NewSho

WOO HOO Good for you, Nykee. That's so cool! 80 pounds? Wow, you lost a Hilton Sister, LOL. Happy Band Journeys to all.

What a great series of NSV's. And I love Vegas - so that makes it even better. Good for you. Happy Band Journeys to all.

Here's hoping you feel better but I agree with those who believe your band has probably not slipped. It's never fun to irritate your pouch or esophagus - but since you are such a new pre-op I think it's probably just a case of you overdoing it. Band slippage is a serious occurence but I believe (and I'm hoping) this is just irritation. PLEASE let us know what your doctor says. We'll be here for you. Happy Band Journeys to all.

Omigawd, how? I don't get it. You've kicked butt to go from 47 BMI to your current 39.9. You can still wear your Pre-Op stuff? How? I will accept being clothes-obsessed but I can barely wear anything that's a few sizes too big. I've only gone from about a BMI of 38 to my current 30 BMI. I mean that's just 50# I'm down at least 5 sizes. So nothing fits now. I just realized I have no suits in my current size. I had to wear one of my pre-op suits the other day and I was beside myself. I know I'm still fat but when I wear my older clothes from a size or two up, I feel so crappy! I feel swollen, blubbery, and even more fat. I have also noticed I'm much more introverted if I wear something older from my closet. But if I wear something more fitting or something in my actual size, I feel better.:rolleyes I donated a ton of my too-big clothing (especially after Hurricane Katrina) as those are always needed by charities. However, a lot of the name brand, designer, nicer stuff went right on eBay. (Remember that national name brand clothing almost always sells better online than unknown brand names. If you have some higher- end clothes, nicer store labels or name brands - sell those first.) eBay is a godsend to me - and its how I made my living for a couple years until recently so it seems like as soon as I sell some of my older, too big clothes, I'm rushing to buy newer ones. During my "active losing" period last year, I couldn't buy clothes fast enough it seemed - eBay allowed me to not have wasted my money on those clothes that I barely wore before realizing they were too big. Happy Band Journeys to all.

Hmmm, this may be. It's a great concept, Anthony. I wish there were some biomedical engineers who had insight on this - but from this non-professional's view, it seemed like a big difference.

Mary, I don't know but I do know that the Harvard Pilgrim program was voted one of the best insurance plans in the country due to patient satisfaction (The nearby Tufts plan was voted the best overall in the U.S.) No I don't work for Harvard Pilgrim but I know people have said that they are fair to deal with. Sleep apnea is a very serious co-morb, and paired with hypertension and your other medical issues, then you should persue approval with all your strength. Good Luck to you!

I don't live in the Chicagoland area - but I have heard rave reviews about Dr. Nagel. Hopefully you'll make the right choice for you, but they are both decent choices. Good Luck.

OK, this is the beginning of the Apocalypse. I actually agree with Dr Pleatman on something - that's NEVER happened. :faint: { I know, I know - he's the experienced surgeon, I'm just some random LapBand patient.} But honestly when I read his posts, I have always thought he was just a typical "cut and saw" surgeon who is more concerned with numbers on a clipboard rather than with how patients actually live their daily lives. I thought his comments on "Get over it and Move on" were simply caustic and condescending. Now I think I'm either losing my bark or getting used to his bite. This is earth-shattering.:rolleyes For example: I agree - MOST don't. Omigawd, if I had lost 1 pound a week since being banded, I'd be in the negatives in weight now. Even during the first 2 years of banding, that would still be 100# (pounds) gone. And if I had lost 100# of my original weight, I could be a fashion model by now. But seriously, even with getting back to realistic goals, Dr Pleatman is right on this point. And most of the MANY banded folks I know don't lose anywhere near 52# a year or #100 in 2 years. Been there, done that, got the medical records to prove it. I just read the initial assessments by my own surgeon and the others I consulted with before my LapBand. Guess what, they all expressed that I seemed destined for Weight Loss Surgery success (except for one ultra-conservative who thought my BMI might be a bit too low for a drastic surgery. G-o-d Bless Him, first time I've been thought of being too small to do ANYTHING. ) I walked in to EVERY single consult with a full approval for RnY that I got myself, so I did all I could to be brutally honest about my life, my diet and my goals and then asked for their advice. Sadly since this was in 2001 most felt that the LapBand wouldn't help patients lose 70#-80# - sounds crazy but that was the thinking back them. It KILLS me to say this: but those docs who thought RnY may have been a 'more guaranteed' choice for me, may have been right. Now this is just my case, but man hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? I agree. I'm a TechnoGeek and the mechanical 'geekiness' of this procedure totally was attractive to me. In my Patient Assessments done by my surgeon, I even read that I asked more technical questions than other patients ever did. Well I should have more seriously considered that all devices can fail, but that's another story. I think LapBanders tend to be a different breed, and many surgeons I know have said their LapBand patients tend to be a bit more techno-oriented & some are a bit more educated, and I personally think LapBanders tend to have an individualistic streak. Now with that in mind - did that attract us to such an unusual form of WLS? Any thoughts on this? I wonder why are some LapBand patients seem so different? Oh man, so true. I went with the "safer" easier procedure and 5 years later I'm still fat (and according to my BMI of 30, I'm techincally still obese:mad:. ) In fact, I've even had major complications and I *do* sometimes think "Oh I could have had the RnY for all this time, money and effort." And though the LapBand was safer, am I better off now, considering that I'm still overweight? So it's true. I have formally agreed with Dr. Pleatman on every point in one of his posts. I am agreeing with the man who has said painfully strong things about the LapBand and other weight loss procedures. So what is next? Gee, maybe eventually he'd convert me later, because my own surgeon ain't hearing it. Anyone got a spare plane ticket to Michigan? Happy Band (and Non-Banded) Journeys to all

Choosing between Weight Loss Surgery ( WLS) procedures is a tough one for many people. This is an individual decision that only you can make. If you have narrowed it down to the Band vs the bypass then just know think about this. They are both two great procedures and for those of us who are forced to consider drastic measures to lose weight, it's important to see that each procedure has its own merits. My story is a bit different from some others. I should probably brace myself for flack for this, but I will just be frank. I was literally on a path to achieve quite spectacular success with the LapBand. Quite honestly, that spectacular success with the band has not happened. And according to my surgeon who has given me a "Sorry, but you probably won't lose any more with the Lap Band.." letter, it may never happen. I was banded five years ago {I sought to be approved for the RnY bypass but I really didn't want to commit to something quite so drastic, and I was impressed by Band success in Europe and elsewhere} and I have struggled. Now keep in mind, like all technology, things have changed & improved since 2001 and many people have gone on to oustanding results with LapBanding. So remember that this is my own story, and your results may vary. Lots of folks are now doing well with the LapBand - but those who don't are often shunned and don't openly participate in forums the way that those who have achieved remarkable success may do. So here I am. Initially I only wanted to lose 70-80 pounds max, I thought the Band could help me in my quest. Keep in mind, even before Lapbanding I ate no red meat or beef, nor pork, no ice cream, no chocolate. I don't even drink shakes or malts. So I thought with some modification I could succeed, and I definitely did all I could to make it work. My results? Not very impressive, honestly. I've only lost about 51-52 lbs. and this is after 5 years. My pre-op BMI was about 38/39 and now after 5 years it's a BMI of 30. So I wasn't one of the more successful ones, and my weight is still a major problem even five years later. Quite honestly, I've really struggled with having selected an option that included no malabsorption. Ironically, this same "lack of malabsorption" is what drew me to the LapBand but my weight loss has been so slow (and sometimes non-existent) I have certainly been frustrated at times and that can hurt. As I've had the LapBand longer, I've gone through a few things that most newly banded patients won't suffer. I still think the LapBand is a fabulous option, but my original surgeon has now become quite frank about what my chances are for success. I do recommend it but I do so for friends/patients who have lower BMI, and seem to be comfortable with the fact that LapBand weight loss is considerably slower than some of the other forms. In the pre-op period you're told LapBand weight loss takes longer. And sometimes it seems like "oh yeah, I won't care if it takes longer" but when you've paid your own money and watch other patients lose more and lose faster, sometimes you can start to second-guess it. I am happy to be 51or more pounds lighter? You bet. I can wear things I couldn't before, and I look a lot better. But I haven't gotten near my goal of 70#-80# and now my own surgeon doubts it can be done with the LapBand. So I am carefully considering my options. But if I had known the LapBand wasn't going to work for me (don't we all wish we had such foresight in life?), I would have definitely had another form of WLS I'm tired of being fat. Period Which form would I have had? Even with all the scariness, the complications and the lack of adjustability, I've have the RnY. (The RnY is drastic but for my needs the DS is way scarier. It's a lifestyle choice, plain and simple and I think the D-Switch is much too drastic for me. My friends who have DS have done well but they have been at a higher BMI, higher start weight and have had different lifestyles than me.) I don't want a RnY bypass but I don't want to be Morbidly Obese either. So I can't join the "Oh, it was LapBand or nothing" choir - because I was fat for so long I needed something to help me. If the LapBand can't help me, I can't do it alone so I'll have to find a tool that is right for me. The LapBand is a fabulous tool - it has adjustability, it is not permanent and it when it works, it does work well. But always remember there are other factors that can affect its' success and unlike other forms - there is no guarantee that your body will automatically lose weight (although we know many bypass type patients later struggle with keeping it off, very few of them ever actually don't lose weight initially) with the LapBand or that you will lose as much as you want. Good luck with your decision - and happy WLS journey to you.

Count me among those who don't care for chocolate either way. If I just *have* to eat some it can only be the Special Dark or bittersweet kind - I can't STAND any form of milk chocolate. After surgery, I would occasionally have a craving for a Reese's (odd, cuz I don't care for either chocolate or peanut butter) but that generally meant my Protein + blood sugar level was low, LOL. Now if I could just crave Protein drinks....

Thank you, everyone. I haven't had many good things happen to me (weight-related) lately so this it was nice to share a (lengthy) but heartfelt victory with my fellow Banded folk. I might have seemed like Cinderella for one night, but my busy schedule seems to have wreaked havoc on my silhouette (*sucks in stomach*). It's back to Real Life now. I forgot to add that it was freezing cold that night, but I was determined to wear that dang spaghetti-stap dress anyway - so I just threw a coat over it and strutted through the cold weather, anyway. But I will definitely consider getting it altered. Right now it's hanging on the outside of my closet so I can pass by and stare at it. Hey, maybe instead I should hang it in the kitchen - so I will have to see it before I go near the refrigerator, LOL. Thanks for sharing with me.

CONGRATS:clap2:

For some people it's common for people to throw out their banding date as some kind of validation for their statements, so I'll join in I guess (*shrug*) and share my thoughts on it. I was banded in 2001 as well - during the original FDA study period. And I was also the victim of a band leak as are many of our 5-years banded contemporaries. I had my port switched out nearly a year ago - and it was like a whole new band, especially with the newer lower profile access port. In short, I got restriction like I had never experienced. I didn't even know what true restriction was until I got this newer little silicone sucker. :couch2: I don't know what's changed (and I had an admittedly off kilter experience with my original banding) but it is TOTALLY different. Talk to some other veteran bandsters and they might tell you similar stories about having replacements. It may be similar to the experience of driving a 2001 car and then having it replaced with a 2005 or 2006 engine. The newer car might be faster or more powerful than the older model. Who knows? I can just tell you that in my experience, it's different. Just my .02 & Happy Band Journeys to all.

First, to Jonathan: I know first hand how our WLS journeys don't always go as smoothly as we wish, so no matter what you decide - I wish you luck and success. You deserve success and I believe wholeheartedly that you will achieve with it - band or not. Good Luck. Now about this comment: Not to be pro-RnY (eek) but this is kind of misleading. Of course RnY patients generally benefit from malabsorption which occurs at maximum rate until about 18-24 months after surgery. Then after that initial period, there can be a stretching of the pouch and a slowdown of the malabsorption rate both of which can contribute to some "bounce back" weight gain of up to 10% in some RnY patients. But to imply that (all) RnY patients regain (all) their weight after 3 years? Nah, there is nothing I've seen in clinical research nor personal observation to support that. Can RnY patients gain weight back? Yes. Do all patients do so? No. Do those that regain see all of their post-op weight loss come back? No. Are the RnY and DS surgeries still very serious complex, (and for some commitment phobic folks like me) down right scary procedures? Yes! But it's good to clear up any confusion about the rate of re-gain with bypass types of procedures. Happy Band (and Unbanded) Journeys to all.

[ I don't think people realize that posts like the one previously (or any posts that ask, "Oh gosh, maybe you could try XYZ") sometimes can unintentionally make people feel worse. There is a big difference in when people come to us asking for advice and guidance, versus when they come with finality having made a decision. Complications suck, but they you MUCH opportunity to think about what your next step will be. So OF COURSE he's probably considered every option. What's the right decision for some people is just that, and questioning decisions that people make and then announce here sometimes reads like second-guessing even though it's not meant that way. I often think this is what DeLarla gently hints at in her well-stated posts on topics like this.But lacking her restraint, I'll just move on to responding to the Original Poster.] Jonathan, Bless you for your experiences and for sharing them with us. We know this decision was not a hasty one, and it's been a lot of soul-searching. None of us can ever predict our journeys, but I know you'll move into the next phase your weight loss process with your eyes fixed on success. Hopefully when you're farther down the success route, this part of your journey will seem like a smaller bump on a long journey. You deserve all the success and I know you will undoubtedly achieve it. HUGS.

Oh, Lou honey - have you been reading your fellow Bandsters' private journals? Your words are going to echo and resound within many in our banded community - whether many who read it, have the chutzpah to speak up and say so or not. Everyone won't agree, but that's what makes us individuals and not lemmings, right? But quite earnestly, I hear you loud and clear - and it is very much a concern to any (sensible?) Bandster whether this tool (or even the DS, the VG-Sleeve, or RnY or heck, even "magic fairy dust" ) will get us where we need to be. The thing is, we don't know. When I see pre-ops say "Oh, I'll never eat XX XX after I get my band" or "I know I can make this work" I think of course - no one pays thousands upon thousands of dollars (Australian or American dollars) to have something fail. We all go into this with hope of succeeding, and thankfully many of us do achieve success. But as I've posted before (which gets folks riled up, but then the truth hurts) I have NEVER seen any group of people, like Bandsters, that are so quick to point fingers and assign blame to those within their own ranks that are struggling. Never. Not with any other Weight Loss surgery type or any other Weight Loss program I've seen. I don't know if it's the particular types of personality that are attracted to Lap Bands or if it's something that Lap Bands bring out in us - but I know there is more finger pointing, accusing mea culpa, self punishment and self blame among some of us, than any other group I see. Why are Bandsters so quick to blame ourselves to an almost masochistic point (and someone could argue that implanting a piece of silicone, tubing and titanium in ones abdomen is in itself masochistic ) and why do we blame the "fallen soldiers" among us? So is one a bad person for not having estimated the right tool for the job. ( Have you ever heard or read the following statements? "Well, you're not losing very fast. You're probably not making smart food choices, I bet" and "Are you sure you've done your best to make this work?" or "Gee, I lost 100# out of the 250# I need to lose, I don't see what your problem is" or my favourite, "I've seen people not succeed with the Band but it's mostly because they drink 4-5 ice cream shakes a day, etc... ) Sure it's a tool. Any all tools aren't necessarily right for everybody. What if you do a bit of DIY or home improvement, and you think you need a 1/32" screwdriver. You may estimate it carefully, shop carefully and find the right brand at the right type - then get it home and find that you actually needed the 1/16" screwdriver... Maybe sometimes the tool is right, but it takes some of us longer to learn to work with the tool. Perhaps with some time, that 1/32" screwdriver could be worked with, to complete the task although it might take a bit longer. I think your post, Lou, is a good reminder that not everyone comes to this journey with a factory--installed set of "FAIL SAFE GOOD JUDGMENT DECISION MAKERS" that are automatically implanted during the Lap Band surgery. Bravo to you for expressing it. Happy Band Journeys to all.

Hello. I thought this was probably better placed here since what I this is closer to a Support type of posts. (My previous related thread was in the "General LapBand Discussion" forum under the heading "Oh, no, the dreaded end of the road speech...") but this one is really aimed at those interested in giving/receiving support during the bumpier parts of their band journeys. I'm going to share my story - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. It's long but if one is interested in what a long term Lap Bander has seen, then maybe there is something in here to contemplate about. To summarise: My long-time LapBand surgeon "fired" me last month. He told me he didn't think I should have any more fills (ever) and that the band had done all it could for me as that I'd lost as much weight as I'd ever lose with the Band. As shocked as I was, I was trying to stay positive but my sneaking suspicion was that he viewed me as a LapBand failure and was basically trying to cut his losses. Which would be one thing, but he made no further suggestions about what should be my next step or option for managing my weight for the rest of my life. I'm at about 2.8cc of fill in my 4cc Inamed band. I've only lost about 51# total (including some weight that bounced back after being ill), and my LapBand surgeon and I initally estimated I'd lose 70-80 lbs. Later I he revised that to an approximately 68 -75 lb loss of my excess weight which was still reasonable I thought. So my current BMI is now firmly stuck at 30 which still makes me technically obese by BMI standards. I stayed in compliance and concentrating on working to lose although I could clearly realize I was in need of a slight fill to continue to see progress. While I struggled to figure out why he was so adamant on me not being filled anymore and what I should do next, I was shocked speechless (literally) to receive a certified letter that clearly outlined that I was "fired" as a patient. The letter was harsh and I really took it hard. But, I guess I'm taking this so hard for several reasons. It's been a long road. Bottom line: I have now pulled myself off the floor and have taken a deep breath and started calling other surgeons in the area. Of course I felt my former surgeon was the best but I guess he thinks he's done all he can for me, and I've done all I can to make my band work. So this meant, either I accept his assessment of me as a LapBand failure and live at the same weight (or struggle to stay at that weight) or consider my other options, if I had any. No I haven't spoken with him, but I think his letter said it all. I asked for my medical records and I was justifiably miffed at how coldly I had been dismissed. As I was waiting to get my records released (I've now gotten part of them) I was concerned about revealing too much information as I feared some sort of backlash. I am no longer afraid, and having read those detailed records have emboldened me to come out of the LapBand Failure Closet and try to 'move on', as so coarsely advised by a surgeon who posts on this forum. I have always tried to stay positive and upbeat on this forum and to try not to beat people over the head with my own band journey. But hey, I feel like I have something to share with those who may also find themselves struggling to meet their own goals or to succeed with the band. Or those who may think they eventually have to face other options to succeed. Nearly every single experience on this board is similar to something I've been through - because I've been banded nearly 5 years. Here's the back story. Everyone has a different trigger that makes them consider drastic measures to finally lose weight. For me, it was a "self-imposed" set point of a BMI of 40. That was the dividing line I picked to be honest with myself that my years of dieting,weight loss programs and other attempts were failing. After years of yo-yo dieting, when my BMI crossed the line from 38 and approached 39 - I realized it was time to be honest with myself and get some help in fighting obesity. So utilizing my research, I got myself approved (yes, by myself, on the phone with the insurance company) for the gastric bypass. My talent is getting approved, and that's what I did. I made a clear case and received my approval letter. Although I was definitely obese, I knew that a 70-80 pound loss would get my BMI down to approximately an upper 20's BMI. And I knew that losing that much would get me down to a reasonable, normal weight range, plus I'd look much better. With the RnY bypass, it was estimated (by various surgeons) that I would probably lose another 90-105 lbs. which would put me at the skinnier end of normal. This kind of loss was a bit more than I needed, but it would be worth it to finally have a tool for my weight loss that would finally put me in a normal weight range after a life of obesity. After my RnY was scheduled, I went in for my PreOp appointment two days before surgery and found out that the surgeon's scheduling error had deleted me from the surgery scheduled and I could not be re-scheduled for 2 months. So I took a deep breath and considered this an omen that maybe I should consider my other options. I did a bit more research and found that a type of Weight Loss Surgery that was very popular in Europe that I knew about (I lived/studied in the U.K. for a bit) was being introduced in the States. It wasn't approved here yet. This was 2001. There was an FDA trial for this new method, the LapBand, and one of the surgeons who had performed it in abroad in Europe, was now here in my area and doing it as part of the trial. I asked to be considered. At my initial consult, I listened and learned about the LapBand versus the Gastric Bypass. I understood that the lack of malabsorption often meant much slower, and much less weight loss than bypass patients experience. My surgeon advised me that although there were no guarantees, that in his estimated with the LapBand, with compliance I'd lose approx. 70-80 lbs. in 12 to 18 months after surgery. As that was closer to the weight loss target I thought was best for me, this seemed like serendipity. My surgeon also advised me that he thought I was an excellent candidate for the band and the FDA trial so I said I'd consider it. After doing some additional research I thought this might be a good match for me, and I thought this surgeon was absolutely focused and laid out my options. I liked the fact that he had an impressive record, was well regarded in the bariatric field, and the fact that he performed both LapBand and Lap RnY bypass surgeries. I also read some then-unfinished research that said current American patients were only losing about 50% of their excess weight. This was a concern for me because with my lower weight/BMI (by weight loss surgery standards) then if I fell into that group I'd only lose approx. 40 lbs - which would be hardly worth it for such an expensive and life-changing surgery. I expressed my concerns to my doctor and he reiterated that while there were no guarantees that his own patients generally saw success closer to 75% or more of their excess weight. He agreed that a 40# loss would be disappointing and he sincerely felt I could more than that, and perhaps twice that amount. I was comfortable with his longer track record with the LapBand (he'd done more than many of the American surgeons who were learning the surgeries as they did the trial, and it was supposed that their inexperience also contributed to the slightly less successful results the study showed so far.) After some consideration, I decided the LapBand sounded like the right tool for me. I was accepted into the FDA trial in 2001. I was determined to make this work especially since some of the other surgeon's offices I had previously consulted with for RnY - all cautioned that the LapBand was newer, experimental and would probably not help me get the weight off. I appreciated their concern but decided I'd be happier going with LapBand and just doing my darndest to make it work. And so I did. Well I was banded and the surgery went fine. I had never had any type of surgery other than getting my tonsils out as a child so I had no idea what to expect. My recovery went well, and I resumed normal activity after a while. The FDA trial set very narrow perimeters for the surgeons working on it, but I kept as compliant as possible and was very focused. My band was completely empty (that was protocol then) and no matter how you did on the liquid/soft diet phase, you never got your first fill until you absolutely stopped losing weight. I didn't want to stop losing so I worked hard to lose weight with my limited restriction. I lost more than 40% of my excess weight and was very much on track to be a success. I watched what I ate, did not eat when I wasn't hungry, exercised and really worked hard to succeed. My post op tests showed that both the band and me were doing fine. Within 10 weeks of my intial surgery however things took an unfortunate turn and I began complaining of what I thought was flu and muscle ache. I went to my local doctors clinic but instead I ended up being transferred within hours at the hospital's ICU department and was extremely ill. To make an already long story short, all the available tests showed my band was in perfect position, no signs of any wear or damage but yet I was getting sicker with every passing hour. I was hospitalized for weeks while a huge team of doctors attempted to figure out what was wrong with me. I got sicker and sicker and was not able to keep down any food or even Water or juice - I could only tolerate Gatorade, and tonic waters of various sorts. I had upper GIs, esophograms, and every test you can think of to have. My LapBand surgeon was thoroughly distressed but extremely supportive and went above and beyond to help them find out what could have caused me to become so ill. He sought information from every possible source. Because of the trial, there was limited information on possible side effects of the band so eventually after much examination, a surgical reason was eliminated for the illness. (I was told I had been too sick to undergo emergency surgery to remove the band anyway, so it was left in.) I eventually got better and a very long hard recovery. As I had been hospitalized for so long, I was unable to work and lost my $84,000 a year I.T. job and lost my medical insurance. I realized I had no choice but to get better because I couldn't afford not to do so. It was very hard to keep my spirits up but I really tried. I was told that since I recovered with the band still in, then I should probably just keep it in and try to continue to work with it unless I saw any tiny signs of recurrence of illness. The months passed and I got back to full strength. My band was given further testing, but showed no signs of making me ill. I went for more than a year without ever having the band filled as we were all cautious about doing anything to upset my incredible recovery. As part of the life-saving treatment I was given prescription cortisteroids medication (known to cause weight gain) which later starting reversing my impressive weight loss. Despite my best efforts and even after working so hard, I saw slow weight gain. This really got me down. I tried to be very compliant yet I saw steroid weight gain and ended up heavier then when I was before I had surgery - this was really difficult to deal with. My surgeon (and other doctors) felt my distress, and suggested that I remove my scale and focus on getting well versus losing weight - which I did. After months turned into years of exhaustive testing, lab work, and follow ups I was given a full clean bill of health and was told I could restart my weight loss process. After so much time, I was finally allowed to have my first fill. I saw a bit of restriction but not much. I wasn't able to do very strenous exercise so I watched my calories closely. The doctors and my surgeons watched me closely but my symptoms never reappeared and I seemed to be in full recovery. My weight was a real concern for me, and the one small fill didn't seem to be doing much to help with restriction. The following year I went in for follow up and was fully discouraged. Not only was I back to square one with my weight loss but I had another 11# to lose from the steroid meds and treatment. I debated whether I'd ever see real weight loss with the Band and whether I should be revised to another form of Weight Loss Surgery. My doctor reminded me that I'd managed to navigate the difficult road I'd been on, and suggested that I not give up on the Band yet as I hadn't had a chance to give it a normal run. Since I found it nearly impossible to get medical insurance after my illness, I only saw my doctors on a cash basis. I received no more fills. The following year - I worked hard to lose the extra weight from the illness but still struggled. I felt virtually no restriction. I'd only had the one previous fill but the restriction I had seemed gone. I did follow ups with my WLS surgeon and he admitted he suspected there was a small defect with my band (since defects were now turning up at the 2 and 3-year point after having the LapBand surgery). It was like my weight had stabilized (with little overall loss) and this made my surgeon think that something else might be the cause of my lack of restriction. We discussed options of dealing with handling it, but I needed to get full medical coverage before we could proceed with any additional surgery. There were now newer techniques for band placement, and newer types of tubes & ports, the band was now seeing more overall success. After having been through all I'd been through, the worst part was having people look at me like "all that and she's still fat?" And I was. It was a crushing blow to not get to see even a bit of weight loss success. Finally it was discovered that my Band had a leak/break between the access point and tubing. Options for dealing with it were discussed and I wondered if I should just opt for a revision to an RnY bypass. No, I wasn't looking forward to getting a more severe surgery, but I was absolutely exhausted with trying to see weight loss with a nonfunctioning tool. I was still trying to lose weight, and was fighting with gaining/losing the same pounds again, just like before I ever had the LapBand. My surgeon maintained that if I'd get the repairs, he was sure I could still succeed with the Band and see the weight loss that had eluded me so far. My total net loss was almost negated - I even had to take off another 11 lbs I had gained from the steroids, so I was practically at my start point again. Early in 2005, my access port and tubing were surgically replaced (the band itself was still in 'perfect' condition) - and my surgeon suggested I should reconsider this as a "new banding" and not just reflect on my overall distressingly long band journey. His idea was that I treat this as if I was a new post op. And to be honest, it really felt that way. I decided to try to make a fresh start and with the new restriction I felt, and I fully rededicated myself to making the band work out for me. I finally saw slow but steady progress. My post op tests and labs looked good, too. I was healthy and immersed myself in making this newer tool really work. My surgeon reiterated that he thought that 66#-70# loss was possible if we were able to keep me healthy and I revised my weight loss goal. I thought it was more important that I keep my loss steady even if it was slow. After months I saw a 20# total weight loss - it was slowly working. What relief! The key word was slowly. The pounds peeled off at ridiculously slow speeds. At my surgeon's suggestion to better monitor my progress I stayed in constant touch with the office - and even did my bi-weekly/monthly weight ins at the surgeons office and kept them appraised (at his insistence) of any or every major change or any LapBand-related symptom or occurrence. Although my weight loss was not as fast as when I was originally banded, I decided that I would still continue to believe in the band. I was allowed to get regular fills for the first time ever and slowly my weight loss began to approach the 30# loss rate. So after years of Band living, I was filled around the 2.5 rate and enjoyed real restriction for the first time in years. I worked with it, and even saw my BMI further down. Over time my restriction seem to cease especially as I lost a bit more weight. I had my band filled a bit more to 2.8 which did well for months, but as happens, eventually seemed to lessen. It seemed the smaller I got, the more restriction I required (I've heard some other long term veteran Bandsters talk about this and it's not that uncommon on long term banded folks. So after struggling with the band for years I finally got some months of consecutive but very slow loss. I made incremental progress and was excited to finally see the success that others had enjoyed. I saw the loss stabilizing, my appetite and food intake capacity increasing, so I realized it was time for another fill. I contacted my doctor and scheduled an appointment as normal. He did this fill under flouro and absolutely shut me down totally. He told me that the 40# (plus the extra 11# I had to lose after my illness) that I've lost after getting the band is probably all that I'll ever lose. He insisted I looked fine the way I was (at 30 BMI? Come on...) that if I'd lost 1/2 of my excess weight then the band had done all it could do. He no longer believes in filling bands more than 2/3 full and that's where I am. (For a person banded 5 years, being at 2.8 is not considered that radical, but that's his current belief now and he's not yielding. Even though I'm only down 40# and although we'd both said that was hardly a satisfying result, then he's now willing to cut his losses and just leave me hanging. I was crushed (still am) but even more so when I received that certified letter. I felt like I hung in there facing things that NO ONE Banded or not, should ever have to face. When I was considering a revision, he told me I had a chance to succeed with the band. Now I'm a considered Band Failure - and it bugs the heck out of me. So although I'm not near goal, I'm basically told to "suck it up" and move on. So for all those well meaning but unintentionally smug Bandsters who think that eroded patients or those who have suffered other complications are whiners - Wake Up! No one thinks they will be one of the ones who suffer complications, but it happens. Maybe we shouldn't collectively be quick to judge. I've seen all kinds of comments here (and other forums) and my advice is "you never know where this band journey will take you." It sounds easy to say "oh I'd never consider an RnY or VGSleeve" or whatever the Surgery of the moment is... but you don't know until it happens. I don't want an RnY now any more than I did five years ago, but although I do not believe the band has "done all it can for me" if other qualified surgeons concur with that then I'll consider what my next step will be. I have done more to deal with, learn about and live with this band than anyone that I know. For that reason after everything I've experienced, having to both find a new surgeon and possibly embark upon a new procedure is overwhelming. It doesn't mean I'm not compliant, it doesn't mean I haven't given this tool my best shot. I deserve and hope to achieve a normal weight and normal BMI - but I do need a surgeon who believes this is a reasonable goal. Hopefully I'll get there on the next parts of my journey - with perhaps a new surgeon and a new approach - it might happen for me too. I hope so! But don't be so quick to judge those whose journeys are not smooth - it's not all calorie counting that makes the different in band success, as after five years I've seen and heard things that give me a different perspective. Wish me luck - and wish luck to others who have been dealt a difficult hand. With is why I always wish Happy Band Journeys to everyone. We all know these journeys are not guaranteed, but although happy ones don't always happen, there are enough of them to make the journey seem worthwhile. Happy Band Journeys to all.

Hugs! And big congrats on quitting smoking - you won on two fronts, the clean bill of health and on quitting! Good girl.

Mine just sadly shut me down at about 2.8 or so - he made it clear he's not doing more than that as of 2006. Luckily some of his other patients made it to 3.0 or so before then, but I was one of the unlucky ones as I didn't know his philosophy changed and I waited 'til 2006 for my next fill. Since I need new restriction and asked (pleadingly) for a fill, I'm now no longer his patient. So I guess this "not filling it more than XXXX amount" is a big deal. If someone had told me some surgeons (like my "soon to be former" surgeon) are only going to fill the band 2/3 of the way then I would have probably factored that in when I chose this type of WLS. But, I'll be curious to see what amounts other Banded folks' docs will allow them to have...

OK, I'll change "offensive" (which is a bit strong) to "noteworthy." I think that's more fair.

(*HUGS* ) Vinesqueen. Just don't know what else to say but We Luv Ya !

Hmmm... unintentional finger pointing, eh? I mean, I don't have a spouse/kids to buy No-No's for - but this post seems a bit pedantic and maybe even preachy to me. Oh well, I have long since realized that those who don't feel they need/want additional help with weight loss sometimes think obesity is a problem with willpower. I think there are other factors in this - I haven't bought a pint of ice cream since my niece's birthday party like six years ago. So temptation isn't what drives my struggles - but everyone's opinion is different. To each his band (or non-band) own...

and Hello! Let's see if I can better explain this. Turns out it was 51# not 53# - Grrr...I removed the ticker from here since it needs to be re-done, but I haven't done it on my blog yet. Good looking out - I'll change it. Until I was "fired" as a patient, I never really felt free to talk about my earlier band process. You have to remember, I was told to re-start my band process - in other words, my new 2005 band was just that - a new band. Many of the things that newer Bandsters take for granted were just now available to me. It was a completely new port site, revised location, access, port type, etc. Anyone who has been through FDA Trial A thru C would understand that, it doesn't make much sense to anyone else I'm sure. Getting a new band was a whole new start for me, so since my former surgeon thought that it was vital. (Kind of like being stuffed in a closet.) Until this weekend, I never posted that I was banded before - so now that I am out of the band closet, I've edited it to reflect that I was seriously ill after a surgery. Quite frankly, I hadn't planned to discuss LapBanding on my plastic surgery blog at all - but I get more questions about LapBanding and insurance/approvals than any other aspect of it. So, I have now edited it to reflect that it was after a surgery that I became ill. Being sick after surgery did damage that will take extensive reconstruction to fix. I'm not being maudlin about it, but there it is. So I try to keep my blog as an informational source and not a written testament to my hell ride with my band. ( I hope my upcoming LapBand Blog can tell the full story, warts and all.) ... I'm not sure what you're saying here. I guess some people frown on cosmetic surgery (*shrug*) but if they saw the hanging skin I had, they might reconsider. I am fighting the hanging skin and hanging boobs with all my might - and there is no gym exercise that can lift up boobs I'm afraid. Anyway, I had long ago discussed my cosmetic surgery aspirations and options with my (former) surgeon. He knew about it. Oh and not that I have anything against nose jobs, but the blog mentions that I actually have already just had a septoplasty - technicallly more of a sinus surgery done internally. I considered a nose job - but now it's so unimportant,especially next to the Boob Lift & Lipo which need to be done first. It was more important to get my functional parts of my nose fixed rather than the aesthetic aspects of it. Plus I'd rather spend $$$ on LASIK which will actually improve my sight, not just my looks. Concern? Maybe, but it's clear he doesn't think I need a fill, and he's the surgeon, so he won. I don't call him "Dr No" for nothing.So I didn't get the fill, and he "fired" me anyway. I lost all around. I wish I'd never even gone to his office that day. I'd still be fat, but I wouldn't be overwhelmed with having to find another surgeon right now. It sucks. Then he needs glasses? Sometimes I wonder what HE sees when he sees me, because he's not looking at me the patient. As a surgeon, I'm sure he's looking at a chart or numbers. That's fine for him - but I have a mirror to contend with! Besides, I have a 30 BMI and am still 'technically' obese. I have his original patient file notes where he says that "the patient is concerned about only losing 1/2 of her excess weight." And then it goes on to say that in his opinion if I only lose a certain number of pounds then he will also be disappointed. Five years later, I guess he got over it, because he thinks it's OK for me to have worked hard and be disappointed now. I don't blame him for my current weight situation but am VERY distressed that he thinks I'm a Lost Cause. So we're at an impasse. And I pray that another surgeon will see that I have drive, determination, and potential and will work with me. New appointments are being set and hopefully I will get back on track. I just need some help, and more importantly, I need someone who believes I can actually succeed.

Not all Mexican surgeons have been doing this technique as long as some US surgeons. Certainly Dr Rumbaut was doing it long before others, but even Mexican doctors perfected the technique after many European surgeons did. Uh, 'K... (edited to add: As mentioned earlier...) Actually the band has been approved in the U.S. for more than 4 1/2 years. And although many surgeons learn from Mexico, I've been made to understand that initially most US surgeons learned the technique from European doctors such as Dr. Franco Favaretti & Dr Guy-Bernard Cadiere who actually developed the modern Lap-Band surgical technique. Just an FYI. Happy Band Journeys to All

He's not my surgeon but I know he is the very well-respected surgeon of others I know, including our local support group's co-leader. She lost more than 100 lbs and he took great care of her and all his patients from what I hear. He uses her in all his advertisements and on his website - she's a true band success. A link to her before and after: http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/images/tst/shipp1.jpg His patient success stories here: http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/story.html Hope this helps. Happy Band Journeys to all.