Queen Jane

My fix was June 12. I have heard about tubing being punctured, but Dr. Brown filled and removed several times to be sure it was all working properly. I know he did because I had 7 little punctures after the surgery in a lovely little circle to prove it. I have had one fill and as stated earlier, am cautiously optimistic because I do think I have some restriction--but never really had any so don't really know what I am feeling--kind of like being a virgin 2x's! I too paid for mine--my ins. was ridiculous. I understand your reluctance to upset the apple cart but girlie--no way should you have to pay for this. I am appalled that he is not even going to try the drug company!!!! Maybe you could share my craziness with him to let him know it has happened before-- Is he going to charge you for his services? Have you had this revision pre-approved through your ins.? It took Allergan just 2 weeks to decide to pay..... I have lost a grand total of 56 lbs--but like you mostly as a result of trying to play the game by the rules....Honestly in April and May I just let go and began to gain rapidly--duh--and have lost all and then some since the June 12 date. I live in southern Colorado.

Okay to answer shortgal's questions: I have the latest and supposedly greatest Allergan product--It holds 14 cc's-the larger band is supposed to allow a greater weight loss. It has a modified "slide-lock" which was created "at the request of doctors, to allow them to easily adjust or remove the band". Apparently, previous models had a latch that required a tool to lock and unlock. You asked what made my doc know the band was unlocked--On the xrays, you could see the band laying wide open. It was almost full-13.75 cc's-so as he was filling, it was just opening further and further until the time the xray was taken-- it was a straight line across the pix where there should have been a circular line. I saw the xray's myself--there was no question what had happened. My doctor's office (bless Andrea, Med. Assistant and Dr. Brown) pursued the drug company paying for it for me. Yes, they paid for the surgery center and my surgeon did not charge.....The doctor had documented, in the surgery notes specifically that the band was "locked" (physically you can see when it is in the locked position-they showed me a band). It was not Dr. error--when they agreed to pay the bill, the only stipulation is their rep. had to be in the room. (No problem--bring in a party to watch!!!!!) I will also say tthe drug company did not take responsibility for the problem--but they paid anyway. During the "re-snap", my doc took many many many pix to verify the before, during and after fix. I understand they did not replace the band as it did not appear defective either... If they have not taken xrays yet, I think it may be worth your time to get one....It is extremely visible-- Finally, shortgal, the thing that was probably the most difficult for me was that I was taking blame for my lack of restriction, then for it coming undone. I can't tell you how many nights I woke up feeling so badly about the whole situation. Well, let's just say, finally 7 1/2 months later, I let go of the guilt because the doc's office assured me IT WAS NOT ME!!! so my friend don't hold onto those thoughts---IT IS NOT YOU EITHER!!! It's hard to handle but hang in--it gets better--and the surgery the second time around is much much much easier than the first!!!

For those who already have heard this please just go to the next entry as I am just going to repeat my "One of a kind" story for Karen. I really don't mind telling it because it is part of the freak show I affectionately call my life--tee hee! I had a Lapband "installed" November 15, 2007. With great efficacy, I had fill upon fill upon fill until finally in late April when my band was at capacity, the doc asked for xrays. He was getting just as frustrated as I given all his signs were telling him things were great, but, I had NO RESTRICTION. Long story short--my band came "un-snapped" or literally came apart. No one knows how or why it happened. My doc says he has never found anything like this in his research, of course the drug company assures me that it has happened before but only rarely-they paid for the "re-snapping". It has been a bit difficult as one gets very psyched up to work with the band and live the new life using the new tool and welp almost 7 months later (to the day) I am starting from square one. The good news, as stated earlier, is I have gaurded optimism because I think I actually have some restriction. Am not going to tell you I am nearly as careful and watchful as I was the first time but I am being forced to get back in the right mind set --which is just exactly what I wanted in the begining. I am pretty stubborn in my old very bad habits and needed some physical reminders how I needed to change my ways. So, Karen, that is the story of the snapped, unsnapped and re-snap.

Hey you!!!!!--I am really glad to hear you are finally "feeling" something...I am so envious that you were mentally able to hang in there for as long as you did...I could not. I was really loosing my mind when nothing was happening. (remember me-the support group called me "the angry woman") After having my band "re-snapped" I have restriction!! I am cautiously optimistic because at the same time last time I felt restriction as well. I guess my next big question is what does the "sweet spot" feel like? I know that I am restricted because I have gotten stuck (man oh man does that hurt!!!!) but don't know how much is too much. I am aware of overfill-my doc was very concerned about that the first time(never happened of course). But when is enough enough and not too much? (one more time HOORAY for you, mininms!! I am so happy for you!!)

hooray for you girlie-you get in there and just kick a___!!!! you now sound like a woman on a mission and as i said before--- you deserve to do that dance and if sweetie wants to join--fine but,if not, you still go girl and dance by and for yourself!!!!!!! welcome to the opprotunity to be the best self you will ever be!!!

Hey guys--I have gone this process-2x's--it really is not that bad...I never had the issues you have described. (sitting etc.) It is a little uncomfortable but my doc prescribed nasal spray for pain and I think I still have it 2x's in my cabinet....had some initial queezy stomach but had my banding in a surgery center 45 miles from my house. My sister came and drove me back and forth but I just went home and slept. I think you might be pleasantly surprised....I was a little achey and sometimes movement was odd but I think it has more to do with adjustment to the port. You will fly through it!

smarquezrn--- I am 52 years old and have had an off but mostly on relationship with a man for 28 1/2 years. It is interesting to hear your conversation about your fiance's re-actions. I will tell you that my "what ever he is" is not even sort of reliable about anything with respect to us except.....this. He is enthusiastic, concerned, watchful, everything I ever wanted from him in life, he is about this procedure. I can't tell you how good he has been. (and I have had some disappointing set backs that I won't tell you about now---we'll talk about it in a month okay?) I guess that's why I am a little suspicious about your man's re-action. It kind of sounds like there is alot more to this than he is admitting I am living what you don't want toooo--sore ankles, crashing knees, joint pain to die for, frickin c-pap machine, etc. I choose to believe this is worth it--I also paid cash for mine by loan via my retirement.... In other words--honey, do what you know you need to do for you! I am sorry sweetie is being so odd but believe me, when it starts to come off and you can run circles around him, you will be doing the dance of joy!!!! If he wants to join in the dance hoooray but if not you still must dance.

I went faithfully for fill after fill after fill--finally when the band which holds 14cc's had 13.75 cc's and I HAD NO RESTRICTION--6 months later--the doc said I needed to get an x-ray to be sure everything was right. There, sure as sunlight--my band was laying wide open and very very full-----from there he contacted Allergan who said no way but about 6 weeks later (and many xrays later), they paid for the surgery to "re-snap" the thing. I have not spoken to the doc un-drugged but have been assured it won't happen again...my answer is--it wasn't supposed to happen the first time--but here we go......

Well as some of you may remember, I am the freak show who's band came un-snapped!!! I had the repair 6/12/08--so which is my actual banding date--the first November 15,2007 or 6/12/08? (HMMMM??!):confused_smile: Anyway just thought I'd tell you that the second time is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier than the first. I am still on liquids til July 7, but felt badly that day and no more. I did not have to pay for the surgery--Allergan paid--and came to watch. My friend was told everything checked out and they were confident it won't happen again. (Okay-they were confident it wouldn't ever happen before). Just call me the amazing Queen Jane----:crying:

My issues in this area are really vast (gorey details are not necessary)....it becomes painful... however I found this wonderful stuff at the Health Food Store called 'Herbs and Prunes' by Nature's Life. It is the first thing I have found that "fixes" my problems as comfortably as it does. I have found one pill one time per day is working marvelously!!!!! It is my new favorite miracle!!!

here here fellow queen--I hope you get the jump you need from the 5 day thing...and you are really right when you remind that there are a thousand reasons to be frustrated at this process. Maybe Shrinko's man was venting in at a place he thought was safe.

soldouthippie--you sound so much like I did in the beginning. Even with my complication, I am still convinced it's all going to be worth it. Look through these threads and count those who are not happy they did it. It made me crazy when people said, "you have to work it"--"it's just a tool"--blah bla blah--In my humble opinion, our issue is not how to loose weight--we've all done that a milion times. Our issue is keeping it off. We need to decrease (in my case significantly) how much I can put into my mouth. I want to be able to eat like a normal person and I truly believe here in lies the magic of the band. I can now eat more than any of my friends and I think that if they eat the way they do, in the portions they eat and they stay normal sized--that's my dreams come true!!! hang in there--I am going to get mine fixed--enough said?????

Hey canary queen--try upping your protien intake. Over the years and the diets I have done, I found that if I can up my protien by drinking high protien drinks--you can get them at Dietdirect.com or at your local health food store--it really helped to keep it coming off. You can get them that are low in calories and high in protien and some even have fiber incorporated!! And yes I do think your metabolism "gets used to" a smaller amount and just stops burning--at least that's how it feels.

Okay banders here goes--I was banded in November, 2007. It has not been successful--I am at 13.24 cc's in a 14cc band...I have not experienced any restriction since January (have lost 8 whole lbs.). I even developed a reputation as the "angry woman" at group..finally just stopped going. I felt embarrased, frustrated, devastated and full of even more self-loathing thinking it was all me. The end of this story is that finally my doc sent me for x-rays to check it out and guess what??? It has come un-snapped. :thumbup: My doc is floored. Says he has never heard of this happening--I have the latest and supposedly greatest form of the band. (Uh guess that's not quite true!!) I basically have to repeat the surgery: The drug rep will be in the room during the surgery---freak show!!!!! ANYBODY EVER HEARD OF THIS ONE???

Yvonne72- You say "why would any one....." My friend, I truly hope that you don't go through an extended period of "non-loss". As long as you continue to see the ton-age leave you, you are re-enforced and gung ho to stay the course. When you go for a long period (actually a couple of weeks seems to start "stinkin' thinkin'"), it becomes pretty damn tempting to slide back to that nasty (wonderful) slider food-- "Adjusted to your new ways yet...."--sure you adjust but trust me, you never forget the taste of Ben and Jerry's. Sure a spoonful will fix the crave but stopping at one is the trick.

My amazing story has really gotten such positive support and empathy. Fordgal99, you are probably right about why the rep wants to be there. I have more than agreed to them being in the room because I really do want to prevent anyone else from coming to this party...Holleyhobby, thanks so much for your information. I will relay this to my doc. Aubrie, I am not retaining an attorney...yet. I would like to give everyone a chance to make this right. Sometimes things happen and I think if it can be fixed I would rather go that route. I have definitely NOT ruled out the legal path but want to try the softer way first. Still waiting for the drug company decisions and scheduling. Thanks again for your support. I was feeling pretty alone in this journey because I was just the "angry woman" and not the one with something wrong. Everyone kept telling me to be patient so any newbee's out there the lesson learned is don't be 5 months worth of patient. Become a detective long before this much time goes by... Thanks again...Janie

oh one more thing..I don't think I ever filled out a warranty card and my doctor checked his surgery notes several times before the xrays and he specifically wrote the band snapped and locked..

Okay--thanks so much for the "strokes"..actually the company is Alergan and I did not ask for the rep...my doctor told them immediately and they asked to attend. He is not charging...the drug company is not charging if they have to replace, and right now they are negotiating with the surgery center for the company to pay the tab...I didn't do any of this...My doctor and his office staff are doing all the negotiations.

Seriously, there is a webb site--5daypouchtest.com--it has a 5 day plan to "re-new" your pouch. If nothing else it really does do a very fine cleanse and makes you renew your commitment and re-assure that it will work. I did it about a million times (not really) but it was really good for my body and really for my head.....

I have an amazing story for you---I was banded November 15, 2007. I have had 13.25 cc put into a 14 cc band....and Have NO RESTRICTION. finally, last week my doc sent me for x-rays and low and behold, my band has come un-snapped. Everyone in the office, hospital, and neighborhood is absolutely baffled because they have never seen this happen before. They have to go in, deflate the flat band and then re-position it, re-snap it if possible or re-place it if necessary. It is a freak show!!!! I am really glad however because it is not me!!! I kept thinking something was wrong with me because I have lost 8 lbs. since January. Anyone ever heard of this happening????

to mia31771-HERE HERE--are you ever right!!! To WESTCOASTFATGUY--your advice is very sound--Sweet Pea2 you are on the fast track to loosing all your hair and you won't know because once it starts falling out it is really too late. Please Please start slamming protien or you will be sorry...

SweetPea2-I understand all of the info you wrote during your peptalk to slimmy120--but I still have one big question--If this all "boils down to self control" why in the world did I spend $13,500 out of my own pocket? I learned all about self control the last 3 times I lost 100 lbs. I obviously don't have great self control and believed the lap band would help nature. I am at 12 cc's in a 14cc band and have NO restriction. My doctor is so anxious about overfill and restriction I get nervous while with him then go home and 3 days later after my liquid diet I'm back to square one. Yes I am pretty frustrated but just don't feel like I'm getting my $$$'s worth! So if it "all boils down to self-control" I've wated my $$$$!!!

to KMMFMOMOF4--I am read your latest post and I have to tell you as of Yesterday I am at 12 cc's in a 14cc band. I am frustrated and just so tired of the whole deal. My doc and his whole staff are trying very hard to be cheerleaders and as I have told them...I am really trying to believe it will come and (in his words) "The band does work we just have to get the right fill". I had no restriction.... I don't know if it worked this time because I am on liquids for 3 days (again). So what happens when you reach capacity? Any one know?????

thanks for the clue about PB-ing. I am going for a fill today--let's hope I can "mo more gulp down a piece of pizza" because right now it would not be a problem. I won't know for a couple of days as I go an liquids again for 3 days following a fill. Like andielmt I want to feel the restriction I felt for the first couple of months so I don't mind making the very large monthly payments I make!!! Keep your fingers crossed--Sweet spot here I come!!

OKAY-SO WHAT IS "PB-ING?" (I know I know-duh-right??)