hoover123

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I am picturing two wonderful friends sharing their excitement about their next journey together and how their lives about to change forever together. Both being scared, nervous and so happy for one another. Because you are right, if you have no friends or family that are in your shoes they have no clue the heartache obesity causes each and everyday. Yet you had someone to share that with and it was taken away from you. Although you are grieving maybe picture your friend with her angel wings pushing you along each day and she is watching you over you every minute. I believe this is what she would want for you. I am so sorry for your loss...you have chosen a great nurturing website that will help get you through this. You can be angry, sad and be completely honest on the site. Although we may not know someone who has passed from WLS, we do walk in your shoes everyday as for the physical and emotional pain obesity brings us. Please take care of yourself as this is what your friend would want...only the best for you. May God bless you in these days ahead and you can always do a shout out here....on behalf of LapBandtalk, prayers and hugs to you.. Please forgive me for asking, but may i ask what went wrong? I don't mean to be rude, but i am thinking many are wondering what happened since this is the first time i have heard of one passing of WLS...Again, i am so sorry, i just cannot imagine what your going through. I am worried about your recovery and keeping up with your nutrients....Be careful and keep an open communication with your doctor..they should know about this as like many have mentioned, you need to keep your strength up, be well.....

So sorry to hear about your struggles. I can completely understand your emotional and physical pain. I myself went through many issues with my band which ended up getting removed and I had the gastric sleeve done on May 1 this year. My issue was my doctor not listening to me and I know my body and knew something was wrong. I was gaining and having much pain in my port area. Too much pain. My fills were not working and I always had to go under fluoroscopy just to find the port for a fill....not cheap. I knew going into this things can happen but when your doctor is not listening to you its hard. I ended up switching doctors within the same clinic and let me tell you, what a difference. He listened to every word I said and looked me straight in the eyes when I talked and when he talked. I also struggled for two years and gained all my weight back and some. So again, I understand your frustration. What bothers me is when we gain or complain about an issue, I found my doctor would automatically blame it on me. Never looking into the band. WEll, after being very persistent and demanding (raising my voice) yep, there was a leak and basically my body was rejecting the band. Took seven months to convince him to check. IN the end it was not my fault. I also had my port replaced once because it twisted...no ones fault though. Not sure what kind of communication you have with your doctor but please be persistent and don't give up. I have to ask...how are your eating habits, getting your liquids in and exercise in... I know, sort of obvious questions but some patients do get off track when they get frustrated. I know of many patients that are getting their bands out and getting the sleeve done. I am so thankful I had that choice. My insurance paid for it and so I count my blessings everyday. Are they giving you meds for the acid reflux? And yes, glad they are doing a scope and hopefully they can find whats going on. Slippage, is it reflux or maybe something else. So this should tell the doctors something. And please, don't take my story the wrong way. I am a big believer in the band when its all working properly, I just chose the sleeve because at one point the band did work for me but my body didn't like it. So that was my next choice....I hear a lot of success stories with the band. But I can honestly say I don't miss the painful fills. I wish you well and hope you get some answers. Keep us updated....

Ok...I know how to use a computer and down load things. Why can't I down load my pics on before and after site...I browse, click on picture and can't seem to grab it and get it to stick on the before and after...probably so easy too. Thanks for your help!!!

Oh man I feel for you. I know I had pain with my lap band removal and had sleeve at same time. I thought that was painful. I can't imagine what you are going through. As I laid in pain I heard the same words, each day will get better. Are you getting good pain control? Maybe you need to call the doc and up your meds or something. We all tend to feel like we need to be a hero....don't feel like a burden, you are worth what you are doing to better yourself. I know what you mean with wanting to cough. I had gotten the wrong dose of pain meds after my surgery due to a resident that didn't know how to manage pain for a bariatric patient and couldn't even cough. I was scared too due to the pain. Yet they want you to walk and move...which I understand how important that is. I know in time I will need a tummy tuck. I still have 50 pounds to go, but its coming off steady. Anyways, I wish you continued quick healing and in no time you will start feeling better and the feel the rewards of your new chapter in life. Please keep us updated on how you are. Take care and let your friends or family take care of you..ITS OK TO ASK FOR HELP...And keep a journal, I feel the more I write it kept my mind busy and somewhat off the pain. Just a thought...

What an exciting day for you! Your journey has started and will lead you onto many open doors. My best advice I can give you is stay hydrated (especially in these hot summer months), walk a lot to get rid of the surgery gas if you have any, take your pain meds if need too to keep moving, listen to the nurses (I think they know best) and far most, listen to your body and instincts. I am sure all will go well but if something doesn't seem right, speak up right away. It will take time to get use to your band. Some things you will learn easily and some maybe the hard way. Like when I thought it would be ok to eat something I shouldn't have. Oh....I knew better and got sick...learned real fast not to test my band anymore..we are all different, recover different, lose weight different and our emotions are different afterwards. I know mine kicked my butt in gear and I was flying high with my new tool. Work with it and you will do just fine. Keep a good communication open with your doc, seems to be a big thing. I hear a lot of issues with some docs not listening and patients getting frustrated. So right from the start, keep that door open too. So after all that, I wish you well and welcome to the bandsters club!!! (recent bandster, sleever now) The band can work as long as you work with it. I just had some unfortunate problems...I am so excited for you. I remember that feeling. I really didn't even need relaxing meds before surgery, took it anyways, why not. Can't wait to hear all about it. We are here to support you all the way!! Through the good and issues that may arise!! Take Care.

So pleased its working for you. I know mine was successful for over 2 yrs. until complications set in. I would be at my goal weight right now if my doctor would have listened to me and found the leak 7 months earlier on, and I was assertive and persistence. But I think for those that may be struggling with the band or any bariatric surgery come on here for support and maybe hear other people's experience. Since yours is working so well, maybe you could share with her your success story and how its working for you, maybe that would help her and give her some ideas. It does sound like another doctor that won't listen now that he has his money, but she needs to hear now why its working well for you. I just believe in support and she is going through a tough time. Again, we all have a connection of had walking in each others shoes. I do wish you continued success and please let others know why yours is working well. They want to hear that and maybe it will help them. Or it is your right not too...SUPPORT, SUPPORT AND SUPPORT...That is what this site is all about....

Hi...i was just going through some chats and i came across yours...do you mind me asking what is a belt lipectomy and some other surgeries you had. Are they due to a your weight loss? I had started over May 1 with my sleeve after a long battle of 3 yrs with band. Had the band out and opted for the sleeve. I know for sure once i hit my goal i will need my tummy done. I have had 3 c sections so my tummy is really stretched and with weight gain...i am just curious about the surgeries and what they endure..thank you....

Oh how badly i want to respond to this post. I myself went through lap band hell. I went through lap band hell because my doctor wouldn't listen to me. You are right, he was making lots of money off me each month. I am a 46 yr old woman and i know my body. My band was good for me for about two yrs. and then after a fixed flipped port, everything went downhill but my weight (which i am accountable for) i would lose restriction after 2 or 3 days of a good fill and i had horrible port site pain. So after 7 months of arguing with him i had it. Sure enough, he finally paid attention to how many cc's were in there. One time i asked him what is in there, and he didn't know. i was so pissed i slammed the door. So he found a leak and my port was being rejected. I switched doctors within the clinic and have been so blessed. I chose to have the band out and switched to the sleeve. My insurance covered it because the band was being rejected and i couldn't have it. So far i am 45 pounds down 10 weeks post up and a very good surgeon that listens to me. It sounds like you are trying and doing what you should be doing. I have nothing against lap bands, but why does it seem like if someone has a band thats working they think its you that is doing something wrong. I don't think you are slamming your band, you have every right to slam your incompetent doctor. If you have a chance and decide to change surgeries, the sleeve is so easy. The recovery was a bit hard due to two surgeries at once (band out, and sleeve) but i am good now. I am so sorry you are gong through this. I wish people that had successful lap bands would be more supportive of those that are struggling. If your insurance is paying for it , maybe they can tell them your body is rejecting it and you may want to consider the sleeve. And i never found my sweet spot either after two years. So i feel for you and support you. We have all walked in each others foot steps, so lets make suggestions for those that need it, not tell them how successful you have been with your band. She is hurting enough and feeling sad, she doesn't need more ridicule~~~ You should change doctors if you can., one that listens to you. Yes, my fills were over 200.00 too every month. All it did was build a big medical bill. After i had the sleeve i had 3 post op visits and cancelled the rest. I feel good and am doing fine. I wish you well and please send me a personal message if you want to talk. i am here for each and everyone of you. AS I HAVE WALKED IN ALL YOUR SHOES!!!!!! Lets make sure we are supporting all our members on here. I have heard some harsh things on this site and it makes me sad. Just because one thing works for, it doesn't mean it works for another, even if they are doing everything right. Again, I am here to support all of you. This is a terrible disease that had debilitated many of us...my heart goes to those that are struggling. BUT I BELIEVE IN EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!

Not a doctor but sounds like gas pains...walking and time will help if gas from the surgery. Maybe you know they fill your belly up with lots of gas to get to your organs. It took at least a week for mine to go away. Call your nurse or doc if it continues. No question is ever to dumb!! Maybe they can give you some suggestions. I remember the gas pain from my sleeve surgery and i was hurting so bad i thought what did i do to myself!!! It shall pass, but i know its hard to deal with..hang in there, go for several short walks through out the day. Again, time will take care of it too. I wish you well in your new journey!!!! Keep hydrated too...

Good Morning to All! I like to stop in on this website time to time because i continue to learn something new every time. Last night i learned something new about myself with my sleeve. I believe i experienced a little of dumping syndrome. I had the sleeve May 1 and doing very well. I decided to try some ice cream due to a strong craving for something sweet in the moment. In time i found myself sweating, stomach was horribly bloated and i got a bit sick....no more sugar for me. I cannot imagine was someone goes through with that other surgery when there is severe dumping syndrome. It finally bypassed, but lesson learned the hard way..I am not mad at myself, i learned something and will go with it. I woke up today and could not believe how fast time has gone since my surgery. i had my band removed after 3 yrs with it and replaced with the sleeve. I love my sleeve!! It works so well for me, no more painful fills, no more "moody" band. It worked for me until the port flipped and then some reason after that everything went down hill but my weight. It leaked and i had a very painful port site. Think my body just didn't like it. I love the control and lack of appetite. Changing surgeons was a big thing too. Has anyone gotten dumping syndrome with their sleeve? I just felt like chatting today. Put a pair of pants on yesterday and they were loose!!! What a wonderful feeling that was. I am down 40 plus pounds in 2 months or so...and i am doing it healthy. I think how May 1 st i went in for this surgery and my recovery was a bit hard, got through it and here i am 2 months later to chat about it. So for those out there that are scared and nervous, very normal, you will be in my shoes one day and be so thankful!!! My recovery was painful, i will not lie, that was due to being under medicated...resident didn't follow protocol and i payed the price. Plus having the band out too. I here some people don't even need pain meds. So we are all different. I wish all those out there that are getting or have had the surgery well. I love to support people and hear their stories. Please share with me...it keeps me motivated. HAVE A GREAT DAY TO ALL!! Each day is one more to your goals!! I have been so blessed. If i won the lottery i would set up a fund for those that could not afford it. Every one should have the privilege of this surgery...no one should be turned away...

Hello! I just came across you post and I can relate. I had my band in Jan. 2010 and in July 2012 had the port fixed due to it flipping. After that surgery everything went down hill but my weight. After 7 months of failed fills, trying to convince my doctor and a very painful port site that never healed right (I think scar tissue was the problem and he put it where my belt line lies) there is something wrong and almost all my weight gained back, I finally switched surgeons whom I just love and had the sleeve. I love the sleeve. It keeps me from eating to much, after a couple of bites of something, I am so done. I get my liquids in easily and walk each day. No gyms for me. Nothing wrong with gyms, but to expensive for me and I love to walk. The sleeve is saving my life. I had it done May 1 and down 40 pounds already. That's just by living normal day by day. No diet to follow, I just changed my eating habits and live by them everyday. I see a fast food commercial on TV and I feel like getting sick. So if I read correctly, you would have it done by now. Please share how it went and how you are doing. This site motivates me and allows me to be honest and open. We have all walked in each others shoes in one way or another. I wish you well and much success on your new journey. Renee from WI....

Hi, I am looking for shorts and capris in the size of 18W. I have so many 16's and won't get into them till end of our summer. We are in a hardship and sure could use some support. I would be glad to pay shipping. Jeans are fine, plaid, of just fun stuff. Or 1x size shirts. I just want to look pretty too. Anyone out there can help me? I live in Kenosha County, WI..little township of Silver Lake, WI. Just can't afford to buy clothes. All rummage sales around here are full of average size clothes. If there is a plus size rummage sale, its like personas around here. Again, I would pay the shipping. We have to help each other out. I know when I am done with my bigger clothes I will send them down the line for someone. I believe in giving. Thanks to every can help me. Renee