claraluz

This is all so confusing. I don't know whether I'm going through menopause or just out of whack from losing weight. My hair is thinner now and I don't like it, but I'm fortunate that I started out with thick hair. The rate of hair loss seems to have slowed recently. I too always used to be hot (I think that's the extra fat insulation). Now I'm freezing. When I'm not having hot flashes. Nancy

Donali, I saw your bra on the cover of my mailing from Lane Bryant, but it looks much better on you! Nancy

That's great news, Rica. That's what it's all about, isn't it - regaining our lost health and vitality. Nancy

I really like the unjury. I also like that they are a very responsive company and they usually rush your first order to you. Congratulations on your surgery! Nancy

Wow, you are really on a roll! Congratulations! Nancy

Low Iron is usually no big deal as far as I know. I think it is just from not getting enough iron in your diet. And as far as the rest of it is concerned, you really don't know yet if you have any problems or not. I know it is so easy to get discouraged, but I'm hoping it all just turns out to be a bump in the road like Lisa said. Hang in there. And you can always come here for support. Nancy

Hi, everyone. My board usage has been very sporadic of late because I am studying for an exam for a higher credential. And the studying has been so rewarding in and of itself that I am now planning to go back to school for another master's degree! The plans are a little vague of yet. I know I wouldn't have done either of these things pre-band. I've been eligible to take this exam for 14 years, but I never had the ambition, the vision, or the confidence to do so. Losing weight with the band has allowed me to re-discover my strengths. And I always thought I was too lazy to go back to school, but I realize I wasn't too lazy, only too tired. The band has given me so much more energy. And just to top it off: I bought new clothes and I bought a pair of XL pants - not a 1,2,3, or4 X, but an XL - in a regular store! I'm so amazed. So anyway, if my posts are more now-and-then for a while, I know you'll understand. It's just me, living my brand new life. But I do miss all your posts. I feel like I know so many of you. I'm still getting used to the new board format. Why is there a red dot by my name? Nancy

Donali, you're gorgeous, the bra is so you! You are an inspiration to me. Nancy

Betty, hopefully by now it is all over! I hope all is well and that you are feeling no pain! Let us know how you are when you can. Nancy

Hello and welcome! I'm sure each of us has our own unique story. Mine is pretty simple. I had been gaining weight gradually throughout my adult life. At times I dieted and was able to lose it all, only to gain it back double-time. I was always either on a diet or trying to get the motivation to start one. Then I discovered I have insulin resistance (pre-diabetes). I thought that would be all the motivation I would need. But after a year of trying, I still had not managed to stick to a diet for any length of time. That's when I decided to research weight-loss surgery. I read various boards and looked up medical articles for over a year. I decided to have the bypass. But when I was four days away from my surgery date, I became overwhelmed with fear about complications. That's when I decided to give the Lap-band a second look. I really did not consider it to be a risky choice because the surgery is very safe and because it is easily reversible (the band can be removed if there are complications). I'm happy with my choice. I've had my band for 14 months. What has changed since my band: I'm a happier, more confident person. It's as simple and as miraculous as that! I like myself better and I am able to appreciate the strength and daring it took for me to make this decision. Having the surgery caused me to embark on a one-year psychotherapy course which has helped in my metamorphisis. The changes I've experienced have caused me to do a better job at work, to be more active, to be more assertive, to have more hope for the future, and to begin to make plans to get involved in even more challenging and rewarding ventures. And oh, by the way, I've lost 50 pounds and I've kept it off for many months! What hasn't changed: I still wish I could lose more weight. I still have to struggle with myself on a daily basis in order to make healthier food choices and to stop using food for comfort. I often still feel guilty about eating and about my weight. I know I won't lose any more weight unless I can change this pattern. But I no longer feel hopeless about it. I know I will find a way to be successful. Because I still make poor food choices, my health hasn't improved as much as I wish it had. I still have insulin resistance and borderline-high cholesterol. Only you can decide whether the band is right for you. I hope hearing our stories will help you do this. Good luck! Nancy

This is very distressing. I think the most mature approach for me would be to pretend I never read it!

I agree with Marie. And remember, the staff will be the ones controlling when and whether or not you get an appointment for fills, problems, etc. after surgery. It is crucial that you are able to work with them and trust them. Also, not to scare you at all, but I would still want to know how many bands he has put in. If he has done less than 100, I would go with one of the more experienced band surgeons in Texas. This is just based on statistal evidence regarding complications. I doubt whether switching surgeons will delay your surgery much, if at all. The hard part is already behind you. You did say that you intend to have the band placed with him (because you are understandably eager to have it done ASAP!) and then if there are problems, switch to another doctor after surgery. Unfortuanately, it's not that easy. Most doctors will refuse to see patients if they did not place the band. There are many reasons for this: sometimes their malpractice insurance companies won't let them, sometimes their institutions won't let them, and sometimes they are just worried about appearing to be stealing another sugeon's patient which is a professional no-no. I'm sorry that this post sounds like such a downer. I don't mean it that way at all. I'm happy for you! It's just that I've been reading this board long enough to know how important having the right surgeon and the right office staff can be. Nancy

Michelle, I am just now seeing this thread. So I guess you went to the doctor today and I hope that all went well. You and your son are in my thoughts. My heart is full for you. Nancy

The part that bothers me is that the band is new to your community. I wouldn't advise being one of their first patients, if that is the case. It definitely sounds to me like they don't really have their act together. And I definitely wouldn't want to put up with the attitude you experienced today. If it were me, I would be looking for a new surgeon. Nancy

You don't need a referral if you self pay, but I would advise being patient. You would still have to have all of the same tests even as a self-pay. The tests are to make sure that you don't have another problem that is contributing to your obesity and that you are healthy enough for surgery. It's hard to be patient, I know, but if it saves you thousands of dollars, wouldn't it be worth it? Nancy

Wow, Megan, thank you so much for posting. Your story is truly moving and inspiring. In fact, I'm printing it out because I want to read it when I feel discouraged. I'm a very slow loser, but I realize that I, too, have experienced many of the same kind of changes you speak of. Rock on! Nancy

Bright, you don't have to apologize for being an infrequent visitor. We love hearing from you whenever you have time! Your weight loss is fantastic. In fact I envy you. Congratulations on going back to school! I'm studying for an exam for an advanced credential and it's been so rewarding that I'm planning to go back, too. It's really empowering! Best of luck! Nancy

I ended up choosing a surgeon here in Houston. I was self-pay and paid $14,000. But first I researched the Mexican docs. It so happened that Houston has a very experienced band surgeon, but I felt more comfortable using him because Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico recommended him. In general the Mexican doctors are much more experienced with the band and were preceptors for the U.S. doctors who learned to place the band. Of course, just as anywhere else, there are good Mexican surgeons and bad ones, but I think using them makes sense for many. And why should they charge so much less when they actually are more experienced than U.S. docs?

I'm a year out from surgery and I have incredible gas. In fact, that is often what stops me from eating more rather than the sensations of fullness. It causes pain in my chest and back. I burp like crazy after every meal. I guess I'll try the Mylicon, too. Nancy

I keep a small box of All-bran on my desk and munch just a pinch or two several times a day. It's kind of sweet. It does the trick. I also like prunes so I eat one or two of them a day. Nancy

The part I don't get is why your wife can't see that you need to maintain a relationship with your daughter. Even if your wife and daughter have conflicts with each other, your wife should certainly understand that you will always be there for your daughter. I would try to talk to your wife about this and if you can't resolve it between yourselves, maybe get some marriage counseling. This is a very important issue and it needs to be resolved if you and your wife are going to continue to be married. I hope things work out for the best for you. Nancy

I think the wound center sounds like a good place to start. I know that when someone has an open wound in the hospital where I work they always consult the wound care nurses. They are really specialists and always seem to know what to do. So I hope that works out for you. Best of luck, Lisa. Something's got to work! Nancy

Best of luck to you. Like everyone says, please let us know how you are doing. We care. Nancy

There is only one problem that I know of that would truly be a band emergency and that is if the bottom stomach moves up and through the band. It's very rare. But it did happen to my band doctor who has the band herself. It's an emergency because if that happens you won't be able to eat or drink anything. So if it happens (I'm sure it won't) you won't have to worry and guess. You'll know immediately that you have a serious problem. You will need to go to the EC and they'll probably need to take the band out. I do think it's true that worry is a symptom of being banded. We've all heard of things that can go wrong and when we feel a little change - say we are PBing more or burping more or whatever - we wonder whether our band has slipped or perhaps even eroded into the stomach (which has happened to someone on this board). But most often these changes mean nothing. It just takes time to get to know and trust the band. nancy

I really hope you are able to find a doctor who is willing to follow you and do fills, etc. Many doctors won't follow another doctor's patient. Did your doctor say that he won't provide follow-up care? Or is it just that you can't afford to fly there all the time (which is understandable). I can't exactly remember, but I don't think I had a follow-up appointment except to get my first fill after five weeks (most doctors say 6 weeks). My doctor wanted me to be on liquids for two weeks and then mushy food for two weeks. After that I was able to eat solid food. I wouldn't necessily be worried about danger signs at this point. I don't think it is really unusual for you to still be feeling tired and sore. It is very easy to worry a lot in the beginning stages of being banded because you experience a lot of new and alien feelings. But I think in general, as long as you are able to get adequate nutrition and fluids down and as long as you are not infected (fever, redness and swelling at the suture sites) you are probably OK. Good luck and go find that follow-up doc! Nancy