My band was removed... anyone else in my shoes out there?

["Just Jess"]

hello all,
i've never been on this forum on b2g before --- but after my surgery yesterday, i find myself bandless. :sad: My doctor said that after 90 days we can talk about my options for re-banding... or somethng else. the "or something else" part kind of threw me. i asked what he meant, and he explained that i also have other options i can look into, such as gastic sleeve, etc. i honestly have not looked into anything other than lapband and gastric bypass and feel i chose lapband for all the right reasons.
anyway, here i sit - november 5th, 2008 - not having the opportunity to celebrate my 2nd bandiversary. i am mouring the loss of my band.
i would love to connect with anyone else who has lost their band. ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE????
thanks,
jess

[New Life for me]

I can't help about the band part Jess, but I did want to tell you I am so sorry this has happened to you. I feel so bad , but I know you are so strong and you will come through this ok. If there is anything I can do, I would be happy to. Take care of you!

[SpookyJulz]

Jess,
So sorrry to hear this!! What a disappointment, but remember that if you had continued the way it was you may have ended up with much worse problems. Barbdwire on here was only banded since Apr and had to have hers removed last month. Also, I think it was Nana who had hers removed and GB done.

At this point try to focus on healing. You'll have plenty of time to think about the options.

You are so upbeat, happy and such a support for all of us here. Whatever happens you will be successful.

Sending Lots of Love, light, and peace of mind your way!!

["Just Jess"]

thanks julz, i'll look those people up............

[SpookyJulz]

Jess,
This is a link to a post by P'nut about Barb after her band was removed.
http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=7461&page=3

[SpookyJulz]

and here is one for Nana's post about her bypass revision
http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=7367

[SheryBery]

Jess, bless your heart hon! I'm so sorry. Share what happened when you're up to it. I know this has been such a rough journey for you, but you've done so well. You're in my thoughts & prayers.

[kristina]

sharont my colorado springs b2ger had her band removed as well...she is an amazing woman...we still pm, but she doesnt visit the threads much anymore...she wont get hers put back in. :(

["Just Jess"]

What happened, if you don't mind sharing it? i was sick for about 3 weeks. cold and flu like symptoms. i was on a cough suppressant, anti-biotics, etc.. etc.. all the while it was a band issue causing all the symptoms - i also had reflux, which apparently is a big red flag for band issues. anyway... last sunday, i couldn't keep anythng down... not even a cup of hot tea. this led us to calling my doctor's emergency number and he told me to go to the ER immediately. they unfilled me and i had an NG tube put in which sucked out all the liquid in my band. i was hospitalized till wednesday due to dehydration and them want to make sure i could keep down liquids. doc ordered me to stay on full liquids till my UGI on monday. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell, this past monday, i went in for my test and failed. the doctor admited me AGAIN, this time to schedule me for surgery to reposition my band. well, tuesday (yesterday) was my surgery and the inflamation was too bad and he had to remove the band. this was the worst news ever. i knew it was possible... but as a "worst case senario". anyway, as it stands right now - i have to stay on full liquids for one more day, as my tummy heals. then i can go back to eating a "normal" diet. i can have the band replaced after 90 days pass. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh.. that's enough for a while, eh?


You're weight loss has been great; and it's been almost 2 years? That really scares me as my insurance would not cover any future problems. yes, i was banded on dec. 21st, 2006. i've lost a little over 90 lbs. be careful going into this without follow-care guarenteed.

["Just Jess"]

brenda --- why did you delete your post??? looks like you deleted it as i was replying to it! haha - oh well!

thank you, cheryl!

kris --- direct her to my thread. i would love to pick her brain. how did she deal? how is she dealing? why isn't she getting it put back in? her choice or out of her hands? sorry i have so many questions.......... maybe i'll PM her - what is her user name??? i do not see any "sharont". thanks for the info!

[kristina]

have u found her thread jess?

she cant have hers put back in because her stomach was too inflamed and there was too much scar tissue, but i think its cause her doc..(my old doc) is a big fat jerk that wouldnt work with her...he said she couldnt ever have any wls due to these reasons..i think he is full of it....but what do i know? :)

u can read more on her thread...there were a few people that chimed in with the same experience...

i will pm her and tell her..but with school in session, i dont hear from her often...

i will search for her number too, if u cant get her on here, i KNOW she would love to talk to u on the phone...let me know chica..
sharont81

[martha]

Jess - I have no advice for you but you will be in my prayers. This whole thing is freaking me out...I looked at the threads that were posted in here and I'm self-pay so if something goes wrong I'm really screwed. I never thought about any of these scenarios prior to surgery and now I'm thinking I should have gone with bypass. We'd have to take a loan out if something really bad happened to me like it did the one bandster that wound up with necrosis.

UGH!

["Just Jess"]

please!!! don't let me scare anyone......... i just happen to be "lucky" enough to be one of the statistics that has something go wrong -- you know the likelihood of this happening to you is not the same!!! it is rare. i don't know the actually statistics - but i do know it happens far less than it does - if that makes sense. look around the board at all the success stories of people who NEVER had a complication. i wish the same for you! just take care of your band. follow all the rules. don't cheat. and if you get sick - get anti-nausia medication ASAP, so that you don't put your band in jeopardy.

thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

yes, kris - i did find it. thanks again for sharing... too much for me to absorb last night - i was having an emotional time. but i will read more today and maybe get in touch with her.

[itsfinallytimeforme]

Jess,

I am so sorry this has happened to you. Just a thought, I teach for my surgeon pre op diet, etc class. He is doing the sleeve now, which was not offered to me in Jan of this year because is so new,

I asked him about this procedure and he is very excited about it because the surgery is done on the portion of the stomach that doesnt stretch,

This excited me because its like the band but its also like the bypass but not drastic, you dont have the same absorbtion issues but it gives the restiction of the band.

Look into this, it is very promising and I believe that if something happens to my band this is the direction I will be heading.

Take time to heal and be careful with your eating. You have come so far in this journey that you can hold on til you decide. You are an amazing woman and I have you on a pedestal girl!!! You taught me something that I have passed on to my classes because duh I so smart that couldnt figure it out by myself didnt realize I wasnt eating properly, so I teach chew each bite thirty five times and imagine it goes down,.

Hang in there Jess, what ever you decide, hold on to your buddy, He will get you through this. Prayers and best hopes for your future.
You will be ok, I promise you~~~

Jo Ann

["Just Jess"]

what i've read about the sleeve sound scary - it's not reversible. the part of your stomach that they remove is gone PERMANENTLY! and weight gain is a common side-effect.

if you have any other info on it, i'd love to read up --- just out of curiosity... but as i said above, i chose the band for all the right reasons. it's adjustable, it's removable, it lives with you - and with your life changes (pregnancy, etc..)

[GirlyGirl]

HI Jess, I have been following your situation and I have been deeply concerned and have been pulling for you like so many of your close friends on this site have been.

Sorry you have had to deal with this. You've lost 90 lbs. So hopefully you have learned enough good habits to get you through until the next phase begins and you've had time to determine the best course moving forward. I know it will all work out for you, but I know it is a difficult time as well. Take care of yourself...

Do you mind if I ask your opinion on something. If you are not up to posting or answering, I understand...

As you may or may not know, I just relocated from Chicago area to Northwest, Washington state. My doc in Chicago and his group are one of the foremost experts in the lapband proceedure.... needless to say I have the utmost confidence in his expertise. I noticed on one of your posts on this thread you warned against not getting after care or follow up care..... When I was preparing to move, my doctor made recommendations about after care and continued care docs in my new area. In fact two of the docs the recommended are Proctors who actually teach the procedure and the care of lapband patients to doctors across the country. However, I have also had people on this site who highly recommend fill centers that are considered "good" at doing fills. Do you have an opinion as to whether I should go with a doc or a fill center.

The reason I ask is because I just had my procedure in June, was self pay and am covered for the first year for fills and after care with my original doctor. Now I will have to pay the new doctor. I was thinking of just traveling back to Chicago every few months to get my fills. My doctor welcomes me to come in any time I am back in Chicago.

Do you have any feedback or opinion about what you would do in this same situation? After what I have seen you go through, I am now wondering if I should re think this thing before I go any further...

Thanks Jess, and I do wish you well.

Jer

["Just" Paul]

I cannot speak for Jess... but I can say that AFTERCARE is the key.

The surgery could actually be performed by any competant surgeon with a textbook (OK, I may be exaggerating, I realize that)... it is the aftercare that will make you successful.

Personally, I have very strong feelings about fill centers, and travelling abroad to get surgery. Many who have done so have been successful... but putting yourself 1000 miles away from the staff who did your procedure means you are looking at this like a surgical procedure only...
THE SURGERY is only a FRACTION of what it takes. Fill Centers give you fills, but not TRUE aftercare.

You need a doctor with a well-rounded program of support and guidance to make the band work. A doc who meets with you on a regular basis (before and after surgery) no matter how long it has been since you were operated on... this support should be for LIFE. He/she should have on staff a phychologist/psychiatrist that you should consult with, or even meet on a regular basis to get thru your issues with food. An exercise physiologist, to help get you MOVING, the true KEY to good health. A support group that meets on a regular basis, for help, guidance and emotional support. And also a dietician, to help you learn how to eat the right way.

Some folks can do all this on their own... so a foreign doc, and a fill center may suffice.

BUT, most of us CAN'T do it on our own... heck that's how we got into this boat in the first place.
This is about a whole program... it is NOT just surgery and fills...

We need to STOP looking at it that way.

IN a nutshell, MY OPINION OF COURSE...

GET THE NEW DOCTOR... LOCALLY. Fill Centers be damned, and having a doc you need to fly to, is not a good idea either.


This is all just my opinion... please don't flame me... but I really feel that we have to get away from this thought that it is a SURGICAL solution to weight loss... it isn't... it is one TOOL in that solution, but you need the whole solution to succeed, in both the short term, and in the long haul.

["Just Jess"]

hey jer... first of all, thank you so much for your support. i appreciate all the prayers that have been going up on my behalf! keep em' coming - bc this journey is long from over.

secondly, to answer your question...

I noticed on one of your posts on this thread you warned against not getting after care or follow up care...............Do you have any feedback or opinion about what you would do in this same situation?

i have strong feelings about this --- and again, this is JUST my opinion... but aftercare is 99% of your lapband journey. getting the procedure is easy. you can do it anywhere. many leave the country due to cost, etc. but they are doing themselves a disadvantage if they don't get themselves signed up into a PROGRAM that gives them all the tools that go along with their lapband to be successful.

it may be pricey for you to join an office program - but think about it. do you want your fills from a doctor who you may or may not EVER see again? who has LITTLE to NOTHING invested in your personal interests?? or would you prefer a doctor who you might have to pay to join his program who KNOWS you, KNOWS your history, KNOWS the exact angle he should hold the needle when doing fills/unfills, KNOWS YOU!? my doctor's office has a program that includes everything a person could want or need to be successful. take a peek at his website to get an idea of what a good program might look like: http://www.marylandweightmanagement.com/Welcome.aspx

it costs $500 to join and they require a 6 month pre-op participation before you can have surgery. but once you pay the fee --- you're in the program for life. and have access to all parts of the program as you need them. sooooooooooooooooooooooo, in sum - ask your doctor in chicago to refer you to a good doc in your new location.. go in and meet them. ask if you can attend a support group meeting to meet some of the patients (AND ASK QUESTIONS!!!!!!) if you like the feel of the place - sign up! it will be worth it a thousand times over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

here is the team that i use through my doctor's office --- and what i believe integral to your success!!! i really took advantage of the psychological services in the beginning bc i knew my head is what was making me fat........... did it fix me? no! did it teach me things that could help me? sure!!! and i learned a lot about myself in the process!

We believe in a team approach and provide a comprehensive program for both medical and surgical treatment options. We offer a range of services.

I) Program for Surgical Management

A) Preoperative Program-Optimal preparation for any of the bariatric procedures is crucial to the safety and success of the procedure and your long-term outcome.

1) Nutritional Program:
-Pre and Post-surgery nutritional counseling
-Unlimited nutritional support up to one year post-surgery
-Pre-operative nutrition class that cover post-surgery diet plan, eating techniques, vitamins, minerals, protein supplements, and understanding the food label
-Educational handouts on diet and nutrition

2) Psychosocial Support Program
-Counseling (individual, family, and group)

3) Exercise Therapy Program
-Exercise Classes (Basic)
-Discounts for Gym Memberships
-Pulmonary Rehabilitation
-Physical Therapy
-Pain Management

B) Surgical and Medical Support
-Physician Consultation
-Medication for weight management (optional)

C) Additional Services:



Support Groups
Patient Advocate
Private Hospital Room
Insurance advisor to discuss your benefit and financial options. Finance options available through several sources if your insurance does not cover the surgery.
Pre-operative testing follow-up with our bariatric nurse
Binder provided at pre-op class that includes information regarding the surgery, follow-up care, and dietary guidelines.
Special events
Good Outcomes
Lifetime Follow up!


II) Program for Medical Management

A) Nutritional Program (6 months)
-Counseling sessions on diet and nutrition
-Educational handouts on nutrition and exercise
-Medifast supplements (optional)

B) Psychosocial Support Program

C) Exercise Therapy Program
-Exercise Classes (Basic)
-Discounts for Gym Memberships
-Pulmonary Rehabilitation
-Physical Therapy
-Pain Management

D) Medical Support
-Medication for weight management (optional)
-Consultation with physician

["Just Jess"]

I cannot speak for Jess... but I can say that AFTERCARE is the key.

The surgery could actually be performed by any competant surgeon with a textbook (OK, I may be exaggerating, I realize that)... it is the aftercare that will make you successful.This is about a whole program... it is NOT just surgery and fills...


when you speak that intelligently, you may speak for me ANY time, paul!! ;) i should have read ahead and just said............ :whathesaid: hahaha

good luck to you, jer!!!!

["Just" Paul]

Yeah, but YOU said it better!

["Just Jess"]

nah - i'm just good at the cut and paste....... and words just "come to me" when i'm passionate about something!

["Just Jess"]

well all --- being there weren't too many people (or anyone i could contact) on here who have experienced what i am experiencing... i went elsewhere looking for someone to connect with (sorry!) anyway, i feel so great right now bc i met somoene on another board that really lifted my spirits with her sharing her experience with being unbanded for the last month....... just because i know many of you must be as curious as i am about it --- i want to share one thing she said to me today:


"At first it was like I heard food actually going from the top of my stomach to the bottom and it was really weird because it had been so long since I had experienced a normal stomach. So it wasn't really a growl but more noise, lol.

Today I had Chinese food and prior to surgery I could eat a full plate and go back for another full plate. After surgery a couple bites unless it was soup. Since the removal I eat like a normal person it's very strange but I think I'm having success because I had the lap band and then it removed. I know that sounds crazy but the shrinking of the stomach did more for me than the lap band. Now of course it's only been a month so I have to be careful but I am more conscious of a "real" sense of fullness than I had before banding and naturally during banding as that was a fake fullness of sorts.

I didn't have to do the liquids like you do because I didn't have problems with my stomach. Also you know how in your head because you've been banded for so long you know certain foods will clog you like bread or donuts or something like that well they still kind of do and I don't know why. Is that weird or what. It's not like I can't eat them but I can only eat so much of them. Also I don't know if my esophagus has anything to do with it because of the reflux probs I had.

But it is a nice thing to be in touch with the "true" sense of fullness which I don't know how long it's been since I've experienced it. I did overeat once and then I realized I can't just vomit like I did when I was banded and that was kind of strange. No one likes to vomit especially from the bottom of the stomach so I try to avoid overeating but when you're getting ready for your period it's sometimes cravings that take over.

Take care http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/default%20smilies/smile.gif"

isn't that interesting???? i just felt so lightened to know that i might be able to eat like a "normal" person without fear of gaining weight!!! and that my stomach may have shunk (I KNOW IT JUST HAD TO HAVE!) and that will help too. just wanted to share my little shining light today................. :sun_smiley:

[bgrand]

Jess, that sounds wonderful!!!!

[Maryanne]

Jess sweetie, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It was a good thing you contacted your doctor when you did, things could have been a lot worse if you didn't. You always find the bright side of things. I love you for that! Keep you head up high, the next 90 days will fly by. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xoxoxo

[rkincaid]

Jess, I have been away from the boards for over a month now.. bad, bad, bad I know, but when I came back and saw this thread I was like- what, whaaaat WHAT?!?!

I feel so awful for you! This is like being the poster child for when bad things happen to good people!

But! You are one of the most motivated people I've seen, so I KNOW you will be FINE! Just take it easy and hopfully you can have a band again in the future. Time will fly by, you'll see. Hugs!

[GirlyGirl]

I'm glad the other person shared that information with you, it encourages all of us for you and for ourselves in the event we go through anything like this. I was thinking that same thing, surely some of the new habits that you have relearned will serve you well during this time.

Thanks J Paul and Jess for your feedback about my after care in my new location. I have 4 or 5 that my doctor recommended as being doctors he would send his wife to if in the same situation. I will start making calls and setting up consultations tomorrow. I agree with both of you. I have come too far, spent too much money, and have been careful to get good care up to this point and now would not be the time to cut corners. JPaul, I hear ya about getting the right attitude about this process. It is sometimes treated like a magic solution and we all know that it really isn't. So, I will find a good doctor, pay any additional fees, and move forward with the proper after care.

Thanks again for both of you offering straight up talk!

Get better Jess and be encouraged!

["Just Jess"]

jer - i am SO happy to hear that is your decision... good for you! invest in YOU!

rebecca - nice to see you back. thanks for your support. tomorrow is the first day with real food in 2 weeks... so we'll see how it goes. i can excited and nervous... not to mention scared - but like i said above, i felt better after hearing from someone who HAS gone through it and is doing OK and not gaining!!!!!!!!!!

[newlifeat57]

Jess, I am so glad to hear that you found that 'light' in what seems like a dark tunnel. I'm a little concerned (scared? worried? alert?--not sure of the right word) about the issues I am facing with the band. I am a self pay and that alone has me really rethinking my band and about the after care that you mentioned to Jeralin. I'm not having troubles right now, but I can't stop thinking about the what if....

Girl, you are still my inspiration. Take care .... I'm still praying for you.

["Just Jess"]

be positive!!!! but get yourself in a program if you can. that's the best way!

[newlifeat57]

I am in a program. My self pay paid for everything for one year--which is up in April. I have to put out more big $$ for another year. I'm not sure what that all includes, but I will be asking. It's not like some I've seen where the care is for a lifetime. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. Unfortunately, like so many here on B2G, your band removal and the others that have had their bands removed, have hit us all a little hard--guess you could say.....too close to home. The good part, I am definitely paying attention to what I am eating and how I am eating. Thanks, again Jess.

["Just Jess"]

I am in a program. My self pay paid for everything for one year--which is up in April. I have to put out more big $$ for another year. I'm not sure what that all includes, but I will be asking. It's not like some I've seen where the care is for a lifetime.


in my opinion, and this kind of goes along with what i was saying to jer, you're paying for surgery, which is one small fraction of this journey. why aren't they covering the rest? self pay or not, you need a program that will follow you - not or one year - but for the lifetime of the band (or lifetime of the patient??) could you reconsider the program you're in, since it's temporary anyway and find a lifetime one that will "adopt" you? my good friend, terri (lil'bitty on here) actually just did that this past year. she moved from TX to VA and was adopted into a program that will keep her for check-ups, fills, etc.

just something to think about.

[newlifeat57]

That's a good idea. I will have to check into that. I really love my Dr. that's the only thing I would regret. I am looking for a supplemental insurance, hoping that it will cover me if something goes wrong. My work insurance won't cover ANYTHING that has to do with anything that WLS caused--it's really the pits (it's all in the exclusion list).

[GirlyGirl]

Jess,

What do they mean by adopt? Does she still have to pay for the services? Did she pay one fee or lump sum and then she is adopted for life? I would really love to know a little more about that.

My original doctor was a lifetime care doctor. After the first year I would have had to pay for continued care, but I would have been in his care forever as long as I wanted to be. I guess I thought all of them are life time care.

Please elaborate if you don't mind.

Oh, hope you are feeling well. Hope your spirits are up.

["Just Jess"]

That's a good idea. I will have to check into that. I really love my Dr. that's the only thing I would regret. I am looking for a supplemental insurance, hoping that it will cover me if something goes wrong. My work insurance won't cover ANYTHING that has to do with anything that WLS caused--it's really the pits (it's all in the exclusion list). careful with supplemental insurance -- if you're already banded, will it be considered a "pre existing condition"??? i don't know.. just a thought!


What do they mean by adopt? Does she still have to pay for the services? Did she pay one fee or lump sum and then she is adopted for life? well, speaking for my friend --- she paid a one-time fee to transfer into their program (yes, for life) and they become her primary BAND care doctors... seems simple enough. except some program fees can be quite pricey. for instance, i know it's $1000 to be adopted by my doctor, even though it was only $500 for me to join the program bc he did my surgery.

[GirlyGirl]

Thanks Jess, I'll look into it...

[Nana~]

Hey Hey
Sorry to read about your issues. I have not been on in a long while we bought a new house and it's a real big fixer upper!
About my surgery you can Read up on my issues, it was no fun at all and I too was very upset that I was losing my band!
I had my band removed on May 5th and had the Bypass done on the same day. It was a long surgery 6.5 hours on the table but waking up was much better than waking from banding for me.
I didn't realize how much I really was suffering until the pain and acid was all gone!
So I'm now at 6 months after bypass and doing wonderful I have 19 pounds til goal!
things that make me ill are EGGS and more than 3oz of milk at a time. I only mention that because these did not make me ill with the band.
I wish you the very best on your journey!
Nana~

["Just Jess"]

nana --- you've done fantastic!!!!! i am still struggling with the fact that my band is gone. some days i am just overtaken by sadness... i look forward to this thursday and my follow-up with my band doctor. he's going to "discuss my options" and make a plan for my future. in the meantime, i hope this grumbling, growling stomach shuts up and i don't put on any weight. i've lost about 2 lbs. since the band removal - but i think that was just water weight.

anyway, i appreciate your message - and thanks for sharing your story!

[brwneyedbeauty]

HI Jess,
I've been thinking about you a lot these days. I had most of my fluid taking out because of acid reflux and its so hard not to eat. And then I think of you and how hard this must be for you. I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. Just not fair! Please know that you are in my prayers. Just take one day at a time;-)

Cheri

["Just Jess"]

thanks, cheri...... i appreciate and ask you to continue those prayers!!!!!!!! lord, i need them!!!!

[Patrick]

Jess;

I too, have been awol for awhile. Just catching up on your situation. Read this whole thread and I am amazed at your inner strength. Don't you ever doubt that you will find the silver lining in all of this. Just look at your encouraging support for others while you are facing a major hurdle of your own. You do nothing but continue to impress me with your courage and strength. And to think that you have one of the greatest support people in the band community right beside you for life.
My prayers are with you for a good and healthy resolution. Please stay focused on all of the great food habits that we should be learning and practising as bandsters, they will always help you no matter where you end up.

[wingsfly825]

jess sending you my prayers as always..hey 2 pounds is 2 pounds water weight or not..your doing great. keep focused and you will be fine.

["Just Jess"]

thanks patrick and teresa!

[Dustbunny]

Jess so sorry for your bump in the road. Do you think you have learned enough as a banded woman to be able to carry on your powerful weightloss without the band?What if the band was your magic feather and you can really fly without it? Just a thought. I know you can do well to protect your loss because you are strong! Many hugs and good thoughts are winging their way to you! DB

["Just Jess"]

Do you think you have learned enough as a banded woman to be able to carry on your powerful weightloss without the band?

no, i do not think i can. :faint:
but i will try my damndest to maintain where i am, if not lose a little.


What if the band was your magic feather and you can really fly without it? Just a thought.

that is truly my biggest fear. and the thought terrifies me. :sad:

[Dustbunny]

Oh I'm sorry Jess no terrifying was intended.
I believe you can maintain and maybe lose a few for the gipper while you heal yourself. DB

[lyndele]

Hiya, Jess,
Just checking in with you. Two pounds is two pounds :)

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I haven't posted in here because I've not been thru what you've gone thru, but I do check in on ya all the time, just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about ya and I know you'll do great Jess. Big hugs.

[sharont81]

He Jees-

I am waiting to see what happens tomorrow with my phone call. After all of the acid reflux, throwing up. having my stomach inflamed and scar tissue I thought that I woudl not want it back in. But here I am asking for that very item. It has been a long road and I now know what to expect. No more fills - that is how I got into this mess to begin with. I waited WAY too long to tell anyone I sick I was. Hang in there - I still miss and am sad about the band being gone but I am trying to see about the replacement. Hang in there!!!

[bgrand]

Prayers going out to Sharon and Jess so you can get your bands back! If i could share mine with you both, you know i would!!!

[sharont81]

Hi Jess-

I have an appointment with surgeon on December 10th at 9:30 am. The nurse we will talk then and I may get it put back in. Well that was news to my ears!!! All I needed to hear was the maybe PART!! Hang in there!! I will keep checking back in.

[kristina]

sharon- its good to see you updating..i will be praying all goes well...please let us know...

[LoYoYo]

Hey Jessica, I've been following your threads and keeping you in my thoughts. I haven't been posting but I've been thinking about you. Keep keeping us posted.

["Just Jess"]

sharon ------- that is FABULOUS news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please keep me updated!!


laura - thank you for your thoughts... :wave: hope to get to know you better!

[Italiangirl33]

Jess!!

Ok I have been gone from the posts for a while..I cant believe this happened to you, but I have to say I have not seen such a motivated and good spirit person..You are such a inspiration..Keep up the great attitude and you will over come everything one step at a time!! Lots of love.

Mare

["Just Jess"]

thanks maryanne, for your thoughts! i feel like i once WAS a person of motivation, but it's been hard to find that person lately. i start seeing a councelor at my doctor's office the 2nd week in december and i hope that will help some! some days i feel great and others (like today - when i've made not-so-great choices all day) not so great... but we take it one day at a time and try our best. tomorrow we'll be in PA baking pies and preparing for thanksgiving dinner --- god help me! i thought i had my "last thanksgiving" 3 years ago...........................................

[LindaV]

Jess, I have been gone for a while too and, like the others was so sorry to read about your band removal.

You will be in my prayers. Remember, you are still on a journey and the destination is the same--a healthy, happy life! I think you are well on your way, you might just have to make a few changes to your route.

I admire your strength as well as your openness and honesty in sharing this part of your journey with us. I wish you all the best!

["Just Jess"]

thanks, linda!!! we've missed you! nice to see you back.
thanks for checking in on me and for the complements - hopefully i will be back in the land of the banded soon enough!!!!!!!!!

[kristina]

keep bringing your feelings and thoughts here Jess...we all know how precious our bands are..and how devasted we would be in your shoes...and we all love you to pieces..let us hear how your doing...no one is strong ALL of the time!!!
thats what were here for. :)

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

How many days is it now from banding day? :) You're doin great Jess... keep it up! :)

[Lovemylpband]

You have a great Attitude! Keep it up. Don't let yesterday get you down. I was bad yesterday too! Ate to much stuffing last night. But got up this morning and today is a new day for all of us!

I've had quite an adventure with my band. I had my band in 9/05 and 2/06 had to have it replaced due to a band and port leak. I was lucky to have it replaced right away. I'm excited for you! I always say if I found out that I needed my band replace I would do it again in a heart beat.

[heftynetty]

Hello, I am new here and was reading your post because it brought back memories for me. I had my band for the "first" time for only about a month in a half. I started having severe pain in my chest and could not eat anything for a couple of days. I finally went to see my doctor and they removed some of the fluid. I thought "great" I will have relief. Wrong, I started to get so bad that I could not go to work for a week and could not even drink anything without it hurting so bad. I was so thirsty I would swish water in my mouth and have to spit it back out. I called the doctor he told me to go to the hospital, I was there for a while on IV for fluid because I was so dehydrated. The next morning I had a scope down my throat and was told the size of the hole where food is to pass was no bigger than a ball point pen. I had to have surgery to re-position the band. I came out of surgery bandless. I had so much scar tissue around the band and inside my stomach. He said it was too dangerous to keep the band in. I was so happy to have that thing out. Well six months later and about 15lbs gained back (I lost 45lbs that month) I went to see my doctor to have it back in. He told me going in to surgery there was no guarantee he would be able to put it back in, and if that was the case do I want gastric, I was completely against gastric. So I did get the band back in, in a different spot, but that was January 16-2006 and I am doing fine. I seriously need another fill, because I have about 40 mor lbs. to lose, but I am healthy. I also had a baby 16mos. ago, so trying to lose that too. Anyway, crazy way to introduce myself but I can relate somewhat to you story, and just wanted you to know there can be a positive outcome for you!! Good luck!

[GirlyGirl]

Hi Jess, just wanted to thank you for your earlier advise and even though it is terrible what you have been through, your situation has brought an important issue to light. The whole subject of after care. And the importance of making sure you have more than just a fill doctor.

I did do the research and have been in to see a really great practice near Seattle who is doing a transfer of care for me. They looked under floro, said all is good and tightened me up. Their fill RN said that I have never had a pouch yet, not enough restriction, so she filled me and went over my eating plan line by line and sent me home with a host of new and more comprehensive booklets about living life with the lap band and the unique nutritional needs that I now live with.

This particular RN is a PH.D. and has been banded herself. She lost 85 lbs 10 years ago. Has had no complications. All of her nurses have to be banded in order to work in the practice. She wrote a book about gastric banding and gave me a copy to take home. She told me right off that I wouldn't be able to tell her anything that she hasn't already seen or experienced and that she knows all the excuses. So she is quite the drill Sergeant, but it's what I need and I like her a lot!

I've lost 8 lbs since the 17th just because I am finally getting tight enough. I feel like I am back in the game!

Just for others info, I paid $350 for the first comprehensive exam and consult including floro. My fills are $150 ea or $125 if you buy 6 at a time. The fill price is good for 2 weeks so if you feel you need more within that two week time period, the additional fill is free. This particular practice does not have something in which I would pay a flat fee and be in for life. But I am happy with what I have and feel that they are equipped to give me the care and handle any complications that might arise.

Like you said, the after care is so important, not just getting fills. So this is what I consider to be my due diligence to make sure I am getting the best care I can without compromising my health or my band in the future.

Again, thank you for your help with this. And I continue to wish you the best with your situation

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[kristina]

jeralin. i know i am following you around saying YOU ROCK, constantly..but i love this new you!!! YOU ROCK!

[GirlyGirl]

:star: I'm a Rock Star!!:star:

[sharont81]

Hi Jess -
Checking in to see how you are doing. Hang in there, you are such a positive force. Things happen for a reason and in a few months you go back to the doctor. I totally understand what you are going through. I have to keep positive and know that me losing the lap band is for a reason. Like what HeftyNefty said with the scare tissue and damage - that is me. I can only HOPE that I will be able to get the band back. December 10th can not come fast enough for me. PM or email me and we will talk. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

["Just Jess"]

keep bringing your feelings and thoughts here Jess...we all know how precious our bands are..and how devasted we would be in your shoes...and we all love you to pieces..let us hear how your doing...no one is strong ALL of the time!!! thats what were here for. :) ** thanks, kris! and yes, YOUR BAND IS PRECIOUS! take care of YOU and take care of IT! i miss mine dearly....... especially so close to the holidays with food staring me in the face at every turn.


How many days is it now from banding day? :) You're doin great Jess... keep it up! :) ** we did not discuss a surgery date yet - he wants to monitor me over the healing period of about 90 days and i need to meet with the councelor and nutritionist during that time - at 60 days they will submit the paperwork to insurance and see if i'm approved. this is kind of a step-by-step process. i will surely let you all know as soon as i do what my date is!!!!!!!!!!!


I've had quite an adventure with my band. I had my band in 9/05 and 2/06 had to have it replaced due to a band and port leak. I was lucky to have it replaced right away. I'm excited for you! I always say if I found out that I needed my band replace I would do it again in a heart beat. ** so happy for you that it went right back in! take care of it! glad to hear you're doing so well!


Like what HeftyNefty said with the scare tissue and damage - that is me. I can only HOPE that I will be able to get the band back. ** i was the same --- he said bc of the inflamation and scar tissue they couldn't reposition the band - but instead remove it. :Cry: but hopefully soon enough i'll be going through the pre-op/post-op diet phases and starting to drop weight again......... i will definetely be in touch! thanks again for sharing all your info. with me!


She wrote a book about gastric banding and gave me a copy to take home. She told me right off that I wouldn't be able to tell her anything that she hasn't already seen or experienced and that she knows all the excuses. So she is quite the drill Sergeant, but it's what I need and I like her a lot! ** sounds like you absolutely found a winner!!!! i would love to see what she wrote! can you PM me the info? is it for sale? or maybe i could just borrow it when you're through. i want to RE-educate myself so that i am going into re-banded as informed as i was back in the beginning 2 years ago!


Like you said, the after care is so important, not just getting fills. So this is what I consider to be my due diligence to make sure I am getting the best care I can without compromising my health or my band in the future. Again, thank you for your help with this. And I continue to wish you the best with your situation. ** you are very welcome. i am glad everything worked out so well for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hello, I am new here and was reading your post because it brought back memories for me. .... Anyway, crazy way to introduce myself but I can relate somewhat to you story, and just wanted you to know there can be a positive outcome for you!! Good luck!
** :b2gwelcome: thanks for introducing yourself --- and no, it's not crazy! i really APPRECIATE knowing there are others out there going through this - and i'm not so alone. i am glad it all worked out for you and that you're doing so well! that makes me feel more hopeful. welcome to B2G and i look forward to getting to know you better. if there is anything else you can share to help make this non-banded time easier, i'd be open to listening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[kristina]

jess- how do you do these multi quote thingies?
u would think i would know by now..but, hmmm. i dont. :Cry:


** thanks, kris! and yes, YOUR BAND IS PRECIOUS! take care of YOU and take care of IT! i miss mine dearly....... especially so close to the holidays with food staring me in the face at every turn.

** we did not discuss a surgery date yet - he wants to monitor me over the healing period of about 90 days and i need to meet with the councelor and nutritionist during that time - at 60 days they will submit the paperwork to insurance and see if i'm approved. this is kind of a step-by-step process. i will surely let you all know as soon as i do what my date is!!!!!!!!!!!

** so happy for you that it went right back in! take care of it! glad to hear you're doing so well!

** i was the same --- he said bc of the inflamation and scar tissue they couldn't reposition the band - but instead remove it. :Cry: but hopefully soon enough i'll be going through the pre-op/post-op diet phases and starting to drop weight again......... i will definetely be in touch! thanks again for sharing all your info. with me!

** sounds like you absolutely found a winner!!!! i would love to see what she wrote! can you PM me the info? is it for sale? or maybe i could just borrow it when you're through. i want to RE-educate myself so that i am going into re-banded as informed as i was back in the beginning 2 years ago!

** you are very welcome. i am glad everything worked out so well for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


** :b2gwelcome: thanks for introducing yourself --- and no, it's not crazy! i really APPRECIATE knowing there are others out there going through this - and i'm not so alone. i am glad it all worked out for you and that you're doing so well! that makes me feel more hopeful. welcome to B2G and i look forward to getting to know you better. if there is anything else you can share to help make this non-banded time easier, i'd be open to listening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

["Just Jess"]

jess- how do you do these multi quote thingies?
u would think i would know by now..but, hmmm. i dont. :Cry:

just click on "multi quote" under the posts you want to quote --- it should turn to a green check mark... then when you have all the green check marks you want to reply to - click "quote" on the last one and they'll all transfer to your reply box with quotes wrapped around them! :) then you can get fancy and copy and paste the beginning and end quotes if you want to seperate one person's post into parts! haha! good luck! :thumb:

[kristina]

thanks jess! got it!

[reggiesue]

Jess - sorry to see you struggle - hopefully all will work out soon!!! Keep us updated!

[sharont81]

Hi There -
I have been thinking of you. How are you doing?? I go into see the doctor on Wed. December 10th. I am hoping and have my fingers crossed that enough time is gone by and the swelling/scar tissue is smaller. I totally understand about the waiting game - it is hard but you can do it. For some reason your body did not like the band but that does not mean for ever. It will happen - I know it. I will let you know what my doctor says. Remember you can make it through this bump in the road. :elephant:

[kristina]

sharon...how will Russi be able to tell?

["Just Jess"]

thanks, sharon --- i do hope the same!!! and i hope this counceling will help me get my head on straight and work through some of the issues i'm having being non-banded!!!!!!!!!!