Shontel

Well...I'm looking at my past post to my blog...I'm so very devasted. It looks like my band has eroded. It is the end of my band life, and not by choice. I'm praying the erosion is not severe and my healing will go ok. With everything going on in my life, I don't know how I'll cope but I know I will find my inner strength. I'm praying for the best!

I wanted to share my story and get some advice. October 31st while attempting a fill under flouro, my doc told me I had a possible erosion. I was devasted, numb and in disbelief. Of course, I was there because I'd gained 30 pounds in 7 months, a classic symptom of erosion. Other than that, I had absolutely no symptoms. I'd always had good restriction with no problems. I'd even had an upper GI last year after having the band almost 3 years to check it out and make sure everything was ok. I am now planning on having an endo to confirm, although my doc in Mexico already suspects after seeing the flouro pics. I will have the band removed. Just to say that evokes such emotion. After doing a little research, I have decided to go with the Vertical Sleeve down the road. I would love to hear from others who've had the band to sleeve revision..and also from those who've have erosions. What was your removal like? I've heard removal is very painful compared to the insertion. In addition, I'd love to hear about what the surgeon 'saw' in terms of your erosion...was it completely erroded? Only a small hole? Was it totally encapsulated? Were there adhesions or infection? I've always gotten such great support here and I feel now that I need it more than ever...any info would be deeply appreciated...thanks to all!!

I just had to ring in and share some lessons I've been learning throughout my short journey so far (Banded April 28th) I know and am open to learning more but wanted to share in the hopes of helping others in their journeys through lap-band-land. Things I've learned: 1) I don't blame my lack of weight loss on my band, it cannot force me to exercise or eat the right things. 2) I don't give all the credit of my current weight loss to my band either, I still have to monitor my calories and nutrients to continue to lose. 3) My skin will sag if I don't do weight bearing exercises to offset this, and in areas where my fat is concentrated (for me its my INNER thighs...) I will still have some residual sagging skin. 4) Unless I get a boob job, my breasts will sag and never be 'perky' again...this is meaningful to me, to others its not, and I respect that. 5) If I PB, I don't curse the band, I curse myself. 6) I love my band, I love the choice I made, some days are better than others, I accept that and I do not dwell on the bad (even though its hard sometimes) 7) I am learning everyday about things I can and cannot eat. I can eat things others that are banded can't just as others can eat things I cant. 8) I get my fills when I need to, i.e. if I'm not losing, I don't go on a timed schedule. 9) I've had a bad fill experience (overfilled) I had some taken out and have been fine every since. I don't blame my fill doc, or myself for not noticing right away, but I learned from the experience. 10) I respect everyones individual journey, I think everyone needs to take responsibility for their own weight gain/loss. IMHO, the lap band has made many unhealthy people healty. Like anything, everyone handles change differently and each person has their own individual expectations. I sincerely admire everyone who is on this journey and respect your choice to change....GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

Melody, I'm like you, tiny bits of anything fill me up and last forever! I definitely think the band is working as it should for me now. I am tight in the morning, so have to do the liquid breakfast thing (ugh) but smaller amounts definitely satisfy me. Those small bites make me slow down and chew better, thats the goal! Thanks for your input

Paula, that's just what I did...got .3cc's unfilled. Boy, INSTANT RELIEF!!! I definitely know what restriction is now! Thanks for everyone's input!! I lost 9 pounds in 3 days due to not being able to eat (and barely drink) I mean, I wanna lose some weight, but geees!!! Everything is great now!

OK, got my second fill today, up to 2.4cc's from 1.4cc's, band size 9.75. Here is my question. I am having some belching/reflux (ok so its like 'foam') sorry so graphic...also hiccups! Have had them like 7 times today. Just got my fill today, does this seem too tight, or just normal due to swelling/irritation from being filled?? Has anyone else ever experienced this or anything similar? I know I need to give it a few days I guess, I am able to keep liquids down, water and broth, but only in small small sips. Any advice or comments are greatly appreciated.

I didn't get pressure stockings, but they did wrap my calfs with ace type bandages...I guess that's the same thing?

That seems unethical. The doc I checked into here in the states charged 16k total 15k if paying cash.

I have a Cuisinart 600 watt...this puppy PULVIRIZES ice...makes GREAT SMOOTHIES...I also have mini chopper (Wal Mart..I think Its a black & decker....) I love it!!

So far this is all I've had: Taco Bell - Mexi Melt or Spicy Chicken soft taco McD's- Asian Chicken Salad (YUMMY!)

I have to post and tell everyone about this new pesto I found. Its Classico Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. It is PACKED with flavor and low in fat and calories. I use it to make 'mock' pizzas....a peperonni (sp) spread some pesto, then top with shredded mozerrela cheese, zing in the microwave, I usually eat about 5 or 6 of these...YUMMMY!!!! I also spread it on a whole wheat tortilla w/ mustard and deli meat. I even dropped spoonfuls in a salad of greens, tomato, tuna, Ms. Dash garlic & herb, with a little ranch dressing......yummy!!!! If you can eat Pasta makes an awesome coating w/ fresh parm & romano cheese. I never was much on Pesto, but this is rich, full of flavor and nutrients!!!!!

Have you discussed this with your doc? I know I would not want to be that 'first' patient. Find out who will be assisting. I'd definitely research more or go to someone else

Cindy, this part is hard, for me it was extremely hard. But IT GETS BETTER, I PROMISE...I'm almost 2 months out and I don't let myself get hungry. The bean w/ bacon soup idea I got from PhotoNut SAVED ME from myself at that stage. Hope that helps!

Was banded on April 28th, first fill on June 3rd, little/no resrtiction (second one coming soon) Here is an observation I made. When I first got banded, I went through this whole 'mourning' thing. Like I would never eat the same again (yeah, I know, that's a good thing, but you get my meaning) Then, after my first fill it seemed I had no restritiction at all (I know, its a process) so I began being able to eat those same foods I was 'mourning' (i.e. rice, bread) Then it hit me. What am I REALLY mourning? The taste of rice or bread? No, it was my OLD SELF/LIFESTYLE. How many of us myself included run to food for emotional reasons? or bordom? It made me realize that my mind is longing for nothing more than old' memories. Its time for me to find new comfort foods, new memories and re-program my way of thinking. I know it isn't easy, an ongiong process, but this band way of life is the life for me!

I was banded the 28th of April. Got my first fill on June 3. I feel no restriction whatsoever. I am trying to go another few weeks on this one.

I went to Dr. S for that very same reason. EXPERIENCE. You will NOT regret using him. PM me if you would like more info on my personal experience.

I was banded on the 28th and had my first fill yesterday. I am definitely filling restriction (probably a little swelling right now) couldn't get my whole cup of coffee down this a.m. and took me like 2 hours to get down half of my protien shake...grrrrrr........but this evening, I ate a bit of fish so feeling better now.

I got my first fill yesterday. Doc put 1.7 to start, no barimum going through, so she started removing, very slowly, till we saw barimum go through, which ended up being 1.4 cc's. I have a 9.75 cm inamed band maximum fill volume is 4cc's. Hope this helps :girl_hug:

I am of the philosophy that if you are following all the 'rules' diet, exercise ect and are not loosing, get one. I just got my first one, but am not in a hurry to get the next, I'm going to see how long it works and I feel restricted and am losing. I think this is entirely individual.

The ONLY THING that worked for me (and I tried Benefiber for days, juices, water ect) was ex lax...

I disagree on the throwing up. I haven't once. Not that I won't down the line, but its all about following the rules set in place. I think for me at least, the reason I havent PB'd is simply the 'fear' of PBing...lol A lot of what you are stating is true for many, but not all. I love sweets too, I eat a few sugar free reeses cups to satisfy my urge.

Are you sure your band is a 10CC and not a 10CM?? Your capacity would be 5cc's I think, can any veteran banster correct me on this if I'm wrong?

I had the procedure done by Dr. Sanchez on April 28th. Absoluely WONDERFUL..the BEST, most CARING doc Ihave ever EVER had. PM me if you would like to learn more. He has done over 5000 lap bands. The most experienced by far. His team is WONDERFUL.

My fiance was supportive when I got the procedure. Now it seems like he is indifferent. He notices my weight loss but is not that interested in anything else. I was hurt at first (its only been a few weeks since I was banded) but let me say this...The more I'm 'inspired' the more he is coming around. He is noticing what he eats (not that he's ready to change yet) but for him, that's a HUDGE thing...he has the attitude, 'just b/c you can't eat, doesn't mean I have to miss out' Very prideful when it comes to food, I just quitely eat my healthful food. I made an AWESOME EASY Crab Bisque the other Saturday night, I offered him a cup (now, normally he'd turn his nose up) but he ate 2 bowls!! Also this weekend, he GOT ON THE TREADMILL and ran a mile!!!! He hadn't ran since his military days in 1998...I guess my point is this, your behavior and transformation will inspire him, he sounds like a loving man, little by little he will come around, what matters to you WILL matter to him. Just take baby steps..let him come and hang out on this board or better yet, print some positive posts out, show him that its a GOOD THING! Good Luck Girl!!!

On my operataive report, Dr. Sanchez writes that its placed in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen area. My scar is to my left about 2-3" above my belly button.