Hello. My name is Jenny and I have posted on here around the time of my surgery back in August of 2010. I'm not really sure where to post this but I'm guessing that the "General Lap Band Support is the right place because I do need support but I also want to share my story.

I was banded on August 24, 2010 by Dr. Luis Reyes. On my pre-op diet I had lost around 10 pounds and on the day of my surgery I weighed 220 pounds. I recovered quickly and an appointment was set up to see Dr. Reyes in 1 week's time after my surgery. During that first week I drank nothing but pain medication in liquid form, chicken broth, and Water and could only drink all these liquids from a 30 ml medicine cup and it would take me about 45 minutes to get it down. I thought all this would surely drop a few pounds and it did. I went from 220 pounds to 217 pounds in about 3 days, but when the 7 days were up and I was set to go to my appointment I was 224 pounds. While in the doctor's lobby there were other patient's that either had lap band or gastric bypass and they were all excited and I found out that they were also there for their 1 week check in and they were all on cloud 9 saying "I already lost 10 pounds. I have lost 15 pounds. I have lost 20 pounds in a week!" some of these were lap band patients saying this. They seemed so ecstatic about the weight loss and I was happy for them but then I thought about my reality of gaining 7 pounds when these people had lost all this weight in 1 week after surgery. I got called in and was weighed and I was so embarrassed when I saw 224 pounds and I had to fight to keep the tears in. I was sent to a waiting room and when Dr. Reyes came in he discussed my weight and I guess at this point he mentally pinned me as a patient that was going to be noncompliant with the surgery's rules and the diet.

He regarded me with suspicion because of my weight gain and I told him I was doing everything the rules stated and he told me that the gain was probably due to swelling. I went on my way and made an appointment to return in 1 month. In the middle of that month I was given the thumbs up to start exercising lightly so I chose Walking off the Pounds with Leslie Sansone and did it about 4 days a week for 40 minutes. I was still in the stage 1 of the eating menu and was slowly making my way to stage 2 and was feeling good. I got down to 212 and I surprised that I had because I was also in the middle of finishing up my last year of nursing school and it was pretty hectic. I was so excited that I was 212 because it was the first time I had hit that number in about 12 years.....but it didn't last. I kept with the same exercise regimen and transitioned fully to mushy food when I got the okay to do so by the doctor's office and the weight began to stagnate at 212 pounds and then slowly crept up all the way up to 224 pounds again. By the time my 1 month appointment came around I was furious and annoyed by all the happy people in the lobby proclaiming that they lost this amount of weight and that amount of weight. I was almost in tears when I saw the 224 pounds on the scale and thought "don't cry. the doctor will know what is wrong with me. he'll know why I'm not losing weight." I had my mother with me at the time and even she wanted to cry because of the anguish I was going through and she was also frustrated that the weight loss was not happening.

The doctor came in and shook our hands and asked me how everything was going and I blurted out. "I don't know what's happening. I don't think it's working" and I think he took it as a personal attack on him and his work which I didn't mean it to be. It was out of my desperation. I told him what had been happening. That I got down to 212 then all of a sudden I was 224 despite the dieting and despite the exercise. He proceeded to cut me off mid sentence and told me "It's your fault. You must not be following rules. You have to change your eating habits or it's not going to work." and I furrowed my brow in disbelief and just stared at him and finally said, "No. I'm following the rules. I'm eating nothing but liquids and soft mushy foods. I stop when I get full. I try everyday to get in 60 oz of water a day. I'm exercising as much as my surgery allows me to at this moment. I'm following the rules but I keep on gaining!" He talked over me and told me, "Stop drinking the sugary drinks. Stop eating the candy. Stop drinking the cokes. Stop eating the chips. Stop eating the pizza because this is why you're gaining."

And I looked at my mother for help because there was no point in telling him again that he must be talking to the wrong person because I am not cheating and I'm following the rules that he set for me. My mother told him "Look doctor. Before she had the surgery and when she was little I let her eat whatever she wanted, but this surgery was big and I don't think she would throw this all away to cheat. I live with her. When she's cooking her food I'm there in the kitchen as well cooking for the rest of the family. I watch her. She does not cheat because we both want this to work." and it was the God honest truth. I wasn't cheating. I did have cravings when she was cooking for other people I would resist tasting and leave the kitchen immediately and would be successful in doing so. So he told my mother "Does she have her own room?" my mother said yes. "Does she go to sleep after you go to sleep or does she stay up late?" and my mom said she stays up as long as she wants to stay up. And mind you I'm 26 years old and a nurse and he still treated me as if I was a child. then he told my mother "well, ma'am. that's it. there's the problem. She's sneaking in food late at night while everyone else is asleep. The candy, the Cookies, the sodas." At that point, I zoned out and was unresponsive to anything else he said after that. I hated him for accusing me of behaviors that I was not exhibiting.

After that he decided that what I needed was a fill. It was my first fill and he told me I have a 7 cc band and he put 2 CCs in that day. He made me left my own feet so band can protrude out making it easy for him to eye the port underneath my skin. It was hard holding up my legs especially as an obese person. He saw me struggle. Then he poke and prodded me with the needle and hurt my with each stick. and that was that. He sent me out, I went home, drank some Powerade, couldn't keep it down, couldn't keep my own saliva down, and ended up having to have a cup with me for more than 24 hours to puke my bile into. I called the office and told them that I needed an unfill and they told me I couldn't come in right away that I had to wait til 2 pm and I had called around 10 am. I was miserable. I went in and they weight me again after a day and I had gone down to 217 pounds and the lady that weighed me was all "OMG! 2 pounds in 1 day! that is awesome!!" if only she knew the hell I was going through in that 1 day. I was told that Dr. Reyes wasn't in because he was busy at the hospital and I would have to see his colleague Dr. Garza. When I began talking to Dr. Garza. He actually sat there and listened to me and didn't interrupt me while I was talking. I told him that it wasn't working and that I was having more difficulty trying to lose weight than when I was trying to lose it on my own without the lap band. I told him I was following at the rules and he told me "well, it's different for everyone. but I don't want you to give up. Keep trying and if nothing helps then come in and we'll try to figure out what's wrong." So then he got me ready to removed 1/2 cc from my band and he actually had one of the ladies come in and hold up my feet for me which was so much more comfortable and when he stuck me with the needle his hand was steady and gentle and it didn't hurt. But what surprised me the most was how after I got unfilled he sat me down and gave me a a tiny cup of water and told me to take my time drinking it and if it goes down without any complications I was free to go and if it didn't then I'll come back in and I'll readjust you again. I wanted to cry because Dr. Reyes didn't even care enough to do this for me. He just told me bye without testing if I could drink and keep down the liquids after having my band filled. So I went home and I could drink and eat but less which was how the band is supposed to work. I lost about 2 pounds and ended up going back to see Dr. Reyes.

He told me he didn't know what was going on but not to blame the lap band because it's the patient's job to to work with it. So I went to my main doctor and there was this new PA there and she diagnosed me with hypothyrodism because of my symptoms of not being able to lose weight and stuff and I went back to Dr. Reyes and told him I had hypothyroidism and I guess to him this was the reason I wasn't losing weight and he seemed to become nicer after I told him that. So then the PA calls me to tell me to buy some potassium pills to take with the thyroid medication she gave me and I did because I finally thought that the reason for not being able to lose weight was finally revealed. A couple of days later my doctor called me and told me to come in and when I did he told me that he had fired the PA because she was diagnosing multiple people with diseases they didn't even have and prescribing medications for these "diseases" so he told me that I don't even have hypothyroidism and told me to stop taking the pills that the PA gave me. So I was at square 1 again. Around this time my enthusiasm started to dwindle. I didn't care about losing the weight anymore. I didn't care about exercising. I didn't care what I ate. I thought what for? I'm a failure. I've been doing everything right. I followed the rules and maybe it just wasn't meant to be. I stopped going to Dr. Reyes' office and now weigh 230 pounds and have weighed this much for months. I recently went to the my main doctor for a 3 month check up and saw my weight at it was 232 pounds and something just clicked...that I need to continue losing weight and get rid of all the negativity and let go of the past. There was a time when I thought of revision to gastric bypass or gastric sleeve but I don't think that I could do this all over again.

So, I'm trying to become more positive and I feel like this is my time to really lose the weight this time. Without the band. The band means nothing to me anymore. And one day I want it removed. I'm not focused on it anymore. I'm just focused on eating healthy and exercising. I'm currently doing the 17 day diet by Dr. Moreno and doing turbo jam and/or zumba 6 days a week and I have lost 10 pounds so far and contribute nothing to band anymore. It's all me! and will only be me.

I would still like to come here on these boards for support on my weight loss journey though. I find that music really helps in situations and I just wanted to share a song that resonates with me and relates to my lap band situation with my doctor and everything and wanted to share it here. You can look for it on youtube. It's Called Monarch by Natalie Walker.

Im just checking to see if I have this right... You have a poster that posted that they have struggled and wants to keep on the forum to get support from people who have been successful, but then gets upset when someone who has lost well over 100 pounds tried to tell them how they were successful with the lap band.

from what I read she was being supportive but was also giving you some tough love. Floridays is a success as I consider myself as well. We post how we would react and feel in your position. I agree with everything she said as a person that has lost with the lapband.

Your doctor is an a$$ and you need to go to another one and get a second opinion. Noone should be talked to like that.

I wish you well and hope you can continue on with your journey.

I think maybe some of us have lost the big picture! Including myself! Is the band meant to be used just so we fit into a certain Jean size? I thought it was suppose to help us in encouraging us to work on our overall health. Those that use the band so they don't eat a whole bag of chips, they just eat a handful, isn't suppose to be the final picture! Is the goal to weigh a certain number or is it to encourage a healthy lifestyle?! Are you healthy because the scale says so? Your not automatically healthy because your thin! I hate to say this, but you say that you started a 17 day diet and are exercising 6 days a week, this is just another set-up for failure! Start slow, work your way into it! Gradually change your lifestyle, don't immediately jump off the top rope! I got my lap band 6 years ago and went off the top rope, only to lose 100 lbs. within a year, then gaining back 40. All because I wanted it fast and now! I'm now trying to adjust my thinking to health not the numbers on the scale and I dont feel like I wasted any time or feel like exercise was a waste of time because I didnt lose weight. If you focus on health you won't be angry at the band, you'll be proud you are using your body the way it was designed to be used and fed the way it was intended! It's not an easy journey for anyone, but it's definitely a memorable one!

I think maybe some of us have lost the big picture! Including myself! Is the band meant to be used just so we fit into a certain Jean size? I thought it was suppose to help us in encouraging us to work on our overall health. Those that use the band so they don't eat a whole bag of chips, they just eat a handful, isn't suppose to be the final picture! Is the goal to weigh a certain number or is it to encourage a healthy lifestyle?! Are you healthy because the scale says so? Your not automatically healthy because your thin! I hate to say this, but you say that you started a 17 day diet and are exercising 6 days a week, this is just another set-up for failure! Start slow, work your way into it! Gradually change your lifestyle, don't immediately jump off the top rope! I got my lap band 6 years ago and went off the top rope, only to lose 100 lbs. within a year, then gaining back 40. All because I wanted it fast and now! I'm now trying to adjust my thinking to health not the numbers on the scale and I dont feel like I wasted any time or feel like exercise was a waste of time because I didnt lose weight. If you focus on health you won't be angry at the band, you'll be proud you are using your body the way it was designed to be used and fed the way it was intended! It's not an easy journey for anyone, but it's definitely a memorable one!

I couldn't agree more! You said it all.

Ur body probley went into starvation mode cause ur eating a quarter of what u used to so ur body's storing everything u put into it to thrive. And if that's the case I don't even think weight loss surgery would work starting out slower and gradually reducing ur eating is probley better and honestly if whatever ur doing now is working than keep with it .. I'm sorry u went thru all this and ur doctor was an ass and it didn't work for you ..good luck in ur journey

Out of your post I got several things...

You are very angry and seem to want to blame your failure to lose weight on the band' date=' the dr and other medical issues.

You may have a dr who shoots from the hip but you want someone who will baby you. The band only does 70% of the work. You must do the rest. Even a new dr won't help.

You mention doing everything right but do not state how many calories you eat or what portion sizes you are able to consume. Even with a thyroid issue you can lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. That's a scientific fact. I do think you can get pills to regulate the thyroid but don't blame it.

You said you are eating until you are full.... Bad idea... As bandsters we are supposed to eat until we are satisfied. I eat 3 oz of Protein, 1/2 c veggies and 1/4 c carbs at each meal.... With proper restriction that keeps me full for 4 to 5 hrs? I never eat until I am full... Because often that would mean I eat too much.

I have lost a lot of weight. But I worked my butt off to make it happen... I weighed and measured everything I put in my mouth except toothpaste. I counted every calorie including a breath mint. I wanted thin that badly..

It sound like you want it... And I am sorry that you have a tool that cost a lot of money which could help you dramatically which you refuse to learn to live with.... But I hope someway you at able to drop the weight....your life depends on it.[/quote']

I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I am having trouble myself. I know it's my fault and there is no one else to blame. I have hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, diabetes... and just overall a bad attitude about food. I eat to solve all my problems. Now it's different.

Tomorrow is my surgery and I am going to stick to the diet. If I fail, I will try again.

You got this. It does take time and it is an extremely difficult process. Just curious, have you ever been checked for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis?

It is EXTREMELY frustrating for a physician to assume that you are not following the rules, when in fact you are. It would be nice if they had a good balance between understanding and a knack for motivation.

I had to go in for an emergency unfill today..and the PA said to me that it takes a long time to figure this out. "Our parents didn't raise us by eating with a lapband." So very true. It's completely different than anything we are used to.

My gyno was the one who figured out why I could never lose weight regardless of playing tennis for hours daily..perhaps your gyno might be of some help. Just a suggestion, I could be completely wrong on this. Just wanted to send some encouraging words.

You CAN do this!!

Sage

I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I am having trouble myself. I know it's my fault and there is no one else to blame. I have hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, diabetes... and just overall a bad attitude about food. I eat to solve all my problems. Now it's different.

Tomorrow is my surgery and I am going to stick to the diet. If I fail, I will try again.

Good luck with your surgery!! best thing you can do for yourself. See ya on the other side!

How many calories do you eat pet day? I try to stay in the 1200 range. Have hit a plateau. Was banded 7/22

Oops...eat per day

How frustrating! okay let's break this down.

You say you're eating 1000 calories a day - I'm going to estimate that your basal metabolic rate (the minimum amt of calories your body burns in a day to maintain weight) is at least 2500. That's a daily deficit of 1500 calories a day - you should be losing 2-3 lbs a week.

If you're not, there is something else going on and it's not the band. The band can't interfere with your metabolism. The PA may have been right about your thyroid issue, but wow that docs office sounds like a circus. It seems like life is telling you that you need to advocate for yourself more. Doctors aren't god. Some suck! Don't live with it, don't tolerate it. Get yourself tested for other metabolic issues that could be sabotaging you.

I'm also stumped about you not tolerating a small fill well. Some ppl may not feel they need a fill but are you struggling with hunger and portions or are you comfortable? While investigating other reasons for no weight loss, keep up with your routine. The math will owe you.

I read the whole post and all the responses here is what I can share and hope it helps:

I had thyroid cancer so I don't have a thyroid, my TSH levels must be kept at hypo (slow) rather than normal or hyper.

This has Always caused weight gain or extremely slow weight loss.

I went to many seminars listening to every dr and after awhile they all sounded like used car sales people! Then I met a dr who said the band is not the cure all its not magic and if you do this you have to think of it as a marriage, you must love me and I must love you but above all that we must work as a team.

2011 June I got my lap band from then till now I am down 110 however that is a number. Not every plan works for every person, I decided to stay on weight watchers and go to weekly meetings. This kept my focus and my sanity. It also kept me eating healthy. I eat my Protein first, then my veggies last my complex carb. I only eat on a appetizer plate. I weigh and measure all my food, I take Calcium supplements. I work out, Pilates has done wonders for me. I finally after 54 years put myself first.

If I'm hungry in between a meal I will eat an apple or some small fruit or yogurt.

If I was in your shoes the first thing I would do is get all your medical records and see another doctor, I would then see a nutritionist.

Finally I will say that I am married to a professional chef and the one thing he has taught me is every calorie is not the same. Just because your only eating 900 calories a day does not mean they are the right calories that are going to burn the fat not store the fat. Hope this helps you, please remember when you put something out there on a public forum your going to get many opinions the hope is that you can get some support where you need it.

Good Luck

Good luck with your surgery!! best thing you can do for yourself. See ya on the other side!

I am on the other side now and struggling a little. I feel like I am hungry all the time but that could all be in my mind. I am only 2 days post op and feeling a bit better than yesterday except for the hunger. Oh did I mention the first bowl movement you have can be quite painful?? I just spent 20 mins trying to get one bm out. Sorry for the tmi.

I am on the other side now and struggling a little. I feel like I am hungry all the time but that could all be in my mind. I am only 2 days post op and feeling a bit better than yesterday except for the hunger. Oh did I mention the first bowl movement you have can be quite painful?? I just spent 20 mins trying to get one bm out. Sorry for the tmi.

ya, the struggle int he beginning happens to us all.. you will feel better soon!! and it's natural to feel hungry in the beginning.

Well said ttyny007. I was thinking about getting into plates. Do you think is like yoga?

Hey, I just read your post and was relieved to know I am not the only one . I was banded in Sept last year and have lost 1 lb . Lol! Sounds miserable I know but I can actually feel a little more active and clothes fit a little better. It may just be my imagination to make myself feel better. But I wont ask you what and how much you eat . I'll just say HANG IN THERE, I am sure we will eventually get there. You have been through too much to lose hope. Hang on to it , you never know hope may be the missing component for you and me xxxx