BeanieandRosie'smom

Hello to a fellow Erika! You don't always see it with the "K"! I am getting sleeved in August. Welcome to the site! There are lots of really helpful and supportive people here Erika:)

Really? I had to do that with the Lap-Band, it is so hard to remember to do. What happens if you don't? Does it get stuck or come. Back up?

You guys are so sweet!! Thanks for your support, it means the world to me!!! Happy Saturday!!

Hi! My name is Erika. I am 26/f, 5'3", 250lbs. Married four years, no kids. I have a Lap-Band (hate it). Having my revision done 8/17/12 in Tijuana with Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villareal. I have decided I'm going to do this, but I need a mentor. I'd love to have anyone with advice or suggestions who is comfortable talking with me! I am very friendly, outgoing, and pretty positive. I will List my email, feel free to write me! Thank you, and have a great weekend!! erikaj@aol.com

So, after talking to my dad (who is very fit and healthy...my whole family is!) I have decided to do the sleeve. I am pretty much 100%. After what Blondeej said about not living long enough if I didn't do this, I just kept thinking about it. I can't afford to cut more time off of my life being fat and destroying my body. (I have a lot of weight-related health issues). Thanks for all your help. I know that this is by no means an "easy way out," and I'm sure I'll be miserable and sad at one or many times, but I'm okay with that. If the end result is a healthy me. It's worth all the discomfort in the world. Like one of you said--it's like childbirth, it's gonna suck, but the end result is so worth it! Thanks for being an inspiration to me all of you!!! Hugs and love to you all!

TerriTravel, As I said, I did my band in Mexico (and will do the same with the sleeve). I actually contacted a bariatric surgery center in my area and they accept business from people who have surgery elsewhere. My doctor told me that they'd be stupid not to because of the number of people who go to Mexico or wherever to do their surgeries. They have a fabulous psychiatrist there who has had weight loss surgery. My insurance covers 80% of my visits with her (so odd since I have that specific weight loss clause!) It also covers consults with a nurse at the weight loss center. I would check into it---the counseling has been the best thing I ever did in relation to the band. (HATE the band!) Best of luck to you! Erika

I had my lap band done in Mexico and that's how they did it there. If there's something really wrong, they won't do surgery. I also had my gallbladder out in the US last September and they took my blood right before my surgery, and a urine sample. It was probably an hour or two before my actual surgery. Don't worry!

Hi Girliegirl, I am afraid of altering my organs. I am really freaked out by the idea that they would remove and THROW AWAY most of my beloved stomach, lol. I would almost literally do anything--if it meant me losing weight. This isn't for sure, and I don't want to be completely miserable like the band. I've had such a hard time learning to eat slow and not drink with meals. When you've eaten one way for your whole life, it is hard to change such automatic behaviors. It's like reprogramming your brain for eating. (Especially when youre a complete food addict like me).I don't want to do the sleeve unless I'm sure I can eat like I'm supposed to. :/ I also feel a lot of pressure in both directions. My family feels I need to lose weight desperately and is pushing for the sleeve. My friends think it's crazy. I literally go back and forth each day! One day I'm definitely going to do it...the next Im not. I have been an emotional wreck over this decision. I am a teacher and my only chance until next year is this summer to get it done. I don't want to lose another year to being fat. I want to have a baby around age 29-30 and I am scared I won't lose it by then. I hope that was helpful, I could ramble on forever. This decision is literally haunting me day and night. I'm a Christian, so I've been praying, praying, praying trying to seek God's guidance on this too. It's so hard. I will be prayin for all the others out there (including you!) who are wrestling with this tough decision. Please feel free to email me or PM me to talk more. I think you and I are Both in the same boat a bit! Have a wonderful Thursday! Erika erikaj@aol.com

Girliegirl, I know...one day I'm excited about it...the next I'm terrified and don't want to do it. Has talking to different surgeons helped? I threw up so much with the band. I had a hard time eating slow and not drinking while I ate. It all seemed so easy pre-surgery, until you're ravenous and can't keep anything down! If I didn't know so many people with gastric bypass who have HUGE medical problems now, I'd consider it. Let me know what happens on your journeys Girliegirl and MinaT! Good luck to you on Monday MinaT!

I have heard so many great things from so many people on this site. I am still very scared that I'll do this and totally regret it like the Lap-Band. I don't yet understand the Bougie sizes, and I am not sure which is best? Bigger so that you don't throw up? Or smaller because you can eat less food? I need to lose this weight. I am 26.5 years old and I have back problems, chronic migraines, depression & anxiety, joint pain, and high blood pressure. I just don't know if I can lose it keep it off on my own. I am worried about the psychological aspect of this whole thing too. I truly believe I am addicted to food. It is my joy, comfort, best friend (and obviously, worst enemy!) I have been to a lot of counseling by a psychologist/ARNP who specializes in weight loss surgery patients...but it's not like I'm over this addiction. Is it truly a mind over matter thing? I don't know! Anyone have any advice or sites I could visit for help with my decision? I am so appreciative of all the kind people on this site who are truly helpful and genuinely kind. And if there are negatives, please don't be afraid to share. I'd love to hear it all. With many thanks and much love, Erika

StrangelyNormal, I hope it was a good cry! (Not a sad cry!) if you're interested, The Seattle Times has done a series on my brother, Hamoody since 2006 when he came to us at age three. He is just a sweetheart and the biggest blessing to my family. We adore him! http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060711&slug=muhammed11m http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20061022&slug=iraqboy22m http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003714541_iraqboy20m.html http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003544835_iraqboy28m.html http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20071102&slug=iraqboy02m http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/zoom/html/2003544836.html http://www.king5.com/health/childrens-healthlink/64604782.html These are out of order and not recent, but you can search Humoody/Hamoody and find more info on him. I know his story but still cry my eyes out reading it. He is a true miracle! I don't know how to do pictures on this site, but if you're on FB, my name is Erika Lambert, I've got tons of pics of him there Enjoy and have a great day!!

These are all so great and so true! Has anyone said this yet? * I want to be able to wrap a towel (regular bath size) around my body, instead of using the gigantic costco ones or beach towels! Who would've ever guessedmthat towel size is a problem for obese people... *I want to go to every party, wedding, baby shower, and function I'm invited to...not send a gift because I am afraid people I haven't seen in 125lbs will see me. (I am very social). *I want to be able to buy a bra at a regular store! (not many places carry 42DDD!) *I want to run around and chase my students at recess! *I want my kids (students) to not ask me innocent questions that hurt! (Why is your tummy so big? Are you 'pregnet?' My mom's not fat, why are you? ...all real questions!) Most of all...I want to be happy & healthy!

I am really shocked by what has been said about Dr. Rodriguez and Beliteweight (proper spelling...FYI). I had my band done by Dr. Rodriguez two years ago and had a wonderful experience with him, JoAnne, Jessica, and everyone else that was a part of my experience. The hospital was fabulous, I had my own private room and things were cleaner there than any other hospital/surgery I've had in the US (I've had three other major surgeries in the US). The band hasn't worked for me, but I can't blame that on him. It was not a good fit for me. I think I've found my solution in the sleeve (I pray!) and I am going back to him for my surgery in August. I can only hope that this was all written hastily out of anger with complications that are spelled out as being risks before surgery. I am sorry that anyone had a bad experience with Dr. Rodriguez. Hope things have gotten better.

Just found this on Wikipedia, interesting to read. It is about collagen protein: "Collagen has a wide variety of applications, from food to medical. For instance, it is used in cosmetic surgery and burns surgery. Hydrolyzed collagen can play an important role in weight management, as a Protein, it can be advantageously used for its satiating power.[citation needed] It is widely used in the form of collagen casings for sausages. If collagen is sufficiently denatured, e.g. by heating, the three tropocollagen strands separate partially or completely into globular domains, containing a different secondary structure to the normal collagen polyproline II (PPII), e.g. random coils. This process describes the formation of Gelatin, which is used in many foods, including flavored gelatin Desserts. Besides food, gelatin has been used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and photography industries.[39] From a nutritional point of view, collagen and gelatin are a poor-quality sole source of protein since they do not contain all the essential amino acids in the proportions that the human body requires—they are not 'complete proteins' (as defined by food science, not that they are partially structured). Manufacturers of collagen-based dietary supplements claim that their products can improve skin and fingernail quality as well as joint health. However, mainstream scientific research has not shown strong evidence to support these claims.[citation needed] Individuals with problems in these areas are more likely to be suffering from some other underlying condition (such as normal aging, dry skin, arthritis etc.) rather than just a protein deficiency. From the Greek for glue, kolla, the word collagen means "glue producer" and refers to the early process of boiling the skin and sinews of horses and other animals to obtain glue. Collagen adhesive was used by Egyptians about 4,000 years ago, and Native Americans used it in bows about 1,500 years ago. The oldest glue in the world, carbon-dated as more than 8,000 years old, was found to be collagen—used as a protective lining on rope baskets and embroidered fabrics, and to hold utensils together; also in crisscross decorations on human skulls.[40] Collagen normally converts to gelatin, but survived due to the dry conditions. Animal glues are thermoplastic, softening again upon reheating, and so they are still used in making musical instruments such as fine violins and guitars, which may have to be reopened for repairs—an application incompatible with tough, synthetic plastic adhesives, which are permanent. Animal sinews and skins, including leather, have been used to make useful articles for millennia. Gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde glue (and with formaldehyde replaced by less-toxic pentanedial and ethanedial) has been used to repair experimental incisions in rabbit lungs.[41]"

From what I understand they are Pre-digested using friendly flora or bacteria. The kind you want in your gut to get everything going. It doesn't sound disgusting, definitely worth some further research and a try!

Hey Seltyl, I haven't had my sleeve done in Mexico, but I did have my band there. I was suggested to bring a heating pad on that trip and it was the best suggestion given to me! I just bought a cheap one from Walgreen's, but it helped me sleep. A word of warning about the medication: if you're used to getting opiates like Percocet, Vicodin, even Morphine in the hospital in the US, you won't usually find them at the hospitals in Mexico. I have been told that this time around I can ask for stronger drugs. I was extremely uncomfortable my first night and barely slept. They give you a drug called Torodol or Ketorolaco/Rapix (That is the spanish Drug name and brand name). I kept asking for more in my iv, but it never did much. I had my gallbladder out in the US this past September and I was on Morphine for a bit and sent home with Oxycodone. I am a big wuss and inherited my mother's low pain threshold... I'm hoping that I can have my pain knocked out this time! When I went the first time, I packed a backpack with all of my things. I am a girly-girl overpacker to the max, but I cut down for that trip and I never once regretted it. (I did of course bring make-up and the day after my surgery I did do my hair and make-up!) You won't want to carry anything big and bulky through the airport (the flight back was miserable!) Something I didn't bring the first time that I regret is a little blanket from home. I was cold the first night and couldn't get comfortable. I wanted to have something warm and cozy from home with me. Even some fuzzy slippers (I had to wear those support stockings for a while to prevent blood clots). I know I am practically writing you a book here, but I also mainly brought nice looking, comfy black sweatpants/yoga pants. I also LOVE the camis they sell at costco (don't know your location, but I'm guessing Costco is fairly national). They sell them in an XL which is my size and they are really comfy. Built in shelt bra thing too. And I brought some comfy zip up hoodies. Best of luck to you! Sorry for being so long winded! Erika

I almost forgot, I just had to have an endoscopy last Thursday to check on my band. It is currently drained. (Just got a bill for $250 dollars from the unfill in March!) turns out my band has now migrated to the top of my stomach. I can't wait to get it out. Also, I re-read my post--wasnt worded very clearly--the patient facilitator I mentioned was the only one who still has her band, and she is currently having problems with it. :/ Erika

Hi lmitchell40! Where to start!? I would STRONGLY suggest weighing all your options before getting the lap band. I am two years out and ten pounds over my starting weight! Aside from that I have had issue after issue... First big negative: fills. They cost a fortune ($150-300 per fill). You will need several fills. Until then, you will basically have little to no restriction. Next, you cannot tolerate many "healthy" foods. No matter how hard I tried, chewed slowly and ate carefully, I could never eat any fibrous vegetables (celery, peppers, broccoli, etc...) nor fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, grapes, even bananas. Bread was completely out and Pasta was the worst. The band makes it so you are unable to eat "everything in moderation." (Or very small portions). It restricts what kinds of foods you eat and makes it very hard to get your Protein in. Lean hamburger and chicken were always hard for me. I have been filled, and unfilled more times than I can count. One day you can eat a steak, the next day you're throwing up yogurt. Oh yes! The sliming! The very best part of the band. If you don't tolerate what you've just swallowed, it will Come right back up into your mouth. This made it impossible togo out to eat. Very embarrassing in social situations! I once had an enchilada bite burst through my mouth at dinner with friends. Agh! You never ever eat in the morning. No matter how hungry you are it is sooo hard because you are always tight in the morning. My lap band caused scar tissue in my esophagus from regurgitating my food so much. Getting something stuck is the worst. The pain is like your esophagus is bursting open. :{ I lost about 30lbs initially, and then gained it all back plus more. I have heard so many stories like mine. The band does not eliminate hunger at all for me, so after I've puked up a healthy meal, I turn to ice cream and candy to fill me up. (Slider foods). I have the smaller Allergan Lap-Band. I have heard others with a larger band do better. But, I just found out that my surgeon's patient coordinators (who all initially had the band) have now had a revision to the sleeve aside for one who is having problems with hers. I could never live with myself condoning this horrible thing that's in my body! The port site has a gigantic scar and it's constantly sore. Go to the band to sleeve revisions forum and read, read, read. I hope and pray you are able to find the right solution for you-just had to give my two cents about the band. I don't want anyone suffering through like I and many others have only to feel like a failure. Best of luck to you!! Please message me if you have more questions!! Erika

That sounds really interesting! I hate a lot of the bariatric protien supplement, this looks worth a try! Update and give a review after you try it!

Go BlueBonnetMagnolia!!! How "Onederful" (sorry, couldn't resist!) that must feel!!! I weigh about the same as you pre-op. I hope I can be as successful as you, best of luck on your continuing journey!!!

I had my Lap-Band done in Mexico--Dr. Rodriguez in Tijuana. I am going back for my sleeve revision. Had a great experience with him. I completely trust the doctors at the INT Hospital. I considered going through Dr. Almanza (Weightlossagents, he was cheaper) but I heard a lot of negative feedback about things that had happened there, and I heard from a reputable source that they do not use Allergan bands, Johnson&Johnson surgical staples, etc... He has deaths from his surgeries--Dr. Rod has zero. He also speaks English which may not be vital, but it is super re-assuring when you're having a panic attack in Mexico the day of surgery! (Which is what I did the first time!! They gave me a WONDERFUL tranquilizer and I faded into sleep before my surgery!) The anesthesiologist is a beautiful Mexican woman who speaks fluent English as well. She held my hand and hugged me before the surgery. If you have any questions about facilities or contacts, I can help. I do not yet have the sleeve, so I can't comment on that. Good luck!

He is doing my sleeve. I hate my band. Lots of throwing up and little success.

Which doctor are you seeing? I was banded by Dr. Jose Rodriguez in TJ in 2010 and really had a great experience. I am going back in August to get my sleeve.