SElaine

Let me get this right: You had surgery on 3-6-08 and already met with the exercise guy! Wow! I am impressed.:smile2: If you ever need a walking buddy, let me know. I'm in Gilbert. We also have groups of people all around the valley, so I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly somewhere! If possible, try to meet up with us at one of the Saturday support groups. I hope your first day back at work goes smoothly. Those can be tough! Take care!

Thank you all so much for your support. :biggrin2: It feels better just getting it out of my system, KWIM? I do have health insurance, but it doesn't cover WLS. Bypass isn't an option right now, financially. And then again, I haven't checked into it, but I've lost enough weight I probably wouldn't qualify for it, anyway. This was a big shock to me. I feel like I've lost a friend. I know that sounds silly..... But really, don't we go into this with a long-term commitment in mind? I don't know many people that have it done thinking they will just have it for a few months and get it out. So, in a way, I do feel cheated. BUT.... I'm not letting it get me down. I've seen my dietician and I'm keeping food logs and weighing in every two weeks. I'm working out more, and I've considered joining WW. And I'm still going to my support group meetings. I figure I need all the support I can get and I'm going to take advantage of it. Thanks again. I appreciate you all.

Panda, Congrats on getting banded! It looks like it's only been a few days. How are you recovering?

You know.... skimming through this forum, I see a lot of posts where people have regretting getting their band and have (or are contemplating) getting it out. My case is completely the opposite. I had my band put in May 2007. I have done fairly well with the weight loss. I lost 94 pounds-- not extravagant, but I have been happy. I have never had a problem with food coming up, PBing, or being uncomforatable. Unfortunately, though, I've had other problems. After my first fill I had a stitch rip through, or at least this is what we think happened. It caused an abscess near my band that became infected. The infection leaked into my abdominal cavity and spread to my liver. I ended up in the hospital for 12 days, I had surgery for the abscess, and had a portion of my liver removed. I also had two blood transfusions in the process. OK... this was horrible but as far as I knew and from what the docs could tell, this was a fluke. We kept my band in, and I was excited for that. Going into surgery, I was fairy convinced it would need to come out. Well, several months later I began having a similar abdominal pain. Into the ER I went. Sure enough, I had another stomach abscess and infection. Therefore, another surgery. This time, however, they also discovered erosion of the band.... as if everything else wasn't enough. Of course, this time there was no question my band was coming out. It's been two weeks since I've been home from the hospital this time. It's all starting to sink in and I'm not sure I'm handling it well at all. I paid cash for my lap-band. Myself and my family had to make a lot of sacrifices to be able to get it. We even had to move to a smaller home, further away from my childrens school, in order to pay for it. And now, with all of the complications, there have more and more medical bills piling up. I'm very frustrated. I feel like I've been cheated. I had so many hopes that this was the answer.... and short-term it was. I feel like I've been stripped of something that was a part of me. What were all of these sacrifices for? I've gained 7 pounds since I've been home from the hospital. I've been making an effort to try to eat the way I should, and honestly, I'm working out more now (2 weeks from being out of the hospital) than I did most of the time I had the band. I'm scared of gaining all the weight back.... and I can see it happening, it is happening, and I'm not sure what I can do about it. Those around me (of course, none have been banded) tell me to not to worry, to eat better and that I'll be fine. Well, you know what? I'm trying, but come on. If I could eat to lose weight, wouldn't I have done that in the first place? I don't want to become the person I used to be. I feel like I have no control. Physically I am hungry all the time. Who can live on Protein shakes? I'm trying, but it's not working. Thanks for listening to my story. If anyone has been in a similar situation or can offer any advice, I'd love to hear it.

KayBee, How was your appt? Did you get any good news regarding your insurance?

I felt better within a couple of days, but I certainly didn't feel "good" or like I was back to myself until about day 10. Hang in there. Hopefully after the initial recovery, this will be the best decision you could have made for yourself. Good luck to you and congrats on being banded.

No. I do not and have never regretted the decision to have the lap-band.

Hi KayBee! I think I know how you feel. My insurance didn't cover WLS at all. What a frustration! Nonetheless, I went to Dr. DeBarros and he has been wonderful. They have a good team there. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck at your appt. I have my fingers crossed for you that your insurance will cover your lap-band. It truly is a life changing experience.

Hey, azcat! (Are you in AZ? I'm in Gilbert) This is a very important decision and certainly not one to be taken lightly. Some people just want to lose weight and aren't concerned with how their life will change until after... and then have trouble dealing with it. For me, I eat pretty normally. Yes, I eat less, but I still eat out, I still go to parties, and I still eat with my family. The difference-- for me-- is that I don't have the cravings or desire to overeat like I used to. I still eat the things I like, but after having some I am done. Does that make sense? I still eat popcorn, on occassion. I've never had a problem. The difference is, I eat a large handful and I'm satisfied. I don't have the desire to eat the rest of the bowl. I don't have a problem with turkey or whole wheat bread, either. (Although, personally, I found some whole wheat tortilla's that I like better and make wraps with them... but, to each their own.) The sucky part is you don't know if you'll have problems until you've gone through it and you experience for yourself which foods go down, etc. For me, I've NEVER once PB'd or slimed or had food come back up. Of course, that's no guarantee it won't happen in the future, or that it wouldn't happen to you. But, keep in mind, that if you are doing what you are supposed to do, you will minimize your chances of having complications, too. Feel free to PM me anytime.

Ditto that. :biggrin: You are doing great. You should be proud. I certainly haven't lost 14 pounds since December! Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but I can say from my own experience and from what I hear from MOST people, it's not much to worry about. It's more like being uncomforatable for a few days.... and then life goes on.... and you continue to lose weight and feel better about yourself all around. Good luck!

Hello to you both! I also live in Gilbert. I'd certainly be open to meeting ya'll and getting together from time to time. I'm a mom, and I work outside the home a few days a week, but generally my schedule is pretty flexible. I also get together with some other Banders from time to time. I'll let you know if I hear of anythhing coming up. In the meanwhile, we can plan our own thing. Tammy, what is your schedule like?

Hi Tammy! Congrats and keep us posted on your progress. You'll be banded before you know it!

Hello Heidisue! Being scared before surgery and questioning your decision is normal. This is a huge decision to make and it shouldn't be taken lightly. I, too, was scared to take the leap at first and actually postponed my surgery. Now I can't imagine not having had it. The truth of the matter is that MOST people do not have complications. You don't always hear those stories, though. I happen to know a lot of banded people (some from this forum) that don't post unless they have a problem or a question. People don't normally go looking for forums like this unless they have a problem they need assistance with or they are looking for information. It has been eight months since I had my lap band surgery. I have never once had a PB, vomited, or been dehydrated. If you learn your body signals and follow your doctors instructions, it's less likely any of these will happen. Other complications are out of your hands, but they are rare. Good luck to you.

Hi Christal! It looks like you're making great progress! Congrats! I live in the east valley, but I know there are several on this site from the west valley, too. I'm sure we'll chat again! :wink2:

I'm so sorry, V. This sounds terrible. I wish I could offer some breakthrough advice, but I don't have it. I just wanted to say I'm here for you ALWAYS. I hope Dr. O is able to help you feel better.

Hi Kathy, Welcome to LBT and congrats on your date! Tuesday will be here before you know it! Are you on a pre-op diet now? My recovery was fairly easy. I was up walking within a few hours. Within a couple of days I felt good, but it took about 10 days or so to feel completely back to normal. It was difficult to sleep in a bed the first few nights, as my port area was very sore it it hurt to twist or to lay on. I ended up sleeping in the recliner the first few nights. All in all, pretty easy. Much easier than the two c-sections I had. As far as the foods you can eat, I'm sure your doctor and/or dietician will cover that with you. Every doctor has different requirements. As for myself, I started on a liquid diet, progressed to soft or "mushy" foods, and solid foods a couple of weeks out. Where are you being banded? Wishing you good luck on Tuesday and through your journey!

Laurie, Thinking of you and wishing you well. I hope the scope went well. Have you found out yet about your port and band?

Laurie, Thanks for the update. I'm glad you were able to get in and I'm happy Dr. Orris treated you well. Good luck with your scope tomorrow. I hope all goes well. You'll be in my thoughts.

I second that. He's awesome! You are in good hands. Let us know how it goes. I sure hope he's able to help. Good luck with your appt. today. My fingers are crossed for you.

Wow! Congrats on your success thus far! For what it's worth, I don't think you need to leave. Most of us on this board have one thing in common: A struggle with weight. Some of us have been banded a while, some not, some have been unbanded, and some are here researching their options. It sounds like you found an option that works for you!

Yup, pretty much stuck juggling the same 5 pounds up and down since October. What am I doing about it? Well... had a fill this week, for starters. And now I'm back to way I was doing things as a newbie: Counting calories and Protein, eating when I should, etc. (Oh, and trying to get that exercise in.... Yeah... that one's a bit tougher. I'm doing better but not as much as I should.) Now that I've made it through the holidays and have re-looked at my "system", I'm hoping I'll be back on the losing track soon. I'll check back and let you know.

Hello Kittenqutie! Welcome to LBT! I am also in sunny AZ. Where are you and who's doing your band? Good luck to you. I'm looking forward to chatting with you more!

laurieu, I'm so sorry to hear you are having complications. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. My docs were great. I would recommend them highly. I went to WLIAZ in Tempe. Here is a link to the website: Weight loss institute of Arizona The phone number is 480-829-6100. Good luck. I hope you can find someone locally to help.

Map, Honey, you and your son are in my prayers. Here is a link to my story. It may or may not be similar; I don't have enough details about your son to know. It's post #19 http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f11/danger-wife-nearly-died-surgery-46365/index2.html I was in the hospital for two weeks and ran a fever for a good portion of that time. I will PM you my contact info. Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions. ((((Hugs))))

I, too, have PCOS and insulin resistance. I was diagnosed 10 years ago. I was on Metformin for 9 years-- from the day I was diagnosed until the day I had my lap-band surgery. My first post on this board was something similar to the OP of this thread. I wanted to know if the lap-band could really help someone w/ PCOS lose weight. I was skeptical, as some of you are, because nothing else has worked. I was banded 7 1/2 months ago and I've lost 88 pounds. I lost a lot at first, and it's becoming increasingly harder-- but it's working! Even though I still have to make the decision to eat the right things, it's easier to do so when you are not hungry all the time. Plus, I've noticed that I don't get the cravings for sweets and carbs like I used to. Also, for those of you wondering, I've had regular cycles since the 2nd month out of surgery. I haven't had a regular period cycle in probably 15 years. Although I'm not actively trying to conceive, it seems miraculous to me that I'm ovulating and menstrating like a "regular" woman. It's an amazing feeling. Good luck to all of us that are struggling with weight and PCOS. It's not an easy journey, no matter which path we take.