Amy H.
7/9/15
Finally just over a month out from my revision to RNY surgery. It took about 3 full weeks to finally start feeling normal, longest recovery from a surgery I have ever had... I was so tired, no energy, nauseous and upset/painful tummy. YUCK
However, now doing well and able to try some real food. Most is going well. I have had some dumping episodes (nauseous, weak, fuzzy) to things here and there, but I am getting through the learning curve. Also, learning restriction and fullness is so different then the band! I have lost some weight in the first few weeks, now on the "real food stall" and waiting for it to move again!
6/8/15
Revision surgery from Lapband to RNY. Very nervous about the big change, but excited to move on and get this band out!
9/8/2010
New Update: Moved to NC in Oct 2009, was married in May 2009 in Florida. Gained 10 lbs between May and move in October. After moved took until June for new insurance to kick in. During that time I packed on about 15 more lbs!!! I had learned to eat around the band as I was too tight and all I ate was soup! I couldn't wait for insurance, so on vacation in FL went to see band Dr (Jawad) and had .5 taken out of my band paying out of pocket for the visit. After the unfil, I felt better and could eat more, but too much. I was working hard to loose the weight, but it wasn't going just staying stable. So yesterday I finally got to my new dr, after a month long fight with the insurance to cover it, and I had .2 put back in. I am hoping it will help :) I was at 210 when married a year ago, 220 when I moved in October and 235 as of last week. Crossing my fingers!
5/14/08 - Time for an update (-115lbs and back to a 2.3 fill level again)
Sure, I am here at work and bored, so an update sounds like a good idea. Well, after the last fill 2/5, I was not really loosing and started to feel like I could eat more and more. However, sometimes I was still getting things stuck, but thinking it was my fault for that. Well, in April I went to the doc and got a fill of .2cc to bring me up to 2.5 total. I felt like I needed it, and the doc was unsure. So we went for it saying I would come back if any issues. 2-3 weeks went by and things were okay. I was not loosing, but hoping it would start helping me soon. I had cut back on my food intake however. After the 3rd week, things started going downhill...I was getting stuck all the time! It had gotten to a point where I think I was swollen constantly and even rice pudding and cereal were having some trouble going down smoothly. I was gurgling mostly everything I ate, if not getting it completely stuck. I turned to a lot of soups hoping that I could get the swelling down. After a few weeks, I was tired of it all and the soups and soft foods had not made a change. I went to the doc in early May and told him about the past few weeks. His response was what I expected..."yeah, that fill needs to come out!" So, for my first time ever, I had a fill removed. We debated on removing more than the .2cc, but did just that for now hoping it would work.
Well, since the fill was removed, I have not had issues with food getting stuck and am still satisfied with the correct amount of food. I am trying to stay away from the soups and get back to regular protiens/veggies. The scale has also started moving again. I was stuck at the 205-206 range for 2 months, and am now down to 200! I am so close to wonderland I can lick it!!! Of course, when I get there I will not believe it until I step on the scale about 100 times to be sure, then repeat for the next few days :) YAY!!!
2/5/08 - Update and Fill (-107lbs and now at 2.3 fill level) I also made my 1 year goal!!!
Well, I was doing okay with the last fill until right around the holidays. I was loosing steadily and going to the gym to help that along. I did not think I needed a fill at my 1 yr appointment in Dec, but I found out within weeks that I was very wrong. I got down to -105 lbs a week before christmas. I went to visit family and came back at -107lbs! Wow, weight loss during the holiday, I was ecstatic! Then that is where it fell apart, I think partially my fault and partially needing a fill. I came home and within a week I was back up those 2 lbs and a week later gained an additional lb! I have yet to gain a lb since surgery that stuck around longer than a day!!! That was hard to see. I starting thinking and noticed that I was eating a lot of leftover sweets and slider foods, plus had been lacking at the gym with the holiday shopping and vacation. So, I decided to go back to the gym regularly and watch what I was eating (no more 3 or more pieces of chocolate a day!!!) I finally lost that extra lb within a week and it took me a few more weeks to loose those other 2 lbs. Therefore, after 5 weeks, I am finally back to what I was just after christmas. That was a tough struggle for just a few lbs and kinda a waste of 6 weeks worth of possible loosing, but that is just a minor infraction.
So, yesterday I finally got in for a fill (have been trying for weeks to get one). The doc wanted to try .4cc, since he said it had been so long since I had a fill. I was anxious about that much, as the last 2 fills of .2cc were almost to the point of too tight. So I let him try it out. As soon as he put it in, things did not feel right. I almost felt like something was in my throat and saliva forming. I am still not sure if it was the band being to tight, or my anxiety, but either way it was not a good sign. So I sat up and drank some water and it went down kinda slow. Therefore, he took out .2cc, and I ended up with the .2cc fill I am use to. As of this morning, I am glad that is all I got. I know I am still swollen, especially since he tested the limits, but even full liquids are slow today.
Other than that, everything is going wonderfully. I have lost a lot of weight and people are really noticing now. I am actually smaller than I was when I graduated high school. I went from a size 32/34 to a size 18 currently. I am just about to the point of buying clothes in the regular ladies section...I don't even know where to start. I am so lost when it comes to that as I have been in the womens section since about 9th grade! So, shopping for myself in the regular section is foreign to me...it is a new venture and I am really excited about it!
9/24/2007 - Finally time for another fill (-87lbs and now at 2.1 fill level)
I had my dr appointment today and it was obvious that I had not lost as much as I had in the previous months. My PA was still very happy with what I had done and told me that as long as it was more than 1/2 lb a week he is very happy. Expecially since I am now down below the 100lbs to go mark it is more difficult to lose. I was not sure if I needed a fill and went in mainly to ask his opinion. He stated that if you can not eat bread or chicken easily then you should not fill. Well, I was on the border with that. I can eat some chicken and some bready foods (like pizza crust). So, I ended up getting a small fill and the same thing happened this time as the last - the band/stomach pushed back telling him it was close to full restriction. So, that should mean that this fill should hold me for a while. I hope it holds for a long time, without any issues in the begining (as that is a big fear of mine)
Also, I decided to ask him about the lump I had under my left bra line. I have not been completely sure what it was all this time. When I stand it is like a hard lump. I asked and the PA said that it felt like my port. Then I asked if it really was because when I get a fill it sits about halfway between my bra line and my waist line. He tested it out by holding onto it while I layed down and then sat up. You can actually feel it completely move (or almost disappear) when I lay. Standing it is right on the surface, laying it is deep. We figured that when it was placed in surgery it was suppose to be in the mid spot, but for some reason my stomach muscles are different and when I stand the muscles relocate and pull the port up about 3-4 inches. We had a good laugh and said I am just strange, but it does not hurt or cause any issues so it is okay. I just happened to be the first he had ever seen that in!
I am now in a challenge with myself and my band twin Amanda to be at -100 lbs by our 1 year bandiversary (12/15/2007). I want to be at 209, which is -100lbs from my doctors starting weight as he starts from the surgery weight and not the preop weight where I started counting. I joined the gym over a week ago and am determined to hit this goal!
8/17/07 - Time to catch up (-82lbs and and 42% excess gone!)
I am still going strong with the same restriction level I was given back in may (1.9cc in a 4 cc band). I have been continuing to loose pretty well. I went to a drs appointment on Monday and thought I was not going to be down that much. To my surprise, I was down about 13 lbs since the last one. so continuing with about 1.75 lbs per week. I am still working towards my goal of -100 lbs by my 1 year date and only have about 19 lbs to go for that, so no biggie. Overall, I would love to be in onederland by new years, as that would just be amazing!
I finally got to visit my hometown at the end of July and see all my family and friends. Most we just astounded at the change and can not wait to see me at Christmas. I get such wonderful support from all of them that it just makes me want to keep going all the time. Plus I attended my 10 yr reunion and was glad I had lost at least this much before going. I am about the same weight I was when I graduate, which made me feel better than being the one that just got bigger and bigger! And, I even love getting my picture taken now as it does not kill me to look at them anymore. Things are going great!
7/7/07 Update (-73lbs)
I just looked and realized I have not put an update on in a while, so here it is. After the last fill on 5/21, I have had wonderful restriction. I am continually loosing about 1.75-2 lbs a week and am currently sitting at 243. The goal of 240 by 7/22 is definitely within reach. I returned for another checkup on 6/25 and Kevin said I was doing great and a fill was not needed, which I agreed on. I have reached the doctors average goal for all patients of ''30% excess weight loss in one year'' by my 6 month date, so he said I was doing exceptional. And if I continued to loose this way and loose 80% of my excess weight overall, I would be in the top 10% of bandsters that can achieve this goal. That was nice to hear! I will do it I told him :) I want to be at -100 lbs by my one year date, so that is my big goal. I have a smaller goal of 220 by Labor Day, so if that goal is met (or close), I am sure I can hit the year end goal. I am LOVIN my band!!!
5/21/2007 Fill appointment (-62lbs)
I had scheduled a regular 6 week appointment for 6/4, however just a couple weeks after my 18 week appointment I could tell I needed a fill. I was getting hungry really fast and able to eat more food. So, I went in on 5/21 planning on asking for the fill. Kevin looked at my weight loss of 8 lbs in 4 weeks and was skeptical of why I needed the fill. I ensured him that I did, just a little one. So, He said okay and gave me .3cc (a little more than I wanted, but oh well). I was fine for the first week after the fill, but then the second week came and it kicked in. I was constantly tight and pbing about every other day. I was starting to get a little worried, but said it was probably a mix of the tightness and swelling from pbing so much. So, I gave it a few more days to see if it changed. By that following weekend, it was all good. The tightness has reduced and I am now able to eat without any big issues. I do have good restriction, and am hoping this will last me for a while. It has been a total of 2 weeks and I have lost about 4 lbs, so I am staying at about 2 lbs per week still. I had a goal of 250lbs for July, so I will hit that for sure. Now, I want to be at 240 by my birthday/10 year HS reunion, which is 7/22! Wish me luck!
4/23/07 18 week check-up (-53 lbs)
I went to this appointment not knowing what to expect. I knew I had done really well in my weight loss this time, so I was not sure about getting a fill - or if I even needed one. I went in and Kevin looked at my weight (loss of about 14 lbs) and the first question he asked was, "Have you been eating?" I told him that I have definitely been eating and we went over what and how much. He then decided that I was eating enough and that it did not look like I needed a fill. I agreed, as I thought I had pretty good restriction as well.
2 weeks later - I have officially decided that my restriction is slowly deminishing. Therefore, I scheduled an appointment in 2 weeks and plan to get a small fill. I am still loosing weight, but I can eat more lately. I am just hoping I do not become too tight, so this one will be tricky. ;)
The one wonderful thing Kevin told me was that I was about 10 lbs away from my Dr's anticipated 1 year goal...and I am going to hit it before 6 months. YEAH!
3/12/07 12 week check-up (-40 lbs from highest weight!)
Well, it finally came, my second follow up appointment. Since I had lost about 11 lbs since my last appointment, I was not sure what to expect for this time around. I went in and explained that I did loose (which he was vrey happy about), but that I was still able to eat 2 cups of food without ever feeling like I hit my sweet spot (because I guess I do not have one yet). Plus I could eat starches, such as toasted bread, crackers, pitas and wraps with no problem. After going through all that, and my exercise routine; he decided I could definitly take a fill. I was not sure if he would say no because I lost, but it was apparent to him (and me) that my loss was high because I bumped up my water intake and exercise even though I was not totally restricted. I was happy about that, since I think I could do better.
Fill time - well, to my surprise, Kevin decided to try and be aggressive. He pulled back the full 1cc that was in there (I am glad it was all there) and put it back with an additional 1cc. While doing it he was telling me what he was doing. As soon as he finished, he said "No, wait, maybe not. I am going to just put .6cc in this time." He said that once he put the full 2cc in, it gurgled back at him so he knew it was too much and my stomach/band was not going to accept all that. I was fine with that, as I read too many stories about being too tight and it is scary. Plus my dr's office is only open here on Mondays, so if I was too tight, I would have to wait a week to get it fixed - Yikes! After I drank some water (ok), I layed back down for him to remove the needle and the water came up a little bit into my throat. He said that was okay since he put so much in the first time it might be a little more swollen. But of course, if it continued, to call him immediatly today!
I went home to my liquid meal and was fine. I have not had any issues yet and am hoping it stays that way. The last fill kicked in about 2 weeks later for about a week, so we will see what this one does. I have family coming in next week for a Disney/Amy vacation, and I know there is going to be lots of eatin going on. I will see what my band thinks about that! Wish me luck!
1/29/2007 First 10% excess gone!
Well, today was the 6 week post op appointment, and possible fill. I went in this morning and was told I lost about 6 lbs since my 1 week checkup. The PA reviewed everything and stated that I was on target. We talked for a little while about what I can eat and how much. I explained that I eat yogurt (soft), turkey/chicken salad (kinda soft), chicken breasts/ground beef/ beef chunks (not soft), vegs/fruits and all types of breads/carbs with no issue. So, I can eat a variety of foods. Therefore, the PA was not sure if I really needed a fill or not, so he left it up to me. I told him I would like to have one as I feel I can eat too much (choices and in amount) and that I get hungry and start graising at times. He said okay and we went for it. Found out that my band already has .4cc in it from surgery. The PA wanted to put in .5, so instead he put in .6 to make it an even 1cc. So far today I have not had any issues, but I am only on liquids at this time. The next few days - week will be the test :)
The fill was nothing to be worried about. He poked around for a few minutes with his fingers to find the port, which ended up hurting more than the needle! I might end up with some bruising just from that, but it is worth it. All they do then is a little needle with numbing meds then the needle for the fill. The only strange thing to me was having to sit up with a needle in my stomach so I can drink some water, before they would take it out. I can understand the concept, but it was wierd! Hopefully all will go well now.
12/27/2006
My story about WLS starts way back in the summer of this year. I decided to let it slip to my mother that I wanted to have the lap band surgery after having children. She then asked why not get it now? So I started researching more and decided it was the right time to do it. So I went to a seminar at Celebration hospital in Central Florida and Dr Kim talked all about the surgery and many of my questions were answered. So, the next day I came to work and immediatly started my research with the insurance company and what I needed to do to have the surgery covered.
I called the insurance company dozens of time throught the last 7 months, just to make sure I am getting everything right. In June I went to see Dr Jawad and his team, since they were the only close dr my insurance covered. They are located in Ocala Fl, about 90 min from where I live in Orlando. After the consultation, things started rolling. I saw the nutritionist and the physcologist...then the hurdle. Work! I could not take the time off for the surgery until after my vacation in November since I did not have the vacation/sick time to take. So, 6 months to wait. In the end, I think it worked out okay, only becuase I did not have the 3-6 months dr precribed diet that my insurance company wanted, so this time of waiting until December gave me the chance to get that. So I saw my PCP every month for a checkin on my low cal/fat diet. I lost a few lbs, but not many, as usual.
Once November 1st hit, it was time to send in the papers for approval by the insurance company. Dr Jawads office sent it and I crossed my fingers. it was sent at 4pm on Monday and by 10am on tuesday we already had an answer - APPROVED! I could not believe how fast it came back. So the surgery was set for December 15th, with preop December 7th. I now just had to have the upper GI and a Bi-Ladderal leg scan (I have a history of blood clots). I had them done on Friday Nov 17th and the Upper GI was as bad as people say. I can still taste the barium when I think about it, but I know it was needed. All went great and I was cleared.
Vacation came and went, then it was time to start getting ready for surgery. Two weeks of 2 liquid meals a day, and a low carb dinner. It went okay, although I did sneak in 1 bad dinner in the first week. :( At the preop I weighed in at 313 and was set to see the Doc the following friday at 7am in the Ocala Surgery & Laser Center. It was a really nice place with some great people.
We showed up around 6:45am on the day of surgery and things were underway. After 3 sticks for the IV, it was in. I also recieved the heparin in my stomach and some nausea meds through the IV. Then I was off to the OR. My family said I was gone for about 1hour and 15 mins before the Dr came out and gave them the ok. Then I was in recovery for about 1 hour, as I had a hard time waking up. I woke once, then was administered pain meds and was back down again. Then after the hour, the nurse let my family in and I was told to get up and move over to the chair. Once I felt okay in there for a few minutes, I decided I was okay to get changed and be on my way. I only left so quickly because my pain was managable and I did not have any nausea or complications. We had the hour and a half drive home, so the nurse wanted to be sure I was okay before I left. The drive home I slept most of the way and it was good. I got home and had no trouble climbing the stairs to my 2nd story apartment, luckily.
For the next couple days I lived on ice chips and SF popsicles. Finally on the third day I was able to get in some chicken broth, after figuring out that my pain meds were making me nauseus. I started on liquid tylenol from there out and was much better. I only had nausea for the first couple days and a little pain, but stopped the tylenol around the 4th day. The gas pain was not too bad, but I got up and moved around/walked as much as I could.
Wednesday morning it was back to work for 1/2 day, then to the dr's for staple removal. Going to work was okay, as I drove myself but it did not bother me. The staples were itching and turning red, so I was ready to have them out. I get to the dr's and he says it is a little early for staple removal! I said they looked ready to me, so he took them out, maybe a little reluctantly. I have not had any pain at the 4 small incision sites since the surgery, only where the large incision is and on the left side where the port is located.
It is now 12 days since the surgery and it has been going well. Christmas was a little tough being on the liquid diet. However, I am moving onto mushies in just a few days. I have started walking and feel great. I am greatful that there have not been any complications and hope for it to continue the same path.
Starting Weight
Goal Weight
