Bugaboo77

Had my band for 6 years. It's not working for me anymore. I've gained all my weight back. Fluoroscope images look good. Waiting to do an EGD to see what things look like from inside. Hoping for something to show so I can get approval to revise. So tired of being 100 lbs overweight Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm not the type to cause a scene. After we left, I contacted corporate about my experience, and they stood behind their employees and told me the same exact thing. No apologies, nothing. I was very upset and decided to boycott the restaurant. Lol. So, a more vocal friend Of mine tested it out by doing the same. They weren't going to let him order off the kids menu either...until he started making a scene. Then they let him. Lol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ok, I was banded in 2010. I received the Bariatric surgery card to use at restaurants. I had a bad experience at a restaurant once and since then I don't really use the card. When we were first escorted to our seats, I asked the hostess for a kids menu. Her response in a sarcastic tone, "why. Do you want to color?" I am in my 30's. I explained to her that I had a stomach surgery and could not eat much food. I told her I had a card from my doctor explaining that. She left and then her manager came to the table to talk to me. They said they "don't do that, and lunch portions were the same as kid portions." I was pissed. So my mom and I shared a meal. They would have gotten more money if they allowed me to eat off the kids menu. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Not everyone on this app is rude. I also wish everyone could just be supportive of one another. We are all in this together, and sometimes, this is the only place for some people to get support because they don't have support at home. If someone asks a question, give an honest answer without the sarcasm. Being rude doesn't help anybody. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wondering how you are all doing? I got my band in November 2010. Starting weight was about 260, surgery weight was approx 245? I lost weight with my band but never below 200 lbs. My Bariatric doctor moved his practice and I had to start with another doctor. I saw this new doctor but it was 1.5 hours away and I had gotten a different job, so it was hard to get there to see this doctor. In the mean time, my band was getting too tight, caused a lot of pain and I became anemic. I couldn't get the Protein in that I needed. I was eating easy things like potatoes and such. Fast forward to recent...tried the Sanford Profile diet to try to get excess weight off (My new Bariatric doctor was aware of it). It kind of worked but I have a hard time not being able to eat fruit, potatoes, some breads (which you can't have while on the Profile diet). I am back up to 260 lbs. I have an appointment with my Bariatric doctor again on Monday. I'm contemplating a revision to RNY. My husband says he supports whatever I decide to do. My mom thinks I should just try to diet the old fashioned way. I struggle because my job is a lot of travel. So it's hard to always eat properly when all you have is a gas station to pick food from. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I know my distance of 1.5 hours is not bad. It would totally be worth it if I knew the doctors were working to get my band converted to RNY. But I don't know that yet. I'm meant driving the 1.5 hours one way every time I had an appointment to get a fill or a check Up. If I was going for a surgeon or one of those types of visits, it would be totally worth it. Plus if your insurance doesn't cover fills, fluoroscope...what are you most likely to do? Not go and see your doctor to keep you accountable--because of the distance, time away from work and money out of your own pocket. I'm really hoping I can convert to RNY. I think it will make life easier and not cost so much in the long run. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't necessarily say that I would sue. I still have mine after 6 years. I am currently trying to get it converted to RNY. I've only lost 60 lbs and gained it all back. I was misinformed also. I was told it is meant to be permanent. I didn't realize my insurance wouldn't pay for the fills, fluoroscope, etc. my doctor I started with moved his practice so my closest bariatric doctor is 1.5 hours away, which may not seem so bad but when your work office is another hour in the opposite direction, it's kind of sucks. I have never gotten to my sweet spot and the doctor doesn't think I will ever get there. Was I misinformed? Yes. Maybe if I had a bunch more problems with my band, I would. But my band is more with inconvenience right now. It would be nice to get it out before there are more problems though Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh, I soooo wish I was in your shoes. I was banded about 6 years ago. I've never gotten below 200 lbs. I want to convert to RNY, but my insurance is being stupid. I have no Bariatric doctors close to me. The closest COVERED doctor is 1.5 hours away from me. I'm just lost and miserable. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

In the same boat. Banded in 2010. Lost 40 lbs at first. Gained it all back due to eating what I could when I was too tight. I started getting a lot of pain so they did a swallow test and band was fine. They let it rest and we put some Fluid back in. I'm having some pain again. Switching doctors. I want to get the band out and maybe do something else, but my insurance won't pay for a revision unless it is medically necessary. Does it sound bad that I'm hoping for some sort of problem to get it out? The doctors that work with lap band around here are few and far between...at least 1 hour away for the nearest doctor to do a fill, and that is only offered 2 days a month. Grrrr.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, November bandsters! Tomorrow is the beginning of November, which means our 1 year anniversary is coming up soon! Personally, I am NOT at the weight loss I thought I would be at this point, but I am happy to say that I am satisfied with my weight loss. I had hit a stand still for about 3-4 months hangin' out at around 200 lbs, which is about 50 pound weight loss for me. I went to see my doctor for a regular check up and he assured me that what I was experiencing was absolutely normal. He also asked me why. My response was that I was naughty. LOL...I had gotten burned out with constantly watching what I was eating, exercising, etc. Again, he said that was normal. His next response was, "how did you get to this point? You didn't start this journey by doing everything all at once. You made changes one at a time. What is ONE thing you can focus on?" I chose to focus on exercising. So, I set my focus on exercising for the month and will go back to see him on my anniversary date of November 8. Of course I never threw my diet completely out of the window while I was at a stand still. I never gained weight, I've been holding steady. 2 weeks ago, I started the C25K. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is the "couch to 5K." It gets you to be able to run for 3 miles (5K) by slowly building up your endurance. It is an 8 week program and so far it's working great. I've always wanted to run for exercise, but usually get discouraged. The c25k is actually fun! I just started week 3 today and have noticed my weight down a couple more pounds since I've started and my legs feel like they want to run when I haven't done it for a couple of days. Also, they say that it takes 6 weeks to develop a habit. SO, if we can keep up with the exercise for 6 weeks, maybe exercise can be my addiction instead of something harmful to me.

Hello everyone! I was banded on Nov. 8, 2010. I can't believe it's been almost a year already! I'm glad to know that I am 'normal' in my weight loss. I started out at 255 and I am currently 199. I am going to see my doctor today and plan to get a fill. I went on vacation last weekend, and although I didn't gain any weight...I was eating all the time and felt hungry after only 2 hours of eating. Not good! Thank god I didn't gain any weight! My doctor appointments are about every other month. My problem= drinking pop because I work nights and I need my caffeine to stay awake and keep me going, and not exercising. Ugghhh...I just NEED to exercise, I NEED to drink more Water, I NEED to lay off the pop. Why can't I be addicted to exercise and water instead of pop and sweets? Oh, and I've never figured out the weight ticker thingy. *sigh* Oh well!

I had my first "stuck" episode that led me to make myself puke the other day. It was miserable. I was at work and I must've eaten too fast. It hurt so bad and I couldn't get it to go away. I went to the BR and made myself throw it up. Some came out and I felt better. Went back to work and it was stuck again...so, back to the BR I went to make myself throw up again. It felt better and then it started to hurt again...I thought, "are you freakin' kidding me?" I went to the BR again and tried to throw up, but couldn't. I hopped around on my (L) leg (sounds stupid), but it FINALLY relieved. I was able to get back to work. When I threw up, there was no big pieces, so I must have just eaten too fast. Pineapple juice usually helps me feel better when I get stuck. So, now I put a small can of pineapple juice in my purse just in case. That was Awful!!! What a reminder to SLOW down when eating. I also have learned that I can eat SOME breads-even soft bread- as long as I eat it slowly and I for sure don't drink anything for 1/2 hour after. If I drink, it gets stuck.

Hey, fellow bandsters! I was banded on Nov. 8. I started out at 255 and I am currently 215 for a total weight loss of 40 lbs so far. I was completely ecstatic that I was able to fit into some XL size clothes...depending on the brand of course! I am putting my 2-3x sized nursing scrubs into a bag to go to consignment! I have been stuck a few times. I have not thrown up though at all. Sometimes I wish I could have to get rid of the stuck feeling. I've found that pineapple juice works well to get something unstuck. My stuck episodes are helping me to learn what food items I can't tolerate so I stay away from them. I have had 2 fills. The first being 3.5cc and the second being 2cc. I still deal with head hunger. It's funny because I've never understood why they say to eat a piece of cheese or meat for breakfast. I eat a slice of cheese for breakfast and it keeps me satisfied until dinner time 4 hours later. Now, if I eat some mini powdered sugar donuts, I am starving 3 hours later. It's all in the protein content! I was able to get my cholesterol med taken away! I went through a bunch of clothes today that either are too big or I don't like anymore and you should see all the hangers I have available now! So far, it's been a great experience! At this point the only exercise I get is when I'm working. I am a nurse in a nursing home, so I do alot of walking. I used a pedometer once and it fell off of me a few times and reset. The longest period of time it was on, calculated out to be about 3 miles. So, I know I walk more than that in a shift. My goal is to start running. I'm not talking marathons...just going for a decent run on my days off of work--just me and my ipod or my smartphone. I live in Minn. so it's just starting to get nice around here. I have so much more energy than I've ever had, which is giving me the incentive to go running! Today it was crappy outside with snow, so I cleaned out my bedroom including old clothes. I need some organization in my life, not piles of crap! It makes ME feel better to have organization of some sort. It's been great to hear from everyone!

Hey there! I had my first fill yesterday also. They put in 4 cc. When I got up, they had me drink water and it just sat there. I told them it felt like I had something in the back of my throat like it was trying to regurgitate (water was stuck!) I had NEVER felt that before. They layed me down and took out 1 cc and that feeling went away immediately! So, I had my first fill with 3 cc. I was testing myself out this a.m. and ate a few bites of very soggy rice crispies (my daughter's left overs) and I got that same feeling! Crazy! It eventually went down. I have been drinking water all a.m. thus far. I made myself a carnation instant breakfast with powdered milk (for extra protein). That is fine, but I need to take slow drinks. No more chugging like I did before I was restricted. haha. I get that feeling of being stuck again and lots of gurgling noises as it's trying to go through. It'll be okay, just having a fill has definitely brought me back to reality! I need to remember what I learned at surgery time and I need to remember those "commandments." ie. no drinking while eating, meat should be no bigger than a pencil eraser, chew your food 20x, etc.

I was banded on Nov. 8. Technically, I can go to pureed/mushy foods tomorrow. I have been following my diet pretty good. Not that I wouldn't LOVE to have normal food again, but because I'm scared to eat something that my stomach wouldnt be able to handle. I have not had to use any zofran yet for nausea. I have had no troubles. Just makes me nervous. For dinner today, I warmed up some bean and bacon soup and squished the beans to death in my mouth before swallowing them. I didn't eat very much of that. For supper, I made some chicken and stars soup. Well, I started eating the stars and realized that I couldn't chew up the stars very good because they are pretty small. So, I started just eating the chunks of carrot and smashed them in my mouth before swallowing. I tried a piece of chicken that was in the soup and that sat ok, but I chewed that thing up pretty good. I live in a small town and have not been anywhere that has protein powder available---about 30 minutes away. So, I haven't been having my protein drinks. But, I've been drinking Carnation instant breakfast mixed with some dry milk for extra protein. I am really hoping I will be able to tolerate some turkey, potatoes for my family's Thanksgiving in 1 week. I will put alot of gravy on the turkey. I don't want to make a scene by puking so I am going to buy a small turkey leg and cook it up at the end of the week to see if I will be able to eat it or not. =)

Wow! That's great! I am 4 days post-op and have only been doing clear liquids and carnation instant Breakfast. I guess you could say that I am scared s***less to eat and then throw it up. My diet is full-liquid until next Monday and then it's soft diet. I am going to try cream of wheat tomorrow. I would LOVE to eat some cold Cereal though. It says in a couple of weeks I can add that to my diet. What are you all going to do for Thanksgiving? I am thinking of trying some turkey, mashed potatoes and some salad? Eat the turkey first and then the potatoes. The veggie we have is always corn and that is a no no. So, no more favorite baked corn for me. =( I'll try a deviled egg too. Yum! I just don't want to puke at someone else's house! Especially around people that don't know I had this type of surgery.

I was also banded on 11-8. I had the same trouble with the burping thing. Better today. I am drinking carnation instant breakfast today and ate SF jello for dinner. I can't wait to be able to eat normal food! I have less pain today. I haven't taken any pain medicine yet today. Yay! Each day gets better. I can't wait to eat normal textured food, but yet I'm afraid to. I don't want to puke or do the PB or sliming that everyone talks about. OR have anything get stuck! What are you all going to do for Thanksgiving? Try to eat a little turkey, potatoes or just do the fluids?

I was banded on Nov. 8 at 10:00 am. I came home yesterday, Nov. 9. I had alot of pain in the incision sites, but I had a LONG ride home too. Being home all day today, I found that I didn't need the pain meds near as often. I went 8 hours between doses! Yay! I am drinking water and Crystal Light today. It's funny becuase I feel hungry and my stomach growls (I think it's growling), but when I go to drink more, I feel like I can't drink anymore. I have never been a big drinker throughout the day, so the 30 ounces I got in today was pretty good for me. I can be on a full liquid diet, but am a little scared. I just don't want to get nausea and throw up, so I am taking it slow. I'm afraid to drink cold stuff so I warm it in my mouth before swallowing it. Am I crazy? I also craved a peanut butter sandwich today. My 5 year old was home sick from school today and she ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner and I wanted one so bad! I have to come to the realization that I will not be able to eat one ever again.

Hi there. We have some things in common! I was banded on 11/8...so, just 2 days ago. I am also 5'5", but my weight started out at 255. My BMI was about 41. At the time of surgery, I was at 242 lbs. I had lost some prior to surgery with the liquid diet. I think it would be great to be buddies since we are banded about the same time! I also have children, I have 2 daughters, but they are 3 and 5 years old. I am 33 years old. I hope your surgery goes well. I am just dealing with incisional pain right now. I am also dealing with only being on a liquid diet yet. My family had Peanut Butter sandwiches today, corn dogs, etc. It smelled SO good! I never wanted a peanut butter sandwich so bad as I did today. Ugghhhh...it's only gonna get easier, right?

I might as well join in on the fun! I was banded on November 8. I stayed overnight and got home last night. Today I have some pain, but MUCH better than the first 2 days. I think alot of mine was gas pains. I had pain in my left shoulder and my mid-chest (breastbone site). I am just trying to be hydrated today. I am allowed clear liquids-1 oz. every 15 minutes. So, I'm sitting here with my timer and my bottle of water at room temperature. I can't wait until my diet progresses in a few weeks. I haven't had any nausea at all! I take liquid pain medicine for the incisional pain, plus it helps with the gas pains somewhat as well. I am off work the rest of this week and plan to go back on MOnday. I wanted the time at home to recover and be able to sit with my timer to remind me when to drink. By the way, how do you get that ticker thing to show up? I've tried numerous times and I just can't get it to work.

I am scheduled to have my lap band put in on Monday, Nov. 8. It is 2 days away and I'm experiencing so many emotions. I am excited for my lifestyle change and I know that this will really help me to lose weight. However, I'm really scared to think that some of my favorite foods, I won't be able to eat ever again...like steak, fresh baked bread, etc. Are my feelings normal? I'm afraid that if I am feeling this much anxiety about it that I won't be successful once it's placed. What did everyone else feel like when it was close for you to get banded? :eek:

Well, everyone. I am down 5 pounds since Tuesday! How'd I do it you may ask? I HAVE PNEUMONIA. That's right, pneumonia. I haven't been eating much of anything, but trying to drink to keep hydrated. My local MD ALMOST put me in the hospital today, but he let me go with a shot of Rocephin and z-pak. If my fevers don't break by Monday, I will be in the hospital. He wants to get me better before the 8th (my surgery day) otherwise they probably won't do the surgery. As of current, my temp is 102 F. Nice, huh? Grrrrr.....

Wow! Everyone is November 10. Mine is scheduled for November 8. My pre-op diet only consists of liquids the day before the surgery. BUt, they tell me that they'd like me to lose 12 pounds if possible before the surgery date and that I am supposed to follow a "high-Protein diet" formulated by my doctor. They said with this protein diet, I will drop weight fast. The surgeon told me that if I don't lose 12 lbs, he's not going to make me go home and cancel the surgery, but it is in my best interest to lose as much as I can. I am going to watch myself a little closer the rest of this week and next Monday, I am going to work hard core on my Proteins and fluids until it gets to surgery day. I also need to wean myself off of soda (caffeine). Will be fun to chat with other people that have surgery the same time as I am!

Hi there! I just got my date a couple of days ago! I will be banded on November 8! I am nervous and excited for this change in my life. I want to feel healthy and active again!

I am hoping to be banded in September, but I am thinking it will end up being October. I have my appt on Tuesday, which will be the last one I need (for the 6 months of nutritionist meetings). They said after Tuesday, they will submit to insurance to see about approval. Then, it typically takes 2 weeks to find out if it is approved by insurance. After that, I know that I will have to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery, so I am thinking it will be October for me. I just want to get this going!