lacapm

Hi Everyone! I just had my band refilled after being unfilled for 3 months. It's kindof like starting over, especially since I gained weight and they could only put 1.8cc in my band. I thought it would be helpful if those who have had success with the band could post what they eat during the day. Thanks so much, Annette

Hi! I am in a very similar situation. I was banded by Dr. Spivak in June 2009. I lost only about 40lbs. initially with my band, but never really gained anymore weight and was able to eat a pretty normal diet. I too cheated a lot and new that I needed to really commit to the diet that goes along with the tool. In May 2011 I found out that I was severely anemic, and had other Vitamin deficiencies and let my doctor convince me to have the Fluid taken out of my band so that I could swallow all the Vitamins and supplements easier. They also wanted me to do a detox diet that required several supplements. So, I had the unfill. Dr. Spivak was not in, so Brenda did it. I think he probably would have talked me out of it! I started the vitamins, coincidentally found most of them on Bariatric Advantage site so didn't really need the unfill. I never even finished the detox. Mid June I called the office to be filled again, had only gained maybe five pounds at this point and heard that he was moving to Isreal and was given the number for the "other doctor"! Brenda suggested that I wait to get filled until after our cruise in July, so I waited. Waited too long! I just went in to the "other doctor" after gaining back about 25 pounds! I had the same interaction with him. I felt rushed and he even forgot to tell me what diet to follow after the fill and weight gain. But what he did feel obligated to share with me was his opinion of the lap band. He said that they are now finding that patients are not having long term success. He said that Dr. Spivak was actually doing this particular study and that the sleeve was now the preferred treatment. He said that he would go ahead and start fills for me, but it looked like I am probably one of the many who will not have long term success with the band and that I should consider the sleeve. I left his office feeling totally defeated. I do not want another surgery. I had to self pay because my weight was not high enough and I have no other health issues. I really can't afford another surgery and frankly don't want to go through that again. At first I beleived what he said to me, but then started wondering if he's just trying to sell me another costly surgery. I'm sure he doesn't make much on the office visits. I hate to think that way! Really miss Dr. Spivak