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Hello. I thought this was probably better placed here since what I this is closer to a Support type of posts. (My previous related thread was in the "General LapBand Discussion" forum under the heading "Oh, no, the dreaded end of the road speech...") but this one is really aimed at those interested in giving/receiving support during the bumpier parts of their band journeys. I'm going to share my story - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. It's long but if one is interested in what a long term Lap Bander has seen, then maybe there is something in here to contemplate about. To summarise: My long-time LapBand surgeon "fired" me last month. He told me he didn't think I should have any more fills (ever) and that the band had done all it could for me as that I'd lost as much weight as I'd ever lose with the Band. As shocked as I was, I was trying to stay positive but my sneaking suspicion was that he viewed me as a LapBand failure and was basically trying to cut his losses. Which would be one thing, but he made no further suggestions about what should be my next step or option for managing my weight for the rest of my life. I'm at about 2.8cc of fill in my 4cc Inamed band. I've only lost about 51# total (including some weight that bounced back after being ill), and my LapBand surgeon and I initally estimated I'd lose 70-80 lbs. Later I he revised that to an approximately 68 -75 lb loss of my excess weight which was still reasonable I thought. So my current BMI is now firmly stuck at 30 which still makes me technically obese by BMI standards. I stayed in compliance and concentrating on working to lose although I could clearly realize I was in need of a slight fill to continue to see progress. While I struggled to figure out why he was so adamant on me not being filled anymore and what I should do next, I was shocked speechless (literally) to receive a certified letter that clearly outlined that I was "fired" as a patient. The letter was harsh and I really took it hard. But, I guess I'm taking this so hard for several reasons. It's been a long road. Bottom line: I have now pulled myself off the floor and have taken a deep breath and started calling other surgeons in the area. Of course I felt my former surgeon was the best but I guess he thinks he's done all he can for me, and I've done all I can to make my band work. So this meant, either I accept his assessment of me as a LapBand failure and live at the same weight (or struggle to stay at that weight) or consider my other options, if I had any. No I haven't spoken with him, but I think his letter said it all. I asked for my medical records and I was justifiably miffed at how coldly I had been dismissed. As I was waiting to get my records released (I've now gotten part of them) I was concerned about revealing too much information as I feared some sort of backlash. I am no longer afraid, and having read those detailed records have emboldened me to come out of the LapBand Failure Closet and try to 'move on', as so coarsely advised by a surgeon who posts on this forum. I have always tried to stay positive and upbeat on this forum and to try not to beat people over the head with my own band journey. But hey, I feel like I have something to share with those who may also find themselves struggling to meet their own goals or to succeed with the band. Or those who may think they eventually have to face other options to succeed. Nearly every single experience on this board is similar to something I've been through - because I've been banded nearly 5 years. Here's the back story. Everyone has a different trigger that makes them consider drastic measures to finally lose weight. For me, it was a "self-imposed" set point of a BMI of 40. That was the dividing line I picked to be honest with myself that my years of dieting,weight loss programs and other attempts were failing. After years of yo-yo dieting, when my BMI crossed the line from 38 and approached 39 - I realized it was time to be honest with myself and get some help in fighting obesity. So utilizing my research, I got myself approved (yes, by myself, on the phone with the insurance company) for the gastric bypass. My talent is getting approved, and that's what I did. I made a clear case and received my approval letter. Although I was definitely obese, I knew that a 70-80 pound loss would get my BMI down to approximately an upper 20's BMI. And I knew that losing that much would get me down to a reasonable, normal weight range, plus I'd look much better. With the RnY bypass, it was estimated (by various surgeons) that I would probably lose another 90-105 lbs. which would put me at the skinnier end of normal. This kind of loss was a bit more than I needed, but it would be worth it to finally have a tool for my weight loss that would finally put me in a normal weight range after a life of obesity. After my RnY was scheduled, I went in for my PreOp appointment two days before surgery and found out that the surgeon's scheduling error had deleted me from the surgery scheduled and I could not be re-scheduled for 2 months. So I took a deep breath and considered this an omen that maybe I should consider my other options. I did a bit more research and found that a type of Weight Loss Surgery that was very popular in Europe that I knew about (I lived/studied in the U.K. for a bit) was being introduced in the States. It wasn't approved here yet. This was 2001. There was an FDA trial for this new method, the LapBand, and one of the surgeons who had performed it in abroad in Europe, was now here in my area and doing it as part of the trial. I asked to be considered. At my initial consult, I listened and learned about the LapBand versus the Gastric Bypass. I understood that the lack of malabsorption often meant much slower, and much less weight loss than bypass patients experience. My surgeon advised me that although there were no guarantees, that in his estimated with the LapBand, with compliance I'd lose approx. 70-80 lbs. in 12 to 18 months after surgery. As that was closer to the weight loss target I thought was best for me, this seemed like serendipity. My surgeon also advised me that he thought I was an excellent candidate for the band and the FDA trial so I said I'd consider it. After doing some additional research I thought this might be a good match for me, and I thought this surgeon was absolutely focused and laid out my options. I liked the fact that he had an impressive record, was well regarded in the bariatric field, and the fact that he performed both LapBand and Lap RnY bypass surgeries. I also read some then-unfinished research that said current American patients were only losing about 50% of their excess weight. This was a concern for me because with my lower weight/BMI (by weight loss surgery standards) then if I fell into that group I'd only lose approx. 40 lbs - which would be hardly worth it for such an expensive and life-changing surgery. I expressed my concerns to my doctor and he reiterated that while there were no guarantees that his own patients generally saw success closer to 75% or more of their excess weight. He agreed that a 40# loss would be disappointing and he sincerely felt I could more than that, and perhaps twice that amount. I was comfortable with his longer track record with the LapBand (he'd done more than many of the American surgeons who were learning the surgeries as they did the trial, and it was supposed that their inexperience also contributed to the slightly less successful results the study showed so far.) After some consideration, I decided the LapBand sounded like the right tool for me. I was accepted into the FDA trial in 2001. I was determined to make this work especially since some of the other surgeon's offices I had previously consulted with for RnY - all cautioned that the LapBand was newer, experimental and would probably not help me get the weight off. I appreciated their concern but decided I'd be happier going with LapBand and just doing my darndest to make it work. And so I did. Well I was banded and the surgery went fine. I had never had any type of surgery other than getting my tonsils out as a child so I had no idea what to expect. My recovery went well, and I resumed normal activity after a while. The FDA trial set very narrow perimeters for the surgeons working on it, but I kept as compliant as possible and was very focused. My band was completely empty (that was protocol then) and no matter how you did on the liquid/soft diet phase, you never got your first fill until you absolutely stopped losing weight. I didn't want to stop losing so I worked hard to lose weight with my limited restriction. I lost more than 40% of my excess weight and was very much on track to be a success. I watched what I ate, did not eat when I wasn't hungry, exercised and really worked hard to succeed. My post op tests showed that both the band and me were doing fine. Within 10 weeks of my intial surgery however things took an unfortunate turn and I began complaining of what I thought was flu and muscle ache. I went to my local doctors clinic but instead I ended up being transferred within hours at the hospital's ICU department and was extremely ill. To make an already long story short, all the available tests showed my band was in perfect position, no signs of any wear or damage but yet I was getting sicker with every passing hour. I was hospitalized for weeks while a huge team of doctors attempted to figure out what was wrong with me. I got sicker and sicker and was not able to keep down any food or even Water or juice - I could only tolerate Gatorade, and tonic waters of various sorts. I had upper GIs, esophograms, and every test you can think of to have. My LapBand surgeon was thoroughly distressed but extremely supportive and went above and beyond to help them find out what could have caused me to become so ill. He sought information from every possible source. Because of the trial, there was limited information on possible side effects of the band so eventually after much examination, a surgical reason was eliminated for the illness. (I was told I had been too sick to undergo emergency surgery to remove the band anyway, so it was left in.) I eventually got better and a very long hard recovery. As I had been hospitalized for so long, I was unable to work and lost my $84,000 a year I.T. job and lost my medical insurance. I realized I had no choice but to get better because I couldn't afford not to do so. It was very hard to keep my spirits up but I really tried. I was told that since I recovered with the band still in, then I should probably just keep it in and try to continue to work with it unless I saw any tiny signs of recurrence of illness. The months passed and I got back to full strength. My band was given further testing, but showed no signs of making me ill. I went for more than a year without ever having the band filled as we were all cautious about doing anything to upset my incredible recovery. As part of the life-saving treatment I was given prescription cortisteroids medication (known to cause weight gain) which later starting reversing my impressive weight loss. Despite my best efforts and even after working so hard, I saw slow weight gain. This really got me down. I tried to be very compliant yet I saw steroid weight gain and ended up heavier then when I was before I had surgery - this was really difficult to deal with. My surgeon (and other doctors) felt my distress, and suggested that I remove my scale and focus on getting well versus losing weight - which I did. After months turned into years of exhaustive testing, lab work, and follow ups I was given a full clean bill of health and was told I could restart my weight loss process. After so much time, I was finally allowed to have my first fill. I saw a bit of restriction but not much. I wasn't able to do very strenous exercise so I watched my calories closely. The doctors and my surgeons watched me closely but my symptoms never reappeared and I seemed to be in full recovery. My weight was a real concern for me, and the one small fill didn't seem to be doing much to help with restriction. The following year I went in for follow up and was fully discouraged. Not only was I back to square one with my weight loss but I had another 11# to lose from the steroid meds and treatment. I debated whether I'd ever see real weight loss with the Band and whether I should be revised to another form of Weight Loss Surgery. My doctor reminded me that I'd managed to navigate the difficult road I'd been on, and suggested that I not give up on the Band yet as I hadn't had a chance to give it a normal run. Since I found it nearly impossible to get medical insurance after my illness, I only saw my doctors on a cash basis. I received no more fills. The following year - I worked hard to lose the extra weight from the illness but still struggled. I felt virtually no restriction. I'd only had the one previous fill but the restriction I had seemed gone. I did follow ups with my WLS surgeon and he admitted he suspected there was a small defect with my band (since defects were now turning up at the 2 and 3-year point after having the LapBand surgery). It was like my weight had stabilized (with little overall loss) and this made my surgeon think that something else might be the cause of my lack of restriction. We discussed options of dealing with handling it, but I needed to get full medical coverage before we could proceed with any additional surgery. There were now newer techniques for band placement, and newer types of tubes & ports, the band was now seeing more overall success. After having been through all I'd been through, the worst part was having people look at me like "all that and she's still fat?" And I was. It was a crushing blow to not get to see even a bit of weight loss success. Finally it was discovered that my Band had a leak/break between the access point and tubing. Options for dealing with it were discussed and I wondered if I should just opt for a revision to an RnY bypass. No, I wasn't looking forward to getting a more severe surgery, but I was absolutely exhausted with trying to see weight loss with a nonfunctioning tool. I was still trying to lose weight, and was fighting with gaining/losing the same pounds again, just like before I ever had the LapBand. My surgeon maintained that if I'd get the repairs, he was sure I could still succeed with the Band and see the weight loss that had eluded me so far. My total net loss was almost negated - I even had to take off another 11 lbs I had gained from the steroids, so I was practically at my start point again. Early in 2005, my access port and tubing were surgically replaced (the band itself was still in 'perfect' condition) - and my surgeon suggested I should reconsider this as a "new banding" and not just reflect on my overall distressingly long band journey. His idea was that I treat this as if I was a new post op. And to be honest, it really felt that way. I decided to try to make a fresh start and with the new restriction I felt, and I fully rededicated myself to making the band work out for me. I finally saw slow but steady progress. My post op tests and labs looked good, too. I was healthy and immersed myself in making this newer tool really work. My surgeon reiterated that he thought that 66#-70# loss was possible if we were able to keep me healthy and I revised my weight loss goal. I thought it was more important that I keep my loss steady even if it was slow. After months I saw a 20# total weight loss - it was slowly working. What relief! The key word was slowly. The pounds peeled off at ridiculously slow speeds. At my surgeon's suggestion to better monitor my progress I stayed in constant touch with the office - and even did my bi-weekly/monthly weight ins at the surgeons office and kept them appraised (at his insistence) of any or every major change or any LapBand-related symptom or occurrence. Although my weight loss was not as fast as when I was originally banded, I decided that I would still continue to believe in the band. I was allowed to get regular fills for the first time ever and slowly my weight loss began to approach the 30# loss rate. So after years of Band living, I was filled around the 2.5 rate and enjoyed real restriction for the first time in years. I worked with it, and even saw my BMI further down. Over time my restriction seem to cease especially as I lost a bit more weight. I had my band filled a bit more to 2.8 which did well for months, but as happens, eventually seemed to lessen. It seemed the smaller I got, the more restriction I required (I've heard some other long term veteran Bandsters talk about this and it's not that uncommon on long term banded folks. So after struggling with the band for years I finally got some months of consecutive but very slow loss. I made incremental progress and was excited to finally see the success that others had enjoyed. I saw the loss stabilizing, my appetite and food intake capacity increasing, so I realized it was time for another fill. I contacted my doctor and scheduled an appointment as normal. He did this fill under flouro and absolutely shut me down totally. He told me that the 40# (plus the extra 11# I had to lose after my illness) that I've lost after getting the band is probably all that I'll ever lose. He insisted I looked fine the way I was (at 30 BMI? Come on...) that if I'd lost 1/2 of my excess weight then the band had done all it could do. He no longer believes in filling bands more than 2/3 full and that's where I am. (For a person banded 5 years, being at 2.8 is not considered that radical, but that's his current belief now and he's not yielding. Even though I'm only down 40# and although we'd both said that was hardly a satisfying result, then he's now willing to cut his losses and just leave me hanging. I was crushed (still am) but even more so when I received that certified letter. I felt like I hung in there facing things that NO ONE Banded or not, should ever have to face. When I was considering a revision, he told me I had a chance to succeed with the band. Now I'm a considered Band Failure - and it bugs the heck out of me. So although I'm not near goal, I'm basically told to "suck it up" and move on. So for all those well meaning but unintentionally smug Bandsters who think that eroded patients or those who have suffered other complications are whiners - Wake Up! No one thinks they will be one of the ones who suffer complications, but it happens. Maybe we shouldn't collectively be quick to judge. I've seen all kinds of comments here (and other forums) and my advice is "you never know where this band journey will take you." It sounds easy to say "oh I'd never consider an RnY or VGSleeve" or whatever the Surgery of the moment is... but you don't know until it happens. I don't want an RnY now any more than I did five years ago, but although I do not believe the band has "done all it can for me" if other qualified surgeons concur with that then I'll consider what my next step will be. I have done more to deal with, learn about and live with this band than anyone that I know. For that reason after everything I've experienced, having to both find a new surgeon and possibly embark upon a new procedure is overwhelming. It doesn't mean I'm not compliant, it doesn't mean I haven't given this tool my best shot. I deserve and hope to achieve a normal weight and normal BMI - but I do need a surgeon who believes this is a reasonable goal. Hopefully I'll get there on the next parts of my journey - with perhaps a new surgeon and a new approach - it might happen for me too. I hope so! But don't be so quick to judge those whose journeys are not smooth - it's not all calorie counting that makes the different in band success, as after five years I've seen and heard things that give me a different perspective. Wish me luck - and wish luck to others who have been dealt a difficult hand. With is why I always wish Happy Band Journeys to everyone. We all know these journeys are not guaranteed, but although happy ones don't always happen, there are enough of them to make the journey seem worthwhile. Happy Band Journeys to all.

HOLY F*R*I*T*O*S Y'all I can't believe it but my scale said 216.5 this morning & even once said 216!! I am staying with the 216.5 though, just so I don't get down next week! I am so happy to finally have a week of more than 2 pound or just one. WHOOOHOOO> Ok So ask me how it happened---go ahead ask me again...I got a man! - yep I sure did!!! He is just 32!! HOLY COW!! I call him my "young Boy Toy" I know its not that young but I wanted to date someone in their 40's like 43- 44. Whoohooo I had so much fun this week. My body didn't know what happened- I hadn't fooled around like that in well- here is the scary part--3 1/2 years. Yep- its actually been over 3 years since I really kissed a guy - longer than one min. & almost 4 years(this June) since I have fooled around. All I can say is 'SEX" really can do wonders for weight loss. I got 3 good workouts in besides the "young thang"& still need to step up my water a little more. Down to a "feeling sexy 216.5" this week & hoping for more next week!! Body Fat is 47%. Total loss this week= 2 pds. Really 4 if you included the weight gained over the Super bowl.:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Yep! I have them too! Not from kids (don't have any), just weight gain. I can remember going to a slumber party right as I was hitting puberty & my big boobs appeared. I had these horrible red stretch marks all over my boobs & when we were changing into our night clothes everyone freaked out cause they thought someone had clawed me. Of course they were all flat-chested skinny minnies! It's funny now, but it made me so self concious then! I think the weirdest place i have stretch marks are in my ACs (the bend of my arms). Try explaining that when you have blood drawn!

I'm covered in them too. The weight gain stretch marks on my stomach are vertical and the baby stretch marks are horizontal. Is plaid in this year?

I think some people are unfortunately prone to developing them. My best friend gained 60 lbs with her son and within 4 months had a flat stomach and not ONE single stretch mark. Lucky her. I have no children so I dont know what my body would have done, I fear I would have them all over also. I have some older ones due to teenage growth spurt and some from my 20s around my lower stomach, but they are barely visible now. Mine faded so much that I dont think others would really notice them, but I know they are there. I think the only reason I didnt develop them horribly with the weight gain is because it has been slow and steady and my skin gradually adjusted. Too bad there is no way to get rid of the things.

Worked in property management for quite a few years, had a "I had kids young and don't feel like I have had any fun moment" so i went out and took classes for firefighting. Got one good season in as a wildland firefighter in 2002 and then it got interesting from there. After back surgury, some problems with my heart and a TON of weight gain (I have never been small by any means but was soooo much healthier) I find myself temporarily back as a community manager for a property manangement group. I am currently going back to school for a few different things..... 1. I am going to finish my degree in fire science (only have 12 credits to go) so I can put a "diploma" to all the hours and hours of time I spent in class. 2. I am taking classes at Clayton College for a bachelors of Holistic Nutrition (this is just for me so I can learn a better way to take care of me and my family for the long run) 3. I am going to Arizona in September to get certified in permenant cosmetic application. My goal is to find something to do with the USFS that is fun, only part-time and only in the summer, plus not as stressing on my body as fighting fire, then I can do the permenant cosmetics on the side as a creative outlet (that just happens to make really good money) so I can enjoy the last few years my boys are home (they are 12 & 15) and have flexible schedule to spend time with my wonderful DH that doesn't have a flexible schedule (he is a police officer).

I ordered the one called Potatoes Not Prozac: How to Control Depression, Food Cravings and Weight Gain... Sounds real good!@ thanks again

Hey Dee! How's it going? I didn't get filled yesterday because I'm on the "remedial learn how to eat with the band" plan. No weight loss, no weight gain.

Oh, no doubt. I didn't mean to imply that it did. I can only speak from my experience, because my experience is all I have. I still look longingly at cheese. I love cheese. Cheese is like nirvana to me. But I know that if I eat it, I will pay for it, either in weight gain or in pain from the band. Does that mean I never eat it? No. It just means it's a treat, and not something I'd eat often, or much of. I don't even buy my favorites (salami-cheese or cracker barrel extra sharp) because it goes to waste. There's no sense spending 3 bucks for a package of cheese that I'm going to eat less than 1 ounce of before it goes bad. This band surgery doesn't make *anything* magically go away. I don't think I, or anyone else here implied that it does. As I've said a few times, you have to work with the band. If you don't, you're just killing time. I wasn't speaking in absolutes. No one - and I mean no one - eats perfectly from the time their band gets put in, until they reach their goal weight. Working with the band doesn't mean forcing anything for everyone. Working with the band, for ME, means giving up many of the foods I stuffed in my mouth without really tasting, enjoying or thinking about before. It means stopping when I feel full. It means that pizza is a treat, not a weekly dinner. It means that if I am committed to seeing the scale continue to drop, I can't eat many of the things I enjoyed before /shrug. I don't consider it deprivation. And I do occasionally (seriously occasionally - once every few months?) indulge in something that I enjoyed weekly before. But in much smaller portions and in much fewer instances. Really. I'm not being preachy. I know that sometimes fast food is the only option for folks. I know that sometimes, your body is screaming for ice cream. I know that sometimes it pays to give in to a craving in a small way rather than over do it by putting it off. But I also know that the less I give in, the better I feel. And right now, at this stage of my banding progress, I'd rather feel better right now than order from Pizza Hut because I'm too tired to cook. It's a personal thing. Everyone has to do it *their way*. Banding: The Burger King of Weight Loss Surgery. (Have it your way!)

Does anyone have trouble with weight gain after going back on solids? I had a fill on 1/30 and after a week of fluids/soft foods I lost 2 pounds, only to gain them back after going back to solids this past weekend!! Help! I know I'm not eating ANYWHERE near what I did pre-band. My body must just be fighting this whole weight thing. I know my metabolism is so slow . . . I'm frustrated. It feels like I have to be on "nothing foods" to loose.

Today I am up a couple of pounds from the water weight gain from salty foods and junk over the weekend. Today I am feeling more in control:clap2: , I hope it lasts., I will try hard. I went grocery shopping and bought my protein. Those out of control, need to push food into my mouth are so intense and sneaky that they are here before you know it. Missed the onset cue. :phanvan AM 3 bites cereal and millk coffee, splenda, cream

Today I am up a couple of pounds from the water weight gain from salty foods and junk over the weekend. Today I am feeling more in control:clap2: , I hope it lasts., I will try hard. I went grocery shopping and bought my protein. Those out of control, need to push food into my mouth are so intense and sneaky that they are here before you know it. Missed the onset cue. :phanvan AM 3 bites cereal and millk coffee, splenda, cream

Sure we can, this is simply an exchange of opinions. I've got nothing against Sam in any way, I don't doubt that harm was ever intended in any way. I just reflect on my own obesity and my own habits and I can see a direct correlation between treats, and weight gain. Adding some humor is what I try and do - and it can be misinterpreted (and clearly has been). Sammee - If I caused you upset, I apologise. My thoughts on bad food is entirely personal. I fear sugar, I have fears for my grandchild that he lives in a society that sees a massive consumption of 'hidden' and obvious sugars. It scares me. If my humor is inappropriate, I apologise. I sincerely thought when the note was posted about 'trying to kill..." I thought you were lending humor to it as well. I was merely playing along (in my mind). I HAVE to do my diet without treats. I have no band. I have no physical restraint. I have only me. So, I hope you will trully support my belief that it can be done without treats, because if not, I am doomed to be fat for the rest of my life.

I had an interesting conversation with the fitness director at the gym I work at today. I work out quite a bit, more than the average joe for sure. I'm at the gym 5 days a week at least, sometimes more. Last week I did 7.5 hours of t-shirt soaking cardio, and 3 hours of weight training. I think my average calorie intake a day last week was around 1300 calories. I gained 2lbs....actually I gained 6lbs, but 4lbs came off over the weekend so I'm guessing it was Water weight. Anyway I was talking to the fitness director and telling her this. She said, well maybe you aren't eating enough. Okay, maybe. I really want to get my metabolic rate checked soon. Get this...she eats around 1800-2000 calories a day, and runs 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. She didn't mention if she did any weight training. So lets review, she eats 500-700 calories MORE a day than me, and did 2 hours of cardio versis my 7.5. She weighs maybe 110 soaking wet? The lapband is not the easy way out, because as you can see above I am working it hard. I try to stick mainly to protiens, I don't drink any calories except the occasional protien shake. Overall I'm eating healthier than I have ever eaten in my entire life. I'm a bit on the frustrated side right now because of the weight gain. I had someone say something today that implied that this was the easy way and it kinda of bugged me...mainly because I don't think this is the EASY way.

rorysmom, Then obviously you do NOT think obesity is a disease, do you? Have you ever been obese? I certainly understand what you are saying about the other problems I mentioned--that they are things you can't help--like losing your eyesight, etc. I'm really passionate about this, so forgive me if I get slightly angry in tone... I have been overweight all my life. My mother tells me that she put sugar in my baby food (because my ped. doc. told her to). Along with this, she gave me honey Water as an infant. From studies I've read, all the fat cells that one will have in life is determined as a child. You cannot get rid of fat cells (unless you go the liposuction route); you can only shrink them. I believe that I obtained many fat cells as an infant. I exercise daily. In fact, in college, I jogged five miles/day and could never get below 175lbs. (I'm 5'5). Now, I jog 1-2 miles per day and take a powerlifting class 2-3 times per week. Along with this, I have an autoimmune disease, called hypothyroidism which makes it really difficult to keep weight off, much less lose it. I am not making excuses for all my weight gain--I have eaten too much in the past--and too many wrong things. BUT THERE ARE OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO WHY I AM OBESE--MEDICAL FACTORS--THINGS I DID NOT ASK FOR IN LIFE--AS A PERSON WOULD NOT ASK FOR CANCER. Please understand that if you have never been obese (which most doctors say is a DISEASE) then you really can't give any valid comments. Have an eye-opening day!

Kim, prayers go out to your FIL and whole family. Praise God that he is going to be OK! I'm also praying the truth will come out. You would think that the trooper would take statements from the medic too? Dianne, hang in there lady. You'll have a date soon, and be as good as new ... or actually better! Angie, I'll eat Soup with you Melissa, you're looking great. Please don't sweat a little Water weight gain. Had a good weekend, but a sweet old gentleman in our church went to be with the Lord this weekend. He suffered from congestive heart failure and had been on Oxygen for at least 1 1/2 years. I'll attend his services tomorrow (Tues.) afternoon.

And what a puzzle it is. It's so overwhelming that I'm still trying to put it all together in a way that makes sense to me, much less to my peers who I'm asking for opinions! First of all, BMI is a ratio. Had I achieved the rather unambitious goal weight set for me (variously 18#-20# from my current weight) then I wouldn't have been obese anymore by BMI standards. That part is simple. {As for the Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty -To those who have not have yet had cosmetic surgery: I did have an Abdominoplasty. This surgery is very different from weight loss surgery or lipo. The traditional abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure - it does do not ultimately affect your scale weight either way. In fact after a Tummy Tuck, there is often an initial weight gain, due to Fluid retention and swelling. (I already factored that in with my latest weight issues.) I was told I was close enough to goal to be within range to have a this done and I knew with some effort, I could have it covered at 100%. So I was happy to seize that opportunity for a much needed procedure. I sought 4 different plastic surgery consultations and my WLS surgeon's advice before I had it and it was definitely the right move. But never ever think a Tummy Tuck makes will mean significant weight loss. It's a wonderfully complex procedure but it changes how your body contours, but although it might change your posture or even how your clothes fit, it may not change your weight. If you see Fatty meat on a butchers scale (ewwww ), you may see that the marbled fat doesn't weigh as much as the meat's muscle and bone, and Abdominoplasty surgery primarily removes skin and it's associated flab and repairs muscles if needed. Just an FYI! :straight } I'm trying to clarify all the parts of the story because it seems a bit disjointed with the way I outlined it. Chalk that up to emotion. But I have to wait until my medical records are in my possession to put ALL the missing pieces together. There is much more to this for me to work through and the more information I have, the clearer I will be on what's really going on here. So as I really do appreciate everyone's comments, I will take some of this very much appreciated and very much solicited advice under counsel. I posted here first because I needed to hear what other Bandster patients thought about how I should proceed next. I've been very grateful especially to those who contacted me privately and attempted to help me work through it. Yes, I had a very visceral, heartfelt emotional response to the letter (which just seeing a certified letter, much less one from a surgeon, nearly scared me silly :cry ) and I think my post reflected that. I was upset (still am) overwrought (no longer that) and shocked. Now I'm justifiably upset but I am trying to look at my options. So, for now, I should remove my post before I make a bad situation even worse. It's bad now, so I should try to have enough presence of mind to not inflame things further or seem unclear, especially when I lack all the true details here. I am crafting a measured written response to the office, but of course I have accepted his decision. I do accept that this is as much as I could have done (to whoever said that, I do realize they have no idea what I've gone through - hopefully I can expand on that later also) so such hold on to your hats. Once I get my medical records released I think I'll have a very relevant and thought provoking story to tell my Banded (and de-Banded) Bandster peers. No one likes to admit they made a mistake. I am no different. I fully believed the Band could take me to an acceptable level of weight loss. Maybe it still can but it's a bit discouraging to hear your medical professional say you've come to the end of your road. (Again, those were his words.) If he thinks I should be satisfied to have come from where I was to where I am now, then he really didn't ever clearly hear my goals, aims, and wishes. And if it sounds like belly-aching to say I did NOT undertake the time, money, effort and blood, sweat, and tears just to end up still obese - then a belly-acher I am. My goal was to get to a healthy, and satisfactory weight. This isn't it. Again as I promised, I will first attempt to get the records released, get them analyzed by another professional and then know how to proceed next. Then hopefully I'll be in a position to put ALL the pieces together and then more clearly outline the details on why my journey with this surgeon, is being cut short. No matter what my (former) surgeon thinks, I am not definitely through trying to succeed at this. Again thanks.

With all this talk about band erosions, port infections, etc. and people second guessing themselves: Should I have gotten the band or not?, I'm slightly unsure now which WLS procedure to pursue. Anyhow-- Haven't they (bariatric surgeons) been doing Lap Band surgeries in Europe for years now? What do the studies/statistics show there? All the Lap band literature says that the band (ideally) should be left in (forever, if possible) to prevent weight gain. Are the Eurpoeans having these same issues 1-2 years down the road. Has anyone had the band in for over 5 years? 10 Years? If these procedures have been occurring for a long time--longer than in the US or Mexico--what is the consensus among European doctors? Just wondering if any of you had any info. on this. I want so badly to be successful...

I'll check in with you on Monday to see if the evil weight gain has gone. Congrats on the 5 lbs.!

quote=chill01]weight gain sucks especially after u lost all of your weight. I go to Dr. Fred Maese, he does my fills (my insurance covers it) but when it didn't it was $100 he is GREAT!!!!!!!

weight gain sucks especially after u lost all of your weight. I go to Dr. Fred Maese, he does my fills (my insurance covers it) but when it didn't it was $100 he is GREAT!!!!!!!

Hi this is Julie, Julie; i go to see Dr. Jay today at 1:30, I am two weeks out of surgery;i too am on mushy foods and i hd lost 14 lbs but i see a couple pounds creep'n up; i have been told that the main thing is healthy and yes there could be some weight gain until the fills start; i have even been walking a mile + to keep it even but you have to admit going from broth to eggs, beans etc is going to put some on; the sugar fre pudding chocolate is to die for.

I have a gothic fairey on my left upper arm~I love her sooooo much!! Shes sorta my alter ego~ I have a phoenix on my right calf, coming out of flames and a black dream catcher on my chest~ I wanna get the one on my chest covered up...but I am gonna wait till Im closer to goal weight. I think the amount of "damage" done to a tat depends on where it is, how badly the skin is affected by the weight gain and weight loss. I got my fairey when I was 50 pounds heavier, and so far so good, shes holding up!!!

I have the japanese symbol for "eternity" on my right ankle and a thingy with a gem in it on my left ankle. Fortunately neither of them changed much with weight gain/loss, but they are a little faded and need a color touch up. I'll probably do that with an addition of something new when I get to goal or something..

EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy Former medical transcriptionist here. LOL. Haven't worked for two years though....had to retire due to disability (arthritis). Sitting at a desk for 20 years transcribing and then 13 more years at home at a computer makes for a lot of weight gain and ultimately contributed to the arthritis.