brandyII

Is there a site for CPAP machine users, sleep apnea or am I missing something. Was wondering if anywone out there had issues with their CPAP machines or would want to discuss? brandyII:confused:

Mandi,

I'm no expert and I try not to preach either because I know how obnoxious that is to hear! I'm just a person who struggles with it too and I can't even put up one of those d%%%m weight strips because mine went down then up again so who wants that on the site? Anywho, my trademark word, do you find it's much more difficult the weeks before your period, I'm a six week cycle person so it seems that my cravings last longer than a person who gets their period every 4 weeks. I do tend to do better when I'm no in that PMS phase of my cycle. I don't know if you feel that makes a difference.

Either way I know it's hard and I even try to walk on the treadmill but like you that bs about calling a friend, take a walk, buy yourself something pretty does not work for me and I wish that it did.

Also I don't work now but when I did work in an office they can be the worse sabotagers of your weight loss and you feel like they're breathing down your neck and you end up getting paranoid if you eat something they're frickn judging you all the time. You have to get a tough skin, I was told that by someone who I felt I could trust, and blow them off in your mind somehow. Maybe that did sound somewhat preachy but I know how annoying people can get especially if they comment all the time on the surgery. Now I know why Star Jones didn't tell anyone, she was smart! Anyway, I think weight loss can come in waves so we know we're not perfect so we have to say to ourselves that we're doing the best we can and if something isn't working that we think should then we'll try something else or ask an "expert". But so far I think you're doing a great job and probably just hit a bad pot hole in the road, who knows tomorrow you may see things in a whole different light, good luck we're all pulling for you, brandyII, sorry I was so wordy I get that way sometimes! lol.

Can anyone give me instructions on how to put up a picture of a bulldog puppy, cute one of course, I've gotten my husband, masters in computers, and two post-teenage daughters, masters of anything computer help me and I can't get one to be accepted. Thanks for assist, brandyII.:thumbup:

Mandi78,

I have issues with eating the wrong foods also but thought that they would be just as difficult to eat as the good food were but found out I was wrong. I'm always open for suggestions now and feel somewhat powerless at times but I might check out that Beck Diet Solution book since so many people are reccomending it also. Don't feel too bad I'm 7 months post surgery and have gained back all but about 5 pounds from my original loss (20 all together) but everything can turn around. Good luck to you too Brandy II.

Anyone with suggestions on how to get a picture up there? I want a cute picture of a bulldog puppy, thanks brandyII.

You do need to do more than list "other". I am an "other" but I am an ex-Catholic who still considers her self spiritual but does not choose to belong to any religion or wants to be labeled as such. After 12 years of Catholic school I retired! Go lap bands:thumbup:

Thanks Vicki J,

Sometimes we just get down on ourselves and it's nice to be able to vent and also find out if we are alone out there with similar probs. I think because I wasn't with a normal fill for the first three months after surgery that it kind of screwed up my head a bit and I really needed to get back to the basics like a lot of people suggested. I have been saying I'm not giving up yet, I'm not giving up yet but in a way I was.

I really, really, really thought that all foods would be difficult to eat, including Cookies and cakes, chips etc... I knew that ice cream would be easy so I kind of was under the wrong impression. So if I sound like I'm b''chn about the good foods alot I am but I know now what I'm dealing with and have to go on and not give up. I still haven't completely decided whether to remove more of my fill is necessary or if I should just try harder and as they say choo choo choo! Thanks for everyone's advice and help I always appreciate it, Brandy II who still needs to get a cute pic up on the screen, not of me of course but a cute pic!

Losing it in ne,

I have a therapist so that's not an issue for me. I have an endocrinologist also. I really don't feel that the doctors are a problem for me, it's truly me. I still don't believe you can treat all obese people the same way as they all have different issues, physically, mentally and emotionally. What works for one may not necessarily work for another. I'm no spring chicken either so I've been around the block shall I say. I want to be at a healthy weight and am not concerned anymore with being "size cute" any more as that is not important to me, I've been there, done that. The older I get the more difficult it is to take off and keep off the weight and my meds have a bit to do with it. Alot of the cravings I have come across "could" have something to do with not getting the satisfaction from a bite of turkey and a bite of veg. It's hard to explain until you've actually experienced it yourself. Some people do well with just having that "hunger" part taken away but not all people do. So it's something that you may not know until you've actually had the operation if no one is there to tell you this ahead of time. It's not really something you can practice and a Protein shake is good but it's not a piece of cake right before your period! Good luck to you on yours, I hope you succeed, brandy II.

Thanks Sue for your support I appreciate it. It's so difficult not be hard on yourself and give up. I don't live in a "major" city so there really is only one place to go and I have confidence with them but they're more gastric bypass than lap band. I don't know if most places are like that or not and they're probably not used to having someone fail pretty much from the start like I did.

Do you ever feel like your fill is at a place where you don't eat the bad stuff anymore? That is a question anyone can answer me. I'd like to know what makes people so successful because there are more of you out there than not, thanks brandyII.

bafranco, Go back to "Home Page" and then scroll down to "Complications" and then go near top of page and it says "New Thread" near top left.

That last posting was for Susan 4794

Thanks for your advice, I do think taking out most of the fill and trying a balanced diet again will help me and have scheduled an appointment with the surgeon instead of the PA who normally fills me next month. I'm also using the treadmill and even though I'm not up to a good speed yet I feel better when I walk. Thanks again for your advice.

Mummybandit,

I really think that you need to get better medical support, maybe that's obvious but I know when you breast feed a baby it takes a lot from your body and you're not able to give yourself enough food to sustain yourself during breast feeding. Could you possibly have the fill removed during breast feeding and give body a break until you've weaned your baby? It worries me a bit that you have a lap band and are breast feeding. I'm sure I'm not alone in this feeling. Think about it for your health and your babies. And don't be so hard on yourself. You are an athlete and are probably much tougher on yourself because of that but taking care of yourself and your children come first and worrying too much about your weight now might not be in your best interest. I am going to have my fill removed in about a month when I can my next appointment with my surgeon and give myself a more balanced diet for a while. Good luck to you, we're pulling for you!

Excuse My Misspells

I certainly know now that the surgery won't conquer my "demons" but I had a different impression on what the lap band was to do prior to surgery and think it's reasonably to be disappointed. I now have to deal with more issues than I thought I would as do most people who have it and are also disappointed. It's nice to know there are others like me who are having issues with it and are not alone. It can be quite embarrassing when you think you're having a procedure done that will somewhat change you for the better and seven months later have put back 20 pounds and you just spent $30,000 on surgery that should have helped and not hindered the problem. In some ways gaining 20 pounds I feel lucky compared so some of the complications I've read about with some people in these forums. Bless all who do well and bless all who don't!

I know just how you feel. I am so regretting this surgery. I had mine in October 2007 12 weeks after the birth of my second son and to date have only lost around 11 kgs. (Most of it during the liquid phase of the process) I had my port flip and so required a second operation so have only had my first fill in for around 4 weeks. I am finding it so easy to eat the wrong foods and so difficult to eat the right ones. I sat down to eat some grapes for dessert - (I am a sweet tooth) and struggled so badly. I would love to be able to have a salad sandwich for lunch - the amount of time and effort it takes to eat really puts me off as with two little ones, I don't have that time. I am back into my basketball again which is helping but I feel everything I lose is due to my effort and nothing to do with the band. I feel it has taken all pleasure out of eating and the worst thing is the lack of knowledge that I had about this band before getting it. I found this site post band and would not have got it if I had. I have never been an overeater, my problem is what I eat - so the band is not helping me in that regard at all. My surgeon has the personality of a rock - I had a 10 minute consultation when I was 6 weeks pregnant and he just booked me in for surgery 6 weeks after my baby was due. He never spoke to me again before the surgery even though it was almost a year later. It is my own fault for not looking into it further myself, but I guess I trusted that he knew what he was talking about and was very positive that this would work for me and would get my weight off very quickly. I am now having shocking pains in my left shoulder and am wondering if my vagus nerve has been damaged during surgeries. If I have any more problems, I will definitely have this thing out - I have always been the healthiest person aside from weight but have now had 2 surgeries in less than four months. I feel that I am going to have to conquer my food demons on my own because the lap band is not being the tool for me that it seems to be to others. Hang in there, don't get too depressed and keep coming to this site for support.

Hi Mummybandit,

That's weird you brought up the vagus nerve as there was something on the news just yesterday about people having it cut and it seems to curb their appetites. I doubt it would work for me so it's not something I'd consider but I really have no idea exactly where it is or if they cut them during the surgery or not. I think having the surgery during such an emotional and hormonal time as just having a baby was something your surgeon should have taken into consideration and am suprised didn't.

Sometimes surgeons seem to be very unemotional but very bright people and are trained just to do that part of the job and have others handling all other aspects of this surgery. I'm sure you must have gone through the screening and testing that most lap band patients have to go through prior to surgery if not that's pretty crazy. The pre-testing was very good for me as I was found to have a thyroid and a sleep apnea problem. They psychological testing is not done in a way to screen out people who are emotional eaters.

I spoke with someone today who basically agreed with me that the fact that I can't eat the "good" foods makes me overeat the bad ones to compensate in a way. Maybe it's my body telling me I'm not getting what I'm supposed to be getting. I'm sure part of it is in my own head too but still obesity is a very complex problem and having one solution and locking everyone into it is not the answer! If obesity is such a problem in the US then they really need to be studying it more and quit blaming everyone for their obesity and actually working with people as individuals and not putting us all in the same pigeon hole. Sorry I was venting:ohmy:

Thanks for your reply, I just started this website today and have read a lot of postings but I still feel like the only one out there who has had such a problem. I'm in my late 40s and am on meds for anxiety and depression also so I don't know if that hinders my progress at all. Maybe someone out there knows, God if I do!!!!

My BMI was just above 40 when I started the presurgical liquid diet so that wasn't the problem and I had sleep apnea and type II diabetes and also of course that old thyroid is under active. Did they remove your lap band or replace the port? I'm still very down about this whole thing but don't think my insurance would pay for a second surgery.

It feels very weird for me to say it out loud, but my band is gone..finally! I feel very ambivalent about the whole thing. I’m very happy to not be in pain and having problems anymore, but I felt very much “attached” to my band and felt it was very much a part of me for the last 6 years. I identified myself as a “bandster” and wanted very much for this to work for me. I actually asked my surgeon for my band back so I could keep it, lol!

I was very recently converted from a band to a bypass. The surgery was VERY difficult and took almost 4 hours. Most of which time was spent trying to remove my band. It was placed WAAAAY too high on my esophagus and I had no pouch at all. I am still recovering and I expect it will take me a while longer to feel back to my old self again.

I have decided that I shouldn’t define myself as a “bandster”, “bypasser” or whatever cute name we think of to call ourselves. My main goal is the same as it always was and I’m sure it’s the same as most of you. To be healthy and live a quality life, free of morbid obesity.

Let my situation be a lesson to everyone that wants to keep their band at all cost. The last thing I want to do is to put fear into anyone. However, I want you to be aware of possible issues and symptoms and to know when it’s time to let your band go. Mainly, if you have pain, something is wrong. Vomiting, loss of restriction, poor weight loss, etc. Even after following instructions given to me by my surgeon, I still had problems.

If your surgeon (or anyone else) tries to blame you, then SEE SOMEONE ELSE! If you follow treatment instructions and still have problems and/or pain, it’s NOT your fault and you need to be treated. Contrary to popular belief, more and more is known about complications and their causes. Most of which are NOT the patient’s fault. Your first priority should be your health and not keeping your band! Don’t forget that! I have forgotten that at times during my own journey.

I thought of my band as the end and the “cure”. It was neither for me. I had other options. I just wasn’t ready to see them. I was even thinking about giving my band another try while in pre-op waiting for my conversion surgery! Then I came to my senses. It’s not worth risking more serious complications or even death, just to keep your band. That is NOT why any of us decided to be banded. The reason we decided to be banded was to help us lose weight and get healthy. THAT’S IT!

I consider myself a success. To me, a success is not giving up and finding a surgeon willing to help me and get to my ultimate goal of health and quality of life!

Always make sure you keep your priorities straight and if you’re having trouble, seek not only medical help, but also emotional support. Whether it is on one of these boards or somewhere else. I guarantee that someone else is going through the same thing you are going through. So decide to be the brave one and reach out.

I hope none of you ever go through what I have been through, but the fact is that some of you will. Please listen to your body and never ignore it’s voice

I wish all of you the Best of Health!

Congrats on the band removal and the bypass surgery. Did insurance cover your second surgery?

You are not alone there!!!!! Same thing, if I could control the eating of things like chocolate or Cookies or ice cream I wouldn't have needed the surgery, thinking of course that would help. It doesn't take away cravings but makes it difficult to eat the "good" foods. More info needs to be put out before more people make the same mistake. This surgery is not for everyone, I'm happy for those it does work for but it sure hasn't for me!

I'll tell you the only good thing about my lap band was that the incisions were very good and clean and I had no problem with healing and they don't look that bad. Not that I'd be wearing a bikini anyway but still it depends on the person and the surgeon. Other than that I personally would rather have the gastric bypass.

I wish I had never had the lap band done because it's only ended in failure, I've gained back the weight I lost prior to the surgery and would rather have the gastric bypass but don't think insurance would cover both procedures, feel your pain!

I got my lap band last August 2007 and have had problems ever since. The surgery was fine, no problems there. The problems started with my fills. They misjudged the size of my band so for the first four months I barely had any thing in my band and I could eat whatever I wanted but in my head I thought it was all my fault.

Then by the third fill they realized I needed more because I had the large size band they gave me the correct amount for the time and that's when I started having problems with food.< /p>

I had no problem with "liquids" which for me were things like sugar free Jello mixed with sugar free or fat free "Coolwhip" and fat free yogurt.

If I tried to eat Protein and veggies they filled me up too fast no matter how much I chewed or how slow I ate. So of course I would end up eating more of the "soft foods" and what my body really needed protein and fruits and veg etc...

Anywho I then began to gain back the weight that I had lost prior to surgery when I was on the liquid shakes, which was about 25 lbs back in July/August.

I met with the "filler" of my port and explained my probs and got another fill which again made it more difficult to eat the "good" foods.

Once more met with "filler" and then mistakenly put in too much fill and had about 12 hours of vomiting up my own saliva, went to ER to have the excess fill removed.

Long story short I'm at the point now where I know that I'm eating wrong because I can't eat the good foods and believe me, I actually want to eat a salad and protein but now the thought actually makes me feel ill.

I knew prior to surgery that you can't drink your diet afterwards, meaning eat ice cream or milk shakes etc... but I honestly thought that I would not be able to eat chocolate like it was Water or even Cookies or cake or chips even. Why is it that I can eat all the bad foods but can't tolerate the good foods? I wish someone would have told me that or I would have found a site a year ago so that I would have had the gastric bypass instead.

I am in my mid forties so I wasn't in a rush to lose the weight and had gotten down to around 225 when I had the surgery so I thought it was a slow proceedure but I still thought it/I would be successful. Anyway I'm back up to 245 now and it's been seven months since the lap band surgery and I feel terrible, has anyone else had an experience like mine, thanks for letting me vent.:thumbup: