slikchik10

Hey, I'm moving to the Sanford/Spring Lake? area this summer. I'm 3 yrs. out and am wondering about finding post op Doctor care in NC (check ups, support groups, etc). Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I'll try and be there...and maybe a few extra buds attending...not sure. ????

Hey Sherry....I know it's been a couple of months but what are the Kaiser Fontana times coming up? My schedule during Nov. & Dec. has really gone wacky and I'm still trying to see when I can start attending a group again. Is the Ontario group mostly newbies? Hope your holiday was great.

Annette

I think my folks will attend. Maybe 3 or 4? :-)

Nice job. Looks like if we keep spreading the word things will grow. :-)

I don't know if I now count as a vet (1yr. +) but in my 1yr. appointment the Dr. actually emphasized waist measurement instead of weight amount and BMI #. She said to watch and go for the <35" rule as a woman. Waist measurements smaller than this are a better indicator of health than the weight. Don't know how y'all feel about this, but just an FYI.

Well...let's see. Banded in 2006. Got the typical probs...reflux, vomiting, uber restriction w/fluid removal. Fast forward to 5/20/13 and had removal, revision AND hernia repair all in one surgery. Now...I am 70% down in weight and in a size I've never seen in my life! I got the best reaction on my visit home this summer. One of my best friends of 20+ yrs. walked right past me until I said something to her back and then she recognized my voice! This surgery is what I hoped my band would do. Good luck to those upcoming revision folks. Work the plan, stick to your mini goals and long term goals and it WILL happen for you!

Hey, I had a band In 2006 but began the "too tight/reflux" problems in 2008/09. Pre-band I was at 248 and dropped 60 lbs, but with the probs regained about 30. Now, I'm just past my 1yr. mark w/ my revision to a sleeve. I'm down to 155 and in a size I've never seen in my life! I set a lot of mini goals over the year, with my main goal being to hit 70% loss of weight in my first year. (The Dr. said the expectation was this to happen in 2 yrs.). I DID IT!

Now, I'm still pushing on to my next goal, but after my 1yr. check up, my Dr. said my blood work is great and I was doing fantastic with things. Here's the key....EMBRACE THE CHANGE! I took the eating and exercising seriously. Don't get me wrong, I hate any and all forms of exercise (PE was NOT a fav in school) but it is a job I must do to maintain my change. Clearing the house of junk and making sure my body is taking in what it needed and not always what it wants helps the process. OH, and the biggest thing (for me anyway) is learning to recognize the head games my brain will play about wanting food. In the last year I have really tried to focus on learning what is hunger and what isn't, and how to compensate with new things instead of old habits.

A phrase I've adopted is "It's a marathon, not a sprint." As long as I work the plan and stay focused (recording what I eat, exercise 3-4x a wk for 30-60 mins., make healthy choices) my Dr. says I'll stay on a successful path. So, best of luck on your journey!

Hi all. Had a band In 2006 but began the "too tight/reflux" problems in 2008/09. Pre-band I was at 248 and dropped 60 lbs, but with the probs regained about 30. Now, I'm just past my 1yr. mark w/ my revision to a sleeve. I'm down to 155 and in a size I've never seen in my life! I set a lot of mini goals over the year, with my main goal being to hit 70% loss of weight in my first year. (The Dr. said the expectation was this to happen in 2 yrs.). I DID IT!

Now, I'm still pushing on to my next goal, but after my 1yr. check up, my Dr. said my blood work is great and I was doing fantastic with things. Here's the key....EMBRACE THE CHANGE! I took the eating and exercising seriously. Don't get me wrong, I hate any and all forms of exercise (PE was NOT a fav in school) but it is a job I must do to maintain my change. Clearing the house of junk and making sure my body is taking in what it needed and not always what it wants helps the process. OH, and the biggest thing (for me anyway) is learning to recognize the head games my brain will play about wanting food. In the last year I have really tried to focus on learning what is hunger and what isn't, and how to compensate with new things instead of old habits.

A phrase I've adopted is "It's a marathon, not a sprint." As long as I work the plan and stay focused (recording what I eat, exercise 3-4x a wk for 30-60 mins., make healthy choices) my Dr. says I'll stay on a successful path. So, best of luck on your journey!

Hi all. Had a band In 2006 but began the "too tight/reflux" problems in 2008/09. Pre-band I was at 248 and dropped 60 lbs, but with the probs regained about 30. Now, I'm just past my 1yr. mark w/ my revision to a sleeve. I'm down to 155 and in a size I've never seen in my life! I set a lot of mini goals over the year, with my main goal being to hit 70% loss of weight in my first year. (The Dr. said the expectation was this to happen in 2 yrs.). I DID IT!

Now, I'm still pushing on to my next goal, but after my 1yr. check up, my Dr. said my blood work is great and I was doing fantastic with things. Here's the key....EMBRACE THE CHANGE! I took the eating and exercising seriously. Don't get me wrong, I hate any and all forms of exercise (PE was NOT a fav in school) but it is a job I must do to maintain my change. Clearing the house of junk and making sure my body is taking in what it needed and not always what it wants helps the process. OH, and the biggest thing (for me anyway) is learning to recognize the head games my brain will play about wanting food. In the last year I have really tried to focus on learning what is hunger and what isn't, and how to compensate with new things instead of old habits.

A phrase I've adopted is "It's a marathon, not a sprint." As long as I work the plan and stay focused (recording what I eat, exercise 3-4x a wk for 30-60 mins., make healthy choices) my Dr. says I'll stay on a successful path. So, best of luck on your journey!

Thank you all so much for your insights. Her doctor seems to think the Roux is the only answer but she didn't have the problem until the band and I know the sleeve is still relatively new (so he/she may be sticking with what is known). My concern is that she will have a pouch that can re-expand after the surgery getting her back to the same place she is today - not that the same can't happen with the sleeve but I understand it's less likely because of the part of the stomach that is kept. She is a lover of chocolate and seems to think that after the surgery, she will be able to stop cold-turkey...thus my concern for re-expansion. She's an emotional eater who is very very emotional and chocolate is her solace.

I have found that my "full" feeling is different with the sleeve compared to having the band. However....we ALL have to learn to deal with the emotions that cause us to eat. Although surgery was a year ago, I can pinpoint moments over this last year that my emotions influenced my food choices instead of being hungry. By recognizing that there is something triggering the desire to eat, I can better handle it. Having restriction doesn't always fix that, you still need to face the issue. That being said, my sleeve has given me the chance to be successful with weightloss, to recognize what it truly feels like to be "done" with eating something (and stopping) as well as realizing when I'm eating because of emotions instead of real hunger. When you fully embrace the process, transform your life and move ahead, success can happen.

Best of Luck,

Annette

Hello Marlie! I don't have a date yet... waiting to be approved or denied. I've been banded for four years with no success I lost about 30 pounds and then regained everything back through out the years. You are doing great with your sleeve..32lb is awesome. I just hope they approve my revision... can't wait to do this. I'm glad you took care of that acid reflux, that is one of my concerns... I have really bad acid reflux and I'm always scared after I eat.

Hey, if you're with Kaiser I had my revision done last May and it's been great. Best of luck on things.

Hhhmm, I don't know if I agree. I didn't have reflux prior to my band and the GERD I began having was caused by the band. I had a revision to a sleeve last May. He fixed a hernia while doing the revision and I've not had ANY reflux issues since my band removal. I think it would have to be based on previous GERD problems prior to the band in the first place. What does their Dr. say?

Ok, here's my opine, and it might seem harsh. 1) have you hit the 70% of the total amount you need to lose according to the Dr.? 2) are the people that are saying you look sickly heavier (or slightly overweight) themselves? 3) Are YOU at the goal that you invisioned for yourself when choosing this surgery?

See it really has nothing to do with others opinions about your journey in this process we call WLS. I just had my year check up w/the Dr. and my only long range goal was to have made the 70% weightloss mark by this checkup. Sure, I gave myself lots of mini goals along the way, but 70% was the biggie for me. And damn if I didn't achieve it!! Now, do my arms jiggle, sure. And I won't even get into what's happened to the "girls!" So, who cares, I sure don't. Instead of limiting yourself because of things others are saying, focus on what YOU want out of this experience. Weightloss IS going to slow down after (if not during) month 6 and beyond. Focus on YOU...the final results are really about what makes you a happy and healthier person at the end of the day.

So, if people are commenting about your looks....it's probably because they're having a hard time adjusting to the new you. But are you happy with how you look? If so...then don't worry over their comments. If not...start saving for plastics or work on toning what you can so you might improve things. .

Take care,

Annette

Oh for Pete's sake....your NUT is a nut! I am approaching my yr. mark and have lost it all slow as molasses. Big frickin' deal! It's come off hasn't it? If you've truly embraced the change this surgery is, then you'll be fine in the long run. If you haven't, well...we all know what happens. Call them on the comment, they need to understand how to better communicate to us as bariatric patients.

When I had my lapband in 2006 the Dr. AND his staff (nut, assistants, etc.) had horrible communication skills with me and I probably should have called them on it, but being uncertain I didn't. Now, since my sleeve, the new Dr. And team are amazing. Chalk it up to your NUT needs to be schooled and do some schooling. . Best of luck.

Slick chic where do buy evening of primrose oil? I have never heard of that. As far as the periods does it help with heavy flow or cramps?

You get it in the Vitamin section of any store. I usually shop at Wally World, But where ever supplements are sold, it can be found. It's great for cramps. It isn't a pain reliever, but a supplement. I take it daily and it helps with the painful, moody, etc. of a period. I get Migraines, cramping, etc. and this really lessens things for me. Wish ya luck!

Well, I'm 11 mos. out from my revision surgery and I can say it has been totally worth it!!!! I'm 15lbs away from my personal goal and 23lbs from my 100% weight off (Dr. Goal). It's said that sleeves can lose 50-70%of total weight needed to lose and I'm already there. I truly think it's about following the plan and embracing the change. Yes, at times the weight coming off has been slow (especially since month 6) but I'm still dropping. I'm happy it's been slow because my skin has toned up better than this 46 y/o gal expected. :-) best of luck to us all!!!

I guess at 5 mos. I was shedding a bit more than usual, but nothing like folks have described Hair loss. I started making sure I was getting more Protein and I began taking Evening of Primrose Oil (really for my peiod issues, but it did help the hair too). Haven't had a prob since.

I had the lap band surgery in 2010, but recently it slipped. Dr. says it has to come out. I decided to have him do the sleeve at the time he removes the band. Are there things I need to know or ask about BEFORE I proceed? Has the change from band to sleeve been easy? Are there things you wish you had known before? Advice?

Well, not sure what to tell ya, but here goes. I would say be committed to the post op plan. If you do this, you'll probably be successful. I've had a very easy time with the revision...but not everyone does. I have found the "full" feeling is different than with the band. That was surprising.

I guess I would say just follow the dietary & exercise guidelines. I feel like I've been successful. I'm down 60lbs since revision surgery and down 90lbs since my highest before the band. I'm in a size I've never seen and a weight I saw 30+ yrs. ago. Feel free to ask any questions...good luck.

Hey, chin up! I was stuck with my band for 6 yrs. before I had my revision. When I have the chance to talk about my whole journey with WLS, I do not consider myself a failure. I lost 60lbs w/the band and 2 yrs. into things had regained 30lbs w/all the problems the band gave me. I'm just happy I was able to keep the last 30 off... . My VSG surgery was in May 2013 and it has been a slow go this whole time. Although my profile says I've lost 90 lbs...I've only lost 60lbs since May & my sleeve. I certainly didn't lose half of my total in 6 mos...and at this point, when I'm close to goal, it's coming off wee bits at a time.

Now, all this about me aside, what I can tell you is your decisions regarding a revision should be all about you! I am proud to say that I did a second surgery because I know I need the help and the band stopped giving me help. I have been actively attending a local bariatric surgery support group for those times I feel like I'm failing at this. The online community is great, but having those in person relationships also helps. It's helped me stay focused on working the plan and my goals. Another thing I've done is set lots of mini goals for myself. I didn't do this with the band and I think doing it this time has helped me stay focused on success.

For instance...here's my crazy one from last summer. I have a large breed dog door in my kitchen. Coming home from vacay this last summer, a friend had to crawl in my house using the dog door because my house keys had been left with my neighbors and they weren't home. Well, I looked at that door and thought to myself..."I remember crawling through a hole that big when I went caving years ago, I bet I can do it again. I'm going to make that a goal!" And dang if I didn't do it!!!! I crawled through that door, even had my friend that did the first trip through this summer take my picutre! Took me about 2 mos. to get small enough to do it, but I did it. By setting little mini goals along the way I feel like I've really been successful with the process.

Well, I'll stop for now....yes, I'm a chatter box. Good luck!

Thank you delamoras3, I've had my band for only three years. But, it's so frustrating to watch others have the sleeve, brag, lose half their weight within 6 months, and here I am still struggling and my blood pressure is still sky rocketing. I have lost 36 pounds. I've worked out, joined programs, eaten right and then i'lI get discouraged and give up after no seeing the results of my hard work. I am so nervous of the thought of another surgery. Is it the right thing to do? And I am embarrassed to have to do this again. *sighs* I just don't want to continue to feel like a failure if this does not go well. So many times I have convinced myself that "I got this" and another fat summer is in view and another summer covered. After hearing so many stories and watching so many youtube videos...the good out weight the bad, but it's the bad that has me feeling reluctant. Pray for me...

Here's my input (for what it's worth)... I had the band for 7 yrs and my revision is coming up on the 1yr. mark. I discovered (after the nerve healing time mentioned) that my interpretation of restriction was skewed by my experience with the band. With my band, what I thought was restriction was really food backed up into my esophagus instead. Now, I have a better understanding of how restriction is supposed to feel. Give yourself some time to focus on that feeling. Eat slowly, pause, and wait. The full feeling (at least for me) ended up in a different place compared to what I experienced with my band. Good luck!

I have had my band for about 8 yrs, and gained my weight back, I havent had a fill in about 4 years and I am suffering terribly with acid reflux and coughing at night, not able to sleep and throwing up. I am trying to get into my doctor (not my lap band doctor) to see if a gastro surgen can remove my band. Does anyone know if another doctor beside the lap band can remove the band.

Yup, I had a COMPLETELY different Dr. & insurance with my revision surgery. This group was WAY better as a whole. I had to go through the whole pre-op process again to get a revision, but I'm sure it depends on your HMO. Good luck, it CAN be better.

I've been ordering mine online from www.barenecessities.com. I try on bras in the store (Kholes, Macy, etc.) but I've found them on sale on the webiste. I've probably spent quite a bit over the past year...I'm a bra snob and want something that feels like it isn't event here. I was sized a few years ago so I learned what to watch for...which has helped. I'm now in a 2 clip back which I haven't seen since my teens!!!!

Ok, I've had many of the NSV mentioned being almost at my year mark but recently I had to purchase new bras and I just ordered the same style but the smaller size. Well, when I got them I discovered they were 2 clips on the back! I've not been in a 2 clip bra since my mid teens!!!! Gone are the days of 4 hooks being necessary to help hold the girls (and the fat). Yay for me! :-)

Sorry to hear you're having an issue. For me, this was the beginning of the end of having a band. I had the band in 2006. My reflux issue started 2 yrs (and 60lbs down) after surgery. I tried sticking it out and dealing with it for 4 yrs. Well, I finally got someone to listen and really check things out and it was the band causing my problem. 5/13 I had a revision to sleeve and am down almost 90 lbs from my start weight with the band.

So, get it checked, take the reflux problem very seriously. Make sure your Dr. is hearing you and looking at a everything...even if it means doing a scope. That's what they did for me and discovered the problem. I'm not having reflux problems any longer and am happy with my choice.