Spartan

Uh.....Ok. YOU said it.
Let me see if I understand this. You went into surgery NOT KNOWING what you were having done?
Huh? How does THAT work?
In MOST "quality" surgical operations, the procedure being performed is verified with the patient in several steps. In my case, it was at the check in, and in the prep room by both the Surgeon and the Anesthesiologist . This to avoid a situation that you hear about every once in a while where a surgeon amputates the WRONG leg, for example. And he didn't EXPLAIN the differences between a Gastric Bypass and a Lap Band?
So, I'm gonna have to suppose that your surgeon is one of these guys who works out of a dune buggy at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier…or maybe shares space with a massage parlor in a strip mall, perhaps?

And...a Big Mac?.....Seriously....you Didn't. You Did? Ugh.
Unfortunately, this situation speaks to a LOT of issues. First, it points to the sometimes amazing lack of information provided to the patient by the Surgeon's Staff. There are some Bariatric groups that do an amazing job of preparing the patient for this process. Lots of pre-op information, coaching and classes, and spectacular post-surgical support, followup, and "cheerleading". This is CRUCIAL for the success of most WLS procedures.
BUT….there are many Surgeons who jump into this field for the quick and easy insurance money, and are not going to part with the time OR the money to set up such a program.
The other side of this coin is the patient. I am quite often astounded by what I read on this forum (and other forums) by patients who have had various types of weight loss surgery. The kinds of things they eat, their mindsets, the stuff they believe about their WLS, is often mind-boggling. It is no wonder that the Lap Band has such a low rate of success. The actions of the Patient has a HUGE amount to do with the Success of the Band, in situations where the Band was THE appropriate choice of surgeries. (Often it is not the right choice.)
Just about a year ago, a young woman on this forum asked why it was that Cotton candy went down so easily after WLS. I had the audacity to suggest to her that perhaps consuming pure sugar….let me repeat that: PURE SUGAR….might not be in her best interest after having weight loss surgery. The response from various members was astonishing. You would have thought I had just raped her baby and set fire to her kitten. It was kind of nasty. Not so muchfrom her, but various OTHER members of this forum! But…..not totally unexpected. Because so many people here do NOT "get it".
Incidentally, the young woman who had the cotton candy? She comes and goes on this forum. She made an appearance here recently, and commented that not only had she not lost any additional weight, she had PUT ON additional weight. Gee….ya think?
I say all of this not to berate the OP (ok, maybe just a little….) but to suggest to the OP and everyone else here who might be struggling that YOU play a vital role in the success of your Lap Band. If you are not continually doing the RIGHT things, and avoiding the WRONG things then you are going to FAIL at this, plain and simple. It is a fact that the Lap Band does NOT work for everyone. And it works in different ways for different people. And to varying degrees for people who it DOES work for. YOU have to work hard to make this thing work.
If you are not acting in a decidedly proactive manner, then will not succeed at this. The process does NOT start at the moment your band is installed. It starts WAY before that, when you do the research to ascertain what kind of WLS would be appropriate for you. It begins when you Make the DECISION to have WLS. From that point on you need to do everything in your power to make this the life-changing experience for you that it has been for many other people. And if you do not KNOW EXACTLY what you are getting into, then there is a problem on one or both ends.
You need to choose the RIGHT surgeon. (there are a LOT of greedy idiots out there playing with scalpels, waiting to soak up some of your hard-earned cash) You need to make sure that a first-class pre-surgery educational program is in place. You need to be sure that an excellent post-surgery support and follow-up program is available to you. You have to ask LOTS of questions of your support staff and the surgeon. You have to follow the surgeon's instructions to the LETTER. And if you do not get you results you want/need, then you have to look elsewhere for the information that will help you achieve the results you want.
For some people, this process is a nice, easy ride. They lose the weight, and go on living their lives. For others…not so much. It can be a disappointing adventure, full of frustration and heartache and no results to show for it. But YOU can play a role in how it will turn out for YOU.
And a HUGE part of the "success matrix" in this experience is understanding the fact that Pie-Holing a Big Mac is a BAD IDEA under ANY circumstances. If you didn't learn that prior to surgery, then you have some work to do.
Here is my suggestion to the OP: It would appear that you might have an idiot for a surgeon. If he did not give you anything more than a cursory gloss-over of what your responsibilities are in this process, then it is unlikely that he/she has much of a post-surgery support mechanism in place. So, I would suggest that you look for a new Doctor that SPECIALIZES in Bariatric Support. This does not necessarily mean a Surgical group, but a Physician who understands WLS and provides support for people who have had it. You don't find them all that frequently, and if there is not one in your area, then find a new WLS surgical group that will take you in as a post-surgical patient. SOME Groups will do that; others won't. If you can find one, GET INVOLVED. Ask questions. Go regularly to support meetings. Find out everything you can about this process, and make it work FOR YOU.
I'm sorry you had this experience. I don't think you have done any damage to your Band; you would probably know for certain if you did. It can be very unpleasant if you have done anything to change the positioning of the Lap Band.
NOTE: There is a thread on this forum that was begun about a Year and a half ago. It was closed for some reason, I think, but it was one the funniest threads I have ever seen on this forum. It has to do with the subject being discussed here, people who wonder why they have problems when they consume food that might not be considered a "good" choice. It is quite hysterical. If you search for "Seriously Curious" you will probably find it.
S.
Big Mac….Jeez.

Most experienced Bariatric Professionals (Surgeons, Drs, Etc) would disagree with that article (and DO).
S.

I really do NOT understand why people automatically assume that it is the fault of the patient when a Lap band fails. Sometimes it is, but the simple fact is that the Lap band does NOT work for everyone.
The reality of the Lap band is that MOST people will lose SOME weight, a small minority will lose ALL their excess weight, and a small minority will lose little or NO weight. It is not a perfect procedure, and the more people that have it, the more the bariatric community sees that the incidence of complete success is very, very small. Please note that I said "complete", meaning that few people ever reach their original goal using the Band. Most people will lose some, but not all, of their unwanted weight.
December, in your case it would appear that you may have not had the best Surgeon, at least in terms of the aftercare. The educational component of the Lap Band experience and the follow-up is crucial and can sometimes make all the difference.
It is unfortunate that your Lap band was removed before you were able to obtain a second opinion. Your surgeon was correct in that it was necessary to remove the Band to prevent ingrowth and erosion, but I would say that his action might have been a little premature.
To those out there who are experiencing less than stellar results with the Lap Band, I would suggest that you seek out a second opinion before you have the Band removed. You are NOT "married" to your Surgical Group andhis/her staff, and you need to exhaust all of your resources before you call it quits with the Lap band. There are adjustments and changes that can be made that might make your Band experience a more positive one.
Having said that, it is important to note that the Lap Band is NOT always the right choice for everyone. The various Weight Loss Surgeries and procedures are meant for different people with different eating and metabolic disorders. Many people whojump on the Lap Band-wagon would have been much better off with a Gastric Bypass. Prospective patients need to perform their due diligence and investigate ALL of the procedures before deciding on one. The Lap Band is being sold as an "easy, simple and minimally-invasive procedure that is right foreveryone"….and that is simply NOT the case.
The Lap Band CAN produce the desired results…..but not foreveryone, and people need to be aware of that going in.
December, I am sorry that you had this experience. I understand how you must feel. I would hope that you might be able to obtain some insurance in the future that will allow you to pursue the WLS option again. In the meantime, though, try and begin a process of healthful eating and exercise. You might be amazed at what you can do on your own. Many people are able to lose weight without surgery, and you might be one of them.
Best of luck to you.
S.

Stacy,
it is generally an easier experience having it taken out than it is having it put in, UNLESS there is some major complication (erosion, etc) that is the reason for it being removed.
I would encourage you, though, to take whatever experience you have had with the band and use it to your advantage. Since you haven't explained what the circumstances are that have brought you to the point of removal, it's hard to give you specific advice, but I really hope that you will try and retain whatever positive eating habits you may have gained during your time with the Lap Band.
Many people have their Band removed and are able to continue with their weight loss, but many are not, and they begin regaining weight the moment they step out of the hospital. Try and continue eating as though you still have the Lap Band in place.
Regardless of the reason you are having it removed, you are certainly not alone. The Lap Band can and does cause a lot of problems for some people, and the number of removals and serious complications is on the rise.
I wish you the best of luck......It IS possible to lose weight and be healthy without the band (or any WLS)....sometimes it's a little harder, but many, many people are able to rise to that challenge. I am sincerely hoping that you will be one of them!
S,

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

First, I think it's wonderful that you have the support of your in-laws….in these types of situations, in-laws can often be particularly critical. It's nice to have support from that area.

The subject of alcohol consumption does come up frequently here, and it usually provokes some pretty strong opinions on all sides.

I'll state the same things I have stated on this subject before.

If you are really serious about losing weight, you need to consider giving up the booze, at least while you are in the process of losing the majority of your weight. Alcohol is NOT conducive to good health OR weight loss, regardless of what some small studies say about the occasional glass of wine.

Don't get me wrong; in the past, I always enjoyed a good blast of hootch, but NOTHING could make me feel as good as I do as a thin person.

Sure, you could have a drink occasionally; you could also have a Snickers on occasion. Or a Hot Fudge Sundae. But WHY would you want to, after everything you have been through with your weight?

It's the little decisions that we make on a moment to moment basis that impacts our health so dramatically. A shot of booze here, some cheez whiz there,....it all adds up. And you don't NEED a drink to be happy or have fun....if you DO,....well,,,,there are perhaps some other issues that you might want to address.

There are certain things you need to eat to live.... alcohol is one of those things you do NOT need. And it can hurt you in a number of ways.

I saw a post recently where one member here had difficulty losing her last 10 or 15 pounds. When she cut out the glass of wine she had every once in a while, the weight came off. It is NOT always a matter of Calories in/calories burned…..different types of food have different effects on your METABOLISM. Alcohol is one of them.

Also, consider the very real idea that after you have had one or two drinks, your will-power does tend to diminish, if not vanish entirely. This could lead to more drinks, and then the snacking that can often accompany a buzz.

Sure, you can drink. Sure, you can have that piece of pizza, that slice of cake.

But will that move you ANY closer to your goal? Nope. Will it keep you away from your goal? A little, tiny bit, yes. And will it continue to expose you to the foods that made you fat to begin with? Sure will.

A couple of you have said your Drs have said that it is OK to have a drink. Some people on this site have said their doctors advised against consuming alcohol. You will find Drs that say both.

But….I would challenge you to ask ANY Dr if it would be better that you did NOT have a drink/Pizza/whatever. I can guarantee you that probably %100 would say that it would be BETTER if you didn't.

You always have a choice. And you should always strive to make the HEALTHY choice.

S.

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a slice of pizza, Spartan! I don't see anyone talking about stuffing their faces with it every weekend! Just sayin'!

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

Funny Stuff.
Some People here acknowledge that pizza is NOT a good choice for someone trying to lose weight. But look at all the people who went ahead and did it anyway.
Jeez.
And people wonder why the actual success rate of the lap band is so low.

S.

This subject does come up frequently, and it usually provokes some pretty strong opinions on all sides.
I'll state the same things I have stated on this subject before:
If you are really serious about losing weight, you need to consider giving up the booze. It is NOT conducive to good health OR weight loss, regardless of what some small studies say about the occasional glass of wine.

Don't get me wrong; I always enjoyed a good blast of hootch, but NOTHING could make me feel as good as I do as a thin person.

Sure, you could have a drink occasionally; you could also have a Snickers on occasion. Or a Hot Fudge Sundae. But WHY would you want to, after everything you have been through with your weight?

It's the little decisions that we make on a moment to moment basis that impacts our health so dramatically. A shot of booze here, some cheez whiz there,....it all adds up. And you don't NEED a drink to be happy or have fun....if you DO,....well,,,,there are perhaps some other issues that you might want to address.
There are certain things you need to eat to live....alchohol is one of those things you do NOT need. And it can hurt you in a number of ways.

Also, consider the very real idea that after you have had one or two drinks, your will-power does tend to diminish, if not vanish entirely. This could lead to more drinks, and then the snacking that can often accompany a buzz.
Sure, you can drink. Sure, you can have that piece of pizza, that slice of cake.
But will that move you ANY closer to your goal? Nope. Will it keep you away from your goal? A little, tiny bit, yes. And will it continue to expose you to the foods that made you fat to begin with? Sure will.
A couple of you have said your Drs have said that it is OK to have a drink.. Some have said their doctors advised against consuming alcohol. You will find Drs that say both.
But….I would challenge you to ask any Dr if it would be better that you did NOT have a drink/Pizza/whatever. I can guarantee you that probably %100 would say that it would be better if you didn't.
You always have a choice. And you should always strive to make the HEALTHY choice.
S.

That comment is both remarkably ignorant and incorrect. And, one of the more irresponsible things I have read on this forum in a while.
Maybe you would like to tell that to the tens of thousands of patients over the last HALF-CENTURY for whom the Bypass has been the key to a new and healthy life.
This forum is one of the places people come to try and make informed decisions about which, if any, Weight Loss Surgery they will have performed. It's fine for you to comment on the Lap band; you have one. You do NOT have a Bypass, and from what I have gathered from your posts, you know very little about it, in SPITE of your claims to the contrary.
The Band, the Bypass, and the Sleeve (and several other procedures) are ALL very viable options for prospective WLS patients. The Bypass has been the gold Standard in WLS for many years, and will continue to be for the forseeable future.
It is ridiculous and uninformed comments likes yours that have the potential to dissuade potential patients from even considering a sugery that could very well change their lives.
S.

That comment is both remarkably ignorant and incorrect. And, one of the more irresponsible things I have read on this forum in a while.
Maybe you would like to tell that to the tens of thousands of patients over the last HALF-CENTURY for whom the Bypass has been the key to a new and healthy life.
This forum is one of the places people come to try and make informed decisions about which, if any, Weight Loss Surgery they will have performed. It's fine for you to comment on the Lap band; you have one. You do NOT have a Bypass, and from what I have gathered from your posts, you know very little about it, in SPITE of your claims to the contrary.
The Band, the Bypass, and the Sleeve (and several other procedures) are ALL very viable options for prospective WLS patients. The Bypass has been the gold Standard in WLS for many years, and will continue to be for the forseeable future.
It is ridiculous and uninformed comments likes yours that have the potential to dissuade potential patients from even considering a sugery that could very well change their lives.
S.

That comment is both remarkably ignorant and incorrect. And, one of the more irresponsible things I have read on this forum in a while.
Maybe you would like to tell that to the tens of thousands of patients over the last HALF-CENTURY for whom the Bypass has been the key to a new and healthy life.
This forum is one of the places people come to try and make informed decisions about which, if any, Weight Loss Surgery they will have performed. It's fine for you to comment on the Lap band; you have one. You do NOT have a Bypass, and from what I have gathered from your posts, you know very little about it, in SPITE of your claims to the contrary.
The Band, the Bypass, and the Sleeve (and several other procedures) are ALL very viable options for prospective WLS patients. The Bypass has been the gold Standard in WLS for many years, and will continue to be for the forseeable future.
It is ridiculous and uninformed comments likes yours that have the potential to dissuade potential patients from even considering a sugery that could very well change their lives.
S.

"Why are you so bitchy?"
Bitchy? Hardly. I merely have a great appreciation for REALITY.
"So I guess you have NEVER eaten something, gotten stuck and said yeah i'm not going to eat that for a while?"
Yes, I have, actually. But it was LETTUCE. It wasn't fries, or sausage, or a side of ribs. At first I could not eat lettuce. After a while it became easier. Now I LOVE it.

So....you make your food choices based upon what gets stuck?? Huh? For real?
Like I said…..jeez…..
"Or you have never ever eaten something that wasnt the best choice?"
Not for a number of years, no. I have learned how to make CHOICES that are in alignment with my commitment to being HEALTHY.
"Somebody needs to get off their high horse......."
Well, this "High Horse" I happen to be on would not have been able to hold me a few years ago when I weighed nearly TWO HUNDRED POUNDS more than I do now. But the horse and I get along very well now, thank you.
I'll say it again…..sometimes I think that the Lap band actually cuts off the blood supply to some people's brains……
S.

"Why are you so bitchy?"
Bitchy? Hardly. I merely have a great appreciation for REALITY.
"So I guess you have NEVER eaten something, gotten stuck and said yeah i'm not going to eat that for a while?"
Yes, I have, actually. But it was LETTUCE. It wasn't fries, or sausage, or a side of ribs. At first I could not eat lettuce. After a while it became easier. Now I LOVE it.

So....you make your food choices based upon what gets stuck?? Huh? For real?
Like I said…..jeez…..
"Or you have never ever eaten something that wasnt the best choice?"
Not for a number of years, no. I have learned how to make CHOICES that are in alignment with my commitment to being HEALTHY.
"Somebody needs to get off their high horse......."
Well, this "High Horse" I happen to be on would not have been able to hold me a few years ago when I weighed nearly TWO HUNDRED POUNDS more than I do now. But the horse and I get along very well now, thank you.
I'll say it again…..sometimes I think that the Lap band actually cuts off the blood supply to some people's brains……
S.

"Why are you so bitchy?"
Bitchy? Hardly. I merely have a great appreciation for REALITY.
"So I guess you have NEVER eaten something, gotten stuck and said yeah i'm not going to eat that for a while?"
Yes, I have, actually. But it was LETTUCE. It wasn't fries, or sausage, or a side of ribs. At first I could not eat lettuce. After a while it became easier. Now I LOVE it.

So....you make your food choices based upon what gets stuck?? Huh? For real?
Like I said…..jeez…..
"Or you have never ever eaten something that wasnt the best choice?"
Not for a number of years, no. I have learned how to make CHOICES that are in alignment with my commitment to being HEALTHY.
"Somebody needs to get off their high horse......."
Well, this "High Horse" I happen to be on would not have been able to hold me a few years ago when I weighed nearly TWO HUNDRED POUNDS more than I do now. But the horse and I get along very well now, thank you.
I'll say it again…..sometimes I think that the Lap band actually cuts off the blood supply to some people's brains……
S.

So THAT’S your criteria for making food choices? Whether you get embarrassed or not???
Sorry, folks, but sausage/cheese/egg wraps, Fries, and most ANYTHING from Sonic are NOT good food choices, whether you get stuck or not.
I am continually amazed at what people eat after they have gone to the expense and pain of having Lap band installed. Sure, OVEReating is one of the reasons you became fat. But WHAT you eat/ate played a huge role in it as well. You are NOT going to get healthy by simply reducing the amount of garbage you consume. You need to change WHAT you are eating as well.
Jeez.


S.

Hey Jenn,
I personally didn't read anything in the post that indicated this was a one time event. In fact, the OP said she loves the wraps and got one that morning. That to me indicated (and perhaps to Spartan) that this is a choice she makes frequently but now won't make that choice because she had a stuck episode - it isn't that she decided to never have one again because they are unhealthy.
I'm not defending Spartan nor judging his/her comment. I'm just pointing out that I read the original post the same way. I think open dialog is a good thing and when you post on a forum, you should expect to receive the gamut of responses. I don't think suggesting someone makes awful comments is really fair or non-judging. You said in your post that judging is not your place. With all due respect, I just think it is a matter of practicing what you preach.

"Why are you so bitchy?"
Bitchy? Hardly. I merely have a great appreciation for REALITY.
"So I guess you have NEVER eaten something, gotten stuck and said yeah i'm not going to eat that for a while?"
Yes, I have, actually. But it was LETTUCE. It wasn't fries, or sausage, or a side of ribs. At first I could not eat lettuce. After a while it became easier. Now I LOVE it.

So....you make your food choices based upon what gets stuck?? Huh? For real?
Like I said…..jeez…..
"Or you have never ever eaten something that wasnt the best choice?"
Not for a number of years, no. I have learned how to make CHOICES that are in alignment with my commitment to being HEALTHY.
"Somebody needs to get off their high horse......."
Well, this "High Horse" I happen to be on would not have been able to hold me a few years ago when I weighed nearly TWO HUNDRED POUNDS more than I do now. But the horse and I get along very well now, thank you.
I'll say it again…..sometimes I think that the Lap band actually cuts off the blood supply to some people's brains……
S.

So THAT’S your criteria for making food choices? Whether you get embarrassed or not???
Sorry, folks, but sausage/cheese/egg wraps, Fries, and most ANYTHING from Sonic are NOT good food choices, whether you get stuck or not.
I am continually amazed at what people eat after they have gone to the expense and pain of having Lap band installed. Sure, OVEReating is one of the reasons you became fat. But WHAT you eat/ate played a huge role in it as well. You are NOT going to get healthy by simply reducing the amount of garbage you consume. You need to change WHAT you are eating as well.
Jeez.


S.

"Why are you so bitchy?"
Bitchy? Hardly. I merely have a great appreciation for REALITY.
"So I guess you have NEVER eaten something, gotten stuck and said yeah i'm not going to eat that for a while?"
Yes, I have, actually. But it was LETTUCE. It wasn't fries, or sausage, or a side of ribs. At first I could not eat lettuce. After a while it became easier. Now I LOVE it.

So....you make your food choices based upon what gets stuck?? Huh? For real?
Like I said…..jeez…..
"Or you have never ever eaten something that wasnt the best choice?"
Not for a number of years, no. I have learned how to make CHOICES that are in alignment with my commitment to being HEALTHY.
"Somebody needs to get off their high horse......."
Well, this "High Horse" I happen to be on would not have been able to hold me a few years ago when I weighed nearly TWO HUNDRED POUNDS more than I do now. But the horse and I get along very well now, thank you.
I'll say it again…..sometimes I think that the Lap band actually cuts off the blood supply to some people's brains……
S.