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Hi ladies, let me be the first to say that you are not alone. I work on this every single day. WLS no matter what type you have take a really big commitment from the individual as well as a total life style change. I know when we are on a weigh loss program or diet we hear this all the time, when you have WLS it becomes reality. If you are not willing to change your life then you are not going to be successful with your weight loss surgery tool any more than you would be with a diet. The Lapband can be a fickle partner that is true, and it takes that extra time and care to find that "right" level of fill that you can live with. If you are going to eat around your band then you are going to cause complications that in the long run can hurt you and cause your band to fail. My motto with the band is slow and steady wins the race. So try taking a step back from where you are today. Go back to the early days of pre- and post op. Reset and start again. That is the beauty of the band. You can "reset"!! Get back on that liquid diet you may have had pre-op or post op. When getting fills, go slowly. Try .05-1 cc at a time. Give it at least 2 weeks to a month to settle in before you go back for additional fills. See how your feeling and how food is passing. The point with the band is not to be so tight that you can't eat but to be just right so you are not "hungry" between meals and are satisfied with the small band portion of food. Start measuring out your food. Use Ziplock containers that have volume measurements on the side. Start tracking your in take with my fitness pal or one such app or just write it down or take a picture of all the food you are consuming and then take a look at that and determine if you are eating band size portions or over eating. Are you choosing nutrition whole food or fast food, greasy food, sugary slider type food? Are you eating too fast? Taking too large a bite? Did you drink enough Water? All these things factor into finding our balance with our bands and our weight loss journey. Feel free to come back and share your insights with us...and we can share with you as well. We are all on the path to finding what works and what doesn't and what we need. We are a "virtual" support group. I know I can't always make the "live" meetings, and I host them!!
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I cant speak for everyone, but HELLO diet was the one thing that we, MOST, couldn't follow! This is why wls is the option most choose I understand that it is a tool, but motivation and support is needed to succeed. Some dont realize that u can hav serious complications if u dont comply with the so called "DIET" rules. Its not like pre WLS. U can actually do harm to ur body if u continue the bad habits.
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Not behaving myself...
Barry W replied to judy vsg's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
In terms of healthy choices, for me, it's much easier to do that at the supermarket by not buying anything I shouldn't have a lot of (or any of), rather than trying to avoid that pie or those chips or have "just a little" once they are in the pantry - never works for me! Try to look at everything in the supermarket with new eyes and to hunt for foods, maybe new things you haven't tried before, that are healthy and yet you can enjoy as well. If you cook, as far as recipes, there are a lot of good ones in the Cooking Light series of books and magazines and most of them aren't overly complicated or time-consuming to carry out. -
You are not breathing as deep as normal due to the pain it causes. This IS something you need to buck up and do. One major post op complication can be pneumonia (with any kind of abdominal surgery) cause patients tend to shallow breathe not wanting to hurt, then the secretions accumulate in your lungs causing pneumonia. You can prevent this from happening by making yourself take deep breathes....take 10-20 everyhour. Splint your abdomen (hold a small pillow or folded up blanket tight to your abdomen..over you incisions, and breathe deep. You should even try to cough to clear your air passages. Your hospital may of sent you home with an insintive spirometer to help with the deep breathing. Really try to do this even if it hurts. Also you must get up and move even if it hurts, to prevent blood clots from forming. These are basic things to do post op to prevent complications. Take your pain medication and breathe and move. Good luck....the pain gets less everyday and the more you move the faster it gets better.
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They found the same things on my upper endoscopy- a hiatal hernia and stomach inflammation which they biopsied. It didn't change anything with my surgery except that he fixed the hernia. I am happy with no complications five weeks out. Good luck! Amanda
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I've had the band for 4 years. During the first 2-1/2 years I only lost 20 pounds. I had 2 fills, up to 1.5 cc but have never felt any restriction. After reading all the stories about PBing and reflux I was really afraid to get restriction and never went back for another fill. Through willpower and following WW, I've managed to lose 50 pounds. Now I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck and am thinking about having it removed during that procedure. I went for an unfill last week and the doctor said the band was wide open and asked how had I taken off the weight. He wondered if I had gotten fills somewhere else. He also said the band was perfectly positioned, as if it had been put in yesterday. He removed 1.5 cc's so now it's completely empty. I've lost another 3 pounds since then because I want to lose as much as possible before my surgery. The band has never given me any trouble but I think that's because I haven't had many fills and have never had any restriction. If I'm not going to use it the way it's supposed to be used, then why have it? I guess I'd rather do it with willpower than deal with throwing up and having food get stuck. Also I worry that the jury is still out on the long-term risk for complications for bandsters, i.e. it's not "if" but "when" something will go wrong. Like a ticking time bomb. Has anybody else experienced this? Kalona
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Complication Rates Of Docs?
Foxbins replied to butter-fly's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Doctors don't publish their complication rates, but a good one will tell you about the complications they have managed. For the bad guys, you can check for malpractice suits and complaints on your physician's state license board website. -
Not behaving myself...
KristenLe replied to judy vsg's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Write a list of all the things you want to do after losing weight. Keep it where you can read it when you're having cravings. Keep repeating to yourself why you need to stick to your plan. This is not only sabotaging your weight loss but it's very dangerous this early out. You could cause complications. Stay strong! I recommend therapy too. -
Keeping reasons for surgery from supervisor/co-workers
medmgr replied to OilSooner's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree with what has been said - it is illegal for them to ask. If pushed (and they always do) tell them you are really not comfortable discussing the matter as it is private - but make sure you are legally covered when you go on leave. Make sure that they know what dates you are planning to be out and find out if you limit your benefits by not contacting HR to let them know you are planning surgery. In my case, I will have to call the benefits line to let headquarters know I will be out of the office in case something goes wrong. I will be out “3” work days since my time off will include my my Friday off, the weekend and the July 4th holiday – but it is a total of 7 actual days, which is their threshold for requiring notification. I had originally planned to take vacation time – but if I did and there were complications, I could end not being covered on short term disability. My boss has already asked me a couple of times what the surgery is for - I am obstinate and will not tell. Even people I trust around the office (and I have been here for 22 years) I am only telling I am having surgery but not what. Like it or not, in the large corporate culture I work in, looks are a factor in promotion and there is a stigma that equates being fat to the same as being lazy. Getting bariatric surgery to help with weight loss is not respected, you are only supposed to get thin thru dieting and excercise. Which, the sleeve is just a tool in helping us do that. -
I began full liquids at week 2, mushies at week 4, and now I can start trying other stuff at week 7 (my surgery was on Nov. 22nd). Is there a reason you are still on liquids? Did you have something else done during the surgery as well? complications afterward?
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What’s a 38 year old girl with a BMI of 36 to do?
2muchfun replied to gin765's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My BMI was down around 37 when I had surgery but my doctor actually suggested the band and still does to this day. Post surgical care such as fills, follow up visits and consults regarding any complications are just as important as having the band placed around your stomach. We see so many patients who fail to lsoe due to their surgeons unwillingness to support band patients for years after surgery. Don't make the mistake of allowing a disinterested surgeon place the band and kick you to the curb. You sound like a good band candidate? Although, we have many many banders here who are quite successful and had BMI's up around 45-55. For me, I didn't want my stomach removed, period. I think the sleeve and bypass and DS are all very good surgical techniques and on average produce faster and better results than the band. But, all I really wanted was a little help with reducing my hunger and allowing me to feel satisfied with less food. That's what the band did for me. And that's all I wanted. If you think you might need more from the surgery, you might not be a good candidate. If you need a tool that will only allow you to eat 4 ozs of food at a time, the sleeve or bypass might be a better choice. Because I still have my lower stomach, I can still eat a lot of food, IF, I want to. But I don't, because the band helps me feel satisfied with less and keeps me satisfied for hours after a meal. Good luck and I look forward to many comments to your topic. tmf -
Trying to talk someone out of WLS?
mezanne1401 replied to mezanne1401's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I know it sounds like I am being mean by not wanting her to do this right now, but I know her, probably better than her own parents. I do know that she is not mature enough for this journey. Good Lord, she just stopped sucking her thumb 2 years ago and still watches SpongeBob!!! That's more of an inside joke between the two of us, but she has been pampered and spoiled all of her life. Instead of working for something, she has had it handed to her on a tarnished silver platter. I'm sure you can all say that you are working on the weight loss as the sleeve "is just a tool". She thinks the weight loss will come to her easily, that she won't have to work at this. As previously mentioned, I have told her about the preop diet of Protein shakes where I lost17 pounds in 2 weeks. Then I told her about the high protein, low/no carbs, low/no salt and Water. Her response...."I hate water!" Also, the fast food, stupid idea, I know. That is a no brainer, but it happened and it's done with. I'm still working on the mental aspects of social eating. That being said and in my defense, I always pay for her when we eat and she was talking Outback, Red Lobster or Olive Garden and I didn't have time for a long sit down meal and didn't want to spend that much money. If she does have the surgery or make up her mind to have it, then I will support her 150%!!! I know how hard this has been for me. I don't want to see her miserable or sick and of course, I'm worried of the complications she may face either with the surgery or the complications from noncompliance. I love that kid like she was my own and I have always had a special place in my heart since the first time we were introduced when my husband and I were just dating 13 years ago. I can see so much of me in her even with no blood relation. I was in no way, shape or form responsible/mature enough for this. I wish I would have done it when I was 25, when my back first began to hurt and my weight skyrocketed. Thanks for all the great advice!! -
Sluggish, tired, no energy:(
cindymg replied to kim2002's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You'll feel better once you can start on soft foods. I was exhausted for the first 3 weeks also. I couldn't deal with puréed foods, so since I had never had any complications, my nutritionist let me go to soft, soft foods at 3 weeks. Then I started walking more and my energy returned. -
Had my pre-op Dr visit & blood work on Fri. for surgery on Jan 14th. Feel better about decision after talking to Dr Chae. Because it has to be open incision (could take 2-3 hours because they may have a lot of adhesions to deal with) and I'll be in hospital for 5-8 days. That was kind of a shock! Guess my biggest concerns are post-op complications. My nutritionist says not to do "The last meal of my life" thing but I'm kind of doing that. Going to try and be better on diet & exercise this last week. Wish me luck.
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the stomach isn't floating around - it's still there. They just put a line of staples across your stomach to divide it between pouch and the remnant stomach. RNY IS reversible - but it's a complicated surgery and they'll only do it if the patient has some serious medical issues. (btw - VSG is NOT reversible, since they remove 80% of your stomach and throw it away) those intestinal problems you mentioned can happen, but they are pretty rare.
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Bad, Negative Attitude
azhoselady replied to Sara75's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well said Sasha..... Sara you and I are band twins.. I was banded on 5/18 too 5 days ago. I am struggling tonight. Made dinner for my family taco salads... They smelled so good. I was dying to just put one bite in my mouth, just one, but the shear fear of getting stuck or putting my health in further jeopardy kept me from doing it. I get to start mushies tomorrow. I have talked myself out of pureeing Soup, potatoes or oatmeal all day! I know some get to eat mushies sooner but my Dr says one week so I might even be off by saying tomorrow...It is so tough and the one thing we all have to remember is we wouldn't need a lap band or surgery if we weren't addicted to food and had the ability to control our portions. Food has been my comfort when I was stressed, my friend when I was lonely and certainly my confidence when I felt I had none. How are you messing up? Don't risk complications by eating things you shouldn't be. You have made it this far I know you can do it! I had my hubby go to our favorite Chinese place today and he got me hot and sour soup. We strained it so all I have is the broth left. It is heaven. I would much rather have had their taco salad but I know that will come when I am healed. Are you drinking a lot of Water? I hope we can help you in some way your my band twin and I know we can do this together!!! -
I'm 34 weeks. I've had a very complicated pregnancy and will be happy when the baby is here. Even with all the complications though it's worth it, though this will be the only baby I will have. I have hyperemesis gravidarum and had my band completely unfilled in August. I still vomit a lot and still have bad nausea. The heartburn is awful too. I've put on 35lbs at this point and weigh 220lbs. Can't wait to get back to onederland!!
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Questions for anyone who has answers
fotogurl replied to Erika1982's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Erika ~ Congrats on the graduation, that sounds exciting! I wanted to respond to your post because I also have UHC, and I was told the exact same thing, that they didn't cover it. But when I made my initial appt. this past January for the lap band, the lady in the insurance dept. told me they usually do cover it. So, that same day, I called UHC again, and spoke with someone different, told them the Dr. & the Practice that would be doing my surgery, they actually looked up my policy, and read me the part in it that said they do cover it. They do require some pre-op stuff first, but that is to be expected. The Dr's office gave me a list of things they wanted me to do pre-op before they would cover it, but it was things like, lots of bloodwork, an Upper GI, a Psych. Evaluation, things like that, nothing major. Just time consuming. I agree with the last comment, you never know who you are going to talk to there. Ask specifically for them to read where it states it in your policy. I had my surgery on May 28th of this year, it's been 6 weeks now. I had my first fill today, and so far I've lost 30 lbs. I was very lucky, UHC covered it 100%, minus the nutritionists appts, which is a total of $500, plus a $100 copay for the hospital. I have to tell you that even though I was worried about complications, just surgery in general, not being able to eat, things like that, this has been the absolute best thing I have ever done in my life. Other than getting married & having my two children, lol. I have a lot more weight to lose, but I feel so good, I'm not out of breath as often or easily, and I don't miss food too bad after all. Listen, don't give up. Call & call until you are satisfied with what they tell you. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me or message me. Let us know what happens! Take care & goodluck! :smile: Tonya -
Do you get an Unfill for Surgery?
illuminationlady replied to delta27's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I reach 200 lbs. I am having knee replacement surgery and I asked my surgeon this very question and he said Yes, they unfill you and if you don't have any serious complications they refill the band in about a week, taking me back up to my sweet spot. Hope this helps. Best wishes with your foot surgery. -
Shoud I or should I not
HeatherinCA replied to martinbjl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The pain after surgery is fairly bad for 3 or 4 days. But it's not unbearable. I was never nauseous except immediately after surgery in the hospital and they gave me meds for that. The surgery is easy and quick, I was home the same day. For me, I'm 4 months out, I've lost 48lbs. I've NEVER had any food get stuck. My appetite is gone. (doesn't meanI don't WANT food, but I'm never hungry) I was more scared when I read this board.. But it really is different for everyone. The way people use the tool is different for everyone... I would say if you can commit yourself to changing your eating habits then go for it, if you can stick to a 1200 calorie diet then go for it. If you still want to eat junk food all the time and expect to lose weight, forget it. It's still essentially a diet, you eat the wrong things you won't lose weight, that doesn't mean occasionally you can't have a cookie. But everything in moderation. I'm not worried about complications right now. I will cross that bridge if I get to it. It's a fairly safe operation, SO many of them have been done. The technology has improved over the years. -
wanting a new lease on life....
myrori replied to msmomof3's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I started my journey at 271 pounds, I considered the lap band many years. Then this last year my daughter had bypass and I began to look into it and then came across this forum. After reading here and in other places I had absolutely no doubt this surgery was the one for me. I did not like the slow weight loss, less weight loss and host of complications that come with the lap band and I just felt bypass has the ability for regain and in the long run causes more illness with the nutrient deficiencies. I am now about 3 months post op and I can tell you it is the best thing I have ever done! I am down 76 pounds and I am feeling so much better and off all my meds. I too had been overweight all my life, 47 years worth. I had experienced all the things with kids and amusements parks ect. I was not living! So many many things I have not done because of my weight in life! I will never again go on vacation and NOT truly vacation. I will go swimming, diving, lay on the pool deck on the cruise without feeling self conscious, if I want to zip line I will without worrying about what others see from the ground, I may go para sailing behind a boat and no longer worry about the fat person being pointed at. Simply I will LIVE! You are doing the best thing ever for yourself. I do have one regret though,,,, I regret that I did not have the ability to have this done 20 years ago! -
wanting a new lease on life....
leeblewb replied to msmomof3's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Good luck with your insurance company and on making your decision. I too was concerned about the person I was showing to my child. I wanted to be here to see him grow up and to be healthy and have the energy to keep up with him. I researched the band and the bypass also. I did not like the idea of them rerouting my bowels and I also did not like all the people I read about on the forums that had trouble with the band. There are a lot of people on this board who had the band first and had problems with it. There are many people who then had revisions to the sleeve because of complications. It seemed to me that there were less risks with the sleeve. That was how I reached my decision anyway. Good luck with yours. -
Valentine's Day
onmywaytobeingfound replied to jessica2014's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm 6wks 1d post op. I hate going out to eat. The only thing I can eat out well is shrimp. My husband wants to go out for v day but I'm soo not interested. Our fav steak house has a wonderful salad bar, but I'm bummed cause I can't eat raw veggies yet. I'd just rather stay home :-( don't misunderstand, I'm glad I've had surgery, no complications, but maybe I'm just a little blue over food? The very thing that got me in this mess! Yikes -
First of all, thank you to anyone who listens to my story I found this wonderful site will researching questions about having the sleeve surgery. I found the most wonderful information and people here. I have read so many stories and have had questions answered about many things. I was reluctent to post anything until I found out my insurance was approved and yesterday I got the approval letter!.. It was very exciting until I called my doctor's office and they said they haven't recieved their copy. I was kind of bummed so I faxed it over still nothing heard from them. I guess I am a little anxious. My goal was going to try to have the surgury while I was on summer break from school. There have been lots of complications it took about a month for them to get back my bloodwork and needless to say I have been bugging the doctor's office, but I finally called the lab and found it it was them who didn't fax over the paperwork! My hopes for having this surgury before school started were diminishing and when they called to schedule the pre op apointment it was scheduled for July 14 th! Three days after I go back to school! I am already registered for classes and I don't want to give up on my dreams of becoming a pastry chef. I have 6 more classes to take and I graduate in March. There have been alot of ups and downs in this process in the beginning of my journey my insurance had a lapse and I had to wait a month until it started again. I am going to try and mabye do the surgery and miss a couple classes. Some things that are unique to my situation is that I take care of seven children. This is because I had a husband pass away and I remmarried. My current husband had three kids and I had three kids so we decided to have one together. I know crazy huh? He is now almost four years old. My current husband is very supportive and he watches the kids so I can go to school. He is an amazing man and i am lucky to have him. Having the one husband die I am naturely terrified of dying in this surgery, but I know probably healthwise I need this surgury. I have gout which is a condition that is very painful if I do not manage my diet very carefully to avoid all red meat. I am hoping the weight loss will help cure the gout, but most of all I just want to be healither. Also does anyone know usually when the surgury gets scheduled after the pre-op apointment? Well this is my story thanks for taking the time to read it I can't wait to join all of you on the loser's bench lol
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If your surgery is on Monday, the surgeron may cancel your surgery because you did not follow his instructions for the pre-op weight-loss. I would be more concerned if you had the surgery and did not follow your doctor's instructions because you could, from over eatting, blow out your stiches and bleed out and at worse die from complications from your over-eatting.
