I am Wendy. My Endocrinologist suggested the band to me and I was grateful as I was too afraid to ask about it. I was at the time a type 1/2 diabetic (type 2 but insulin dependent as well) and have PCOS. I had been told that I was not to attempt to have children in my state of health as the pregnancy would be dangerous to me. But loose at least 50# and maybe try then. 100# would be even better.

Started my local hospital's "New Start" program for bariatric patients in 09/2007. Banded on 12/04/2008. Repeatedly injured during the 12 week pre-surgical prep. Badly sprained ankle, shoulder problems and loss of feeling in hands from the crutches, sprained both knees (separately) and developed severe plantars fascitis. I have slipped back into some un-healthy eating habits but am working to correct that. Having surgery at the end of June to correct the more severe plantars fascitis in one foot so that I can hopefully get back into the gym. Bought a bicycle with part of our stimulus package money and my goal is to work up to riding it to work 3-4 days per week with an additional, longer ride on the weekend. I have gained a total of 4 pounds in the last 3 months, due mainly to lack of exercise. The upper body workout just isn't cutting it for me at the moment.

I had a recent fill on 5/28/08 and feel I am too tight. Getting bad heartburn/reflux with the second to third bite of solid food and am loosing about half of any solids that I eat. Cannot attempt solids before 7pm at night. Very little gurgling with liquids, but some slime.

I currently have 7.5cc in a 14cc band.

If you've read my novel, I thank you and commend you! I look forward to meeting all of you.

Hi Wendy,

You have been having some bad luck and that is all it is. Stay positive, I can relate some because I broke my right foot and sprained my left foot in a fall in Feb. I thought my having surgery in Apr was going to be stopped because my Dr insisted that I had to be mobile. So on my next few visits to him, I would take off my orthopedic boots and limp in to see him just saying I had a slight sprain. I had my surgery but still can't do much walking because of my injuries so weight loss has been VERY slow for me too (I lost 15 pre-op).

Just keep positive and tell yourself that this will all go your way and you will slowly lose weight to a healthier you. Give yourself small goals. I just focus on 5 lbs at a time...

Take care,

Yvonne

Hi Wendy:

Sounds like you have had terrible luck! Have you noticed any improvements - like needing less insulin?

Wish I had some encouraging answers for you, but I don't know what to say. It's hard enough to go through all of this when healthy, but having to deal with surgery and not be able to exercise is tough. Work with your doctor and remember it might take awhile but the band will work if you change your eating habits. Best of luck and let us know how you are doing.

Yvonne and Susan, thank you so much for your kind words. Here's to focusing on the positive!

Positive things since being banded:

No insulin. (Last shot was 12/3/07.)

Very few un-tolerated foods. (Mainly homemade, dense breads.)

Compliments on changing appearance.

Increasing desire to exercise.

Struggles since being banded:

food choices. (My cravings haven't changed much.)

Negative emotional reaction to adjustments.

There. At least the positives are out-weighing the negatives!

Positive things since being banded:

No insulin. (Last shot was 12/3/07.)

Very few un-tolerated foods. (Mainly homemade, dense breads.)

Compliments on changing appearance.

Increasing desire to exercise.

So you're already healthier and getting compliments! Sounds like a good start to me. Eventually you will be able to be more active and I suspect you will look better and better over time. Just remember the benfits so far of the lap-band and give yourself positive feedback every time you eat something good for yourself!