dishdiva

I'd read that post on the slippedbands site at Yahoo as well and agree, Leatha, that it has good info. It inspired me to go see my original surgeon to have him check my band. (I haven't made the appointment yet.) Another surgeon who diagnosed my slip said it wouldn't slip back...but I'll tell you what....despite not having a fill, sometimes it sure can feel like it's working okay. Elizabeth

Nancy -- Our surgeries were within a day of each other, so I've always followed your progress with lots of admiration -- as well as that of other bandsters from August 03. At the risk of sounding repetitive, you have done amazingly well. And you're physically active, which is prolonging your life, helping your heart, your bones, everything! Another nighttime snacker here... I've kept food journals for years, and it changed only when I was too tight and/or having reflux and bad side effects from slippage. Otherwise, the multiple Snacks aren't in my food journal nights when I'm busy -- either with some kind of intense chore (although Donali's porch would be way over my head), being with friends or whatever. Turning off the TV helps. Going up to my bedroom away from my "eating chair" in front of the TV helps. Visiting these boards helps. Computer games. And, along the lines of Donali's thinking, food serves a lot of purposes for me...as it does with many of us... it medicates when I'm tired, stressed angry, lonely...name it. Every day is a new opportunity for me to realize that food is fuel and nothing more.... Also a recovering dieter. I do like the concept of the South Beach thing...if you can approach as a way of life and not a "diet." To give you a silver lining, I'm one of the ones whose band has slipped. So I have no fill and am fighting to not gain more than the 10 pounds I've gained in three months. It is so hard. And what someone said about adjusting to the fact that my body requires less food just to maintain this lower weight than when I was pre-surgery... I'd be thrilled with a two pound gain and a working band! Hang in there hon! Elizabeth 8/28/03 -60 +10 since 6/21/04 unfill

Okay, you're building a porch -- AND maintaining your weight without the band. I'm in awe. Elizabeth 8/28/03 -60 +10 since band unfilled 6/21/04 due to slippage

Kari -- You are so awesome and courageous to be wanting this for yourself. If it works out, great. if it doesn't, you've learned that YOU think you are WORTHY of a better life for yourself....and you will find it! Just glancing through your post, nothing stood out from your notes with your insurance company to suggest they wouldn't cover it. Mine (as of this year) very clearly stated in the "exclusions" that weight loss surgery of any type is not covered. You've gotten tons of great advice from people here already. There are so many great web sites to answer your other questions. And, when in doubt, just ask! I've had some complications, but would do it all over again if someone told me I'd be 50 pounds lighter. (Heck, I'd have done it for 40 or even 35!) It's certainly not my end goal (I'd like to lose another 40), but I'll take it! And, as my nutritionist likes to remind me -- even when my food is looking crappy, if my exercise is there, I'm still doing good things for my body. So your efforts are not in vain! Best of luck to you in your quest! Elizabeth 8/28/04

I've found that not getting hung up on sizes -- like the number on the scale -- helps keep me more sane. Not that I can avoid the insanity. Guilty as charged. Sizes are insanity. It varies by style/designer. Clothing makers have supposedly made regular sizes larger in recent years because our "evolution" has made our overall proportions larger. So a size 14 today may not be the same as a size 14 five years ago. Because I have some muscle weight, I've always tended to wear bigger sizes. Anyway, to answer your question -- I'm 210 and wear everything from a size 16 to a 20. L to 1X. I think I actually have a blazer that's a size 14. Go figure. Elizabeth 8.28.03 -60 +10 and holding since unfilled 6/21 because of slippage (for net of -50)

what's keloid?? elizabeth

very interesting about metabolism and anti-depressants. i've also been on the zoloft/xanax regime for a few years for the same reason(s).... and, like michelle, have seen a significant decrease in the xanax use since losing weight... since i'm unfilled because of a slipped band, i've been wanting to get my doctor to wean me off zoloft and switch to meridia to help with the appetite... i'll get on that a lot faster now that i've read this...always felt like something just wasn't right with my metabolism (or do you think it's b/c i just LOVE to eat??!!) elizabeth 8-28-03 -50 (includes the seven lbs gained since unfill 6-21-04)

Denise -- I'll bet I went to your group when I trekked up I-75 and got a second opinion from someone other than my surgeon about my slippage. Liked them a lot. The Dr. said my slip wasn't the type of slip that would go back into place. Bummer. Maybe, maybe (fingers crossed) I'll be like your husband and be one of the rare cases. One can hope! I had all my fill taken out in June and I've been like a kid in a candy store (sorry!) It's shocking how quickly I reverted back to some bad habits...but like you, leatha, i also have been enjoying some of the good things i couldn't do when i had restriction like fruit and salads. (I think it was you who said that at another thread). I gained 8 pounds very quickly since my unfill, but have held steady the past few weeks. mbz -- have you thought about a second opinion? And on the issue of the second surgery -- While the surgery would be the same in terms of incisions, anesthesia, recovery, post-op diet, etc. one thing to remember -- we're all a lot healthier than the first time we were rolled in! Elizabeth 8/28/03

I've never heard of a doctor requiring immediate surgery to fix a slipped band. For many people, the band slips and they never know it because there can sometimes be no symptoms. I talked to Inamed about this and asked if I could go a significant amount of time with my slipped band -- of course, they didn't want to dispense medical advice, but the message I took away was it's okay to walk around with a slipped band provided there aren't any complications. Not forever. Before my fill was taken out after the slip was confirmed, I did have lots of side effects. As for acid reflux (before the slippage), my surgeon suggested Gaviscon. That worked sometimes. Someone on another board recommended taking a Pepcid A/C before bed. That really worked well for me. Be safe! Elizabeth 8/28/03

pre-op weight lost: 5 lbs day of surgery weight: 257 1 year post weight: 207 total fills: 3 total fill amount: one Dr. said 2.0 -- another told me he took out 3.0 ever been filled to tight? yes ever vomited when restricted? how was it? yes... not sure how to answer second half of that question! any complications? yes...gas, reflux, vomiting...slipped band do you think your to tight? to loose or just right? n/a -- no fill (so it's safe to say i'm too loose!) longest plateau? right now...since all fill removed 6/21 gained 8 lbs, but steady the past three-four weeks, including a vacation week, so I'm actually pretty proud of my plateau. how often do you exercise? 3-4 times a week... haven't scheduled re-placement surgery yet... despite my complications, i'd do it again! Elizabeth 8-28-03

Leatha, hope everything went well... there's a silver lining for you in the opportunity to have the slip fixed... My insurance doesn't cover the band; I can't have my slippage repaired until I finish paying for my original surgery! (I could, but don't want to do that to myself financially piling on debt.) You probably won't need that restriction -- for most surgeon's the protocol is the same as the original surgery....liquids, followed by soft foods...so you'll have some opportunity for weight loss anyway. Keep us posted. Elizabeth 8/28/03 -50 includes +5 since fill removed 6/21/04 -- holding steady

Janie, I feel your pain. My nutrionist suggested dried apricots. (I was very tight at the time and couldn't get them down, so I don't know how effective they are.) She also recommended a Fiber powder that you sprinkle on food. I took Sennekot, which I found a little easier on my system than some of the other brands. Good luck, Elizabeth 8/28/03 -45 slipped band (plus 5 since fill removed 6/21, but holding steady)

To the best of my understanding from what my doctor told me last week, the pouch can be dialated alone or can be dialated with a slip. He called mine an "anterior slippage" and in my case, yes, it makes for a larger pouch, sort of. (Anyone heard of anterior slip?) Judging by the picture he drew, it's kind of like a bone that's popped out of its joint (sorry, but that's the best analogy I can think of!) What was happening is food would go in the pouch which is kind of off to the side -- so the food wouldn't slide on down vertically... which is why I always felt so miserable...again, sorry for my bad description! Elizabeth 8/03

Donali -- you sound like you're in a pretty good place about all this. Since I had my fill removed last week, it's been shocking to see how easily old habits -- emotional eating, etc. -- can creep back in. I'm practically joyful at being able to eat without fear of pain, discomfort, etc. At the same time, it's good to see the band helped minimize some of those habits. It's now up to me to really, really work with it. I tried getting the 411 on your band removal from previous posts, but I couldn't quite piece it together. From what I gather, your band eroded, for reasons unknown -- and you're having it removed. Will you go back and have it in again? How long do you have to wait. Since I have to go back and have mine re-positioned because of the slip, I've thought about getting it removed. There's always the risk of it slipping again, and while I HOPE I would make every effort to avoid that, the best intentions can go to hell in a handbasket when it comes to me and food. And I don't want to be on an endless cycle of corrective surgery -- not to mention bankruptcy. Unlike my weight pre-band, I feel like the amount I'd like to lose now (another 35-40 lbs) is more manageable through diet and exercise. (I'm good about working out.) But, then again, the band has gotten me this far. Best of luck with your surgery next week; I'll be keeping up with you here! Elizabeth 08-28-03 -55 and holding

Thanks to encouragement from many of you -- I got a second opinion about my slippage. I went to the world-famous band surgeon Dr. Ponce (banded FDA trials and beyond). Turns out it is not a little slippage as my surgeon suggested. But a significant one. He called it "anterior slippage." He explained that food just sits on top of the band instead of going through it. No wonder I've been so miserable! He also said I had more fill than I thought -- 3.2 cc's (after three fills). My surgeon's office said I had 2.0??? Go figure. He took it all out to avoid any further complications, which I'm glad he did. The bad part is I was forced into self-pay after insurance denied my claims post-surgery. So, I don't know how this will play out in terms of insurance coverage. I'm hoping I'll get a much-deserved break on that front. Dr. Ponce said I shouldn't wait too long -- 2 to 3 months. To be honest, I'm thinking about having my band removed....what if it slips again after I have it fixed???!!! Anyhoo -- one thing at a time. We'll tackle insurance; I'll cross that bridge when I get there. When all is said and done, I'd still do it again. And newbies, please, if you feel too restricted...get an unfill. If you vomit frequently (more than once a week -- especially if it's more than a PB-like upchuck -- a gut wrenching kind of barf) pay attention! If there's an urge to unload after something gets stuck, bear it. Hindsight is 20/20, but if I knew then what I know now, I'd work a heck of a lot harder to adhere to the rules. (Chewing and small bites remain challenges!) A little slip can lead to a real one! Will keep you posted on my saga. Elizabeth 8/28/03 -55

Francesca, I agree with Donali, no fill if you're still so restricted post-surgery. Some band patients don't need fills for a long time. Definitely tell your Dr. about your symptoms. After seven weeks, you should be able to tolerate some solid foods -- and if everything is working as it's supposed to and you're doing your part (chewing, small bites) -- which you are -- you should not be PB'ing. Keep us posted. Elizabeth

Thanks, Donali. All good things to consider. Dr. Ponce didn't seem to think it would slip back into place. (My recollection is he said that can occur when the issue is more of a slip because of an enlarged pouch...or a slighter slip.) But, it's worth taking another look in a month or two before I schedule surgery. Elizabeth

Praise the Lord! I read all 10 pages of Lisa's original thread -- it was so intriguing and scary -- but she kept a sense of humor which can get us through the worst of times. I'll tell you what -- her experience makes all my bitching and moaning about gas and reflux and slippage and whatever else seem insignificant -- in the big picture. It's a good reminder that, while I've had some challenges along the road, I should have lots of gratitude that my problems haven't been so severe and that my surgery and immediate recovery went so well. So glad she's on the road back to being a healthy bandster. Gratefully, Elizabeth 8-28-03 -55

I would think Dr. Ponce would definitely know what he's talking about. He's up there as far as doctor's who have done the most bands. He's been doing them since the FDA trials. I am going to him in a few weeks for the second opinion on my slipped band...and mainly just to get his viewpoint on some of my band issues. As for fluctuations -- I have so many -- that it wouldn't surprise me a bit if pollen is one of them. (Although isn't the worst of the pollen over -- at least it is here in Atlanta which is not that far from Chattanooga?) Elizabeth 8/28/03 -55

Tellie -- it's great that you're choosing to use the experience of others as a warning...like you, I chose to think no spasms, no problem...not true. In retrospect, it's kind of the same flawed thinking that let me overeat and overeat...those "just this one bite" and other stupid rationalizing justifications. Donalie, you're the second person to tell me that about having an unfill and letting a slip "slip" back into place. But he didn't see the slip until after the fill and then didn't take anything out! Maybe I'll call tomorrow...meanwhile, they're forwarding my records to the second doctor...stay tuned. Elizabeth

after three months of on and off vomiting, I just found out last week my band has slipped slightly...apparently not enough that we're ready to go back to surgery... Iwent back and checked my food journals where I also record incidents of PB's or vomiting. I was averaging 2-3 times a week. But I think we get a false sense of security because it's the contents of the pouch -- not a traditional, retching barf. We think it's okay, nothing jolted out of place down there. And, we're losing weight.... After about a month I called Dr. and said this was happening a couple of times a week. but my restriction felt right... told them I'd schedule it after a week at the beach if I was still having problems...things improved...and finally, 3.5 months after the fill (to 1.8cc's) I went in...and we saw the slip and enlarged pouch....and filled it to 2 cc's. (He says its fine as long as it hasn't slipped down where I can't get food or liquid through. But that's scary -- wondering if this next bite of food will be the one that breaks the band! I'm getting a second opinion from a Dr. who has done more than 1000 bands. (My surgeon is great, but he hasn't done quite that many.) I've actually thought that if/when surgery to fix the slip is required, I may consider having it removed. I just seem to have more complications than most (stomach gas, reflux, never feeling full, etc.) If I do, I'll still feel like what I've done was a total success (-45 since last August), I'm not fearful about gaining weight. It is not an option. Again, that's a big on removing the band. So, we'll see. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for being here! Elizabeth

Vera -- that's fabulous! And isn't it wonderful to be able to actually pull yourself out of the beach chair! Way to go! You are beautiful! Elizabeth

Hi Athykay -- Good luck with surgery. Pre-surgery, to me, was the scariest time of all. My nerves were rattled! You'll be back on the boards telling us how great everything went before you know it. And get ready to chase that precious Jaden around a lot more than you used to! Elizabeth 8-28-03 -45

I used to think I was having a stroke when I worked outside in the yard. But so far this spring -- when I cut the grass, I barely break into a sweat! It's one of the great benefits of weight loss as far as I'm concerned. Elizabeth 8-28-03 -45

Thanks, Becky. I did call today and said it wasn't urgent because it was feeling better. I'll let you know what I hear. Nothing like what you went through. Glad it's over and done with. I'm sure everything will be fine.