Ok, so I am new to this forum. My name is Tricia and I was banded at St Vincents Trussville AL on Nov 22, 2011. I quickly lost 50lbs and the loss slowed down to a stand still. I was ok with that for a while and went to have them put more Fluid in my band. I went from a 7.5cc to a 9.5 cc over a few months. I got the restriction I needed, but over time developed the horrid complication of nausea and vomiting just about everything including Water. Went back to their office, ( I live 50+ miles away), had a barium swallow and endoscopy which were both inconclusive. Had all fluid removed and basically was told my system needed a break and to reboot. I (and I know this is my fault for non restraint!) quickly gained back those 50 lbs plus a few friends. While all of this was going on, I lost the job with the bariatric coverage and now have only my spouse insurance which has no bariatric. Fast forward to early this year, had fluid put back in again and finally got an appointment where I saw the MD and not the nurse practitioner for the first time since surgery in 2011. He recommended starting over and bumped me up to 7.5cc. I explained to him that I am extremely frustrated with the band and the lack of patient care I have received from him personally since my surgery, and that I would like to explore the option of getting this band out and having the sleeve done. He said that he was sorry and basically since I no longer have bariatric coverage I am out of luck.

I have gone to a seminar for a bariatric MD in Huntsville, but he wants $500 up front with no guarantee that he will even take me on as a patient!

SO - here I am needing to start all over on my journey - almost 3 years out. I am disgusted and frustrated. Is there anyone here who has had a similar experience and been able to make the band work?

I have pain that radiates up into my left shoulder almost every time I eat anything tougher than the consistency of an egg. Because of this I end up either not eating or eating "slider" type foods that I know are no good.

Sometimes I wish I had never done this surgery!

sorry you have had to endure such a trying time

that being said....being upset/frustrated wont solve the issue at hand.

YOU....you have lost weight before and you WILL do it again.

remember how?

the band basics?

eating your Protein first, your veggies, some fruit

(your band allotment should be about a cup or cup and a half)

and just because we can eat a whole pizza doesnt mean we should

start right now

get rid of the boxed items..not good for you

think fresh, think clean....drink often (to help fight head hunger and keep you hydrated)

and the most important thing.....MOVEMENT

walk.....even if you just go a half a block..its something

pick yourself up...

right now

whats done is done

the last 3 years are never to return..or get back

but you can change your future.

If you're relying on sliders, might it be that you are too tight? Maybe stop and breathe and really, really listen in to your body to see what it's telling you. I hope you can find the doctor you deserve -- best wishes and keep us posted on your progress. You are here on the forum and you're seeking help from the medical community -- those are two signs that your head is really in the right place and you're ready to put the band to work for you.