MizJudie

I was banded March 1, 2006 and lost about 80 pounds in the first 6 months....and then nothing, then gained 20 back,...and now lost 15 of that in the last 6 months. I just got unfilled because I got clogged up and couldn't even get water down...must have eaten something that was chewed well. I'm getting refilled right after Labor Day and am trying to get myself psyched up to really lose this tool to its full potential. I still have such a long way to go....but at least I'm getting back on the wagon

I've been looking for a new doctor and for some Christian support. I was banded over two years ago and haven't seen a doctor in over a year. I also haven't lost any weight in over a year. Reading the recent posts about noticing what is on your plate or on other plates makes me feel frustrated. I have no problem eating out. I feel good when I know I left a good amount on my plate because I ate just a 1/2 cup portion. But when I'm alone, the demons come out and I can't seem to stop putting food in my mouth. I feel so weak in my faith...so weak in my flesh. Any suggestions in staying strong during these private times? Also, if anybody has any suggestions for a Houston doc, I'd appreciate it. My surgeon beat up my self esteem more than helped it. My next doc retired. So I've been ignoring my issues.....and it is time to stop!

I have had my surgery for over 2 years. I lost 80 pounds in the first six month....and now nothing.... My original surgeon was insulting and demeaning. Basically, he made me feel like if I wasn't going to be one of his poster girls for success than he could berate me into losing weight. Well, anyone who has self esteem issues knows that being berated just leads you to the refrigerator. So I found a new doctor about a year and a half ago. He was nice. Helped me realize that I needed some therapy to help me understand why I set myself up to fail. Then he retired. And I've been without a doctor for about a year. I have been working with a therapist and definitely improving and getting more confident...and therefore making better choices. Here is my quandary: for the past year I've had days where I could feel the restriction properly, eat small portions, doing well. And then suddenly, I will go for 3-4 days where nothing goes down. I've had to resort to smoothies or carnation instant Breakfast just to get enough calories to not faint...and even then I have to take small sips. Then just as suddenly, the next day, I can wolf down a 6 inch sub sandwich from Subway as if the lapband doesn't exist. I don't get it. I have tried the hot liquids to relax the banded area but sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. SO I'm looking for two pieces of advice: 1. Has anybody had this on again/off again issue since being banded and if so, can anybody explain why?? Maybe if I can understand the physiology I can react better. 2. Anybody know of a support post surgery doc in the Houston/Katy area that will take on a patient who already has had surgery? Thanks for help. Judi

Well, why I ate a 6 inch is sub is a good question...both for therapy but also for understanding. I split the sub into 3's. Ate the first one...was still hungry...ate the 2nd part...and an hour later ate the 3rd part. Never felt any restriction. Now I understand psychologically, I should have made better choice. But if I didn't have self control issues, I never would have ballooned to this size. But point taken, perhaps I'm damaging the pouch and then can only handle liquids until it is healed. I'll give that some thought.

Just wondering if there is anyone from the Katy area that has been banded. I saw the Woodlands support group and wondered if there were enough from the Katy area to form a support group. If there is a support group near here, please let me know. Thanks!

Congrats Stacey! :clap2: I was banded on March 1st. It's been a little slower than I had thought but I've lost a little over 50 pounds now. I have a long way to go...but I've lost more in the last six months than I had in the last 6 years, so I'm thrilled with my progress. I know my progress has been hampered by not being able to exercise yet. I have plantar fasciitis and have a hard time walking...but it's getting better and hope to get the go ahead from my podiatrist this week to start walking/exercising. Then I know the pounds will come off a little faster. Just got to keep remembering: it is a tool, it is a tool, it is a tool.

Hi Lapbandit. I flew at 350 pounds this past July. When I first get on the plane, right when the flight attandants greet you, I always ask for a seatbelt extender. They are usually are very kind and either give you one right then or discreetly hand you one after you are seated. I do end up asking the person next to me if they mind if I put the arm up on the seat. I've yet had anyone be ugly about it. But I'm a size 30. On this last flight, I measured that I needed to lose 4 more inches to not need the seatbelt extender any more. At a size 20 (even squeezing into it...woohoo for you by the way!!), you will probably not even need a seat belt extender. You will be fine. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the support! I was pretty upset about his comments. And I really like this doc in most respects which I think is why he upset me so much. I know he realized he was being really insensitive...and I bet he doesn't make such assumptions again with any one else. My biggest problem with even the wls docs is they think that everyone's weight loss should be the same. Since I didn't hit my surgeons bench mark, he told me I just wasn't committed. Actually, he screamed at me. Yes, like raised-his-voice screamed at me. So I did change wls doctors. My new one is very nice and said his goal is not a certain number of pounds, but his goal is to get me a healthier body. I like that. I feel motivated again and I'm not going to let my gyn's comments get me down. Thanks for the encouragement y'all!

I had a difficult visit with my gyn this week. His first comment was "have you ever talked to your PCP about wls?" I said, "yes, in fact I have done it! I had lapband surgery". And his response: "So I see it's not working for you"! :Banane27: I've lost 42 pounds since my surgery (3/1/6) and though it is not as stellar as some (you rock Lap Bandit!!), I think I'm doing pretty good. Hey, the scale is going down, isn't it? So, I kind of laid into him. He back peddled really quickly. I think some doctors just want to cure the world in a day. And what took 10 years to come on, I know will take time to come off. I was down about his comments...until I read the above posts. So thanks everyone for being so open!