kromi

First of all, congratulations on getting the band and losing 41 pounds! I joined this site a few days after getting my band in November of 2010, so I am almost five years banded. I haven't been on here in a long time becasue as one other post said, there was a lot of negativety and some mean posts. I just want to reassure you that if you follow your doctors directions, you should be just fine. I have had absolutley NO complications. The first year I saw my surgeon monthly, recieved small fills, and followed the rules. I lost 100 pound in 9 months and loved it. The only rule I didnt follow was exercising. Looking back, I wished I had. Through the second year I gained about 15 pounds, but was still happy with myself. I was fortunate and don't have much extra skin, but enough that I wanted to do something about it. So a couple months ago I started exercising on a Bowflex Max, and have dropped two pant sizes and 15 pounds. I just had another fill yesterday because, as I'm sure you know, as you lose weith the fat pad around your stomach shrinks and fills are needed. My ultimate goal is maybe ten more pounds, but if I don't lose another pound, I'd still be completely satisfied. Hang in there and stay positive! If you have any questions feel free to ask me! Good luck!

As the show went on it seemed to me you saw her daughter supporting and helping her and the fiancé not around...? Could have just been the editing.
She certainly carries a lot of pain and guilt. I hope she continues with the therapy and realizes she's worthy.

(Re-printed from my Surgeon's website)
1. Your co-worker heard a strange noise and doesn’t bat an eye…knowing it was your stomach.
Patients often ask me why their new pouch makes odd gurgling noises. It could be too big of bites or eating too quickly. It could also just be your stomach moving around and making noises for all to hear
2. You have a space heater under your desk in the middle of July.
It may be in part to losing some “insulation” but many postop wls patients are colder than they’ve ever been using more blankets at night and space heaters to keep warm.
3. Your alarm just went off for the third time today to remember your next Vitamin.< /b>
While bariatric Vitamins have become much more simpler in recent years, it still takes reminders to get in your vitamins. Your family might even hear the alarm and hand you your calcium!
4. Protein is always first on your mind at your meals – it might as well be plastered inside your forehead.
Protein…protein..where’s the protein? Protein is what fills you up and keeps you full! You get the most out of your surgery when you focus on lean and solid protein sources.
5. Your waitress keeps asking if the food is okay. And if you’re sure you don’t want a drink.
When you can only eat an ounce or so, the wait staff may think something is wrong with the food. And what do you mean you don’t want anything to drink??
6. Your pants are barely holding on but you’re still holding off to go shopping.
Just make sure you don’t carry a heavy object and walk up a flight of stairs. At least not around anyone
7. Speaking of shopping, you still go to the plus sized section first out of habit.
It’s hard to wrap your mind around your new body. Leave plenty of time and stay patient with yourself as you find out what size your body is. Take a good friend to be your “runner” and someone to talk it out with.
8. You get overjoyed at the release of a new Protein Bar flavor…or a sale on your favorite Protein Bars.< /strong>
Quest® has a new flavor?!?!??! Ahhhhh!!!!!!
9. You rejoice at the small things like crossing your legs or getting a pair of boots that zip up your calves.
Some things you’ll never take for granted again. It may seem like nothing to others, but to you it’s something big.
10. You use lingo like “wls”…”bariatric friendly”…”pouch”…”vsg”…
You gotta know the lingo to be in the club!
11. You smile as you think of how far you’ve come and get excited to think of where you’ll be soon.
Patients wonder why they didn’t have their surgery sooner.

It amazes me that so many get their panties in a wad when they post their opinion on a public discussion board and someone else disagrees or posts a counter opinion.

Seriously! It's OK. In most cases, that counter opinion is just that -- opinion. While I do take issue with those who take themselves very seriously and post their opinion as fact, I am happy to say they are few and far between.

We, for the most part, have different surgeons, different NUTs, different metabolisms, different builds, different backgrounds, different thought processes, different psychosis... (JOKING! Kind of.)
There are very few doctors or therapists here. There are NO experts on YOU here, with the exception of yourself. No one is qualified to give you *absolute do or die* advice. No one is in a position to tell you that you are !!!WRONG!!! or that everyone else is.

Relax. Breathe. Discuss. Share. Vent. Listen. Learn.

We all have our hot buttons, we are human. We all have topics we are passionate about. Debate is fun! It's healthy. It's how we learn and grow. It's a positive form of interaction until someone takes it personally. (I'm guilty at times -- I know it!) As long as it's respectful, there is no name calling involved, and there are no personal attacks, there is nothing wrong with it.

I'll tell you a few things about me that are "wrong" and I don't give a rat's patoot if you want to tell me so:
I drink soda. GASP! Even worse, I drink it through a straw! I would never tell anyone else to do the same. That's between you and your doctor.
I graze all day. My sleeve is small, my restriction is fierce. I graze to keep myself from getting too hungry, eating too fast and then vomiting it all back up.
I eat while I work, when I drive, when I watch TV. I find that when I do this, I get distracted and I eat slower. Weird, I know.
I weigh myself 2-4 times a day. First thing in the morning (usually fully dressed in my PJs as I get up at a ridiculously early time of day to get my kids out of the door.) I weigh myself buck naked after kissing them goodbye when it's time to get myself dressed. I weigh myself before and after a poo (giggle) because I have a middle school boy sense of humor. I weigh myself at night, again buck nekky, just before I get in the shower. I call it my step aerobics. It works for me. I don't get frustrated or upset. I never have, even at my fattest.
I eat real chocolate every day. Just a few Hershey Kisses or a Dove Promise (dark!). It quiets the sweet tooth I didn't have pre-op and keeps me from thinking about sweets all day. It's better to feed the beast a nibble and shut it up. FOR ME.
I eat full fat everything except the things I don't.

I am choosing not to be a WLS advocate. I don't care HOW people think I am losing weight, I don't care who supports me. I don't tell my business to everyone and it's not up to me to save the world from obesity one fatty at a time. I'm not embarrassed, ashamed or a liar.



Your personal experience, your advice from your NUT/surgeon/NP may differ completely. You may be of the opinion that I will be the size of a small whale in 5 year's time. You may think that I am failing myself and my surgery. You may think I am a hypocrite. It's OK.

You do you, I'll do me. We can talk and share and be opinionated together, even when our opinions don't match.

This is a public DISCUSSION board. It's ok to discuss, it's ok to be opinionated. Just expect the same in return.

I almost reached that weight and I realize how fortunate I was to have a second chance. BMi is based on height and weight and at 5'6 488lbs my BMI was 78.8 the day I walked in and met my Surgeon. He told me if I could lose 5% of my weight and put the work in and if insurance approves it he would give me a tool to use to help turn my life around.
It is unfortunate help is not easily as accessible for others as it was for me. I think all insurance companies should cover bariatrics but I agree with educational side of it. Blindly approving people for it without proper education would be a huge mistake.
Fear of death is a huge motivator it is just unfortunate it came to that but it also taught me a life long lesson that there is no "fix" for obesity and it will forever be work in progress until the final day of my life.
Edit: Not a complaint but rather an observation....I have lost 325+ pounds and I am still in the overweight category. I am sure if I had all the loose skin removed I would be in the norm but let's face it those BMI charts are a joke. My Surgeon even told me they're BS.

Hi Everyone! I usually don't do much topic starting, but I thought I would share. One of the things I wondered about pre-sleeve is if I was going to be successful. I was the world's WORST dieter. I was even worse with sticking to anything long term. The sleeve has changed my life 100% for the better. Granted, there have been some adjustments that have to be made (like new allergic reactions to foods etc), but I wouldn't change this. I was walking in the mall last weekend and walked by Victoria's Secret. I have never purchased any bras (or anything matter of fact) from in there, my chest was just too big. I thought, what the heck, lemme check it out. I need new bras anyway (semi-annual sale, extra 25% COME ON!!). Let me start by saying I was a 42DD (even a 44DD at times this time last year), so I was a little apprehensive. I still think of myself as big (that still is taking some time to adjust to). I walked out of the store with a 34DDD and a 36DD, And they were sexy bras (too bad I am the only one that sees them lol)! I skipped all the way to the car! Woohoo!! I finally cut up my Torrid credit card (plus size store), and paid off the bill. Victoria's Secret here I come! I've gone from a tight 20, to a size 8/10, size medium/large shirts. The only thing that hasn't changed are my feet.....still an 11, but now I don't have to get wide width calves!
I never thought I would have this opportunity!
Thanks for reading, and have a FABULOUS day!

the only person (i try to judge) is the person who looks at me in the mirror..

She suggested to focus on Protein and make Snacks S/F Jello and Popsicles... Things that won't strain the whole system and to give my stomach a break. I will say I don't ever remember being able to "feel" my band and it being adjusted, last night and this morning I am sore, muscle sore... Deep inside, not like I've been wrking out sore but adjusted sore. Which is a good reminder to go easy on her for a couple of days.
If I can get there you can... My doc said yesterday, everyone needs a reset once in a while and there is no shame in admitting that.

Honestly I kind of see it as who am I to judge. I don't know the trials they've been through and there was a doctor somewhere willing to endure the risks of performing this surgery. I've heard through this entire process that I don't really need surgery. Even my therapist and dietician didn't believe me when I told them my weight until they I got on the scale. Then was quickly followed by a "you carry your weight very well". Gee thanks! I think most people in their right mind don't directly go to the route of surgery, such a life altering thing, but have tried and failed at things prior. Additionally, many people have other co-morbidities, that will only become more significant if they are unable to get their weight under control. 50 pounds may not seem like much to lose to somebody who has 200lbs to lose but 50lbs is significant and you don't know how they necessarily carry it either it may appear 50 but really be 75 or so.

Folks who don't live near an office for their follow care should never have a lap band. That's my opinion.... I've read too many similar horror stories, and most of them have the same theme.
Lap bands do not work on autopilot.

Sending you a PM, thanks!

Alex,
I would be happy to help out on 11/2/14. Let me know what you need.
Best,
Katt

I can't imagine a fill costing 600 dollars!!!!!!!! That is outrageous. My doctor was billing $350 for a fill according to insurance statements, and that is very high. I've read where folks are paying as little as 75 dollars for follow visits, including needed adjustments.
I hate to sound preachy, but lap band successful requires a commitment on both the surgeon and patient for months and years after surgery. If regular follow up visits are not possible, than the band becomes a very poor WLS option. I would not be where I am at if I hadn't been able to do the required follow ups on a regular basis. Shame on that doctor for not being a bit more compassionate.

Well, crap! Hmmm? Must be someone above him in NJ Government that you can go to? He can't be the Knight guarding the bridge saying "None shall Pass"? Sorry, had to throw in a Monty Python quote in there?
Like someone else said, PCP's know squat about the band and you need a specialist?

I now own FIVE DRESSES !!!!!!!

My doctor is in a "Circle of Excellence." I wanted a sleeve, he strongly recommended the band based on my age, health and on his experience. My wife wanted a band, and because of some medications she had to take, he advised her to have the sleeve.
The band works... if someone goes to a "freeway clinic" and has problems, the fault most likely lies with the surgical group, and not the procedure.

I strongly believe that all procedures are safe and effective and that the choice of weight loss procedure is between the patient and their surgeon.
Here are key data points for the Safety and Efficacy of the LAP-BAND:
1. The LAP-BAND is the only FDA-Approved device for patients with a BMI of >30 with a comorbidity or BMI>40
LAP-BAND for Lower BMI: 2-Year Results from the Multicenter Pivotal Study
Obesity (2013) 21:1148–1158. doi:10.1002/oby.20477,
Robert Michaelson, et al.
· 149 Patients
· BMI of 30 -39.9 w/ Comorbidities
· Primary Endpoint - >40% of subjects achieved >30% EWL at 1 year
· Results:
o 84.6% achieved >30% EWL at 1 year
o 65% Mean EWL at 1 year
· Conclusion - LAGB is safe and effective for people with 30-30.9 BMI, with weight loss and co-morbidity improvement through at least 2 years.

2. The LAP-BAND has shown Long-Term success when patients are managed with appropriate aftercare
Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Adjustable Gastric Banding and a Systematic Review of the Bariatric Surgical Literature
Annals of Surgery , Volume 257, Number 1, January 2013,
Paul E. O’Brien, et al.
· 50.5% EWL at 3 Years
· 49.6% EWL at 5 Years
· 47% EWL at 10 Years
· 47.2% EWL at 15 years
· 3227 patients, 714 with 10+ years follow-up only 5.6% removal rate for the entire group
3. The LAP-BAND has been shown as safe or safer than any other bariatric procedure
There are a number of databases that healthcare organizations and professionals use to monitor bariatric procedures after surgery.
A recent review of data from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons databases showed the following:

LAGB Sleeve RYGB
Total Complications 6% 18% 24%
Reoperation Rate 1% 3% 5%
Hospital Stay After Procedure Less than 1 day Approximately 3 days Approximately 3 days
Illness After 30 Days 1% 6% 6%
· 75% lower 30-day morbidity compared to sleeve (ACS – Hutter 2011)
· 1/3 the complications compared to sleeve through 1 year (BOLD – DeMaria 2010)
· 68% lower readmission rate than sleeve (ACS – Hutter 2011)
· 1/3 the reoperation rate compared to sleeve (ACS – Hutter 2011)
· Shorter length of stay than sleeve and bypass (ACS – Hutter 2011)

Come on people...we really have to support each other and not bash each other. Just yesterday, I had a wonderful conversation with a colleague in my office who works in IT. He upgraded my computer and when he set me up with the new one, he commented on my photos. I have a couple before and after ones on my desktop that I keep there for when I want to post them with a thread.
At first I was embarrased that he saw them, and then perturbed that he mentioned it. Then he asked how much I lost and I though oh gosh, what nerve to ask something so personal. Then I took a good look at the guy and realized the reason for his interest. I asked him which surgery he had and he told me the sleeve. He also said he had dropped 230 lbs. in just over a year. Well....then I told him I was banded and what my stats were and before you knew it, we were like two old friends and talking about challenges, successes, excess skin, all of it. I congratulated him on his loss and he just said to me, 'you are lookin' real good girl'. I'm probably twice his age but a compliment is a compliment and it was really nice to hear it.
It didn't matter that we had different WLS, all that mattered was that we were both successful and so very happy with our outcomes. Why can't we do that here on this site? Let's stop the nonsense, OK?

Thanks for starting this thread -- I came back here after the Rosie thread which left me so disheartened. I need to be with band-positive people. Instead of getting a lift here today I feel sort of crummy now. The good news: I already had an aggressive one-hour walk around a beautiful lake early this morning and I am not responding to my feelings with food. I'm here instead. Have a great day every one, and yes, I love my foreign object.

The whole point is that WE as a community of WLS patients should not be tearing each other apart, but building each other up and supporting each other!! That includes Rosie and Gov Christy, you and me alike. We are picked on enough for being obese and we beat ourselves up enough over trying to lose weight we don't need to turn on each other we need to support each other no matter the modality of WLS we have had, revised to or are thinking of having.

I expect that kind of comment from Rosie O'Donnell but I don't expect to feel berated here for choosing one surgery over another. This is where I come to feel better, usually by trying to make others feel better. If people sound defensive perhaps it's because we keep having to defend a basic medical procedure. I did my research, I chose what was right for ME. Not any one else, just me. Why not support me on my weight loss journey? Are there people who want me to fail because I elected a different avenue? We are on the same path of wellness. Be supportive, PLEASE. It's the Star Belly Sneeches all over again.
Now, what I thought I'd be writing before I read all those comments -- great piece, Alex, and thanks for all you do for the WLS community through this site.

Amen to that! This isn't a freaken contest

I think I may have my band removed. It is failing me.....

whatever one WLS one gets (or removes to get another) or whatever,
lets just wish them luck..going back and forth with webpages and statistics solves nothing
and its kinda pointless to be honest...we all got opinions..
i like UNC and catfish likes UK, who cares??
so whoever reads my words, whatever WLS you have or about to get,
congrats and for best results, do as your doctor advises..and get well
that is what it is all about anyhow..

Let me just take a moment here to reiterate what some have already stated. WLS no mater the modality of it is all dependent on the patient. With the sleeve or bypass the results are faster and yes they are both restrictive and metabolic in nature and yet our bodies are a miracle of humanity and we can and do overcome and adapt. After that initial weight loss and shock the body can adapt and if eating habits, eating mechanics, attitude and life style changes are not been made the chances of regain in the long term are equal.
No one can say that one surgery is better then another. Recently I read a post by a patient who was diagnosed with Lupus. A lupus patient can not have such mal-absorptive surgeries as sleeve or bypass due to their condition which makes the lapband the perfect and only choice for such a patient.
No one of us is better or worse then the other. You can't say that people have not done their research, many of us who are banded have done more research then a college student writing a doctorate. I have my reasons for choosing the band and I have no regrets about it.
Making broad statements like those made by Rosie O'Donell in public forum only show her own ignorance and lack of empathy for the obese. Maybe she never saw her self as obese, but her health conditions, photo's and doctors tell another story all together don't they?
Don't knock those who are trying to make their lives better and become healthy. A smart intelligent woman would use her big mouth, comedic wit, and additional 5 minutes of fame to advocate for her comrades at large and open doors instead of shutting them as she did with her comments.
People who might have been thinking about getting help now maybe afraid that their "choice" is not the right one because some TV personality who has nothing better to do with her time but to cause controversy said it wasn't. She just called several Doctors who are banded, Lawyers, PHD's and people much smarter with higher educations then she has stupid.
Forest Gump had it right...stupid as stupid does aka Rosie O'Donelle.