Ericalynn13

Thank you all for your great ideas, I will bring them up to my current doctor. At least he doesn't feel that my weight is some sort of disease!!!! I had one dr treat me like I was a leaper (I told her I would never be coming back to her clinic) As for the bleeding the horrible stuff started Feb 2nd, I went to the ER and they couldn't do anything until my hemogoblin (blood count?) got below a certain number, then they would transfuse me. Right now I'm at "normal" period bleeding (like EVERYONE here wants to know all this right) All of my dr's (band, pcp, gyno etc) are aware of what is going on, and all of them are checking my blood levels regularly and I've been "educated" as to when I need to take myself to the ER -- when I get light headed or feel like my blood pressure has dropped. I also carry paperwork with me at all times explaining what is happening if I were to go unconscious. My current Dr is experiementing with b/c pills to try to stop the bleeding until I loose about 100 more pounds he says then he wants to try to shrink the fibroid. I'm going to ask about the endometrial ablation. I had my band 16 months ago, and am fully healed from that experience. Actually the dr I'm with right now was suggested to me by my band doctor. As I said above this current dr is the first one of all of them that has treated me like a human being. Sometimes I wonder if I just need to know that other people have been thru this. Thank you for all your kind responses!!!

:help: Greetings. Hi, I have the lapband, and have lost 70 pounds, but am still over the 400 pound mark. I am in desperate need of a Gynecologist in the Seattle area, I have been diagnosed with a fibroid that I need removed and NO ONE can/will help me. . . all the Gyno's I have gone to say "You're too heavy, I can’t help you" I’ve seen 4? no 5 of them now. I am too "fat" for an embolism, the machines aren’t big enough . . . to "fat" for a hysterectomy. . . I’ll die from the complications . . . to "fat" for the meds to reduce the Fibroid, because my fat issue will absorb the meds and not distribute thru my body <O:p</O:pI am VERY unhappy having my period every single day:cry , I'm on month 3 of solid heavy periods and could just cry, the cramping, the pain and the HORMONES, my husband could just throttle me and he's been VERY supportive thru all of this. I've been to the ER for blood transfusion because of the blood loss, I'm on Iron because of the blood loss, this is just too much. Does anyone have any experience as an obese person with Fibroids and who did you go to for help? Thank you in advance for any information you might provide.<O:p</O:p

What pushed me to commit? I was 25 years old, my doctor told me with good authority that I would be dead by my 50th birthday, because of my health issues, at that I would be miserable for the next 25 years getting to that "death date" NOW, I know the power of the human mind and I know that no one can tell you when you will die. But the day she said that too me I was so overweight and hurt so bad I would have gladly died that moment. I just didn't want to deal with it any more. I was 486 pounds the day I went to get my band. <O:p</O:pI do want to address something you said that hit me, you will not "fail" your lapband, trust me if you could I would have done it by now. Your band does not allow you to fail, if you eat something that you shouldn't, guess what?? -- it comes back to you, once something comes back often enough you loose all emotional desire to eat that item. Yes, I do know that puking is not a "correct bandster" thing, but with my tenacity and unwillingness to be told what to do, for a few select foods puking has been the only thing that's hit home. TRUST ME pizza, when it comes back up, SUCKS and it never tastes the same again. <O:p</O:pYes, you can eat around your band, drink a million calories a day, eat ice cream like its going out of style. But you will ask yourself . .. is this what I spent my money for? You’ll say to yourself, I risked my life to go under anesthesia (which is totally safe by the way, but still a risk) I spent 1 week in pain, on pain meds, I did not go thru ALL of that to fail this. Another point you don't realize, most of us (I say 'most' because there are ALWAYS exceptions) are never hungry. I used to spend all the moments of my day planning my next meal, planning what I would eat next. I would have tomorrows breakfast planned while I was eating dinner tonight. Now I have my list of what I HAVE to eat by the end of the day, and most days I don't succeed at eating all of it (My 60g of protein, my 64 fl oz water, my meds, my 5 veggies and 3 fruits a day --- heck almighty bandsters will tell you, once you gag down all that food each day the LAST thing you want is a milk shake) <O:p</O:pI guess with all my rambling I’m just trying to say your fears are valid, because they are your fears, but I think once you get into this experience, deeper then you are you will be amazed at how many of your fears just never come to light <O:p</O:pAlso have you considered going to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comMexico</ST1:p</st1:country-region> to have your band done? I have 2 very close friends that did not qualify for insurance to cover here in the states that were very impressed and happy. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you or help you in any way. I love my band, I wouldn’t give it back if someone offered me the world.

bump to the top. :-) I love this thread.

Also Tina, we had a thread going awhile back about 300+ pound bandsters. Since the person who starts out with a higher BMI has a very different journey then the person who starts with a very low BMI, we were using it to talk and express ourselves about the journey. I don't have time right this moment to find it for you, but when I do, I'll try to bump it up so you can see it. :-) ~ Erica

Hi, Tina, my BMI was 75.2 the day I went into surgery. The "wish center in WA state" would not even place a band in me. That man had me crying when I left, he ranted at me for almost an hour that the only surgery I could have is the bypass and I'm too obese to have the lap-band and on and on. I really REALLY disliked the way they talked to me and the way I was treated by them. I'm totally basing my statement on my personal opinion, but please, if there is any way for you, find another surgeon. My Surgeon that placed my band, Dr. Neal, had no issues with my body, my weight, my port placement or my birth control, all of which the Wish Center totally freaked out over. Like I said, just my personal experience. According to my surgeon my BMI had no bearing whatsoever on the success or risks of my surgery (except the going under part - but that was all realitive to any body size person getting put to sleep and brought back awake). Please feel free to email me if you would like to talk.

Hi I'm Erica, I was banding 9/30/05 by Dr Neal. I live in Bothell, and commute to Bellevue for work!!! I would love to meet local bandsters. Message me, tell me how your doing!

I'm looking for actually documentation (not hearsay, or my doctor said) about the minimum number of calories the human body needs to be healthy and safe. Obviously I've put way to many calories in my body that's why I've had my surgery. However I don't know if I subscribe to the "starvation theory" either. . . .heck almighty, if I was going to starve to death that would have happened during my liquid phase. What have you actually read? That I can look up and read in black and white myself, about how many calories you need to eat. This is purely a question out of my own curiosity, not meant to insight comments about rebellion or "listen to my doctor" *laughter* Thanks in advance ~ Erica

Pre-band I would consum 3 scrambled eggs, 2 johnsonville brats and 2 pieces of toast with 32 oz of Milk for Breakfast. 1 Triple Cheeseburger with X-Large Fry and 32 oz soda for lunch, refilled the soda before I left the diner. A candy bar out of the vending machine with a bag of chips if I was REALLY hungry for snack around 3. . oh' with a can of Pepsi. 1/2 of a Papa Murphy's Family size Canadian Bacon and Pinapple pizza (so what 4-6 peices) with some salad, My husband and I would split a 2 liter of soda. OH and breadsticks!! 1/4 of a half gallon of Dryers ice cream for dessert TODAY! I have 1 scrambled egg for breakfast . .. with a 20 oz Hot chocolate that takes me until 11 to finish. 8 oz of milk, A 1/2 can of tuna with mayo and 1/2 of an apple for lunch Water 1 single 2" slice of Papa Murphys Pizza for dinner ---- IF I'm LUCKY and don't feel like I'm going to gag 1/2 way thru the piece of pizza. Maybe a half cup of ice cream a few hours later, if my stomach doesn't feel too annoyed with me. ITs like I get that stuffed, over the top, WAY too much Turkey Dinner feeling from a single egg, or a 1/2 cup of ice cream. Did the band change my eating choices, no, does my band prevent me from eating an entire pizza in one setting yes -- it now takes me almost a week eating pizza lunch AND dinner to eat one pizza. And ice cream, the gallon in my refridgerator right now, has the freezer fuzz on top, so I'll be throwing it away. I once used to spend every minute of everyday figuring out what I was going to eat next, where I would stop for my next food morsel, and that I was hungry. Now eating is a chore, something that I have to force myself to do, because I know that I need the Protein and the calories for healthy weight loss.

I gave up caffeine for my surgery and never went back to it. Caffeine is a natural diaretic, it dehydrates your body. I spent the first weeks out of the hospital fighting to stay hydated to the point that I wasn't light headed, I sure as heck wasn't about to put something into my body that made me dehydrate!!!!! Then when the doc said I could go back to coffees and stuff, I figured I had already done all the withdrawls of caffeine and just haven't reintroduced it back into my system. I think they do "no alcohol" becasue of the tremdous amount of calories in it!!!!! You can easily drink your entire days calories in 3 drinks, AND don't mention the fact that it slides right past your band and doesn't give you any satisfaction of being full. Also I think alot of mixed drinks have bubbles, and I don't know about eveyone else but buddles are TOTALLY painful, I swore I would never have pop again after being banded, and 3 months post op I just had to taste what I was missing, OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH is all I can say, I spent 2 hours praying that I could just puke the ick up. And even once the bubbles were gone, by a belching contest to beat the band, the residual pain was still there. Long post summed up, I think your body will determine what you give up, once you've spent hours begging your body to please do "Something" with whatever is causing your pain, you will gladly never consum it again. :-)

Hi, I was at 75 bmi when I had my surgery 9 weeks ago. Yes I have the band and yes it was done laporscopically, it took me 4 surgeons to find one that felt confident to do it, but it is DONE. Don't hesistate for a minute to go to another surgeon and another and another, until you get the answers you need for you.

I was on liquids for 3 weeks this is part of a post I put on another thread, I think you'll be amazed at how easy it is to find Protein. Cream of chicken Soup made with milk or chicken broth, ran it thru the blender and strained it, I made this up 2-3 cans at a time, strained it and put it in my refrigerator, so I could just pour a cup and microwave. Slim-Fast High Protein, chocolate was my favorite. All the Campbells Condensed Soups can be thinned down enough to strain. I did a lot of the bean one (Beans are high in protein). EGGNOG -- OH MY GOSH, I Love that stuff. But you want to watch its high caloric value. MILK, lots of milk, chocolate, white, strawberry you name it. (8+g of protein per 8 ounces) HOT COCOA was my salvation, bought the sugar free mix and made it with Milk to get the protein, I added flavors to that too. JAMBA juice --- I watched what I choose, tending to stay to the peachy ones, and asked them to "blend the hell out of it". My doctor also suggested Orange Julius drinks. Both of which you can ask to have protein added to. I didn't do many of the mixes, but greatly disliked the Myoplex stuff, YUCK. Carnation instant Breakfast worked too, but it didn't have enough Protein for my liking. Best Luck, welcome to an awesome journey. :-) ~ Erica

Hi, I am 8 weeks post-op and here is what I know . . . or think I know for that matter. *laughter* First let me tell you I was 480 pounds 5'8" tall the day of my surgery. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY TO HAVE ALL THE EXTRA FAT REMOVED? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Fat no, Skin yes, I have abused my body to the point that it will never recover from the streched out skin, one of my dearest friends who only had 120'ish pounds to loose with her band just had 16 pounds of skin and tissue removed from her mid-body lift. I will definitly have more surgeries to have excess skin removed. But this is DEFINITELY a personal choice. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">WHAT OR HOW DO YOU FIGURE ON MEALS OR food INTAKE ON A DAILY BASES? DO YOU OR ARE YOU GIVEN A STRUCTURED PLAIN TO GO BY? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </FONT></FONT></FONT>I had a very strict diet of specific types of food for 6-weeks post-op. Now I am on a non-restricted diet, which means I can consume anything I want, as long as my body will allow me too. And TRUST ME you will know without a doubt when you have eaten something that your body doesn't like, and that something is totally different for every single bander. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">IS THERE A WEIGHT THAT THEY WON'T OPERATE ON ? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </FONT></FONT></FONT>Being 480 pounds with a BMI of 80+ I had a hard time finding a surgeon that would place the band in me. I got excuses of "we don't know where we would put the port" "I just don't place bands in people as obese as you" "I'll have to poke the heck out of you to find the port and I just don't want to" and the list goes on. Finally I found a doc that was more then willing to and has succussfully placed my band. Also I know for a fact that most will not place the band if you BMI is less then 30 -- because then you are actually underweight. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">WELL THAT'S ENOUGH FOR NOW. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE, THAT COULD HELP. I AM KIND OF NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING THIS DONE. AND I DON'T KNOW ANYONE TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> This is a life changing decision!! I would never take my choice back ever!! Remember that alot of people on these boards are looking for help because they have a problem, so don't let only negative problems be a basis for your decision. Yes there are side effects and problems with any choice you make. However, I just think had I continued on my eating as I was, I would have cleared 500 pounds for Thanksgiving instead of celebrating being under 450 pounds! You'll find that most of us talk, and will answer any questions but also remember that we can NEVER take the place of your doctor. Have no fear in rejecting doctors you don't like. I went to 3 .. . 4 . .. I can't remember before I found my surgeon. I knew what I was looking for and just kept going until I found him! Thanks ~ Erica

Hi, I just had my first fill yesterday (Thursday 11-10-05) and my doc has me do liquids for 2 days, mushies for 2 etc. I am having no issues at all swallowing, Soup, cocoa, Water is going down without any issues. However I HURT, my insides hurt, similiar to how they hurt 7-10 days after my surgery. My husband thinks I've pissed my tummy off by having the fill, and my doctor confirmed that I might have "pain for a few days" after the 1st fill. Has any one else had this? I feel like I'm having a gaint tummy cramp that just won't go away. Any ideas? any hints? I took my really good pain meds from post-surgery last night and might do it again tonight - but obviously this isn't something I wish to continue to do. I have a #11 band and my first fill was 4.4cc's ps. I LOVE MY BAND and am SO THANKFUL I DID this, I just want some guidance if someone else has found a way to deal with this issue. :-) Thanks ~ Erica

I'm almost 8 weeks post-op and I still get port incision pain sometimes. My doc said that they will go away soon. However hurting for 3 days? I would call and just ask my doc about that. But yes, my big incision still hurts, especially after a long day or a day when I do a lot of lifting.

Sorry, everyone, I should have replyed sooner. I was in crampy tummy pain for about 3 days. I think it was a combination of my time of the month, the Barium (I had to drink A LOT YUCKY) and the first fill. I'm hoping the next one isn't like the first!! I love my band too much!

Well, Water obviously is the best count for water. But do you count. . . . Non-Caffeinated herbal tea? Propel? Lemonade? Gatorade? Crystal Lite? Flavored Bottled Waters, like Dansi? Aquafina. . etc? If it is primarily water and has no calories, then is it counted as water? Or is only water counted as water? I'm asking because I'm suppose to get 40-64 oz of water a day into my body, and I'm getting bored with 'just water', if water is the answer, I will gladly continue just water. :-) What are your thoughts? Thanks ~ Erica

Mostly because my biological Father dropped dead of a massive cornary at 52, just like his father did at 44. Walking across the room one moment, dead the next. (and no I was not close with or wanted by my bioFather). I am 26 was 480 pounds, and my doctor told me I would be dead by my 50th birthday from a heart attack. So my thoughts were dead at 50 and miserable for the next 24 years with knee, back, body pain, on major drugs to keep my heart beating, with no children because my weight prevented pregnancy. ~~~OR~~~ <OR> Have a major life changing surgery, be successful with that surgery and live into my 70's or 80's, have children of my own to enjoy, and the next 40+ years of my life with my husband. Oh' and vanity reasons, who the heck DOESN'T want to be able to shop anywhere for their size of clothing, or not worry about having an extender to wear a seat belt.

CONGRATULATIONS!?!?!?! I know this has been one of the greatest choices of my life (being banded) My only "advise" taste a few of those drinks before your surgery. I found that you will definitly like some and others will make you gag. The last thing I wanted to deal with post-op is gagging on my drinks, throwing drinks out and getting something else, I just wanted to open my fridge and have something that I knew I liked to consume. :-) That was within my doc's requirements.

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts!!!! Just a note, I have had my band for 7+ weeks now, I have not consumed an ounce of coffee, espresso or any caffinated beverage, I also have not consumed an ounce of carbonated anything in those weeks. Nor do I intend to ever consume those items again. Mostly because that is what I want for my body and cannot see what caffeine or carbonation adds to my life. I love to drink liquids!!!! I can easily consume more then the needed 64 oz in a day, lots of Water, some milk (I like Milks calories and Protein levels), a random Propel here and there. . . etc -- I was simply asking my question to open my types of liquids consumed and see what others have tried and/or failed in this process. Life is about learning new things and this (the band) is definitely a learning experience. Thanks ~ Erica

I do the liquid sore throat Tylenol (its just plain normal Tylenol, but I feel they've named it totally wrong) Also I have done chewable quick dissolve Excedrine. My doc says to stay away from the 'profens (ibuprofen etc) because they are known to cause problems with your tummy lining, and when you sallow they sit in your small pouch. He says the last thing I want is ulcers in my pouch. :-( OUCH.

I've had my first fill and am 6 weeks post opp, I've been eating bread, tortillas, potatoes of all kinds etc and have not had a single problem. I wonder if it's how much you chew each bite. I chew the heck out of my stuff, in fact my food is usually a very mushie consistency before I swallow. I think the point above is very valid. It is totally different for every single person. Just take it slow, one bit and chew, chew, chew, chew. . . and when you think you are done chewing, chew some more. :-) Cheers, you are at the beginning of a very awesome journey!!!

Don't even worry about the appointment!!! My doctor just asked me questions to determine my personality and why I was having the band done. For example. True or False. . . I think getting the band will solve all of my life problems? True or False. . . . I hate myself. True or False. . . I will do what I am told to do when I'm told to do it. Then he took all the answers and determined what type of patient I would be, would I rebel at the simplest thing - which is OK by the way, he just needed to know that. Was I getting the band to save my marriage? --- he said that that is NOT a reason to get the band. etc. There was no "right" or "wrong" answers. So it was just a way for him to learn more about me and the reasons I was doing what I was doing. Just be honest. I have yet to hear of anyone being denied the surgery from the psych results. It just lets you doctor know what he's dealing with.

It seems to me, that you wouldn't want a doctor as "un-bending" as this doctor in Portland seems to be. Are you sure he is the doc for you?? I just couldn't deal with a doctor like that. Have you looked in the Seattle Area, we have many great doctors, and a few jerks too. Just a thought. I AM SO HAPPY That you have made this choice, it will change your life forever!?!?!?! In a wonderful way. ~Erica

So my friends that have had the band are getting all kinds of free clothing off of freecycle and craigslist. I'm buying my cloths at full price at Cathrine's has anyone found an inexpensive alternative for bigger sizes. (I'm talking like jeans size 30+ and shirts 3x and 4x) *LAUGHTER* ok, now I think I might be complaining that I'm loosing weight. LOL -- so I don't mind having to buy smaller cloths, but it sure would be nice to find a deal somewhere. My husband, suggested a rope to hold my pants up!!!! HOW TACKY would THAT LOOK!!!