NewSho

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.

Good Luck, Mandy. Let us know it goes for you, OK?

And what a puzzle it is. It's so overwhelming that I'm still trying to put it all together in a way that makes sense to me, much less to my peers who I'm asking for opinions! First of all, BMI is a ratio. Had I achieved the rather unambitious goal weight set for me (variously 18#-20# from my current weight) then I wouldn't have been obese anymore by BMI standards. That part is simple. {As for the Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty -To those who have not have yet had cosmetic surgery: I did have an Abdominoplasty. This surgery is very different from weight loss surgery or lipo. The traditional abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure - it does do not ultimately affect your scale weight either way. In fact after a Tummy Tuck, there is often an initial weight gain, due to Fluid retention and swelling. (I already factored that in with my latest weight issues.) I was told I was close enough to goal to be within range to have a this done and I knew with some effort, I could have it covered at 100%. So I was happy to seize that opportunity for a much needed procedure. I sought 4 different plastic surgery consultations and my WLS surgeon's advice before I had it and it was definitely the right move. But never ever think a Tummy Tuck makes will mean significant weight loss. It's a wonderfully complex procedure but it changes how your body contours, but although it might change your posture or even how your clothes fit, it may not change your weight. If you see Fatty meat on a butchers scale (ewwww ), you may see that the marbled fat doesn't weigh as much as the meat's muscle and bone, and Abdominoplasty surgery primarily removes skin and it's associated flab and repairs muscles if needed. Just an FYI! :straight } I'm trying to clarify all the parts of the story because it seems a bit disjointed with the way I outlined it. Chalk that up to emotion. But I have to wait until my medical records are in my possession to put ALL the missing pieces together. There is much more to this for me to work through and the more information I have, the clearer I will be on what's really going on here. So as I really do appreciate everyone's comments, I will take some of this very much appreciated and very much solicited advice under counsel. I posted here first because I needed to hear what other Bandster patients thought about how I should proceed next. I've been very grateful especially to those who contacted me privately and attempted to help me work through it. Yes, I had a very visceral, heartfelt emotional response to the letter (which just seeing a certified letter, much less one from a surgeon, nearly scared me silly :cry ) and I think my post reflected that. I was upset (still am) overwrought (no longer that) and shocked. Now I'm justifiably upset but I am trying to look at my options. So, for now, I should remove my post before I make a bad situation even worse. It's bad now, so I should try to have enough presence of mind to not inflame things further or seem unclear, especially when I lack all the true details here. I am crafting a measured written response to the office, but of course I have accepted his decision. I do accept that this is as much as I could have done (to whoever said that, I do realize they have no idea what I've gone through - hopefully I can expand on that later also) so such hold on to your hats. Once I get my medical records released I think I'll have a very relevant and thought provoking story to tell my Banded (and de-Banded) Bandster peers. No one likes to admit they made a mistake. I am no different. I fully believed the Band could take me to an acceptable level of weight loss. Maybe it still can but it's a bit discouraging to hear your medical professional say you've come to the end of your road. (Again, those were his words.) If he thinks I should be satisfied to have come from where I was to where I am now, then he really didn't ever clearly hear my goals, aims, and wishes. And if it sounds like belly-aching to say I did NOT undertake the time, money, effort and blood, sweat, and tears just to end up still obese - then a belly-acher I am. My goal was to get to a healthy, and satisfactory weight. This isn't it. Again as I promised, I will first attempt to get the records released, get them analyzed by another professional and then know how to proceed next. Then hopefully I'll be in a position to put ALL the pieces together and then more clearly outline the details on why my journey with this surgeon, is being cut short. No matter what my (former) surgeon thinks, I am not definitely through trying to succeed at this. Again thanks.

Um, I think I that's an error of calculation on your part. No problem, I was no Math major myself! I wish I was only 55 lbs overweight. Then that would certainly have made this a different story. We all have our set points of what pushes us to seek such a major surgery. For me, mine was BMI 40 or morbid obesity. For some it takes more weight to push them, for some people it takes being less overweight than I was. As I dieted and yo-yo'ed back up between 38 and 39 BMI, I realised I was in need of more serious help to fight being obese for life. I put together a clear diet/weight history, started intense weight loss surgery research and got myself approved for RnY. (That was the more expensive procedure so I figured for most flexibility, I had better get the insurance to approve the more costly one and then I could later change it to the slightly less expensive procedure. I was right.) So I although I was on paper, approved for the RnY bypass - the RnY was a worst case scenario. I actually wanted the LapBand, precisely because I didn't have (sounds funny to say it since I didn't achieve it) "that" much to lose and I thought it was a tool that would best for me and my lifestyle. To you, it might seem easy for someone else to say they couldn't imagine wanting a LapBand to lose XXXX amount of weight, but if it were just so easy, none of us would have been here, no matter how much or how little we hope to lose. So to you it may seem like nothing but to me it was weight I struggled with my entire adult life. That warranted me seeking weight loss surgery and not wanting to further postpone the difficult process might have chosen me to seek it earlier than some. Different strokes, eh? Had I initially had the RnY, I was told I would have probably lost about 90-110 lbs (more than I thought was necessary for my comfort level, but I'd have just been 'normal', whatever that is.) Then, my doctor estimated that with my high level of compliance (and trust me I was VERY compliant and dedicated, especially since in the back of my mind, Band-bashers often point to the fact Bandsters lose far far less than RnY due to what they mistake for an ability to be non-compliant. I think any WLS can be beaten with non compliance, but although I know malabsorption can make a difference for success, I thought I could succeed without it) that I would lose 2/3 of that or approximately 66 - 70# lbs. That's why my goal was set to for me to lose 68# in by surgeon's terms, right in the midst of that range. I think that's more than reasonable amount to avoid a permanent malabsorption. Yes with the RnY I would have lost more, but I preferred the LapBand, and therefore I accepted this as a fair range of restriction-only surgical weight loss. So my current loss is about 48-51# (depending on which doctor's file I consult) and puts me right at BMI 30+. That makes me (and my BMI) to be considered obese. I wanted a tool that would assist me in the fight against obesity, not just help me be somewhat less obese. That's the truth. After all I've done, and after doing my level best, being at BMI 30 now is a bit of a letdown for me. Even getting to a BMI considered just "overweight" (rather than "obese")would have been a better than nothing, but of course was aiming to be at something a bit lighter than that. It seemed that a BMI of 27 or 28 was doable so that was the goal set. And finally, if I expressed "panic" it was not because of my weight (which is a big disappointment, true enough) but because I actually thought my surgeon and I were on the same page about my goals and my chance of achieving them. I know now we differ, but I still have to work on making this happen so it's overwhelming (and last night, obviously seemed panic-inducing) to have "change horses midstream" and find another surgeon. Thanks!

Penni, I can not put into words how much my heart aches for you and DeLarla. For you two and the other struggling Bandsters and DeBanded Bandsters (because no matter the status of your band, you're Bandsters for life) you have been confronted with issues and responsibilities that no patient deserves. I go out of my way to move forward and not move backward in my life but it ain't always easy. Complication sucks and the attitude of some of the people here who are basically saying "suck it up" just devastated me. I only hope and pray they never walk a mile in the shoes of someone who has been let down or worse, injured by their band journey. But I hope that we can find some sense of brotherhood and sisterhood with Penni and the others who had fought the Band fight? Does the current status of the Band (whether it's currently implanted, currently removed, currently about to be revised or currently sitting still in a box in a hospital warehouse) make a difference on how we receive each others' comments? All those who sit smugly saying "oh if this happens, I'll do this" are just speculating on how they HOPE they will react. The reality may be and probably would be different. Like any technology or procedure, the LapBand will continue to improve as will the techniques used with the LapBand. But realize that those who come along later critising those who are struggling will hopefully be spared an unfortunate lesson in karma. A bit of tolerance and understanding goes a long way. Hopefully all of us will realize we may have more in common with our DeBanded Bandsters than some think. As is said, "There by the grace of God, go I." Happy Band Journeys and DeBanded Bandster Journeys to all, New Sho

Not soon enough... I'm a nocturnal (night) person so I'm still hungry late at night and I have to be really careful and stay busy and far away from the kitchen!

Excellent point, Margo. Well said. :clap2: I've often thought the most pressing aspect of the Mexico banding is the inability to get insurance companies here to do actually cover this much needed surgery for their members. To me a secondary aspect is the rising cost of health care (even at cash pay prices) here in this country. Of my friends who went to Mexico, all of them did so after being denied by their insurance companies. And all of them have said they would have preferred to have the surgery closer to home, had it been more affordable. One pal said even though she had to pay cash, she wish she could have had her surgery locally or even just closer like her mother did - but the USA cash prices were just unaffordable. I've watched the cash prices of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) and particularly LapBanding come down in the last few years. As more doctors are trained and as the techniques get more refined perhaps the prices will continue to decrease some (without sacrificing quality, and yes I hope that's possible) and make it more affordable even for those who pay cash. Both of those issues show serious failings in our health care system's approach to WLS, in my opinion. It's treated like some elective or experimental extra, when for many of us it's the only real option for permanent weight control. This is something we HAVE to address here.

OMG, how primitive: "mattressy things?" "Puppie pads that they use to house-train doggies?" "Thick pads just stuck between legs like when you have a baby?" Ick. Cross "have a baby" off the things I want to do before I die list. Oh, scratch that - it was NEVER on there. (*shudder*) I'm way too squeamish,:target: plus my weight problem lets me know pregnancy would NEVER be for me. Anyway, whatever point on the cycle notwithstanding, I've always asked for (and received) the aforementioned disposable mesh panties for my surgeries. They won't win any fashion prizes and Victoria Secret won't be putting on the front of their catalogue anytime soon, but they do the job! By the way, the reason that you're not allowed to wear your own undies usually in surgery (although if you do, they'll remove them pre-op and them replace them as/before you awake) is not because of the hilarity of watching us ladies struggle for dignity - but it's because of the elastic on most underwear. Elastics can be problematic in Operating Rooms. Some elastic can contain metallic elements which can sometimes spark and affect surgical monitoring equipment. That's why the all-mesh disposable undies are OK - they contain no elastic or Spandex-like fabric. Just an FYI.

Yes, the VG (Vanguard) band is a 10cc band. It's gaining in popularity but a lot of surgeons only recommend them for patients with larger frames, larger BMI, or 'thicker' anatomies. I asked about them as soon as they came out (gee, I hate to miss a band trend) but I didn't qualify based on my size or BMI, from all I inquired with. But it's great to have another option and anything that can increase the overall success of finding the right LapBand for each patient, is good. Happy Band Journeys to all, New Sho

well, thanks for sharing. We all use it (or we should)... :-)

:target: Which is precisely why I was afraid of having my Band unfilled when I had PS (tummy tuck). My friends who unfilled all had to struggle a bit to get back to their original level of restriction. I am so underfilled now that I was afraid to risk it. My PS moves a lot of bands, and felt confident he could do it without I'm glad you're getting back on track Babs - sounds like things are going great for you and you've done so well. The full TT is a wonderful thing, but whew! I really felt that... but anyway your loss and your success is an inspiration so it's great that you're getting some recognition. Let us know when the Daily News article comes out.

Well, I've seen it all. In all my years researching, studying, observing and working in this industry I thought I had seen or heard everything. This man is kidding, right? I mean, he is verifiably a doctor (University of Cincinnati Medical School, 1977) but he obviously skipped that vital class in COMPASSION. The utter complete lack of either sympathy or empathy for a patient who enters ANY weight loss journey with good faith, then ends up with a defective or removed band is mind-boggling. Unfortunately he is in network at the insurance company where I used to work. Fortunately because I didn't know him or his work personally, I never referred a bariatric patient to him myself, although I saw many go through him. I'm sure Dr Pleatman is an excellent surgeon, but as a person this post would suggest he has a lot to learn about humanity. I'm really disgusted and disappointed.

Count me in. I can eat a bit in the mornings but if I just drink enough to stay hydrated then I'm fine if I don't eat at all. Afternoons are when I start getting a bit hungry and by late night, I could eat a horse.:target: (Luckily I'm not carnivorous!) By night fall, I have to be soooo careful not to overeat but at night it's when the damage could be done. Add to it that I'm a nocturnal sort, so I hit my stride much later than other folks and stay up later, tooo. My restriction isn't where it should be (not by my choice) and I notice this is more of a problem when I don't have adequate restriction. It's been this way in any periods where I'm not well- filled; since I've been banded, I think.

Oh, I'm there, too. And we can never have too many friends, right? My page is at this link Add me as a friend with this link:

Good for you. I'd love to get to 2.9 or 3.0 but my doctor is 'holding me back' (my phrase, not his) at 2.7-2.8 in my 4cc band. I think I'm one of those who will always need a big more restriction than normal. My body is just goofy about fill level. I had pretty darn good restriction at 2.5 -2.7 but after I somehow and miraculously actually lost some more weight, I now feel less restriction than I did a few months back. I haven't had a fill since before the summer so maybe I can get "Dr. No" to say yes eventually! :clap2: Congrats on hitting what seems like your Sweet Spot! Happy Band Journeys to all!

I'm am VERY sympathetic to your situation, and I hope you are able to successfully complete your LapBand journey. The price you're quoting seems high but it is not much more than the average LapBand costs here in the States. For cheaper LapBanding many US citizens have to go to Mexico due to the costs. And I agree that the NHS is just beginning to tackle the overwhelming problem of obesity but believe me that obesity is far more rampant here in the 'States and affects our children at an alarming rate - that obesity rate is higher for the U.S. than it is in any other so-called advanced country. And finally, as someone who has lived in both the U.K. and the U.S. - trust me when I say mediocre National Health Service beats having NO national health options anyday. We here in the 'States do a crap job of covering our citizens and job-based health insurance is not the long term solution. I wish you luck and let us know how your banding progresses. New Sho

Oh yeah, walk a mile in my stilettos, LOL. If one more person tells me "but you don't have that much more weight to lose" I will consider decking them. It's still too much weight when you're the one trying to lose it. At the rate I'm losing at - it will probably take me at least 12-18 months to lose this next weight and that's just my surgeon's goal for me, not my "Want to look DANG good" goal... It's not that I think it's never going to come off but losing (at my current rate of weight loss) 12# a year is simply inhumane. Since I've realized that my body is Fat-Preserving Machine, I am starting to examine what other options there are for people like me who aren't getting it done, much less getting it done in a reasonable amount of time. Extreme measures might be next. (*sigh*)

Surgery is a well-known interrupter of the cycle. Whether it's the shock to the system or what - cycles changes, periods come early, come late and sometimes skip. Now as for not having a period since June - that sounds like a serious hormonal imbalance or possible long term disturbance in the cycle. A significant drop in caloric intake that spikes a long term disappearance of the cycle (like marathoners or Olympic athletes sometime have) is definitely something to be concerned about. I'd consult a nutritionist also. Good Luck and Happy Band Journeys, New Sho

No I don't. That's incredible. I'd question the ability of any surgeon who would refuse a TT on a LapBand patient. It's one thing for a surgeon to say they haven't worked on a Bandster, but another to say they REFUSE to work on one. I consulted with 4 plastic surgeons and none of them didn't want to do a LapBand patient. All of them wanted to handle the surgery and 2 of them said they'd call/consult my LapBand surgeon for information and advice. Now the first 3 all readily admitted that they hadn't done a LapBand patient with the newer Low Profile Band yet, and I appreciated their honesty. In any case the fourth one was the charm (fingers crossed), because I think I'm really starting to see some progress as the Fluid & swelling does down. The only strange thing is (as I mentioned above ) that my old LapBand port-area scar is not where the port is. So I have a very short little scar (which is now over my new belly button) that my WLS surgeon used to find/access my port. But now, since the Tummy Tuck, the port is now far to the right of the scar - they can't use the 'mini-scar' as a landmark anymore. But that's OK! Also as for costs - after your 2 C-Sections you might want to consider whether your health insurance might cover all or part of the cost of your abdominoplasty. I got the insurance company to cover mine at 100% although they didn't want to. I've discussed getting insurance coverage for TT here before, and there is a page about it on my blog (see below). Happy Band Journeys & here's wishing for Terrific Tucks for all, New Sho

Oh man, this was something we discussed a few days ago. Here are some things I'm starting to notice: -First, more strangers talk to me. I've always been outgoing, but now I notice more strangers INITIATE conversation with me before I speak to them. -Men (of all ages) speak to me a lot more, open more doors, help me with packages, etc. -People tell me "You're pretty" instead of "You have such a pretty face..." (which we all know is followed by a silent or not-so-silent "but..." ) -Women watch me more closely now, especially if their husbands / boyfriends or male friends initiate even an innocent conversation with me about the weather, how long a line is, directions, etc :rolleyes -Sales clerks jump to help me even when I'm just browsing and strangers ask me my advice on how clothes/shoes look while they're shopping in stores. ... I could go on - but I guess this sounds familiar to most of us. It's not lke I felt invisible before but there is a definite difference now. It's not like I'm made a dramatic change like losing 160lbs or anything but I've lost enough to look within "normal" range or where maybe people don't notice my weight first. Or so my weight-obsessed mind thinks:nervous Happy Band Journeys to All, New Sho

Oh, usually they just say "liquids for rest of the day" after a fill. It might be different after an unfill, but I'm not sure....

Bless your heart. We're all here for you, Erin. Keep us posted on your progress - and know you're in our thoughts and prayers. ~ NewSho~

Yep! That first "hiccup" or burp means "CHECK PLEASE. And bring a doggy bag!" That's all I can eat - and if I go a spoonful past that I'm pushing it. Two spoonfuls past that (keep in mind, I've done this like an idiot) then there's gonna be trouble, LOL

It's B-E-N-A-V-I-D-E-S. His full name is Dr. Richard Benavides. With an "A". I'm only jumping in here because telling someone to search for a doctor and then misspelling his name makes the search a lot harder. I know this may seem like a picky point - but I am always surprised when people who are post-op patients misspell their own doctors' names. :speechles This is the person you entrust your life to, and you don't learn how to spell his name? Seems odd to me, but it's common. I see it all the time. (*shrugs*) He's not my surgeon but he is a well-regarded surgeon in the Dallas Metroplex area. Here is his website. http://www.lapbandsolutions.com/aboutdoc.html Good Luck on your Band Journey, New Sho

I have detailed my hilariously slow losing rate on other posts here. To spare everyone the dreaded details, I'll just condense it to say I'm absolutely in no danger of being told "you're just losing weight way too fast" by my surgeon, or anybody, now that I think of it. My only saving grace is that I don't have that many more pounds til I hit my LapBand surgeon's original goal for me (which I think is about 17# away although I think I'm at least 20# away from people not being able to call me overweight, upon sight). At this rate it will take me - what? - maybe another year to lose the 17#-20# measly (by Weight Loss Surgery standards) pounds? I don't think I can face that long of a wait, and although if it takes much longer, even my surgeon will give up on me soon, I think! :thankyou: Only my regular personal doctor thinks I'm losing weight at a remarkable pace. She thinks it will perhaps stay off longer because I'm losing it so slowly. Only time will tell. And apparently I've got a lot of time, indeed! Happy Band Journeys To All, The Slow-Losing New Sho