marz88

As you loss weight, your stomach shrinks too. Your band will naturally losen a bit, that"s why you continue to need fills. By now I wouldn't think you'd have pain, that could be a totally different ballgame that certaianly needs checked out by your dr. But it doesn't sound like a leak yet. Your dr can withdraw the fluid in your band to measure how much is in there to see if it measures up to what has been put in.

My port was my problem. I just got the insurance denial on the dr bill of $1000. They haven't denied the hospital bill of $8775...yet. I still haven't heard if the port was defective. I refinanced my house to pay for the initial surgery and now I'm back where I started from, $10,000 in the hole. But it is still worth it. I wouldn't take $10,000 for the weight to be put back on! Good luck

It is true that the drs down south are more experiened but there are plenty of drs here that are just as good. My dr has been doing the surgery since it was legal in the states(about 6 yrs). He was trained by the drs in Mexico. He is very much in favor of going to Mexico if you are self pay and can't afford it here. He will do your follow up and fills with no questions asked! His concern is for your health. He's not in a competition. Statistically speaking, with all the hundreds of surgeries he does in a year, I think the percentage of mis-pokes is extremely low. My leak was my port, nothing that the dr did. I'm still waiting to find out if it was defective or not. Hang in there, put your trust in the dr or find one you can trust. There are a lot of good ones here. By the way Cabguy, where are you located?

Please remember that even good drs make mistakes. I understand that most of us don't make the kind of money that a good surgeon does and that's why it hurts us so bad when they screw up and we have to pay. I have insurance but it's a different one than what I had when I had my surgery 2 yrs ago so I'm still waiting to hear if they are covering it. I refinanced my home last year to pay the difference of what insurance didn't pay(because my dr was out of network) and now I'm back where I started if they don't cover anything PLUS, I may still have the dr bill on top of the almost $9000 hospital bill! Now that bites! I am of the mind set now that drs make too many little fills and anytime you are poking to find the port you are risking a nicked tube. If a dr would just get in there and fill the band instead of pussy-footing around for months on end you wouldn't have to be running that risk. I'd rather have to go back to have a bit of my fill removed than to go back again and again to have it filled until it reaches a desired level. I'd love to have others feed back on that. What do you all think?

I don't think the dr is liable for anything. They may choose to do the surgery for nothing in order to fix the leak but the hospital and staff will bill you!!!!!!!! There is no way out of that. If you go back to the info that most drs give their patients when they are opting for this kind of procedure, it will tell you that leaking is a risk (just as a flipped port or slipped band is too). I was told that if your port is defective, that the maker of the band will pay for a portion of the surgery, but not to expect it right away, in other words it could take a year to get your money back. I just had my first re-fill since my surgery to fix a leak. I am at 5cc and have a bit of restriction but not at all what I want. My dr wants to see me in two weeks and then in two weeks after that. I told him that was going to get expensive (it cost me $100 each visit and the gas in my car for 100 miles round trip). So he told me maybe just one more visit to get me back up where I need to be. Hopefully he'll take me right up to 7cc, that's where I found my sweet spot before I found the leak!

I had my tubing replaced on April 22. My originial surgery was May18, 06. I had lost 70lbs before I finally convinced the dr that I had a leak. Initially he thought my port was the issue but once they got inside, it was the tubing. It had a "crack". I got the hospital bill last week for $8775. No dr bill yet. I have yet to get it filled, he said he didn't wish to put pressure on the band yet. So on the 19th, I get my first re-fill. I'm up 10lbs to my lowest and just angry. I had to refinance my house the first time to pay what my insurance didn't (dr was out of network) to the tune of almost $8000 and now I'm back where I started financially. Not all of us make the same money our surgeons do. And I can't help but think a lot of the problems are their fault. Did my tube actually crack or did it get poked? But like others, my band is worthless unfilled and I certainly don't wish to put on anymore weight. I've come half way and I need the help for the last half.

Only $2000 for the hospital charges?!? I'll be happy if that's all I have to pay! I was told $7000!!! I was suppose to have my surgery today but developed a sinus infection and sore throat on Monday so they rescheduled me for the 18th of April. I have been enjoying an occassional diet soda and the ability to drink while I'm eating. Two things I haven't done for almost 2 years. I keep reminding myself that there is "pleasure in sin for a season" and that when I get "fixed" the rules go back in place. I've paid (and will have paid even more when this is all finished) too much to not use the system properly. I just wish insurance was more cooperative and doctors were more accepting to blame if they are the reason for a needle nick. We'll see how it all plays out in a few more weeks. I agree with a lot of you who feel like the precious first few months were either wasted or unaided by the band. I'm hoping that with my fix, there will be a rekindling of determination and optimisim to make this WLS work for me. And a final note...when I talked to the case worker (who will be examining my unworking band part once it is removed and sent back to the company who makes it), I was asked how many cc's I had in my band. I replied that according to the math, I should have had 12cc. He laughed and said, "NO WAY! Your band only holds 10cc at the most." So where was my doctor in the the addition part of this puzzle. He should have known something was wrong months ago when we were approaching maximum capacity.

Hey Drews! I haven't been on for MONTHS! It is good to see you still posting. I also have a leak...Ever since the beginning, almost 2 years ago, I have always said I didn't have enough restriciton. Finally, three weeks ago the dr withdrew the saline and got 3cc's. According to the math, I should have had 12!!!!!! I haven't lost a single pound for over a year and now I have gained back 8 lbs and my clothes are getting tighter. I have surgery scheduled for this Fri, the 28th to have the tubing/port replaced. My doctor said that if it is defective, the company that makes the band will pay for the surgery and replacement. If not, then I get to cover the cost since my insurance probably won't touch it. Keep me in your thoughts.

Hey everyone, thought I'd drop a line to let you know that Scottsbluff is a "Center of Excellence" in more than one way. I was banded in May of 2006 (just before they earned the title). If I recall, they will maintain band patience whether they did your surgery or not. They actually encourage you to go to places other than to them if your insurance doesn't cover at their hospital. They are truly concerned about your health and maintaining your losses. There are people from Colorado and Wyoming that go to Holloway/Forney in Scottsbluff for fills because they had surgery in Mexico and can't find doctors in their own area to maintain them. They also go 2 hrs away from home, twice a month for checkups and fills at another hospital(in Ogallala) and once a month for consultations. They don't require you to drive to their hospital or clinic for the fills. Of course that takes 2 hrs off your fill trips. If you are in the middle of the state, it's still closer for check ups in Ogallala (2 1/2 hrs) from Kearney than in Omaha, without the hassle of the traffic. Either way, no matter which doctor a person chooses, or insurance approves, the important thing is having the surgery and losing the weight.

Boy am I glad the week is about over. I worked 8 days in a row and I'm tired of people! Computer problems just acerbated the situation. And I'm sure you all know that when it rains it pours, my BIL was having his roof reshingled and they were taking out the chimney and it fell thought the ceiling. So the entire kitchen ceiling is now on the floor, he asked me to watch his cat (which we did back when the accident with my sister & nieces happened) while they clean and repair the house(just a few days). Ask me where the cat is? We can't find him! He must have snuck out when my husband went outside (just minutes after bringing him in the house). We live about 2 miles across town from my BIL so I hope he finds his way home. Oh yeah, one more thing, just before leaving work I ran to the restroom "to go" and I got a visit from auntie Flo. I went to the doctor on Monday (lost only 1 lb in a month) and he didnt' adjust my fill. He politely chewed me out for eating the sweets and told me to STOP! I truly needed him to tell me that. I have done quite well so far. I went to the store and bought all kinds of fruit and fresh veggies. I'm really gonna work on doing that which I KNOW I should. If I have to have something sweet, it's going to be fruit. I've come too far to not continue on. Tonight I had about 3 bites of steak and a couple tater tots, a few bites of lettuce salad with grape tomatoes. I was full! I know that when I use my band as I should, it will work for me.

Hey everyone, it's been a month since I last checked in. I have been hovering around 200 for the last 6 months. I go up 2 lbs and come down 2 lbs. I find myself eating a lot of sugars. NOT GOOD! I knew that sweets would be my struggle. I did so good without them until the holidays. And it just seems that I can't rid myself of them now. I'm still biking for exercise, but not like I thought I would. And I haven't walked for exercise in months. I know I need to really refocus on my situation and consider what's going on. I go back to the Dr on Monday, I hope he has some words of widsom or a magic wand to help me out of the slump I'm in.

Neal, you make me want to cry! I'm so happy for your success! You are truly an inspiration to all of us. Congrats on your 3 month maintanence! Everyone else, great job! We've all learned that there is another side of life when you are thinner. Even if it's only 50 lbs lighter. I'm hoping to hit 75 lbs by the 18th, my bandiversary. Yes, I'm like most of you, wishing to have hit that 100 mark but I am in Onederland and that alone means a lot to me. My reward is a new/used bike. I used to bike all over the area. It was nothing for my friend and me to strap the kids on the back of the bikes and ride for 15 miles! We'd picnic half way and come home. My tush is sore, but breaking it in takes time that I'm willing to endure. I have plateaued for over 3 months and I'm hoping that the bike will be the trick to get the scale moving again. How many of us have found exercise to be fun now? It used to be a challenge for me but now I look forward to the adventure of either walking or biking. AND I enjoy it!!! Just being thinner makes moving about in the world so much easier. Ever notice how big theatre seating is? Or how if you sit in an auditorium with folding chair seating, you don't touch the people on either side? What a blessing this is. And how about the way people treat you? Have any of you been treated differently since you've lost weight? I work retail and you wouldn't (yeah, most of you would) believe how people treat me now compared to a year ago! I don't feel the stare of their eyes either. Although I find myself wanting to witness my band experience with the overweight customers I help. It makes you so excited that you want to scream it at the top of your lungs and tell the world what the band has done for you! CHEERS TO ALL OF US!!! AND HERE'S TO ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESSES, TRIUMPHS, AND GOALS!!!!! Thanks to each and everyone of you who have hung in there and helped inspire, encourage and challenge me through this site. May God's blessings flow through this network. Okay, I'll step down from the soap box now...

Easter dinner was good, I didn't overdo it thankfully. But my mom made turkey and ham roast. The ham was good, but the turkey got suck! Later when my mom was packing up leftovers (you know how moms are) for us to take home, I told her not to give us any turkey. My dad asked why, "didn't you like it?". I said yes the the only thing it "went down" was the sink! Ouch! I took a long walk with my sister after dinner, at least an hour.

Yeah Myra!!!!!!!! It is wonderful to hit a goal isn't it?! Keep up the good work. I bought my first size 18 in years (friends had given me a few pair) and it was so awesome to buy something that I didn't think I'd ever buy again in my life. Enjoy the smaller sizes and relish the feeling of clothes that are too big.

Hey everyone Thought I'd report in since I haven't been on for most of the month. I finally made it back in to the doctor on the 19. It was my first checkup since Nov, right before TG. I had been going once a month to that point. I officially lost only 6 lbs from Nov-March! It was so depressing. My doctor asked what I was doing and what was going on that I hadn't made it back in for followup appointments. I told him briefly about my sister and nieces' deaths and he then offered his condolences and 'patted me on the back' for having not gained! He said I easily could have gained back everything I've ever lost!!! Yikes! That was a scary thought. So I guess I'll consider it a blessing that a small loss is still a loss. He did give me another 1cc fill which brings me to 10.5cc. I have had more restriction but I find myself grazing on things that are easy to eat and that go down without problems. Sugars being one of them. I did go to a Chinese buffet and fill my plate once. I could hardly eat it. Two weeks before I went to the same restaurant and filled my plate and could have easily gone back for more. So I know the band is working, I just have to get my head working. I did start walking again the week before my fill. I haven't been as faithful as I was before quiting in Dec because of the weather, but just getting back out there has helped heal my mind as well. I'm looking into a new bicycle too. I used to bike around town and take trips up to 30 miles long with a friend. I dread getting my butt back into shape for the rides though. I am so proud of everyone for their continued losses! I'd love to see pounds come off in a week's time again. I sometimes feel those days are over for me. I have two friends that are going to pursue having surgery this year and I'm so excited for them, I hope to be a good example and inspiration for them as well.

Got a question for all of you females...Anyone having menstrual issues? I'm not talking the usual PMS, bloating, binging, cranky attitude things. I used to have a period every 4-5 months. The doctor was never worried, as long as I continued menstrating. Now, I'm 28 days on the nose, heavy, heavy flow and my iron is very low. I can't even donate platelets at Red Cross (I used to give a double unit of platelets every 2 weeks) because it's so low. Even when I was younger and thinner, I was never 28 days! I remember having a heavier flow but nothing like it is now. Any thoughts?

I'm back...Sorry for not posting sooner but we've kinda been riding on a cloud for about a week with my nephew. Thanks again to everyone who has held us up in prayer. He came home yesterday and everything has been smooth so far. He'll start back to school on Monday just for a couple of hours to reacclimate himself. By way of a friend and cousin, we have a 12x24 billboard now posted by I-80 that says "WELCOME HOME JONATHAN". We made reservations for a restaurant near the sign so when we finished eating we'd see the sign as we drove into town. It was so cool to see Jonathan's reaction to the sign with HIM on it. What a blessing he is to us! The weight issues are troubling. I hate that I don't lose an ounce for weeks at a time then all of a sudden a lot comes off. It makes it hard to keep the faith when the scale doesn't move. It reminds me of the old diet days when you'd lose for a few weeks then plateau, then start gaining again. I'm so scared that when I'm not losing, I'll start gaining. I haven't been to the doctor since November. With the holidays and then the accident, I haven't had the time. So I'm looking at the 3rd week in March or the 1st week in April for my next fill. I am so proud of all of you who are at or near goal. You make me happy and keep giving me hope.

Yeah Marci!!!!! Onederland is Onederful isn't it! I don't know if I made my Val's day goal or not. I haven't been on the scale at all this week. When I travel, I get really constipated and of course I was in the car for the entire weekend! I haven't had a healthy BM in over a week. Which makes me feel miserable. I drank a ton of Water this week hoping that would help but alas, nothing is moving...And the worst part is I'm heading back to Denver this weekend to Celebrate my nephew's b-day(he was released from the hospital today!!!). So another weekend in the car. Come on Fiber, do your thing!

Just got back from Denver, visiting my nephew. He's doing so well! Just a couple more weeks and he'll be home. I can hardly wait! While at the hospital, I noticed the long hallways and stairs didn't make me huff and puff. I can sit in a chair with my legs crossed. I got in bed with my nephew and there was room for both of us! That would NOT have happened a year ago. Has anyone else noticed that turning around in a bathroom stall is much easier? I still find myself not believing I am in the size that I'm in, I keep going to the larger sizes to look. Buying smaller undies is great, but finding a new style or size of bra kinda stinks. I only have a few days for the Val's challenge. I haven't been on a scale for a week so I'm hoping that tomorrow morning brings good news. I only need 4 lbs more to meet the goal.

Just 6 lbs to go Ousooner!!!!!!!!!! YIPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! I can hardly believe you have made it so far in such a short time! As my daughter would say YOU RAWK!

Just Duckie-I am so proud of you. We have been neck and neck for a long time and when I hit onederland I knew you wouldn't be far behind. What an awesome feeling huh? Keep up the good work! LindaV-You are doing great! I can hardly wait to hit the Century mark. I have just 4 lbs to go before getting to 75 and that is exciting in itself, but 100, WOW!!! I am so proud of the May Bandsters who have dug in their heels, stayed with it and encouraged each other. Our successes HAVE to 'outweigh' the others just because we can call each other friends.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me in the last week due to the death of my sister and nieces. We buried them on Friday. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Over 1000 people attended, people were standing outside the church because they ran out of places to let them stand inside. It was a beautiful service and a wonderful tribute to 3 dearly loved girls. My sister was only 28 and her girls were 5 and 3. My nephew is doing okay. He should be heading to Denver at the end of the week to begin rehab. He'll be 9 on the 17th of Feb. He isn't talking much yet, just a few words and he hasn't asked about his mom or sisters yet. Keep praying for him to recover and for my BIL to have the right words to explain the accident to him. If you'd like, you can go to www.npberean.org and click on the link HASTINGS FAMILY UPDATE. Thanks for letting me tell you how much they mean to me. During all the grieving last week, I did lose a few more pounds. I am at 71 pounds lost and just 5 lbs from my Feb goal. That is one of the few things that makes me smile right now. I found myself in baggy jeans all week and a baggy skirt for the funeral. I am almost in size 18 bottoms. They are tight so I'll wait for a few more pounds to wear them.

Hey gang I have a non weight related issue going right now and need prayers something terrible. My younger sister and 2 nieces were killed Sat in a tragic, weather related accident. My nephew is in ICU with a resporater breathing for him, a broken leg and some head/brain trauma. Things are looking okay for my nephew but the next 2-3 days will be critical for him. We are all faithful believers in Christ Jesus and we get our strength through him but we still hurt. Please keep him/us/my BIL in your prayers. Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone! I DID go buy a new outfit! I love red, white, and blue so I got an awesome nautical sweater with those colors and a red t-shirt. I also bought a blue, waffle weave hoodie that I have been eyeing for almost a month, lucky it was still there. My next purchase will be a new ring, yes, a ring. My fingers didn't change sizes as I grew in weight. I have always worn a size 7 1/2 ring, even when I was in highschool and weighed 150 lbs, I wore the same size ring. But for some reason, they are falling off me now, go figure. Anyway, my husband heard me telling my best friend that I had made this goal and he didn't say a word when I came home with a bag of clothes from my favorite store(it just happens to be where I work also). I asked if he wanted to see what I had bought and he enthusiasticly said sure. Now if that isn't a first! Kim-your outfit is great! With any luck, someday I'll fill the closet my oldest daughter just cleaned out as she moved out last weekend. I have never bought a thing at the Gap. Mostly because there isn't one around here. I try to stay in the 1200 calorie range but I know that over the holidays it was more. I tried the low carb thing and after a week I was a ravaging Pasta eater! All I wanted was an Italian buffet with nothing but carbs! Can you all say, VALENTINO'S? That was not good. I decided that a body really does need the carbs or else it wouldn't crave them in such a way after having been deprived of them. I drink at least 64oz of Water plus a few more with my daily cappuccino(made at home because I'm too cheap to give Starbucks $4 a day when I can make it for 50 cents! But I do splurge there once in a while) and iced tea. A hundred is probably a bit too much for me, I wouldn't have a regular BM if I drank that much liquid! But if you are taking an Iron suppliment, that much might be a good thing. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hey everyone Sorry I haven't posted for a while...I've been kinda down because my weight wasn't. I have be stuck at 203 for over a month and getting stuck isn't as bad as gaining but it still sucks. But the good news is...I am officially in ONEDERLAND!!! Yesterday I hit 200 and was at least proud of that, then this morning I got on the scale again and I'm at 198!!!! I really was looking for something loud and obnoxious to wear today, it seems like that's what you should do when you want the world to Celebrate with you. But alas, my closet is close to bare and the closest thing to obnoxious is a haiwiian print shirt, that is too big and not warm enough for the weather. HHMMM...maybe a new outfit is in order? Thanks for being here for my gripes as well as my whoohooos!!! Good luck to everyone on their Val's day challenge, I'll set mine for 190.