claraluz

Oh, great! I have insulin resistance AND I'm older. I didn't know about these statistics prior to getting banded and I hope it wouldn't have changed my mind if I had. Because only three months out I've lost 25% of my excess weight. I may not make it to 100% (or I may), but I'm sure I'll make it to 50% and that will be a huge and important improvement in my health, my quality of life, and my appearance. Nancy

As you can see from my signature, I haven't lost all that much weight, but I am beginning to feel completely different. I am so much more assertive now. I am beginning to speak my mind. Like yesterday when someone thanked me for participating in a program and I said, "You're very welcome, but I don't want to do it anymore. The people here don't treat me well and I don't need that." And she not only understood, she said she felt that way herself and started talking about ways to change it. I guess I've been participating in that program for two years and never complained once because after all, someone wanted me to do it so I have to do it, right? Or like there's a doctor at work who is just hateful and mean to everyone. She always hurt my feelings. But I kept being nice to her and saying "hi" to her (she never answers), hoping that one day I'd win her over. I should have known better all along, but suddenly one day I realized, "It's her problem, her loss." I no longer care what she thinks of me. Why would I? I had become so very private. I didn't share a lot of what was going on with me or how I was feeling with even my closest friends and family members for fear of eliciting disapproval of some thought or idea or feeling. And I needed their approval because I didn't have my own. So it was always a cheery, "I'm fine, how are you?" And then I would feel alienated and disconnected from them. I'm realizing that I've been so silent for so long. That was not me before I gained weight. But I see now that obesity kind of made me feel like I really had to earn my right to exist through good works and pleasing others. What a shame, what a waste. I have a lot of healing left to do. I'm just amazed at how the mere knowledge that I am taking care of myself and getting healthier has made me realize that I'm worth it. I know this reflection has been long and very personal, but I decided to share it with you because I felt you would understand. Nancy

I definitely feel your pain. Been there, done that. Last year I met a guy on Match.com. Just as you say, we had everything in common, including obesity. Only he was much more obese than I. We exchanged pictures. We e-mailed daily and he was very admiring in his e-mails. We finally met in person and it just wasn't happening and after that he never wanted anything more to do with me. So discouraging. But you are getting healthy, you are becoming even more beautiful. Who needs him? Nancy

Donali, congratulations!! I so admire the progress you've made with your weight, but also in your approach to food (Hey, how about that for a substitute for WOE - ATF!). You continue to provide me with guidance and inspiration. You are doing so much more than losing weight. You are healing your obesity. You go, girl! Nancy

Congratulations! I'm so glad it went well for you. But do take it easy for at least a week. I, too, felt great after surgery, but I overdid it and made myself a little weak and shaky one day by trying to do too much. But congratulations again. You're on your way! Nancy

I've only had good restriction for a few weeks so I am feeling brand new at this - and evidently I'm a slow learner. So I definitely understand what you are talking about. But Sue is right about the motivational factor. The blockage/saliva thing is a harsh teacher, but an effective one. Nancy

Went for my third fill last Thursday. Each time before I had gotten filled to one cc, but had only 0.5cc when I returned. The rest leaked out somehow. This time they put a more viscous Fluid in the band and filled to 1.1cc. I can only eat about 1/2 cup and have to be careful at that. I've had very painful golfballs just about every day and last night PB'd for the first time. I'm happy about the good restriction and the fact that I'm losing weight again. I know I have to be much, much more careful and aware of how much I am eating and how I feel as I eat. Believe me, I don't want to feel the golf ball again!! And I guess that someday soon I'll be glad that eating holds no fascination or even pleasure for me anymore, but is just something I have to do. But right now, I really kind of miss eating the old, mindless way. Don't worry, I'm in therapy. I'm working on all of this. But just wanted to say that right now I'm struggling with the emotional aspect of all this. nancy

congratulations, Caroline!! I hope all goes well for you. Keep us posted on your recovery! Nancy

Well, you are probably already done by now. Congratulations!! I hope that you have a smooth and painless recovery. Nancy

It is true that some of the Mexican doctors have much more experience than U. S. doctors. But not all of them do, so be careful. Also, just thought I would add that Dr. Spivak has done over 700 lapbands and has published in peer-reviewed medical journals on his technique. Personally, I did consider going to Mexico, but the cost of having to fly down there would have made it more expensive for me (not to mention inconvenient) than having it done in my hometown by Dr. Spivak. I would have had to stay in Mexico for 5 days and my family could not have afforded to go with me. As it was, I didn't even have to stay overnight in the hospital. I certainly am not arguing against going to Mexico because I believe it is a very good option. I am just saying that sometimes there is more than just experience alone to consider.

I told a few people at work who I feel close to and my family. That's it. Now I kind of wish I hadn't told anyone at work because I can feel them watching me. Although I have lost a fair amount of weight, it's not really noticeable yet, so that's a pain. Then again they were watching me before surgery anyway, watching what I ate, etc. . .

Congratulations! You are doing great!!! - Nancy

Dr. Spivak in Houston did my surgery. He charges $14,000 which includes everything up to two days in the hospital except I think there was a radiology fee. His fee also covers all fills for the first year.

I have noticed a little queasiness in the mornings and maybe it is the medicines I take. I don't really know. My surgeon told me to try to avoid taking advil or aspirin because they are hard on the stomach. Tylenol is better. He said if I do take advil to make sure to wash it down with a lot of water. This is to make it go through the pouch as quickly as possible and not to get stuck at the passage from the pouch to the rest of the stomach. Don't know if this helps or not.

Today I am 25 pounds lighter than I was on my surgery date. I am 10 weeks out and probably don't have optimum restriction (going for a fill Thursday), but I have enough restriction to. . .well, restrict my food intake. The reason this milestone is so important to me is that for two years prior to getting the band I had been trying my darndest to stick to Weight Watchers - with no success. It was diet and binge, diet and binge. Well, weight watchers considers a 10% weight loss to be significant and a major benefit to health. So I had been striving for that, but never even got close. Well, today with my 25 pound weight loss, I have lost 10% of my body weight and almost 25% of my excess weight. All this while eating burgers and fries and candy as well as (occasionally) healthier food. I do not have optimal restriction yet and I need to work on so many things, but in only 10 weeks I've achieved a goal that has literally eluded me for years!!:banana :banana :banana

Great thread! Donali, I'm with you. I didn't get the band only to still count points and calories and carb grams. It never worked for me anyway. And Sue, I agree that the pre-op diets above all are absurd! Luckily my dr. didn't tell me to do one. It wouldn't have made any difference if he had. I had been trying to diet for the two years previously without ever really being able to stick to it successfully. Hence, the band. Nancy

I've thought about it, but I just can't see me wearing a bracelet every day of my life. The only danger would come if you became unconscious and did not have family around to tell the hospital staff about the band. And then the only danger would come if they tried to place a nasogastric tube without benefit of flouroscopy. It's certainly something that could happen, but it's not likely. Unless you have a medical condition that might cause you to lose consciousness. I would ask the nutritionist why she feels it is necessary.

Bright, congratulations!!! You are too funny! I know you'll do great with the band! Nancy

I have not yet been nauseous, but you should know (if you don't already) that vomiting is very bad for the band. If it's bad enough it can lead to slippage. Did your doctor know about your Meniere's before you were banded? I would talk to him about it even now. He may want to prescribe an anti-emetic.

I tried to adhere to the no lifting rule, but I live alone and there was laundry to do, etc. I tried to do as much as possible before surgery and I also tried to modify tasks as much as possible. Instead of carrying all the clothes to the washer at once, I just took a few at a time and made more trips. Try to put off lifting your child for as long as possible. It's fine for him to snuggle with you, sit in your lap, etc. I know it will be hard, but do your best. Nancy

I am the biggest baby there is when it comes to pain. No exaggeration!!! Day 1 (surgery day) - 2 sharp pangs of about a 7, but they lasted about 1 second, otherwise nothing. Day 2 - 1 - There probably was some soreness which I am forgetting now (it's only been 2 months) which is why I'm saying 1. No pain at all after that. Since I was feeling so good, on day 4 I made the mistake of letting my brother talk me into going to a baseball game. I felt shaky and very anxious, but no pain. I'm still not sure why I had these symptoms. I did not stay overnight in the hospital, but I did have to get catheterized before I left because I couldn't pee and I really wanted to go home.

If your doctor was not supportive, can you switch to a new doctor? It doesn't seem at all wise to start changing your med doses by yourself unless your doctor has given you permission to do so.

Lace, it is very normal to be anxious before surgery. Only you can really know whether this is right for you. Remember, it is only a tool. You will still need to exercise some good judgement about what you eat, but that will be a lot easier to do with the band. Your experience is common for those who have a lot to lose: Less than 5% lose all the weight and keep it off without help. So those who tell you that you should be able to do it by yourself are really telling you that you should be able to do a better job than 95% of the people in your condition. It's possible but not probable. I don't at all want to minimize the risks of surgery, but having gone through it, I don't actually consider it an extreme measure. I've been banded two months and I'm not yet to the point that I'm eating all the right things or exercising regularly, but I am thrilled that I get full after eating less than half of what I would have before. And I've lost 25 pounds. And I'm not even fully restricted yet. Knowing what I do now, if I could have done this when I was still young and healthier and had only a BMI of 35, I think I would have been better off. Just one person's opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide. Nancy

If the hair loss is due to your diet, then it is a reflection of what your diet was three months ago. It is not falling out in response to what your are consuming now. Nancy

I don't have anything new to add, but second donali's advice. Please let us know more: What did the hospital think was wrong with you? What did they do for you? What did your band surgeon say? We are concerned. Nancy