proshooperLinda

I thought about revising my LB to the sleeve as I've had problems with fills - being too filled and having acid reflux (severe) for several months after twice now....but my insurance only allows one weight loss surgery so I'd have to pay for it. At the time I was thinking about it as then I wouldn't need fills and I'd have faster weight loss. I belong to one support group where the sleeve is done as much as the lapband unlike my other support group where 90% of the people are RNY patients...and the sleeve people have less problems with malabsorption of vitamins etc. so they don't need as many supplements and they seem to have better weight loss. I'm still on the fence but I figured I'd try to follow the lapband plan more closely and see what results I get it that...time will tell if I'm willing to go in to debt for a revision...just my 2 cents... Linda

(Since my surgery I've lost 52 lbs. but still want to lose 40 lbs. at least...and I'm 18 months out of surgery - at least with the lapband you still have the window of weight loss with band adjustments unlike the other surgeries - or am I deluding myself?)

The only thing you can do is to ignore. If it's someone that you value their opinion - just thank them for their input. Being obese is a greater risk factor for death than the surgery! I pray you have no complications - but even the people in our support group that have had problems said they'd do it again in a heartbeat! Everyone will feel obligied to give you their opinion - it's up to you what you do with it.

Are you taking anything for acid reflux now? It sounds like the antibotics may have set it off. Please don't be so set on your goal you overlook your HEALTH! Acid reflux can predispose you to Barretts esaphogus and that has life changing effects like cancer if left untreated. My band was too tight and I was throwing up while sleeping - could have been fatal...got an unfill and had to let it heal but am doing much better now. Good luck... Linda

Do you have a local support group for the survivors of suicide? Or you could check online for a group and they could best advise you of how to approach your friend. It's best to follow their lead and don't worry about what to say - just be there for them. Their friend was calling to say good-bye and it's not uncommon to not have a clue that it's going to happen! The person has usually made up their mind already to do it...as far as your friend it's not what you say - it what's what you do - be an ear for them...good luck - they don't want you to be unhappy in your life - just tone down your "joy" until they pick up a little. My husbands brother committed suicide the day after seeing him and their mom on Mothers Day...we had no clue...just take it one day at a time.

While I can't talk about the cost I can talk about the bipolar aspect...I've been treated for depression for many years but was told last year by a new psych he thought it was bipolar instead. I've had the band for 14 months and it has not affected what meds I take or the doseage - yet. It was not ruled out as the doctor knows of my lapband. I do know when I exercise more I feel better and with less weight I do exercise more so that helps my mood stabilize. The psych did give me another pill (Abilify) and that seems to have made the difference added to my other med for depression. As far as the cost I'd check with the doctors you want to use and see what they charge and make sure you tell them cash pay because you frequently get a lower price! Good luck as it can be the best investment you make with that money - your health... Linda

Don't feel quilty because of what you've done. I think you already paid for that ...getting sick and feeling sick. Just remember your body is trying to tell you to listen to it and behave....better next time. Like you I find I can pretty much eat almost anything...but since I got fat that way maybe that's NOT what I should be doing....so I try to use the tool I have been given the Lapband and lose weight and keep it off... Good luck.