SpicyGirl

Looking for advice on whether or not I should spend more money and convert my band to a sleeve? I was banded in 2008. I am 4' 10" and weighed over 170 lbs at the time. I was self-pay at around $13K. I have lost down to 135. I had a tummy tuck in 2010 to remove excess skin. Over the course of a little over a year, I have been unfilled and filled about 3-4 times due to a stretched pouch, acid reflux, coughing at night, dilated pouch or esphogus spasms. I also recently learned I have a flipped port and while I could really use an unfill, it's not possible. The band is very fickle and I've had all the problems others have had with vomitting, only can eat at certain times, stress makes the band tighter, that time of the month makes it tighter and so on. I've flucuatd in weight 10 lbs up, 10 lbs down, etc. If I want the converstion, my insurance will pay part of it and I will be out about $6500. It's a lot to stomach....paying $13K and then potientally another $6500. I have about 20-27 lbs to lose. Some people say I don't need to lose that much or they can't possibly see where I'd lose it from. It is there to lose. I hide it well. I don't think my doctor would agree to the surgery if it was unsafe or there was a chance of malnutriction. Is the loss of 20-30 lbs worth another $6500? I keep telling myself that with all the problems I'm having now, get it over with and move forward. Doctor said I'm too young (35) to have had so many issues with fills and such and that I'll likely continue to have issues. It's best to make the change and not have to worry about stuck episodes and maintance, etc. Looking for advice. Please be sensitive. I know most will think they wish they could weigh what I do now but at less that 5' tall, these extra pounds is a lot. What should I do?

Looking for advice on whether or not I should spend more money and convert my band to a sleeve? I was banded in 2008. I am 4' 10" and weighed over 170 lbs at the time. I was self-pay at around $13K. I have lost down to 135. I had a tummy tuck in 2010 to remove excess skin. Over the course of a little over a year, I have been unfilled and filled about 3-4 times due to a stretched pouch, acid reflux, coughing at night, dilated pouch or esphogus spasms. I also recently learned I have a flipped port and while I could really use an unfill, it's not possible. The band is very fickle and I've had all the problems others have had with vomitting, only can eat at certain times, stress makes the band tighter, that time of the month makes it tighter and so on. I've flucuatd in weight 10 lbs up, 10 lbs down, etc. If I want the converstion, my insurance will pay part of it and I will be out about $6500. It's a lot to stomach....paying $13K and then potientally another $6500. I have about 20-27 lbs to lose. Some people say I don't need to lose that much or they can't possibly see where I'd lose it from. It is there to lose. I hide it well. I don't think my doctor would agree to the surgery if it was unsafe or there was a chance of malnutriction. Is the loss of 20-30 lbs worth another $6500? I keep telling myself that with all the problems I'm having now, get it over with and move forward. Doctor said I'm too young (35) to have had so many issues with fills and such and that I'll likely continue to have issues. It's best to make the change and not have to worry about stuck episodes and maintance, etc. Looking for advice. Please be sensitive. I know most will think they wish they could weigh what I do now but at less that 5' tall, these extra pounds is a lot. What should I do?

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. I appreciate you taking time to reply.

I am in the same boat. I found out about 3 weeks ago that the Journeylite Houston office closed due to "constant changes in the Houston market". There goes my free fills/ unfills for life. My doctor charges $40 for a fill/ unfill which isn't bad but his office visit is $100. I was a self-pay patient so choosing a place that allowed unlimited lifetime fills was a plus. I pretty pist about the whole situation and the fact that clients weren't notified by Journeylite before the closing of the office.

At nearly 18 months out, I began with the reflux out of the clear blue…..never had it in my life. I would wake up choking on stomach acid. I did notice a couple times when I ate, I had a gurgle or two or a feeling of something going down as if to make more room, etc. I only allowed the reflux to go on for about 4 days before I called my doc. I just felt I should have it checked out. Then when I was in his office I started second guessing myself -"what the hell am I doing here - it's probably a simple case of reflux". Doc came in, we talked, he asked a series of questions and I did mention that I had a panninculectomy (tummy tuck) 4 week prior (during which I lost 7 lbs. of skin and fat). He said I needed a barium swallow just to be sure all was well and nothing was "migrating" out of place. He said to never second guess anything I think may be out of sorts, always get it checked. I stressed for a week until the surgery center could get me in for a test. As soon as I took the test I could see the larger than normal pouch. Tears streamed down my face as the x-ray tech explained that I had a dilated pouch. :crying: I got very emotional. :frown: PMS didn't help things but knowing I had contributed to the stretch made me feel awful. I kept apologizing for being so emotional and saying I just had plastic surgery and couldn’t gain any weight back. I spent all this money as a self-pay patient and then had the other surgery and on and on…total pity party. :mad: I was told it was caught early and that I had done the right thing by having it checked out early. He said these things usually fix themselves depending on severity. Thank God, :smile2: I realized something was off and was smart enough to have it looked at. So, half my fluid was removed :glare: :thumbdown: and I wait……………………for about 3 weeks. I did a second swallow before I left, as I’m standing there still bawling, and the tech was very reassuring and said the band had already moved back in to place; however, I still had swelling so I have to wait to start my series of fills over. I am paranoid to say the least of gaining any weight, especially since I just had a tummy tuck. :bored: As I look back on it and think about habits and such, I feel like I become relaxed to things I knew I should and shouldn’t be doing. :blushing: I was obviously overeating. I know of several times I overate because I loved what I was eating. :drool: I sit here and pray each day as I try to retrain myself with protein shakes and smaller portions that my swelling continues to go down and I can get a fill in a few weeks. I am also now motivated again to get my but in gear and get moving in hopes of not gaining while I'm partially unfilled. The moral is – always listen to your body. :wink: Don’t second guess it – if you think something is wrong – there probably is even if it’s minor. Just because I’m 18 months out doesn’t mean I can relax and not pay attention to what I’m putting in my mouth or how much of it for that matter. It has to always be a conscience effort and I know that now. Good luck to all and do yourself a favor and pay attention to your body! :thumbup:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I'm 18 months out and have never had any issues other than the norm. I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago but didn't experience any effects to my band. For about the past week, off and on, I have been waking upu at night with what seems like a big burp but there's acid in it. I can usually cough and clear my throat enough and it goes away. Saturday night I actually had to get up and go vomit. It was so bad it came out my nose and everything. There's no food in the burp/ vomit, it's just like acid. Anyone ever experience this? :thumbup:

DITTO! I love him. He was excellant. His staff is fabulous as well and that is huge. He's the best.

You are not alone. I've totally lost focus as well and don't know how to remotivate myself. It's disgusting. I can't go in for a fill for another 3 weeks so in the meantime, I'm eating everything but my desk. I'll be the first to admit I've not followed plan and totally fallen off the wagon. I'll have to retrain myself. I can eat what I want, take big bites, and all of the above. It's like I don't have a band at all. I feel your pain! Just know you're not alone. I try everyday to give myself a pep talk. I had a 300 calorie coffee from Starbucks and just ate chips and it's only 9:45 am. How's that for a pep talk. I'm not happy at all with myself. I hope you find your way soon. I hope I can do the same.

I feel I am far behind in my success as well. I had a lower BMI than most to start with so I knew I would be slow to lose. I've seen some on here with the same range BMI as I had and they've had far more weight loss than I have. I know I haven't made the best choices lately. I guess I need to get re-motivated. I'm a self-payer so I'm even more disgusted by it all. I'm avoiding going back to the doctor for a check-up because I'm ashamed. Last time I was in, he thought my success to day had been great. That was March maybe??? It's part time to go back but when he sees I've not lost much of anything, he'll going to chastise me and question what the "F" I've been eating. I need a swift kick in the arse I guess to get refocused. I know I can do this and I long to be thinner, why is it so hard? I know I'm not drinking enough nor am I getting enough protein. I need to make some major changes. :eek: :smile2: :mad2: :eek: :mad: :cuss: :sad::rant:

I, too had the hernia repair. I felt horrible for several days after surgery. I went to the ER the day after surgery thinking I was dying. HA! It was the gas they used, that's all. In addition to the regular gas they use during surgery, I was given gas by the anaesthesiologist after they tried 8 times and were unsuccessful getting an IV started. It's a common problem I have. Anyway, I got some pain meds and kept myself knocked out for 2 days but after that I was home free. I walked a lot to get the gas out but it wasn't fun. I hope you feel better soon.

My band is always tighter the day after drinking. I've had a few beers, one here or there and that is much worse. I usually drink wine or margarita or vodka & cranberry. Regardless, the band is always tighter and I don't feel bloated like I did before I has the band and drank. Strange. Also, eating a big fat greesy burger and onion rings the next day was a sure hangover cure but now, I'm not hungry the day after a drinking binge either. Strange how it all works.

Drink lots and lots of water before weigh-in. Also, keep your purse on your shoulder and your shoes on.

Also - I've had a hard time distinguishing between true tummy hunger and head hunger. Just because it's morning and usually breaksfast time for most, doesn't mean I need to eat. Same with lunch - I hear people using the micro at lunch and think, "oh, it's time to eat". I have to reminded myself a lot to only eat when truly hungry. I've also had to not allow myself to get too hungry because then I eat too fast and take bigger bites than I should. It's a journey and learning process. Don't be so eager to lose the weight so fast. Do what's best for you. You'll get there. I don't have a ton of weight to lose but I'm just as anxious as the next person but also don't want to sacrifice my long term success.

4 fills in 8 weeks seems really aggressive. My doctor has told me that some people are tight in the am, some are tight in the pm - everyone is different. If you're tight in the am, he suggested drinking warm liquids like coffee or hot choc. He doesn't like anyone being filled too tight and you feeling like you're constatnly on a diet. Being too tight can possibly cause errosion, and a number of other issues you don't want. I'm not usually able to eat until 9 or 10 am but dr. says that's normal for some. If you're able to eat in the pm and not get dehydrated, that's a good sign but I'd still talk to your doctor about maybe unfilling just a little fluid. It's amazing how as little as .1 or .2 cc can make such a difference.

I'll PM you a few details I've run across. I'm not here to trash anyone but I'll provide you with what I can. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. A shitty staff is a bad sign. You'll deal with them just as much if not more often than you will the doctor. It's hard to sell yourself positively and professionally with half-assed support staff. That's one thing about Dr. St. Laurent's office - they girls are wonderful and so are the nutritionists! :thumbup:

Bling 52 - I'm so glad you've had a pleasant experience with Dr. Eye Candy thus far. I think he's top notch and he has a wonderful bed side manor. His staff is great as well. From what I've heard, he gets kinda pissy about the whole Dr. Eye Candy and easy on the eye comments. Just FYI. He wants to be known for his incredible talent and not looks. Hee Hee. I would be willing to bet I could guess who your previous band doctor! I'll refrain from being tacky and allow you to address those who care to PM you. Take care and best of luck with your success. You won't regret your choice with Dr. St. Laurent.

I've posted on here regarding my surgeon but in no way have I been compensated for such. I strictly gave kudos and listed my experience. It is the responsibility of the reader to research and accurately drawn their own educated conclusion. I have heard negatives about other band doctors in my area but I have never slammed or advertised negatively about any of them. I’ve seen plenty of posts on here for other doctors in my area that I have never heard a positive word about but it’s not for me to oppose that. If someone goes out of their way to contact me through personal message, I’ll certainly share what I’ve heard. Is this considered negative behavior? I’ve had two other friends banded here in Houston and they both used different doctors. One had a great experience; one did not and only had her band for a year and had to have it removed. It is the responsibility of the bander to follow post-op treatment, etc. to ensure the best result. There are some doctors who do their part to perfection and the patient may not and a negative experience can happen and visa versa. I do appreciate you sharing this information. There are a few of us honest people left out there and I can assure you, I’ve never been paid for posting. I do it for my own enjoyment! I must admit though…..the extra money sure would help combat that LB Loan I’ll have to pay on for the next few years! Hee Hee. Seriously, it’s sad that people have resorted to such behavior. Research people!!! Get your own info.

I travel often with work. I asked about flying and was told it can effect the tightness of my band. I took a short flight from Houston to New Orleans last week and did have trouble with food getting stuck. I already have good restriction so after trying to eat lunch the day I arrived and getting food stuck, I had to be very careful. The day after I arrived home, I actually got sick. Until you know how it will effect you, do be very careful!

How long did you wait before trying to conceive after getting banded? Did your doctor recommend a waiting time? My doctor suggested 12 - 18 mths. because the majority of the weight loss is in the first year. I was banded in October 08 and just planning for down the road. I do plan to wait until the end of the year to start trying. I'm still on the pill and taking other precautions as well. I’m not in a huge hurry and am committed to my band and weight loss and have no issues with waiting. My doctor does have experience with banders and does work with your ObGyn. I feel confidant about that. I gained 50 pounds with my 1st pregnancy and had gestational diabetes and pre- eclampsia. Even with that much weight gain, I delivered early w/ preemie @ barely 5 lbs. I just hope to bypass that much weight gain and all the symptoms that go along with it and still have a healthy mommy and baby!!! Have any of you preggers had any recommendations by your band docs to wait a certain amount of time before getting pregnant? Have you experienced any pressure on your band or port from the baby or baby weight gain? Thanks in advance for your advise and suggestions! :cursing:

I was banded by Dr. St. Laurent in October 08 and self-paid as well. I don't have a ton of weighy to lose and knew my insurance wouldn't pay so I didn't even bother. I absolutely ADORE him. He's wonderful! He is thorough and very concerned about your needs. He is there to see you succeed! He is genuine and very down to earth. I always see him and never anyone else. I feel like he truly cares about me and my success! He’s wonderful. I’ve had two friends banded in Houston by other doctors. One of them has had their band removed after only having it a year because her “stomach flipped”. The other friend has no doctor here now that can do her fills. I am so happy that I researched it and have Dr. “Eye Candy”. He’s fabulous!

Thank you all for your replies!

I feel your pain. Try not to beat yourself up so much. I get disappointed in myself a lot as well but try not to ponder on all the negative. Today is a new day and all I can do is try again. It's a total lifestyle change. We're used to eating a certain way and it's hard to break that cycle. I know that we've taken the first step for our lives, our health and for our children. I am also working on my mental state. I've hated the person I see when I look in the mirror and want that to change. It's effected my life in every way - my marriage, etc. I'm ready for changes and only I can do that now! Just keep your chin up and remember that today is a new day. :tt2:

I was banded by Dr. St. Laurent in October 08 and self-paid as well. I don't have a ton of weighy to lose and knew my insurance wouldn't pay so I didn't even bother. I absolutely ADORE him. He's wonderful! He is thorough and very concerned about your needs. He is there to see you succeed! He is genuine and very down to earth. I always see him and never anyone else. I feel like he truly cares about me and my success! He’s wonderful. I’ve had two friends banded in Houston by other doctors. One of them has had their band removed after only having it a year because her “stomach flipped”. The other friend has no doctor here now that can do her fills. I am so happy that I researched it and have Dr. “Eye Candy”. He’s fabulous! :biggrin: :smile: :thumbup:

I was banded by Dr. St. Laurent in October 08 and self-paid as well. I absolutely ADORE him. He's wonderful! He is thorough and very concerned about your needs. He is there to see you succeed! He is genuine and very down to earth. I always see him and never anyone else. I feel like he truly cares about me and my success! He’s wonderful. I’ve had two friends banded in Houston by other doctors. One of them has had their band removed after only having it a year because her “stomach flipped”. If you PM me, I’ll give you that doctor’s name. The other friend has no doctor here now that can do her fills. I am so happy that I researched it and have Dr. “Eye Candy”. He’s fabulous! :laugh: :tt1: :smile: :thumbup: Go for it! You'll be so happy that you did. Feel free to stay in touch if you have any questions or concerns! Best of luck to you!