Phranp

Ahhh, Fred, so sorry to hear that the band just isn't working out for you. :thumbup: But I've got to tell you ... I am really confused: I have not seen a doctor since being banded in March. The doctors in this hospital group only so the surgery and know nothing about the working of the band, diet, and could probably not even do a fill. That is not the way this group works. The nurses do everything - fills and counselling and even fluoroscopy fills. You have a right to see a doctor, Fred, not just a nurse. Perhaps you should switch to another practice. One that is more hands on AND one that gives you better info. Honestly, I did know prior to surgery that the band may not help a grazer. But I decided to have it anyway. I thought it would help some. However, i can't say it is of any value to me. I could not keep weight off before and I can't do it now. It still takes a willpower that I, just like most overweight people, so not have. Okay, you've got me stumped here ... you KNEW that the band may not help grazers but decided to get it anyway? You thought it would help "some" based on what? You said you were told that it would likely NOT help grazers. I don't know, but I just don't get that ... I don't understand your reasoning here. Call me crazy, but if I went to the doctor and they told me that putting a cast on my right arm would not help my broken left arm, hmmm I wouldn't tell them to put the cast on my right arm anyway. Hey what the heck do I know ... The band may contribute to more grazing because I can not eat as much at meals, so I get hungrier later. So maybe I am need some fill removed. However, I did no better when I was less filled. Still I am confused, you say that maybe you should get some fill removed BUT in the next sentence you say it's still not going to help. Are you SURE you want to lose weight? You seem to be knocking every possibilty for improvement. I AM SOOOOO CONFUSED! Okay Fred, I am going to catch a lot of flack for not being PC in my response to your last post. Oh well, that's life. I see we are the same age so I'm going to say this: I got the band cuz I was tired of making excuses about why I couldn't lose weight. I did some research before I got the band but not nearly enough. After getting the band and doing more reading and research (btw, my doc wasn't the best band doc either -- but I kept him because he did all my fills personally, would answer ANY question I had and he gave me a fill whenever I felt I needed one) -- particularly on this forum, I learned that the band is about the work I DO, not the work the band does. My weight loss is slow, but steady. If I exercised more, I would lose faster. I have actually incorporated more exercise into my daily life and it has helped. But I accept responsibility for my weight loss and for speed at which I lose. This is ALL ME! I have the power, not the band. I also see a therapist to deal with emotional eating. She is a big help! You say you are a grazer, well, I will bet dollars to donuts (maybe I should not invoke a dessert food here, but what the heck!) that there are grazers on this forum that have the lapband and have learned to make it work for them. Most likely they changed the foods they grazed on. Whatever they did, it was a change they made in their life because they understand that they can only succeed if they are willing to do the work. You're 54 years old, when are you going to take responsibility for what YOU are doing to yourself? I know that sounds mean, but know this ... I asked MYSELF the very same question ... and the day I was willing to answer it honestly was the day I started changing the way I eat and what I eat and how much exercise I do. I am not sure what you want from the people on this forum. And, I am sorry if I sound harsh ... but we - you and I - are not young people, we are old enough to look back on a long life and know that if we don't change ourselves ... we can possibly die from weight related illnesses in the not-to-distant future. I know I don't want that, do you? Get a therapist that specializes in obesity. It could really help, but only if you want to change your life. Stop focusing on why you "can't" lose weight and find ways that you "can". There are a lot of GOOD people on this forum. Many of them are going to lambast me for speaking so frankly. But, you know what, I can take it. We are too old to play games, you and I. It's time to get down to business and change our lives. Good luck, Fred. I really do wish you the best.

Fred, it sounds like you didn't find ths forum until AFTER you were banded, true? Even if that is true, all is not lost. You have the band and you can still lose weight if you are willing to do what it takes. That you had the idea that the band could stop you from grazing just by being in place leads me to believe that you weren't well informed about the band before surgery. Keep reading this forum and you will learn a lot more about the band. For one thing it is not a miracle device, it is a TOOL, not a magic tool, just a tool. If you use the tool properly it will do its job -- but only if you do your job. Another thing is that -- drum roll -- YOU must change the way you eat. Yeah, sad but true, putting a piece of silicone or plastic or whatever it's made of in your belly won't control your mind OR keep your hands from scooping ice cream (a slider food, BTW) into your mouth and swallowing. Only YOU can do that. But here's the thing Fred, it is SOOOOOOOOOO empowering when you learn to take control of your health and well being. Your lapband helps you do that. Please read through this forum and do other research about how the band really works. Then, make it work for you. Take your life back! The band has helped so many people. As long as you are not having complications there's no reason you cannot succeed. Shame on your doctor for not giving you better information! Don't give up, you can do this! Try a few support groups too, it could help. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

I love Muscle Milk. I am lactose intolerant so I use the powder (chocolate). I mix half soy milk and half water. I have it for breakfast every morning -- I cannot get food down in the morning no matter how hard I try. So the Muscle Milk is great. I buy it at Costco for $26 for 40 scoops at 26gr of protein per scoop.

Since "normal" for me before banding was: 1) taking a daily regimen of meds for comorbidities; 2) Not being able to walk very far without being out of breath and having to sit; 3) Being drepressed because I hated the body I saw in the mirror; 4) Being in a daily cycle of eating because I was depressed about being fat and eating more because I hated myself for eating about being fat; 5) Suffering with terrible back pain daily ... the list goes on and on ... so no, I do not live a normal life ... my life is much, much better now! food is not longer my nemesis. My comorbidity meds are gone. I eat what I want for the most part, but I eat much less and am satisfied. I walk for miles and enjoy the scenery. I shop til I drop! YAY! Men flirt with me (and I AM OLD! LOL). I am happy and at peace with myself most of the time. I couldn't say that before. My life is so much better than "normal" now, so much better. All the best to you! ~Fran

I soooooooo know what you mean!!! LOL Sometimes I have to consciously tell myself "this is the bite that will make you throw up, don't be stupid!" This happens when I am eating something that tastes especially delicious and I want more but know I am already full. Oh the torture! Good to know I am not alone. LOL :sneaky: ~Fran

Cleo's Mom, this is very good advice! Even though the first 3 docs I went to when looking for a WLS were actually WLS surgeons (but turned out not to be on my insurance ... even though they were listed on my insurer's website), by the time I found a surgeon that would do it, I was so frustrated I just said "okay!". It did not even occur to me that he was a general surgeon. I am pretty sure he had recently (within the last 2 or 3 years -- I spoke to some of his patients in the waiting room) started building his WLS practice. But still did general surgery as well. That said, it is a REALLY good idea to choose a surgeon that only does WLS. I am sure this suggestion will help a lot of pre-ops that are checking out this forum before making their decision to have WLS.

Yes, I saw the article and wondered if it would be discussed in this forum. The article was bad, but did you read the comments??? It is amazing what people will say about other human beings. There are people on this forum that have spent their entire life trying to lose the weight and keep it off but couldn't until they got the band. I think if those that criticize us for not just "pushing away from the table" (pre-band) should walk a mile in our shoes. If they did they would sit down and shut up!

Patience was never one of my virtues but, with age comes ... hmmm ... reality, I guess. There are things that are out of my control. Is it better to relax and get through it? Yes, I think it is. It is easy? Often, no. 2 stories. A few years ago I had been feeling poorly for days. Ultimately, I couldn't get out of bed to get dressed for work. I called my docs office and they gave me an appointment for the next morning. The morning of the appointment I could barely get out of bed. I managed to get dressed because I knew that I had to get to the docs office. I left home in time to get to my appointment but, getting from the garage to the office (which was a 4 minute walk normally) took me about 15-20 minutes. I had to stop 2 or 3 times to sit down. I was very weak. After waiting for the elevator and finally getting in to the office they told me that I was too late. They said that I would have to reschedule because the doctor had to stay on schedule and I was too late to get in by TWO MINUTES. I was so sick I could barely talk. But I managed to tell the guy at the desk that I was much too sick to leave and could the doc PLEASE see me. He went back to see the doc and he agreed to see me. My doc took one look at me and said "you look awful". I explained my symptoms, he took a quick blood test and I had to be hospitalized immediately. I spent the next 5 days in the hospital. I was severely dehydrated, my blood sugar was 917 and I was fast on my way to diabetic ketoacidosis. At that time I did not know I was diabetic. I was immediately put on an IV for dehydration and my friend that was at the hospital with me had to respond to the questions they asked because by then, I was confused and incoherent. My doc is one that doesn't like to make his patients wait so, if you are late, you must reschedule so that others are not left waiting. But ... sometimes it's necessary. People had to wait while the doc took me in and people had to wait while the doc arranged for me to get into the hospital. I am very grateful to the people that waited while the doctor treated me. My 2nd story was a frustrating experience. I went for a fill one afternoon. I left work at 11:30 a.m. for a 12:15 p.m. fill appointment. My surgeon does all my fills himself. I had not reached restriction and was anxious to get this fill. As it goes with surgeons I had been sent home in the past without a fill because my doc was in surgery. On this day, they kept telling me he was "on his way." After two hours I was debating whether I should stay or just leave and reschedule. I had my iPod with me and the couches in his office are EXTREMELY comfortable, so I stayed. He arrived an hour later. I waited THREE hours for my doc! That's a loooooonnnng time to be patient. Fortunately, I had taken the remainder of the day off from work. Was it the end of the world waiting 3 hours? No. Would I ever want to do it again? No. After that experience I call his office before I leave work to make sure he is already there or nearby. It's not too much to ask that a doc respect your time. But, sometimes it's just not possible. Hang in there folks. As we lose weight our health gets better and better and soon we will only see a doc for our yearly physical! ~F

Jen, It sounds like you haven't had your post op appointment, right? I saw my doc 1 week after surgery, but i believe I have seen people here that have been scheduled at 2 weeks or 3. Everyone here is right, you must call your surgeon. Many people suffer ill effects from the anesthesia and you may be one of them. You also may have problems with the pain meds. It is hard to say since you did not give much detail. The one thing I think we can all agree on is that you should call your surgeon as soon as possible. It sounds like you are going through a very difficult time and I hope you feel better soon. Please be proactive and get the help you need. Do not suffer in silence. Even if your pain and suffering is something that will only abate with time, your doctor should be able to put your mind at ease by explaining to you exactly what is going on with your body right now. Please continue to look through this forum, there is a wealth of information here. ~Fran

Restriction is a person to person thing. One person may feel restriction with 4cc's in a 10cc band while another may not. It's weird, I know. But that's the way it is. I don't really know how much is in my band because I don't think my doc was really getting the saline in the first couple of fills. But, who knows. Anyway, I didn't start to feel real restriction until about my 5th fill. I thought I was at my sweet spot about my 6th fill but it wasn't until my 7th fill that I KNEW I was at my sweet spot. I was banded in June 2009 and I got that 7th fill in April 2010. So, you see, depending on your body and how aggressive your doc is with the fills, you are not there until you are there. My doc told me that I should probably be at my sweet spot by my 3rd fill -- didn't happen. Keep getting your fills and let the swelling go down after each fill before you decide whether you are too tight or too loose. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

Now THAT makes sense, and is definitely worth the read. Thanks a bunch Elcee! ~F

AS A VERY LAST RESORT ... ask your doc about a med for sleep apnea called Nuvigil. I think that all the previous suggested are best. You should be thoroughly checked out. Also, give your anti-depressants time to get into your system. I have/had sleep apenea. I don't know if I still have it because I sleep alone ... no one hears me snore ... LOL I was having so much trouble with my new CPAP that I stopped using it ... I kept choking and my just couldn't breath with it on. I had one in 2004 that worked wonderfully, then in 2009 I got a new one and it was terrible. Anyway, my doc gave me a new asthma med that made me lethargic ... I was so tired at work, it was awful. So, he gave me Nuvigil which is a med prescribed to sleep apnea patients when their CPAP doesn't do the job well enough. THIS IS A LAST RESORT MED. I shutter to think what will happen when I try to get off this pill. I've been taking it for about 3 months now. It works well but I don't like the idea of it. I am wondering if any other sleep apnea patients on this forum have heard of/used Nuvigil. Anyone? Good luck, it is literally a drag to be tired all the time. Fran

Mellisande, After being beat about the head and shoulders for being frank - which sometimes includes not using tact - many on this forum have become more PC in their responses to posts. And, I have to admit, this does have its merit. As obese/formerly obese/soon-to-be formerly obese people we have had our share of ill treatment; so I can definitely see the value in asking that we treat each other in a civil/kind manner even when we disagree. The unfortunate part is that sometimes we lose the people that would give the "let's be real" answer in the process. But, oh well, such is the way of the world these days. All in all, I know what you mean about not wanting to check the responses because you are non-confrontational, I am sure you are not alone. No one wants to be beat up for expressing an opinion. Glad it turned out well for you. I am sure that many a newbie will be checking with his/her doc to find out the validity of the article. Personally, I have been banded long enough to actually know how it works for me; so if I read an article that said the band would explode if I ate ice cream for two days in a row, I would know this not to be true. Yes, in the early days I am sure I had ice cream two days in a row -- shame on me. LOL This article just confirms for me that everyone should do their homework thoroughly and check several sources for answers. The question that just won't go away is: If restriction is not an important component of having the band, why not just have a band without a the saline balloon? Just asking (Dr. Simpson, not you Mellisande). All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

Jacqui, My thoughts and prayers are with you for your upcoming surgery. From the first post of yours I read many months ago, I have admired you. I know you can and will overcome any difficulty that come your way. All the best to you. ~Fran

OMG! I thought this article was written by the doctor shown on this page! Taking a closer look I do not see an author at all. Hmmmmm My understanding of the band is that which is explained in Cleo's Mom's post. It also makes sense to me. Mostly because being hungry was never the reason I overate, so having a band without restriction wasn't going to change my appetite per se; although by the time I got to my sweet spot I had changed my diet to the extent that the foods that I eat satisfies the physiological needs of my body AND I see a therapist which helps with the emotional eating. So restriction, eating healthier and therapy have been the keys to my success. Hey, if you are someone that loses without restriction, I am thrilled for you. That just has never been the answer for me. Good luck to all.

Well, if you think this is frustrating ... wait till you get to "Bandster Hell" ... LOL only kidding ... good luck to you.

I think that pre-ops are here because they are curious about what they can expect after surgery ...most have completed all their pre-op prep stuff and are excited about what is to come. Additionally, it is REALLY important to have realistic expectations after surgery and THIS is the best place to get the info first hand. Sorry it frustrates you, but we're here to support everyone that asks -- pre or post op. You may one day be a really big help to a pre-op. ~Fran

Congratulations on your success thus far! I hear those last 10-20 lbs can be difficult (I wouldn't know ... I am still trying to lose the first 100 LOL). I don't know if you've done all these things already, but take a look at this link ... it's short and to the point. Losing that Last 20 Pounds Hope it helps. ~F

Amy, I can understand your thinking when you decided to let this douche-bag do your surgery. Sometimes when we make up our minds to have lapband we are ready to do it NOW! Not always the best way to make a decision, but sometimes that's just the way it is. I get it. But, now it is time to get the H*LL out of there. You shouldn't have to fight with your doc for a fill. This is ridiculous. It is obvious that they don't know how the band works. smh ... Run for it Amy, find a surgeon that looks t you as a patient, not a dollar sign. mdhannant, I saw on your profile that you used Dr. Carson Liu. He is the doc that my PCP referred me to for my surgery. He is wonderful and so is everyone in his office! Lucky you! As it turned out, he was not on my insurance so I had to go elsewhere, but I remember him and his staff fondly. There is a doc in his office that had the surgery, she spoke with me at length. I was soooo bummmed to find out they were not on my insurance, so bummed.:w00t: ~Fran

I had surgery on Monday and I went back to work and sat for half a day on Friday. I was sooo glad to get home and lay down. But, by Monday I was back to my old self and the following Saturday I got my hair done. I wore comfortable clothing and was okay. Your incisions may still be tender so if you can wear a comfortable dress that might be preferable. Some people take longer to return to normal/semi-normal.

Yep, people are amazing. My ex-SIL told me that putting something foreign in your body like the band was "unnatural". I said "you mean like an artificial heart or hip replacement that save life and limb?" ... she just started speaking to me again last Friday. LOL!!! We work in the same building in downtown L.A. and rarely run into each other. When I saw her on Friday, she didn't mention all the weight I've lost. LOL She was alway bigger than me, and now she is even bigger. Oh well. I know a few people that had gastric bypass and gained back most if not all. But, that's not me and there is nothing that says that I have to follow in their footsteps. It is up to me alone to fail or succeed. What I put into it is what I will get out. A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995

YAY Arittel!! So glad to hear you are on the mend. I love happy endings! LOL! ~Fran

Belle, you must be one of the nicest people on earth ... and I'm not being sarcastic. Or, I suppose, in the alternative, I must be really mean. LOL I don't consider for a moment that I have to "explain" to my server why I am not eating my meal. For one thing, I don't think they actually care, as long as I leave a tip. LOL Last weekend one of my neighbors was celebrating his birthday in the common area where I live. Just to be polite, I went over to say "happy birthday". Well, one of my other neighbors got it into his head that I should stay and Celebrate with them. I had been to the grocery store and was anxious to get upstairs and sautee my boneless, skinless chicken. Never knew I would be more excited about boneless, skinless chicken than enchiladas! LOL Anyway, Steve kept insisting that I have a drink/join him for enchiladas. Hmmp! I stood my ground and ever so politely (smiling all the while) kept repeating "Thank you, but no thank you. I am fine." He was getting really pushy and, admittedly, I was getting a little uncomfortable. But I remained polite and stood my ground. Sometimes it's not easy, but well worth the battle to get to goal weight. As for vomiting, I also scope out the restrooms when I arrive at a restaurant and more often than not will have Soup and/or a salad (salads seem to slide down easily for me). On occasion if I am very hungry I will order an appetizer as my meal, but sometimes they are hard to get down too. ~F

I have no regrets. I had gas pains that were no fun, but overall no complaints. You mentioned back problems and I can relate to that. I had back surgery in 2004 and since then developed spinal stenosis. The back surgery helped but with all the weight I was carrying I still had problems and had to have spinal injections and cortizone shots. BUT, since losing weight I am able to do so many things I couldn't do in the past. I am unable to run due to the screws in my back, but I can walk for MILES. I couldn't do that before. Lapband surgery did more for me than the back surgery and all the injections in my spine ever did. Good luck on your journey.

Arittel, I am so sorry to hear that you are in such pain and being IGNORED by medical professionals!! I cannot fathom this. Who ignores a person that is spitting up blood???? This is insane. Please continue to be proactive. Also, make sure that someone close to you knows what is going on in the event things get worse. Do you know how hard I fought to stay out of the hospital before I got my band??? Every time I turned around one of my docs was putting me in the hospital! I was begging to go home! And I WASN'T BLEEDING! But they kept me for what I am sure was more days than needed, running every test in the book! So what you are going through is really hard for me to imagine. You know your body better than anyone. Pay attention and trust your instincts. Don't suffer in silence, you are NOT being whiny or complaining about something minor. Please take care of yourself, because if something happens to you as a result of their negligence all they're going to be is "sorry". I pray that things get better for you soon. Please keep us posted. ~F