WestCoastFatGuy

I would never be "mad" at him. But he is "telling it like it is" for HIMself only, not for me, not for anyone else. You might have similar experiences here, but we all not the same. Noone hear is going through my EXACT situation. I am happy for him and what he says makes sense, but it's not the end all.

I respect what he says, and for certain individuals it might ring true, maybe for most people...but perhaps not for everyone.

I do love the idea of the support for the pyschological issues. I would think that some of us have psychological issues. Then again there are some of us that are missing that "full" signal. Whatever. I digress. My point is we are all going through different things at this time, and who am I to say that someone is not doing all they can physically, or mentally, do or judge them for it?

All I can do is pray for them in their struggles and hope that things get better for anyone having problems with the band or with their own selves and wish for things to go better for you in the future.

You know what? I admit that I came across harsh on my first message.. but I layed out my heart and soul on the second. For someone to say that I "tell it like it is" for "HIMself" only.. is patently offensive. For your information, I sent a PM to Brandy and shared with her how sorry I am if I have hurt her from my post. Brandy has a VERY unique set of circumstances that MOST, if not ALMOST ALL, lapbanders will never encounter. I won't share with you what she shared with me as it is her personal choice if she chooses to do so on an open forum.

Here's the the straight up reality.. whether you like it or not or BJ (who told me to "zip it" likes it or not).... Brandy brings to the table a huge huge set of almost insurmountable circumstances to her experience with the band. Her courage to even get the band in the first place... is sooooo amazing to me. She chose to fight through almost impossible odds to be successful with the band. Unfortunately, there are many many many MANY people (I don't know if you are one of those people or not... only you can look inside and know) who will look on the surface of her experience with the band and say "The band isn't working for me"... "I'm able to eat around my band"... "I don't feel full after I eat"... blah blah blah. You know what????!!!??? I DON'T FEEL FULL AFTER I EAT EITHER! I've had ONE fill and it CERTAINLY hasn't taken me ANYWHERE NEAR my sweet spot! But I KNEW from all my research and ESPECIALLY at lapbandtalk.com... that that might be the situation that I would face. But people like wasabubblebut and my dear dear lapband friend gilliebean have kept me going.

I WISH my lapband would give me the flashing light that I AM FULL! I WISH my lapband would keep me from wanting to eat things that are bad for me! I WISH my lapband would make me feel better about myself when I crave things I shouldn't have! But you know what? DO YOU?!? I LISTENED when others on the boards told me that life with the lapband wasn't easy. I LISTENED when they told me that the band MAY NOT provide the blessed restriction that I sought! I LISTENED and I ACCEPTED that my lapband couldn't provide my the salvation that I interally sought.

I am very very very aware that there are a select few people like the very sincere Brandy II who decided to go with the band against impossible odds. Those people are forever in my heart and my prayers that hopefully their band will start to work for them. Unfortunately, there are tooooo tooo toooo MANY banders who try to say to themselves that THEY are in the SAME situation as Brandy II and LIE to themselves. They THINK because they self-payed thousands of dollars that that PROVES that they were dedicated to working their band. I'm sorry... but it just doesn't. Maybe I will fail even more tomorrow than I did last week. Maybe I won't lose everything I hope to with my band. But that doesn't mean that the band failed ME! I DON'T have all the pre-existing symptoms that Brandy II has to deal with. And MOST don't! In fact, MOST surgeons wouldn't have banded Brandy II in the first place. But her surgeon chose to take a chance and to give her a chance to try to make it work. I hope and pray, as she does, that it does eventually work. But don't you DARE put me down and say that I am ONLY speaking for myself! You have crossed the line.... and WHOEVER flames me for this has CLEARLY not read my past posts (which are numerous) or HAVE ANY IDEA of who I am!

I am not a HARD*SS! I am probably the most compassionate person you'll ever meet! I nursed my dying father ALONE from the time I was 14 until he died when I was 18... wondering everyday if that day (or night) was going to be his last. Wondering in my heart if he would ever even be able to see my graduate from High School. Bolting straight up from a dead sleep to his cries in the night that he couldn't breathe. That his heart was racing... that he needed nitro-gylcerin... or needed his oxygen machine cranked up.. or needed his breathing line drained because the condensation was making him feel as though he was drowining. I KNOW what pain is! I KNOW what sacrifice is! Nursing one my dearest friends in the world from the day he was diagnosed with HIV until his eventual painful haunting death of AIDS... looking at his dead body in his bed knowing that I could no longer do ANYTHING to bring him back... to give him one more day... to hold him and hug and him and tell him one more time that he was loved by me and soooo many other people.

I ALSO know what it is to latch onto someone else's completely-justifiable pain at not achieving success and convincing yourself that you are experiencing the same thing when you haven't actually experienced an IOTA of their REAL pain and agony.

I don't know your story... and I'm not trying to judge you.. but don't you DARE judge ME! You don't KNOW the pain I've gone through and you don't KNOW the sacrifices I'VE made to get where I am.

Brandy II and all the others experiencing the same agonizing pain and hurt.... I think about you and pray for you daily. NOONE deserves what you have felt and what you are going through. I would do ANYTHING to take away your pain. Because I don't have that power.. I can only say.. that I will stand by you through thick and thin. Success or not.... to remind you that YOU are INCREDIBLE. That YOU are WORTH IT. Even if you NEVER lose a pound or you GAIN another 100 pounds... you are STILL AMAZING people and NO ONE (including me) should EVER try to make you feel LESS that that!

Thanks all of you for being a calming force when I'm full of stress. It really does help!

So I had the Dr. paged and he called me back. I told him the story and he called the women who handles the insurance claims in his office and then called me back. He said that she is insisting that its approved but he is going to delay my surgery to 11:00 a.m instead of 7:00a.m. to make sure all is ok with the insurance.

When the Dr's office is given an approval, isn't there a reference number or approval number that goes with it? I'm really hoping that its just a mixup and everything will go smoothly on monday.

If there is not an approval number or something similar...just make sure your doctor's office gives to you IN WRITING that the procedure is approved at your insurance levels. With that.. you should be okay.

Again... I am so proud of you for persevering even through these difficult times. This shows that are are a candidate who will really really work their band! I can't wait to hear from you post-op and learn of your weight loss success!

You go, girl!

Last Friday I went to a friends house for dinner. We have a rotating, women only, dinner engagement amongst friends on Friday nights. No one knows that I am banded other than my husband.

Well, everyone knows I am dieting. It has become obvious in the weight loss. Although for some reason the early, bigger losses were not noticed by people as much as late, smaller losses. Perhaps the smaller you get, 5-10 pounds lost here and there really shows.

For many months I have been eating little, avoiding bread and sweets, saying that I am dieting and that I ate a little before I came so I'm not very hungry. The only item I really indulge in is tea.

Well, last Friday I had a small piece of homemade thin crust pizza. I ate maybe 2-3 bites worth and maybe 2 bites of salad . . . and I got stuck for the first time in front of all my friends. I tried to look normal and everyone kept talking (avoid the deer in the headlights stare if you know what I mean). So I said excuse me (it is a little hard to talk when you are stuck) and I go to the bathroom. I knew a pb was coming so I helped it along . . . this means opening my mouth over the commode while standing so that gravity helps the slime and what have you escape. I was gone a good 5-7 minutes.

So no big deal, time to breathe a sigh of relief. I was gone for a while but nobody seems to notice much other than me because people are in the midst of conversation.

So I sit for a while and push the food around my plate a little, I know I won't eat another bite. I don't feel very comfortable but I am not in pain. I take a tiny sip of hot tea hoping that it would help with the soreness and it was a HUGE mistake. All of a sudden I need to get to the bathroom as fast as possible and I dare not speak before leaving the table. For the first time since being banded, I vomited. I barely had time to close the door. Not all of it made it into the right place either and I found myself shamefully cleaning the bathroom carpet as well. :thumbdown:

So I come back for the second time and everyone is glancing my way. I said my stomach has been upset today since lunch, perhaps my lunch disagreed with me. Then the joking starts about being pregnant, etc.

Well . . . I survived it. I guess the lesson learned is that now that I am at good restriction, I have to be really careful about untested foods. I may not want to try something new for the first time with a group of people that don't know my "secret."

The decision about "ratting yourself out about the band" is a very personal one. I weighed my options very carefully given that the business I own requires me to visit the office of doctors and hospitals many times per month. I have very good relationships with all the medical professionals at each facility.

Ultimately, I decided that I would be up-front about my surgery.. and to my surprise EVERY SINGLE PERSON has been nothing but supportive. Even during my plateaus (when they always ask me how much I've lost)... they give me encouragement and remind me that losing the weight slowly is much preferred to losing it quickly. They have been soooo incredible and have helped me every step of the way. In fact, my relationships with all the doctors and their staff has actually IMPROVED since I revealed my decision to have the lapband. They just want to me be healthy and to stay that way for as many years as I can. They view the lapband as being a crucial step towards me doing so.

Ok...I was told by my surgens office on May 14 that my insurance approved the surgery and I even called on Friday to make sure all was ok with the insurance and I was told the same thing...it was approved.

I recieved a letter today ( Saturday) from my insurance company saying that b/c my BMI is below 40 I need to have a disease or disorder ( not in those words but you know what I mean) to qualify and that it was DENIED! It was dated May 13, the day before I was told approved.

Is it possible that I originally got denied and the Dr.s office appealed it and I'm getting the first denial letter now? I don't know what to think? My surgery is on Monday morning and I can't get in touch with anyone!!!

What do I do?????:confused2:

Is there an answering service for emergencies at your doctor's office? If not, the only thing you can do is show up for surgery as planned and confirm with the doctor (in writing) that the insurance has approved you. It is, indeed, possible that the surgeon's office found that the insurance originally denied you.. but they sent in another request with additional information that included co-morbidities.

If the surgeon is unable to confirm that you are approved... you will have to reschedule so as to ensure that you are not on the hook for the full amount.

I am sooo sorry that you are experiencing this stressful situation so close to surgery. Just try to remind yourself that no matter what happens.. this is just one of the steps in your journey. It may be a rocky, slippery one... but one of the steps, nonetheless.

You have been very strong to get this far... you have the strength to see this through to achieve your goal! We are ALL behind you!

I had my CPAP study last night to follow up from my sleep study. I first tried the whole mask and it was ok, until I tried to fall asleep. I felt really clausterphobic and panicked and had them try another one. I went with the air pillow, not sure of the model. It was easier to sleep with, but everytime I had a hypopnea they cranked up the air and I was abuptly awake. I felt like crap when they woke me at 5am. The inside of my nose is super dry and sore. I feel very depressed that I am going to have to do this every night. Any of you pros have any advice for me? Thanks Tamara

Hey there... I was also very very depressed that I had to use the CPAP every night. No matter how hard I tried.. I just couldn't adjust. As stated earlier.. I ended up using the AutoSet machine.. along with the Mirage Swift II pillows AND... most importantly... the warm humidity attachment. Without the humidity... I dry out so badly that I get sinus infections. With this combination... my LIFE HAS BEEN CHANGED! If somebody took my CPAP away frome me now.. I would claw their eyes out. To tell you the truth... when I am sure my sleep apnea is gone (as I lose more weight) I will truly be sad to let it go.

I don't wake up with marks on my face unless I have the straps too tight.. and they really don't need to be tight at all if one uses the correct nose piece. Initially I was using the middle size (of the three sizes included with the mask).. but moved up to the biggest. Also... I checked the setting on my machine and found that it was set to the "generic" mask instead of the "swift". Once I changed it to the swift.. I stopped having so many leaks... and my sleep became even better.

Okay folks... here's the scoop. If you do a search on all my previous posts you'll find that I don't usually post such "inflammatory" things. But... the reality is... sometimes when we get really really p*ssed at what someone says or writes... it energizes us. It makes us soooo freakin' mad that we want to prove that "so-and-so" wrong. Whether you agree with my approach or not... that's what my intention was and is.

For you people who think that the lapband has been a "honeymoon" for me... I'm happy that you can think so. It has been anything BUT a honeymoon, which my soulmate lapband-friend GillieBean can attest to from our dozens of PMs to each other.

For the poster who said that we can't restrict ourselves too much when it comes to calories? You're ABSOLUTELY right! For some people 1200 calories is too restrictive. For others it might be 1800. For me.. I have found that if I don't take in 1500-2000 calories per day... my weight loss stalls. Some people reading this may 'gasp' at that high number of calories... but when I consume less than that.. I stop losing weight.

Instead of getting all freaked out about some lines in my post... instead take it for the 'whole' of what it is. Do I believe that every person that has been unsuccessful with the band went into it believing that the band would be their "cure"? NO! Do I believe that there are a significant number of those who did so? Yes. And you know that it is true.

For the poster who said that.. if they had willpower... they wouldn't have gotten the band in the first place... I have to say... I'm very sorry that you weren't better informed by your surgeon. Anything in life takes some willpower. It SUCKS! It's NOT FREAKIN' FAIR that some skinny-*ssed b*tches (male or female) can eat anything that they want and not gain an ounce.... and then there are those of us who can walk past a glass of Water and gain a pound! I HATE IT! YOU HATE IT! It hurts to our core! But the reality is.... we HAVE to do what WE HAVE to do to make a change in our lives. WE have chosen the lapband. The lapband, despite what so many of those anti-surgery people say and believe, doesn't make it EASY! In some ways it makes it harder! We aren't able to eat so many of those comfort foods that made us feel vital... that make us feel human... that made us feel alive. THAT SUCKS! IT HURTS! IT MAKES US CRY INSIDE!

So what to do? We do WHATEVER we have to do to make the changes in our lives. For some that will be revision surgery to another type of bariatric procedure. For others it will be kicking our band's *ss and MAKING it work for us despite the fact that we need to seek counseling or support or whatever it takes to add the willpower to what the band will agree to help us with.

For those that were offended and felt that I was saying that EVERYONE who has the band fail them was a loser or didn't work hard enough or was a quitter.. I sincerely apologize. I was truly speaking to the hearts of only those people who were choosing to give up or give in or let the world of the 'perfect bodies' beat them! I believe that even amongst those of you who are angry at me that you may sense of spark of truth in what I say. For those of you who don't... I again offer my apologies from my heart. All I ever would want is for every one of us to achieve our goals and find an end to the world of pain that we have all felt.

I hope that you can find it in your hearts and minds to believe me.

I know this is Rants and Raves so that's why I'm putting this topic here because I'm sure I will be ranted upon which isn't my point actually. Why are people made to feel afraid to come to this forum and discuss their band failures? When someone is searching out whys and what ifs they need a safe haven and I've gotten the impression the only way you can get people to talk about their personal problems with the band is by private messaging because they're too afraid to "come out of the my band is now working closet"

Would love to have them come out so I don't feel I'm alone here, thanks brandyII.:thumbup:

Alright, let me be the honest jack*ss and comes out to say exactly what so many on these boards are feeling and don't say because they are too nice or don't want to cause controversy:

Is it possible that the band isn't working because of an underlying medical issue? ABSOLUTELY! Is it very likely that the medical issue would have been uncovered BEFORE one resorted to the extreme measure of having SURGERY to install a BAND AROUND ONE'S STOMACH!?! Also, ABSOLUTELY! Is it possible that the medical condition that is causing one to not lose weight started AFTER the installation of the band? Possible? YES! LIKELY? NO! So... when someone comes on these boards complaining about how the band has failed them but they have been unable to uncover any medical reason for it... it is completely understandable that people would start asking questions about diet and exercise and drinking with meals, etc.

Here's the reality, folks. All us fatties have to face it (despite plateaus that may last for months)... that CALORIES IN MINUS CALORIES BURNED = NET CALORIC INTAKE. If we consume more than 3500 calories (net intake)... we're going to gain a pound or more of weight. Can we sometimes have stalls... and Water weight issues and complications that cause long long long plateaus? YES! Can we blame the band for them?!? Heck NO! We had them before the band and we'll have them with the band! Yo-Yo dieting is the one major item in our fat gaining/losing history that we all have to face will contribute to plateaus. It doesn't seem fair... but it's our burden to bear. We have to live with it. We can fight it with or without the band... but, personally, I'd rather do it WITH my band.

For those people who come on these boards and tell us that they went into this surgery expecting the band to STOP them from overeating... or STOP them from eating the wrong things?!?... I have to say... girlfriend... boyfriend... honey-child... You didn't do your freakin' research! So who the heck is to blame for that?!? If your surgeon told you otherwise... then you were STUPID to have believed him or her. There are dozens and dozens of lapband resources on the web (including this wonderful site) that would have told you otherwise.

I'm sorry if I have offended or hurt you.. but the reality has to be spelled out to all of us one day or another. I was (and still am) a fat freakin' slob who would rather sit his fat *ss on the couch and watch TV with a 2-liter of Coca-Cola and a platter of enchiladas than to have to watch my intake of foods and to give up carbonated beverages. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE (get my point?) soda and other carbonated drinks! They were my solace... my lifeblood... my rock... my anchor.. my friend and lover. Coca-Cola was, in my old mind, created just for me. I would date its ugly step-sisters... Pepsi and Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper occasionally... but my steady-friend was the red and white miracle of Coca-Cola. I probably ingested 5000 or more calories weekly just in my sweet bubbly lover. But... NOW? My band (and scars) remind me that soda helped to get me where I am and that I have to remember that and live with the realization that it can no longer provide me comfort when I am down. An occasional slushy coke (from my slushmug) that removes all the carbonation and has only 8-ounces and 100 calories? Sure. but to go back to what I used to consume? NEVER! The same applies to french fries and pizza and and and and and and.... two dozen other yummy high calorie items.

Can I consume those things and then come here and complain that my band isn't working for me? NO! I need to to wake up and smell the calories! Maybe if I couldn't get control of these food and beverage items I would have to seek counseling.. or a revision to another form of bariatric surgery. But that wouldn't be the fault of the band... that would be all of my own doing. I would have to accept responsiblity for my band failure and I wouldn't expect others to give me comfort and solace and understanding and praise for doing so.

With all that said... I only hope and pray that your band can start to align itself with your mind and metabolism (as it has with mine) so that you can begin to experience in your heart and mind the wonderful feeling of success! I would never wish you anything but that!

Does anyone have sleep apenea now?:party: I've never had it that I'm aware of. I live alone and even when I was with someone, it was never mentioned. I know what it is, and that it's mainly caused by obesity. Here's the thing...for the last 4+ weeks, I have been soo tired. I go to bed at 11pm and am up at 4am. I've been doing this for the last 8 years. My hours at work have even changed from5-3:30 M-Th to 5-1:30 M-F. So I work another day but not as long on any of the days. All of a sudden, I'm so tired all the time. I'm sleepy on my breaks and lunch breaks and once I get home if I sit on the couch, I'm a goner! I sleep pretty solid. I would say I'm asleep minutes after the lights go out. I don't wake up in the middle of the night. The next thing I know is that the alarm is going off. I read in Prevention magazine that feeling fatiuged or sleepy can be a sign of sleep apenea. I was just curious, I mean my surgery is scheduled in 2 monthes and I know if I am having symptoms of it, it will dissappear soon after I lose some of the weight. Sorry to go on, haven't talked to anyone about this and was curious to what you thought. Thanks for listening Susan

OMG! You are going through EXACTLY what I did! Initially I tried to brush it off. Eventually I was falling asleep every time I sat down to watch TV or got in a semi-comfortable position. My end-symptoms included tongue-swelling and EXTREME weight gain!

FINALLY I woke up and sought out a pulmonologist. Due to my travel schedule for work I was unable to undergo an overnight sleep study. Instead, she sent me home with a machine to record my breathing status while sleeping and asked me to sleep for 4 hours with it. When I returned the machine and they did the analysis I found that I was waking up around 58 times per hour! My average oxygen concentration which should have been around 98% was less than 67%! I tried a normal CPAP but eventually ended up with an Autoset (adjusts automatically to what my body needs). My CPAP has been a GODSEND! I now sleep MUCH MUCH better and can be up for 16 or 18 hours if I need to be without falling asleep. In fact, I took my machine with me to my surgery (at my surgeon's orders) and used it throughout my hospital stay.

PLEASE don't walk, but RUN to your doctor and get a sleep test! If I (or you) were to fall asleep while driving a car we could kill someone! Sleep Apnea is a VERY VERY serious condition and needs to be treated as soon as you experience symptoms (as you are and I was). Don't be afraid... just get tested as soon as possible! There is light at the end of the sleepless tunnel!

I used to drink lots of soda. I was hooked on Dr. Pepper. Since surgery I've cut it off, but everyone once in awhile, I want a sip. A couple days ago, I took a VERY small sip of my husband's and held it in my mouth until it fizzed up and had no more fizzy bubbles. Can anyone explain the real danger with soda. My doc says no soda, but doesn't really offer a satisfactory reason as to why.

I can live with no soda... and I don't crave it or anything. I've been so good since I cut it out and have been very surprised at my will power regarding this subject, since I have unsuccessfully tried to eliminate it from my diet during pre band life. I'm just wondering about people's perceptions on soda.

My surgeon says to wait six months before trying carbonation..and then to do so ONLY on an empty stomach.

WELL... I was a COCA-COLA-AHOLIC! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! It is the one thing that I truly have cravings for in my new lifestyle. Fortunately, my best friend Jill, bought me a SlushMug (Original Slush Mug). It holds about 8 ounces.. and freezes the Coke to a very satisfying slushy consistency (think "Slurpee"). The 8-ounces is about 100 calories (with regular Coke) and it satisfies my intense urges about once or twice a week. The freezing causes all the carbonation to release but I am left with enough flavor that I am completely satisfied. To be honest, I doubt that even after I achieve my 6-month mark that I will go back to drinking sodas. The SlushMug has been the perfect thing to keep me from indulging and risking pouch stretching or band slippage.

BTW, I am not associated with glacierware.com or anyone else related with the site. It just happens that my friend had bought some SlushMugs for her kids and thought that I would love to have one given that I could no longer have carbonated beverages.

hello i had mine put in 9 days ago and i feel the exact csame way you do today is my birthday and it is the worst one i have ever had i am so unhappy with my decision. I am going to wait til i can eat creal food again and see how it goes than make my decision. I feel so unlike me and that i am different from everyone else around me. I feel like i will never be me again.

OMG! As I've said before... I felt like a freak right after I got my band. I had to eat like a supermodel and felt like I stood out among my peers like a sore thumb!

Fast forward a few months... I feel AMAZING! I'm able to eat pretty much anything that I want... only in smaller quantities. It is soooo incredible to me to look back on what I considered a 'normal' meal and now realize that what WAS a single portion (in my warped fat mind).. could now feed me for 2-3 days! I can now say that I actually FEEL like a REAL person without hordes of guilt about overeating! I feel like I FINALLY fit into society. I have a LOT of weight to lose yet, but I already feel like an entirely different person. I no longer look in the mirror and see a fat slob. I now see someone who is slowly, steadily becoming the person he always hoped that he could be. If you had asked me a couple months ago whether or not I thought that I would ultimately feel this way.. and I probably couldn't have given you an answer. NOW? I feel like I have been given a new lease on life. It literally brings tears to my eyes to be given the gift of my dear friend.... MY lapband!

Keep chugging along. Things get better far faster than you could EVER imagine!

I am thinking of you and sending you warm and fuzzy success vibes so that you can one day feel the same as I do!

Okay this is the first time I have ever wrote on here, but I've been reading for months. Last night I was laying in bed and this question came to mind so any help would be awesome. I gave up pop as soon as I decided I was going to have the lap band surgery done. I was banded on April 24th. My question is if the band goes around the outside of the stomach, how does drinking pop/beer make the band erode if the pop/beer is going through our stomach not around the outside of the our stomachs. Thanks for anything you can give.:confused2:

Here's where logic has to take over. My surgeon allows patients to 'try' carbonated beverages after 6 months. On further questioning he also recommends doing so on an empty stomach. Here's the deal... on an empty stomach the soda can go through the stoma more easily into the 'lower stomach'. If the pouch is full (the stoma is blocked), the carbonation can build up in the pouch and cause discomfort or more.

Bottom line... no one really knows for sure whether or not carbonation can lead to pouch enlargement (and subsequent band slippage). Caution is the best guide.

I truly only miss one thing from my old eating lifestyle... Coke and Pepsi. From time to time I'll have a small Coke slurpee or, more recently, use the 'slush mug' that a friend sent me that freezes beverages similar to a slurpee. I don't have the carbonation and (if I count the calories into my daily allotment) I'm able to have a bit of the taste that I miss so much.

I know I can do it, but it is harder than i imagined exp. when people try to knock u off your square... also she had the nerve to say well I love me the way I am, and if the weight comes off then it comes off and if it dosen't oh well... and I'm like i have been there and u are not happy because if u were u wouldnt have said that. But everything is not for everyone.

I hope you won't be offended when I say that the response in my head to that person (obviously not outloud) would be.. "FU".

Nuff said.

Go for it, girl! You're experiencing the hardest part of the journey. Keep going... Keep going... Keep going! You have the right attitude!

I'm eight days out, and was on full liquids one week before surgery, and my doctor wants my on full/clear liquids for two weeks post-op. I really haven't been that hungry until yesterday and today. I did really well all day, trying to stay busy because I'm feeling so much better than last week, but tonight I made myself a bowl of really chunky chicken Soup that I ran through the blender. It was the consistency of thin baby food (little tiny chunks), now I'm stuffed and uncomfortable, and I'm worried that I might have done something I shouldn't. Is it way too early for mushies?

Sometimes I just lose my mind over all the differences between the surgeons. I'm in the business of clinical trials, so I work with Investigators (top doctors) every day in the course of auditing the trials. One thing we need to keep in mind is that the surgeons need to apply a "standard" for all people. Some patients are particularly sensitive and others aren't. Some thought they were ready for the band but then find they really weren't. These patients, in particular, can be very problematic for surgeons. If a doctor made the blanket statement that mushies were okay 3-days post surgery... then those patients may 'push' that envelope and over-indulge. Overindulging too close to surgery could be life threatening. However, if the doc told them to do full liquids for two weeks... and they messed up and added mushies (or even solid food) after a week... there would be much less chance of the patient experiencing a catastrophic complication. Given the malpractice insurance rates in this country... if I were a bariatric surgeon... I would tell people to do 2-1/2 weeks of full liquids. That way I know that I have a better chance than not having a patient go south and saddle myself with a malpractice suit.

With all that said... it is very important... as others have stated to LISTEN to your surgeon. HOWEVER... only YOU know you. I, myself, was supposed to have full-liquids for a week after surgery. I started soft foods (that I chewed very very very VERY well before swallowing) on the 3rd day after surgery. On Day 6 I did a road trip to Las Vegas. I was on the top of the world and feeling like a million bucks. Would this be the case with everyone? ABSOLUTELY not! I confessed all this to my surgeon.. and he raised his eyebrows... and then went on as though I had said nothing.

If your biggest concern is that you've screwed something up... then you can put your fears to rest. You haven't experienced any negative side effects (cramps, PB-ing, sliming, feeling as though you have swallowed a D-Sized battery)... so soldier on in the most conservative, safe way that you can. From here on out.. .you are the captain of your ship. Learn to listen to the signals your body gives you and you will be a lapband success.

I had some down days early on in my banding experience.. .like when I shopped at costco the first time and realized that almost everything that I wanted to eat (at that time)... was not an option for me. But since that time, I've come to a peace and a truce with my band. We understand each other. I've made a commitment to it not to jam it full of crap that it can't handle and it has made the promise to me to continue to provide all the restriction that it can to aid me in my weight loss. Sometimes (although rarely, at this point)... we get in little arguments. Given that my band is wrapped around my stomach, it usually wins... but we get through our tiffs and move on.

Take my advice and experience as only one piece of all that you receive here at lapbandtalk.com and apply what works for you... and discard the rest.

I wish you all the best through your journey in lapbandland.

Sorry about repeating in my post what several have said before me. For some reason, when I pulled up your original post there were no replies. Must have been a glitch.

I just wanted to let you know that I was prescribed a cpap pressure of 14... so it's definitely in line with your severity of sleep apnea.

Hi,

Today, I had my first interview with an endocrinologist that specializes in obesity, diabetes, and lipid disorders.

As I suspected, he wants to start me on a diet and exercise program, and doesn't want to refer my to a bariatric surgeon.

His reason " You have sleep apnea, they can't put you to sleep for the surgery"

Is this true?

Thanks

Tyler

This may seem harsh, but if you truly want my opinion? Dump this doctor IMMEDIATELY! He couldn't be more uninformed if he was from Mars!

One of the PRIMARY comorbidities that allows insurance companies to approve the lapband procedure is sleep apnea! I had VERY severe sleep apnea. My sleep study found that I was waking up 57-59 times per hour! I was prescribed a CPAP and went through three months of trying to adjust to it without success until I was changed to an autoset machine that automatically adjusted the air pressure to the resistance required. In fact, I was told by my lapband surgeon to bring my own machine to the hospital with me on the day of surgery so that I would have the correct machine. Because of the degree of my sleep apnea the anethesiologist had to insert the breathing tube while I was awake... but it was a small price to pay and I came through the surgery without a hitch.

Do yourself a huge favor and change to a primary care physician who will refer you (him or herself) to a bariatric surgeon OR will send you to an endocrinologist who knows what he or she is talking about and will make the referral.

Remember the old adage... "What do you call the medical student who places last in his class?" ... Answer? Doctor. You call him Doctor.

All my best to you in your Quest to get to the other side of lapband land. It's not perfect over here.... but it sure is a beautiful place to be!

Thanks JEM! I called his office yesterday and they said because I have an HMO and they are out of network that I couldn't use my insurance. :wink2:( I called my insurance and they DO cover the surgery (Yay!) but I Have to find a dr. in our network....sooo off to my primary dr. on the 16th to get a referral.........I have a feeling this is going to take a long time.

Melissa

Hi Calif_Princess...

Check to see if Ninh Nguyen from University of California Irvine is in your network. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with him. If you go to www.obesityhelp.com and search for bariatric surgeons in California... you'll find his name and my review is posted there under John S.

If you are lucky enough to find that he is in network, please PM me and I'll give you more information about me. I have a great relationship with him and his staff. He has very dry humor and is a kind of stiff when you first meet him.. but if you tell him that I told you about him I'm sure you'll be able to cut through that very quickly.

Please accept my best wishes and hopes for a speedy approval regardless of who you choose!

Lied? hardly. as i said, originally the results from my FIRST set of tests were relayed by my primary Doc. Later, when I met with the FIRST surgeon about this matter, he confirmed that it was the colon, and my present surgeon said Colon as well.

I said Intestine back then because that's the info I had.

I was pretty gung-ho about this for a time, and I thought I wanted to become the spokeperson/advocate for others that had had problems like mine. I wanted to Tell the world about this, and what I had found that would be MY personal answer to obesity. That was pretty short-lived, though, when the reality set in that I was going to face some serious surgery and a long recovery.

I gave that idea up, but as I have moved closer to my surgery date, I have felt very compelled to do come forward with this, on a little different level. I decided to just start talking about it on forums.

You know how I found THIS forum? I went to Google, and searched on the phrase "reasons to have weight loss surgery", or something similar to that. I had planned on writing a multi-page report discussing the various reasons that people have or feel that they have to have weight-loss surgery. I was going to comment on those reaons, and then give my perspective, based upon MY experience. That search brought me here. And I just started posting.

But i'll say it again. Nothing in my story has changed about what happened, expect that MORE stuff has happened.

I found it incredibly 'fishy' that you didn't have time to tell the complete story because it would take too long... but found time to answer many many posts. At the time I started reading your diatribe you had only recently joined labbandtalk.com but had already posted 71 times!!!

People like you make my blood boil.

As the judge on the People's Court (and a former Florida prosecutor), Marilyn Milian, says:

"I wouldn't believe you if your tongue came notarized!"

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Well, it is Alex's board, not ours, and he can set it up however he wants. If he opts to put it back the old way, then he will take care of it. But if this is the new format, options are a little more limited. I would start by asking in a nicer way, and maybe explain to him why it bothers you outside of "I'm here for this not that".

We are all here because of Alex and we're very grateful to him for that.

A good point to note is that his bandwidth (at least in part) is supported by sponsors... so the more new people (and also not so new) that come (and stay) and visit his sponsors, the better it will be for his bottom line. I'm sure it costs a pretty penny to fund this place with all the bandwidth that is being used. I'm also sure that no one means to offend him by their comments... they're just offering up their views in "real time" and sometimes the posts happen before their "review/edit" part does. :huh2:

He should know more within the next 2 weeks. They do have 2 shifts that work. One starts at 6:30 and the other starts at 3pm. Hopefully he'll get hired and be able to work days. Julie

I didn't notice until today that you were banded in San Jose. That means you probably don't live too far away.

The reason I am pointing out my "stalkerish" behavior is that I heard recently that the BMW in Pleasanton, CA may be hiring.

Way to gooooo!

I am in San Diego and love it! Welcome, in advance, to sunny San Diego!

Sigh... I had the lapband surgery Nov 06. I have lost about 60 lbs and still have about 40 to go. I cannot seem to stay on track anymore. I am eating like I used to presurgery. I am so depressed. I have been through therapy and everything. I hate to admit this and I will probably get condemned for it but I couldn't help it, I went and bought half price Easter candy the day after, why you ask? I do not know! I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either! I am at my wits end with myself. I am so depressed. Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Please, I don't need anymore condemnation, I do enough of that to myself, I promise you that. Thanks for listening.

Signed, hopeless Laci.:confused2:

My advice?

Cut the crap and give yourself a big freakin' break! You've lost 60 pounds! Do you realize how well you have done?!? You have lost twelve.. yes 12 bags of sugar off from your fat body! Put 12 bags of sugar in your grocery cart and see how much that really is!!!! You are an inspiration, not a failure!

For God's sake! Of course you're going to encounter times like this! You have been fat! You think you DESERVE to be fat! You are sabotaging yourself because you don't think you are worth it! The candy fools you into thinking that you are weak. If you were, indeed, weak... then you wouldn't have lost 60 pounds!

You're just sick of dieting and sick of the crap. Talk to your surgeon. Maybe you need a fill.. who knows?!? But, regardless.. just start tracking your food intake again like you did at the beginning. I know that it's hard to do after so long, but when you do.. your common sense will kick in and you will avoid the temptation. NO ONE could lose 60 pounds and not be a strong person! I use a simple program to log my caloric intake called DietPower (Diet Power Calorie Counter, Diet, and Weight Loss Program). It keeps me from ignoring the obvious and makes me responsible.

You are almost there! You have the whole world ahead of you and NOTHING can keep you down! F*ck the Easter candy! It is POWERLESS over YOU! Keep coming back to these boards and we will support you through these tough times. Before you know it.. you will be at goal and you will be supporting someone else who is going through the same difficulties!

I am soooo proud of your accomplishments! You are the reason that these support boards work!

I have been lapbanded,since sep 2008, havent told anyone, what will i do and say when going out to Sizzlers? eat the sensible things I know. How do other people cope when only smorgus board and you cant order what you normally do a small salad or Soup etc??:biggrin:

I have my own business and work in the field of Clinical Trials for cancer. I routinely take doctors and their staff out to lunch/dinners. I have told them ALL (also my friends) about the surgery and they have been nothing but supportive. None of them have been judgmental and they have given me more encouragement than I ever could have imagined.

Sure, I may run into someone that thinks that this is the "easy way out"... but to be truthful.. before I knew what the lapband was all about, I thought the same thing. How can I judge them for having the same thoughts as I once did?

All in all, I can't imagine doing this "in the dark". My support system has been incredible and I really don't know what I would do without them.

Put your faith in those around you and they will feel your faith and confidence. Doubt them and they will feel your doubts. You have made an incredible commitment by choosing the lapband. You DESERVE to have people respect you for it!

All my best to you on your lapband journey!

i have had my band in since january 24th, my doc is to conservative. i have had two fills and nothing, i think i am gaining weight than losing. i am told to eat solid foods and lots of Protein but i am so afraid because i want to lose the weight. i have a 10 cc band and have had less than 1cc fill. i am thinking to switch doc.

IMHO switch docs! This guy/gal just wants to make money off from you! What a load of crap!

I couldn't agree more! As a gay man who doesn't, unfortunately, have a womb... I am envious of mothers who are able to coddle their babies and bond with them.

I hope that mothers can wake up and realize how much they're missing out on! I know that babies can get heavy and that it is an inconvenience at times.. but that inconvenience can contribute towards some of the best parts of their lives.

LOL! I guess I should read all the way through before I start answering posts!

California is backing down, somewhat, in that the decision was vacated. The ultimate resolution remains to be seen. The teacher's unions in CA would LOVE to eliminate homeschooling, so the war isn't over yet.

The teacher's union would only love to eliminate homeschooling for those who want to 'limit' the student's exposure to other views. At least that's my current opinion on it. You seem to be the type of person who isn't afraid to expose her children to other opinions/views. Of course, being a parent, you have more influence on them... that is, of course, until they become teenagers. At that point, is there anyone who knows less than their parents? Probably not.

Anyway... you've pulled me over to the homeschooler's side... so you should get a financial bonus or something (at least). (I'm KIDDING!)