vincereautmori

Right now I really need it, but I can't wait to toss that damn CPAP machine!

Thanks everyone for supporting this topic, I've been silently reading and soaking in your great solutions. I really like going with just letting it take it's course, don't ask, don't tell, if asked, hope people respect your answer. Some will know the details, others will not.

So, I've been over at the lap band forum. I started my WLS path last summer, got approval through my insurance, they required a visit to a psychologist, and to a nutritionist before speaking to surgeon. I've researched the band, got comfortable with the idea of it, learned about the pros and con, and for the past six months that was the direction I was headed in. Until today, I finally had a conversation with the surgeon and he was less than enthusiastic about the band. He made a good argument, didn't pressure me one way or another, just based his judgement on his experiences and observations. He recommended the sleeve as an alternative. I hadn't originally wanted to get that invasive, I also liked the reversible option of the band. This has shaken my world, and I have to wrap my head around this. Did anyone else run into this?

Yes, he legitimized a lot of what we see in our research, and he was once the top lap band surgeon in a major research hospital. So I respect his opinion. But I hadn't considered or prepared for the result of our meeting together, I guess that's a weakness on my count. Why the lap band? I guess it seems less drastic than cutting out body parts or rearranging what nature spent thousands of years putting there.

The part that bothers me most with my insurance is they put the surgeon at the end of the process. If we had a conversation 6 months ago, I might be doing something by now. Instead I almost feel like I'm starting over.

I have my first meeting with surgeon next week, is it a good idea to bring my wife too? I feel she's going to be dealing with my moods as I make changes, and I'll be relying on her spport during the callenges. Did anyone else include their spouse?

I don't mind at all. At about 4 years post-op, I began having reflux that didn't respond to any meds or other measures. An upper GI study showed that my esophagus was dilated, so my surgeon removed all the Fluid from my band and told me my band would have to go. Esophageal dilation can be caused by poor eating behaviors (overeating, frequent PB's, etc.) and/or by esophageal dysfunction - that is, the esophagus isn't doing its job of moving food down into the stomach. The dysfunction is often caused by untreated reflux. After my band was removed and I had had a lot of tests, the various doctors I'd seen concurred that my esophagus had been damaged by decades of "silent" reflux whose only symptom was a chronic dry cough. When I consulted an ear-nose-throat specialist in the mid 1980's, he told me my problem was reflux and I didn't believe him (since of course I know far more than any graduate of any medical school), so my reflux was never treated. Apparently the pressure created by my band was aggravating this. My choice of the sleeve for my revision was pretty foolish (a choice made in panic and haste) because reflux is very common in sleeve patients, even in those who never had reflux pre-op. Fortunately, omeprazole is managing that for me now. Wow! Funny that you mention those symptoms, a friend of mine exhibited the exact same symptoms and had a very similar experience with the band, he revised to GBP, but didn't concur with my decision to go with the band. I suspected it might not have been a band problem, but that was only a hunch. Good luck with your decision and hopefully the doctors will be able to manage your symptoms and you will enjoy a higher quality of life.

It's supposed to mean (loosley translated) "Conquer or die" did I get it right?

Would you mind me asking? Did you revise because of problems with the band?

The fact that the band procedure is re-operable, whereas other WLS procedures are not, may factor in to the higher rate.

I think maestrita's account.of her experiences with the band is needed, it can really happen and it's a warning to those considering WLS. It legitimizes the importance to do your research, the skill of your surgeon, and what to expect once you have the band. It's up to us to differentiate facts and opinion, then try to make an educated decision. BTW- I'm meeting with my surgeon in two weeks, I've made my decision, but I was especially diligent to research the sugeon and medical group, due to stories like this.

"But, when you speak with them about what it was like when you were growing up there, and they snicker and look at you as if you had three heads.....eventually...you do what.....?" Then, they are not interested in the value of your experiences, maybe they know it all, maybe the forum (neighborhood) becomes a platform for them. Just as in the neighborhood, I don't like or identify with everybody that lives there. On the other hand, we could just have a conversation with those who respect and appreciate our experiences. You are at a junction in your journey, and I suppose we could all get there eventually, you have successfully made it and maybe this forum helped you and many of the regular posters became forum friends who supported you through this journey, and you them. If it has become frustrating thats not why you come here, its time for a break or to ask if you need it anymore.

Something that seems obvious to me is that a forum is a place to come to for a conversation, even though many questions are frequently repeated, it's a way for some to begin to talk about their concerns. For me, my style is to listen, and I enjoy reading how many of those similar questions are answered. I've found some profound answers that have helped me many times. As far as what each of us gets out of this site, it's a microcosm of life itself. If you think of your life, what you were committed to, responsible for, interested in, changes with your situation as well as with age. For many of us, if we go back to the neighborhood we grew up in, most of the people we knew are gone, the houses may look different, it does't feel the same. But for the new people there, it's their neighborhood, they all know one another and we are now a stranger. If we spend a few moments with them we may find they reflect who we were at their age and they might appreciate stories of the old neighborhood and how we are connected. If I don't like them or don't care to talk to them, I can leave and cherish the memories of that time of my life and the neighborhood goes on without me.

I got approved way back in August, of all the things that need to be done I've only finished psych eval and nutrition eval. At this rate I'll be lucky if we're ready by next summer, every appoint I'm scheduled for takes weeks to over a month. Even my visits with psychologist and nutritionist were just to fill out the necessary form and move on to next appointment. Aren't they supposed to explore your reasons for considering surgery or some details of weight problems? I'm finding there is a total disconnect between each eval and how it plays into the surgeon. This is not going as I expected and all it's going to take is one thing going wrong and I'm through with this. Has anyone else had a difficult time to get to surgery? Any suggestions? I'm part of a company health group and they are the only ones who will cover the surgery.

I'm still in the early stages of the process, still sure I want to go through with it, but there are fears of the unknown. Were any of you afraid of giving up foods you loved? If you had to adjust, how long does it take?

"At times I say to myself so this is how normal (non weight issue) people feel."- Jim1967 Wow Jim! That's powerful, right there, we don't know what it's like not to be consumed with food in one way or another. To make this realization, must be very liberating. Thanks for the motivation and wisdom.

I'm still researching, but one of my fears is that I'll opt for WLS and I'll be hungry all the time, then the hunger overwhelms the surgery and undoes any good it might offer. Seen too many people revert to their old ways. I realize any method is only a chance to help and the tough mental part is my job, but does the lap band help to control hunger or appetite? That's where I could really use the help.

Thanks MTslim, I have same fear, but do you find you're using brute force willpower to overcome hunger or is the band helping you feel sated until your next meal. Have you had any fills yet?

I just did the psych eval, next step is nutritionist but soonest appt. is a month away. Is this normal? I can foresee things leading to surgery getting done too close to the holidays, and I don't want to go through the roughest part of this thing during the holidays. How long between steps did some of you experience?

Thanks for everyone's comments, good points and good info, I guess it just takes as long as it takes. As far as the whole holiday thing, I just want to keep this transition temporarily low key and I'm thinking the necessary changes would elicit too many questions. But I see what you mean, holidays,, time of year, occasions can always be just another excuse. Lots to think about while I wait.

I've had my CPAP for over two years, I hate it but I was falling asleep and constantly tired before, my snoring even woke me up. Since I've had it, I get the best nights sleep and so does my wife. So my advice is to give it a chance and work with it, it will help you sleep.

Thanks to everyone! Very helpful and reassuring. I would probably miss an occasional beer, never was a soda drinker so OK to give it up, I think my fear is comfort foods we have at family gatherings, it would be tough to permanently say good bye. I'm confident I eat a pretty balanced diet, just too much of everything, my body just doesn't know when to stop. Hope the band helps.

I agree with Hazelsbliss and Mis73, you would really benefit from more research on all WLS techniques, and you came to the right place. It has taken me almost 9 months to make the commitment. I might also add, if you're looking to the band for fast weight loss, it may not be what you're looking for. It's not about speed, it's more about learning to live healthy. Good luck.

Getting back to PuraVita's concerns, I have found that if you look for any argument on the internet, you'll find it. Search for RNY and sleeve complications and you'll find similar concerns. My research agrees with everyone else's, complications seem to be from three general causes Patient compliance Surgical skill and follow up support Improvements of the band technology You will decide your reasons for choosing the band or any other WLS technique, but make a comittment and find confidence in your decision. Good Luck!

You know Kelli, I could tell a similar story and I'm a 60 year old man, as with many of us I found a way to accept the fat and moved on through life. I have just completed my research and made the decision to go with the band, more than the research I had to self examine why now and why I am willing to tackle something this extreme. For me it came down to being here for my wife and family as an active and healthy senior, as we head into retirement. It has taken a while for me to learn to want this and begin to feel comfortable with this decision. So I think it' s a process, you have to see what it does for your future, what it will do for the health you seek, and not acceptance of people who don't support us, even if it's family.