Had lap band surgery, but never followed up

[benmond 0]

Hello everyone. I am writing because I am very frustrated. Not for me, but for my girlfriend. She had the lap band procedure done two years before I met her, which would be 2003. She told me she lost 55 pounds has since regained some of it and stabilized. Problem is, she never went back for any adjustments. She says she is embarrassed to go now because it has been so long and she has not been so successful. I even found her a lap band support group in our area of NY and accompanied her to a meeting, to no avail. How can I get her back to the doctor? She is always "getting stuck" and having to go into the bathroom to throw up. That can't be good for her. I feel very bad for her and am very frustrated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[terilynn112 1]

As a stubborn lady myself, all you can do is encourage her, and be there for her. But don't be pushy.

Teri

[kgloverii 0]

As a stubborn lady myself, all you can do is encourage her, and be there for her. But don't be pushy.

I agree. All you can do is encourage her. Perhaps you can show her this website. Maybe that will provide her some motivation?

[krtork 0]

Be encouraging and supportive. I would tell her about this site. I have found it to be a very good resource as well as an online support group.

[Carrie_C 9]

If she is throwing up so much, something may be wrong. I think you should keep encouraging her to go to the doctor. It is not normal to be like that.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

She's a grown up. It's her body. If it were me, the more you bugged me, the less likely I'd be to do something. You know her best; you probably know what's best to do for her, whether it be bug her or leave her alone about it.

[laurigee 545]

Not to ask an odd question or anything, but are you sure she has the band? It's odd that anyone would go through a surgery to better their health and just decide to forget about it, and not use the tool. She doesn't have to go get a fill from her surgeon, she can go anywhere they do fills. Another thing, if she is going to the bathroom regularly to pb, she definately doesn't need a fill. Is she exercising regularly? The band alone doesn't do the job, anyone who has been succesful can tell you that. It's alot of hard work! Maybe show her some of the threads where people talk about what it takes to be succesful and she will be encouraged. If not accept her the way she is or not. Good Luck to you both.

[ljones4521 4]

This story sounds as if it could apply to me. I had the band in 2005, I believe. Lost weight without a fill. Shortly afterwards I became preganant, gave birth and then finally went in for a fill.

Problem is I have forgotten what I should be eating to get the weight loss moving. I know we have some sort of Protein drink that is supposed to be good. The good thing is I am not gaining weight but it is high time I lose weight.

[Carrie_C 9]

"It's odd that anyone would go through a surgery to better their health and just decide to forget about it, and not use the tool."

You would be surprised at how many people this actually happens to. I work in a doctors office and I have seen people that never go back for any follow ups. Most of them have regained all the weight, plus some. I think some just get really discouraged and don't go back.

[laurigee 545]

I guess I made a huge commitment when I spent $17,500. I new at that time I was ready to change my habits and change my life. I think with your becoming pregnant, that is a different situation. That is a 9+ month span of thinking of the health and well being of your child and then taking care of them once they get here. I think everyone would give you a pass for that one.