Penni60

Lisa you crack me up. Paul's Comments really made my day. I done some heavy soul searching and recommitted to myself to win the battle. I have done all the damage I can do here in Tucson at the Bead Show so I will head home early and begin my journey to get healthier and back on track. Still waiting to hear from Biggest Loser as well. LOL!! Susan thank you for the sweet and reasuring comments about me voicing my opinions and still showing respect. That is something I try to do with each post because I know how hurtful and powerful words can be. To everyone that has shown me how much we are all a family here I am in tears each time I read your posts. You guys are the greatest and no one will be able to pull me away from this forum. I, like Lisa, do not like to see the type of reactions on the other thread. I might have contributed to that as well and for my part I am sorry. But I am not sorry for expressing my opinions. I will continue to do just that.

My thoughts tonight After the comments back and forth surrounding the Dr. Ortiz thread I felt the need to vent some on a separate thread. I won't rehash what was already said on that thread. I will simply state my thoughts and how I am dealing with it all. I was very offended by the comments of both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Pleatman. I addressed those on that thread. When thinking about my own personal demons I reflect on what got me so mad and upset over those comments. I realized it was one more thing telling me that no matter what I try it won't work. I will forever be fat. My insecurities came out when both their comments seemed insensitive and detached. This pissed me off as an RN and it pissed me off as a patient. This anger does me NO GOOD. I just need to redirect these feelings of failure with the band in a more positive light. I know I have lost weight with the band. I see this. I feel this. But I am focusing on now that I don't have the band anymore what will I do to keep off what I lost. It is hard to see past one minute of one hour of one day. I come here for support and understanding and compassion to get through the rough times. I don't come here for seemingly uncaring surgeons to suggest I 'get over' losing the band. Yes it might have been an unfortunate mistake for him to have said that and he might truly be sorry for the comment. But I just simply don't think he gets how damaging that statement could be. So, I am rambling here and alot of this might not make any sense at all. This is more for me than anything else. Sort of a cathartic exercise. I am really struggling on a day to day basis. I get up and eat my breakfast and do really well till around 2 or 3 pm. Then it all falls apart. I am travelling right now and that makes it harder to stick to the Nutrisystem diet. I am struggling to get in my water. I was doing so well the first two weeks. I even lost 6 lbs on it in the first two weeks. Now I am away from home and really worried I am gaining back the weight. I am so upset with myself right now. I have struggled to keep honest and to be accountable. That is hard to do. I eat really good then I screw it up. So I start the day all over again the next day telling myself "today will be different" and it isn't. The one thing that worked for me was having the Band. Now that is gone. So, I am on this roller coaster of eating right and eating junk every day. My body is not liking it either. My joints are aching, my back is more sore than usual, headaches are returning, I have noticed my ankles are swelling more along with my fingers as well. All this was going on before I was banded. So does this mean I am regressing? YES!! And this is what scares me. I am so happy for Michelle that she has moved on and facing her demons as best she can. I am struggling with this same issue. To those that supported and said such sweet things on the Dr. Ortiz thread I am proud to call you part of my band family. To those that expressed a differing opinion, I respect your statements but walk a mile in my shoes first before making a suggestion that by me raising a couple of questions and making a couple of comments would run off any doctor. To those that have had really great experiences in Mexico, I am truly happy for you and I pray that you continue to have those great experiences. I would not wish what I have gone through on anyone friend or foe. To those that are new and just starting the process, do your homework. Know that if you chose Mexico please have local aftercare set up. Otherwise know that if you have an emergent situation you will need to go back to your band surgeon. This could raise some difficult issues you will need to face rather quickly that you hadn't thought through. I really care about each and every one of you guys. I would offer my support and understanding and can assure you of me being non judgmental. The only thing I ask in return is that I receive the same of which I have on many occasions and most likely will in the future as well. G-nite family.

My thoughts tonight After the comments back and forth surrounding the Dr. Ortiz thread I felt the need to vent some on a separate thread. I won't rehash what was already said on that thread. I will simply state my thoughts and how I am dealing with it all. I was very offended by the comments of both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Pleatman. I addressed those on that thread. When thinking about my own personal demons I reflect on what got me so mad and upset over those comments. I realized it was one more thing telling me that no matter what I try it won't work. I will forever be fat. My insecurities came out when both their comments seemed insensitive and detached. This pissed me off as an RN and it pissed me off as a patient. This anger does me NO GOOD. I just need to redirect these feelings of failure with the band in a more positive light. I know I have lost weight with the band. I see this. I feel this. But I am focusing on now that I don't have the band anymore what will I do to keep off what I lost. It is hard to see past one minute of one hour of one day. I come here for support and understanding and compassion to get through the rough times. I don't come here for seemingly uncaring surgeons to suggest I 'get over' losing the band. Yes it might have been an unfortunate mistake for him to have said that and he might truly be sorry for the comment. But I just simply don't think he gets how damaging that statement could be. So, I am rambling here and alot of this might not make any sense at all. This is more for me than anything else. Sort of a cathartic exercise. I am really struggling on a day to day basis. I get up and eat my breakfast and do really well till around 2 or 3 pm. Then it all falls apart. I am travelling right now and that makes it harder to stick to the Nutrisystem diet. I am struggling to get in my water. I was doing so well the first two weeks. I even lost 6 lbs on it in the first two weeks. Now I am away from home and really worried I am gaining back the weight. I am so upset with myself right now. I have struggled to keep honest and to be accountable. That is hard to do. I eat really good then I screw it up. So I start the day all over again the next day telling myself "today will be different" and it isn't. The one thing that worked for me was having the Band. Now that is gone. So, I am on this roller coaster of eating right and eating junk every day. My body is not liking it either. My joints are aching, my back is more sore than usual, headaches are returning, I have noticed my ankles are swelling more along with my fingers as well. All this was going on before I was banded. So does this mean I am regressing? YES!! And this is what scares me. I am so happy for Michelle that she has moved on and facing her demons as best she can. I am struggling with this same issue. To those that supported and said such sweet things on the Dr. Ortiz thread I am proud to call you part of my band family. To those that expressed a differing opinion, I respect your statements but walk a mile in my shoes first before making a suggestion that by me raising a couple of questions and making a couple of comments would run off any doctor. To those that have had really great experiences in Mexico, I am truly happy for you and I pray that you continue to have those great experiences. I would not wish what I have gone through on anyone friend or foe. To those that are new and just starting the process, do your homework. Know that if you chose Mexico please have local aftercare set up. Otherwise know that if you have an emergent situation you will need to go back to your band surgeon. This could raise some difficult issues you will need to face rather quickly that you hadn't thought through. I really care about each and every one of you guys. I would offer my support and understanding and can assure you of me being non judgmental. The only thing I ask in return is that I receive the same of which I have on many occasions and most likely will in the future as well. G-nite family.

After the comments back and forth surrounding the Dr. Ortiz thread I felt the need to vent some on a separate thread. I won't rehash what was already said on that thread. I will simply state my thoughts and how I am dealing with it all. I was very offended by the comments of both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Pleatman. I addressed those on that thread. When thinking about my own personal demons I reflect on what got me so mad and upset over those comments. I realized it was one more thing telling me that no matter what I try it won't work. I will forever be fat. My insecurities came out when both their comments seemed insensitive and detached. This pissed me off as an RN and it pissed me off as a patient. This anger does me NO GOOD. I just need to redirect these feelings of failure with the band in a more positive light. I know I have lost weight with the band. I see this. I feel this. But I am focusing on now that I don't have the band anymore what will I do to keep off what I lost. It is hard to see past one minute of one hour of one day. I come here for support and understanding and compassion to get through the rough times. I don't come here for seemingly uncaring surgeons to suggest I 'get over' losing the band. Yes it might have been an unfortunate mistake for him to have said that and he might truly be sorry for the comment. But I just simply don't think he gets how damaging that statement could be. So, I am rambling here and alot of this might not make any sense at all. This is more for me than anything else. Sort of a cathartic exercise. I am really struggling on a day to day basis. I get up and eat my breakfast and do really well till around 2 or 3 pm. Then it all falls apart. I am travelling right now and that makes it harder to stick to the Nutrisystem diet. I am struggling to get in my water. I was doing so well the first two weeks. I even lost 6 lbs on it in the first two weeks. Now I am away from home and really worried I am gaining back the weight. I am so upset with myself right now. I have struggled to keep honest and to be accountable. That is hard to do. I eat really good then I screw it up. So I start the day all over again the next day telling myself "today will be different" and it isn't. The one thing that worked for me was having the Band. Now that is gone. So, I am on this roller coaster of eating right and eating junk every day. My body is not liking it either. My joints are aching, my back is more sore than usual, headaches are returning, I have noticed my ankles are swelling more along with my fingers as well. All this was going on before I was banded. So does this mean I am regressing? YES!! And this is what scares me. I am so happy for Michelle that she has moved on and facing her demons as best she can. I am struggling with this same issue. To those that supported and said such sweet things on the Dr. Ortiz thread I am proud to call you part of my band family. To those that expressed a differing opinion, I respect your statements but walk a mile in my shoes first before making a suggestion that by me raising a couple of questions and making a couple of comments would run off any doctor. To those that have had really great experiences in Mexico, I am truly happy for you and I pray that you continue to have those great experiences. I would not wish what I have gone through on anyone friend or foe. To those that are new and just starting the process, do your homework. Know that if you chose Mexico please have local aftercare set up. Otherwise know that if you have an emergent situation you will need to go back to your band surgeon. This could raise some difficult issues you will need to face rather quickly that you hadn't thought through. I really care about each and every one of you guys. I would offer my support and understanding and can assure you of me being non judgmental. The only thing I ask in return is that I receive the same of which I have on many occasions and most likely will in the future as well. G-nite family.

Heather: This cracked me up. Comic relief was needed.

I want to thank each comment regarding we eroded band sisters.

I can't speak for the other "eroded non-bandsters" as to why they stay on this board. I only know I stay for the support of like minded people that are looking for a way to battle the food demons. I have not mentioned my erosion since it happened. I did give a detailed account of my experience as a hopeful tool for anyone seeking what could happen with regards to erosion.

Posting alot does not earn respect but the content posted can earn that respect or it can lose it as well. I have not felt attacked by your comments but I have been stunned by them. I have shown you respect and tempered my comments. I would expect the same. You are more than welcome here. This is a great place to share ideas, thoughts, feelings, in a safe environment. Just know and understand that not all will agree with your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

I am sorry for your pain and grief. I can sympathize and understand that kind of pain. I lost my father to cancer at the age of 52. I lost my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes at the age of 27 after my last child. We all have different kinds of pain that we each go through. Not one person can say their pain is worse than anyone elses. Your pain is just as important as mine. I am truly sorry for your losses. I would expect the same respect from you on my losses.

Lisa was quoting what someone else said Cristan.

You are correct we did not lose a husband or a child or our parents, but for me the pain was all the same. I went through a grieving process that some may snap out of and some may linger. Until you experience the loss you just don't understand the pain. I cried for a day then went numb and withdrew. Everyone handles grief differently. You trivialize my pain. THat is cruel. Yes I didn't die, and yet you praise Dr. Pleatman who suggests I consider a bypass where the chances of me dying is a real possibility.

Let me get this straight. YOU have to help me make a decision about MY body. YOU have to help me see what MY options are. So instead of talking to me about diet and exercise and what those options are you automatically suggest a more radical surgery with even more complications than the band. You comments to TRISH are uncalled for Dr. Pleatman. You are a rather harsh fellow and I pity each of your patients, because you are an insensitive person. You do not take into consideration the feelings or emotional status of your patient before you speak. As an RN I would have called you on this on several occasions I am sure. I earned the respect of the patient by seeing them as a human being first and a patient second. Something I feel that you should learn.

Have you had any major complications thus far? I don't consider fills a major complication. I pray that you don't have any either. You might find out how good the aftercare really is.

Inamed knows how many are sold. They have no control what is done with the band after it leaves their hands. They also make a "request" that any complications be reported so they can research. My Mexico surgeon did not report my complication at all. So according to his stats my band placement is a success. One of my duties as an RN on a Cancer ward was to do the stats every year for the Director of the Unit. I know first hand how some doctors view successes. The stats can be all skewed.

Kat it isn't even about them sharing information. I am all for that and wish more doctors would. It is how they handled the whole situation and how flippant they were in their answers. Are you implying that the information we eroded bandsters shared was unreliable? As for the comment about self payers and the minimal cost of aftercare by Mexican doctors, I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY AFTERCARE PERIOD AND I WAS A SELF PAY. Pardon me but I am not yelling at you I am yelling at the situation. Please do not take offense to my comments. I am just pissed about the attitude from these two docs.

You are correct it can happen in both. THe difference is we have a malpractice recourse here in the states where we don't have that option with Mexico surgeons. They don't have to follow even the basic US standards. They have their OWN standards.

Me too. I toured the facility, talked to the staff, and I researched the doctor. He had glowing recommendations. As soon as I went home, I developed complications about two months later with the port. He declined to take or return my calls, answer my emails, etc. I finally had my boyfriend get on the phone after two weeks of repeated attempts to contact him and FINALLY Lopez asked me to come to TJ to be evaluated. Once there he told me to "go home lose more weight and the port would reposition itself". I infact needed surgery to fix the problem. All the research in the world does nothing for telling you how the surgeon will do the job or how his after care will be handled. Research all you want with luck it will turn out fine. In the long run it is a crap shoot whether you get a good surgeon or not. I happened to get a crappy one that had impeccable credentials and came highly recommended who DID NOT LIVE UP TO THE REPUTATION.

I am thankful that I Have this forum for continued support. I just felt somethings needed addressing.

Thank you Anca and Big Dog for your support

Yes I did my research as well. Inamed told me this was a top surgeon in the field. This was the reason I went to him. As an RN I do my research rather well thank you.

Dr. Pleatman, I can't believe how much you just trivialized what we that have eroded have gone through. It isn't like we just had a hang nail surgery we LOST OUR BANDS. For me personally it was the ONLY thing that worked for me. Bypass isn't an option because I don't want the issues that come with that surgery either. If I was gonna do the bypass don't you think I would have done that FIRST? The fact that you suggest another surgery to help with our situation appalls me to no end. You presume it would be easy to just get another surgery. I have not quite recovered from the last one emotionally and you just matter of fact suggest another one. Typical surgeon attitude is what I am seeing from you. I dealt with this when I was an RN all the time. You see the procedure and NOT the patient. I am just shocked at how insensitive you just were. You have just lost all my respect.

Just a little FYI: Where are you getting your information on how many surgeries your surgeon has performed? If you are getting if from your surgeon then what is to say he might fudge the numbers some just to make him look better. I know for a fact that one surgeon told me he did 1500 surgeries. Then I hear he told another person he did 3000. The reason he increased the number -- he included all the surgeries that was done while he was partnered with another surgeon whether he did them or not. SO just know that outside the US when a surgeon tells you how many he has performed you have NO way of checking. Inside the US you do. Keep that in mind OK!!

Hey I am in Tucson and the hotel hasn't got a scale I can use. I won't be able to check in till I go home on the 10th.

OK One more thing! The title of this thread implies that everyone that has experienced Erosion has reported lies or erroneous information. That bites too.

OK I will try to make this short. I am so disgusted with this post for several different reasons. I apologize ahead of time for my language. If this offends anyone I am sorry but I am pissed. The following are MY OPINIONS and MINE ALONE. The coldness of some of the posts just gets under my skin. Unless you have experienced EROSION you DO NOT even begin to understand what we are all going through. YOU HAVE YOUR BAND!!!!! WE DON'T!!! I personally don't give a rats ass what the percentages are regarding erosion. All I know is my highly skilled and one of the TOP PROCTOR's for the LAPBAND placed my band on April 6, 2004 in Mexico at a reputable facility. Exactly 18 months later to the day December 6, 2005 I ERODED. I had ZERO symptoms and maintained high restriction till the band was removed. Would I go back to him for a new band? HELL NO!! Would I go back to MEXICO for a hang nail removal? HELL NO!! Thank God my insurance Co covered the band removal otherwise I would still have the band. I would just hope that I did not develop any complications because I would not have been able to afford the surgery. The techniques are different across the board from US to Mexico to Europe to Australia. Inamed teaches the basic technique that is deemed safe for placement to surgeons. They in turn improve on the technique or continue to use the basic technique. My follow up US surgeon has told me that he took what he was taught by Lopez and improved on it based on what he experienced. Would I use my follow up US surgeon to have a hang nail removed? YES !!!!!! Would I use my follow up US surgeon to have a new band placed? YES!!!!!! My personal experience with Mexico surgeons, the Mexico experience both pre op and post op was HORRIBLE!! Would I suggest or recommend Mexico for any surgery to anyone? NO NOT NOW OR EVER!!! There is so much more I could say but I think this is enough.