Weight Loss Surgery - Just for Lapbanders #3

just because chickadeedeedear requested it... thread number 3!!!!

congratulations, everyone!!!!

Hey guys, quick update. Went for G/I testing today. All my pre-op stuff is done. If all goes right, I will be banded by Dr. Kurian on 7/26.. Countdown to July 26, 2004.... Houston, we have T-Minus 10 days to banding... Phil.

Does anyone know the reason why people who have Crohn's aren't canidates for this surgery? Just seems like it only involves your stomach...it slows down digestion and you eat smaller amounts of food. Sound like it would be a chance for my digestive track to slow down and heal. Just wondered...I suffer with Crohns and have 90 pds I need to lose.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the new thread Jiffypoo. You are the best, but you already knew that, right?

Sorry Dallas, I have no clue about Crohn's. Have you asked at the Obesity Help Lapband message boards? Lots of knowledgeable people there.

So Phil, are you ready? Six days and counting! I'm going on vacation tomorrow and may not be able to check in, but I want to wish you the best of luck. The surgery really was a breeze for me and I hope it will be for you too. The main complaint I read from people is about the gas pain they experienced afterwards from being "blown up" during surgery. I had a little gas pain in my shoulder for about a week. Just remember to walk as much as you can and I hear Gas-X helps too. Since you're a guy, you'll probably lose at an amazing rate and I'll have to secretly hate you (just kidding - mostly!). Good luck, you'll do great!

I'll be gone for a week, we're going to Tucson of all places. Yes, that proves I'm insane because it's about a bajillion degrees there, but my family lives there and I love visiting. And, I actually get a birthday party this year. I'll be forty-frickin'-six on Sunday and my mom's so excited to be able to do a party for me. How fun is that? My parents, brother and family and my best friend and her family will be there. So, the party part's good, the age isn't. I figure I'm officially middle-aged now and I'm not real happy about it either, but, as they say, it's better than the alternative.

Later gators,
Chickadee

Hi Chickadee--Have a great vacation and Happy Birthday!!

Best of luck to you Phil!

dallas... sorry it took so long to get back to you, but i didn't have an answer. but i do now!!!! i went to see my surgeon today for the annual checkup [and i'm fine]. he does gastric bypass and was an investigator at one of the 8 centers that tested the lapband in the US.

his views: crohn's disease CAN affect the entire digestive tract, from mouth to anus. BUT having crohn's disease does not automatically exclude you from being considered a candidate. a lot depends on two major issues: the extent of your disease, and your surgeon's comfort and experience in performing the procedure. think about getting a couple more opinions from other surgeons, and perhaps figuring out exactly what's going on with your crohn's as well.

my view: if your crohn's is reasonably well controlled and not extensive, you're a better candidate than if you had extensive disease or had a lot of flares.

hope this helps!!!

oh. and one more thing: in my surgeon's view, the lapband is the ONLY choice that should be considered for someone with crohn's...

Chick, Misty, Jiffy: Well. I did it, or I should say, Dr. Kurian did it. I am banded. I am 2 days post-op and have a lot of gas caught all over, and some tenderness, but the gas is the only real problem. Simethicone and walking help but I guess just time will help. I am on the puree diet, and it is really not as bad as I thought it would be. I am full after just the amounts prescribed. Every day will, I hope, be a little better. Dr. Kurian and her entire team at Lenox Hill rule. Not one clunker in the bunch. I'll keep you updated as I go. Phil.

whew!!!! congrats!!!!! glad you're home and well. if a little... ummmm. uncomfortable.

kurian has always gotten rave reviews! and we'll just add you to her fan club.

we want REGULAR updates, ya know..

go rest. you need it

WOW Phil! Congratulations! Take it easy!

I'm so happy for you Phil. It's amazing how little food you will want for a while. Be sure to get those liquids and protein in! I had to be on liquids for two weeks, so you're luckier than I was. Try a little pureed chili over mashed potatoes. Good stuff!

You'll wake up one morning soon and feel amazing - I promise! The gas pain will have subsided and you'll feel like the surgery was a breeze. It'll all be downhill from there. You're on your way!

Chickadee
p.s. I agree with Jif - regular updates please!

Last week I had the most wonderful vacation! I turned 46(!) on Sunday and had an unexpectedly fabulous birthday party with my family and best friend. I also got to go to Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix and watch my beloved Colorado Rockies beat the Diamondbacks. It is so cool to be the obnoxious "away" fan. We took midnight swims, shopped, painted pottery and saw air-conditioned movies. Vacation rocks!

Since I had lots of driving time last week, I had a lot of time to think about all kinds of things. Here are a few of my musings:

1. I'm a much happier person when I feel like I'm in control of my life and have a hand in shaping my future. The out of control spiral that was my life has stopped since I had my surgery. Such a relief!

2. Just because I had surgery doesn't mean losing weight still isn't a lot of hard work. I ate way too much crap and didn't get in my usual exercise. The scale told the story today when I finally ventured onto it. I paid the price with a couple of extra pounds (and there is that extra PMS water weight too). I'm so happy to be back on track now with eating, water and exercise. Again, such a relief!

3. Here's the big contemplation: How is it that I got so big and was in so much denial about it? In the same vein, it's amazing how much denial I was in about how much crappy food I consumed and how little I exercised. I never let myself admit just how big a problem it had all become. I never let anyone take my picture and somehow was able to convince myself that the weight didn't show too badly (yeah right!) and that I carried it pretty well. What a load of crap!

So, my contemplating lead me to some serious soul searching. Can I trust myself not to revert back to old habits? How can I maintain my healthy habits? What can I do to see myself realistically and not let the veil of denial creep back into my mind? I think (for now anyway - maybe forever?) the answer to these questions is to truly be accountable to myself. I need to keep doing my own checklist every single day. Have I eaten correctly, moved my body, taken my vitamins and had enough water? I honestly can't say I'm perfect every day, but it helps keep me on track to go over these things. As a matter of fact, I'm going to start keeping a record on my calendar to keep track of it all. I want to have a visual reminder of what I am doing and know what areas I can improve to keep me accountable to myself. I think that's a good, positive step to keep my heading in the right direction and keep me honest with myself.

Oh boy, another novelette post from Chickadee, but driving for hours really does give you some good thinking time!

Later gators,
Chickadee

Thanks for all your good wishes. I love your novelettes, Chick, and am glad you had a nice vacation. I am 5 days post-op and feel good. I think. I am not supposed to know WHAT to feel, though. I have hardly any discomfort, if any at all. I do feel my body acting differently inside, though, and I don't know if it is the affect of the band, pureed foods, or both. I eat my pureed meals, which don't bother me at all (OK, not THAT much). I still get hungry in between meals and late at night, but I drink water. Watching an hour of cooking shows today did have me biting on the bottom of my shirt, so I'll watch HBO next time -- I have a love affair with food, or in reality, a FATAL ATTRACTION to food. I love it, I want it, I crave it, but it WILL destroy me. It's actually pretty sick when you think about it!
I think Dr. Kurian leaves the band loose in the beginning and then tightens it on the first visit, so that may be the reason for the rather easy going, right now. I have not had that pain from overeating or eating too fast (but I haven't done either) that I have read about and dread. My "firends" still invite me to go drinking with them; I have gotten that look from people when I tell them the type of surgery I had and I know they are thinking "what a weak person you are, why don't you just stop eating"; my family, though, is so supportive and that makes it much easier. Returning to work on Monday and seeing how I do this during the day away from home will be interesting. No more winging what's for lunch -- everything has to be planned.
Sorry for rambling, thanks for your support and I will check in again real soon. Have a great weekend. I am going for a WALK! Phil.

Phil, so glad you are over the hump and on the way to a much thinner you. Keep up the good work, and remember we are all pulling for you. And Chickie, we love your novels!

phil, don't ever let anyone say your weak and took the easy way out!! they are brain dead if they think you are lazy and weak. we all know they this isn't easy any way you do it. it's only weakness and false pride that makes a person not seek help. keep up the great work. I'm working on getting a lap band too. ...kat :crazy:

Hi y'all,
So in the name of being honest and forthright, I suppose I should talk about the bad along with all the good that goes with being banded.

The worst is that I'm stuck! My weight loss has come to a standstill for some reason. I've been stuck at the same weight for about a month, but am trying not to get disappointed. I'm working out a lot and am losing inches, just not pounds. It has to come off, right? I'm eating well, so I'm thinking it's just my body taking some time to catch up. Still, I will be thrilled when the damn scale budges. This is a weight I was at for a long time a few years ago, so I'm wondering if there's some validity to the set point theory. I keep a photo comparing 5 pounds of fat to 5 pounds of muscle on my
fridge to keep me movitvated.

I have an appointment at Dr. Johnell's on Aug. 10 so I'll have to see what the powers-that-be can tell me about this. I don't think I need a fill, but I'll talk with them and see what they think. The good thing is that I'm not feeling over-the-top depressed about this stall. In the past, something like this always caused me to just say "to hell with it" and eat crap, but I know this is working and will just take it's sweet time. But, I am so ready to be at minus 50 pounds!

The only other bad thing I can say about the band is that it really lets me know who's boss (in a very painful way) on occasion. Things like dry chicken, doughy breads and anything eaten too fast don't work well. Most of the time I have the bandster rules down pat, but every so often I forget and eat something wrong, and pay the price. You'd think I'd learn - I'm just hardheaded in some ways I guess!

Would I do this again? Yep, in a heart beat! Is it always easy? Nope.

Keep on keepin' on my little banded buddies! It's an amazing journey!

Chickadee
p.s. Phil - since you're one of those Y chromosone types, you'll probably lose weight at amazing speed and I'll have to hate you! Just remember all the little people who cheered for you along the way, all right? :)

Me again. C'mon bandsters, post. I'm lonely!

So, I went to my surgeon's office yesterday. They agreed that I didn't need a fill and assured me that this damn, damn plateau is very normal and will break at some point - soon I hope! They were also very impressed with my level of physical activity, so all in all it was a good visit. They had me make an appointment for a month away because they're pretty sure I'll need another fill then. I was told that as you lose weight, your stomach also loses fat and shrinks, making the band looser around it. I did not know that.

I had a NSV yesterday that surprised me. I was on the treadmill and started to run. Yes, me, running. Whodathunk? What I learned is that I probably should get a sports bra, but other than that, it was pretty cool.

I might have a stress fracture in my foot. I'm hoping for x-ray results soon, but I'm not sure there's anything much to do about it if is fractured. Sigh...

Later gators,
Chickadee

Hi Chick,

Sorry about your foot. How did you injure it? --Pookie


>>Hey there's Chick on the treadmill running!>> :tread:

Hi Chick and Pookie............ soon time for me to get ready for work, but
in ( - tough job but SOMEBODY's got to do it :rofl: ) .. the thought of running has me gasping for breath.......but I gotta admire you for being able to do it Chick, even if you ARE a <gasp> braves fan! :lol: Um, Chick, what's an NSV?
Gee, Pookie, aren't you scheduled soon?
I've been on the topamax now for 5 days and I'm not sure if I've got any of the dreaded side effects, or whether it is just my "normal" not-so-normal-ness ... hmmmm did that make ANY sense to you? weight seems to be stable, which is a miracle all by itself, since I can't seem to stop shovelling food into my face! And tonight, after work is the long anticipated dinner w/dd2, her bf and HIS parents for what we believe will be "THE ANNOUNCEMENT". Now THAT is enough to keep me eating non-stop for about a month! oh well, as dh says: if she is happy... well, time to get ready....... have a good day chickies......

SONO, SONO, SONO You have me gasping in horror here!
Important announcement follows:
I am not, nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be, a Braves fan!!!
I think you have me confused with DebKay, a (former) Braves fan (since the defection of cute-butted Javy Lopez).

The best, most wonderful, most under-respected team is
The COLORADO ROCKIES! :smug:

I can't even imagine hearing one of my kids give me the big announcement. Deep breaths, deep breaths!

NSV = Non-Scale Victory

POOKALA I like that icon :tread:
I have no idea how I injured my foot, but it seems to coincide with regular workouts and softball. See, working out is NOT good for you!

HI Chick,

YOu are very funny -- just when I think you can't come up with any more variations on Pookie you come up with yet another.

You are the Mozart of name variations. Let's see so far there has been:

Pooks
Pook
Pookster
Pookla (Fran & Olie!) :lol:
and now Pookala I think there have been several others as well! Your posts are always good for a laugh. Except for those pesky foot injuries!
Notice how I never enter into those baseball posts. I have learned never to discuss: Politics / Religion / Sex or Baseball ( OK maybe sex sometimes) :devil:

Sono, I am scheduled for 1 week from today Wed Aug 18. The day before I am going to post a reminder for folks to be sending good vibes and good thoughts my way next Wed. Thanks, Pookie

Hi All; Chickadee, don't worry about that plateau - it happens on every diet at some point; the main thing is that you are losing inches, which is just as important! Keep it up and you'll see that damned scale move soon!
I went for my first follow-up after surgery with Dr. Kurian today. I am 17 days post-op and lost 15 pounds. Mostly water, I assume, But, hey, I'll take it. I feel so positive about my band. This baby really works b/c even when I get the urge to pig out at midnight it is just not possible. I made the mistake twice of eating the wrong foods -- Chick is absolutely correct, it lets you know who's boss; I thought I was getting a heart attack and going to die. This is definitely behavior modification at its most basic. Now I feel for the poor monkey who gets shocked for pressing the wrong button!
Everyone stay positive as we move toward our goal of healthy bodies. Sorry for "Y" chromosome, Chick, I really had nothing to do with it!! Phil.

Oh dear, my bad........... :o Chickie... soooooo sorry.......... I never never ever meant to insult you like that...... I just KNEW you were better than that, and would never ever ever root for those awful braves! Please please please forgive me!

As for the deep breaths..... I am sooooo hyperventilating at this moment!!! Not only did we get THE ANNOUNCEMENT, BUT...........the wedding will be on OCTOBER 10!!!!!!!!!!! They have already picked out the band, flowers, dress, invitations, EVERYTHING!!!!!........... OY VEY!!!!!!! I simply cannot stand this! Can anyone help me to lose about 60 lbs in the next 8 weeks?????????? (please note: I am only half joking here, the other half is ready to jump off the roof, but it is only 2 stories high! :^: )

Pookie, if you don't mind, I will start sending the vibes your way now... that way, if I miss a day or so, I will have built up extras!!! (remember, I am old and forget stuff easily, therefore I need to start early!! :lol: )

Pirateboy, seems like you're doing real well ... could I perhaps borrow your "y" chromosome for a while? puhleeze?

Thanks SONOGRANNY

I will gladly take all the GOOD VIBES :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes I can get!

Thanks, Pookie :)

PirateBoy PHil: You are making great progress in Lapbandia!

Hi Chick and Pookie............ soon time for me to get ready for work, but
in ( - tough job but SOMEBODY's got to do it :rofl: ) .. the thought of running has me gasping for breath.......but I gotta admire you for being able to do it Chick, even if you ARE a <gasp> braves fan! :lol: Um, Chick, what's an NSV?
Gee, Pookie, aren't you scheduled soon?
I've been on the topamax now for 5 days and I'm not sure if I've got any of the dreaded side effects, or whether it is just my "normal" not-so-normal-ness ... hmmmm did that make ANY sense to you? weight seems to be stable, which is a miracle all by itself, since I can't seem to stop shovelling food into my face! And tonight, after work is the long anticipated dinner w/dd2, her bf and HIS parents for what we believe will be "THE ANNOUNCEMENT". Now THAT is enough to keep me eating non-stop for about a month! oh well, as dh says: if she is happy... well, time to get ready....... have a good day chickies......
I had to register for this board just to reply to your message. I was taking topamax for a while, and let me tell you it worked great at helping me lose weight. I just didn't need to eat, it seemed. I quit taking it eventually because I didn't like the cognitive side effects -- i.e., walking around in a fog and being unable to complete sentences. But still, for a long time I was okay with the idea of being "cute [thin] but dumb!" I would totally do it again for a short-term goal like a wedding.

I'm sure a lot of people would disagree with me -- that's just my $.02

P.momma - thanks so much for your reply and letting me know your experience w/the Topamax. I know what you meant about the fog and being unable to complete a sentence! :?: Unfortunately, the side effects were a little stronger for me.... 5 days after I wrote the above post, I FORGOT how to back out of my garage! -- now the side of my (red) truck is WHITE... my husband had to literally stand in front of my truck and give me signals how to get out of the garage - put that together with forgetting how to complete scan protocols at work and I STOPPED taking it immediately. I was never so scared - the only good thing is that I knew right away what was wrong, and my fog lifted within a couple of days..... I guess I know what my next step needs to be.....

Hi Sonogranny -- just be careful of those sudden medication stops! Sometimes that's bad news!

Hey Guys: 5 weeks post op and the lap-band is just hummin' away. I lost 22 pounds so far, got my first fill (.6cc) yesterday. It's not all that easy, eating too much and paying the price, eating the wrong food and paying the price, the cravings in my head that will not leave me alone, BUT in all, I am very pleased. God Bless Dr. Kurian!

Congratulations Phil. You're doing great. A little advice from me on the fill - give it a few days before you decide if you feel any restriction or not. I have found that they take a couple of days to "kick in". I just had my third (I'm at 1.7 cc) and think it may be just right, but I also thought that at 1.4 and I was wrong. Sounds like your doc is pretty conservative with fill amounts (so is mine). I read people who get 2.0 cc the first time and wonder how on earth they deal with that. Everybody's different I guess.
I predict that once you are filled and at your sweet spot, the head hunger you're experiencing now won't be bad at all. I have a little of whatever it is that's haunting me and leave it at that - I just need a little bit.

Keep working with your wonderful new tool!
Chickadee

What's a lap band and what's a fill? Is this a new kind of weight loss surgery?

Hi Linda,

What? You haven't heard of the Lap band before. It's this really cool new rock group out of Finland - thus the name Lap Band! Is there a smartass smiley face I can insert here?

You might be sorry you asked, because you know I can get long-winded, but here goes!

LapBand surgery is weightloss surgery. The real name for it is Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB), but you usually hear it referred to as LapBand. It is a ring made of plastic that has tubing inside it. The tubing connects to a flat disc called the port. Picture a donut on a leash, and that's kind of what the band looks like. The band is put around the upper part of the stomach and the port is sewn into place just under the skin. My port is about three inches below my right bosom (good word, huh?). Basically, the band makes a smaller stomach. Once you're healed after surgery, you go in for fills. To do a fill, the doctor simply finds the port and injects it with saline. They do it with a special hollow needle and it's relatively painless. The saline makes the tubing in the band expand and makes the stomach opening smaller. It can take a number of fills to reach your "sweet spot" which is what they call it when you have perfect restriction.

When you're properly filled, you don't need to eat very much food, because you feel full much, much faster. We have to take very small bites, chew thoroughly and make sure we eat lots and lots of protein.

There are quite a few differences between RNY Gastric Bypass and LapBand.
* LapBand surgery doesn't involve the cutting and rerouting of any of your plumbing, just the insertion of the band.
* The bypass utilizes malabsorbtion of food and the band doesn't.
* The band is reversible should the need arise (which hopefully never happens to me). From what I've read, I understand that the bypass can be taken down, but is pretty difficult.
* Bypass patients lose weight more quickly than bandsters do, but at two to three years out, weightloss is the same. With the band, there is no "window" of weightloss opportunity. If the weightloss slows or stops with the band, you can get adjusted (filled). From what I understand (and Jif, please correct me if I'm wrong) bypassers have 18 months or so to get the weight off.
* There are fewer complications from surgery with the band. It's a much less invasive surgery.
* Insurance companies are much more willing to pay for the Bypass surgery than the Lapband surgery. Some still call the band experimental. It's only been approved by the FDA since 2001, but has been used in Europe and elsewhere for years. I'm not sure what the status is in Canada, but I do know there's a long waiting time there to get it.
* Lapband patients don't dump. Many bypass patients have to be careful with the amount of sugar and fat they consume or they get really sick. Depending on the person, this can be good or bad. I have read that the possibility of dumping keeps a lot of bypassers on the straight and narrow, so it's a good thing for them. I have also read about bandsters "eating around" the band. If you eat a lot of soft food like ice cream and mashed potatoes, you can totally sabotage the band. I read a number of discussion boards and there seems to be part of the WLS population that just has to push the limits on whichever surgery they had, just to see what they can get away with. Personally, I'm not sure why you'd go so far as to have surgery and mess around with it.

Hopefully, that kind of explained it for you.

Told you it would be long!
Chickadee

Chickadee: You, long winded? I can't believe you think you are long-winded!! HaHa...BUT we all love your posts so keep on puching those little keys.
With the .6cc fill I actually feel just a little more of a restriction, which is better than it was b/c I was able to eat alot before the fill. This band is wacky though. Some days I swear I can eat a horse and other days a protein shake will fill me up. I am learning little tricks to slow the food intake and know better how to read my body now so I don't get "sick" as often. I learned that this is a PROCESS, this is not an overnight fix...Stay well. Phil

Will Phil feel full from a fill? Say that ten times fast!

Bands are fickle little beasts aren't they? I know exactly what you mean, although with this last fill I have very few days where I feel like I could eat a horse. In fact last night I was at a concert/picnic and tried to eat a piece of fried chicken. Apparently, I am dumber than dumb, because I KNOW chicken gives me trouble. I know it will hurt like hell and that I will regret trying to eat some. I have done this at least four times, but had to try again last night. It hurt so bad before I finally excused myself and PB'd it up. How lovely! I'm not even blonde :). I am going to get a tattoo across my forehead that says "No Chicken For You!" (think Seinfeld's Soup **** episode).

Keep it up Phil! Sounds like you're doing okey-dokey and learning all the lessons the band is there to teach us.

Chick
(when you go to the doctor, does she say "Fill Phil"?

with the bypass, eventually things stay down better. i can actually eat chicken most of the time now. but for you guys, does it ever get better? or does that constant adjusting feature keep things as they are?

just a question.. this inquiring mind wants to know..

and maybe filled-phil wants to know!!!! <sorry, i had to throw that in. out.>

That's the beauty of the band - you can adjust to your heart's content (at least up to the band's limit) so that you can be really restricted or not so restricted. I like my current level of restriction and how it makes me really think about what I put in my mouth. So, to answer your question Oh Mighty Moderator, I'll pretty much have trouble with certain foods for a long time because I have good restriction. Once I get to my goal, I'll probably have a bit of an unfill, but not much. I'll let you know when I'm there.

Ms. Chick

Just had to put this out there in cyberspace - I'm down 55 pounds! I'm doing the happy dance.

Your soon-to-be-smokin'-hot-Chickadee

Way to go Chickadee!!!

Hot D@## :censored: Way to go Chickie

Hello to all! I am new here to the WLS board - though not new to 3FC. I am here because at this present time - I am considering the Lap Band procedure to assist me in my weight loss.

I have spent the last two days doing research, and so far, this seems like a good option for me. I have lots, and lots of research to do though.

I've read through all of your posts, and you all seem like such a great, supportive group! I can't wait to get to know all of you! :)

Monday - I will be contacting my insurance company to see if they cover this procedure. I will also be scheduling a dr. appt for a physical soon. My BMI is currently at 53.2 (yuck) and I think I currently weigh 310 lbs. Not cool.

I think my number one concern right now with the band is complications. I haven't read about too many complications, but I'm sure there are some.

Have any of you bandsters had any complications during, or after the surgery? I hear that the risk is much lower with the band, than with the gastric bypass.

If you can share any of your experiences with me - that would be wonderful!

Well - I look forward to getting to know all of you, and congratulations on all the weight you have ALL lost!! :)

~ Kari ~

Hi Kari,

Since you've already read through all the posts, you know that I LOVE my lapband! I'm so happy I was able to have it done. One of the things that made me decide on this procedure was the complication rate. They are so minimal compared to bypass surgery and frankly, I'm a big weinie! I wasn't willing to take that risk. The complications I have read about are flipped ports, stomach erosion, and incision healing problems. I have been very fortunate and haven't had any problems at all. From what I've read, complications are rare and easily fixed if they do occur. Sometimes I read stats from bypassers and get a little jealous because they lose so quickly, but I knew that I wouldn't lose as quickly going into this whole thing. As long as I'm heading down, I'm pretty happy! The other big sell for me on the lapband (besides the lower complication rate) is that there's no "window of time" in which to lose. If we stop losing, all we have to do is go in for a quick fill and the pounds start dropping again. I really like the adjustability factor.

Some insurance companies are real bears about covering the band. They consider it experimental. I was so lucky that I was able to switch to United Healthcare. They're one of the better companies for coverage. At one point, I thought there was no way I would be covered (with our old insurance) and had my ducks in a row to go to Mexico for surgery. I mention that because there are a lot of people who have it done there and are really happy about it. I know there is a yahoo group called Mexican bandsters where there's lots of discussion about various docs there. There's also a lot of valuable information at Obesityhelp.com. You can find out what doctors are in your area, what insurance companies are band friendly and there are message boards.

Good luck in your quest! Post often and I'll be as helpful as I can be.

Chickadee

After that long ol' post, I thought of something that I just had to say. You know what's so wonderful about losing weight? I can work my *** off!

Yesterday I cleaned out (a BIG chore with a softball-playing, cheerleading, show-choir singing, chauffered-around-a-lot daughter), vacuumed, window-washed, Armor-alled, hand-washed and waxed TWO cars! All by my lonesome! If this had been six months ago - no way! Energy is a good thing!

Clean-riding Chickadee

Hi Guys,

I'm Stephanie and I'm new to the group. I have researched the band for the past 1year and half and have decided to go ahead with it. My insurance company will pay 100%. I go in on Wednesday and get all my bloodwork done. I'm hoping to have the surgery next month. Has everyone been happy with the band? My BMI is 57 and I weigh about 360lbs. Has anyone started out this heavy and had good success with the band .

Steph

Hi Steph,
Good name - my daughter's name is Stephany.

I have read posts from people on other sites who have started out at your weight and higher who are doing just great with their bands. I think there's a yahoo group called extraordinarybandsters that is made up of people who started out with BMI's over 50. You might want to check it out.

That's great that your insurance company will pay for the whole shooting match. I wish more would! I absolutely love my band and do not have a single regret, except that I couldn't have it done sooner. I feel better than I have in years and am looking forward to even more weightloss. It's been a wonderful journey so far and I'm looking foward to the next half, since I'm halfway to goal now.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!
Chickadee

Woo Hoo, I got another fill! I am now at 2 cc and I think I have pretty good restriction. Let the losing re-begin!

For any lurkers out there who wonder about the fill process let me tell you this - it's easy! All they do is find the port and stick a needle through the skin into it. It's a tiny prick (hmm, maybe I shouldn't use those words together - bad Chick!) and that's it. Fill complete! Very little to no pain involved.

Later,
Chickadee

Hey Chickadeedee

We are proud of you for doing so well and sweating your buns off in your gym.
You put in sooo much hard work and it is SHOWING.

In the immortal words of Chickadee:

Now just get off your butt and work it!

I am going to have Chickadee's sentence tatooed on MY butt!

Chick I can testify that a fill is easy. The place where I go to get weighed and to get my shakes deals with both RNY and lapband folks. The nurse said it is about a 50/50 mix of both surgeries. They also do the actual FILLS there and the LAPBAND folks come out of the room looking just FINE after their fills.

--Pookadee

Chickadee dee dee!!! you bad chickie, I'm going to have to close my eyes when I read your posts if you keep talking dirty like that!!! :devil:

Seriously, glad you are doing well, I'm still in never never land trying to make some kind of decision, right , wrong or indifferent, just make up my Mind!!!

hello.

I am new here.. though i've been lurking on 3fatchicks for years..but now that i am in the process of researching Lap Band as an option, i had to take advantage of all this HIGH energy and good communication by you lovely ladies ( chickadee and all the rest).

Ok, my situation basically which i have questions about is I am currently pregnant with my first baby. I'm a military spouse and we currently live in Germany.

I have tricare.

Anywho---it seems my beautiful little girl, which is transverse breech, and has the umbilical cord around her neck in my tummy was to arrive around Jan 12th but OB is scheduling me a C-section on Dec 22nd.

Do ANY of you have an idea as to if i have a C-Section in Dec... it would pose a problem to get a Band in let's say --April??

I have no idea.

I've started my whole documentation with the reg MD - ( foot/ankle/knee pain, plus i weigh about 275 ( that's pre-preggo)..i now weigh 293 lbs.

Any thoughts would be helpful on this.

:) HEATHER - SMILESAREPRICELESS

oh honey.. what a lot of stuff is going on!!!! but the great thing is that they know the situation is with the baby, and it sounds like you're in good hands.

and i doubt very much that a c-section in december would pose a problem for a springtime lapband... different areas of your innards, but talk with the doc..

so glad you've joined us...

more later [i'm at work - which sooo interferes with my life!!!!]

Hi Heather,
I also don't see any reason that you couldn't have a band placed in April or so. One thought I do have though is that if you are nursing you might not get enough food for good milk production. My surgeon had me on full liquids for a couple of weeks after surgery and pureed food for another two weeks after that, so I'm not sure if you would be getting enough food for two.

The other thing is that you would need someone to help you with the baby for a few days, because even though it's laproscopic surgery, you probably won't want to be lifting Ms. Adorable too much, especially since she'll be all kicky and squirmy by then.

Good luck and what a wonderful Christmas present you're getting this year!

(the lovely!) Chickadee

hi chickadee -
Yes, work - how dare it interfere with our message board posts :) I don't work -- but know what you mean.

I have talked with some moms and in regards to the milk production, i was hoping/thinking i can pump and have a good supply for the time just pre-surgery and post-surgery ( and then pump afterwards hoping to keep the supply/demand process coming on.)

I would like ideally to breastfeed for 12 month( which would be 7 months after surgery, but we're on a time sensitive situation with the insurance we'll have so april is the prime time.

I'm also so frustrated at hearing insurance companies will cover RNY but nop lapband often.......My TRICARE contact has told me they cover it, but i think she may have misunderstood me, and was talking about RNY -- so i'm needing to find out for sure on that one..

Well, thanks for listening and i would love to be able to get this done...

It kind of BUMBS me to think it couldn't be covered b/c i just can't bring myself to getting the RNY --- too much/too risky for my chicken self.

I know that this is a pretty old thread but I have a question. I was looking on a website that had this as the number two question to see if you qualify for the Lap Band:

2. You must have undergone at least several medically-supervised weight loss programs without long-term success.



Did any of you qualify even though you hadn't undergone any medically-supervised diets?

Greetings to all the hard working folks here. This is my very first entry and I'm very excited to hear from everyone. I'm working on a loan for my lapband surgery. I'm going to have it done in Mexico and would like to hear any feed back from anyone that has :smug: had it done there. My best friend had it done 2 weeks ago and is doing great so far. I am tired from all the let downs I've been through on my journey of being over weight. I know now that I let people convince me I was fat when I was younger so I lived up to it with out realizing it was happening. Now I know I can do this for me no matter what outside oppinions are. I am ready to hear others say I can do it and support the small steps instead of thinking it has to be big steps before anyone will care. Thanks for reading my chatter and can't wait to hear from any of you. Good sucssess to you all.

Fallen -- That requirement is used by some insurance companies, but wouldn't necessarily apply if you are self-pay. My insurance asked for 6 months of doctor-supervised diet. It was covered by a prescription for Meridia, even though I didn't really take it that long. My medical records showed my weight loss and gain and talks with my doctor.

You could check with your insurance company about their requirements. Many don't cover the band at all. Some will cover it if you appeal. First step is to see what yours requires.

Hi Everyone,

Fallen - My surgeon's office gave me a packet with all kinds of information to fill out. One of the things required was a list of all the diets I'd tried and the outcome of those diets. I made my own chart on the computer and submitted that to them. It seemed to satisfy them. I think it all depends on your insurance company though. I called mine (found the 800 number on the card) and asked what they required.

ShadiePurple - Good luck on your quest to get this surgery. There are lots of people who have had the surgery done in Mexico with great success. My advice to you is to make sure that you have a local fill doctor lined up before you get it done in Mexico. If you can't get fills, the band won't do you any good. Some people go back to Mexico for fills, but I don't know where you are. The reason I mention this is because there are lots of US docs who won't do fills on patients who had their surgery done in Mexico, so make sure your ducks are all in a row.

Chickita - When were you banded? I went to your profile to look for your website, but I must have not looked in the right spot. I want info, other-Chickie!

Later gators,
Chickadee

Hi Chickadee!

I'm sorry! I thought I had filled out my profile. :o

I was banded on June 3, 2004, about 11 months ago. I have lost 80 pounds and am on an extended plateau with 25 more to lose.

I know of 2 other people who were banded on April 6th. It must have been a busy day! Glad to see you are in onederland. :cool:

Considering having lap-band surgery. Right now i've been researching surgeons. Could someone help me out? I need to know specific experiences, cost, and post-op experience. Thanks

I am a new Bandster, I have had my first fill, which to me did not do much, my second one is scheduled July 16, I have lost weight, but I need to stick to my bandster rules... I look forward to reading the posts in this forum..
Lynne
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar-blue/cartoonfish01/lb/240/135/210/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

I was lucky I have good insurance that paid for my surgery, I did have a phycologist consult and had to get my teeth checked out, but that was it. I started this in Dec. and was banded by April 11.
You do have to follow the rules of lapband, I don't eat half as much as I used to but I have to work on the times I eat and try to pick better selections for me,, Protien first, veggies, then some carbs.. No drinking during meals and no straws, or soda..
If you forget, it feels like a golf ball going down...NO LIE!!
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Lynne
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar-blue/cartoonfish01/lb/240/135/210/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

Hi Ladies and Gents ;)

How much water can you drink and/or liquids in one sitting. Do you have to really pay attention to that as well ?

TY :D

Hi Leenie,

You can drink as much water as you want with the band - just be sure you're paying attention to the signals your body is sending you. If you're really restricted, it will go down more slowly, so you can't drink really fast. If you sip, you can pretty much drink whatever you want.

It's important to drink lots of water/fluid, just as it is with any eating plan - I try to do at least 80 ounces a day. The no drinking with meals rule is important too, and the one I have the most trouble with. I do take little sips sometimes. The reason you aren't supposed to drink with meals is because it washes the food through your stoma faster and then you don't feel full for very long.

Some doctors say no sodas, other say they're fine if they feel okay to you. I have to admit, I had a Mike's Hard Limeade last night and it felt just dandy!

Are you thinking about this surgery? If I can help, let me know!

Later,
Your feathered friend Chickadee

Hi Chicklet ;)

I was just curious about the water. One thought came to my mind when reading all your posts was, gee I wonder what you do on a hot day when you are SOOOO thursty. I have a tendency to gulp my water down really fast and was wondering if you were just limited to a certain amount at a time or what?

Really !! you can have alcohol ? (not that I really drink it but its nice to know you can still have it).

Thanks for your post :)

Hugs Leenie

Hello everyone!
I am new to this forum, I am terrified of surgery, and after reading all of the posts about the lapband, I am feeling more hopeful. I figured the lapband was the less risky of the two typpes of weight loss surgeries...... I had some terrible experiences in the past with surgery ( I woke up in the middle of one, and tried to get off the operating table and leave!) I know that was many years ago, but it has been keeping me stuck. Any words of wisdom, and encouragement would be greatly apppreciated!

Hi.. I am new to the 3FC site... I am a bandster.. banded on April 6, 2005.
I am now 5 months out and have lost 34lbs... looking forward to chatting

I'm considering lapband surgery but here in Canada it's so expensive! $18,000!

Me and my sister in law are both overweight, for the last several years we have both struggled to just maintain a size 16-18. Recently, she went in for what we were all told was gallbladder removal and mysteriously she has been losing weight! I think she ALSO had the laproscopic banding or G.B. during this procedure, everyone has been real secretive in her camp like my husband's brother, friends etc. I don't know why she wouldn't just admit it, it is almost cruel for her to claim that her gallbladder surgery has caused her to loose 20 pounds! SHE knows FIRST hand how my weight bothers me, but we don't have insurance (my hubby is self employed) and we can't take out a loan or take from the business for me to have it done, it has recently been started by a group of doctors in my area. I feel so desperate and upset that she might be lying and secretly had this surgery, can anyone give me some insight before I pull all of my hair out?

darlin - at a size 16-18, it's doubtful that she had a gastric bypass. she'd be too thin for that, and unless she had so much money that she didn't need the insurance company, there's almost no way that she could have talked her insurance company into covering it [notice i said ALMOST no way - there may be some exceptions out there].

as for Lapband - i just don't know. which upsets you more? the possibility that she didn't tell you and kept this secret? or that she had the surgery?

you have a couple of choices here. you can take a deep breath and ask her CALMLY. and listen calmly to her answer. OR, you could just congratulate her on her weight loss. OR you could just ask her how she's feeling.

or you could act as if nothing had happened.

no matter what, may i suggest that you focus on yourself and the changes YOU want to make, rather on what someone else may or may not have done? that may sound a bit harsh, but let's face it - who's hurting here - it's YOU, and no one needs that kind of pain.

First I have to say that I don't see what this post has to do with the Lap-Band (which is afterall the point of this thread).

Second ... You have a serious issue here. And it isn't whether or not your sister-in-law had weight loss surgery.

You're guessing that she had weight loss surgery - but the fact is that you don't know. As to why she didn't tell you, if in fact she did have weight loss surgery ... gee maybe because it isn't really any of your business?

Given your reaction and your obvious jealousy (and accusations of cruelty on her part) ... if she did have WLS that she knows you cannot afford, perhaps she didn't tell you because she didn't want to deal with your baggage.

By the way ... after I had my gall bladder removed several years ago I took very seriously my doctor's admonition to stop eating fatty foods. As a result I lost weight after my surgery.

The reality of the increased surgical risks due to excess weight could have motivated her to make some lifestyle changes.

There are a number of reasons why she may be loosing weight. There are a number of reasons why (if she did indeed have surgery) that she wouldn't have told you she did.

Either way the issues you have with this are your issues and I think before you approach your sister-in-law you should work them out for yourself.

Hi. I'm new to this, and am researching whether or not I think a lapband is for me.

My question is.. how did your relationship with food change once you got the band?

In my family, everything is celebrated with food. Everyone eats and eats until they feel about to pop. Everyone LOVES food. (I guess I should be saying "I" and not "everyone" and take some responsibility here too!)

So, once you get the band, how does it change the relationship with food? Do you still love it? Does it become a love/hate thing? Does it stay pretty much the same, but just in smaller quantities?

When you go to family affairs, do you feel deprived? Heck, do you feel deprived on a daily basis? Do you wish you could eat more? When I went on diets, I always felt like I was being punished, especially when I saw my relatives eating and eating. But, I think if I could feel full, I would feel better about it all...

Anyways, just looking for some insights!

Thanks!

Hi. I'm new to this, and am researching whether or not I think a lapband is for me.

My question is.. how did your relationship with food change once you got the band?

In my family, everything is celebrated with food. Everyone eats and eats until they feel about to pop. Everyone LOVES food. (I guess I should be saying "I" and not "everyone" and take some responsibility here too!)

So, once you get the band, how does it change the relationship with food? Do you still love it? Does it become a love/hate thing? Does it stay pretty much the same, but just in smaller quantities?

When you go to family affairs, do you feel deprived? Heck, do you feel deprived on a daily basis? Do you wish you could eat more? When I went on diets, I always felt like I was being punished, especially when I saw my relatives eating and eating. But, I think if I could feel full, I would feel better about it all...

Anyways, just looking for some insights!

Thanks!


Tweet,

Let me tell you ... I love to cook. I love to try new foods. I love to eat out. I love food. Period. My family loves food. They love my cooking, the love to try new things. We're a food family.

And I have to say that I love it more now that I have my Lap-Band.

Sounds crazy, right? It isn't I promise.

I have enough of a fill in my band to limit my food intake but not so much that I have food intolerances. I am able to eat anything I want to eat for the most part. Really soft, spongy white bread doesn't sit well - but I figure I can live without that.

I used to have two stages. Starving and So-Stuffed-I-Can-Barely-Breathe. There was very little in between for me. I ate fast, I ate a lot and I rarely enjoyed the sensation of being satisfied with my meal.

Now that I eat slower I get to truly enjoy the smells, tastes, textures and appearance of my food. Now that I get full and feel satisfied without feeling like I am about to burst I get to really enjoy the satisfaction of a good meal.

I had more of a love/hate relationship with food before my band. I loved food. I hated knowing that my love affair with food was making me fat. I loved eating. I hated how fat my overeating made me. I loved everything to do with food; buying it, shopping for the tools to prepare it, preparing it, eating it. I hated how out of control food could make me feel.

Now I am in control. I still love cooking (and everything that goes into cooking). I still love eating. But now I am no longer a slave to the food. I have a level of control that I haven't had in years.

Do I feel deprived? Nope. But that's because I don't deprive myself. But now if I want some desert I have desert. Of course I have a couple of bites of key lime pie instead of a whole slice. If I want a food that is rich I have it. But I eat it in moderation.

Yes, there may be some things I find I have to give up. I may, at some point, find a food I cannot tolerate. But you know what ... there is a whole world of delicious food out there. I need not feel deprived just because I can't have one or two of the several million foods out there.

I have taken up this challenge to find new and exciting ways to prepare my favourite foods so that they are leaner and healthier. I have taken up the challenge to find new favourites.

But that doesn't mean that I will give up everything I loved for a life of deprivation. I already know that doesn't work. I never has. It never will.

I have found though, that there is a huge difference between having fresh steamed vegetables in a bechamel sauce and only eating 3/4 of a cup of the dish and eating 2 cups.

All things in moderation.

My Lap-Band makes moderation an attainable goal for me. I couldn't have done it before. But I am amazed at what I can walk away from now. Not because I 'have to' but becasue I 'want to' or because I couldn't care less if I tried.

Hello everyone. I have been thinking of having a lap band or the ballloon procedure in Mexico. I am unsure of how to choose a doc. I have studied many websites and spoken to many of their assistants but I have yet to make a decision. How does one go about checking a doc out? Can anyone offer some advice or give a doc referal?

Hi Marea! I can't really help you about Mexico doctors... but I was wondering how much money the Lap bands cost in Mexico. I saw something that said to expect to pay about $10K in Mexico, which is what the clinic here charges (in Phx, AZ).... if that really is what it costs in Mexico, then I'm not sure why people go there. I'm guessing that the article I read was incorrect or out of date?

Yes, In Mexico I have seen it from about 8500 - 10,000.
I am in GA. and the cost here is around 18 - 25,000.
Have you heard of the balloon surgery?

Yes, In Mexico I have seen it from about 8500 - 10,000.
I am in GA. and the cost here is around 18 - 25,000.
Have you heard of the balloon surgery?

If you are considering having surgery in Mexico there are a couple very important things to keep in mind.

#1 - After care with the band is extremely important. Without proper adjustments there is no way the Band will work for you. Make sure you have local after care lined up before you have the surgery.

Many surgeons are hesitant to accept patients for after care if they did not do the surgery themselves. This is for two primary reasons. A) Their schedules are full with their own surgical patients. Taking on patients from other doctors can take away from the time they have to care for their own patients. B) Liability/malpractice issues.

As a result it can be difficult to line up competent and knowledgeable after care. Be sure you have this in place before hand. Patients whose doctors are less experienced with placing the band can have higher complication rates and patients whose doctors are less experienced with band after care do not loose weight at the same rate as patients of more experienced doctors.

#2 - Make sure you carefully research the surgeon in Mexico and their facilities. There is no option for suing for malpractice if you have surgery in Mexico. So make sure that you choose a surgeon who has modern, clean facilities and who is experienced in doing peforming Lap-Band surgery.


On the balloon surgery ... the only thing that I have read about it is that its primary use (and what it was designed for) was intended to be as a temporary measure to help super-morbidly obese patients loose weight before having another type of WLS in an effort to reduce surgical risks. If you do a Google search on "weight loss balloon" or "gastric balloon" you'll find some information about it. I found an article at CBC news (out of Canada) and the article clearly states that this device is "designed to help people lose weight temporarily before they undergo gastric bypass surgery, or stomach stapling"

I also found an abstract with the results of a clinical trial for the gastric balloon which stated:

Department of Medicine, St Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025.

A study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety of a 300 ml silicone-rubber gastric balloon for weight reduction. Eighty-six obese subjects were distributed into four groups: (1) gastric balloon only, (2) gastric balloon and prescribed 1000 kcal/day (239 kJ) diet, (3) 1000 kcal/day diet only, and (4) no treatment. The intervention period was 3 months. The balloon only group lost 3.2 kg +/- 0.9 (s.e.), the balloon and diet group lost 5.1 +/- 1.0 kg, the diet group lost 6.9 +/- 1.4 kg and the control group gained 0.6 +/- 0.5 kg. The three intervention groups each lost significantly more weight than the control group. The diet only group lost significantly more weight than the balloon only group. Body densitometry showed that the treatment groups lost a significant amount of body fat. Gastroscopy revealed three ulcers and two superficial erosions at balloon removal. The gastric balloons were well tolerated despite gastric spasms and nausea which abated after the initial 24-48 hours. Gastric capacity was determined in a subset of 19 subjects from the two balloon groups before the intervention by distending the stomach with a balloon and calculating the volume required to produce an increase in intragastric pressure of 5 cm H2O. Subjects with a smaller gastric capacity lost more weight with the balloon than subjects with a large capacity (r = 0.45, P less than 0.05). These results suggest that for improved efficacy, balloon volume may need to be larger than 300 ml or adjusted to the individual's gastric capacity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

At an estimated cost of $4,000 this doesn't sound like a "solution" that would be of interest to me.

One common thread in each article or medical journal abstract that I have located is that the gastric balloon is temporary. It is not designed or intended to remain in place for life, unlilke the Lap-Band and other weight loss surgeries which permanently alter internal physiology.

Keep searching for information on both the Lap-Band and the gastric ballon.

Best wishes and warmes regards,

I am looking at Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Rumbart. they both seem to be reputable Docs. However I am very concerned about the fills. Still researching. Thanks for all your help. The article helped a lot.

First of all VeggyMOM, it is not about jealousy in the slightest! I am dismayed that you would even suggest that. IT is about the FACT that we have ALWAYS shared our struggles with weight so why the change now? From your posts it is obvious that you are probably not close to your family by taking the non of your business tone, and I am just the opposite we are very close. I really don't mind if she had the surgery or not, but why play a Star Jones and act as if the weight is just magically falling off? HER problem is alcohol, she loves to drink and that has nothing to do with fatty food, she is now not drinking and yet the doctor gave her no restrictions, I was really looking for people who had the banding or lap gastric surgery, as according to the internet you have to have your gallbladder removed for these procedures, it is not about her affording it, and me not, it is really about why she would allow everyone to think that having gallbladder surgery caused a 40 pound weight loss in 4 weeks. I can't imagine that being the result or people would just have their gallbladders removed. It is relevant because I was wondering about the procedure being done at the same time as the gallbladder surgery. I think I will do like the other poster and just ask her flat out, hopefully she would share her insight, and IF I decided to have it done I could get a loan or do a payout which is not unheard of, I would like to know more first though...

actually, iwasskinny, there is no rule that says that you have to have your gallbladder out at the same time you have some form of weight loss surgery. many doctors do it, many doctors recommend it, but it's not a REQUIREMENT. i still have my gallbladder. and, of course, many people have their gallbladders removed without the wls. the only person who knows the truth is your sister in law, and probably her husband.

and, based on this last post, it does sound as if you've calmed down considerably from your first post. that's a good sign. good luck to you!

Yes Jiffy I have calmed down quite a bit, I am not mad at my sister in law, I just couldn't understand the whole cover-up, and yes, it does bother me that Star Jones of the view is so unwilling to discuss her procedure, I can't understand how former fat folks, don't want to help OTHER fat folks get help, I mean, if you have been there and succeeded why not share that success? That is the WHOLE reason for 3FatChicks website, is to SHARE experiences, it shouldn't be like a sinking ship, where only a few lucky ones get out and the rest just go down with the ship. IF I had some answers I would surely share, I know first hand how sad and desperate one can feel related to their weight. You are a nice and understanding person. What a pleasant quality.

First of all VeggyMOM, it is not about jealousy in the slightest! I am dismayed that you would even suggest that. IT is about the FACT that we have ALWAYS shared our struggles with weight so why the change now?

Your post, from beginning to end, was about you. Why didn't she tell you when it could help you. Sorry but that sounded to me as if it was jealousy.

If my assumption based on your post was wrong then I will accept and admit that and accept responsibility for being wrong.

The fact remains; however, that you are assuming that she had weight loss surgery. You don't have any proof that she did. You also fail to recognize that she does have a right to privacy in regard to medical procedures and she may well have valid reasons for not wanting to talk about it. That is her right.

From your posts it is obvious that you are probably not close to your family by taking the non of your business tone, and I am just the opposite we are very close.

For the record there isn't anyone I know whom I have not told about my surgery. I am extremely close to my family and they all know about it. Every single one.

Every person who has commented on my weight loss has been told, by me, that I had Lap-Band surgery. Every single one.

That does not mean, however, that I cannot understand and appreciate why someone would not feel comfortable telling others about their surgery.

In fact there are times when I wish I had not been so open. I get tired of having people assessing what I eat, asking me how much weight I have lost every week and/or speculating on how long it will be before I reach my goal weight. I get weary of having to explain why I am not loosing weight as fast as a RNY patient or the duodenal switch patient they know. I get annoyed with fielding the "Why couldn't you just do it on your own?" inquiries.

I also get very tired of people who think that just because I have had weight loss surgery and am loosing weight that I some how have "answers" or "solutions" and that I "owe it" to anyone else to bare my soul at the drop of a hat.

It is intrusive and it is wrong thinking.

I imagine it would be more so if I were not loosing.

The fact is that I have a right to privacy and to choose who I will and will not tell about any surgical procedure I have had. Just as your SIL, Star Jones, Kirstie Alley or anyone else does.

I really don't mind if she had the surgery or not, but why play a Star Jones and act as if the weight is just magically falling off? HER problem is alcohol, she loves to drink and that has nothing to do with fatty food, she is now not drinking and yet the doctor gave her no restrictions,

If she isn't drinking alcohol (depending on how much she used to drink) that could be a huge reduction in calories. Her doctor may not have given her any restrictions for following gall bladder removal, true. My doctor didn't give me any restrictions but he did advise me that eating fatty foods could be uncomfortable because the gall bladder's purpose is to store bile which is injected into the digestive system to break down fat. So I stopped eating as much fat because eating fatty foods caused me pain.

I lost 30 pounds in the two months immediately following my gall bladder removal. I didn't have weight loss surgery but I still lost 15 pounds a month for two months. Then I continued to loose for a couple months after that. In 6 months I lost 45 pounds.

I did eventually gain the weight back because I still ate too much food (even if it was lower fat). But I lost it quickly in the beginning.

The point that I made in my first point and continue to stick by is that the weight loss does not necessarily have to be attributable to weight loss surgery.

I was really looking for people who had the banding or lap gastric surgery, as according to the internet you have to have your gallbladder removed for these procedures, it is not about her affording it, and me not, it is really about why she would allow everyone to think that having gallbladder surgery caused a 40 pound weight loss in 4 weeks. I can't imagine that being the result or people would just have their gallbladders removed. It is relevant because I was wondering about the procedure being done at the same time as the gallbladder surgery.

You do not have to have your gall bladder removed when you have weight loss surgery. Some surgeons do remove the gall bladder when they perform the weight loss surgery because rapid weight loss can contribute to gall stones. But it is not automatic.

As for the weight loss being attributable only to gall bladder removal. I never said that it was. What I said it that you don't know that she had WLS.


I think I will do like the other poster and just ask her flat out, hopefully she would share her insight, and IF I decided to have it done I could get a loan or do a payout which is not unheard of, I would like to know more first though...

By all means ask her. But bear in mind the fact that she doesn't have to tell you and if she chooses not to you have to respect her right to privacy.

And if you want information about WLS of any type you can get that from many different sources. It doesn't all have to come from your sister-in-law.

IF I had some answers I would surely share, I know first hand how sad and desperate one can feel related to their weight.

The truth is that just because I have found something that is working for me ... I don't have any answers. In fact it took me 10 years to figure out solution that I could live with. I would never in a millions years assume that I have an "answer" for anyone. I'm not even sure I have an answer for myself.

No one should ever feel pressured to tell anyone about their medical history or their surgical choices.

I am looking at Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Rumbart. they both seem to be reputable Docs. However I am very concerned about the fills. Still researching. Thanks for all your help. The article helped a lot.

Marea,

They are both, as far as I have been able to ascertain, very reputable and experienced doctors. Keep looking for after care and make sure you have it all lined up first. I have read about Mexican patients who have been unable to find care after they had the surgery ... so they're stuck with an unfilled Lap-Band which is like having a power drill and no where to plug it in.

ok ladies. that's enough for this thread. we've been closing threads when they hit about 6-7 pages, just because they get unmanageably long.

it's time for this one to be closed and un-stickied.

if anyone wants to start up another thread with the focus on LAP BAND ISSUES, go right ahead. and if you want me to sticky it on the top of the page, let me know and i'll be happy to do so.

Best wishes to all - your queenly moderator.