DonnaB

I think that as time passes and people get more comfortable with their band and their new lifestyle, there is less and less need for a support group. It's sad. I miss everyone. But it's kinda to be expected. I blame it on JanetC. She abandoned us! She was our driving force, our secretary of record, the leader of the pack! And now she's gone. Sing it with me: The leader of the pack, and now she's gone . . . The leader of the pack, and now she's gone . . . Gone, gone gone . . . Kidding Janet. Love you. Y'all want to hear my fill/unfill saga? It took a long time to write it so I'm gonna copy and paste it for you: Re: too tight Quote: Originally Posted by christa94 donna, you mentioned that you were losing before the fill. why did you have the fill? did you feel you were losing restriction? you mentioned that the fill is too tight. what makes you say that? are you still losing? Hi Christa, I got the fill because I had lost and regained the same pound four times over a two week period, which my doctor said is a sign you may need a fill. Additionally, I was at twelve weeks post op, by which time most bandsters are already on their 2nd or 3rd fill. LOL, I was afraid I was going to be left behind. Let this be a lesson, listen to what your body says, not what other people are doing or saying. What I needed to do was reexamine my caloric intake and increase my activity level. The other thing I did wrong was to try to be accomodating. I had my surgery in Mexico so I'm using a local surgeon's facilities for fills. I had already scheduled a fill and even though I had recently had a bad PB (my first) which caused swelling, I didn't want to cancel my appointment because I didn't want them to change their mind and not accept me as a patient - so I went for the fill. Big mistake. Having a too tight fill is miserable. After the PB swelling and the fill (1.4cc) I had constant pressure/pain at my sternum front and back. In the morning it hurt even worse and it even hurt to breathe deeply when I first got out of bed. I couldn't eat anything until 1:00 in the afternoon usually. To complicate matters, by the time I got in to the Dr.'s office for an unfill, my PB swelling was finally going away and I was almost comfortable with my fill level, so I wasn't sure if I wanted/needed an unfill. This was my first fill, I wasn't sure what it was SUPPOSED to feel like. I was already at the Dr.'s office so I decided I'd just have them check my band to be absolutely sure it was still in the right place - of course it was, but you hear so many nightmare stories here on LBT . . . . The surgeon was doing fills on that Saturday (!?!) and insisted on checking the band by removing all the fill and putting it back in - I still don't know why he didn't just look at the band on the fluoroscope. I didn't really feel like I had any choice, so I went along. He was terrible at giving fills - I've only ever had one and even I could tell he wasn't good at it! - the Lydocaine shot HURT. My first fill Lydocaine shot didn't hurt at all. He pulled the fill out, checked it, and then SLAMMED it back in! I had excruciating pain in my sternum till he pulled back on the syringe a bit. I was laying on that F'ing table gasping it hurt so bad. I don't know what he was playing at, but when he put my original fill back in - HE ADDED .5cc's! I went for a possible unfill and he added .5cc's! WTF? To make it worse, he didn't tell me he added .5cc's, in fact, he told me there was only 1cc in the band. Since we've all heard that it's very common to lose some or all of a first fill, I wasn't alarmed by that and was actually grateful because I was finally getting comfortable again. When I left his office I felt tight but was able to swallow easily - I just thought the tightness was because of disturbing the stomach area again. That was on a Saturday and by Saturday night I could barely swallow my own spit. I could only take in water in sips amounting to the size of a pea. I tried to have LITTLE TINY slivers of sugar free, fat free, frozen yogurt which sounded soothing to my swollen, hungry belly - it caused me to slime for about 40 minutes before I was able to swallow my own spit again! Forget about eating. Not even soup! Not even clear broth! Because that visit was on a Saturday, I had to wait until Monday when the doctor's office reopened before I could get in for an unfill - which irritated my stomach more. Fortunately, the surgeons fill nurse was there on Monday. She's awesome. When she pulled the fill out, sure enough there were 1.9cc's of fill in there. My original 1.4cc's PLUS the .5cc's that idiot of a surgeon added at the time of my SUPPOSED unfill! I was furious. I went the whole weekend in MISERY because this jerk-off thought he knew what was best for me - and didn't even inform me of what he was doing. I'm furious about it still. The fill nurse took my fill down to my current 1.2cc's and I'm beginning to feel better today but I'm still on liquids and will stay on them until this Sunday - 7 days of liquids just to be sure I don't cause another PB re-irritating my already irritated stomach! This has been a horrible experience and I don't plan to have another fill until I can't lose another ounce no matter how much I restrict calories and increase my activity! I will never again compare my fills with anyone elses, nor will I agree to have fills on any kind of schedule. Needless to say, I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, let that surgeon touch my body ever again. If the fill nurse isn't there, I'll leave. Even if I have to pay for an office visit he'll never touch me again. I'd never use his facility again except that his fill nurse is wonderful (compassionate, careful, HONEST - pick whichever one you like, she's all of that and more), and, because I didn't have surgery in the U.S., I don't want to go around looking for another local who'll see me. Here is my advise for anyone wanting to know about getting fills: 1) If/when you get a fill, do it in slow increments - more is not better, or even cheaper. It will cost you in the long run to need unfills and refills when you could have got to the same place COMFORTABLY by sneaking up on your sweet spot. 2) If you think you might be too tight, GO GET AN UNFILL! It's not worth the misery or the irritation and possible damage to your stomach to try to keep your fill in an attempt to lose weight faster. That's not what I was doing, but I see that on LBT frequently. 3) Make sure YOU call the shots - not some numb-nuts doctor who thinks he knows everything. Once again I must learn to trust my own instincts (a lesson I thought I had learned long ago) and listen to what MY body is telling ME! Sorry to go on and on, but this is the first time I've written it all down and I'm still pretty steamed about it. LOL - Um, what makes you ask? Good luck with your band and weight loss journey.

Re: too tight Quote: Originally Posted by christa94 donna, you mentioned that you were losing before the fill. why did you have the fill? did you feel you were losing restriction? you mentioned that the fill is too tight. what makes you say that? are you still losing? Hi Christa, I got the fill because I had lost and regained the same pound four times over a two week period, which my doctor said is a sign you may need a fill. Additionally, I was at twelve weeks post op, by which time most bandsters are already on their 2nd or 3rd fill. LOL, I was afraid I was going to be left behind. Let this be a lesson, listen to what your body says, not what other people are doing or saying. What I needed to do was reexamine my caloric intake and increase my activity level. The other thing I did wrong was to try to be accomodating. I had my surgery in Mexico so I'm using a local surgeon's facilities for fills. I had already scheduled a fill and even though I had recently had a bad PB (my first) which caused swelling, I didn't want to cancel my appointment because I didn't want them to change their mind and not accept me as a patient - so I went for the fill. Big mistake. Having a too tight fill is miserable. After the PB swelling and the fill (1.4cc) I had constant pressure/pain at my sternum front and back. In the morning it hurt even worse and it even hurt to breathe deeply when I first got out of bed. I couldn't eat anything until 1:00 in the afternoon usually. To complicate matters, by the time I got in to the Dr.'s office for an unfill, my PB swelling was finally going away and I was almost comfortable with my fill level, so I wasn't sure if I wanted/needed an unfill. This was my first fill, I wasn't sure what it was SUPPOSED to feel like. I was already at the Dr.'s office so I decided I'd just have them check my band to be absolutely sure it was still in the right place - of course it was, but you hear so many nightmare stories here on LBT . . . . The surgeon was doing fills on that Saturday (!?!) and insisted on checking the band by removing all the fill and putting it back in - I still don't know why he didn't just look at the band on the fluoroscope. I didn't really feel like I had any choice, so I went along. He was terrible at giving fills - I've only ever had one and even I could tell he wasn't good at it! - the Lydocaine shot HURT. My first fill Lydocaine shot didn't hurt at all. He pulled the fill out, checked it, and then SLAMMED it back in! I had excruciating pain in my sternum till he pulled back on the syringe a bit. I was laying on that F'ing table gasping it hurt so bad. I don't know what he was playing at, but when he put my original fill back in - HE ADDED .5cc's! I went for a possible unfill and he added .5cc's! WTF? To make it worse, he didn't tell me he added .5cc's, in fact, he told me there was only 1cc in the band. Since we've all heard that it's very common to lose some or all of a first fill, I wasn't alarmed by that and was actually grateful because I was finally getting comfortable again. When I left his office I felt tight but was able to swallow easily - I just thought the tightness was because of disturbing the stomach area again. That was on a Saturday and by Saturday night I could barely swallow my own spit. I could only take in water in sips amounting to the size of a pea. I tried to have LITTLE TINY slivers of sugar free, fat free, frozen yogurt which sounded soothing to my swollen, hungry belly - it caused me to slime for about 40 minutes before I was able to swallow my own spit again! Forget about eating. Not even soup! Not even clear broth! Because that visit was on a Saturday, I had to wait until Monday when the doctor's office reopened before I could get in for an unfill - which irritated my stomach more. Fortunately, the surgeons fill nurse was there on Monday. She's awesome. When she pulled the fill out, sure enough there were 1.9cc's of fill in there. My original 1.4cc's PLUS the .5cc's that idiot of a surgeon added at the time of my SUPPOSED unfill! I was furious. I went the whole weekend in MISERY because this jerk-off thought he knew what was best for me - and didn't even inform me of what he was doing. I'm furious about it still. The fill nurse took my fill down to my current 1.2cc's and I'm beginning to feel better today but I'm still on liquids and will stay on them until this Sunday - 7 days of liquids just to be sure I don't cause another PB re-irritating my already irritated stomach! This has been a horrible experience and I don't plan to have another fill until I can't lose another ounce no matter how much I restrict calories and increase my activity! I will never again compare my fills with anyone elses, nor will I agree to have fills on any kind of schedule. Needless to say, I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, let that surgeon touch my body ever again. If the fill nurse isn't there, I'll leave. Even if I have to pay for an office visit he'll never touch me again. I'd never use his facility again except that his fill nurse is wonderful (compassionate, careful, HONEST - pick whichever one you like, she's all of that and more), and, because I didn't have surgery in the U.S., I don't want to go around looking for another local who'll see me. Here is my advise for anyone wanting to know about getting fills: 1) If/when you get a fill, do it in slow increments - more is not better, or even cheaper. It will cost you in the long run to need unfills and refills when you could have got to the same place COMFORTABLY by sneaking up on your sweet spot. 2) If you think you might be too tight, GO GET AN UNFILL! It's not worth the misery or the irritation and possible damage to your stomach to try to keep your fill in an attempt to lose weight faster. That's not what I was doing, but I see that on LBT frequently. 3) Make sure YOU call the shots - not some numb-nuts doctor who thinks he knows everything. Once again I must learn to trust my own instincts (a lesson I thought I had learned long ago) and listen to what MY body is telling ME! Sorry to go on and on, but this is the first time I've written it all down and I'm still pretty steamed about it. LOL - Um, what makes you ask? Good luck with your band and weight loss journey. __________________ DonnaB Adversity introduces you to yourself. - Anonymous

I wouldn't do it. Sorry. But I wouldn't. I'd self-pay first.

LOL - this is a funny thread. I'm just wondering if you're really expecting someone to log on and say "Yep, I'm the monkey. I suck at my job, I'm overpaid and underqualified, my subordinates hate me, and some day my boss is going to wise up and fire my ass!" ? LOL From my experience when I worked outside my home, NO ONE thinks that they're the slacker.

LOL - here you go: Tell your mom you've decided to have surgery in Mexico. She'll be THRILLED to support your local surgery after that shock! LOL Don't freak out people - I WAS BANDED IN MEXICO and I know it can be a safe, less expensive, alternative . . . . . but I also remember MY mother's first reaction on hearing I was having surgery out of the country! lol

Oh my. I don't recommend the plastic bag over the head cure. What if you passed out? You'd suffocate. At least your son was there. He's not mad at you or anything is he? lol Any recent change in life insurance coverage? No - plastic bag technique is not on my hiccup solution list.

No - hiccups are not the same as a PB. Looks like your surgery was in December, is that right? If so I'm sure you're COMPLETELY healed up, lol, so it probably isn't a problem. I had a fairly mild episode of hiccups about a week ago and didn't feel any pressure or tenderness, no problem eating solids. Hmmmmm. This is a good question. I may have to ask my doctor when I check in with him this week. Maybe your doctor could recommend a solution to hiccups. If so I'd sure be interested in hearing it! Let us know how you're doing.

Hi Carlene, Thanks for the info - is there an RSVP list? I don't know if I'll make it but I'd like to try.

Figure out how much you want and tell them. Be prepared to justify the amount. Don't forget to include the amount of time (time is money) it has taken you dealing with the insurance. The amount you spend on faxes and emails - you're paying fees to support that technology. Just figure it out and ask for it. That's all you can do.

Oh Soundman - I'm so sorry you've had such an ordeal! Who is your surgeon? Where did you have surgery? Are your wounds healing up now? You lost 34 pounds in how much time?! I'm glad you're on the mend. Keep in touch so we'll know how you're doing.

Thanks for the bump Mikey. Mike and I will be attending - consider this our RSVP. The question is, who else plans to attend? I'm pretty sure Divanita will be there - did everyone see she's approved for surgery and scheduled for the 22nd of this month? Cool huh. See you all Saturday.

Sugar Free Fat Free chocolate pudding has saved my life. Just a little melodrama to let you know you're not alone. I really haven't noticed an increased desire for sweets since my fill, but I admit that I have something sweet at least once a week. If I didn't, I'd jump off a cliff. More melodrama.

Hey jjolive, welcome to LBT. ALL surgeries have a risk for complications - even simple dental procedures have resulted in death. It's highly unlikely, but it DOES happen. Most U.S. lapband doctor's have a complication rate of about 1-3%. The upside of lap band surgery is that the VAST majority of complications are not life-threatening. The chance of you dying from lap band surgery is miniscule. Do a lot of research. Find the best doctor, at the best location. Do everything in your power to be in the best condition to withstand surgery. That's really all you can do.

I've been gurgling since my fill. Do you have a fill? Maybe you just have great restriction.

You think there are complications with the band? You need to do more research into the bypass. Yes, there are complications with the band, but, in general, they are fewer and less dangerous than with the bypass. Good luck in your research.

Non Scale Victory

Call your doctor. Sorry I'm not more help, but if it looks like it needs to be treated, your best bet is to call the doctor.

Sounds like acid reflux to me too. Rather than propping yourself up with pillows, try putting a 2 X 4 - or even two of them - under the legs at the head of your bed. Pillows cause you to bend at the waist area and can increase reflux. If you're a side sleeper, your left side is better than your right. The stomach is a little to the left so when you lie on your left side the stomach is lower and gravity works in your favor. I learned that one online - AOL Health - so take the information for what it's worth. lol I agree with Carlene - you need to talk to your doctor about this - don't wait. I don't think it's an emergency or anything but sooner is much better than later.

One day at a time. One meal at a time. One minute at a time if necessary. Sorry I can be more help. Try to keep busy, it's the only thing that will really help.

I would change the wording of The Pledge of Allegiance. My version would read: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisable, seeking liberty and justice for all. My version takes out "under God" not because I think God should not be a part of people's lives, but because not everyone believes in God and shouldn't have to make a pledge for their country which includes something they don't believe in. If you're forced to say under God and don't believe it, what else is it OK to say but not mean? I also change the words "with liberty and justice for all" to "SEEKING liberty and justice for all" for fairly obvious reasons - liberty and justice are NOT a given in this country. There's an excellent webpage showing the original pledge and all of the changes made to it - under God being added in a hyper-conservative era (1954). It surprises me that 52 years later, in an era of extreme liberalism, no one has pressed for a change in wording. I'm always filled with a sense of hypocracy when faced with a group of people reciting a pledge which is so obviously flawed. http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1bfc_pledge.html Oh my. I just reread my post and realized how crazy I sound. I'm not. Well, not more than everyone else anyway! May I add here how grateful I am that none of us can change laws at will?

Thanks for the pictures - it IS a little gross and a even a little MORE scary, but I think its good to be able to see what can happen, so if it does, it won't be so frightening. Thank you ladies. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I think it would be helpful for future reference if you both post in this thread how your complications first presented themselves. Later on this thread might be very very helpful to anyone who has or may have a similar situation. Thanks. Good thoughts - luck is not a factor - for your healing Trish and for your continued journey Robyn.

Anita, Please let me know if you need anything, or just want to talk, or have someone come hold your hand till they wheel you into the OR, or be hovering over you when you regain conciousness, or you need someone to go get you a cool cup of Water, or . . . well, you get the idea. I'm not working so if you want me - I'm there! Hey Michelle, I think the LBT DFW group is meeting again this Saturday - June 17th - at the Red Hot & Blue in Irving. I'll PM Janet - who somehow got elected Team Leader - and double check, then I'll post again here. Randy, You and me are gonna have some words about Jayaseelan when next we meet - :angry - OK, so it doesn't have anything to do with you and Ms. Joy but y'all know him so I'm gonna vent to you!!!! LOL So unfair, but so gonna happen! Let me just say this - ARLENE IS THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD IMHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good for you Malice X Girl. The hardest part is making yourself take that first step. The second hardest part is making yourself take the NEXT step. And then the one after that! Do it enough times, though, and it becomes easy. At least, that's what they tell me. I'll wish you good luck if you'll wish me some! Seriously, take this chance to make a change for the better.

All I can say is BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE SCRAMBLED EGGS! I know they're on the soft food list for a lot of new bandsters but I also know that if you cook them too hot, too fast, the Protein binds together in solid little, dry, blocks. If you get a piece stuck it could really do some damage in the healing phase. I got a bit of scrambled egg stuck at 12 weeks and the PB lasted for 6 hours and 10 or more heaves. If my band was still being held in place by sutures, I would have ripped them. As it is, I caused some irritation which took a long time to start feeling better. Be careful out there.

Has anyone had laser hair removal? I'm considering it but I worry that I'll damage or disfigure my face. I'm looking at information on the internet but I'd like to talk to someone who has actually had it done.