HSH

I lost my band on Monday 6/18/08 after only having it for three months 3/18/08. I am heart broken, I was doing fabulous with my band. I had lost nearly 50 pounds since Jan 08 and many of those due to my band. I feel so depressed right now I cannot even explain and everyone keeps telling me I can do it on my own. Well, I have made going to the gym a regular schedule for me but I really relied on my band to help with Portion Control. TEARS. I wrote down everything I ate along with daily Protein, i even wrote down all the exercising i did. Now, where do i go from here? Im so depressed!!!

Crying in California

Paula

Paula,

I am sorry that you feel sad. but in a way, it is a good thing not to have a foriegn body inside you :-) Here are some tips on how to keep the weight off:

- Keep exercising. That is going to be key to stabalize your mood, keep you energetic and burn calories. Challege yourself at the gym. Promise yourself to take it up a notch everytime you workout.

- always have a salad with your meals

- get your carbs from fruits and veggies

- chew chew chew. eat slowly. then ask yourself. "am I hungry? is this a good time to stop"

Portion control is by far my biggest challenge as well. So I always tell myself that the food is not going anywhere. I am going to stop eating now, give myself 30 mins, and if I am still hungry, I can eat the rest. Most of the time, I do not go back for the rest :-)

Good luck :-)

Thanks for the quick response Hala. You are running your marathon today and I'm thinking about you. I have actually done 2 half marathons with the LLS (leukemia, lymphoma society) and it was a blast. Bermuda and Houston. My first one to attend as an honored patient was the Rock N Roll marathon in San Diego. I was hooked after that. If I would've stuck with that program, I would've probably never even gotten the band. I've been on so many diets that I know there is no miracle cure. Even with the band you have to watch what you eat and how you eat etc. I'm so proud of you though and you really give me inspiration. I will say that I, too, jump on that scale every day. I was 190 when I went into the hospital severly dehydrated and within the first three days added almost 10 pounds but it's almost all gone now, I know it was the anesthesia, saline etc. Let's keep in touch and let me how how you did on the marathon. Where was it and what group did you join? Congrats!

Sharyl

Hi Sharyl,

That is so wonderful that you have done 2 half marathons! May I ask what made you stop running? I would figure that once you catch the running bug you are hooked for life :-)

I am glad that I inspire you. It makes me feel really good if I could just reach out to one person and make a difference! I totally agree, let us stay in touch and keep each other motivated. And honestly girile, 190 lbs is not that bad, just some small adjustments and you will be at your goal weight in no time :-)

It is so funny that you got your start at the SD Rock and Roll!!!!! That is the race I just ran!!!!! :-)

I did okay, I did not hit my goal time (a little sub 5 hrs) But I did not do too bad for my first one. I finished at 5 hrs and 10 mins.... Oh well, Next time I'll do better ...

It was one of the best experiences of my life! Had a great time.

Good luck to you and stay in touch :-)

Hala

Hala,

Congrats on the additional loss. How are you doing since being debanded. Do you have to to struggle or did you just change your eating habits? I was just debanded last Saturday and am scared that I'll gain all my weight back. I started at 249 and lost to 195 before getting debanded. The first few days I had already gained 5 pounds because of Water I assume. I started eating this Thurs. and it feels like heaven. Just small salads and such. Anyway, I like this group and appreciate the support. Would like to hear from you. Sharyl

Hello Sharyl,

I am sorry to hear about you getting debanded. How do you feel about it? In response to your question, I am doing great. As happy as I was to get the band removed, my initial motivation for staying on track was the fear being the person who got weightloss surgery and failed to loose weight. So for the first few months, I kept telling myself that. Everytime I got head hunger, I would ask myself what was more important, my health or food. In time, I learned how much food my body actually needed. Before the surgery I had no idea how much I was eating, despite the fact that I was a calorie counter! (I would count calories and then if I went over my goal I would just stop counting :wink2: ) There are also 2 other important factors: 1- I cut down on my carbs tremendously. I cannot stress enough how little carbs you body actually needs!! I upped my protien as well. So much more filling. I know this sounds horrible, but instead of having pretzels and other high carb foods for a snack, I eat a small can of tuna, or a handful of raw almonds, or a boiled egg. I know that it sounds gross and unfulfilling, but you would be surprised how quickly the hunger pains go away in comparison to the higher carb items (which would NEVER fill me up and I just kept going back for more and more) 2- I am moving. I guess this part came pretty easy for me because I have always worked out, even at my heaviest, but there again, I did not realize how much you have to exercise to loose weight. Each person is different, but for me, I need to run 25 + miles per week to drop weight. But as any workout regimen START SLOW!!! :thumbup: What helped me to get where I am is training for a marathon. (Which I will be running tomorrow :cool2:) I joined a running group and the support was amazing. I made new friends, gained a heck of a lot of confidence and am overall a much happier person! Exercise does wonderful things for your body. And I have a motto to keep me motivated: "I regret not going to the gym, but I NEVER regret going!!" So not matter how crappy or unmotivted you feel, MAKE YOURSELF GO! even if it is just for a short walk around the block:regular_smile:.

With this being said, I have many bad days (like yesterday) when I ate myself into a frenzy. But I try not to dwell. I just pick myself up and start over. As long as the overall trend is moving in the right directon, then I am fine. Oh, and one last thing: I weigh myself everyday. That way, If I gain weight I can work on loosing it right away, instead of having to loose more if I go too long without weighing.

I wish you the best of luck with your weightloss! Remeber to always chew chew chew! That rule does not change after getting debanded! I will always be here if you need motivation or just someone to vent to! Take care and keep eating those salads

Hala

first of all, I admire all of you who have had problems and are sticking with your weight loss/maintence plan and have good attitudes on top of it !!!

I'm fairly new to the band (2/27/08) and was wondering: (1) were the problems you had that required removal easy to identify? Like pain that was out of control? what is erosion/slippage and how do you know you have it; (2) was there anything that you could have done to prevent it or it was just a fluke, the nature of the band; (3) did your insurance pay for complication revisions even if you were initially self pay; (4) do they usually allow for a revision to a bypass or something else even if you've already lost your weight?

Good luck to all of you who have lost a ton of weight and are keeping it off !!!!

Hi Linda!

First let me commend you on reading all the posts on the site and not just the "warm and fuzzy, feel good" ones. It is important to be informed on all aspects of your band. Now let me address your questions:

1- For me, it was very evident (although it was not for my doctor, go figure!). Always trust yourself and listen to what your bosy is telling you. I was not able to keep anything down. No real pain, but the worst heartburn on the face of the planet! (my band slipped)

2- I am not sure. I was not a perfect bandster, but I do not think that anyone is. For me, the day I got the band in I felt off. My body actually formed scar tissue around the band. So I guess in a way my body rejected it. But then again, I was not a perfect bandster either. Who knows? Just be good to yourself and your band :-)

3- I was a self pay and when I got the band removed my insurance DID pay. I was so worried too. I guess that if you get it removed after a certain period (3 months) and it was for life threatening reasons. I would check with your company though, just to make sure. I think they are all different.

4- My Dr. asked me if I wanted to get a bgypass and I was 170 lbs when the band was removed. (Ie, I was not obese) of course I said no. I have since lost an additional 15lbs :-) (I had to toot my horn there! I just could not help it)

Great questions btw!!!!

Take care!

Hala

Thank you SElaine for posting this thread!

Sophrosyne; I completeley agree with you and your approach to loosing the weight and keeping it off. (Especially the carb thing, you would be surprised how little carbs you actually need; even as a very active person). The small changes that we make day to day make a huge difference. I like to take it one day at a time. There really is no sense in getting depressed about loosing the band, and come to think of it, I was really miserable for the 4 months I was banded.

This is not to say that the band has not taught me some very valuable lessons. Most importantly, it retrained me on the mechanics of eating. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I had gotten to a point where I took huge bites, barely chewed my food at all, never felt full and was always bloated and uncomfortable. All this because I did not pace myself and take my time while eating.

My band was removed in December. Since then I have lost an additional 11 lbs. I am eating super healthy and limiting my portioms. I take small bites and chew thorouly and that helps me reach satiety with smaller portions. Also, I work out 6 days a week and will be running the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon in June. (*YAY ME !!!)

I keep telling myself that I refuse to be the person who got banded but did not loose the weight. Everyday is still a struggle and I think that I will always have my issues with food. But I refuse to let it ruin my life!

25 lbs to go! WE CAN DO THIS!!

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Good luck to you all!!

yeah, sounds good :-)

Hello Gaynor,

I had my band removed in December 07 due to a slip. Not only have I maintained, but have managed to loose 10 lbs. I told myself "I refuse to be the person who got the surgery and did not loose weight".

Honestly, the band has taught me so much in a mere 4 months. One thing I continue to do is chew chew chew. I find that I am fuller faster and that I cannot eat nearly as much as I used to.

Also, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of excersice. Not only does it help me maintain my weight, it helps with my focus, moods, and energy.

Best of luck to you, and if you ever feel like venting or talking to someone, I'll be here

Hala

Want2beme,

My pleasure! that was the idea. I just wanted to share my experience first hand.

I have to say, I am much happier! I have been able to maintain (even loose a couple of lbs). I just take it one day at a time. Hopefully I will be able to loose more weight!

Please feel free to ask me any questions!

Take care and good luck!

Yes you are right. It was never for me. My body started developing scar tissue trying to protect itself from the foreign body. I am so much happier with the band out. If you read my post (the link above) you will know my experience with the band.

I have contined to loose weight since my band removal and am feeling great. I can eat salads and fruit. Which is also FABULOUS!

In any event, I joined the post for support, being made an "example" of was not my plan, and my inbox has been jammed with negative emails from several people. I have made it such that the emails I receive from this site go to my junk folder, but for some reason, it did not take.

I am hapy to share my experience with anyone who wants to hear it and am happy to answer any questions. But I kindly ask you to refrain from judging me or being nasty.

Oh, and by the way, thank you for your concern. My surgery went very well and I recovered in 1 day.

I am trying to stay positive and do not appreciate your post. First of all, I DID call my insurance company and while there is a slight chance that they may not pay, they advised me that they do not have restrictions on WLS. Second, if you read my post carefully, I already had my band removed, this was not an elective surgery, it was needed since my body was rejecting the band AND it the band was causing an obstrucion.

In any event, I hope that the insurance company will cover this and if It does not I do plan to fight it in court since their literature states otherwise. In the meantime I will try to keep a POSITIVE attitude as not to place unneeded stress on myself. Until the insurance company denies payment, I refuse to stress about the issue OR be negative.

Thank you for your concern.

Hi Toni,

I am doing really well. What ended up happening was that I devloped Scar tissue around my liver that was pushing against my band. Therefore, instead of my band and stomach moving together, my somatch was able to move but my band was not, hence the slip.... SO GLAD THAT THING IS OUT OF ME. My acid reflux is gone completely. YEY!!!! and my puncture wounds hurt SO MUCH LESS this time around. In fact, the most painfull thing is my shoulder and chest pain from the gas. I think that I should be able be at work by tomorrow :-). The best part is that the insurance co. will cover the removal :-)

Going to rest now :-)

Take care!

Hala

Take care

Hi there Toni,

Are you having problems of your own? please DO share :-)

I am getting super nervous about tomorrow, I have been reding all these posts about post de banding issues like scar tissue and esophoges damage...

EEESSHHHHH

I hope that my recovery is fast...

Hala

Thank you for your kind words...

No it will not be for free, but they will be running it through my insurance even though I was a self pay. They said that because this was a complication that occured 90 days after surgery, the insurance co should cover it. I am keeping my fingers crossed!!!!

Hello All,

This is a rant about my experience and feelings. I got banded on August 4nd 2007 (4 months ago). In researching the surgery, I thought it to be the perfect solution. I understood the complications, but as a young, healthy person, I thought I was safe from them (WRONG).

Prior to being banded, I was 215lbs. I was a runner and a salad lover. I was also a "out of control portion" eater. I decided to get the band so I could loose weight in order to get pregnant.

After the surgery:

First couple of weeks I struggled severely, I had no restriction and kept on asking myself; "if I have to work this hard to be on post op diet... etc, then why did I get banded??" (WHY INDEED). I got my first fill and still no restriction. I still managed to loose 15 lbs. Got my second fill, it was too tight. I started experiencing really bad acid reflux (by the way, I NEVER knew what heartburn was prior to getting banded).

After my first unfill, I expressed my concerns to my doctor; I told him that I did not feel "right" something was off. But of course, according to my surgeon, it was all in my head, so I was sent on my merry way. A week later, I called my surgeon, again, with symptoms of an overfill. I went in and got the band completely deflated. A week later, same symptoms. WTF???

OH, my band had slipped. I guess that it was not all in my head after all.

I received a call from my surgeon yesterday telling me that I had other WLS "options" (I am now 170 lbs, for my height, I am not even considered obese anymore, overweight yes, but not obese). OK, no WAY!!! after all the pain that I have been through, and after dismissing me the way he did, would I consider revision or any other WLS. I told him I wanted it removed. SOOOOOOO.... I am going in on Monday to get it taken out.

I have to say that I have learned a lot from my time being banded. Mainly, chewing my food and eating slowly. I hope that I can continue these good habits. I am in a lot of pain at the moment; I have not eaten in 3 days and am only able to keep Water down if I sip very very slowly. I am looking forward to regaining my energy. My husband and I will be signing up for the Rock and Roll marathon in June! I am most looking forward to dusting off my running shoes (or dusting?? :-)). I just miss the high I used to get from running and I miss my old energy level that I never regained after getting banded... Oh, AND I can’t WAIT to eat a leafy green salad and sink my teeth into a crunchy apple. Mmmmmmmm

Anywhoo, I think that I will go study now, OH; did I mention that I am a graduate student one week away from finals? Well I am... So I am hoping for a quick recovery.

If you have made it this far reading my rant I congratulate you. Here is a bonus question: How long is the recovery period after band removal?

Good luck to you all!

Hala

I am so glad to hear that I am not alone. I had my surgery on August 4th. got my first fill 4 weeks after that (no restriction) and got my second fill today. I have a 5cc band and have filled 2.1cc so far. I can eat and not feel full/ restricted/ I also have thought of going back on Jenny. But the point was to change my habits and not just go on a diet. Anyhoo, I have only lost 20 lbs and have 48 to go...SUCKY! I feel that if I do not get the restriction soon I may freak out! :-)

I have the worst time with red meat, not matter how much I chew it still gets stuck. Sick of chicken and fish :-(

Does anyone else have issues with red meat?

Hala

hello all,

I was banded on August 4th and have been on solids for almost a month now. I had my first fill 4 weeks post op and had no restiriction. I go in for my scond fill nest wednesday and am hoping that I start feeling some restriction. I know that the band is in place because if I do not chew chew chew food gets stuck. Id anyone else experiencing a lack of restriction. If so, do you think there is any hope to ever feel it? I have lost a total of 20lbs so far.

Hala

Hello,

I am in San Diego. Banded on 8//4 and weightloss is slow, only 20 lbs so far ...

2nd fill is in 2 weeks. Looking forward to that :-)

Hala

Hi there,

I quit smoking years before the surgery and i did it using nicotine Patches. I strongly recommend that.

Hala

Hello Tigerlily,

So, I had the same doubts abot the surgery that you did. Specificallly, I was terrified of the anethesia. I am a 28 year old female, 5'4 and went into the surgery weighing 216 lbs. My main motivation was my health and the fact that I want to have a baby. I have no heart conditions or comorbidities. But I think the thought of having a heart condition or diabetes was scarier to me than taking the plunge.

Since my surgery I have not been perfect (you can read my post "I want to cry"). With that being said, I have lost a total of 20 lbs in a month. I was hard both emotionally and physically. I made an appointment with a therapist to deal with all the "head isssues" that come along with the surgery.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the benefits DO outweigh the costs. The fact that you have a great support system is wonderful. Also, the fact that you are so young and have a heart condition should be a very strong motivator for you. Although the ultimate decision to get the surgery is yours, I strongly urge you to do it. It will be the best decision you will ever make :-)

I wish you the very best of luck with your journey!

Take care,

Hala

Thanks!

I thought so, but I just wanted to check :-)

Thank you for replying!

Hala

Hello All,

Okay, so I had my first fill yesterday (1.3 ccs). I am going to be on liquids for 3 days and I have a couple of questions.

1- How soon do you start feeling the restriction?

2- Why do I have to be on liquids for 3 days?

Hala

Hi there Marcy,

I think that it is the diet. I had that same problem and it lasted for a few days after I reinroduded solids to my diet. It's nothing to worry about :-)

Hala

All,

Just wanted to update you all with my staus. I went to the doctors this morning and my band is fine. The nutritionist actually encoraged eating solids as long as I chewed really well...

I had my first fill of 1.3CCs. I need to be on liquids for 2 days (anyone know why?)

I hope that this fill gives me a feeling of satiety! but I am back on track and feeling good..

I lost 4 more lbs despite being able to eat!

Thank you all for your support!

You asked if anyone had a 2 shake diet with a rich Protein meal. I did. that is what my doctor ordered...

So you have no reason to feel bad!