lisa in toronto

Emep:

I have not been on this site or the old tlbc site in several weeks. Life, ya know. Anyhow, I am shocked to see all the angry and frustrated dialogue. Doubly shocked to see anyone thinking Heather is a "plant" - I know that is ridiculous. I have been on this site for years and she has always given helpful and eloquent advice, to me and to others. (Now Jane, on the other hand....) Anyhow, I also was not able to participate in all the old programs, but did get a lot of support from Jill, and I am sad to not have that open access that I was used to. I have not had any imformation about the new "organization" except from the pages of Canada Lapbandtalk, and eventually will try to tap into the new programs. I am lucky enough to live in the GTA, but sympathize with your frustration. It is true that you must find support wherever you can. I know that we on this site will do what we can to help you, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Best of Luck to you, Jorja, and Doddie, I encourage you to keep giving your wise and helpful support on this site, and let no one discourage you from doing so. It is interesting to know that TLBC is monitoring this site. I certainly have my suspicions as to who is reporting back to them. But I hope it does, in the end, help those who are now having problems with the clinic. I still wonder how they are going to adequately replace Jill and all her wonderful programmes. I, for one, will miss her.

Happy Holidays to all!!

As you probably know, Jane, no one at TLBC will discuss this, other than to say she is no longer there. I tried.

Others have said when they called for Jill, they were told she no longer works here. It seems as though that is their answer so not sure what else you are looking for but they are giving that answer out. If you feel you are owed more, then you should contact management and see what they have to say. For me, she no longer works here is all I need but if you feel you need more, then you need to make that call.

I have not been on the site for a while. I am shocked and disturbed by the fact that Jill will no longer be there with her gentle manner and very helpful information.

Jane c., I hate to say this but you really sound like an apologist for the administration, which is not what this web site is for.

It was Jill who put together the most useful support programs offered by TLBC; there is no one there who has the skills and caring attitude to continue those programs, and I fear they will end now with her disappearance . We have a right to have opinions and feelings about this. I also worry for the future of the clinic, and for what it will mean for all of us who were banded there.

I don't have the heart to change my stats, but I've actually gone from 140 to 153 lb. I hope things start going in the right direction again.

I hope it's okay to jump in in the middle. My first band (July 5,2007) broke- the tubing pulled away from the band. So, after waiting 6 weeks to get diagnosed, then another 4 weeks to get booked in, I had a new band put in Aug. 8/08. I just had my first fill this morning, and have been ravenous all day. I did very well with my first band, and felt so angry, fearful of regaining weight, and frustrated with the long waits, and with myself for allowing my eating to get out of control during this "NO BAND" stage. I had lost 93 lbs., but have regained 13 lbs. Now I am struggling to get my head into eating properly again. Having gotten 3cc's in my 10cc band, I don't feel any restriction yet, but hope I will tomorrow, when I start back on solids. So now, after 3and a half months of no band and being out of control (lots of junk food) I am trying to get back to where I was. The band breaking was not through my doing anything wrong- evidently it "just happens" with the kind of band I had (Inamed) sometimes. I could sure use support, help, encouragement right now. Thanks for letting me vent.

My love and best wishes to you, dear Green. Will talk soon.

I know it is a long weekend in Canada, and lots of people here are away, but please someone out there, respond. I need some help!

By the way, haven't had the heart to change my tape, so add 15 lbs.

I have had an Inamed 10cc band in for 1 year, but 6 weeks ago I started to have"tightening" and 4 weeks ago I suddenly could eat anything and didn't feel banded at all. After confirming with Fluoroscopy, it turns out the tubing has broken away from the rest of the band and is flapping loose. I've gained about 15 lb. and am going for new band in a week. I'm finding this tremendously depressing and frustrating, and also am worried the new one won't work as wellas the old one did, or that I've lost some of the strength and enthusiasm I had with my original surgery. Anyone out there go through a similar experience, particularly with the Inamed band? I really could use some help!

Hi Maryvan:

I haven't yet tried the pre-op diet, as I was away, and couldn't do the Protein shakes etc. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Anyhow, today I ran a race in the Distillery district in Toronto, so no preop diet today! Maybe tomorrow.... I was done at TLBC by Dr. Yau one year ago, and it was Jill who suggested the pre-op diet to kickstart out of a plateau. I really like her alot, and she really seems to want to help.

Sorry you two are having such a hard time of it. It does seem unfair. What about the "Insulin Resistance" possibility? Maybe some Metformin is what you need to get things moving again. I'm Diabetic, but with the weight loss, I'm in good control now, although Iam still on Metformin. I'm almost afraid to go off it.

Cheers to all and have a good Sunday!

Also, if you still get 'em, accept that you will gain pounds before periods.

I went to my clinic a month or two ago and showed her my food diary and the nutritionist said I was doing everything right. She couldn't see any reason that I wasn't losing. I'm thinking of getting another fill, but not because I am eating too much or binging, but they always say if you aren't losing get a fill. It's not a magic bullet though.

I'm going to go on my pre-op diet again for a week or so and see if that doesn't shake things up a bit. If not, I may go to my GP and ask her to send me for tests (other than thyroid, as I've been tested to death for that) and see what they can find out. Maybe it's just my age (48) and it's harder to lose the older you get?

Thanks for the comments.

Maryvan:

If not already done, you should have hormones checked to make sure you don't have hypothyroidism, diabetes, or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). These would all be causes of weight gain or difficulty losing, and all can be treated. Good luck to you. I can see why you are frustrated. The nutritionist at my clinic suggested one or two weeks on the pre-op diet for a very lengthy plateau I was on.

Thanks for the replies ladies!

I had a really relaxing time. It was a very posh spa, expensive sevices, so I tipped a $20. It was an unusally extravagant gift from my husband for mother's day. I should not count on it happening again anytime soon, especially since the surgery loan payments start this month!

Sounds delightful, and I'm going tomorrow for manicure and pedicure. I love having pretty pink toes.

I was banded one year ago, and just wanted to congratulate you on starting a new, healthier life. I have not an ounce of regret- this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It will be for you too!

I got 1/2 cc for a total of 7 right now. It is amazing how much difference 1 1/2 cc makes!

Hi there, Susan. You are doing so well. It is amazing how differently the different bands work. I could never get 1 1/2 cc at a time with my Inamed band. My fills are .1 to .15 cc. Anything more and I'm hurling.

Anyhow, you are back on track and going strong- congratulations, shayna punim!:thumbup:

I went to my doctor today, and I asked him in a round about way about your problem. He stated it could be that the line that goes from the port to the band is entangled in part of your colon, that might be why you said it feels like something is pulling inside. I hope that you have already made an appointment to be checked. Keep us posted, in case we feel these symptoms likes these.

That was really nice of you, rlp. I saw Dr. Yau yesterday, and he said the same thing- that it was likely colon caught up in the band. He also said it was more likely to happen with an Inamed band, but didn't explain why this was. (He was between surgeries). I am going away tomorrow morning, with some long distance driving involved. He assured me it would be safe- that the worst thing that could happen would be that the band would pull away from the tubing, and I would feel unfilled and able to eat freely. But he said this was not dangerous to me, and he will investigate, and possibly operate, when I get back.

So, hopefully, mystery solved, and I will write again when I know more. Thanks to all for your help and well-wishes.

It's been happening for a week now. No sit-ups. No new forms of exercise. Weird, eh?

I need some help, especially from you experienced bandsters out there:

For the past week, later in the day, my abdominal muscles go into a major "cramp". It hurts, and feels sore and tight from the band and down the tubing (which I can feel) and down to the port in my lower abdomen. It actually pulls my abdomen out of shape, and I get large "dimples" around the band and port ends. Has anyone else experienced this??? What the

H--- is this?? Am I suddenly doing something wrong? I was banded July/07.

:eek::thumbup:

Mandi:

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad in December, and still find it hard to believe he is not here, not on this earth, for me to call, see or laugh and joke with.He is in my thoughts and heart, as is your Mom in yours. This is how our loved ones achieve a measure of immortality-in our love for them, and our memories of them.

Tears are not a measure of our feelings. Let them come when they will. And, yes, you are probably in a state of shock. Busy doing things, making arrangements etc. It's probably just as well, or you wouldn't be able to get done those things you must.

Hugs to you.

Oh Susan,

Good for you. The Lap Band is going to change your life like it has mine.

Feeling good about yourself instead of "I should really try to get some of this weight off " changes a person.

edie

Susan: I knew you would get back on track in your own time. I am so proud of you, and know you can get to goal. If I can get there, anyone can. We have given ourselves a great tool!!:thumbup:

Lorily,

Sometimes yes sometimes no... mine never really loosened up only got tighter but that is me..but it is not uncommon for people to get looser... if you aren't loosing in two or three weeks i would get a little out. Try taking a zantac before bed I can't live like that but that is just me.

Good luck

Heather

Heather:

I agree with you that vomiting is vomiting. It happens to me every once in a while, but fairly unpredictably. Usually after eating solid Proteins, like meat or fish, though not necessarily after eating fast or too much. It also seems I tighten up after flying, and am unable to eat for 24 hours afterward. My question for you, Heather, is: How do you know if and when your band has slipped?? Are there telltale signs?:thumbup:

Oh, Susan. I am so proud of you for having the courage to come back, to admit you are human and have flaws, like everyone else. I know, and you know, that in the end you can do this, you can decide what you put in your mouth. And I know that I am very lucky , that my weight came off quickly at the beginning, when I had the most commitment to the "programme". Now I am struggling with the last 15 lbs. (I've gained weight, but didn't have the heart to change my ticker tape). Point being, we all have to do some soul-searching at times to get on track with where we know we need to go. In the end, food is just food. It's not sex or love or comfort; we have to find those things elsewhere.

So, welcome back, dear Susan, shayna punim. We have missed you, and your wisdom and advice.

Susan Silver- It is so great to see you posting again, and I hope you are doing really well.

hmmmmm... Innamed brought her in for Tom's clinic which makes me wonder... why didn't they bring her in for SWLC's conference they are established with a lot of patients.... are they really that shallow that now they have SWLC locked into a contract for only Innamed bands that they don't care about the clinic anymore and want to seal up the east end business only now...

And interesting if she is slamming the other clinics by saying Toms is the best wonder how the other Innamed clinics will feel about that one.... I don't see how a clinic that has done 10 bands personally can be the best of anything I think I will stick to my tried and true

Heather

How do you know this fellow "Tom" is affiliated with CIBO? I thought there was a Tom who was a business manager at TLBC. I didn't hear the CBC report.

I've just come back from a fill with Nancy at TLBC. She got in quick and painlessly, even though this was the first time since my port was moved. She has always been very pleasant with me. The clinic is great, Dr. Yau is experienced and skilled, and the rest of the staff is delightful and supportive. Rest assured, you will be happy with either TLBC or SWLC. I personally am very pleased with my experience with Dr. Yau and the TLBC.