skhopp

Hi there! I am new to this site, and am here upon recommendation from a new friend I've met thru a support group in our area. I am hoping someone reading this will have been in my shoes and can offer some promising advice. I was banded on May 21, 2007 - coming up on 1 year. I have lost 15 pounds - no, I haven't left out any numbers by mistake - FIFTEEN pounds in 1 year. I am VERY depressed about this. I admit that for many months I was hoping that the band would work by itself, and I didn't try real hard. I have now realized that what I was told during my pre-op consultation is TRUE - the band is a tool to help with weight loss, but it will not work on its own. I feel like I am now ready to begin my journey in working with the band - 1 year later. I feel like a total failure. Last weekend, I attended a Lap Band support group in my area - what a great step that was! I live in a rural area, so the fact that we have a support group is amazing! Please respond! Thanks

I am 1 1/2 years out from banding, and haven't lose any weight in the last year (not the band's fault)! As ashamed as I am to say this - I don't want to give up, as having WLS is a drastic measure. I don't have a problem with portion control - my band controls that; however, I have a REAL problem with unhealthy choices and lack of protein. Because of this, I am wondering if any bandster has tried the new alli since surgery? I don't know if it's okay to take with the band. I do have an appointment for a fill next Friday - I'll ask my nurse (because I haven't seen my doctor since he discharged me the day after surgery) about alli. Just curious to see if anyone out there has tried it, or knows if we can. I figure maybe if I shit my pants once or twice, it'll make me stop eating junk!!! lol

Please, please give me any advice you might have. I am contemplating having my band removed and a bypass done. I am 19 months from banding and have not lost a single pound. I am the same weight I was when I left the hospital the day after surgery. I will be the first to admit that I have not followed all the lap band "rules". I've made poor food choices and haven't exercised like I should. However, my portions are decreased dramatically. The band is doing its job - I'm not doing mine. I feel like with the difference in portion sizes from what I used to eat til now - I should have lost SOME weight. I'm not expecting to be a big loser because I don't apply myself like I should. That being said, I am becoming very frustrated and depressed because of the lack of success. I'm wondering if maybe the band was not the right WLS for me. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm really thinking about the bypass - even though it is so risky, I'm wondering if that will work for me. I don't need criticism - just advice. Thanking you in advance.:wub:

Thanks for your concerns -- there is a good possibility that counseling may help me. I do take Paxil for depression, and feel like it does a good job; however, I don't know why I "lose control" sometimes, in the food aspect of life. My portions are very well controlled, but I make bad choices. I am trying really hard to eat Protein first just because I know that's the hardest for me to get in and I am exercising for 1 hour 2 days a week. I need to drink more Water. Basically, I know what I need to do, I just don't do it, and the frustrating thing is I don't know WHY I don't do the right things. BTW, my surgeon called and said he would do a revision from the band to the bypass on me. He wants me to start with the psych eval again, and I think that's a great idea. I go to see the psychologist next week. Keep me in your thoughts - I appreciate the concern. Stephanie

Hi Mechille. Your post caught my eye because I was banded at Hurley in Flint, MI. My surgeon was Dr. Wagner. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to help. Good luck. Stephanie

roxie - I've had 7 or 8 fills. I'm at 3.0 cc's in my band, which is a 4.0 cc band. Thank you for your time. Stephanie

I'm desperately looking for some advice...I really don't need negative feedback, please. A little about me--I was banded in May 2007. I lost 10-12 pounds on the PRE-op diet and NOT 1 POUND since then. I admit, I have not followed all the rules. I have made poor food and drink choices and I've not exercised. However, I can honestly say that the band has done its part in controlling my portions, which brings me to wonder why I haven't lost ANY weight. I am not perfect, and I don't ever plan to be; however, I have made enough changes that I should have seen SOME loss by now. I am very depressed and frustrated about this. I have recently made some changes - I am now making healthier choices (not perfect ones) and I am exercising 3-4 x per week. According to the scale and my clothes - I am GAINING weight! WTH? I'm at a loss here. I am seriously considering checking into either the sleeve or a mini bypass - neither of which I know a lot about. I know quite a bit about the gastric bypass - how does the mini bypass differ, if at all? Or is it just a terminology thing? I know very little about the sleeve, as well. I don't know what the likelihood is of insurance covering a "revision" WLS. I'd have to check into that too. But, for now, I'd just like to get information - and I really like getting firsthand info from those that have actually "been there and done that". Again, save your negative comments. I KNOW that the band is only a tool, and does not work alone. I KNOW that I haven't always "done my part". But, I also KNOW that the band isn't for everyone - and I think I may be one of those statistics.:biggrin: Thank you in advance for any help, advice, comments you can offer. Have a Safe, Happy, and Healthy New Year!:tongue:

I don't mean to "beat a dead horse", BUT... I cannot get the idea of revising to a bypass out of my head. I think about it all day, I go to sleep thinking about it, and I wake up thinking about it. I've called my insurance, and it looks like they will cover the surgery. I called a surgeon (different one than did my band-due to travel distance) and found out what they need from me. They need a referral - so I have an appointment with my PCP next Monday. I wish I knew if I was doing the right thing, or if I am making a big mistake. I know the decision of WLS is a very personal one, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly - but I really do value all opinions. Please let me know what you think?

I'm going to be the devil's advocate on this one! The question you asked is a very good one - one that I wish I would've looked into a little more before having the surgery. I was told from the very beginning that the band is ONLY a tool - is does not work alone. It will restrict your portion sizes, providing you keep up with your fills. However, it is EXTREMELY easy to eat "junk food", "slider" foods, whether you're just right or too tight. I love, love, love sugar and salt, and everything that contains them. I have found that if you aren't willing/ready to make the changes in your head first - the band will not make a difference. I have been banded for 19 months and haven't lost nor gained a single pound. That being said, I do contribute my success as far as not gaining to the band - because without it, I truly believe I would be even heavier. However, I am very disappointed, disgusted, and frustrated - to say the very least. And, yes, I will be the first to admit that it is my fault. I didn't truly believe what I was told "the band is only a tool", "you have to work with the band, in order to make the band work with you". These things are most definitely true. Although I went thru the psych eval like everyone else - and passed it -- I was not ready to make the changes in my head, therefore, my success is suffering. It is also true that the band requires the most effort by you of any of the weight loss surgeries. I am by no means trying to discourage you from having the band - it is a wonderful tool and many have had great successes with it; I just want to let you know that THE BAND IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. As bad as I wanted to think it was for me, I now know that it was not. I'm actually considering revising to a bypass. Please think about your inner self while you make this decision. It is a decision that no one else can make for you - only you know your personality. I wish you the very best of luck on your journey.

MacMadame-thank you for your information. I went to the site you suggested - what great information on comparisons. I printed it out so I can look it over. That really helps. Thanks again and wish me luck.

Hi everyone! I was banded on May 21, 2007. I lost 10 or 12 pounds on the PRE op diet. However, I have not lost one single pound since surgery (19 mos). Granted, I have made poor food choices and haven't exercised like I should. So, I don't blame the band. I'm just thinking that the band wasn't the right WLS for me. I haven't had any trouble with it (reflux,flipped port,slipped, etc.), knock on wood. I'm just pretty frustrated and depressed about the whole thing. I feel I have made enough changes that I should have had SOME weight loss by now. I go to the doctor tomorrow for a fluid measurement and another fill (last visit showed 1.5 cc in the band, and there should've been 4 cc). They're trying to determine if there is a leak or if a careless fill lead to the fluid loss. I'm having a really hard time holding my head up. Any help or advice would be appreciated. I see a lot of people have had the revision from the band to bypass - but I wasn't sure if that's only if there are complications from the band. I am contemplating the revision simply because I am not working with the band, and it doesn't work on its own. Anybody out there encounter the same thing? Does insurance usually cover for this reason? Please, please, give my any advice you have? thanking you in advance.

Thank you so much for your responses. I have heard of the DS, but don't know anything about it. Could you tell me more?

Brittwoman - I've asked a couple others that have revised from a band to the bypass to offer info, but no one responds. Would you tell me why you revised? I'm thinking of revising from the band to the bypass. I found out that the band isn't for everyone, and I'm one of the statistics. I've had my band since May of 2007, and hadn't lost any weight until this past WEEK, and that's because I have been working out. I wasn't as committed as I thought when I started this whole process. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions - from depressed to frustrated to disgusted. I still don't know what to do. Some have asked me if I can't follow the band rules, what makes me think I can follow the bypass rules? I mentioned that to my PA last week and she said that the bypass MAKES you follow the rules. Do you find this to me true? I know the bypass is riskier; however, so were the 3 back surgeries I've went through - and I need to take off some weight before I'm there again, too. Please offer me some insight. I don't have any complications from the band - reflux, slipped band, flipped port, leak, etc. - I just don't think it was for me.

I don't know if I can offer much help. However, I have been banded since May of 2007, and hadn't lost any weight until THIS WEEK (because I decided to get off my lazy a** and exercise) - now I'm down 2 pounds in 5 days - which may sound minimal, but it excites me! I spoke with the PA at my surgeon's office last week about revising my band to a bypass - because I've had VERY MINIMAL success (not gaining weight in almost 2 years can be viewed as a success; however I was hoping to lose, not maintain). She was going to talk to my surgeon over the weekend and call me today with his suggestion. I mentioned to her that fact that if I can't follow the band rules, what makes me think I can follow the bypass rules. She said that the bypass MAKES you follow the rules. I'm assuming she means because eating sugars can have terrible physical side effects (dumping syndrome) and because the bypass causes a decrease in absorption of what you eat (which is why malabsorption is a concern). That being said, the bypass may be more risky; however, the band IS NOT for everyone. I'm finding that it takes a lot more committment than I ever imagined. And, yes, I did think the band was a miracle cure (a misconception I had), as they do tell you ahead of time that the band is only a tool, and you do have to put forth a lot of effort to make it work to its full potential. If you're not absolutely committed to making it work - it'll be a rough road. I was half-assed committed, and that doesn't get you anywhere. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. It's a hard decision, and you are the ONLY one that can make it. You know your personality, your weaknesses, and strengths. Hope I helped a little.

Wow, alot of "views, but no "posts". Well, thanks for looking - and feel free to offer advice at any time.

When talking with the PA at my surgeon's office last week, I brought up the theory that if I am having trouble following the band rules, what makes me think I will be able to follow the bypass rules. Her comment to me was "the bypass MAKES you follow the rules", as if there isn't much chance to "cheat". This is the exact though that I had, though I didn't know if it was true. If I am given an inch, I'll take a mile; however, if I'm not given an inch, I won't try anything. Make sense, or not? She made it sound like the bypass may be what I need, because of the trouble I'm having making the band work. I don't know - I'm still confused. But, she was gonna talk to my surgeon about me this past weekend, and she's supposed to call me today to let me know his suggestion. I'll keep you posted, if anyone's interested. Thanks to those of you that responded to my post.

I agree that you very well may be too tight. That being said, my story is A LOT like yours. I had my surgery in May 2007 and had not lost a dang pound, until this week when I started exercising. Now I'm down 2 pounds in 19 months - there's a sad statistic. However, I find that although I can keep "good" food down, it takes more effort on my part, meaning I have to be EXTREMELY careful when I eat meat (teeny, tiny bites, and chew until my jaw wants to give up). So, in my case, I don't believe that I'm too tight - I believe that it's easier for me to eat the wrong things, and they taste better, so I do it. Like I said, you may be too tight - or you may prefer to take the easiest route, like me, and just eat what's quick. Just a thought. good luck

I'm watching it - if it were a fashion show, she absolutely deserved to go, but seen as how it's a singing contest - I don't think she has, nor had, what it takes. Things like this really piss me off because if I had sung exactly like her and wore a bikini - you can bet ur ass I wouldn't have been voted thru! Goes to show that looks ARE everything in this society. *barf, gag*

I agree with others that making good food and drink choices coupled with exercising is the key to making this work; however, I tried just the good food and drink choices - without some sort of exercise, and the scale NEVER moved (for 19 mos). Last week I started working out 2-3 days a week with a small group of ladies, and I lost 2 pounds in 5 days. So, I am a firm believer that exercise is an absolute MUST, whether you're extremely careful about what you put in your mouth or not. There, now you have my 2 cents worth!

This is a BIG issue right now - for me, included. However, I have been banded for 19 months and haven't lost a single, shittin' pound (excuse my choice of words-caused by frustration). I am waiting to hear back from my surgeon to see if he would consider doing a revision from the band to the bypass for me. The PA that I seen this week for my fill said that people like me (very little control) may actually do better with the bypass because it "forces" you to eat the right things - and there very well may be serious negative side effects if you don't, as it prevents your body from absorbing much of what you take in. I am seriously considering this - not because the band doesn't work - because I don't work with the band, the band doesn't work FOR ME. I am extremely depressed and frustrated at this point. And, I know there are more risks with the bypass; however, because of my weight, I've had 3 back surgeries and am 33 years old - and those are risky too. I guess you have to weigh your options, and it is absolutely true that each and every person must decide what is better in their particular situation. I didn't realize that the lap-band was/is not for everyone - and even if I had, I would have thought "I won't be a statistic - I can make this work" haha-jokes on me. So, anyone out there contemplating WLS - think seriously about your habits and personality before you decide! I'm living proof that that should play as big a part in your decision as any.

White06 - Are you doing anything specific as far as a diet plan, or just cracking down on yourself? cherylcovey - I know how you feel. You are not alone. I wish I had suggestions for you but since I'm in the same boat as you - I can't be of much assistance. I too know what I need to do - I just don't do it. And, I don't know why or what it will take to get me to do it.

lauranflores - I could've written your post myself. I was banded May 21, 2007 and haven't lost a single pound. I lost about 10 or 12 pounds on the PRE op diet, but nothing since surgery. I know exactly how you feel. It's depressing and frustrating, to say the least. And, those that haven't struggled to lose weight after WLS don't understand the extent of frustration. Sure, it's hard on all of us to lose weight - that's why we resorted to WLS, but to not lose any weight despite surgery, is a real bummer. I go for a check up and a fill today. I have a 4cc band, have had 7 fills and one slight unfill, have lost much of my fluid for an unknown reason, and am having the fluid measured again today to determine if a leak is the culprit. That being said, I don't make good choices and I don't exercise like I should, and I don't drink enough water. I totally blame myself - the band is working, I am not! I need to get over this hump and get back on track. We can use each other for support. Good luck to you!

Hellloooo! Is anyone out there? Someone's got to have advice - please share it.

One Hot Grammy - Could you tell me why you are revising from a band to bypass? I'm doing a little info searching for myself. thanking you in advance.

GrizGirl - May I ask why you are switching from the band to bypass? Because I'm doing a little research on this for myself. Any info and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. thanking you in advance.