Hi everyone, so I had registered here awhile ago but never really participated, but now I think I need all the help I can get.

I have had the surgery year and half ago (19 months now), and I have not lost a single pound. I am really ashamed about it, but there is nobody in my life that knows I have the Lap-band (and I mean NO ONE, friends or family), so I really have no one to talk about this. I have also moved to a different state for a job right after the surgery, so I haven't seen my doctor (or any lapband doctor) in over a year.

Before you judge me, yes, I know I was not mentally ready for this, but this thing has been inside for almost two years, so it's time I get my life back in order....

Few things about me: I am in my 20's female. I moved to different city 2,000 miles for a job, so I have no family or close friends here to help me get through this. I weighted 195 lbs before surgery and weigh exactly the same right now. I have had one fill after surgery, and at first I felt little restriction but it went away with time. I have also been vegetarian for 10 years now, so I survive on carbs.

Is there any hope for me??? Is it possible I had stretched my pouch over the time? I know I need to start by finding a doctor in my city, but what else do I need to do to get on the track??? Any little suggested or words of incouragement will be greatly appreciated :cursing:

Also, if anyone from NYC, maybe can recomment a doctor here. Please help, I feel like I lost control of my life :scared2:

Edited January 23, 201016 yr by tallymia

I really seriously doubt you have stretched your pouch. Basically, restriction is what creates the pouch and you don't have restriction yet so you don't really have a pouch. I hope this makes sense. Basically, your band is like a belt that creates an hourglass type shape in the top of your stomach and the top part of the hourglass would be your pouch. But, since your band has never been tightened much, food is probably not collecting in the top portion (or pouch) and if food has not been collecting there, then you couldn't have stretched it out.

One of the psycholgists who runs the support groups for my surgeon's office says that one of the best things about the band is even if you 'aren't ready' or 'don't get it' at first, you can turn it around w/the band and have just as much success later when you decide to work with it. He said he has seen people who didn't lose anything with their bands the first year, but then they started coming for fills and to support group and started losing just like they were newly banded.

So, I say try to look on the bright side... you have a band already installed and you haven't gained anything since pre-band. Those are TWO really great things! Put your mind to it, find a new doc to take over your care (hopefully, one w/support groups cause I think that would help you feel a lot better), and I'm sure you'll do great!

Plain and simple GET FILLS UNTILL RESTRICTION!!!! It may take a few. With out restriction its like you dont even have the band.

I suggest you also find a support group in your area. My husband and Mother in Law are the only two that know I had this done. Many days I have been frustrated and have really found support in my group! Congrats for jumping back on, and good luck!

Ok, so I thought I'd update this thread in case anyone else has fallen off the wagon and needs to start over by going to a new doctor.

I called my first choice, NYU center: $475 for first consultation to become a patient, + $175 for some initial test, and + $125 for each fill...... well, that's out :wink:

Next, Lenox Hill, $350 for first consultation + $100 for every fill (Not sure about any tests). Still a lot, but more doable that NYU.

Then I called few smaller places that do not take outside post-op patients at all!!!

This is going to be harder than I thought. Hopefully I can settle on a doctor by end of the week, who's not going to cost me an arm and a leg.

And, no, my insurance will not cover it, so I had paid for the surgery out-of-pocket.

Thanks for everyone's moral support, wish me luck :eek:

I suggest you also find a support group in your area. My husband and Mother in Law are the only two that know I had this done. Many days I have been frustrated and have really found support in my group! Congrats for jumping back on, and good luck!

Thanks mominkansas, support group is exactly what I need, but do I need to be a patient of that center to visit their group sessions? What I mean is that for example NYU has a great session, but do I have to have a doctor there, or can I just visit? I know I should be probably asking them about it...... Thanks for the idea, I'm going to call them right away. I'm in desperate need to talk to someone about this.

Thanks mominkansas, support group is exactly what I need, but do I need to be a patient of that center to visit their group sessions? What I mean is that for example NYU has a great session, but do I have to have a doctor there, or can I just visit? I know I should be probably asking them about it...... Thanks for the idea, I'm going to call them right away. I'm in desperate need to talk to someone about this.

Glad to hear you followed-up w/ a few centers. Regarding support groups, Lenox Hill offers one, the third Thursday of every month. I just went to my first one last week and there were people there that hadn't had surgery yet. Some of them had just attended the free orientation seminar. So that might be an option for you. It's a great, diverse group. Nothing's off limits.

Best

Lauren

Great!!!

Good luck and don't be a stranger!

It sounds like you really need some help...both emotional and from a lap band doctor. First things first, you are not a failure, but you did risk your life for this thing inside of you so you need to get some things straight. It definitely sounds like you need to see a surgeon for a fill! I was the same way, got a good fill and now I'm losing like I should. Next, you need to find some way to deal with the stress and anxiety you're feeling. Take 20-30 minutes to yourself everyday to do somethings you like. Read the paper, magazine, book, try meditation, a warm bath with a cup of tea...whatever it may be. No one can help you until you help yourself! I will be thinking and praying for you! Good luck and God bless!