JanetNBama

I had my BAND TO SLEEVE Revision on 9/28. I have lost 32 lbs, but I have come to an abrupt STALL! Nothing in 3 weeks. I have horrible head hunger and I am able to eat more than I think I should . . . for lunch I had a Tuna pouch - then and hour and a half later I had 2 small chicken fingers. I was not in horrible pain but definitely too full. Is anyone else having problems with head hunger and able to eat more than they (the Dr) said?

I am scheduled for my revision on Sept 28. When you say "It's really different than the band though"...what exactly do you mean? I am so worried that I won't lose as much, or that I will gain it back within a few years like I did w/ my band. Also worried about scar tissue or my stomach being damaged from the band

My insurance BCBS of AL only allows ONE weight loss surgery per lifetime. We are self-pay! Even to get the band out - we have to pay!

For a moment I thought I was reading a post that I had forgotten I had written ! I was banded in 2008 - lost 90 lbs but gained 60 back. I am doing this sleeve because I have tried so hard to lose the weight back - with only heartache and feeling of failure. My fear is still there - what if I fail - AGAIN? I know it isn't a good mindset to have - but it's temporary. I will be more positive - just need some encouragement and success stories.

I'm in the midst of scheduling my band to sleeve revision. My band was paid by the insurance company but they will only pay for one weight loss surgery in a lifetime (BCBS of AL). My surgeon is going to remove my band at no cost since he was the one that put it in, but I have to self pay for the sleeve and the hospital/anesthesia since the hospital considers it two surgeries - (not sure how being under for one surgery is charging for two surgeries - unless the length of time I am under is what is considered). Anyway - I am a little nervous about 'failing' the sleeve like I did the band. I lost about 90 lbs with the band and gained 60 back.

What are the symptoms of a dilated esophagus? I was told that I may have a dilated esophagus because I continuously overeat and throw up. For 3 days, I've had pain in my upper-left side back, and alot of sliming. There are also chest pains sometimes. I thought it was all gas, but after talking to my nurse, I am PISSED at myself because she said I could lose my band if the stretched pouch and esophagus don't clear up. I go to get a barium swallow if I don't get better with liquids and soft foods for the next few days. Any advise???? Consoling words??

I only drank 20 oz today but wanted to post on your thread cuz...well, you are making me. :crying: I will do better tomorrow!!!! Thanks!

Can you explain the process of outpatient surgery to get arms done? Are there any other "outpatient" procedures to remove excess skin? I hear that the thighs are the most difficult to heal - but I have research VERY little. I hate pain and this type of surgery terrifies me. I will need a tummy tuck, thighs and would like a breast lift, but I am terrified!

This is totally off the weight-loss / lapband forum norm but I am getting really desperate. I wanted to reach out to the Birmingham area folks to see if anyone knows of any job openings. My background is in Human Resources but I can also do office management and administrative assistant/executive assistant work. I got laid off from my job in JUNE - got another job fairly quickly in JULY - then got laid off from the new job in November. I cannot find a job that pays NEARLY what I need in order to make my bills - it's really ridiculous. I know that networking is one of the best ways to find a job. If anyone knows of anything out there - please let me know. I really appreciate any help or leads I can get!! Thanks so much and have a HAPPY Easter!!

Question? What are the 26G protein shots? Any details would be great including price. I found the PERFECT shake at COSTCO -made by Premier Nutrition - white container, only found it in Chocolate. 30grams of Protein, 160 cals for the whole shake and filling - taste is not AWESOME but good -especially cold. LOW fat (3g total), low sodium (330mg), only 5 carbs. TONS of vitamins and minerals. Price is about $28-$30 for 18 shakes - pretty good price. I found them at the Costco in Hoover by the Galleria. Wish I had them when I had my surgery a year ago!!

I too am a slow loser, but it's not because the band isn't working. It's because I am not working with the band. I find ways to eat around it, and I don't exercise....at all. I have come to realize that my eating addiction is alot worse than I thought - every emotion I have is connected to eating - sad? Eat...happy? Eat...lonely?....Eat...Scared?....Eat. . . . About 2 months ago I realized that Ice cream does not hurt going down and in my "miracles will happen" mind, I figured, "I have a lap band - I will still lose weight if I eat this"........... WRONG!!! Calories are STILL going in and not exercising is not helping. SOOOO I've stopped the ice cream - for over a month now and guess what? I lost some weight - Wooo hoo!! I just have to "refocus" and "rethink" instead of depending on the band to do it for me. I pray that everyone will over come whatever obsticles they have and be successful. I've decided that being successful for me is not being in a size 5 dress...it's being healthy and happy. AND I need to get off my bottom and exercise!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbup: God Bless ALL :frown: :teeth_smile:

From what I understand - it takes time for a pouch to stretch out. I was concerned about it after 6 months of my surgery and was told that it wouldn't be stretched that soon. I'm not a professional but this is what my surgeon told me.

The commercials for the realize band shows that the doctor will 'guide you through and be there for you". I don't feel that way about Dr. Schmitt's office - normally it's the routine "What do you eat.....how are you doing" but don't feel like the concern is truly there...almost like a factory line. I've only lost 50 lbs since my surgery on Dec. 31st.....but the truth is - I haven't had the umph to diet and exercise due to several personal issues I had in the last 6 months. . . . I've decided to stop using this "excuse" and start putting my band to good use. I get discouraged when I see how much weight everyone else has lost and they had the surgery AFTER I did, but I have noticed that the lost lbs includes pre-op dieting for some. My weight loss has been from the day I got rolled back into the operating room until today. Who knows.... I'm just venting a little - sorry if this is discouraging...I need to read the boards more...huh? God bless and good luck to all of you!! :thumbup:

Cajun, I am 7 months out and have only lost 42 lbs. I am so disappointed in myself, but like you, I know why I'm not losing quicker. I AM a touchy feely, emotional person, so I will be the one that tells you, hang in there - you're not alone, and you are NORMAL. Eating habits are developed over many years, and although I was mentally prepared - I went through several life changing things in the last 7 months including a break-up with someone I thought was "THE ONE", work problems, and eventually being laid off from my job that I loved. I found myself stuffing food down my throat, even AFTER getting sick, going back and trying again. I literaly had to get out of the house, and go for a ride or something to get my mind off food. The lap band is a great tool, but until I am ready to put it to use the way it was intended, I will continue to be discouraged at my "FAILURES"....we are our own enemies. For you - my friend, I want you to focus on the positives in your life and start a healthy way of eating, exercising and making yourself feel better. No one else can do it for us. I wish you all the luck - and may God bless you - skinny or fat !! Keep us informed of your progress.

Is PBing considered the same as throwing up? Because, I too, cough, and PB. I don't actually "throw up"....the reason I ask is because they say if you throw up too much or even a little, there's a risk of the band slipping. Is this true for PBing as well????