Hello..

I remember you. I had a leak and now a hernia so am deciding if I want to get re-banded or switch to the sleeve. How are you doing? No problems with the band?

 

Hey gorgeous! I remember you...good to see you, I hope more long timers pop in more often, I am trying to get my goove back, it's tough but doable....

I also want to add, that gastric bypass isn't what doctors say it is either. Why? Because they haven't gone through it. I was told to eat 50 g of protein a day. I need twice that. I was told to eat a well-balanced diet like the food pyramid. They did that, I would play as much as the day that I had gastric bypass surgery.





I was told that if i lost restriction, it's because I was eating portion sizes that were too large, and stretching my pouch. I measured everything that I ate for years, but I still lost it.





I was in the hospital for no good reason for two days, with gastritis. Never before. Never again. They have no idea why. I totally get that we need to post what are pros and cons are, but I think we need to move past our cons sometimes. I totally get that it is not the intent, but I think that all of the negative stories are hindering people from getting the support that they need in general. Not necessarily the support to get a band, but support about life. About obesity. About the problems that come along with losing weight.

The board has changed a great deal from years past but I don't see it changing any time soon. Those of us who post what others see as negative are telling our own stories of what happened to us. The band is most definately not what we were told it was 6 years ago and we are learning that it does indeed cause serious damage to a lot of people. So we are pointing that out to hopefully help someone from making the same mistake as we did. Hopefully most of us do it nicely but a few are very shall we say rabid about it, they probably have suffered the most and don't want others to suffer the same. The band has been successful for some but for many it has not so we can't support anyone going thru the suffering we have. So the support you are looking for just may not be here but maybe if others like you keep posting maybe it will return but I won't be holding my breath. I do wish you good luck tho with your BOB, some have had great success with it.

Well I can' say anything that hasn't already been said so here's a ((((HUG))))! Life with a band is a challenge on the best of days so just do the best you can.

No way negativity!!
Your post is inspirational! Most of us who gain weight are ashamed to go to the doctor. Silly, but true.

I don't know that we can be prepared for life thinner when we've never been, but now that you've flirted with it, you know what to expect.

You are taking back control. How awesome?!? Go get it girl!!

Thank you all SO MUCH! Hearing everyone has really sincerely helped. I actually JUST called the surgeon and made an appointment for a check-up because of everything everyone has said. This kind of support is really what I needed to swallow my shame, take the step and make the appointment. I appreciate it so so much I can't even say! It's nice knowing I'm not alone and that I can always rely on the amazing people here for support. 

Ditto on all the above.  (Including being blocked, even when trying to handle her with kid gloves.)  I think some sleeve people think they have what RNYers have but, not always the same.  Yes this can happen in non WLS people so of course some with sleeves and bands can have it.  Also over eating itself can cause the symptoms, so yes with the sleeve and band it is easier to "over eat".

Reacting badly to sugar was the only reason I had even thought of getting the RNY over band.

I can't understand why someone beat up a surgery that three surgeons said were the best for them.  I know you can always find some one willing to take your money, but is that the best choice for you.

OP what surgeries does your surgeon do and what if anything have they said is best for you.  If they do the four major, I would think they would give you an honest answer.

Kerri,

I don't know you, but I'm very proud of you for coming here and writing with such honesty.  Many of us have grown up feeling shame when we don't do well at something, especially when it's something so emotional and painful as our struggle with weight loss.  But most of us have slid off the wagon more than once and have had our share of struggles no matter what surgery we've had.  You sound ready to get back on track and therapy is key to understanding the why behind our issues with food.

Remember this...you have paid your surgeon for his professional services.  He is a doctor, not your mother, father, sister, brother.  He can't "make" you feel bad.  Only we do that to ourselves.  If he is insensitive, remember that most surgeons are very direct and to the point.  He's not trying to hurt you, but the truth often hurts.  Do go in expecting sympathy or understanding.  You paid him to perform the surgery not for emotional support.  My surgeon is a great guy and wonderful surgeon but he's very blunt and I know I'd be setting myself up for disappointment if I expected him to tell me it's o.k. when I've stumbled.  It's just not his style.  You're paying him for a service and as long as he takes care of you medically, he's doing his job.  In my experience most doctor's don't have great bedside manner.

You already know what's been going on and like you said, nobody is harder on us than we are on ourselves.  Allow yourself a little grace.  The past is the past and what you do going forward is what counts.  

I hope he gives you an upper GI to check your pouch.  Mine was very dilated even though I was emptied for a year.  I pushed the limits to the point that I had to have my band removed on May 6th.  Yes, I'm scared but there came a point when I knew what I was doing and the effects of my over eating and pb'ing too often caused terrible issues with reflux and greatly compromised the gastro/esophageal junction so the flap that opens and closes to keep bile (and food) down no long works properly.  Having no band is better than suffering the reflux, night cough, etc. and I had to make the choice for my health's sake.  That IS what it's all about, after all.  I may or may not revise down the road, but right now I'm focused on healing.  Lucky for me I lost 100+ lbs and have only gained back 25 but I still plan on finishing this journey, with or without surgery.

Keep us posted.  It sounds like you are in a good place and I bet your doctor will admire the fact that you have admitted your part in this and how strong you are to keep trying!  

Blessings and Grace, 

Lisa O.