Sarah H

I am in a similar situation. I had my band placed in July 2012 and it slipped at some point and was repaired Nov 2013. By the time of the repair I had lost 100lbs. Since then I have gained 80lbs, developed a hiatal hernia and a host of other physical complications from the weight gain. To say I am frustrated is an understatement. My last two visits my Dr has removed fluid from my band because I am experiencing shortness of breath. Contrast and endoscopy confirmed band placement was fine. I am having mixed feelings about the band since the hernia developed after placement. I have been seriously considering a revision and having the gastric sleeve. I don't know what to expect since the placement is fine but there's the shortness of breath and now he's removed 5ccs from the band, I feel my appetite increasing. Trying not to get completely discouraged and remain positive but I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle.

Well I'm back to give an update... First of all thank you everyone for all of you words of encouragement, advice, and information it really helped set me at ease (maintaining the brave front for the family ) I'm happy to report that I was able to have my band repaired and he removed some scar tissue as well. The only downside was that I my gained weight in the first month after the repair and was NOT happy . Feburary can't get here soon enough. I forgot what it was like trying to find "The Green Zone" it is definitely time for another fill, I'm like a bear coming out of hibernation!!!!!! I bought my wedding gown last week and the first fitting is in May that's keeping me in line

I started this summer getting several colds and losing my singing voice for almost 2 months (very distressing for a singer). Then I started having problems keeping food and liquids down and some burning. When I went to the doctor he assessed there might be some inflammation from some food that was caught and possibly some reflux. So he removed some fluid from the band and over the next 2 weeks I was able to get food down but the burning still continued but at a lesser degree. I was sent for fluoroscopy and discovered my band had slipped. Going to see him on Monday. Stressed...Distressed...Anxious...and a few more depressing adjectives is how I feel right now....Found out I've lost 97lbs but it's a little hard to celebrate that right now.

I like boring....what's wrong with plain ol' black Times Roman font? MsMaui you are better than I am I'm not cutting and pasting, I'm just going to the next post. Clearly it is a secret message not meant for me lol.

I had my second fill in April and went in yesterday for my 1mth follow-up. I won't even lie I was dreading getting on the scale I have not worked out the entire month (bad girl lol) but to my surprise I lost 13lbs. Needless to say I left the doctor's office and worked out for an hour....I realized if I had done this all along, I probably would be further along in my weight loss journey. For someone who's so smart I can be really dense!!!!!

From what I've read it can take people several fills in the first year before they can feel any difference. I've had only 2 fills so far and I can tell you a few months after my first fill I felt like I was eating everything in sight although I had to do it much slower to compensate for the band. After this last fill 2wks ago I am definitely not hungry like I used to be and I honestly feel full for long periods of time to the point where I've incorporated more Protein shakes just to make sure I'm getting enough nourishment. But you're right everyone is different don't be discouraged, you will find your "Green Zone". Congrats on your first 7 lbs. We're here for you

See now I want a Krispy Kreme donut lol....But it's okay if you slip once in a while. The key is recognizing it and not making a habit of eating the "junky" stuff.

I stumbled on to this site while looking for Post-Op food alternatives. I never have time to go to support group work/family and I've never been comfortable sharing. But I know that it is beneficial during this entire process. So at my heaviest after having my second child was 261 pounds. While I'd like to blame it on pregnancy I can't because I lost all the weight (27 lbs) that I gained during my pregnancy. When I started my 6-month monitiored weight loss I was 259 lbs. By surgery date I was 235 (I think). I had my procedure done by the Maryland Weight Management by Dr. David vonRueden. I have to say I really love his practice there is so much support pre-op and post-op. You really feel like you have your own persoanl weight loss team (nutritionist, personal trainer, social worker, medical personell) and they are always available and you meet with them often. Additionally they offer exercise classes on-site and weekend workouts that are free to patients (sm fee for friends at some classes). I'm starting their Couch to 5K this Sunday...yikes. Wish me luck. Sarah