Discouraged Bandster need YOUR help!!

[Mvpo8961 1]

I thought some of you old timers could lend a hand for our discouraged fellow bandster.

The following is a copy of four posts between my self and ZooMama.

Newcomer

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->I'm a newcomer to the forum--or to any online forum for that matter. I was banded by Dr. Benavides at SCOR in November '04. I have an Inamed band and I've had two fills.

I became very discouraged because I've lost only 25 pounds with the band and experienced a lot of difficulty incorporating the lb into my busy professional life. I've also had a lot of difficulty with acid reflux since the lb surgery.

I have taken some time off from worrying about the lb and I've been advised by my other physicians to have the lb removed. However, I am making another attempt to get the weight loss that I need with the lb since nothing else seems to have worked.

I would appreciate any advice anyone can provide about how to handle the emotional issues, acid reflux, etc. I am in awe of those of you who have succeeded with the lb despite minor setbacks and problems, and I am determined to make this work now, more than ever. Thanks for being there and sharing your experiences. I just wish I had come across this forum a long time ago. :huggie:

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Hi ZooMama

I have only been recently banded but I do have a question.

Have you had any GI xrays done? Such as an EGD (upper GI endoscopy) or anything else to check placement of the band and to make sure it hasn't eroded?

How often do you see your surgeon? Are you on meds for reflux?

Have you sought a second opinion from another lap band surgeon. If not check the link in my signature for mine in Dallas. He has banded several members on this board and I haven't heard anything negative about him.

How has your eating patterns changed? Do you see a nutritionist? What about the nurse educator at SCOR? Do you go to any support meetings?

Give us a little more info on your situation if you don't mind.

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haven't had an endoscopy yet, but I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in three weeks to discuss the reflux symptoms and I'm almost certain that he will order an endoscopy. My surgeon sent out a form letter to all of his patients several months ago telling them to schedule an endoscopy which I thought sounded peculiar unless it was medically indicated. Almost like a money-maker for his radiologist friend. I have confidence in my gastroenterologist and will follow his recommendation. If he thinks the band should go-it will. My internist has been harping about my need to lose the band since I started seeing her about a year ago.

I am on the following meds for reflux: Prilosec 2x daily, Zantac 300 mg. 1x daily, Mylanta extra strength evening and Rolaids evening. I also take Simethicone tablets in the a.m. and p.m. and that also helps a great deal. I sleep upright in a semi-sitting position and I don't eat anything 3-4 hours before bedtime. I have lately tried drinking a lot of Water before bedtime and that also seems to be helping.

My eating patterns have changed considerably. I don't eat whole cuts of meat, and I eat more Soups and minced chicken, Protein Shakes, egg salad and I guess foods that you would call the "mushies." What I don't eat anymore is bread, Pasta, uncooked veggies, and absolutely no carbonated beverages. My dietary choices during the weekdays have been greatly influenced by my need to avoid pbs or vomiting at the office or around my co-workers. None of them knows that I have the band, and I would prefer to keep that private.

I haven't been back to my surgeon since the first post op follow up visit, and until the reflux symptoms started, didn't need to see a doctor. I haven't consulted with the nurse/educator at the SCOR, but I think that is a good idea and I will do that. Thanks. After finding this forum, I am also considering having the band unfilled to see if that helps the acid reflux before I have the band removed.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. I will follow up with your suggetion to contact the nurse/educator.

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WOW no wonder you are discouraged. That's a lot of meds and discomfort. Did you have reflux before banding?

I can't believe you have only been back to your surgeon for one post op visit. I had lap band May 19 this year and I have been back to see him at least three times. I just got a fill yesterday and he requires a follow up visit four weeks after a fill.

Please consider seeing another lapband surgeon.

It does sound like you have picked up on what seems to be the most common reasons for your symptom which is an overfill. I think you are right on track about the unfill and would do it asap. But bear in mind that overfills aren't the only cause of reflux.

When did you last have a fill and was it at SCOR. I don't know about the past but fills/unfills are done under flouro now. That in and of itself lets them get a view of band placement.

Some docs routinely do endos to keep an eye on their patients bands. I haven't got that far with my doc of course.:nervous

I am going to copy your posts onto the main forum so the really smart folks can offer some advice also.

Keep in touch and let me know how things go for you.

[beachgirl 2]

Lord knows I'm no expert, just been banded 7 weeks, but it sure sounds like her surgeon doesn't want her to stay banded for some reason. I had acid reflux before banding, but bam, since surgery, none. I wonder what she is eating and how often and if she's chewing, chewing, chewing. I remember right before I got back on the plane in Mexico, Dr. Sanchez's asst. said Sherri, one last thing, don't forget to chew, chew, chew, chew, chew,. It was kind of funny.

I agree with what you told her and I sure wouldn't take my band out unless I'd tried everything under God's green earth. Number1, I love my band, Number 2, they're expensive and Number 3, it's like anything you have to learn to use it.

Good luck and wish I had some infomate wisdom.

Sherri

[MsButterKup23 1]

Hi,

Sorry you are having a rough time. I also get my fills at SCOR and I know they have an after care program. Call up there and ask about it. I was not banded at SCOR, but my hubby was and they have offered it to both of us.

I know it has a dietician and exercise pros from what they told me.

Best of luck to ya!