MissVicky

Hi All - I am a 58 year old female... wife, mother of 2 grown boys and grandmother of 2 as well. I am having RNY revision from LapBand on 10/3 at Roger Williams Hospital with Dr. Pohl. I live in Taunton, MA but chose a doctor in RI due to my company's bariatric policy requiring a UHC certified Hospital of Excellence. I have heard AWESOME things about Dr. Pohl so am very happy he is my surgeon. I had the lapband installed in 2008... lost 58 lbs in 6 months... and over the last few years have gained back every pound of my loss. I get stuck all the time and end up having to vomit to stop the pain. Sometimes it lasts for hours. I am excited to be a part of this fledgling group and hope to offer as much support as I am sure to receive from all of you.

Taunton, MA Surgery will be at Roger Williams Hospital on 10/3/14 Surgeon: Dieter Pohl Any others in my area or a patient of Dr. Pohl's?

I'm pre-op surgery scheduled for 10/3 my doctor wants me to take off at least 4 weeks, 6 if possible.

Congratulations! I too was just approved this week Surgery date is 10/3.

Wish I still lived there! No support groups yet in MA.

Wow. I feel like this could've been MY post, but i was banded in 2008. At the least we have experienced all of the same problems down to hip pain, only mine hasn't advanced yet to replacement. I don't have any advice for you, I'm sorry, but I am in the same place as you. I am 58 yrs old. I have made the decision to take this one last step because life is too short and I don't want to spend my golden years housebound and in constant pain due to obesity. I wish you well coming to your own personal decision. For me...I feel this is the right decision.

WTG both of you! I am pre-op revision and your positive comments help me know that I am making the right decision. Best of luck!

Hi all - I feel like a Newbie to Bariatric Pal when in truth I have been a non-active or at least not very active member since 2008 when I had my band placed. I am now in the process of insurance approval for RNY. When I first got my band in Sept 2008 I had great success in the first 4 months, losing 60 pounds, but then some stressful health issues raised their ugly head combined with depression and fills/unfills never finding that "sweet spot". I feel like I wasted 6 yrs of my life with the band. My original choice of surgeries was RNY but my previous surgeon talked me out of it due to the fact that I had a DVT 3 yrs earlier after bunion surgery. I guess was afraid of me coding on his watch... but that's another story. I have been trying to get thru all the hoops you must jump for both doctor and insurance approval since May 2013. I was at the point were my previous surgeons' office (not same surgeon, as he's no longer in the practice) filed papers with insurance and I was denied because my chosen surgeon did not work in a COE supported by my insurance company. His hospital WAS a COE just not an approved COE with my health insurance company - United Healthcare. So.... I had to start over with a new surgeon in Jan 2014. I am hopeful for an approval thru my insurance but they DO say that they will not pay for a 2nd WLS unless it is a medical necessity. Well, I think not being able to eat most solid proteins, throwing up or forcing myself to throw up because I feel like I have swallowed a golf ball, total weight gain and multiple comorbidities should be considered in their evaluation. I just hope they see it the same way I do. Good look to you all in your journey.

I'm going for fill #3 on Friday. Right now I have 5cc/9cc band. I feel some restriction... and don't want to get too tight, so hopefully doc will just do a tweak and not overfill me. Good to see everyone doing so well, so far!

Wow Heather!! You are doing a FABULOUS job! And you're pregnant! Way to go! Congratulations!

Hi VeeJee, I was banded on 9/15 at the Miriam Hospital. I started out seeing the nutritionist on staff at the Miriam, but just didn't relate to her so I sought out another NUT based on recommendations from bariatric friends in RI. I see Heather Gagliardi of Netrition, Inc. She is on Taunton Ave., in East Providence. She is GREAT! Matter of fact I go back for a follow up this coming Saturday. I also attend 3 of the 4 WLS support groups that I know of in RI. The Miriam is held the 4th Tue of every month - lapband starts @ 5:30 / general WLS @ 6:00-7:30? There are 2 at RW - One is held the 3rd Wed from 7:00-9:00. The other is the 4th Thurs from 6:00-7:30. I know there is one at RI Hospital as well, and it is held on the 1st Wed but I don't know the start time, as I don't attend it. Good luck with your journey, and let me know how things go for you! Let me know if you'll be attending any of the upcoming support group meetings! ~Vicky

Good luck with insurance approval. I had no problem getting approved, so I'm hoping your luck is the same! I had my Realize band placed on 9/15/08 and have had a great experience with it so far. Down a total of 48 lbs since my all time high of 280 in June 2009. Stay focused... stay determined. You'll do great!

Woo hoo!! Just booked my room and paid the conference fee. I WILL BE THERE!!! Can't wait to meet you all! Hugs! Vicky

Hi! Just checking in... I was banded 9/15/08 in Providence, RI by Dr. Harry Sax. So far I have lost 48 lbs since my all time high in 6/08 (31 lbs since surgery). I have had 2 fills, and my 3rd fill is scheduled for 1/9/08. No problems whatsoever so far. I am very happy with this decision! ~Vicky

I am a REALIZE band patient, too. Had my surgery on 9/15/08 in Providence, RI with Dr. Harry Sax. I've had 2 fills so far, and going for #3 on 1/9. Down 48 lbs now, including the 17 lbs I lost pre-op. How are things going for you?

I too had my first fill at 6 wks out. My surgeon will do fills every 4 wks or more. My second fill ended up being at 5 wks due to Thanksgiving holiday. And my third fill is scheduled for 1/9 because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. I would make special note of any increase in appetite, and hunger between meals before your next scheduled appointment. If you are not being satisfied, and staying full for 4 hours between meals you should say so and request a fill.

I am very interested in attending the NYC/NJ Lap-Band Conference! I was so disappointed that I wasn't able to go to Houston. This is great! I live in MA, so it's an easy drive to NY/NJ. Please keep me posted! Vicky

Hi Lisa! Thanks for reaching out! I'd love to contact you. Look for an e-mail from me soon. Have a great day! Vicky

Hi maryrose! We're almost neighbors :w00t: well, sort of... in the same state anyway.... Hehe I totally agree with being over 50 and having a lot of other challenges as well. You've done a great job with your weight loss so far! Any tips or bits of advice you can offer to a newbie?

No problem at all. The REALIZE band is rather new and I haven't met many people yet that have it, so I was just curious.

Hi Lory! I used to live in Michigan... so not far from Illinois at all. You're doing great on your weight loss, so far. Congratulations, and keep up the good work! I'm kind of anxious to find out what restriction really feels like. I know not to expect it yet... but hopefully soon! Which band do you have? I have the REALIZE band. Hope to hear more from you!

Thank you Saleel for the tip on drinking slowly while at the docs office. Tomorrow is the day! I'm kind of excited, but nervous too! Glad to hear all is going well with you.

Hi all, I was banded on 9/15/08. I am 52 years old, married with grown children. Moved to MA from MI about 2-1/2 years ago. I had my surgery at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI even though I live in MA. Going into Boston for dr appts and fills just wasn't going to be easy when I was working (at the time) in Providence, so I went through the bariatric program in RI. I need to loose about 130 lbs total. I've lost 30 lbs so far. 17 pre-op and 13 post-op (actually in the 2 wks following surgery). Since 10/1 I have been bouncing back and forth, up and down between the same 3 lbs. Typical, I know... but frustrating none the less. I would like to connect with a buddy who has been successful in losing 100+ lbs. I know the statistcs state that we will only lose 40-60% EWL over 3 years, but I would like to become an exception to that statistic, and lose 80-100%. I know it can be done, with hard work and support. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I'd love to hear from you! Vicky

Hi ~ I've only been banded a little over 5 weeks, so don't have alot to offer other than........... I drink right up until the time I eat (my surgeon allows this), at which point I place my glass out of reach from myself. If the waitress did not respect my "no thank you" when she offered more, I would politely ask her to please remove the glass from the table, as I am on a restricted diet that does not allow fluids with/after my meal. Remember, you are the customer... and more importantly.... YOU are in control of your destiny. Have a great day!

LOL! Just a day trip away, Saleel! Congratulations on your success so far! I'll admit I had to look up the conversion of kg to lbs. 25kg = 55 lbs! Awesome job!