Ellisa

Hi everyone,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I was banded in Dec 07 and posted a lot before and after my lapband surgery. Okay I had time on my hands and many concerns, especially immediately following my surgery and before insurance approval. But I lived happily ever after for about a year after getting my band and having a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time. I lost weight, had minimal issues with the band and so forth during that time. Before I proceed, let me say that I’m sure my situation is not typical. But if someone out there finds this familiar, maybe this post will be helpful.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Last summer I began having pain and reflux. Tests were done, gall bladder removed, and it was indeed diseased and had stones. BUT the symptoms not only did not improve but continually got worse. By October I was down to my lowest post op weight but it was due to being sick. I was having an unexplained fever that would last less than 24 hours. In the 101 – 103 range. I would cough, choke, throw up for several hours. Then before I’d get an appointment made, I’d be feeling just fine. This went on for months. Finally I bit the bullet and made an appointment. Anyway my labs were all over the place, my PCP was confused and concerned. And still at least once a week I’m having this fever etc. Finally figured out that I was inhalating (is that a word?) the gastric reflux and getting bronchitis. We start Nexium and propping up in bed and so forth. Got the fever thing under control but not the reflux. In the meantime, my band was completely unfilled and I began gaining weight of course but the issues continued. After some time it was decided I needed an upper GI which included being laid down during the procedure. That’s where it was discovered that the hiatal hernia repair had not held and mine was huge. Because of this my band could not be properly filled. So that put me in the situation of having to decide if I were going to have the hernia re-repaired and my band removed/revised or whatever was necessary. In the end I decided to have the hernia repaired, the band removed if necessary and the VSG. That all happened on 7/6/10. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A couple of things I’d like to mention, one being that we probably could have gotten to the bottom of the issue sooner if I’d been more diligent about discussing the situation with my PCP and surgeon. The second is, I’m not a former bandit who feels that being banded was a huge mistake, I never “hated” my band. I had hoped to keep it. But the only message here is… though, I’m sure my situation is not typical, if anyone else is experiencing what I did, maybe they can get to the bottom more quickly and also discuss their options and be out of “misery” faster than I was. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

Jill, Congrats Jill! Hope you saved all your clothes so you won't have to rebuy all those sizes. LOL

Time will tell if the VSG works better or not. But there really wasn't a choice about having the band removed since the hernia repair would not hold with it in place. The repair still may not hold but at least I will not be gaining weight since there's no band to be filled. LOL My husband was banded 5 years ago, my sister around the same time as me, and my mother will be two years out in December. They are all doing wonderfully with their bands, as I did before the hiatal hernia became an issue. Thanks for the well wishes!

Millifrits, You are so very pretty and you certainly have class. Maybe your friend is envious. You may be overweight, but she has a personality defect, you can lose weight. Hopefully in time she can learn to be a class act, if she's worthy of your friendship. If not, well, you'll be beautiful, classy, and thin. WOW.

Cknorte, Thanks, when the time is close I will look into it more thoroughly. Just wondered if anyone had any experience using it. I know that a lot is open to interpretation. I cannot use mine for any travel expenses and this year there are things that used to be covered (certain OTCs) that no longer are. We're told it's due to the new and improved health care reform. Go figure.

I haven't done any research on the subject, but just my limited perusing here he seems to be highly skilled and experienced. When it's about health, I'd pick the closest most experienced surgeon I could afford. Hope it goes better for you this time.

For me it's also butt and legs. Funny so many people thought getting banded wasn't necessary for me because I could "hide" that. I originally had over 100 to lose but I could hide it with long skirts or slacks. I still have about 30 or more lbs to be where I think I can get without surgically removing the skin that won't shrink. I call my fanny issues "mudflaps." I'd like to have my thighs and flaps fixed when I reach goal-ish.

I think sometimes people think counting carbs or limiting carbs means NO carbs. For me it means 60 - 100 carbs and 40 - 60 protein. Being a former "bandit" and only sleeved this month, I can't speak for experience with the sleeve but with the band, I didn't "count" anything. As long as my band could be properly adjusted if I ate more protein and dairy than healthy carbs I could easily stay where I needed to be without counting calories, carbs or protein after some "practice." I didn't (and don't plan to) completely eliminate ANY food. Instead of a slice of cheese cake, I could have a bite. The carbs in one bite really aren't significant. LOL But being realistic about how many "bites" in a day and how LARGE the bites are, can become significant. If MOST of the time say 5 or more days of the week or MOST meals per week were reasonable I could easily continue losing weight. My issues began with the hiatal hernia which prevented my band from being filled at all.

1 - 10 procedures? Wow. While I originally posted musing about how all docs have their first few procedures... I really can't imagine going to one who has so few procedures. Not to say they couldn't be brilliant and do a great job. But how would you know? My doc has done over 300 in Ohio. His prices are affordable. BUT that being said I have insurance that will cover at least some of my procedure (was sleeved July 6th, but as a result of a hiatal hernia repair which required my band to be removed). If I lived relatively close to Mexico and were self pay, I would opt for a reputable surgeon there over one with little experience on this side of the border. The total cost for just the sleeve (including his services, hospital, anesthesia etc.) is under $13,000. In my case as a self pay I would go to him rather than Mexico because by the time I'd pay $9K and travel expenses the savings would be minimal. And if there were complications requiring further travel, there would be no savings and perhaps more expensive to go to Mexico. But if I lived closer to Mexico, I would go there rather than to someone with very little experience. Absolutely there are good and bad surgeries on either side of the border. I'd like to eventually have some reconstructive surgery that would not be covered by insurance. I will definitely be comparing prices/experience etc. with local and Mexican surgeons. Cknorte, you seem to have some understanding of the financial process. Do you happen to know if "flex spend" money can be used with a Mexican doc who has a US account? Does anyone know what types of reconstructive surgeries can be paid by flex spend accounts? I'm a bit away, but would be helpful to know.

You have it ALL under control! Looking at your list above, I remember those things being on the list on the wall. LOL. I'm getting along wonderfully well, can't believe how well. My surgery took longer because I had the "grandmother of all hiatal hernias." Which was a difficult repair... but repaired! The first day I was very groggy (day of surgery) due to being under anesthesia for 3 hours (that's a lot I guess) but once the grogginess wore off I was able to walk around without any issues, bath myself, and anything else needed. I also had a 3 hour drive home and wasn't one bit uncomfortable. I was kept two nights though because of the extensive surgery. I'm still on Clear liquids but I'm not hungry. Smelling food makes me THINK I am, but once I drink something I'm not hungery. Only issue is insominia. I get that from anesthesia and pain meds. That's not fair! LOL Your recovery will be probably be even better!

Call it what you want, but with my limited space it's all the more necessary for me to follow low (notice I didn't say "no" carb). In order to get the nutrition I need I simply can't waste space on white potatoes, white rice, white bread, or sugar (granulated, powedered, or syrups). I need protein, low carb veggies and low carb fruits, whole grains to get my what my body needs. For those who find that nonsense, please eat what you will. Only you know what's best for your body.

LaSa, I was sleeved on 7/6/10. There was a list of herbs and Vitamins in the pre-op area that said it was important for the anesthesiologist to be aware of. I don't remember specifically what they were because I didn't take any of them except a daily multi-vitimin which was okay (within limits?). Just thought you might want to mention them so they can adjust accordingly, if necessary.

My band revision/hiatal hernia repair became a repair, removal, and sleeve on 7/6/10. Surgery was about 3 hours due to the size of the repair, but all in all, I'm doing very well, had to spend two nights at hospital, but got home today. Tolerated the drive home and was able to shower after getting home. I'm on clear liquids for a week, then pureed. Have a drain... ewww wasn't expecting that, but it's tolerable. It will come out in a little over a week. Lou, I can imagine your frustration. When my DH was banded waiting on the results of the sleep apnea test was the worst. But eventually everything feel into place. On the pre-op side it's hard to imagine that post-op this will all be forgotten and forgiven. LOL I just try to remind myself that maybe there's a good reason things aren't on the day I expected. How many times have you been held up in traffic and then come upon an accident you could have been involved in had you been that little bit sooner?

Be sure to take your measurements. I've found that sometimes when the scales aren't moving and I'm doing everything right the inches are coming off. The old "muscle weights more than fat by volumn" thing. The scales eventually start to move again.

Hey Lynn, Any news yet? Hope they come through for you.

Thinking of you today.

Remember...it might not be the docs office. Sometimes the person you speak to at the insurance company doesn't have access to the informtion. That was my case when getting approval for lapband. By the time it was all said and done, they had multiple copies. The doc was faxing it to the proper place, but the people who answer phones don't always have access to that information. Stupid way to conduct business, IMHO.

Hey Lynn, How's it going with insurance?

Thank you for the welcome, Carla!. I've mostly been lurking, and am finding answers to my questions reading posts already out there. There's certainly a wealth of information here.

I've always been colder than most people even at my highest weight. but my hubby and 76 year old Mother were both always freezing everyone to death. Since we've all been banded it's so funny when I'm out with hubby or Mom and they are the ones complaining about every place being so cold. They both used to sweat at temperatures when I was looking for a jacket. Now they are more concerned about grabbing a jacket than I am. And my Mom always has a snuggy in her recliner. Hubby also covers up while watching TV. Too funny. I don't think I'm colder than before, but once I have my hiatal hernia repaired and band revision next month, I should begin to lose again...hope I don't get any colder or I'll be wearing winter clothes year 'round! Oh well it will be worth it. I've been hanging around here, just in case my revision ends up being a sleeve.

Speaking as a currently banded person, looking to revision/hiatal hernia repair soon. Not sure if sleeve will be result, but trying to learn what I can in case. Anyway my experience more than 2 years post band is that my social life didn't get less enjoyable it is WAAAAAY better. Now that I'm no longer morbidly obese I enjoy going out a whole lot more. I don't have people judging what's on my plate. If I choose not to tell people about my surgery, for my smaller portions I can simply say I had a larger meal earlier, or not very hungery right now. (People I'm in contact with regularly know, but I don't find it necessary to inform the server or others I have a passing relationship with.) I have few food intolerances. I don't have anything on a list that I don't eat all unless I don't like it. I eat a small portion of what I really want along with some healthier food. Sometimes one bite is enough, if I save the best for last. Properly adjusted my band did nearly all of the work. Unfortunately due to the hiatal hernia mine hasn't been filled at all for several months and the lbs. are coming back. My portions are still as small... the problem is the food doesn't stay in the pouch very long, so I eat these small portions quite often. ARRR. If fear of missing your dear friend "food" is your only fear... fear not! You'll be thinner and you won't miss your "friend." I spend as much time eating my smaller portions as others do eating their larger ones. Hey and I don't talk quite as much because I'm spending more time chewing. My human friends probably like that better. LOL

Hope all goes well for you.

Just a little thought... I like my surgeon a lot... he'll be repairing my hiatal hernia and possible revision. I agree that there are great surgeons and not so great worldwide... so this isn't about MX vs. US. But even my beloved doc loves to talk about his vast experience and we generally like the thought of having a very experienced doc. But just my quirky sense of humor here... Wasn't the most experienced surgeon in the world once a less experienced surgeon? I don't hear the mega-experienced surgeons telling us about their terrible statistics when they were less experienced. Were they really dangerous in their early days? A co-worker had her lapband surgery with a doc who was fairly new to the procedure in a facility that had just opened their bariatric surgery department (in the US). And her insurance covered, so she could have gone to a more experienced facilty for the same cost to her. I couldn't believe it... after I had preached research, experience, etc... she said, "hey, I'm an experienced mid-wife, and everyone has their first catch." She felt confortable that he was properly trained and might be more cautious than a surgeon who was too routine. Interesting. I AM NOT there, but have to admit it's an interesting thought. She did just fine, BTW. I went to the same surgeon to have my gallbladder removed (he was much more experienced in that procedure LOL). He was in-network and at the time Dr. Curry was not. I wanted someone who would at least know what the band was. Bottom-line though, experience is important, some people are simply more skilled than others regardless of the amount of experience. Don't you guys watch Grey's Anatomy? LOL Yes this is humorous musing, not medical advice.

Mommytoethan, Hmmm... I'm in the same boat you are. My band has not slipped, but even slight fills will have it way too tight at times and way too loose at others. In fact it is now completely unfilled and I may not be able to drink Water first thing in the morning, but can eat a nearly "normal" sized meal in the evening. My issue is an extra large hiatal hernia that was repaired when my band was originally placed but the repair didn't hold. Now I'm dealing with hideous reflux as well as gaining weight due to the band being completely unfilled. It's not possible in my case to adjust the band because my stomach isn't where it is supposed to be and is at an angle it isn't supposed to be. My husband was banded almost 5 years ago and he has absolutely no problems. I went about 18 months before having any. My sister has had hers 3 years with no issues and my 76 yr old mother was banded 18 months ago and has no problems. All of us have been successful with weight loss (until mine had to be unfilled). I honestly think my band would have been fine had I not had the hiatal hernia issue.

That's the frustrating part, that many assume that those of us who low-carb (I didn't say zero carb) haven't read any research and/or our physicans are ignorant. Perhaps if we called it "healthy carb" or "smart carb" some would understand. I'll never forget the day I (in my 50's) had ordered a meal with a group of co-workers and spouses. I had a salad, grilled fish, and steamed broccoli. When the server asked if I wanted biscuits, rolls or whatever, I said no thank you. A 20 something cutie at the other end of the table began to berate me about low carbing. She was a physical therapy major and knew whatall about what was good for me. So what was SHE eating? Hamburger and fries. I smiled and said that when I was her age I could eat what she did and stay thin too.