thesuse2000

Hi all,

I haven't posted here in years!

I'll try to give a quick recap of my history... I had lap band surgery back in 2008. I did well in the first year, lost 70 pounds, felt great for the most part with less hunger and cravings. But then I started having reflux issues. Not acid reflux, but at night I would wake up choking on... basically saliva. It was really unpleasant and worrisome that one day I wouldn't wake up and just asphyxiate in my sleep. Turned out my band had slipped. Had revision surgery in 2009, but was never able to get back to the sweet spot I had in the first year. Even though my band never slipped again, when it's tight enough to help me out I get that same night reflux thing (even if I haven't eaten for 2-3 hours before bed).

So at this point I've gained back all the lost weight and am in the process of trying to get insurance approval for the sleeve.

I never had other typical band problems - didn't get stuck a lot, never felt too tight during the day with eating and drinking. It was just the sleep choking issue that caused me not to be able to keep the band tight. I have barely any liquid in my band now.

I'm wondering if anyone else had this problem with the band and had better success with the sleeve. My worst fear is that I get sleeved and then have that problem forever!

Another question - my husband says he's worried about longterm health problems with the sleeve. He was comfortable with me getting the band, but the sleeve is freaking him out a bit. Wondering if anyone knows anything about longterm studies maybe in other countries, since it hasn't been done in the US for very long.

Thanks so much - I look forward to participating in this community if/when I am approved for this surgery!!

Susan

Not sure if this is something you would consider at all, but I got my band in Mexico. I'm not sure if they have age restrictions, but it might be worth a try. Here's a link to their site:

Lap Band Surgery in Mexico - Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center

The only issue to consider is finding a doc in your area for fills and such. You could also go back to Mexico if needed. I found this thread because I'm trying to find a doc in SF for my sister who was banded with me. I live in NYC and have a great doc here. But she has had to go back to Mexico for all fills, and at this point I am worried that she needs a little unfill, but she doesn't feel like making the trip down there for a small adjustment.

Good luck!

Hi there - I just want to make sure you know that the area you're describing is actually where your band is. I just learned that recently - on an esophogram I could clearly see the wires from my underwire bra, and the band was behind the lower inner quadrant of my left breast.

I hope the pain has passed by now, but if not, it would be a good idea to give your doctor a call to run it by them. I hope all is well!

I'm down about 50 pounds, and am just starting to notice some sag on my upper arms and upper thighs. It's totally bumming me out! Spring is here and I don't feel like I can wear sleeveless tops. It's not thaaaat bad, but bad enough that I don't want anyone to see.

I've been losing well the last couple months, and now that I've noticed this I'm losing motivation to lose more. It makes me want to wait a bit for my skin to catch up before losing more. But that's probably just crazy - or an excuse to eat sweets...

I'm 5' 7" and started at 256 - I'm almost to onederland, I should just keep going... but I don't know if I'll be able to afford PS, so I'm just ambivalent...

I've had problems with rolls actually - it's the seaweed wrapper that gets me. I can do nigiri - the individual pieces of fish over rice - without a problem however, so I just opt for those.

It just depends on how tight you are, and everyone is different for some reason, so try it out!

Red Tulip - you're awesome!

Your story is so inspiring - and I really appreciate your thoughts about the importance of self-acceptance. It's rare to see that sort of empathy and understanding from someone who DID have the experience of being loved/cherished.

I have always struggled with feeling unworthy - and my weight has become entrenched with that identity. I definitely think that's played a role in my plateau in recent months. While it's exciting to feel more like a normal attractive woman, in some ways it's less comfortable for me than just being in the familiar fat chick role. So the motivation to stay on track and keep losing gets weakened because I'm still adjusting to where I am now.

But without the band I would have regained everything by now. As it is I've just gained a couple pounds and am now getting ready to get back into it. It helps to have a good shrink and work through all this! With hard work - mentally and physically - I'm hopeful that, with the help of the band and therapist, I'll be able to overcome my battle with my weight, overeating, and low self-worth.

Thanks for sharing your story - and your empathic perspective. It's great food for thought (not fattening either! :rose: )

-Susan

I lost 70 pounds about 10 years ago. I maintained it for about a year and then started to struggle. Despite repeated efforts to lose rather than gain I yo-yo'd back up over the years and back up to the same high of 256.

Since being banded it's just so amazing to have a sense of control back. I've felt SO out of control of my eating for so long - I'd be eating crap and hating myself for doing it - it was really depressing.

So, not only have I lost 35 since being banded a few months ago (including pre-op) but more importantly I have hope for the first time in ages that I'll be able to actually meet my goal and then maintain a healthy weight for the rest of my life - without suffering!

Sure I do have to make smart choices, but the band makes it so much more possible for me to make those better choices.

I love my band - and highly recommend it. Good luck with your decision!

-Susan

Everyone is different, but I can tell you that I'm somewhat prone to depression myself and actually weaned off an antidepressant I'd been taking for years just a few months before my surgery. My BF was worried about that issue too, but I've been just fine!

Sure I have some down or crabby days, but overall I'm feeling more confident and that makes me feel a bit better overall. Also I feel less out of control with my eating and that reduces my anxiety - which is closely related to depression.

I think it's really nice that you came on here to learn more and get answers to your concerns! Sounds like you love your "old lady" and want her to be happy. As far as eating and whatnot I find that my band doesn't impact my social life much at all - I can eat most things - I eat slower and less, so I generally eat at the same pace as others - it's really not an issue for me.

Good luck to you both!

Susan

If you've got a good blender or food processor you can turn pretty much anything into Soup. When I was on full liquids I started pureeing various Soups when I got sick of the cream of whatever soup all the time.

I started craving veggies too, so I would puree some steamed broccoli and mix that into my soups. I'd also puree lunchmeat to add to my soups.

My favorite combos:

- cream of chicken with pureed chicken or turkey

- split pea soup with pureed ham

- Tomato Soup with pureed tuna and parmigiano cheese (sounds, weird but it's good!

And also fudgsicles - oh man, those saved my life!

Good luck!

Susan

Oh - you're pre-op, I assumed you were on post-op liquids.< /p>

In that case I'd say go for whatever works for you as long as you stay within your calorie requirements.

Good luck!

Susan

The liquid diet isn't about calories, it's about allowing your stomach to heal. It's only a short period of time - you can hold out! And then you can have peanuts.

For now, if you crave peanuts, maybe you could mix some Peanut Butter into a Protein shake or something.

Best,

Susan

Lucky you! Sounds like you're doing great. I wouldn't think your doc would give you a fill as long as you're feeling good, yyour hunger is under control - and you're losing weight. As they say - if it aint broke, don't fix it.

Congrats on your progress!

Susan

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you haven't had as much success as you hoped. I hope this forum proves to be helpful to you!

Just curious - do you know how many CCs total you have in your band? And how many it holds? Do you feel some restriction with the band?

Also - have you counted up your calories - even just for a few days to gauge your average daily calories? I went to a nutritionist a while back and discovered I was eating at least 3500 calories a day, when I thought I was eating a "normal" amount closer to 2000 (I thought maybe 2500-3000). It was an eye opener for me.

Also - have you been tested for things like hypothyroidism? I have it, and it definitely plays a role in my weight - if I'm not taking proper meds.

Anyway, it's great that you're taking the step of joining this forum - I'm sure you can find ways to succeed with your band!

-Susan

Hi Judy,

My understanding is that people generally gain back the lost weight if they have the band removed. You could get a total unfill if you wanted to have less restriction, without having to have another surgery - that's what is recommended when people get pregnant. The band with no fill only gives very minimal restriction, if any.

I hear that Sharon Osbourne got her band removed - I haven't heard whether or not she has regained any weight. I'm assuming I'll just keep mine in forever, unless a serious problem arises that requires that I remove it.

:thumbup:

You can't physically feel the band since it's under your ribs and liver and whatnot - but you do feel the effect of it - especially once you have a good fill - you get full quicker, and if you don't chew well enough, or are too tight, you can have pain in your chest (where the band is) and have to PB (productive burp) the food back up. It's not the end of the world, but definitely not so pleasant either. It just really reinforces the need to chew really well - especially things like meat and fibrous veggies.

Most people can feel their ports, but it's not a big deal or anything. I think for some people the port can become visible through the skin once they've lost all their weight - but still not a huge deal generally.

I've had just one fill - get the 2nd one this week - and it barely hurt at all - no worse than a regular shot - probably even less painful than that. Totally not a big deal.

There are definitely some adjustments to make with the band - but so far I'm really happy with it. I need to work harder at cutting back on sugar in order to accelerate my progress, but I could never have done as well as I have without it, and for the first time in years I actually have hope and confidence that I'll actually be able to succeed at getting rid of at least most of my excess weight - if not all. That's a really great feeling.

Good luck!

Susan

Good question - I've wondered the same thing. What you described is what is normally referred to as PBing (productive burping). I do think that if you are too tight or not chewing well enough and are PBing a lot - that can be bad for your band - but I've never been totally clear about this issue.

If anyone can clarify - I'd really appreciate it too!

Thanks,

Susan

You might be a candidate - if your bmi is at least 35. You can check your bmi here: Calculate your BMI - Standard BMI Calculator

I was banded in Mexico at the OCC (Dr. Ortiz) because I didn't fulfill my insurance's requirements - my bmi was about 40, but I hadn't been that heavy in the previous two years. To get banded at the OCC you just need a bmi over 30.

I'm getting my next fill in nyc - at nyu bariatric. They have an excellent surgical team. Check them out here: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass - Types of Surgery - Surgical Weight-Loss by Laparoscopy, NYU Medical Center

Good luck!

Susan

I tend toward being a worrier myself, but I would still be concerned if I were you - just because I've heard some stories about people having to get their band removed because of damage, where the only sign of a problem was persistent heartburn. I'm sure that is not always the case though.

If your original surgeon is far away - maybe you could just call the office and get their thoughts regarding your symptoms?

I wish you all the best.

I'm not sure. With a bmi between 35 and 40 I think you may need to have more life-threatening co-morbidities like diabetes or sleep apnea. But I really don't know for sure. Also - I'm pretty sure you will need to do a medically supervised diet for 6 months.

I'd say talk to your regular doc or call your insurance co - or both.

I have to tell you - my bmi was around 40, but not that high in the previous two years, which is key to the insurance companies, and I don't have any co-morbidities so I didn't bother even trying with insurance - I went to the OCC in Mexico (Dr. Ortiz) and got the band for about $7k (I got a good rate because my sis and I got banded together). It was a great experience overall - and much cheaper and faster than if I had done it in the US.

But if your insurance will cover you that would be great. I also have heard that if they reject you the first time, many people appeal and win the 2nd time around.

Good luck!

Hang in there Bree!

Have you tried blending different Soups? Just to mix things up I bought other chunkier soups during the creamy liquid phase and blended them up - it really helped me get through it. Fudgesicles are also a lifesaver.

I know it's hard, but you can do it. This is just a few weeks of your life, and you need to protect your band and let it heal - indulge with some ice cream if it helps, but don't eat solids before it's time.

Good luck!

Yes - I would call the doc asap!

It doesn't sound to me like a slip, but I wonder if it could be signs that the band is eroding into your stomach? I don't know, but these definitely sound like signs that something is wrong - the sooner you address it, the better chance you have of a full recovery without surgery or anything.

Good luck!!! I really hope everything turns out just fine.

Congrats on making such great progress despite going so long without a fill - and with a larger band too!

Debbie - I can relate to the fear of feeling trapped by the band. I will say that for the first few weeks post-op you might feel a bit like that - I did. But by the time it was really driving me crazy it was time to move to the next stage and that was a relief. And while it was annoying, it really wasn't even that bad. You're just so psyched to have the band, you're willing to do whatever it takes to take care of it and make sure it heals properly.

Since then, I'd also have to say that I've had a few frustrating experiences where I want to eat something, but it just doesn't go down well. But the amazing thing is that now I just avoid those problem foods and don't even feel much regret about it.

So - yes, there are some small times/ways when you will feel limited by the band, but overall I can absolutely say that I am SO happy I have it. The few moments that it's a bummer are SO far outweighed by all the times that it lets me feel more in control - of my eating, my weight - and really, my life. If I lost it today for some reason I wouldn't hesitate for a second before getting ready to do it all again. It's SO worth it!

Yeah, I really didn't have much pain after band surgery. A little, but nothing some pain pills couldn't deal with - I had prescription drugs for the first couple days and then took liquid tylenol after that.

For me anyway, the benefits far outweigh a few days of pain. But I can imagine that having had one surgery you might not be so excited to have another. That's a bummer on the timing. I hope you can at least get a good break in between surgeries.

Once you get past these two surgeries your odds of a healthier future will be much brighter!

Chicamam1 - that's a great accomplishment! Congrats! I have a hard time seeing my weight loss too - but I keep looking to make sure I find it. I feel like it's really important that we cherish our progress as much as possible - it makes it easier to go on when the going is tough.

I lost 70 pounds from about 1999 to 2000 and kept it off for a couple years, but then slowly gained it all back. So I've got relatively recent clothes going back to size 14 (only fit into a few of those). I was a 22/24 at my biggest - both this year before banding - and back in 1999.

So this weekend I went shopping in my closet and found that all my 18 pants fit - as well as my 1x and 14-16 shirts. Yay!! The timing couldn't be better since the seasons are changing anyway - now I have some "new" fall clothes without spending a dime. A double pleasure!

:cry_smile: