Jersey Jesse

I had an EGD and the gastro told me that he saw an erosion. I also saw a band surgeon who's in my network and he said that it would need to be removed, and that I will never be a candidate for another band, even tho I've never had complications, infections or any other surgical complications. I have read that several surgeons are now doing band conversions to sleeves when erosion occurs and that it's becoming much more routine due to the growing number of older bands that have been eroding. I would love to get my benefits company to pay for the surgery since its a required surgery, and I would assume they would pay for the removal, but I would need to speak to a surgeon to figure out how much additional out of pocket expense it would be to do the conversion at the time of the removal. I really want the conversion, but because I am unemployed and paying $1400 a month for COBRA alone, adding a $10k debt on top would make my wife and I just cry, especially since I just finished paying off the first procedure. It almost feels like buying a new car with a warranty, and the day you make your last payment and the warranty has expired, the car dies, and now you have to pay to have someone dispose of it for you. I'm so depressed about the situation. Thanks for your help. Jesse

I was banded in January of 2006. I lost over 100 pounds before I had my first fill. My start weight was 340, and now it is 215. I was told that my band eroded and needs to be removed. I am really upset about this since I paid out of pocket for the surgery and it took me almost the last 5 years to pay off the $19k. Now that I need to get it removed, I'm scared to death that I will regain the weight. The doctor I spoke to said that a band will never be in my future once this is removed, and he said that I can't get a sleeve done until I regain weight. What are my options? Any suggestions? I have insurance that will cover the removal but not a new band or a sleeve, so I need to know what my best bets are. Thanks in advance. Jesse

Man - all you gals have husbands/boyfriends who have no idea how lucky they are. I've lost over 110 pounds and while I feel damn sexy now , my wife has absolutely zero interest in sex and its really crushing my self-esteem. I only wish I knew how to motivate her. She says that sex for women is emotional, but she's been starting lots of fights and arguments lately, and I play the passive "whatever you say dear" role cause I just don't want to prolong the agony, but then later, she blames our fighting as the reason she won't have sex, so either way, I lose.

Denial isn't a river in Egypt if you know what I mean. People only admit to what they aren't ashamed to admit to. The band isn't a magic pill, it requires a behavior change.

I don't think the band was unnecessary, as there is still some restriction, its more of a mental reminder to eat with limits. As for my daily diet, I typically eat: Breakfast: A Quaker Oat Granola bar (low fat) Lunch: Tuna or chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with a couple slices of pepper jack Dinner: Mostly a lean meat dish, like turkey meatloaf or salmon steak and a side veggie (broccoli or spinach) My workout routine: Day 1: Biceps, triceps and forearms Day 2: Chest and shoulders Day 3: Back and calves Day 4 (if I work out a 4th): Typically abs, lower back and traps If you want a more thorough breakdown, send me a private message and I can give specific exercises and weights/reps/sets

Redstrat - thats exactly how it was for me. I haven't had a fill yet to date either and I still continue to lose weight, although much slower than before.

Bandito - I hate to say this, and hope this is only my experience, but I have had to give up golf. The port feels like it digs into your guts when you turn your torso sharply.

Hey Dave - Never had a fill and I really can't be sure if its willpower or if its restriction. I definitely feel full after 6-8 ounces of food, so there is definitely restriction there, but knowing that I can't gorge myself also creates a psychological cutoff point for me, so I limit what I eat before I even start eating. I look back at the pictures of me from "before" and I don't feel like the same person either. Looks aside, I feel like I have a different life.

Hey Dave - Thanks for the boost. My journey was a simple one. I used to be into the gym and lifting weight. General fitness but not a fitness freak. Then, I met my wife. We went out every night, wining and dining, and I spent less and less time in the gym. Well, years down the road, and me getting bigger and bigger (topping off at almost 350 at 6'0") I was ready to try anything. My wife and I found out I was going to be a father, so I committed to losing the weight, but I needed the tool that only the band could give me. My insurance wouldn't cover it, but my wife was supportive, and so, we put it on credit cards (ugh). Well, $19k later, the surgery was done, and I was on my way to what you see in my signature now. I was banded on January 30th, 2006. In November, I started working out again. Now, I'm down to a 36" waist (from 48") and wearing regular Large t-shirts (down from 3XL), so I am very pleased with where I've come in little over a year. I've never had a fill, and honestly, after my 3 month checkup, I haven't see my doctor or any other person who's had a band, so this is where I go for my morale boost when I need it. I continue to lose weight at a much slower rate (maybe 2-3 lbs a month) but I'm replacing a lot of the fat with muscle so I'm not really hung up on the weight numbers as much anymore. Now, I have a beautiful daughter who is 18 months old, and all the motivation I need to continue my journey. I do it for as much her as I do myself. Me before

Wanted to join this thread. Nice to see other guys here.

I'm a Web Engineer and Internet Security Specialist working for one of the top 5 largest international banks, managing their online accounts websites.

The problem is very easy to control so that you won't have to ever spit in a cup. The answer is - SMALLER BITES. I have had to learn the hard way that all it really takes is eating VERY SLOWLY and taking tiny bites. I read the best article about how to eat, and they said "picture the amount of food should be able to fit on a toddlers spoon" so thats what I did. When I was home, I used a toddlers spoon to measure how big of bites to eat, and thats what I ate with. Lo and behold, NO RETURNS!!! Now, when I go out, I know how I have to eat so I can avoid this unfortunate occurrance. Hope that helps.

Lucymann - I hate to say it, but you really shouldn't be drinking V8 3 days after your surgery. You are ONLY supposed to be drinking Clear liquids for the first 3-4 days. After that, you're supposed to be drinking semi-clear liquids like broth and diluted juices. V8 is very harsh on your stomach right away. Also, since cold liquids makes your esophagus contract, I would do all I could to stay away from anything cooler than room temperature. The contractions on your esophagus could cause unnecessary strain on your stitches. Just my 2¢.