Hello Junbies ......

I haven't seen a June Band Crew thread yet so thought I would start it .

I'll be banded on June 9th in Texas. I'm getting very excited about it. I know that the band is just a "tool" to aid in my weight loss journey and it will take a lot of hard work on my part to make it successful. I've been overweight my whole life with the earliest memories being around age 4. Although no one else in my family is overweight, I am extremely fortunate to have full family support in my decision. I know that there are many people who's family doesn't offer the support they need. I would love to meet other pre-bandsters being banded in June to walk with me to the banded side of life and offer each other support.

I wish you all the best.

Melissa Lea :hippie:

Pre-bandster 240 lbs

June 9, 2006

Spivak

self-pay

Well Guys/Gals, I am back... with a question. I have gone to see Dr. Barker in Dallas, he does revisions, rny, and the band. He says that it "sounds like my band is too high"... and we have three options. He wants to see my EGD to be sure, but from what I have experienced he thinks that is it. Here are the options:

1) Go in and replace/reset the band.

2) Go in remove the band and convert to RNY.

3) Remove the band and leave it alone.

He says that alot of my issues could be "band failure" and will all of my issues, he would recommend revision, but it would be totally up to me. He unfilled my band today so that I can "take a break". What would you do?

So, he recommends revision to RnY? It is so hard to say what I would do. If you decided to have the band because it is less invasive than RnY and you still feel that way, then have your band repositioned. If you are just anxious to get the pounds off, go for the RnY. Is your insurance going to cover it either way? I can say from my own experience that after they repositioned my band after my slip, it made a big difference. I think mine was in a bad spot and that is why I struggled in the first few months so much. I'm really sorry that your band journey has been a struggle. Just know the June Crew is behind your decision 100%. Hugs!

Yep, insurance should pay either way. I just hate not knowing if the band will work after it is repositioned. If it doesn't then I face yet another surgery. I am scared of the RNY, but it will work.

Just my two cents...think about the reasons you chose band vs. RnY; are the reasons still there? Still feel strongly about them? If you have changed your mind about any of it, pretend the band doesn't even exist inside of you right now and approach it like you're having surgery for the first time. Go through pros/cons, etc. It's hard to say you've experienced what it's like to be banded because you've had such difficult and different experiences.

It's good that he's given you a rest - you can think without being influenced by complications, etc.

Whatever you choose, I wish you luck! And how fortunate that your insurance will cover either - that's such a nice benefit. Let us know?

Poodles

I am relieved you are finally getting some answers.

Aimee's adivce to take a fresh look at all options is very wise.

We are going to support you in any decision.

Poodles,

Pinky and all the others are right. We will support you in whatever your decision is. You must do what feels right to you and your situation.

I am starting my Saturday off pretty good and healthy. I just finished a 2 hour walk. I have no idea how far that I have gone since I am still learning the new neighborhood. In past measurements, 2 hour walk typically means somewhere between 4.5 to 6 mile walk (depending on how steady I keep my pace). I will drive my car around later to check it out. My pedometer's batter is dead so I couldn't use that this morning.

Well, I hope everyone is starting off to a good Weekend.

Melissa Lea

Poodles....Good Luck with your decision. I love my band and I know that it will always be there to help ( at least i hope it is always there) I can always get my band filled up to stop me from eating...the gastric bypass is wonderful in the beginning...you lose the weight soooo fast but i have seen gastric people gain most of there weight back and they cant get a fill. They just stretch there stomach back to how it was. I mean if you can completely change your way of eating and realize that yeah this is my way of living then gastric bypass would be awesome. I was always jealous of gastric patients because they lost the weight so fast but now that a year has passed i see some of them have gained some weight back. I am with everyone else in supporting you with whatever decision you make.

Poodles at least now you have some answers. It does explain so many of your issues. Remember that your experience with a perfectly placed band may be entirely different from yours with one too high.

You certain have given me something to think about. I can't seem to get the right restriction. I wonder if it has something to do with the placement of the band.

Whatever you decide we are here for you. Others have given you some good things to think about when deciding. Whatever your decision, you now will be able to lose weight. That's what its all about.

Restriction for me changes each day. It also has little to do with how well I eat or how much I lose.

<p>Each Monday I find myself "turning over a new leaf". I'm still enjoying my Leslie Sansone walking dvd's and the scale is kinder. My ticker is actually accurate this a.m. Socalgal. </p> <p> </p> <p>The key for weight loss for me must be longer less intense workouts. My 20 minute elipticals got me sweating and my heart pounding, but it sure didn't give me results on the scale.</p> <p> </p> <p>Yeah for beautiful fall days!!!</p>

Where is everyone?

Poodles-did you get the EGD?

I did good yesterday. I rode my exercise bike 30 minutes and did 3 sets of 5 different arm exercises. I also got all my water and protein in. And I went to hypnosis. I am going walking at the beach tomorrow with a gal from work. I hope everyone else is doing well.

Both Barbara's have a birthday tomorrow. Have a great day gals!

Socalgal - you are leading the pack in workin the band. I have one good day and one not so good day. At least it isn't "I'm totally out of control". That was me a few weeks ago.

I'm here! Dissappointed I am not going to make my goal for next week, I am constantly sabotaging myself. I NEED TO GET WITH IT!!!!! GRRRRRR

Happy Birthday Barbaras!

I am having my usual anxiety/depression filled day. I went to Taco Bell and they screwed up my order, so I used that as an excuse to go to Starbucks and buy cookies with my latte. I can't remember when I last did this.

My 22 YO DD, who is, for all intents and purposes, disabled from depression, anxiety and BPD (she's adopted, so the only connection to my disorder is environmental), and has recently taken up permanent residence on the couch, has taken my cousin up on an offer to visit her in northern california for a few weeks. It's a relief, but I'm very torn too. Guilt, love and regret, fear she'll come back the same or worse. How do I go from that to getting up and exercising?

Happy Birthday Barbaras!

Sorry you are still struggling with depression Cathy. I hope the "clouds" soon pass.

I had another good day! I had a protein shake for breakfast, a Lean Cuisine for lunch, tuna for dinner and a granola bar for snack. I got in all my protein and did my "You: On A Diet" intermediate workout DVD. I have 2 more glasses of water to get all my fluids in. I'll be watching Biggest Loser to keep me motivated!

Reach that goal Regina!!

No EGD yet. The one I had in July is being "faxed" to see if it shows anything of value.

You know, I think I am just screwed. Forgive the way I put that, but I have been on the OH boards reading about RNY and I just don't think I can do it. Removing a band is one thing, but you can not redo the RNY... just can't do it.

As I sit bawling about the whole thing, I don't know what to do. Guess my only option is to remove the band (if I absolutely have to) and be fat.

Maybe I need a third opinion...