Baba Wawa

Thanks for asking! First you need to define success on your own terms. The band's stats are pretty clear that over 3 years you can expect to lose an average of 50-70% of your excess weight. I knew this going in and was prepared to work extra hard at being compliant to maximize my tool. As of today, I'm down 91 lb and though I hope to lose another 30 or so, I consider myself a success. In another post, it was stated that you should follow doctors orders, not test your band and don't cheat. I agree with the first two, I don't necessarily agree that not cheating is an absolute no-no. Naturally slim people don't fret over every bite they eat and one of the issues we have as obese people, is guilt. Let yourself off the hook and utilize your band to help you eat more like a naturally thin person. I was and am compliant, but even my nutritionist agrees that a too strict eating regimine is not a good idea. There are so many definitions of "cheating"...is it an extra tiny bite after you're finished eating or eating your veggies first or not getting enough protein in one day? One poster even went so far as to suggest that eating standing up is cheating... Whatever you define as success, write it down as a reminder, when that off day comes and you're feeling like a failure, that you choose what makes you a success. Best of luck to you!

I feel your pain, Kime! I had to retire on disability 6 years ago due to spinal stenosis and SI joint disfunction and knew going into my surgery that I would not be compliant with the exercise part of the equation. I also have a knee that is in need of total replacement. I've lost 91 lb and not in the way I imagined. The first year, I lost about 60 lb, second year, 10 +- lb and in year 3, so far almost 20 lb. In the second year, I was basically maintaining, away from home for extended periods of time and enjoying a wide variety of foods, and living life. I also started developing some problems and at the end of my second year thought I was going to lose my band. In this, the third year, I've learned some important things about band related complications and being proactive, seeking second opinions and sticking with my band friendly food plan, with modifications, even with no fill...I'm still losing. One of the things you might consider is increasing protein calories, change your diet up for a few weeks. This is a tactic my nutritionist taught me. I don't lower overall calories, just add a protein snack mid afternoon. Things don't always go according to plan. That doesn't mean we're not successful, it just means we're on a little side road, enjoying the scenery while others are on the interstate, zooming to their destination. Enjoy the journey

MsMaui, on February 12, 2013 - 9:56 PM, said: Being overly dependent on fills is one of the things that can lead to problems, so if you don't need it, don't get it Sorry just to clarify, what does 'overly dependent on fills' mean exactly? I got fills to get restriction and it took a lot of fills to get to my green zone. And having the correct fill level helped me to maintain my stable weight for 3 years. There are some who think that the band will stop them from eating and continue to get fills to the point of being over tight and experiencing "hard stops" every time they eat. Being too tight can and usually does lead to serious complications. I was responding to the OP. You're doing great, so obviously not experiencing any issues, congrats! That's why I got the band, because to get to my stable weight, I needed to eat very little. I don't understand why anyone would advocate not getting fills to get into the green zone. Sure if you don't need it, great, but for most of us, we got a band to help us to lose the weight, so why wouldn't you use it that way? I did use it that way for 2 years. I developed complications and it became necessary to unfill my band and the doctor and I were very surprised that I still have restriction and I'm still losing. Being in the green zone helps weight loss like nothing I've ever done before and since. I encourage people to get the fills they need to get to that point, and sure, if they don't need it, don't get it, but needing it doesn't equate to over-dependence, unless you meant something else. I'm not talking about getting overtight, that's a different thing. I'm talking about getting the fills you need to let your band work at its optimum. For some people, like me, that requires a lot of fills. I have 7cc in a 10cc band now and can eat as much, as as fast, as I could without the band. I don't, but I could if I wanted to. I WAS talking about being over tight and thinking that its ok. You can read everyday, the stories of people who keep getting fills or their doctor keeps insisting on fills without a clear understanding of what the green zone feels like. I hope this clarifies my position, though it was intended to support a newly banded person.

I had 3.5cc in my band (2 fills) and had it all removed last June. I've been having some problems eating in a "band friendly" way, but still lost 19 lbs without the fill. I'm down 91 lb as of today. Being overly dependent on fills is one of the things that can lead to problems, so if you don't need it, don't get it

This isn't something I've ever used. I just share with someone, order a cup of soup or if the kids menu has a healthy option, I just ask if its okay to order, since I'm recovering from surgery. I don't like to call attention to my WLS in public.

Most likely scar tissue and inflammation. You could have a small hematoma or seroma. These usually dissolve in time, but if the area continues to bother you, becomes red and hot and or you develop a fever, call the doctor.

Generally speaking, pouch dilation with or without reflux is a sign you're too tight and an unfill is required. It's interesting your doctor didn't at least suggest it. If its mild, it usually will resolve within a few weeks. Best of luck to you.

Too full?

You've been burping since June? How many times have you been to your doctor and discussed this. Burping isn't supposed to happen constantly with or without WLS. Please go back to your doctor and request a barium swallow to see if your band is in the proper place. If you're refused this option, it might be time for a new WLS doctor. Good luck and keep us posted!

Good to here!

You're under no obligation to tell anyone. It's none of their business. You will be dieting and will be fully responsible for your weight loss. For me, my band just kept me satisfied between meals...I'd forget to eat, so mealtime is more another 3 items on my daily agenda. I'm no longer emotionally attached to foods and there are very few things I miss eating. Your privacy is one of your most precious rights in the workplace. Protect it Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Type 2, I'm assuming? I was Dx with type 2 four months pre op. My doctor gave me a glucose meter right away, showed me how to use it and a food plan. My BG responded immediately to the dietary change. My A1c is under 5 now, it was 7.8 and it steadily declined over 18 months. You might be able to control it with diet and exercise. If you're planning on a band, then you might as well start changing your eating habits now, it will be a lot easier for you than waiting till later. Best of luck to you.

It's great that many if us are required to have a sleep study pre-op. I didn't think I had apnea, but the test was required and I was having 12-15 apnea episodes an hour. My step-dad died from sleep apnea, so I understood the implications to my health. The cpap machine retrained me to sleep. My husband and I made a joke about it...he was mission control and when it was lights out, I'd tell him "ready for liftoff!". I only needed to use it for 2 months pre and 3 months post op. it made a huge difference and once I lost 40 lb I was off it. Being married 46 years next week, I have to tell you, if you're sleeping during sex, you're missing out! Love your positivity!

Over

I noticed the same thing in your other thread about "Thinking Of Revising to VSG good info". The point of the post was vague and it is natural to think the worst when the poster doesn't clarify. It came across as misleading and possibly deliberate. On the post with info re VSG, it was just that, information. It would be relevant to someone having complications of banding and since it is the only other purely restrictive WLS, the info might be a resource for those people. It was posted on the complications forum, so I thought it was appropriate. I'm not sure how peer reviewed information on quality of life following weight loss surgery could be interpreted as misleading, if you assume someone would be reading that forum and exploring their options. I also like to assume that the person reading what I post will take the info as such and use it in whatever way benefits them, or ask questions if they're confused. As I've said, I'm not giving up on my band unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I was Dx with gastroparesis this week, having more tests to determine the severity and if band removal will help or hurt the situation, I appreciate your feedback and hope my explanation helps you to understand that I'm here for the same reasons as most. I need support, I have experience to share and I'm here to support the lapband community regardless of my current health issues. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and for the good wishes

Hello. Im thinking about the surgery but cant seem to find any info about a few things. Firstly can you drink liquads as normal? Or do you have to sip slowly? Dont know if i could handle not being about to drink Water fast on a hot day etc. Once you are past the immediate post-op phase, you should be able to drink normally, but it's good to avoid carbonation for the most part. I found after a year or so, I preferred to drink from my 20oz Starbucks water cup using a straw. I got less air in that way. In the beginning, the doctors generally say no straw, though. Water should flow right thru your band once you're healed. I understand you have to eat a little slower etc but how slow? Is it really really slow and does this have any impact on life going out to din with people etc. I was instructed to measure my meal, 1/2 cup, cut it into pea sized bites and take 20-30 min to eat it. My nutritionist had me start eating this way as part of my 3 month supervised eating program. It really helped that this was a normal way for me to eat when surgery was over and done with. Also on the emotional side do people ever get depressed to not be able to eat nice things ever again or can you do this in moderatiin once you get to maintance phase. You should never keep your band so tight that you have difficulty eating appropriate portions and you're chewing your little bites 15-25 times. On maintenance, many people have their band loosened and can eat a larger variety of foods. This will be up to you and your medical team to decide when you get to that point. Bear in mind that long term studies show that with banding, you can expect to lose 50-65% of your excess weight...many never reach "ideal weight". Become familiar with the stats and possible contraindications of banding. I see a lot of posts on this forum saying its been a good decision to have the surgery but i just want to understand a bit more about the changes you have to make and if they are changes that you can live with for the rest of your life. I really want to lose the weight but im still not sure if i can do this myself or surgery is the way to go. Its a big decision and i dont want to do this and then potentially feel depressed if theres anything i cant live with. If you are a grazer, eating throughout the day, banding may not be the best choice. If you eat things like chips, Cookies, etc you'll be able to eat those things post band too...they go right thru. You will diet. It won't stop you from eating, just keep your physical hunger at bay between meals. It takes a lot of discipline. If your issue is big meals of healthy (ish) foods, portion control, then the band may be a good choice. Bear in mind that the manufacturer is now saying that like other medical devices, it may need to be removed/replaced at some point. Here's the website. http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_information/ Any advice aporeciates. You're welcome! Good luck to you!

Not for long. For some reason, I'm seeing an increasing number of stories like yours. I belong to a FB group of people who've had this type of experience. In my case, it seems that the band caused my stomach to spasm. I had all my Fluid removed last June when I had a barium swallow and it just barely dripped through. I'm still losing, slowly, but recently was Dx with gastroparesis, basically paralysis of the stomach. I recommend seeing your band doctor. It might be that you need a small unfill to take care of this. Keep us posted!

What do you mean JUST 94?

I heard its going to be an early spring!!!

I'm sorry you were treated that way. There are some who are so mad at the damage from their bands (many were implanted by band mills) that they go a little overboard in discouraging people from getting one. I would never tell someone who doesn't ask for help making the decision what WLS they should or shouldn't get. It's a personal decision, and while I wouldn't recommend it for most people, there are individual circumstances that need to be respected. Keep up the good work

I know of some people who experience left shoulder pain as an ongoing issue while they are banded and even after they have the band removed. Many people, though have is lessen as they go on and heal. Since you have yours after eating, it is probably just your full signal. Best of luck to you!

I'm sorry this is all you got from the post. In the context I gave in my example, the OP was looking for support and venting their frustration on a forum for those experiencing problems. The first response was to tell the OP they were ignorant, then further posts subjected the OP to additional verbal abuse suggesting they were a troll, with several posters joining in the group bullying session. Can you imagine being that person, at the end of their rope, looking for support and being immediately subjected to a group "beat down". Unbelievable and unconscionable behavior on a support forum. Hope that clarifies my intent with this post...

I think it originated from an activity my Dad and I did when I was a kid: to fish while dragging a baited line from behind a slowly moving boat. Baiting.... Do you find trolling offensive or being called a troll a negative? I think the context makes all the difference. What did you think of the rest of my post?