Brigham and Women/Faulker Hospital

[notateechanow 7]

Happy New year to all of brigham & faulkner hospital bandster.

I went to weight watchers this morning. I have lost 31.4 lbs. I am so excited and my clothes are getting mighty lose on me. I will keep my appt. on the 15th.

Good girl!! See you on the 20th???

[heidib 15]

Ok, I'm feeling fine now. I guess it was a pulled muscle/ THANK GOODNESS! :-) {SIGH}

[yljones 0]

I'm glad you're feeling better. Slow down and take care.

ylj

[gingin 0]

Hi everyone...I have not been on these forums for months...not good for me.

I saw Dr. Vernon last in September, and she didn't tell me to make an appt when I left so I just assumed I should call as needed for my next fill. I was doing great until Thanksgiving when I realized I needed a fill, called for an appt and was given one for yesterday. 5 weeks! I asked repeatedly if there was anything sooner and was told that there wasn't and just assumed it was because of the holidays. Needless to say, I gained 14 lbs since that point because I have been ravenously hungry. I went in for my office visit yesterday and Dr. Vernon was like "why didnt you come in sooner? I always have openings for fills"! Just an FYI...if you need an appt w/her asap, don't talk to anyone but Jen. Apparently no one else has any pull.

So I had my fill, drank the water--I finally felt restricted so I went home. As the night went on I felt a huge lump in my throat and couldn't even swallow my own saliva, nevermind Water or a Protein Drink. I was up the entire night, barfing up spit, trying not to really heave to hardly. My band was totally closed! Needless to say, I went in today for a slight unfill w/Dr. Lautz (what a nice guy) and I felt instant relief as he removed some of the saline. I guess every MD places the ports differently because he stuck me 3 times and had to fish around for it (ouch!).

This afternoon, I feel much better. I finally have restriction again that I can live with and know that I need support from other people going through what I am...I will be on here much more often and really want to try and get to the support mtgs too...it's just so far away for me.

Anyway, thanks for listening and I appreciate all of your support, even if you dont know you're giving it to those who lurk!

Gina

[notateechanow 7]

OH, Gina...

So sorry to hear you've been through all of that. I'm not sure if you can try to schedule a trip up to the actual support group meeting, but I've found it to be invaluable to talk with other BANDED people...Yes, the doctors have experience and have done hundreds of these, but which one ever actually HAD a band and knows what I'm feeling, first hand?? I know some of us try to schedule any fill appointments for the same day as the support group meetings, just to save the trip into Boston. We'd love to have you join us. Many of us go to the Brigham's group because it's bigger, but also on Tuesday. The Monday group at the Faulkner is far smaller, but also harder for most of us to get to. The next Brigham meeting is on the 20th, the day after the MLK holiday. Hope you can make time to join us! :thumbup: Good luck. Get back on track and get rid of the extra 14! Did you schedule your next meeting 4 weeks out? You can always cancel or reschedule in a few weeks if you don't need it....

[gingin 0]

Thank you...I am already working on the weight. It feels so good to have restriction again...it was like my old insatiable self was resurrected for a few weeks, and I hated it.

[heidib 15]

Gina-I'm glad you got your fill all straightened out now. That had to of been awful!!!

[heidib 15]

Ok, I think I have good restriction now after 5 fills. Today at 11am I ony ate a half a piece of whole wheat toast w/ chicken salad on it. I was ALL set all day long!!! CAN you believe it?!?!!? It really works!!

I went back to Curves last night too. I'm going to a party on the 16th & I want to lose 5 lbs by then. I can do it!!! I just gotta work my tool {band}~! As usual, the head hunger is still there :-(

I can't seem to get under 190 lbs!!!

I know it's coming soon! :thumbup:

There is NO high better then losing weight huh. I'm already day dreaming about how much weight I'll have off by spring/summer WOOOOOO WHOOOO~~!!!!!!

Hang in there all!!! :thumbup:

[jeanangell 0]

How did you all deal with the doubt and yes, panic, prior to surgery. Finding myself having doubts, questioning myself... I know this is right but I guess I am just afraid.

[notateechanow 7]

Come to the support group with us on the 20th. Know that it's never too late to cancel should you have major doubt. When you talk with all of us, you'll have a more accurate depiction of what this is all about....the good, the bad, the frustrating, and the glorious new life. We're all honest and direct, but more importantly, we're here to support you....

[Tova 0]

At this point positive thoughts are very important. There is one main goal in having surgery - YOU!!! Your health and the way you feel about yourself are very improtant factors to keep in mind. All the rest will fall into place.

Speaking for myself, this is the best thing I have ever done fro myself and I haven't felt this good or had this much energy or looked this great in 20 years!!! Definitely an important factor for me to keep in mind since the last few months have not been as smooth sailing as before. But there is not one regret in my mind

Good luck to you and yes come to our support meeting, we will all be able to help you together

Tova

[heidib 15]

How did you all deal with the doubt and yes, panic, prior to surgery. Finding myself having doubts, questioning myself... I know this is right but I guess I am just afraid.

Hi!

You just have to ignore thos thoughts of doubt & panic. Just go w/ it & you'll be happy in the end!! I have NO regrets! :thumbup: The support here is awesome!!!

[heidib 15]

Well, I finally got under 190!! I'm now 189 LOL!!!!

I ended up pushing off my next fill because I feel it will make me too tight. I have not been hungry at all. I find myself eating once a day & a snack maybe. I hope my fill isn't too far off now. I think I've hit my "sweet spot".

[yljones 0]

I went thru the same emotions that you are experiencing right up to the morning of my surgery. I will say that inspite of my emotions I still continue to move on with the journey. When I woke up, I wanted to know when the surgery was going to happen.lol.Its been 5 weeks yesterday and its the best decision that I could have made for myself and my well being. I have lost over 30 lbs I'm sleeping better, feeling better, and folks say I look better. healthier that is. I'm glad I made this decision. Your feelings and emotions are normal. You are always afraid of the unknown. I have found this forum to be a blessing in my life. These ladies supported me 100%. Everything is going to be alright.

[nomadem 1]

Hi everyone...I have not been on these forums for months...not good for me.

I saw Dr. Vernon last in September, and she didn't tell me to make an appt when I left so I just assumed I should call as needed for my next fill. I was doing great until Thanksgiving when I realized I needed a fill, called for an appt and was given one for yesterday. 5 weeks! I asked repeatedly if there was anything sooner and was told that there wasn't and just assumed it was because of the holidays. Needless to say, I gained 14 lbs since that point because I have been ravenously hungry. I went in for my office visit yesterday and Dr. Vernon was like "why didnt you come in sooner? I always have openings for fills"! Just an FYI...if you need an appt w/her asap, don't talk to anyone but Jen. Apparently no one else has any pull.

So I had my fill, drank the water--I finally felt restricted so I went home. As the night went on I felt a huge lump in my throat and couldn't even swallow my own saliva, nevermind Water or a Protein Drink. I was up the entire night, barfing up spit, trying not to really heave to hardly. My band was totally closed! Needless to say, I went in today for a slight unfill w/Dr. Lautz (what a nice guy) and I felt instant relief as he removed some of the saline. I guess every MD places the ports differently because he stuck me 3 times and had to fish around for it (ouch!).

This afternoon, I feel much better. I finally have restriction again that I can live with and know that I need support from other people going through what I am...I will be on here much more often and really want to try and get to the support mtgs too...it's just so far away for me.

Anyway, thanks for listening and I appreciate all of your support, even if you dont know you're giving it to those who lurk!

Gina

gina I have asked Dr V many times and she would like to see you about every 6 weeks (as per manufactors instructions) but if you need a fill she'd like to see you about every 4. The problem is you really cant get an appt every 4 weeks so I book my appts every six weeks regardless of needed a fill. I also book them before I leave the office.

Also if you or anyone else is ever too tight you dont wait for an appt, call right away, if Dr V cant see you another dr covering or a NP should be able to help you out.