cckcsharp

I too had lost about 60 lbs (took a year) and then got prego.

I'm 30 weeks prego, have gained 10 pounds and never got unfilled (I think I'm at 2.8mm). I've had no complications so far. I take lots of vitamins and get lots of protein. I drink a TON of water, like 1-2 gallons a day (drives hubby crazy as he has to keep refilling our 5 gallon jugs (6 of them) at the water store ever week and a half to two weeks instead of once a month lol). I have to say drinking so much water has made a huge difference as I'm not getting cramps in my legs yet and I'm in the last trimester. I didn't drink as much water when I was prego w/ first and got cramps in the night in the beginning of the second trimester.

I did have terrible morning sickness, throwing up a couple of times at the beginning and a couple of times this week. Feel free to ask me any questions at all!!! I only have 9 weeks left YEA! (csection a week early due to medical reasons). I'm not done w/ the pregnancy yet but I know I was scared in the beginning cause I couldn't find anyone else that had been prego w/ the band to talk to, so I'm here if you want to ask me anything:)

Hey thanks for your help. I called my fill doctor here in Utah and told him I was pregnant and asked what I should do about being unfilled. He said to do nothing at all. He said that unfilling a pregnant patient was, in his exact words "bull crap and old school thinking." He said that as long as I was doing fine and not having any problems, they would just leave me where I'm at. I have a pretty good fill at 1.7cc's. I would say just about perfect. I am so glad to here from someone else who not only had the band while pregnant, but also kept your fill in the entire time. I think I am going to work on drinking more water too. Hey did you feel like your OBGYN responded well to you having the band? I wondered about them being judgemental or something. Anyway, thanks again for your help.

Hey Jessica,

I had my daughter (1 year ago almost) after my band. After being banded I decided to try to get pregnant, it didn't happen, gave up, then tried again about 9 months after banding and got pregnant immediately. I had a medium fill at the time and my doc wanted me to gain the regular 30 pounds, even though I weighed 215 when I got pregnant. So I got a complete unfill I think around 2.5 months preg. I was glad I did, because as she grew I did get a little tighter. I never had any issues whatsoever though, with eating or PBing or anything. And I did gain like 33 lbs I think. So when I had her I was at 248. And yes I am at 158 now and super close to goal!

I personally wanted to have 1 last baby before I lost all my weight. I was afraid that if I got to goal, then got pregnant and went crazy with food, I wouldn't get re-filled afterwards and return to my old habits. At times I felt mad that I basically started over. But, I did get a super sweet girl out of it! And it's been less than a year and I feel so great. Try not to view it as starting over. It's just a bump in the weight loss road. I have heard that someone's doctor told her to only gain like 5 or 10lbs during pregnancy, but that seems kind of nuts to me. Babies plus placenta and extra blood weight that much at least. So just realize that you HAVE to gain, for the baby. I seriously had fun eating. It sounds crazy but I knew 100% that after she was born I was DONE being huge. So I ate all the stuff I wanted and said goodbye to my old fave chinese food. And then 4 weeks after I had her I got a fill and then really went for it.

I know that lots of women have had babies with the band. I had fairly bad morning sickness and puked a lot, no band issues. Had a cesarean and lots of ultrasounds, no band issues. So don't worry! Just make sure your OBGYN knows what the band is. And take care of yourself!!

Karen

Feel free to ask me any other questions!

Karen,

You are a lifesaver!!! I feel so much better hearing your story. I did want to ask you though...you said you got unfilled all the way at 2 months pregnant...After the unfill were you able to eat normally like you did before the band...or did you still have minor restriction? I appreciate your advice so much...helps me get over my slightly negative attitude and think more positively.

Hi,I got my lap band last fall and chose to do it at that time because I felt like I was done having kids and ready to take care of myself and my body. I was doing well, I have lost 60 pounds...and then suddenly I find out that I am pregnant...total surprise...

Now I feel like I am going to be moving backwards and I feel on hold.

But mostly I am worried about being pregnant with the band and complications that cause my band to have to come out. Or somehow the pregnancy damages my band.

Anyone out there had a pregnancy with the band or know someone who has?

You need to at least have your band checked out. Under flouro. Make sure that it hasn't slipped or something. Vomiting everyday is not normal and I don't think you can really move forward until you verify that everything is okay with your band and that you are safe.

Thanks you guys for those replies. This gives me some comfort, as I was a little worried. I was banded at the end of August so I guess I am still healing.

I havent posted in quite some time due to my personal situation of caring for my elderly/mentally ill mom.

But these past few days I have had pain right where my port is. My mom is a big lady (that's where I got it from) and I have been physically exerting myself quite a bit more these past several weeks helping her stand and such. So I am hoping this is just tender muscles

But has anyone else had pain near their port and found out is was something to be concerned about. I am also worried that my port may have moved or flipped.

Thanks so much. Your kind words really help during difficult times. I really think I am going to take your advice and do my best to take care of me too.

Hi everyone,

I have been MIA for some time now. I posted a while back about the issues I was having with my mom and step dad aging and illness. Well, to make it short, they both got worse, my mom went into a nursing home for rehab/physical therapy and only a week later I found my step dad at the local IHOP having a stoke or seizure. I rushed him to the E.R. and he died 5 days later. I had to take care of their home, sell it and deal with all their property and assist with my step dad's funeral arrangments. Then my mom became very sick, and I had to remove her from the nursing home because they were refusing to get her medical attention (anther story) and I took her straight from the nursing home to the E.R. where she was admitted to ICU with acute kidney failure. One week later, she is still in the hospital and things are not going well. I am not sure how much longer my mom will live and it is a very difficult emotional roller coaster ride. She is only 61 years old.

It has been extremely difficult because this drama all started only 2 weeks after I got my band. I have not had the time or energy to focus on me and take of my health needs or make sure I am making good food choices. I managed to get one fill so far and was planning another one about this time, but I think the stress has been so great that I don't need one. My band feels pretty tight. I am eating very little. I have managed to lose another 5 pounds since my fill 5 weeks ago. So I guess I cannot complain too much. But I know that I would have lost more if I had the time to eat healthier and exercise. I am on the go so much and dealing with so much, that I choose things like liquid calories so I can eat quick without issues of getting things stuck or Pbing. I want so much to take care of me, but cannot bring myself to abandon my mom in her time of need. I am just waiting for that light at the end of the tunnel to arrive and taking things day by day. I have missed the support and love of this group and I am glad to have a few free moments to post. I hope that all is going well with all of you. Thanks Cathy for checking in on me. I did get your messages and appreciated them soooooo much during this very difficult time.

1) How old are you? 31

2) Have you been overweight your whole life or did you gain weight as a result of pregnancies, surgeries... or whatever. (You don't need to add the details if you don't want... just whether there was 'an event' that you feel made you start gaining). Over weight my whole life.

3) How many times have you lost and gained. I have lost a handful of times, but only 5-10 pounds at a time.

4) After lap band surgery has your weight been coming off easier than when you dieted before? Totally. I have lost 35 and that is more than I ever lost on my own. Plus I find that even when I break the bandster rules, the weight doesn't come back.

5) What is your average weekly weight loss? 2 pounds.

My goodness girl! Again with the Legs!!! Kim you really do have great lookin legs and should show those babies off every chance you get. They look even better than the last pics you had posted. I know the weight loss has slowed for you, but I think your body is still changing and improving because you look better every time you post pics.

This is soooooooo true. Drinking water has made a great deal of difference in weight loss for me. And I noticed that I stopped feeling that water retention bloated feeling when I was well hydrated. And yes, my skin started to feel better too. I can't agree with this more.

Hey I saw you mention cheese chips to kim. I had never heard of them and thought I would give them a try. I forgot to use non stick foil, which presented a challenge, but what I was able to pick off the foil was so darn good. I just wanted to thank you for sharing this tip. Great little snack idea that tastes yummy. Next time, I will use the non stick and have an even better time enjoying them.

Hot MAMA!!! Way to go on those 50 pounds. You look spectacular. It's amazing what a difference 50 pounds makes.

I think a lot of people have made that mistake about the band size. The card you get from the OCC says 10 CM. People read that and think they have the 10 CC band. But the 10 CM band only holds the 4 CC of saline, I think it can get quite confusing. So don't feel bad. Your not the only one to make that mistake.

Thanks for posting this. I found this to be very insightful and interesting. I really think this could help with my weight loss, just simply by understanding why I am prone to overeat and being aware of what's going on in my brain.

Kim, I am so happy for you. I know you have really struggled with the stinkin plateau and I am glad that this has worked for you.

I also drink water right up until I eat. I will often drink a bunch of water right before I eat so that I am not thirsty. I think some of the drinking while eating is habit and pleasure. I actually just LOVE to drink something and eat at the same time. So this is a hard one for me too. I know if I have water before eating, than the desire to drink is not from true thirst. It's from habit and I just have to work everyday to not do it. But yes, I have broken this rule too. It's hard.

Hey Jessica -

Did you go to the Dr. you emailed me about? What did you think of him? Good bedside manner? Clean office? Nice staff?

I'm glad you're feeling restriction. When do you think you'll go back for your second fill? How long did you go from your surgery date until this first fill?

Thanks for posting. I was going to email you this week after I felt better. This clear liquid stuff is almost over. I'm excited to add the yogurt and creamy soups.

Talk soon!

Yes, I did go to Dr. Cottam. While I think his personality is a little weird, he was nice. I had my four kids with me and he was joking with them. I chose to do a blind fill and he found the port pretty easily. This was a concern of mine, as I wondered how they found the dang port. He put the needle in and did have to move it up and down a few times and sort of feel around a bit. But it didn't hurt. He did say that he recommends using flouro for the first appointment. Which means you pay $150 for his fee, $150 for flouro, and $100 one time new patient fee. Total is $400 for first visit. But then after that you can go in and do blind fills for only his fee of $150. He also said that if you get a fill and it's not right, he will adjust it for free within a week. His office staff was nice and the office itself is very nice and professional. I can only say that I would recommend him to anyone and that I was pleased with my decision to go to him rather than return to TJ. I like the idea of having a local doctor in case of an emergency. Also, if you request a surgery report from the OCC, then you can take that with you to give to Dr. Cottam. Once he has that surgery report on file, he will see you in the event of an emergency or complication. So all around, I feel that it's a pretty good set up. Hope all is going well for you, let me know if you go to Dr. Cottam and how things go for you. I would call and get your appointment set up as soon as possible. I schedule mine for about 7 weeks after surgery. I think I will go back within 4 weeks and get a second fill. But that is just a guess. I have to see how this first fill goes. But from what everyone says, they need that second fill within about that 4 weeks time frame. We'll see.

Okay,

So I had my first fill today and it went pretty good. I chose to do a blind fill instead of flouro. The doc put 1.5cc in the band.

But he told me 2 things that I thought were strange. First he said that after my fill, I could eat whatever. I thought with your first fill you went on liquids for a few days. He said he used to do that and it didn't seem to make a difference so now he doesn't.

But then he started talking about flouro. I told him that I was aware this was an option but that I chose to do the first one blind and then with the second one I would do flouro. He said that I should have done it the other way around. And not for the reason I had expected. He said that if I had done the first one under flouro, he could have gotten my fill right to the perfect place where I probably wouldn't need another fill for 4-5 months. This seems to go against the majority of peoples experience with fills. So I was really confused by this.

Anyway, since he said I could eat solids, I chose a banana to eat after my fill. And yes, I could tell the difference. Couldn't finish the banana. I then came home and tried to eat and only got a few bites in. So I am definately feeling some restriction from this fill, although based on what everyone says, I don't expect it to last too long before needing my second fill.

Oh yeah, I learned that my scale is off by 8 POUNDS!!!! The dr. scale was 8 pounds less, so that was also some good news. But I don't think this changes how much I have lost. I am guessing that my starting weight was about 8 pounds less than what I thought.

Yeah me too..... As I have said before I am the first to admit I am technically challenged!!

Someday it will be easier or I will get smarter and by then it will be such a dramatic change in pics,,,Oh I can't wait for that day!!!

Glad you got yours to work Stormy!! You can certainly see the difference...WOW!!

I read mamamicheles directions too and I just can't get it either. So you gals are not alone in the technically challenged department. We should start a support group

Stormy, good job on your 21 days. And I really think theres a difference in your face between those two pics. So great job. Hope you enjoyed your first meal. I still can't figure out how to put pics in my post like that. So maybe when I am ready, I will call you and you can walk me through it. I am a dope with those kinds of things. Best wishes.

Yes banding is the easy way out, just like AA is the easy way out of alcoholism, chemo is the easy way out of cancer, and therapy is the easy way out of crazy. This isn't a poker game, this is my life! There is no cheating to get healthy.

Love love love that response. I really need a laugh at this point in my life, so thanks for that.

Yeah Vix. So you just have 1 cc in total? Do you feel any restriction at this point? Or no difference. I get my first fill in 6 days. I had it scheduled with flouro, but cancelled and changed it to just a blind fill. But now, I am jealous. It's sounds way cool to see what's going on in there. I guess I will have to wait until my second fill. I am going to alternate the flouro. Anyway, hope things are going well with the fill and also your knee. How is that going?

Thank you to all of you for your support and love. I think more than anything I just needed to hear words of encouragement to help me through this and that is what all of you have done.

I did contact Adult protective services a few days ago and I have a scheduled appointment to meet with the caseworker at my mother's home. But they cannot force my mom or step dad into a nursing home and said that as long as I am living, they will not take them into states custody because there's a family member available. Also, my mom does not yet qualify for Medicare ( government health care) because she is only 61 years old. Because of her age, she must be on SSI (disability) for 2 years before her medicare will kick in. That will happen in 6 months. Her current blue cross/blue shield does not cover ANY home health care or nursing facility. Without medicare, no resources in the community want to help.

I am hoping to get her qualified for state healthcare ( medicaid) and that will cover a nursing home. Although, just a state run nursing home. Not the good ones. I have power of attorney of both my mom and step dad and the caseworker says the next step would be for me to file for guardianship with the court. This seems bad, but she said the reason for doing this is because the state cannot force people against their will into a nursing home. But if I am granted guardianship from a Judge, this would give ME the right to place them into a nursing facility. However, I cannot see how I am suppose to drag them from their home kicking and screaming???

But I will take this one day at a time and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I feel like you gave me the boost I needed to go forward and reminded me to take care of me and my band.

I thank the Lord above for the love and support I have received from this group.

I am almost 6 weeks post op and scheduled for my first fill in one week.

But I am dealing with a personal crisis and food has always been my drug of choice to take away the pain.

My mom and stepfather were severely abusive to us when we were children. My mom even served time in prison and a mental hospital for what she did to her children. As adults they continued to find ways to emotional and mentally torture their children and I have spent many years suffering from the pain they have caused.

Now, however, my mom has become severely disabled both mentally and physically and cannot care for herself and my stepfather is dying of a brain tumor. They have caused so much pain and abuse to immediate and extended family that NO ONE cares. I am the only one willing to set aside what they have done and forgive. I recognize that even though they committed terrible acts, they need help and somebody has to help them. They can no longer care for themselves. But everyone else in the family would rather see them ROT.

I am left alone to care for two people who are basically mentally insane and also need physical assistance to bath and toilet and eat. Along with the fact that as I care for these two people I am constantly haunted by the horrible things that they did to me and my sisters. It's difficult to bath the person who physically, sexually and mentally abused you. While trying to show compassion for them, I am secretly hoping they would just die. Every time the phone rings or I go to their home, I am hoping that I will find them dead so this nightmare will be over. They are very poor and have no money for professional care nor money for funeral expenses.

Everyday, I am self medicating with food just to get through this and I am afraid to stand on the scale for fear of what I will see. While I typically NEVER share this information with strangers, you guys are the only ones I have to talk to. My family just says, "call me when their dead."

I am afraid this entire experience will destroy my band. The abuse I suffered is what caused my weight problems to begin with and here again, I am allowing my mother and stepfather to ruin my life again. How do I get a grip on this so I don't ruin my band and end up gaining back all the weight I have lost.