1FATCAT

Hi I am actually replying to all of you who have so rudely just accepted that those of us who are having trouble are doing something wrong and whining besides. I have done everything right, including exercising for 1 hour a day on the treadmill (3.8-4 miles an hour) 6 days a week, and I am 65 years young. I also lift weights 3 times a week. I follow a good diet besides. My doctor is in total agreement with my frustration, and I want you to know I take exception to those of you who are so cold. This is a forum for lots of things: one of them being compassion and advice. Shame on you bandsters who have forgotten that and are cruising along smoothly and forgot what it was like before - well it is still the same for some of us and we are working just as hard as you; perhaps harder than some. Helen

Hi, You sound just like me. My story: I was banded on April 2, 2008 in TJ. Lost no weight before surgery and to date have lost about 14 lbs. I gain a few and then lose a few and basically stay the same. I was filled locally under floroscopy with .05 ccs in June. Didn't work at all, they didn't re-charge me and filled me again in the office (no floroscopy). That didn't work. I was again filled with .02cc in mid July and nothing! Went back and asked for a floroscopy and doctor readily agreed. At that point, he noticed my esphogaus, above the band, was really swollen. So the band isn't working - yet I am able to eat even with the swelling!!!! He asked me to go onto three days of liquids and more if I can take it. I am schedule for another floroscopy in two weeks and if the swelling hasn't gone done, I will again have to do liquids. Funny thing is, I haven't lost an ounce on liquids and my appetite (no fill) is getting ravenous at times. I am so discouraged, I am thinking of taking the band out. I suffer from getting food stuck, more often than I like, but the doctor said that is due to the swelling apparently and not my fault. Why the swelling, nobody has answered that question - why if I am having such a hard time eating am I not losing weight. Apparently food is going down. I'm no help I know, actually I am looking for help. I want to say hang in there, but I know you feel. With sincere best wishes for success. Helen

Help, I'm not doing too well. I had my surgery on April 2, weighed 194. Had a fill in June of .05 - didn't do a thing! Had a fill a week later for .05 - same. Doctor said lapband was fine. Went back on July 11 for .02CCs and lost about 4 lbs, since have gained back about 2-3. I just called the doctor's office and scheduled a fourth fill for August 4th - do these doctors just like to make money on the fills or can someone give me some advice. I have only lost a total of 13 lbs since April - it is so depressing. I exercise 4-5 days a week, eat right, but don't eat the amount that I hear we should be eating - I am much too hungry for 1/2 cup servings. Waiting for a boost, Best, Helen

Hi Kimmie, I would love to have your mom's recipe; if she doesn't mind. By the way, I noticed that many of you seem to have the weight tracking device on your post; I was able to find it and put in the data, but I can't figure out how to get it to the forum and my control panel to use it. Can you help? My best, Helen >

Hi Jacklyn, Can you post the creamy soup recipes you have, if it's not too much trouble. Maybe we can start our own healthy recipe cook band for lap band patients. Thanks lots, Helen >

Hello Everyone and a special hello to those banded by Dr. Ortiz on 4/2/08. My surgery went well and I am doing good. The only problem I really have is the gas pain or whatever it is in my left shoulder. It just doesn't want to go away. My surgery went so smoothly, I don't recall going in and I don't recall anything after until I was back at the hotel. How did I get there? I do remember going out, walking to the mall and getting my nails done, but I think that was on the third. Then on Friday I flew back to the east coast and Florida where I live. The flights were long, and delayed, but I was fine. I am living on popsicles and chicken/beef broth and I am doing ok with it, but I do think about food - no true appetite, just pleasant visions though. I can see why everyone looks forward to solid food again. I remember meeting Nick and Nicky, a father and daughter team, a sweet lady from Canada, her name may be Maria, another lady from Canada, think her name was Clarrisa and then the young pretty woman who came down from South Dakota with her husband. Where are you all? More importantly, how are you doing? If you get a chance, please reply, I would love to hear from you. My best, Helen >

Dear AnnieLou, I am so sorry you had such a horrible experience, and as you pointed out it can and does happen anywhere. I think you are super to tell it on this blog and you do not have to go away. This blog is for everyone and you need to continue to help all of us by letting us know how you are healing and how you feel and let us know when you are down so we can help to pick you up. This blog has so many wonderful caring people on it, me being one > and I want you to understand we really want you to continue writing on it. Your attitude is great, you are still looking forward to why we all had this surgery and I really believe because of this, you will become a success story. Are you home now, how long did they say the healing will take; and how do you feel physically and mentally? Please write to all of us, but if you ever feel the need to just talk to one person, my email address is hmparis78@gmail.com. Drop me a line and I will send you my phone number. My best, Helen :-h >

Hi Clynn, I had asked the ? about the fills etc. I have been having problems getting back on as I forgot my log in name?????? - too much gas in the shoulder maybe? Anyway, hope you are doing well and will await your answer. Best, 1fatcat >

Hi I just had my surgery on April 2 and noticed your post. How is your weight loss and is it normal to have so many fills? Just curious and would love to hear from you. Sincerely, 1fatfcat

Hi Hannah, I was banded on the 2nd of April. I have mostly left shoulder pain, sometimes right. I did not get oxygen. My stomach ususally feels ok, although now and then I have some pain (gas?) in it. I feel I am doing well and I am disappointed to hear some people say they have gas pains for over a year now. 1FatCat[ :-?

Hi, I was banded on April 2 and stayed overnite in the hospital in a private room. Since you will be banded with your friend you will be in a room for two. The hospital is clean, much better than most, the staff is WONDERFUL and the doctors are exceptional. Now, as far as your personals, including underwear and wallet - no problem. The people couldn't be more honest. The things will remain in your room at the hospital and nobody will touch them. The diet - actually I had a hard time with the before diet because I had company visiting. If all fails do the shake diet. I did not try the optifast one, so I can't answer that question, but I'm sure someone will today. It is better to diet as much as you can as the fat around the liver is reduced and that makes the op easier for both you and Dr. Ortiz. :-h The surgery was a breeze. I still have gas pains in my shoulders, but my stomach is doing fine. I have gained 1/2 lbs on liquids and I may add I'm not drinking a ton as I have no appetite so I amconfused by the gain but I am sure it can be explained. In fact I will look for answers on the forum this am. I'm just mentioning it so that if you experience it, you won't panic. Best of luck to you both. 1Fat Cat =D>

Hello Everyone, You are all truly wonderful. I woke up this am (4:15 East coast time) to your great and supportive comments. I will be boarding the plane in three hours and will be in CA this afternoon to become one of the "future skinnies". I will keep you posted on my progress next week and after. Be happy, :-h 1fatcat

I have had to diet my whole life and only got really thin once for a couple of years so I am so leery; but desperate for this to work. I think you made me feel lots better and I want to thank you all for responding. I am 64 now and just so afraid this isn't going to work either. Buy you have given me hope. Thanks again, 1 fatcat :-h

I don't know if I am replying the correct way, but I thank you for your post. I do know I have to do the work, but there are so many complaints on these posts that it has sunk my mood. I am happy your procedure is over and I hope you are starting to feel better. Thanks for writing. 1fatcat :-h

I AM GETTING BANDED IN A COUPLE OF DAYS AND AFTER READING LOTS OF THE POSTS, I HAVE TO SAY I'M MORE FRIGHTENED NOW, THAN BEFORE I READ. IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE TO BE ON A DIET THE REST OF YOUR LIFE,, AND IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHY GET THE BAND? IS ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS BEEN REALLY SUCCESSFUL AND FOR HOW LONG AND WHAT DO YOU EAT? THANKS FOR ANY INFO, 1FATCAT