pgducote

Hi, all I had the lapband surgery in Lafayette, LA with Dr. Gary Stevens December, 2006. To date I've lost 43 pounds. I would have hoped to have lost more weight almost two years post surgery but I had a complication which I am now just getting over. I started vomiting January of this year but did not tell my doctor. I can't tell you why but it was a definite mistake on my part, because by March I couldn't keep anything down. My doctor unfilled my band for 3 months and told me I had a pouch dilation. My band was too tight. Three weeks ago I had my first refill. So basically I'm starting over. I did manage to maintain a 40 pound weight loss through all of this. I lost another 3 pounds the last 3 weeks since my refill. My surgery was self-pay and so were my fills so I guess you could say I'm a lot smarter now that I've been through all of this. I will ONLY be eating 1/2 cup of food per meal; only drink between meals; limit carbs, and CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. (I'm addressing head hunger which promotes emotional eating for me.) I have so much to make up for but I feel I'm back on the right road and feel fortunate I was able to keep my band. Sorry so long, but I felt the need to write all of this down, for myself and just maybe for someone else out there with my same issues.

Hi, all I had the lapband surgery in Lafayette, LA with Dr. Gary Stevens December, 2006. To date I've lost 43 pounds. I would have hoped to have lost more weight almost two years post surgery but I had a complication which I am now just getting over. I started vomiting January of this year but did not tell my doctor. I can't tell you why but it was a definite mistake on my part, because by March I couldn't keep anything down. My doctor unfilled my band for 3 months and told me I had a pouch dilation. My band was too tight. Three weeks ago I had my first refill. So basically I'm starting over. I did manage to maintain a 40 pound weight loss through all of this. I lost another 3 pounds the last 3 weeks since my refill. My surgery was self-pay and so were my fills so I guess you could say I'm a lot smarter now that I've been through all of this. I will ONLY be eating 1/2 cup of food per meal; only drink between meals; limit carbs, and CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. (I'm addressing head hunger which promotes emotional eating for me.) I have so much to make up for but I feel I'm back on the right road and feel fortunate I was able to keep my band. Sorry so long, but I felt the need to write all of this down, for myself and just maybe for someone else out there with my same issues.

I had surgery one year ago and I, too, have back pain in my upper back. I do have gas issues, also. The pain comes and goes and is more noticeable in the a.m. upon rising.

Dori, you are not alone. I was banded Dec. 2006 and to date I've lost 30 lbs. I exercise 3-5 times a week, I've had 6 fills in a 10cc VG band. It's hard but I know it will happen, just slower than I had expected. I find I do better when I eat high protein, very limited carbs. Hang in there, it will happen for us, just not as quickly as we'd like!

Css95: You're right, even if I don't get that "perfect fill" by Dec. 2008 at this rate I'll be down at least 52 pounds, and pre-band that just was not happening. Thanks. pgducote

Yes, it does suck! I especially hate the looks and questions I get, especially from family. I know this weight will come off, I just have to get the right fill that will allow me to peel it off. It will happen, just not as fast as other banders who post huge weight losses.

This sounds like my kind of thread. I had surgery Dec. 2006 and I've lost 26 pounds. Been feeling like a lapband outcast. Glad to know I'm not alone. pgducote

I'm new to this forum. Can someone tell me how to get started? How do I set up my stats, etc. pgducote

My surgery was December 22, the week of Christmas. I made the decision to accept this blessing thru the holiday season and had a positive attitude about eating liquids while my family was enjoyed great food all around me. I did great, lost 15 1/2 pounds and marvel at how a positive attitude before surgery made all the difference. Can't wait for this year!:clap2:

New to all of this. Interested in lap band. Done all the research and about to schedule doctor visit with Dr. Stevens in Lafayette, LA. Anyone out there familiar with Dr. Stevens? Wondering about out-of-pocket cost. Just got another turndown from insurance.

Hi, My name is Patti. I am 53 years old. I am 5'2" and currently weigh 303 lbs. I am so happy I found this site because I feel I am being led to seriously considering the lap band. First and foremost, it seems to be a safer method, much less invasive. That is important to me. Secondly, I will probably have to pay out-of-pocket, and though I could afford the surgery of the bypass, I'm concerned about possible complications which could devastate our finances. I am learning a lot and I've only logged on to this site a day ago. I need all the advice I can get and would really appreciate some feedback from "old pros" of the band. I know it will be a good journey. Patti:decision:

Hi, My name is Patti. I am 53 years old. I am 5'2" and currently weigh 303 lbs. I am so happy I found this site because I feel I am being led to seriously considering the lap band. First and foremost, it seems to be a safer method, much less invasive. That is important to me. Secondly, I will probably have to pay out-of-pocket, and though I could afford the surgery of the bypass, I'm concerned about possible complications which could devastate our finances. I am learning a lot and I've only logged on to this site a day ago. I need all the advice I can get and would really appreciate some feedback from "old pros" of the band. I know it will be a good journey. Patti:decision: