mamapierce

September 2009, I had the lapband surgery at a military Air Force Base in Ohio. I did the fluids thing and while I was waiting through the 6 weeks before my first fill, we moved to Florida. I couldn't get in to see a doctor before January 2010. The first doctor I met with tried to give me a fill in his office. He must have stuck that needle in me about 20 times before concluding that I needed a fill under fluoroscopy. I went to the hospital, they gave me about 2ccs. I went back later and they gave me 2 ccs more. I never felt any restriction. For some reason, that doctor suddenly leaves the state of Florida. (!!!) My insurance sends me to another lapband doctor who is 2 1/2 hours away. I visit him and he states that he can't give me a fill under fluoro. (Great, so glad I wasted my whole day to see you). Finally, in September of 2010, I get a referral to see Dr D who is 45 minutes away. He's wonderful and compassionate. He realizes my frustration of having had the lapband for a whole year and not only had I not lost ANYTHING, I'd gained weight just waiting to have my adjustment. (The whole "last hurrah" theory of eating whatever/how much I wanted because I was facing a lifestyle change, etc.). So, he gave me 1 cc under fluoro - which put me at 5 ccs. I felt restriction for 3 days. I starting feeling good and could see myself already slimming down. Then I didn't feel restriction. Dr D is a very sought after doctor, so the time between appointments was always a few weeks. He gave me another fill of 1 1/2ccs - putting me at 6 1/2ccs. I didn't feel any restriction. We started talking about taking the lapband out and pursuing another weight loss surgery. My husband and I prayed about it and felt we should continue with the lap band. So, this past friday, Dr D gave me another 1 1/2 ccs - putting me at 8ccs. I did the whole fluids thing for 2 days - that right there is tough for me - and now I don't know what's wrong. I don't feel comfortable. I think it may be acid reflux? The nurse is calling in Carafate for me. Anyone else tried that? Did it help? Anyhow, that's my story. I'm ready for some success, lapband! And I'm ready to make some friends who are in this journey like me. I feel alone in this process. I am afraid of failure and I'm also afraid to give up food which is my comfort. I have a blog, too: http://jillthewarrior.blogspot.com/