Christy712

I really hate to burst your bubble but... I am 6 months out and had my 5th fill last week. This is the first time since surgery that I feel some restriction! It's been a long 6 months and I've lost and gained a few here & there. I too was fearing that I had gone through all that for nothing. But keep in mind that everyone is different and every surgeon is different and every fill is different... you get the picture. I understand that the doctor doesn't want to fill you too quickly. But the doctors need to understand that 6 mo. is a long time to not have any restriction whatsoever. Since last week I can finally feel what others are talking about regarding feeling full quicker at mealtimes. I don't think I'm at my "sweet spot" because I have never "slimed", become "stuck", have trouble eating certain foods, or vomited - ever. But I am eating less and finally feel that the band can help me. I've never expected the band to do it for me. But by the same token, I never expected to go 6 months without feeling my band. This is just my experience.

Am I the only one that feels these calls from the insurance companies are an invasion of privacy??? I'm upset that what goes on in my doctor's office does not STAY in my doctor's office. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I don't like the insurance company (or anyone else) knowing all my business. The more you tell the insurance company reps, in conversation, the more ammunition they have to create pre-existing conditions, etc.

I was like Kim... couldn't get anyone's attention & it was "panic city". I did my best to wiggle my feet and the nurse finally noticed. I could hear her commenting on it and they removed the tube. The actually removal was not a big deal. Coughed a little and it was out. But oh such sweet air! I never want that experience again. However, I like my band and if I had to choose again would definitely do it all over again. Finally getting restricted after 6 months.

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble... but I don't feel restriction at all either yet and I've had 2 fills. I keep reading I've got to be patient. I don't want to "depend" on the band and expect it to do it all. But I would like a LITTLE help! :-)

Yes, he is a jerk and another name I will refrain from using. It's confusing. I understand the band won't do it all. It is up to me to make the right decisions regarding food. But if that's the case, why did I go through surgery? If I could do it on my own I would have done it a long time ago. Will having the band truly help someday? Is it a mental thing - I have the band therefore I think I can lose weight? Or someday will it be a physical thing and I truly will feel full and restricted? I am counting on the latter - combination of me and the band to lose and keep it off.

I have had 2 fills and feel no different than before banded. I struggle to eat the right foods in small portions and have started the treadmill. I have lost 31+ lbs. since banded on 3/17/09. But it has been all on my own. The band, so far, has done nothing physically. Mentally, I am determined to be patient and hope that some day I will finally have the help of the band. I have a very strict surgeon who belittles me each visit, telling me I am doing nothing and wasting everyone's time. I will have to see him next week for my next fill. However, in August, I have a fill appointment with another doctor. In the meantime... the forum and a handful of friends are a tremendous help!

Got my 2nd fill yesterday. Dr. "raked me over the coals" for 15 min. I had gained 2 pounds. Implied he would take the band out...said I was wasting everyone's time. Be-littled me as much as he could while insinuating I was doing NOTHING towards my weight loss and he didn't know if he would give me my "adjustment" or not as it probably wouldn't do any good. He has never told me the size of my band or how much fluid he is inserting. I read on this forum somewhere that one of his patients asked and he wouldn't tell them this information so I have never asked. I was banded 3/17/09. I had lost 31 lbs. since one week prior to surgery until yesterday's weigh-in where I had gained 2 of them back. I understand that I can't expect the band to do it for me. But he thinks I should be losing a lot more without the help of the band (no restriction yet). I don't feel any restriction today. This is not what I expected. I expected more support from my surgeon & instead I am getting lectured and frustrated. Starting to wonder why I did this if the band is not supposed to do anything. If I could have lost the weight before with no help, why did I go through surgery?! Could I be eating better and exercising more? Probably. Have I changed a lot of my past 30 year bad habits in the last 3 months? You betcha!!!! And I'm proud of the progress so far. So how do I psych myself up against this nasty surgeon? Help!:wink:

The surgeon is Dr. George Woodman in Memphis, TN. I do want people to be aware that they need the whole package... a great surgeon on their day of surgery AND one who will encourage and support them in the years to come. My advice is to talk to more than one of your potential surgeon's patients. Because it is a long journey and doesn't happen overnight. I went to a seminar and met him. I knew he was serious and a no-nonsense guy. After the seminar, I visited my PCP to ask about lap band surgery and he recommended him. I said great & went for it. I wish I had investigated him more thoroughly and I would have found out there are probably thousands of his patients that have left him due to his aftercare demeanor. Please do a search on this forum for his name and you will see I am not alone. Just wish I had researched him on here before choosing him.

I cant' thank everyone enough for your words of encouragement and advice. I'm absolutely sure he treats everyone like this and his "tough love" approach may work with some, but it won't work with me. He's been doing this for years and doesn't lack for patients so he won't miss me at all. And for SURE I won't miss him. I like the idea of an "exit interview" though!!! I have an appt. this am with my pcp and will have him recommend somewhere else that will accept CIGNA. Life is short and I do want to succeed. I will keep in touch and let you all know how it goes. Hugs!

Oh, Katy! You nailed it. The boat is getting awfully full... 'cause I'm in there too. Had my surgery March 17th. Although I lost 31 lbs. (a respectable amount) the rest of your story is MY story. My surgeon is ultra-conservative and I don't go back in for my 2nd fill until June 8th. When he finds out I haven't lost anything since my 1st fill, I am afraid he will be very unhappy with me. He thinks I should be doing everything perfectly & losing without the help of the band. I have never even gotten stuck. Debbie, thanks for posting a reply. It really helps to know we're not alone and it could take 5 fills (or more) to get to the sweet spot. I WILL HAVE FAITH! Christy

I was banded 3/17 & had my first fill 5/4. I am like you in that I can eat just about anything and this first fill made no difference. But I understand it may take 3 or 4 fills before I start to feel the restriction I am looking forward to. Every person is different and every dr. is different & mine is conservative. My "stomach" is in a rush, but my "head" tells me this is the way to go.... slow & steady. In the meantime, I am trying to make sure I get a lot of protein and drink lots in between meals. Have confidence that the weight loss will happen (along with plateaus). I use this forum for support & knowledge EVERY DAY. Congratulations to you for making this wonderful choice. You can do it!!!

Try eating a lot more protein at mealtime. This will keep you from being hungry so fast.

I didn't need ANY pain medicine at all after my surgery. This surprised me as I had figured I would at least have some right after. But, nope! Went home and never needed it. And I'm 54 yrs. old. I couldn't/can't feel the band at all. I too was thinking surgery wouldl be the hardest part of it all. But now, I know that the hardest part is changing all those bad habits I've developed over the years. Now I have to really think about me and what I'm putting in my mouth and when I'm going to eat. I work full time and it's hard for me to put me first and make my habits good habits. Glad you're asking questions. I really think you'll do fine and hope you will let us know when you're recovering and realize you have this really cool tool to help you the rest of your life!