I'm glad they finally added this forum

[derbygirl 0]

Last time I came here looking for support and encouragement, this forum for struggling bandsters did not exist. I left pretty quickly because struggling bandsters are seen as "Debbie Downers" here it seems.

I lost 150 pounds in my first year with the lapband (this BTW was no where near my goal weight--I had a lot more to lose) but after dealing with some personal issues I fell into a depression and regained 110 pounds.

I am working on losing again, but the band isn't near as helpful as it should be. I lose 10 pounds, I gain 8 back. It's pretty much just like it was pre-band.

Looking back, I really believe I lost that initial weight through a combination of willpower and fear. I read the stories about people throwing up after every meal and food getting stuck and I was terrified of that happening to me! So I was PERFECT that first year.

But after a while, I realized that I could eat anything I wanted and a LOT of it...with absolutely no repercussions. I have yet to throw up a single time with this band. I don't have to chew my food like they say you should. I have almost no restriction and my band is full.

Since I was a cash patient and gave up everything I had to have this surgery, getting a replacement band hasn't been an option.

Would I have the surgery again? I definitely wouldn't pay $15,000 out of my own pocket again.

It's a "tool" as they say. But diet "tools" are a dime a dozen it seems.

My surgeon has been useless. I haven't seen him in years. He had a family practitioner take over the fills about 6 months after I was banded. I have asked for help and they won't let me make an appointment with the surgeon. "You just need a fill," they say. It's total B.S.

I know others who went to this surgeon and haven't done well either. And on my most recent trip to my personal physician, she told me she doesn't recommend any weight-loss surgeries anymore. She said the lapband doesn't get good results and that the bypass patients "never look healthy...even years after the surgery".

:scared2:

[Carrie_C 9]

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. I lost 70 pounds the first year and haven't lost anything in a year. I would like to lose about 40 more. I probably need a fill, but mine are always too tight. I have pretty good restriction, but I need to exercise more. Lately I have also been eating junk. I am just glad I haven't gained any back. Have you been exercising? Maybe that would help.

[SunD1 0]

Well. .that sucks. I've lost 100 lbs on my own but gained it back. Losing is not the hard part, keep it off is (for me). Hoping the lapband will help w/that. Hope you can find a better Dr. !

[Jachut 487]

I hope it becomes a forum where you can just vent.

I think the "tough love" that struggling bandsters often get is well meant, and its probably best thought about and considered too, but sometimes you just need to get it off your chest and you dont WANT the advice.

[Carrie_C 9]

Yea I agree. I don't need advice. I know what I need to be doing. lol.

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Last time I came here looking for support and encouragement, this forum for struggling bandsters did not exist. I left pretty quickly because struggling bandsters are seen as "Debbie Downers" here it seems.

I lost 150 pounds in my first year with the LAP-BAND® (this BTW was no where near my goal weight--I had a lot more to lose) but after dealing with some personal issues I fell into a depression and regained 110 pounds.

I am working on losing again, but the band isn't near as helpful as it should be. I lose 10 pounds, I gain 8 back. It's pretty much just like it was pre-band.

Looking back, I really believe I lost that initial weight through a combination of willpower and fear. I read the stories about people throwing up after every meal and food getting stuck and I was terrified of that happening to me! So I was PERFECT that first year.

But after a while, I realized that I could eat anything I wanted and a LOT of it...with absolutely no repercussions. I have yet to throw up a single time with this band. I don't have to chew my food like they say you should. I have almost no restriction and my band is full.

Since I was a cash patient and gave up everything I had to have this surgery, getting a replacement band hasn't been an option.

Would I have the surgery again? I definitely wouldn't pay $15,000 out of my own pocket again.

It's a "tool" as they say. But diet "tools" are a dime a dozen it seems.

My surgeon has been useless. I haven't seen him in years. He had a family practitioner take over the fills about 6 months after I was banded. I have asked for help and they won't let me make an appointment with the surgeon. "You just need a fill," they say. It's total B.S.

I know others who went to this surgeon and haven't done well either. And on my most recent trip to my personal physician, she told me she doesn't recommend any weight-loss surgeries anymore. She said the LAP-BAND® doesn't get good results and that the bypass patients "never look healthy...even years after the surgery".

:ohmy:

Here is my advice to you:

1) Call and if need be, write (certified mail) to your surgeon and request all test results, including operative report and follow up visit reports.

2) Call the patient advocate at the hospital where you had the surgery and tell them you want to see the surgeon and his office won't allow you.

3) If that doesn't work, call the hospital adminstrator.

If necessary, tell them you will go to the media if they don't cooperate.

You need to see the surgeon and maybe have tests done to see if you're still filled and that there aren't any other problems, like slippage, dilation, etc..

Do not accept this treatment and good luck.