Bjc1227

The first Lapband surgery was preformed in 1993. 20 years is not a long time when you are planning on a lifetime. I guess time will tell.

The first Lapband surgery was preformed in 1993. 20 years is not a long time when you are planning on a lifetime. I guess time will tell.

My PCP is not on board with the lap band. I went to him about it a few years ago and he pretty much said it was a bad idea and that I would need to lose 40 pounds on my own before he would even consider it for me. At the time I was thinking that if I could lose 40 pounds I would have done it already! This time around I didn't even consult him and went right to True Results. I guess he'll figure it out next time I need to see him and hopefully he'll see that it was the right choice for me! My orthopedic doctor who did my knee surgery in December was the one who suggested I look into getting the lapband so he's totally on board and supportive, and my physical therapist is too because obviously any weight I lose will make me healthier and will be better on my knees!

My PCP was anti banding. She wanted me to lose it on my own and promised she'd be there every step and every pound. *rolling eyes*. She quit a month later, but not before I'd convinced her to give me approval to look into it with the informational seminar. Turns out that approval acted as a "recommendation." I never looked back!

Yesterday I had my appointment with the PCP. This is the first time he's seen me since January. With my 50 lbs. weight loss he couldn't help being pleased with my progress. He said does not encourage his patients to have Lapband surgery because he had not had any of his patients succeed. I hope I left him with a better impression of Lapband surgery. I told him that I would do it again if I had to do over. I felt I was well prepared for the surgery, the recovery and living with the band. Going into it with a good team, and lots of support makes a world of difference. You also have to be willing to put in the work. It's all worth it.

All my asthma has gone away. I haven't used my inhaler in two years. Also, all of my allergies are gone as well. I have not had to take any meds for that either!!

I no longer take allergy meds
I no longer take medicine for diabetes
I no longer take pain meds for knee and back pain
I no longer have sleep apnea.

My PCP initially was sceptical as he only had one other patient who had a lap band and they did not do well.
But he was supportive as I was going through the pre-op preparation.
I just went to see him after a year and he was genuinely happy, as was the office staff.
When he asked me whether I was taking the BP and cholesterol lowering meds, I said no and he smiled big and congratulated me. My BP and cholesterol are normal!!!! It was a wonderful visit. When I asked when to come back , he loudly said, "next year"!!!!

My asthma to has mostly gone away. I still have to use my inhaler before I go running, but at least I can run now.

That sounds like an amazing NSV!

It was my PCP who started me down the road to WLS. She wanted me to get a bypass because I needed to lose more than 100 lbs. She was not happy that I went with the lapband but now, 70 lbs. down in 6 months, she's finally admitting I went the correct route for me.
The only other health care folks who know about the surgery is my sports medicine doctor and the physical therapists from the same office. I'm being treated for severe arthritis and of course they are so on board with this because losing weight will help me have a good outcome when I get the knee replaced.

Some time before I was banded I discovered My Plate Calorie Tracker by Livestrong. When filling out your profile, you decide how active you are and how many pounds you want to lose on a weekly basis. With your height and weight, it automatically tells you how many calories you need each day. I track everything I eat and drink, and I can keep track of my Protein intake for the day. If I'm low on protein, I add a Protein Shake or a glass of skim milk, depending on my needs. I really believe that keeping recording my food intake has kept my weight going down.

As a nurse, I am here to tell you that it is not our role to guilt, scold, or harass our patients. A good doctor will evaluate your progress and help you identify what went wrong AND how to get back on track. Education and support is paramount from your medical staff. If everyone was healthy and compliant we'd have no jobs <wink> On the other hand, the one who is actually doing all the guilt tripping is you. Because you realize that you let yourself down and now it's time to face it. We all have had setbacks. Some have stalled on their wl for months, years. Others have gained some to all their weight back etc. This happens because we no longer abide by the rules AND we no longer work with our support team (docs etc) to get back on track. Keeping the band in green is the lifeline to having a band. Finding excuses to not go to the doctor will keep you out of the green and that is a guarantee for failure. So no more sulking...get up and call your doc for an appointment!

Ditto! I'm so glad I stopped the skid when I did! I'm back on track now and it's worth it! Before surgery, I remember looking at pictures from 20 years ago, thinking that if I had done something then I wouldn't have had so far to go. Imagine how happy you will be when you realize that instead of gaining more weight and being heavier than pre-surgery, you stopped the slide and caught yourself before you went too much further.
I was embarrassed and ashamed to go in and acknowledge my screw up, but - trust me - he wasn't surprised, nor was he outraged. We put so much shame on ourselves unnecessarily! It's such an intensely personal journey and we have felt like failures for so long! We get used to hiding. It's so incredibly freeing to stop hiding, hold my head up, and keep going.
Please go back in to your doc and work with your team! You can do it if you do it for yourself. Don't let the shame and discouragement keep you paralyzed!
Shelly

Letty, he will not be disappointed in you! Don't give that a second thought, call him and make an appointment, you need to go. I too fell off the wagon and regained some of my weight. Finally went back to the doctor, started following the rules again and am having success....again. You can do this!

I agree with Sharpie.... The aftercare is very important. The doctor is part of your team. Plus the nutritionist, psychologist, support group(s), books, articles...etcetera.Get to the doctor and get back on track.Goid luck.

Don't worry about the Dr. I am sure you are not the only patient that he has with this problem.. You need to get back on that horse... If you can go back to the basics and follow the rules you will be successful. I have never succeeded at losing weight and keeping it off before.. I am determined no matter what this time to get it done... I am 30 lbs from my goal and I am losing slowly but I know if I stick with it I will get there. It's easy to get discouraged but keep reading post on here.. especially the ones who have lost their weight and have been able to get their lives back... go back to your Dr. .. he is the one that can help you...

Some time before I was banded I discovered My Plate Calorie Tracker by Livestrong. When filling out your profile, you decide how active you are and how many pounds you want to lose on a weekly basis. With your height and weight, it automatically tells you how many calories you need each day. I track everything I eat and drink, and I can keep track of my Protein intake for the day. If I'm low on protein, I add a Protein Shake or a glass of skim milk, depending on my needs. I really believe that keeping recording my food intake has kept my weight going down.

Some time before I was banded I discovered My Plate Calorie Tracker by Livestrong. When filling out your profile, you decide how active you are and how many pounds you want to lose on a weekly basis. With your height and weight, it automatically tells you how many calories you need each day. I track everything I eat and drink, and I can keep track of my Protein intake for the day. If I'm low on protein, I add a Protein Shake or a glass of skim milk, depending on my needs. I really believe that keeping recording my food intake has kept my weight going down.

Some time before I was banded I discovered My Plate Calorie Tracker by Livestrong. When filling out your profile, you decide how active you are and how many pounds you want to lose on a weekly basis. With your height and weight, it automatically tells you how many calories you need each day. I track everything I eat and drink, and I can keep track of my Protein intake for the day. If I'm low on protein, I add a Protein Shake or a glass of skim milk, depending on my needs. I really believe that keeping recording my food intake has kept my weight going down.

Karen, I would advise against consuming alcohol for a couple reasons (at this stage). 1) right now your stomach is on the high acidic side. Making you prone to things like acid reflux and ulcers. Alcohol and caffeine alike increase acidity in the stomach and can predispose you to these complications. 2) I know you may feel like you don't have to watch calories, but these mindless liquid calories are not what your body needs right now. Protein is essential for recovery. Alcohol is a blood thinner and thus slows healing. It offers no nutritional value. and 3) Right now is the prime time to follow the rules, being diligent with healthful choices etc. You are establishing new habits and a foundation for the remainder of your banded life. Yes, alcohol can be consumed when you are banded. I would just advise against it until you are well established on solids for now.

Ask your nutritionist if she can give you a sample of Unjury. My hospital gift shop carries it, but I've always bought online.

My first thought is that's a tough one, but not really. If there is a moment when you feel comfortable, go ahead and tell your date. If it's too much information for him to handle, wouldn't it be good to know up front?
I was lucky. I started dating someone in October last year, and had my surgery in February this year. We're still seeing each other, though it's long-distance. He liked me then, now and I expect he'll like me in the future. He knew I was planning surgery before we ever met.
Good luck and have fun.