew that they would praise me, which in the past, would have side-tracked me) and that they wouldn't want to give me a fill…I expected and knew there would be a point in the visit where it would be in my hands to have to convince them that I did…and I knew that I would only have a few precious moments to do that. I gave this part a LOT of thought before going (and this part of any Doc visit, where you get to talk and ask questions is always the part you should plan…even if you have to write your questions down). I knew that it was just as important to convince the Resident as it was the Doc (you'll see why below). Think through what the Doc's perception might be of what you're asking/saying…I had to think; Every Bander comes in here at one time (or many) and says 'I'M GAINING…I NEED A FILL!' The Doc's hear this over and over and a lot of the time the Bander doesn't need a fill…I had to convince them that a small fill…for someone who (even with the extra 7 pounds) was still (and I heard all of these things from both the Resident and then the Doc) in the 'Normal BMI group', had lost the excess weight…when 50-60% is all they expect with the Band, and is doing great! - PREPARE YOUR DELIVERY! - If I've learned one thing from my DH, it's that 'you get more with honey'…over and over I've seen him arrange to be there when a service person is coming to our house…he just spends time talking to them nicely (chatting them up while they're working)…going through the history of how *whatever* has happened…asking questions in a way that shows he respects their opinion…and eventually showing them that he's truly interested and has some knowledge/is prepared. He not only learns a lot (that has helped him learn to handle minor repairs), but I've also seen service people give him things for less cost, or even free…and he never even asks for any of it! While my description may sound sneaky or planned, this all just comes naturally to him…he's just a nice guy that everyone likes and they want to please. My sister was here once when I had to drop his car off to Pep Boys…she couldn't get over the fact that all the guys instantly asked where DH was and told us to tell him they'd take good care of him. My joke with him is that he probably walks into Lowe's (hardware store) and they all shout his name (think 'Norm!'/Cheers) and hand him a cup of coffee (with his name on the mug). - So that takes me back to yesterday's visit…I wouldn't have time to 'chat anyone up', let alone form a bond in the few precious minutes that I'd have to convince them, so here was my approach: When the Resident was done reviewing my meds and health history she was getting up saying 'The Doc will be in…' I expected this. I also know that what comes next is that the Resident (or whoever sees you first) goes to the Doc and has to very briefly give the Doc and overview of my history, why I'm there, and what her recommendations are. I smiled and nicely said 'I have just a couple of questions before you go, if you don't mind?' I basically asked two questions: how the Doc determines if a fill is needed, how fluoro is used/how it helps them with fills (since I haven't had one under fluoro). There was lots of discussion back and forth that followed, but the detail I asked let her know that I respected her and her opinion and was interested and prepared. I asked details about whether the fluoro can help someone like me close to goal who only needs a tiny bit. I reinforced how I've only been able to maintain since Oct. with willpower and as a professional dieter I knew I couldn't keep that up forever. I was honest and forthright that I have some restriction. We were soon laughing about how we Banders don't always know what's best…she told me about how they just had one patient who was in for a fill and the fluoro showed that she had a very enlarged esophagus and really needed an unfill not a fill…another complained her Band wasn't working because she could eat a whole Big Mac (albeit slowly and with some effort)! I took these opportunities to show her that I knew these Banders weren't listening to their Bands and were eating around them/too much. In just a few short minutes she was saying that often Bander's come in and their 'story' doesn't make sense…but mine does for a fill…she could see the history unfold and the fact that I'd been at a lower weight wasn't what was driving my drive for a fill…I had earlier told her that I'd just love to lose 10 pounds so my clothes would fit again, not 20 and that even if I only stayed the same weight, but could maintain it more easily I'd be happy…I even laughingly shared that I only went for the 148lbs. for a day so I'd be able to say I'd lost 100 pounds…she laughed…again, the approach…be yourself , be honest, be nice, and find a way, in my case, to quickly let them know that your not some crazy Bander after an almighty number on a scale that's already lower than most. Before she left, she let me know that not often, and she couldn't promise anything, but he sometimes does small fills in the office when it makes sense and there was a chance I might get one today (blew my mind as I wasn't expecting that was even an option…I knew she was going to plead my case at that point). - My new Doc, Dr. Urbandt, was great. After all the same 'You're doing great…normal BMI…know you want to lose 10 pounds more' (he was obviously concerned with the fact that I still wanted to lose weight and was pushing back, as he should). I started my convincing and told him I 'just needed a small tweak and some help with maintaining, even if I didn't lose, and lessening the hunger again'…He had a talk with me about how sometimes after awhile your stomach wants to shake things up and gets hungry again (I let him know how much of this battle has been about head hunger for me), and after he told me that he didn't feel that giving me the whole 1cc back was a good idea after it had been out so long…he gave me a great analogy; like a finger with a wedding ring constantly on, your Band can make it's own groove in the tissue and after loosening the tissue can re-expand and 1cc might be too much all at once. Just short of being the crazy begging Bander, I said 'I'd been waiting for a fill since Oct…had been barely managing to hang on…would be grateful for whatever you could give me!' He asked to take a look, saw how easy my port is to find, asked me if I'd been OK with fills with no pre-anesthetic (they hurt way less than a flu shot for me), and before I knew it, he was prepping for a fill…I was about to warn him that he might lose an eye from the button on my too tight jeans when I 'assumed the V' position my old Doc had us do for fills…but before I could, he had the needle in (apparently the 'hyphen' is the chosen position here for fills)…he ended up putting in .75cc's. OK, now... The "Luck"… - The new West Penn Bariatric office (I didn't pick, so simply luck as they took over all the patients from my old hospital/practice) and all those I met working there were incredibly nice and receptive. Everyone I met from the reception area to the nurse, the Resident, and my new LB Doc were just nice people…more importantly, they took the time to give me the few minutes I needed to really listen to me and to include my thoughts in their decisions. Do I think I would have gotten a fill without the preparation…most likely not…at least for sure, not yesterday! I'm happy once again with the prognosis of my long-term LB care…and I can't stress that enough…this is a long-term relationship and you need to do your part to work on it. What works for me, isn't everyone's approach…I certainly don't want a Doc that just leaves it all up to me, anymore than I want one that doesn't at least listen to me. I need a Doc that I trust to help me keep this tool (miracle) I've been given working at it's best with me. I think I've got just the Doc I need…I've lucked out. Sometimes it takes little setbacks (or a major derail) for us to get refocused and newly appreciate the tool we've been given to work with. There's no such thing as too late with our Band. There's no such thing as a stretched out Stoma with the Band. Appreciate the fact that it can be tweaked FOREVER to keep it at just the right place for us. As much of a pain as after-care can be and chasing that 'just the right place', it's also THE major advantage of the Band...F-I-L-L Baby!!! *Update; I'm now back in the 150's and want to get to 150-155lbs. again for maintenance.