angel bear

Thanks Heather. I'm seriously thinking about asking Dr Yau to put the band back in - it was so much easier living with the band. But I'm waiting until I'm a little stronger to approach that subject. When I hear about the few that have struggled with complications but have made it for years - it gives me hope. Have a great week and thanks for posting.

I agree with Heather. Ask questions if you have doubts or feelings about the cost. Believe me Dr Yau and his staff are worth the money. They care about your health and your success and the follow up care is so valuable that you will be so very happy you paid it. The staff are their to make sure you're cared for - and they do care. I look at it as an investment in your health and happiness. Do it for you and your loved ones. Get the answers you need and then enjoy the process. You'll be happy you did it. You don't need good luck - I know you can do it! Hugs,

Just wanted to add my two cents worth having experienced an emergency and received excellent care from Dr Yau and his staff. The clinic certainly has lots of follow up care to ensure your success... be sure to use it. I was banded in Aug 06 and the clinic has gone thru lots of changes since then but all great ones. The staff are wonderful and friendly as I'm sure you're now aware. Be sure to let them know if you experience anything that is out of the ordinary - and because you are new to the feelings ask what it should feel like. They all care. And don't just rely on the website and advice of fellow lapbanders. CALL the clinic. I lost my weight quickly - I dropped from 245 to 102 in less than a year. I think because of the rapid loss and added stress (my youngest son spent 2 weeks at emergency for a serious bladder problems) didn't help the band and it tightened. Being new (and stressed) I didn't realize that it was too restrictive until the PV was daily and I couldn't keep anything down. I asked Nancy for had a total defill (except for 1 cc to keep the band in place). I felt better for a few weeks. But I still continued to lose. My GP had been treating me for anorexia - you can imagine that at 102lbs I was very thin. So she missed my assurances that I was eating and that I didn't think I was "fat". I went to a phyciatrist (excuse the spelling) who said that I didn't have a "weight" issue and proposed that I have a gastric x-ray to determine if it was a problem with the band (yeah Duh!). I should have called the clinic to discuss this but I went back to my GP.... yep! So you know what happened. Suffice to say Dr Yau saw me in Emergency at the Scarborough grace (I weighted less than 90lbs) severely dehydrated and vomiting even Water. After ordering the x-ray -he quickly assessed the problem booked an OR to remove the band. Because I was too weak for the surgery (dangerously low PB) surgery was delayed. Dr Yau removed it the next day after my PB was stabilized. I was home by Christmas eve. I'm sure he had to delay his holidays to care for me. Are there many surgeons like that - ?? I don't think so. It's been a rough journey to regain - I never thought I'd hear myself say those words. But coming back from such a dangerously low weight to a healthy weight was hard. In my mind I still had the band and although the vomiting stopped I didn't want to eat all the things I had given up - my danger foods - the past year. I miss my band. I had such great success with it and I would do it again in a heart beat. The staff have remained concerned for my health even though I feel as though without the band I'm no longer their responsibility. I feel lost. I've maintained a healthy weight of 135-140 and although I struggle I know I never want to be big again. I've gained knowledge and I'm a success. I pray that all of you will have the success of weight loss and the joys of staying banded and using your tool for many years to come. Good luck on your journey. And have faith in whatever clinic you choose.

Wow Andrew, congrats on your success. I know how you feel - 100% better and loving life. Keep up the great work!

Female complaints seem to be part and parcel with weight loss - they come to haunt you. I had a scope and cysts removed from my ovaries in July. I never had a problem before I lost all my weight. Good luck with your appt and let us know how you're doing. Hugs,

Yasmina, when's your surgery date? How was your appt? Was it all you expected after being here on the site? Fill us in (no pun intended)!

Driving to TO is stressful but it's such an accomplishment when you make it and get back without any incidents. I made the trip myself and I was so happy that I did it. Congrats on all your successes.

Hi Frenchie, Some days are pretty scary and then others are over flowing with joy - at the new abilities and the joy of having an abundance of energy. I think the roller coaster of emotions is normal for anyones life let alone for us struggling with food issues. I'm an emotional eater and I had to learn to channel my emotions into other things rather than the sweets. I'm happy to say that I'm feeling fantastic and thanks for the Kudos. We all need praise to keep going. You'll do great on your journey. Positive attitude and reward yourself as you meet your smaller goals - it's worth it! Hugs - have a great weekend!

Call the clinic but I think the slower the fills the better cause then you'll know when you reach your "sweet" spot - restriction but being able to eat what you're suppose to eat without pb. You seem to be doing well with weight loss - 38lbs gone YEAH!!

Ha Ha LoL. that's funny! Poor victim - better them than me. Yes, I get it from carbs or certain gassy foods but if I eat slower it doesn't happen as much. Food choice is the key.

Argon, Where are you off to? A new job? or just moving?

Thanks Peaches. You'll do great - August is a long ways away and you've done very well so far. Now you have some restriction you'll notice more coming off.

Thanks. When I started out I never thought I would feel this wonderful. You are in a great club! Staying focused is half the battle. Have a great autumn - best time of the year - cooler and lots of new things to try and do!

Loriely, Thanks. You've been an inspiration - and your advice has kept me on track. I bet you're feeliing fantastic right about now! Good luck and be sure to stay in touch. Hugs, HAPPY LONG WEEKEND

Mandi, You're almost there! Way to go girl. I bet you're feeling on top of the world. Thanks for the kudos!