DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

That was seriously an awesome blog. I can't tell you how many times I've felt exactly what you're feeling now. I see all these commercials and half are for food (because we need more junk food like we need a hole in the head) and the other half are for the diet I supposedly need to undo all the junk food damage. But wait...there's more! I can buy a nifty cami that will make me look 3 sizes slimmer, but then I *really* need the hair removal cream because I can't been seen looking like a bush woman. Oh and then? I should seriously invest some of those videos that will teach me to exercise and look like I'm a stripper doing a lap dance at the same time, because you know, there's a good chance my boyfriend will buy that beer that shows the woman that looks like a rejected porn star falling all over the guy because he's drinking *that* beer. I need to look like a rejected porn star apparently.
Seriously, really excellent blog post. I hope more read it because you totally nailed it.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I also have MS.
The best advice I can give you is to get on a disease modifying drug (often referred to as a DMD) ASAP. This is really important because they slow progression of the disease and the sooner you get on one the better your prognosis will be.
Yes, there are 4 types of MS. Relapse/Remitting (RRMS), Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing. The majority of people start off RRMS (which is what I still am, too). In fact, that is another reason the DMD's are so important, to keep people from turning from RRMS to Secondary Progressive.
May I ask, did you have both an MRI and a spinal tap to be diagnosed?

I am sorry to hear that you are having to go this this, I am sure being just 15 months out is frustrating. Hang. In. There. You can do this, until everythignis resolved, it may take more of an effort, again, you can do this. You have the "want-to" to lose weight or else you would not have had the surgery, as you know surgery is no the "easy out", it still requires work from you. You will jsut have to do your part a little more, but it will all be worth it in the end. Promise!

My port flipped at 3mths out, I continued to lose.
No fill at orginal LBS. 6wks post op 2cc, 4 wks later port is flipped no fill. Revision surgery and another 6wks until a fill. 4wks after that another fill and finally restriction.
During this whole process, I continued to lose weight by sticking to my surgeons instructions. It was another diet for a long while, but the band does work.
Sorry you are having problems. Its time to log what your eating and being sure to get in your protein first.
Tell your hunger to shut the hell up, mind over matter.IMHO

I had complications too. My band was leaking for 15 months. I gained weight fast and I struggled with hunger. BUT I stopped and took stock, and started focussing on losing again. And I did - 15 lbs in 5 months until I got my band replaced. Gaining and over-eating is not the band's fault, no one controls that but you. The band is there to try to help you NOT over-eat but it won't do it for you.
If you want to lose, you can do it with or without the band. I won't lie, it's HARDER without a band, but it's not impossible. I know it's frustrating having complications and not ever knowing if you'll have a functioning band, because it's something you can't control. I understand, I've been there. But there is ONE thing you can control, and that's whether or not you manage your weight in the meantime, while you're waiting for answers.

dont hate me for what i am about to write
i write it because i care
if you eat more calories than your gonna burn off, you will gain...so dont..eat your band allotted amount..focus on lean protein, fruit and veggies, get out of the processed/fast foods...drink alot of water/crystal light and get on with it....so you cant access your port...dont use that excuse as a reason to gain weight..the band is there, working fill or not..i have no fills but i am cautious of my food intake....some call it a diet, i dont care...
i call it doing what i have to do to make it work
and so can you, if you want.

I think it's unfortunate that some people have to drone on and on about their misfortune. I have found nothing but good advice and encouragement on this group... no one has purported themselves to be experts.. That being said I do find it easier to take information from successful people on here than people who have a hard time understanding the rules.. I don't think everyone who has had problems is at fault but I do think there is a fair percentage just like anything else that like to place blame on anyone but themselves. so, my advice to you is to go to another board where you can whine and gripe... we've all seen and heard enough negativity and frankly it's tiresome.. so if you are happy then act like it and move on..

I don't understand why you hang here, if you loathe everyone so much?
We really don't mind hearing about bands not working, but when ppl start posting old out of date info and claiming it to be true, kinda gets under our skin.
Fact is there are a few complications , ask msmaui, that are no fault of the patient. But the majority of complications are from non compliance.
So if you want ppl to say, its ok, eat & drink whatever you want and as much as you want and the problems you are having with your band is the bands fault, not yours. That's just not going to happen.

Excellent point. I had a staph infection after a hernia repair surgery last August and blood clots after a tummy tuck last month. Both should've been simple surgeries yet both had complications. It happens and it's the risk we take anytime we go into surgery.
But... like you..I've had zero complications with my band.

I definitely have those moments. I see my family going to town a big, fatty bowl of pasta or mowing a giant cheeseburger and I have these moments of "ugh I wish I could just have an hour to eat normal".
...but then I remember that's how I got to over 400 pounds... and suddenly that dripping burger doesn't look so appetizing anymore.
You're doing so great!

I definitely have those moments. I see my family going to town a big, fatty bowl of pasta or mowing a giant cheeseburger and I have these moments of "ugh I wish I could just have an hour to eat normal".
...but then I remember that's how I got to over 400 pounds... and suddenly that dripping burger doesn't look so appetizing anymore.
You're doing so great!

I definitely have those moments. I see my family going to town a big, fatty bowl of pasta or mowing a giant cheeseburger and I have these moments of "ugh I wish I could just have an hour to eat normal".
...but then I remember that's how I got to over 400 pounds... and suddenly that dripping burger doesn't look so appetizing anymore.
You're doing so great!

I definitely have those moments. I see my family going to town a big, fatty bowl of pasta or mowing a giant cheeseburger and I have these moments of "ugh I wish I could just have an hour to eat normal".
...but then I remember that's how I got to over 400 pounds... and suddenly that dripping burger doesn't look so appetizing anymore.
You're doing so great!

I agree MsMaui. I am certainly opened to the Sleeve if that is what my Wife chooses. My gripe is not about which surgery is better. My issue was how she introduced the three options to brand new people attending an informational seminar. I may be exaggerating a bit when I say she should've just told them all not to get the band period. "You will fail and not lose weight." because that's the way my Wife and I heard it. Basically it comes down to this, they will keep offering the band because there will always be people who want it and why turn someone away someone who is willing to spend money.

The band is losing its popularity IMHO because of the aftercare work that a surgeon has to get involved with like fills and xrays etc, Once a bypass or sleeve are done people are discharged home and its almost goodbye forever with maybe a follow-up visit or 2. The odds for complications post op maybe higher for the band but the mortality rate still far outshines the sleeve and bypass.
I still believe that people should take responsibility for their own health and be informed about something before doing it, particularly like the lapband, at the end of the day its me who has to live with it, I will never understand people going into this ignorant of what part they have to play.
Grats Jim u are still doing great !

The sleeve is the new fad, and once the data is in, it will show the same problem as GB, stretching the stomach/pouch out, and the patients gaining the weight back, just like patients who eat past the band. I think there will always be a place for the band, people who don't want to mutilate their intestinal tract.

I agree Mis73 , I am a self pay in Canada ,I am not required to do any seminars or info sessions other then an online one ( online as my Doctor is on the other side of the country) it does not mean I have not been researching and reading the information books provided to me but some of the posts I read its like people just run out and get banded thinking its a cure all and do some major damage because they have not informed themselves

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.

I honestly believe the doctors don't want to deal with all the necessary follow-up the band requires. They make very little money on fills and the Sleeve and Bypass make them far more money overall. Plus, judging by the level of ignorance I see on these forums? I'd believe they are seeing a lot of complications because people seem to be going into banded life totally blind with little or no information. I don't know if doctors aren't educating properly or people just don't listen, but it's no wonder there's so many complications when so many seem totally clueless.