rumar

Wow, I see that you are having the same problem and feelings that I do (This is what I too loved about this site---we understand one another). I am sorry you are going through this but your story is so very similar to mine. I've been away from board too and feel like such a "failure and embarrassment" for gaining weight back and just not able to get to that "sweet spot" even when I was getting fills. I will pray for your strength and want to encourage you and please do the same for me. You are definitely not alone.

Hello other bandsters, I am so happy to be able to return to this site after so long away, and know that when I post something on here, I am going to get responses from people who actually KNOW how I feel, and what I am dealing with. I have so many people in my life that THINK they know . . . sad really, that they are totally oblivious to what a banded-person lives with on a day to day, meal to meal really, basis.

Here's my story: I was banded in February 2007 by the most wonderful, Dr. Hadar Spivak in Houston, and was very pleased with the aftercare he provided. I had several fills, both up and down, determined to get 'there' . . . I am certain I could have tried much harder to make my initial experience successful - straight talk: I still drink sweet tea, milk and dr. pepper (not diet) . . . I know crazy, and yes . . . I was a cash pay patient, so even the knowledge of how much money I spent, didn't really change anything.

I eventually dropped about 50 pounds and should have been THRILLED. But, being the over-achiever I am, it was never good enough. I even had a Tummy Tuck after about 50 pounds lost, but was never happy with the results of what I felt like was a pretty drastic surgery.

Post TT, I maintained my weight for several months, and as I said before - should have been extatic with my results, but deep down, I wasn't.

Fast forward a few months, and imagine the worst stomach virus you can . . . YEP! I got it . . . because of the insane amount of vomiting, I had to have an un-fill. That was in April 2008, and I have never had another successful day.

Gaining weight at a pretty steady rate, I became ashamed to go back and let Dr. Spivak see me - I was so embarrassed. And when I finally decided, 'Okay!! This is insane . . . I have the tool, but am OBVIOUSLY not using it correctly, I called to make an appt to go in, face him, and deal with the mess I had made.

Never have I been more shocked than when the receptionist said, 'Dr. Spivak retired.' I hung up in absolute disbelief, and went immediately to his website, and sure enough, this doctor who I trusted so much, was no longer available to me. Tears and frustration, all directed at myself.

A few days later, I was able to get in with a bariatric surgeon, who had apparently worked out an agreement with Dr. Spivak to see his patients. VERY long story: in a nutshell, he told me that there is no such thing as a 'thicker' solution to fill the band with, as Dr. Spivak had always said he was using, is this guy calling Dr. Spivak a 'liar' ?? Pretty sure, that'd be a 'yes.'

Ummm, okay . . . so he inserts the needle into my port (I had forgotten how badly I hated THAT), withdrew all of the Fluid, made me drink that stuff, and decided I could have .1 more cc than I already had. So, he said he filled me to 1.9 with the regular saline soution, and said that should do the trick.

Now, 4 days later . . . I do not think I have any restriction at ALL. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! Going back and forth like I did with Dr. Spivak is not possible for two reasons: 1. No relationship with this doc, and he does not appear to want to be in the room longer than he has to. I have a feeling more than a couple of questions would irritate him. 2. This guy charges $150 every stinkin' time you see him. So, if I call tomorrow and say that: 'I have no restriction' . . . Oh, they'll see me alright, for $150.

All of that is just my background. I got back on this site tonight because I want to DO IT this time, but I know I can't do it alone. I would love to hear from any fellow bandsters, and could sure use some encouragement and advice about how to . . . for lack of a better way to say it, 'start over.'

Thanks in advance for all of your input and suggestions, I look forward to them.

Gosh, I am so sorry this ended up so long!! I just wanted to put it all out there the first time. Thanks if you took the time to read all of that!! :-)

Signed,

Mommi-Hammi in Houston

I need some advice on what may be going on with me. I have a bloated stomach (feels like someone blew a balloon in my belly) and a intermittant sharp pain shooting through my back under my right shoulder blade. It also stays tender under my shoulder blade and is very uncomfortable sleeping on my right side. It does seem to feel better after I've walked or exercised. I am calling the Dr. tomorrow even though I was hesitant going due to my deductible higher since insurance changed over. I'm not sure if this could be related to my band..........I had last fill 12/2010 but had to be unfilled due to tightness. I can't seem to ever get to a sweet spot and am gaining weight back .

I sincerely appreciate if someone can help me with my question!

Thanks!

no, I understand you totally! How about 3 years of being banded and still struggling? I was banded 08/2007 and like you lost a fair amount of weight...........seems I got to a 55lb weight loss and the scales would not budge after that (but I really loved my size 18). Then it seems that everytime I got a fill , it felt like nothing..............I could still eat... Then, like you a big life event (my brother passing 2009), I started gaining weight like crazy...........I now am at a 25 lb weight loss which is just pathetic!! It is always a struggle no matter what you do...............band, gastic bypass............it boils down to the same thing................we have to attack what is eating at us, not what we are eating!!! I just got another fill this past Monday, and for the 1st time ever, I fill very very tight ..................can't eat anything ............can drink only hot stuff very very slowly. I think I wlll be calling my doctor because I am too tight. I am even throwing up saliva from chewing gum!! Yikes!

I pray and hope you get back on the right track but just know that you are not alone!!!

Hi, I haven't been on site in a long long time and my story is very similar to yours. I was banded 08/07, lost about 65 lbs, has held steady (kelp losing and gaining same 5-10 lbs). Since Nov (my brother passed), Ive gained 15 lbs so had another fill 1 month ago.............I only feel restriction that 1st week.............but like you have terrible eating habits. I was wondering how you are doing now and if you've started to lose again? Thanks and please stay encouraged!

It has been a while since I posted. It's nice to get a 'I miss you message even if it is auto driven. You all are doing so great. I had a dr's appt about 2 weeks ago and he was very impressed with my progress so far but won't give me another fill until I've not lost anything for a month. I do have sporadic restriction still and I've only had 2 fills my last one being in December. It seems psychologically I've lost it with eating and have allowed sweets and bad carbs (the ones that will go down) to seep back in. I guess i want that fill pretty bad. For the month of May, I am going to kick my workouts up. I've been walking 3-4 miles at least 5 Xs a week for 7 months now but think my body need something different. I still have a membership at Curves so I think I'll do the walking plus workout 3 x's a week at Curves. Again, you all are doing so great. I'm getting there slowly but surely.

Count me as one that's off meds. I too got banded because I develped hypertension (I also have arthritis). I check my BP weekly now and this week it was 127/60 and at my dr's appt it was 120/72 so yes, it will help you tremendously. Also make sure you include exercising. I walk a minimum of 5 days a week (fast paced 3 - 5 miles). I wish you well in your new lifestyle journey!

Sorry you're not feeling well but it is normal. The one thing that helped me the most with the gas is walking. I walked and walked in circles in my house. Also those disolvable GAS-X strips were good. It will get better with time so just hand in there.

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I last posted. It seems we all have slowed posting somewhat since being banded. I'm very please with my weight loss thus far. I can now get into a size 18. I haven't seen that since my son was born 17 yrs ago. I must admit I kind of get tired of people asking me over and over what I am doing to lose weight. I don't tell them anything about the band (at least not yet). It is still a lifestyle change and I still have to watch what I eat. I basically fuel myself every 2-3 hrs. It's good to see everyone's progress and I wish you all continued success.

Hello everyone. It has been a while since I last posted. I think of you and pray everyday for each one's success not just with the band but also that you will abide in Christ leaning and depending on him. I have gotten so busy with wife/mother/grandmother/deaconness/women's ministry to the point where I will get on this site but as soon as I touch the keyboard, I get so so sleepy. I'm feeling pretty good. I went to the Dr. yesterday and he was thrilled I'd lost 61 lbs and of that 21 lost since Christmas. PTL for it is though him that I can say I am succeeding finally with a "lifestyle" change. At least, that's what I am calling it. God is so good and merciful to us all. I'll continue to pray for everyone and please continue to do the same for me. God bless.

Welcome Stilljackson!!

HEY EVERYONE!!!

I finally made it to under 250 lbs and now am only Obese (I never thought that word would tickle me). Praise God from whom all blessings flow. God is able and he won't fail!! I hope everyone have a blessed day and wonderful SUNDAY in their place of worship!!

Oh, one more thing. I still have restriction! Is that normal? I've lost about 14 lbs since Christmas. How long do most fills last?

I AM NOW OBESE!!!!! Halleluia!!!!! The scales moved again finally. I lost 4 lbs this week and now no longer morbidly obese!!! YEY!!!! OH and I am now under 250!!! When I was struggling with my weight around 300 lbs, I used to say I'd be happy if I could just lose 50 lbs................NOT!! I am happy but now looking forward to losing the next 50 lbs!!! YIPPEE!!!

Question. With it seeming to be a common problem with most can eat more in the evenings, has any one ever tried or also doing (admittedly) any of the "so called" safe appetite suppresants? Has anyone also tried or thought about trying the new drug ALLI (Sp)? Since my fat intake is definitely restricted I was curious about that allowing you to lose I think 25% more weight. I try to stay away from all medicines or drugs if I can help it but I was just curious.

Wow, you just had your first PB? Mine started right after my 2nd fill on 12/18. The funny thing is I can eat brown rice one day or one week but the next day or week, after just 2 bites, I will PB. I still can't eat grits , eggs or oatmeal at all which was my favorite Breakfast. I'm trying to get smarter and head it off. Things will start rolling around in my stomach and crazy me will eat yet another bite and bam......PB episode. But once I PB my entire appetite diminishes. I'm thinking I still don't need a fill since I still have restriction. My worst time is also evenings when I can eat more. I have to try to me so careful. I did come up with a few pennies and restocked some good snack low cal foods as the problem was I was eating what my DH or DS bought in. Now, I have to just keep them from eating my stuff up.............disgusting , they'll eat everything in the house if you don't tie it down....LOL.

Hello everyone and Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Just wanted to check in and say HEllo to newbies and send my compassion to JoyRose as you go through the liquid/pureed stage. I am a salt craver and what helped me was eating or sipping the hot/sour chinese Soup. As a matter of fact, anytime I'd have something warm, it would sooth my hunger pain. As far as the head hunger, I had to go to another room when my family would eat. I prayed and focus on the renewing of my body. I found this site about 3 weeks post op but so glad I did. Take care and stay focused. You'll make it through. God bless.

No, I'm not speaking of the same cleansing I had last week. I don't ever.....repeat ever want to drink that stuff or do the other part of that fast.......ever again. I had it done because of the pain I was having and because my sister had polyps removed at my age and I had a Grandfather to die of colon cancer. So there was a genetic link. I think they recommend one every 5 years after 50 or 55. Now that type of cleansing was just too drastic and i know would definitely be unhappy. But after it was all done, I felt a renewed sense of being and it really worked as a appetite depressent. After the procedure on Friday I was told to resume regular diet. I was given some juice and for the rest of the day, I did not want anything at all to eat which was strange. As a matter of fact, I had to make myself eat around 7 just because I was feeling too light on my feet. What I was thinking of as far as a fast is to have a day to mainly focus on liquids only just like the 3 weeks after banding but only 1 day. So no, I don't want to try any of those colonic cleansers. I do already drink a lot of Green Tea and hey it does cleanse you pretty goog.....LOL.

So back to my rear end problem. Has anyone ever had hemorrhoids? If so, did it become a continuing problem after meds? I can't beleive I went almost an entire year with rear pain fearing the worst (and blaming it on my weight). It is feeling almost 100 percent better though.

Thanks for your replys. I love this board!

B-1 slice whole wheat bread

1 slice cheese

2 pieces turkey bacon----total calories 200

S-1 cup cheerios---total calories 90

L-1 cup homemade turkey chili

4 soda crackers-----total calories 300

S-1 cup cheerios-----total calories 90

D-tossed salad with 3 oz grilled salmon--Total Calories 300

S-1 cup SF vanilla ice cream--total calories 200

Liquids-30 oz Water

10 oz coffee

10 oz SF Hot Choc

Walked 2 miles---burned 200 calories-----total net calories 880

Hey everyone! It's been a while. I've been so tired but the time I check my email, I'm so sleepy and can't seem to read or post. I'm doing well but I am really really trying to figure out how to lose 2 pounds per week consecutively. I'm proud that I'm almost at my 6 month goal of a 50 lbs weight loss! I really want to lose 8-10 lbs this month. This 50 lb weight loss is all since being banded as my dr. did not require weight loss b4. I did 2 day fast and went right into surgery. This is something funny and was very exciting at the moment.......I lost 10 lbs from last Thursday to Friday due to a fast/cleanse for a coloscopy. I got so excited but then gained a pound, then 2 pound, then another 2 pounds but finally did stabalize and netted a 3 lbs weight loss last week. So, am I on to something? I'm seriously thinking about fasting/cleansing at least 1 day a week. Any thoughts on that? Also, my colon test came back good and he found the source of my tail bone pain................hemorrhoids!!! I never had them b4 so was shocked but also thankful it wasn't anything any more serious! Anyone else ever had them? The meds are working though so it's all good. Well, getting sleepy......just wanted to check in and update!

Wombat & Phylster, you both look great! Hello to everyone else and newbies. I've been a way busy with everyday things and see I do have a lot of catching up to do! Every night I get on the computer, ck email but by the time I pull up the site, I get so so sleepy. But a lot has been going on. I got real excited last Friday as I had lost 10 lbs overnight!! Yes, for real.......but there was a catch to it. I had to have a colonoscopy Friday so I fasted and cleansed the day before. Unfortunately it was mostly Water weight but hey it finally stabalized giving me a 3 lbs weight loss last week. Praise God my report was good.......i'd been have pain especially after sitting all day but found out it was (well kind of embarassing....hemorrhoids)!!!! Ok, I said it. But I am feeling so much better with the meds. Praise God for all of you. It is so encouraging to talk among other beleivers.

To coolrun----I ask God to lift you up and to know that even in the low times, he is still there holding us!!! All things work for the good of those who love the Lord!!

May God continue to bless everyone. I pray you all have a great weekend!

Chimboree, I ask in the mighty name of Jesus that he will do just as he says and supply all of your needs. Lord, give her direction and direct her path in Jesus name. Chimboree, if it helps, I've been there and still struggle from time to time. Mine is different as I have 3 dependents (1 in college). Sometimes you get a bit weary as it seems that you just can't get ahead. BUT, I know God is faithful and countless times he has supplied all of my needs (and some wants to). Keep trusting and depending on him.

Hey everyone!! Guess What? It's snowing in Atlanta today. Twice in one week is something to see! God is so awesome. What a beautiful day to enjoy with my family!!

Hey Everyone, guess what? It's snowing in Atlanta today! Wow, twice in one week is something. Of course no one can drive in it here so it's best to stay home so I'm just chilling enjoying my family!!!

Thank you.....I'm not as computer savvy but will try to figure out how to reduce the size. Plus on this thread, all windows are super huge . I have to move my scroll bar over back and forth to read it. I'll see if my 17 yr old computer savvy son can help me fix it. Sorry for it being so enourmous. That's how big my heart is for this little blessing! Her mother is a Sr at Ga State University and will be graduating with honors majoring in Psychology, minoring in French. I am so proud of her for conituiing her education despite bringing this blessing into our home after her Freshmen year.

My prayers will be with you.