goldngrll

sorry, I didnt see the replies ahead of me...guess they're gone...

ooooh!!!! meee, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for posting this!

ABSOLUTELY. It is soo annoying...many folks like to say, "we took the easy way out"..cuz. yeah, this is easy...the easy thing would have been to do nothing.... the fact of the matter is, this is not, as you know, instant weight loss, like the bipass....a lot of folks dont realize that...this IS work..... I have been banded for about a yr and a half, and have lost about 150 lbs....my band does not drag my butt to the gym 6 days a week, I do..my band does not control what I put in my mouth, I do. The fact of the matter is, we have made a decision to take control of our lives and our bodies....most people dont have the courage to do that...this person sounds like one of them.... Personally I wouldnt even dignify her with an answer...or if I did, it wouldnt be nice...I dont tell too many folks about my band, because most folks just dont get it, and really, who needs to know? hang in there, and dont let folks get ya down...work your tool and you'll do great!!!

How can erosion and slippage NOT have to do w/ fills??? So what exactly happens when you overfill?? I mean, besides the obvious discomfort, if your band is too tight it is the main reason for erosion, and the gag factor that would be increased with an overfill, causes the stomach to contract, and absolutely can cause slippage.... I understand the need to vent, and no one should be judged...not judging the person, just the rather irresponsible actions.....the reason something does need to be said, is because there are newbies out here, who may be newly banded, or looking to be banded, or just struggling, and perhaps having issues of feelings of failure and having difficulty facing their surgeons (perhaps due to weight gain) who may read this (and not be a medical professional) and say, "hmmm....I could do that..." and so it goes, and it probably isnt going to be good..... there are a *LOT* of us who have had our bands for some time, and are having great, safe, success with it, and at least for me, that is because of follow up, and a great practice. We need to let folks know, that this *is* possible....but so much more possible if you make sure to get a great, accessible team.... so this whole thread is a great argument for well, not getting this done abroad....sometimes, apparently, you do get what you pay for,...

can I just say, HOLY MOTHER OF STOLEN NEEDLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am also well, speechless??? there are soo many folks getting bands overseas, I cant imagine there is no one who will touch you....I know there are fill centers around, but have you discussed this with your primary?? and umm...you stole A needle...are you using that ONE needle multiple times???? I am down about 150 lbs since I've had my band about a yr and a half ago, and I could not have done this without ongoing support of my practice......I seriously ask you to consider doing some more research, and find someone around that you can go to and talk to....the band is getting soo much more popular, I'm sure there must be some place you can go to.....

This is interesting because I have the opposite problem..I have been banded for a year and a half, and have lost 140 lbs....I didnt realize I was an addict....I passed the psych eval w. flying colors, and no, they didnt pick up on that at all.. As any good addict does, when my drug of choice was gone (food) I switched addictions....now I go to the gym a lot, and drink a lot of wine....never saw THAT coming!!!I have hugely high anxiety, and have been on several meds that help somewhat... what is interesting, tho, and I never saw THIS coming either...is that I have just been diagnosed with adult ADHD....at 40....(!?!?!) who knew that could happen??? I was always an honor roll student, so when they said that to me, I just shook my head a bit, but as I read more about it, it totally fits....waiting on a med consult, and am hopeful it will be helpful.... what I would be concerned about with your friend is what happens when her drug of choice is gone?? I mean is she just a food addict, or a true addictive personality?? granted the pain of overeating with a band is a great motivator, but if she is a true addictive personality, what comes next?? perhaps suggest seeing a counsellor who specializes in addictions?? take care!

hi there!! a couple of thoughts... first of all, I have had similar issues, with gradually feeling like I have no restriction....especially if you lose a significant amount of weight, your band can become a little loose, as you have some fat around your stomach and as you lose that you also lose some restriction. I had the same discussion with my surgeon, and he shared my point of view...and that is...irregardless of how much weight I have lost (I've lost 140 lbs) if I can eat too much, and am hungry..and eating the way I should be, then I need a fill....I would personally revisit this conversation with your surgeon, because if you are eating too much, and are hungry, that is a problem, and the point of having a band is to help out with hunger.... I personally cannot drink while eating...I have always been told not to anyway, as it will just wash the food through your pouch, and you will be hungry quicker.....and yes, I will also get stuck....you may be full on less food when you are drinking with a meal, but are you getting hungry quicker??? I also wonder if drinking while eating is causing you to eat less Protein...and it is the protein that is going to keep you full, and help you lose weight....personally I eat nearly no starchy carbs....my carbs come from veggies, and legumes.... hang in there!

so.. hi FOLKS!! My name is Patty. I was banded July 1, 2010....and I will freely admit, the band has been a wonderful tool...I have lost 120 lbs, from May '10 till about 2 weeks ago......(50 lbs pre op) so here's my (few) things does anyone just start to think the band is now just a Pain?? I am soo sick of it right now...(granted I have been sick with strep for a few weeks, like bad, with cellulitis) and now my cycle, so it is bound to be tighter...but DAMN (sorry) it seems like EVERYTHING gets stuck...I had to pull over to puke up split pea Soup I made myself yesterday...(like a puree) I know I am in a mood, but I right now am tired of this!! and this one is bigger than the band so, we are food addicts. we all have to admit that. what happens when food isnt our drug anymore?? we switch addictions to??? and what happens when we lose more than 100 lbs + and well, then nothing changes.....so like, now what?? I know I'm expecting a lot outta that little piece o plastic in there, huh?? just tired I guess, but I tell the truth, you know you all have thought these things!! share your thoughts please?? cuz, you know...even tho I've lost 120 lbs, doesnt mean I dont look (to myself) like almost 400 lbs still....that never goes away for me anyway.. thanks for reading if you've made it thus far and, yes, before you chastise me, I know I am wrong for just not going in for an unfill..that just feels like defeat somehow to me...(yes I have issues, LOL)

sorry, love!!! didnt mean to freak out or terrify anyone what I was terrified of was dying from diabetes the way my dad did, with amputations, heart surgeries, dialysis, blindness.....I am no longer a diabetic. I no longer have sleep apnea. blood pressure great. down 135 lbs....I actually jog now. (yikes!) lets face it, any way we lose weight, it is a royal pain. and if you're a food addict like me, you may have issues, when you no longer have your best friend around (food) like the old days...it just is what it is, right??? it is easily the best decision I have made for myself. I would do it again in a heart beat. Previously I could eat an enormous amount of food, and not be really satisfied. My band is again kinda tight (I just had another fill) no red zone symptoms or anything, but I am satisfied on really small amounts of food. there are some foods I just dont eat because I know I dont tolerate them (mostly white carbs). and I dont really miss them. puking a lot is not the norm...but when you first get banded, there's a lot of trial and error, then when you get fills, you may find foods you could eat previously but not with this fill. it also takes a while to change eating patterns...I was a fast eater, and took big bites, etc. you have to really be conscious of that, and listen to your body...get stuck a few times, and you will definitely pay attention!!! I still have prolly 60 lbs to go, but I went from a size 34 top, to a misses size L. I couldnt have done it without this really annoying piece of plastic hang in there!

what is the adipex for??? hope all is well!!

thanks grandy!!! I have now lost 135 lbs..,yes, I do love what it does....I guess some days its just frustrating, and I lose patience with it. I would not be able to do this alone eiher!!!! hang in there!!

seriously?? I was going to ask......I have lost about 125 lbs in the last 10 months, and am starting to hit the wall a bit...I work out about 2 hours a day, but could never see my bat wings or my apron disappearing like yours have appeared to...great for you!! I started out a bit larger, my bmi was 54, and I was about 366...and down to about 240....I still have a bit to lose but I'll get there, even if its slow!! thanks for posting!

hi, Congrats, first of all!!!! you must feel wonderful!!!! I was banded in July of '10 and am down about 125 lbs...my triplets are 4, and they also have a 6 yr old big sister......so yeah, we're a little nutty around here......a happy chaos, I like to say...hey,, thanks for posting your blogspot addy!! I'm enjoying reading, and it nice to see that I'm not the only one having love and hate for their band at times!!! take care!!

hi, I am going to share my story, and what I do, and take from it what you want. I am not going to preach to the choir, because we all know what we're doing right or wrong.... I was banded July 1, 2010, and as of right now, I am down about 125 lbs...still have prolly 75 to go still....I have a wonderful surgical practice, where this is all they do....I have had several fills, and actually keep my band a wee bit tight to be honest, although no reflux, if I give myself too much room to eat, I will as a rule, I dont do white carbs. I eat tons of Beans (chili, bean Soups, etc) I still have a Protein shake every day, eat Peanut Butter every day (in my shake), buckets of cottage cheese, (full fat, chive, sometimes with soy crisps), nuts, cheeses, eggs, lean Proteins, fish. tons of salad, small amounts of fruits. I actually dont eat a whole lot. I dont get hungry very often. I will say I probably drink too much wine, but hey, I have 4 yr old triplets, and a 6 yr old. the biggest thing though is that I exercise. A LOT, I am at the gym most days for around 2 hours. I lift weights every other day, I do Zumba, and walk, and that crazy eliptical trainer....I could starve myself, but if I didnt move, it wouldnt matter. again, this is only a tool....but if you use it correctly, it does work...I read some of the previous posts by folks who think this is all a scam.....125 lbs in 10 months. yeah, not a scam, and frankly, I dont care how much my surgeon got from my insurance..I am healthy, no longer a diabetic, and have added years to my life. I cant put a price tag on that, and I wouldnt be where I am now without this sometimes really annoying piece of plastic hang in there!

has your insurance denied you?? the fda recently lowered the bmi requirements to a bmi of 30. (which I think is a little crazy)....I've seen folks in my surgeons office that seriously only look like they need to lose 20 lbs.....

thanks for the note!! I wonder if my problem is I am just a nutter, (LOL) and I just havent found a therapist to deal with me, LOL!! but seriously...we need to learn how to deal with our lives now that food as a drug is gone.*sigh* I have no real answers...looking for them!

I wouldnt give it up, dont get me wrong...I was 366 at my highest!!! down 120 lbs in 10 months..I know its a great tool, and I have worked it well....just some times...its just a pain!!! lol....I know its keeping me from gaining weight back, because without it I am just not "normal" a normal person would not eat an entire pizza. I have. now if I can finish 1 small piece I am stuffed....just sometimes, I hate how the band can change on you and what you ate yesterday, hurts today.....I know I will never be normal without it, so getting rid of it is not an option. I guess I just want it all, lol!!! actually, I think I may get a small unfill *sigh* what a pain!

Hey there...just wanted to drop you a note... I was banded July 1, 2010, and have lost 120 lbs..I have had several fills and unfills......It is NOT a bad thing at all...EVERYONE is DIFFERENT!!! if you are eating too much, then you need a fill, plain and simple, and it may take a few fills to get you to the point where you are eatint normal portions.....the band is not a static thing...especially if you are female....it can change on a dime, if you are sick, have allergies, or your cycle....it can get tight on you....its just the way it is..its a tool....but use it correctly and it will work for you!! please dont feel bad about getting a fill!! this is your band, and your body, you want it to work the best for YOU! you need to be willing to change your eating habits, and patterns for this to work for you...you need to concentrate on lean Proteins, veggies, good fats first before those white carbs....I got used to it by getting stuck a few times and deciding it just wasnt worth it it is what it is, right?/ and you have to move...I could starve completely and not lose a darned thing.. before you look at this post crosseyed, here's my life I have THREE FOUR YEAR OLDS.....one with a major physical disability. also a 6 yr old. lots of different schedules, therapies, appts.....I also go to the gym about 2 hrs a day. and I have NO outside help. I say this because if I can do this, anyone can...but you must make the decision......DO IT!

Another thing that struck me....dont put yourself on a timeline....just do the best you can do to be healthy...stay in touch with your surgeon...go to support groups...you'll get there!

Hey Steven! I just wanted to drop you a line....I was banded July 1, 2010...I am down 120 lbs.....you know....having fills isnt a shameful thing....I see folks advertising it as if it is a merit badge...the truth is EVERYONE is different. and that is a totally lousy answer, but it is the truth...here it is...the band is a tool, and just like your treadmill, you have to use it, and use it correctly, and respect it...take care of it to work for you....I am not perfect by any means, but I have changed.....and the band wont change for you....YOU have to get to the gym. YOU have to eat right. YOU have to listen to your body...if you'r full, stop, if you're eating too much, GET A FILL...its not a bad thing..its part of using the tool correctly. Personally, I typically dont do white carbs any more...just cant tolerate them, and I am ok with that....I am fine with lean Proteins, veggies, some dairy, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, small amounts of fruit...HUGE now with Beans and legumes ie...turkey chili, thick bean Soups, etc... you really get out of it what you put into it.....dont let anyone else discourage you... but the basics still apply...ya gotta move.....hang in there!

that IS FANTASTIC!!!! I was banded July 1, and am down from 366 to 246...not quite as impressive as you, but you are a guy, LOL!! GREAT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!! where you from???? so c'mon...tell us the truth now, I cant be the only one....do you feel like the band is just a pain sometimes???? what gets you over that?? I get stuck on silly stuff, and lately am sick of it..I mean, 120 lbs is nothing minor.....I know you have worked for this, as I have, I am about 2 hrs in the gym a day...do you see yourself differently?? I dont, and doubt I ever will...and what happens when life doesnt neccessarily change because we have?? I know, I expect a lot outta a little piece o plastic...would just like some thoughts from someone who has beent there!! soooo happy for you!!! WOOOT!! sometimes it feels fantastic...sometimes it feels...well, like nothing different at all...what happens when the weight loss high wears off???

hi~ could you post who it is and what the price is?? your post is a bit mysterious!! I'd love to get in on a deal! thanks!

sorry you're having a bad day!!! we've all been there!!! Well I was banded July 1, 2010, and I am down over a hundred pounds. I LOVE MY BAND!!! ok, so banded living aint a bed of roses, we all have lousy days, but it is by far the safest option out there....I would do it again in a heart beat! I eat soo much less, am not hungry all the time, go to the gym every day, even do ZUMBA, LOL.... follow up is key. go to support..if you're eating too much, get a fill. take care of your band...its just a tool....USE IT!!!!