tolmc

Hi All, I almost had a shot at poster child with 18mths and no weight loss I have been missing from the boards as it's a little hard to stay motivated when you are doing the right things and not losing weight. Yeah Yeah, we all hear it, you must be doing something wrong, blah blah...sorry I got tired of it. I went into quiet mode trying to work out what the heck happened & living. A few people know my history here. Short version, I was banded for 18mths and I didnt lose weight. I didnt lose weight on optifast either. I have never had the yo yo weight, remaining the same no matter if exercising for daily for months or eating junk. I decided the band was for me. Unfortunitly, it wasnt. I had pains from the port. I was always sick. I had over 20 adjustments, was always feeling hungry. At times I was hungry but couldnt eat. Yet if I exercised, I suffered the next day from pains, etc. I ate small meals but the weight didnt shift. I felt happy that I tried thought. Before my first year was up, my surgeon spoke to me about options. I was not ready to listen. Another 6mths down the track he arranged another meeting. This time I was ready to listen, before attending that appointment I started on lite and easy, (dietician meals delivered weekly to your door) the 1200 cal, skipping their breads etc. 3 months on that, no weight loss either. By now I was frastrated and dis-hearted. Then it was time for that appointment, paying attention knowing I had tried. I was told of the options and had to make a decision, which I didnt rush. 4mths later I had the band removed and the sleeve performed. I am still in recovery and sometimes it pulls but I am so glad I did this. (although last weekend I pull the tummy muscles and its like starting recovery all over again - great as I had just started exercise too - doctor say it may be a cyst too) I know the band is a great tool for most. I watch friends do very well and I am pleased for them. The band was not for me, and I am pleased with making the change. I am now over 2mths post op. I dont feel hungry. I am 15kgs down. Just as with the band, its a tool. Its still up to me not to eat poor choices etc. I did struggle with going ahead with yet another operation. What if there was more failure? etc etc (I will be corrected by my surgeon for calling it failure - but to me I was and I hate that). I didnt cheat the band, I know that, it wasnt for me. The lite and easy was the final check for me that I wasnt doing the wrong thing. I gave the band a good try now that its out I wish I did this much earlier but life is too short for regrets. Good luck on your journeys, looks like mine has finally started. I might still be slow losing 15kgs in almost 2 years, but hey I am now losing. I can even start a ticker now. Woohoo Lisa

Hi Phili, I was banded early last year. I have lost no weight. I have put on no weight. I have restriction, I have been good, I have exercised. I do not have a band problem. I watch what I eat. My weight didnt go up and down like most for 10yrs prior to banding. I could go months of being very good, leaving with a personal trainer for 6mths or go months of eating what I want and the weight never moved. I am happy with myself and my life in general. I realised going into this some it just doesnt work for some and they dont know why. My surgeon agrees I am apart of the 5%. Its hard, especially watching so many other succeed. I wanted this to work. To ensure that I wasnt kidding myself, I have been on lite'n'easy for 2mths now. Guess what, I have not cheated it (except for a handful of bullets one day) and no weight change. As Cam mentioned, I need to take in less cals. I know at 1200cals I dont drop weight. (Well less as the breads etc I cant eat) If I have more fill in I am sick & it has to be removed. I think now I have had 18 adjustments. After reviewing everything, knowing what I have tried and what I havent, I spoke about other options. Now I have to consider the sleeve. That would bring my cals down to about 600per day. I dont know what I going to do just yet. I just know although I only have weight as my only health issue in time they will change so I need to think about this. TO be honest I am scared about another op and failure. I said that to my surgeon and he corrects me, saying it is not failure, it doesnt work for all, this is a disease and although I dont believe that I am trying. I now this road is hard when you are trying and nothing seems to work. I hope you are able to find what you needs to get your results. You arent alone in this. Results we be worth it one day, have to have faith right Take care Regards Lisa

I have been missing for a long time. Trying to find myself again. Recap as most wont know me now. Banded in April 2006 and I still havent lost any weight. I am happy with life. Not happy that this hasnt worked. I have been enjoying lite and easy for months now too (dietician control meals, breakfast lunch dinner) not cheating it and still no weight loss. For 15yrs I havent put on or gained weight except when pregnant. I am off to my surgeon today to have yet another chat. Glad I dont have other medical issues, but hey I know in time thats why I did this. For those of you who are losing weight but just not quickly enough but steadily take heart - its a great result!!!!

First, a warning this is a little detailed about some women’s issues, so stop now if you don’t want to hear/know…..(Also, this is posted in the slow losers, so dont read twice) Ok, a few weeks ago I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. She was really good, she specializes in PCOS. I wanted to see her to get my hormone levels checked, etc. Confirm I had PCOS and not cushings. During the appointment after an hour of taking my history, etc she wasn’t at all surprised I hadn’t lost any weight with the band. She was very sure that my pcos was affecting my insulin, which of course was affecting my hunger and no amount of dieting could address this. We changed drugs to the once a day slow release metformin (or metformin type drug) We knew from my pregnancies that insulin resistance played a bit part in conceiving and keeping the pg’s. Then she wanted to run some tests and have a scan. I couldn’t get in for the scan until next year but told them I was home for any cancellations. Well I was out with my son picking up my daughter when I got the call about a cancellation. A girlfriend had just left pathology so I got her to go back so she could watch both kids. (Not the thing for them to see) Thank God for great friends. Anywho, the scan took all of 2 mins. The Specialist wanted to check my lining wall before inducing a period. If I had a thick wall and forced a period I could hemorrhage. Normal range is under 10cms, mine was 22cm. :omg: With cysts within the lining as well. So clear to see on the screen as well. Then he checked my ovaries, this time they found both (they cant always) and they were enlarged and MANY cysts. Obviously the PCOS is still very there and present. This is great news and no surprise about the lining wall. I have asked to have it check before and I know you need to have a few good bleeds a year. It was only the specialist who understood why I was concerned. Now that I know we can address this & reduce the risk of other problems later. Interesting too, the specialist sent me a copy of the letter that was sent to the referring GP –very impressed. I feel like I am at least getting some answers and I am looking forward to how I feel after being on the slow release metformin for a while. Hopefully it will point me in the right direction.

Yeah....no tongue in cheek there at all!!!!!!!! I'd like that too but its not going to happen. Plus, I am a loser, just realised I have committed to things in Dec and now have no weekends for free for Joel's 1st birthday. Damn Damn Damn. I am a little all over the place.

Hi Margaret, It's 120kgs. Was 120Kgs when I was banded too. Thats 264pounds.

Whoops, sorry.... I just realised others replied and I didnt say thanks. THANKS - how rude!!! As for losing weight more quickly, atm, I'd be happy to just start losing some weight, any weight. thanks everyone

Sorry Kat, I should have written that. Having it that long I just assume (wrongly)everyone else must know. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) It affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance (hair growth). Women with PCOS have these characteristics: high levels of male hormones, also called androgens an irregular or no menstrual cycle may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age. An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS. No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.

Thanks Kat & Jenny. Yes, the Dr was a shock lol. As Jess said, we dont celebrate Thanksgiving, only USA and Canada do. (Guess we werent around for the 1st feast with the Pilgrims in 1621) I do like what thanks giving has become. We arent as big on holloween here either. We get Australia Day in Jan.

First, a warning this is a little detailed about some women’s issues, so stop now if you don’t want to hear/know….. Ok, listening to everyone here a few weeks ago I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. She was really good, she specializes in PCOS. I wanted to see her to get my hormone levels checked, etc. Confirm I had PCOS and not cushings. During the appointment after an hour of taking my history, etc she wasn’t at all surprised I hadn’t lost any weight with the band. She was very sure that my pcos was affecting my insulin, which of course was affecting my hunger and no amount of dieting could address this. We changed drugs to the once a day slow release metformin (or metformin type drug) We knew from my pregnancies that insulin resistance played a bit part in conceiving and keeping the pg’s. Then she wanted to run some tests and have a scan. I couldn’t get in for the scan until next year but told them I was home for any cancellations. Well I was out with my son picking up my daughter when I got the call about a cancellation. A girlfriend had just left pathology so I got her to go back so she could watch both kids. (Not the thing for them to see) Thank God for great friends. Anywho, the scan took all of 2 mins. The Specialist wanted to check my lining wall before inducing a period. If I had a thick wall and forced a period I could hemorrhage. Normal range is under 10cms, mine was 22cm. :omg: With cysts within the lining as well. So clear to see on the screen as well. Then he checked my ovaries, this time they found both (they cant always) and they were enlarged and MANY cysts. Obviously the PCOS is still very there and present. This is great news and no surprise about the lining wall. I have asked to have it check before and I know you need to have a few good bleeds a year. It was only the specialist who understood why I was concerned. Now that I know we can address this & reduce the risk of other problems later. Interesting too, the specialist sent me a copy of the letter that was sent to the referring GP –very impressed. I feel like I am at least getting some answers and I am looking forward to how I feel after being on the slow release metformin for a while. Hopefully it will point me in the right direction.

Hi Everyone, Ok, question for you pro's out there...I mean old timers, I mean experienced ppl.... I was just wonder how ESV run their Kris Kringles. Do they put all the presents in a bag/box and you pick one? Or do you give your gift to someone you think would like it? Yes I could wait until Tues night (this Tues for those who don't realise its a week earlier this month). I have two gifts, one is more general however its for a female, so understanding how it run might impact the gift. No, its nothing bad! thanks

there are just so many lines there....

Cam you are correct, its the last one until the end of Feb. I have 2007 dates too. I'm sure all meetings are the end of month except Nov. No idea why they dont post it, it should be a seperate thread with the meeting topics, etc. I guess given how quiet that it no many would see it anyway. It does feel like Christmas. I love Christmas. I want to wrap presents & put up the tree now but I am holding off. Christmas carols in my head. Cards ready. BUT, with Christmas means going back to work, so its very sad. Will be so hard to leave my little man, much harder than my daughter. Bitter sweet ho ho ho I dont think Cam and Anna have met. But IF ANNA is good, we'll think about it. Basically no hope then... See you Tuesday. 9 more days until back at work...

Thanks Cam, knew one of you pro's would know lol - you did it again with the meeting. I am grinning and you wont be the only one who thinks the meeting is the following week. The gifts are $10 Seriously thanks for the reply, sounds interesting. Hope we see you there. Rem there is walking for those who want/can make it. Hope things are going better for you

I am sure whatever we get we will cope. Hopefully one of the experienced bansters can give us a heads up. But no drama if they dont. see you there

Hi Boppers, I too was banded in April and I havent lost ANY weight. We have to do a liquid diet before surgery for a few weeks - I didnt loss any weight then either. It's so hard. You listen to other bansters and how well they are do, the things they can eat and that they arent hungry. Well thats not me, I am hungry. I have restrictions and over 11 adjustments. Good food is so hard to eat that crap food is just easier. I've had fill taken out twice. I too exercised, but I have lost faith now coming this far and not losing weight. Very disheartening each month when you exercise daily, eat well, and dont lose weight when other months you can eat crap, not exercise and still stay the same. So, I'll have the flavour. I had the fertility problems, but after 12 yrs I finally beat that so weight is my big issue now to crack. I'll get there somehow. I hope you find your way soon too take care Lisa

Hi Cam, If it helps, perhaps he is a little off when he is challenged or you demand answers. He is probably more helpful if you play the 'dumb' role. (I am sure you have struck this in business). Any agression might not be a good idea, it may have been me but perhaps he is just defensive. I might be totally wrong here, but I am wondering if this is the issue (might explain your email reply comment). Thinking of the board, his replies are always defensive. Dont get me wrong, I know he is passionate about his job and I am 100% sure his heart is really into helping over weight people. Just feel him out and have your plan ready to switch the way you are speaking/approaching him if things dont seem to be going right. I still think its a great idea to swap Drs. Has to be worth a go. Certainly from ppl's comments, he is the best of the 3 for what you are experiencing. FTR - you arent the only who thought the meeting was next week. I am about to go and double check my letter but I am sure its the 31st. The walking is only starting this meeting so you havent missed anything. The last 2 meeting were really just chats. Although there is a lot of new bandsters. When's your appointment?

Cam, I think taking Ray up on the offer was wise. The $1000K+ to go elsewhere is just too rich not to give Ray a go. He really isnt into yelling for weight gain and I am still shock to hear other Dr's do this. (But I know thats true). He also isnt into blaming everything on the mind until he is sure everything with the band is right. I have tried to explain hunger but until he is happy with the fills he said he wont go down that path> He believes thats too much of an easy out for him and he wont accept that yet. Last appointment I explained that my body is in conflict with itself. The bottam half is full and the top half wants flavour and food - a weird feeling when you know you are stuffed. He again said, until my adjustments are right he wont go there. Which is fair. I'd be suprised if he plays the blame game. Anywho, its worth a chat and from the board he knows you've had issues. He really does seem to take his role very seriously and is very open. All my appointments of late are in his lunch hour. Good luck

Hi Cam, We have had one yelling match some time back, I wanted answers and he was stressed. He told me to skip meals by the end of it, which I ignored. Other than that bad appointment he has been supportive, but I am a bit over that. Since then, he has been supportive to the point of strange - I'll explain in person. Just checking, but two of your message read like bandworks is next tues. Its the week after, you probably no, but just incase. It';s Halloween and there is a walk at 6:30pm for those who can make it and want to go. Imagine the people's faces seeing us walking about for Halloween!! PMSL. They'll hide the candy. Take care

Hi Bella, I have no idea on your hair comment but I can tell you I have very thick hair, always have, and I have always been big from my earliest memory. Forget slow loser, I am a no loser since my op in April this year. I have restriction, I've had 9 adjustments and 5.5mls in, anymore and I cant eat at all. Interesting, I was just thinking about the only time I've ever lost hair and it was whilst I was pregnant. This is the only time I ever lose weight, 20kgs/44lbs. But the last time it stayed off!!! woohoo

Hi Anna, Welcome back, I too had low bp & ended up staying in hospital for 4 days. It's a horrible feeling when your bp drops and you can feel it coming. I blacked out in hospital from it, the nurse couldnt understand what a black out was (or fainted, passed out, etc. Grrrr then wanted me to get up and walk). Anywho, that's getting off the subject - you. Dont get concerned if the shoulder pain gets worse in the next few days. take care, talk soon Lisa

Hi Anna,:banplease: Just to let you know a few of us were thinking of you. Goodluck with your op, speak to you soon take care

Hi, I was done by Ray McHenry this year. I pay $105 each visit, might be $103 and I get it all back from medicare. I am over my medicare threadhold however I think I got all back before hitting that limit, all but $1 or something small. Regards

Hi Cam, I had an appt with Ray last week. I too am still hungry all the time fight with myself not to go looking for food. I said to Ray its like my brain and my tummy are fighting and my head just doesnt accept that I am full and not hungry even when I should be. He wouldnt listen to that and said he wasnt willing to accept that its a mental issue, he said too many dr's do that and he just isnt willing to go down that path yet. Let's face it, I am only 6mths down the track but I would have excepted that a normal person should have lost weight by now. I wasnt down at the appt but he still tried to offer me comfort and I am now seeing him weekly. He has never yelled at not lossing weight, unlike some of the other surgeons. I was horrified to hear some ppl get yelled at. I heard last week that someone was told not to come back for an appt if they put on weight again. I would not recommend going to Richard, I have spoken to too many ppl who have been upset by him. I am not sure if this is useful, but I thought hearing of some other experiences might be helpful. Oh, I also went to my GP who is supportive. I am now going for a full blood works with some specialist in Nov to ensure everything is in balance. I now if they arent it will effect weight lost. Actually, you are/were pcos too, are you sure you are not insulin rest? I have just restarted metformin again and over the last week I am feeling less hungry. I am still wanting food, just not as badly as before - just a thought. take care

Well I took your advise and others, I also went to that link and found someone with Cushings in my state (spelt it right this time). I now have a referal to endocrinologist. My GP fully agreed about getting a complete work up too. I'll keep you posted but the earliest I can get in is mid Nov. In the mean time, I will start on another drug to try and help Thanks for the advise. Regards Lisa