Best Decision Ever!

[ruthgal1 0]

Hi Everyone,

The best decision I made was on March 6, 2008... this was the day I got my LAP-BAND®®®®®®®® surgery by Dr. Richard Collier (Houston, JourneyLite).

Although all has not been smooth, overall it's been a great journey.

I started at 232/size 20 and today went in and weighed 145/size 8 with a BMI of 22. Dr. Collier said... "you've reached your goal weight; you're in the normal range." Well, I haven't been in the "normal" range for... well, I can't remember when I was ever in the normal range for my weight. :eek: Pretty awesome!!

I had one major problem happen about 8 months ago. My band was too tight and I waited way too long to go in and determine what was wrong. I was throwing up all the time and had horrible acid reflux. When I finally smartened up and went in my esophagus was completely full and stretched out and the band had slipped and Dr. Collier had to take all of my Fluid out. Wow! What a difference that made. Fortunately, the band moved back into place. I really stayed on track, though, and did not gain weight. About 2 months later I got a fill and then a small one about a month later.

Over the past month or so I have been burping a lot. When I went in today my esophagus was slightly expanded (just a bit over the band) and fluid was not moving threw well. This was causing air to get in my esophagus and so I was burping. This time only a little bit of the fluid was taken out and already I feel better.

I'm not concerned, though, about gaining weight because after two years I've learned new eating behaviors. I'll go back in about 2 months to ensure everything is okay and possibly get a refill. Also, I'm going to see the dietitian on Thursday to get on a maintenance plan so I'm sure I'm eating the right things.

I guess my point is that even though I've had a couple of problems I still feel this was absolutely the best decision I made two years ago.

Check out my before and after pics! :tongue2:

Ruth

[HappyMom 1]

Ruth -

You look absolutely fantastic! I really hope to be where you are within the next year or two!

I am really glad that your slip was able to be fixed with an unfill. I am really fearful of having a problem with my band. The recovery from my surgery was a bit rough and I definitely don't want to do it again!!!

Thanks again for sharing your story!

Melissa

[ruthgal1 0]

Thank you Melissa.

The main thing I found was to listen to what your body is telling you. I waited way to long to go back to the doctor. The minute I started getting the reflux I should have gone in. I was to the point that I couldn't even eat without throwing up. Just stupid on my part.

You'll do great!

[Cocobutta 0]

Thank you sooooo much for sharing your success story. I had a similar situation recently in that I had some abdominal swelling above my band. Not to mention only a few pounds of weight loss over the last 6 months. I have been unfilled and will get a refill in 3 weeks. Your story has really motivated me to keep pushing towards my goal to loose another 30-35lbs.

[ruthgal1 0]

You can do it Cocobutta!!

Set backs and the occasional problem are not unusual. The key is not letting it get you down and sticking to the plan. You've come this far; there is no way you won't make it to your goal weight.

I bet when you get your next fill you will start to lose weight again. That 30 pounds will be gone before you know it!

Ruth

[cmg4sei 0]

Hi Ruth, I also had my surgery by Dr. Collier in March 2008, but I have only lost about 20 lbs (I only need to lose about 60 total). I'm very frustrated and have pretty much given up but decided over the weekend maybe I should go back to see him since I haven't been in a while. I had a lot of problems in the beginning and had to be filled and unfilled several times. I don't even think the dr knows for sure how much I have in the band. It's been about 8 months since I had a fill and there are days when I can eat anything and days where I throw up all day. Would you be willing to share your diet with me? I know that's a lot of my problem. I am a pretty picky eater to begin with and then when you add not being able to eat solid foods most days then I end up turning to things that are bad for me just to stop the hunger. How often do you exercise? Any help you could give me is greatly appreciated!

[Drake alp 0]

Thanks for sharing your story. I was banded 6.24.10 so am brand new at this. Very excited and have dropped 23 lbs since 6.5.10 due to pre-op liquid diet. That being said, this is new and hearing first hand success and also advice really makes a difference. I can't wait to accomplish what you have...I'm headed for the 140's also....now at 219. I'll also keep in mind not waiting too long once I start getting fills. I tend to think things will blow over on their own but your post convinces me that's not good for LAP-BAND®. Happy 4th and congrats on your achievements - you look great!

[suf1987 0]

HI i hope you check this still -- I am a patient of Dr Collier too. I would really like to compare notes with you. I am 2 months out -- April 28. and had two fills. he seems really good and very conservative. I stopped losing tho since May 14. 26 lbs. but nothing since. my 2nd fill was abt 2 weeks ago and all of a sudden i feel restriction.

it feels good. i just worry so much i have wasted my money and its not going to work on me. any advice would be appreciated. you look so good and have done so well! i am abt the same as you proportionally -- 5'10" pre-op 224. july 2=198. goal is 160. should be 150 but i dont want to push it.

[bambam31 168]

You look great Ruth! Thanks for sharing your story!

Brad

[stealingskinny 0]

Hi Ruth, I'm new at this site. I'm planning on getting surgery soon. I wasn't sure how to see your pics. You can find me at

stealingskinny.blogspot.com/