Its official, I am a WLS failure

[Shosh]

Well two years out from my lap band surgery, and I have gained some weight back, and I am struggling to exercise, and yep I am probably one of those WLS failures.

I dread going to the clinic, because they will give me a pretty stern lecture about my weight gain.



Just look at my profile pic. I am looking a bit volumptuous should I say! Lol!

I guess all this will never be over. It is so hard.:(

[moniquessbbw]

You are not a failure. Hang in there. Big hugs..

[Shosh]

You are not a failure. Hang in there. Big hugs..

Thanks Monique.:)

[steely]

Don't be so hard on yourself.Be kind.You look wonderful to me.Think about how far you have come.You could be back at the beginning.You look beautiful,now don't forget it.;)

[Rowan]

Well two years out from my lap band surgery, and I have gained some weight back, and I am struggling to exercise, and yep I am probably one of those WLS failures.

I dread going to the clinic, because they will give me a pretty stern lecture about my weight gain.



Just look at my profile pic. I am looking a bit volumptuous should I say! Lol!

I guess all this will never be over. It is so hard.:(

I feel that same way sometimes...ok...most of the time. Unfortunately I got my surgery when i was young and did it more for my husband than for myself. But im actually going to look into getting it revised when I go to my new primary care doctor appointment next wednesday.

[Tina]

The body wants to be what it will be, and will do whatever it takes to be that which it's naturally programmed to be. I read something like that in the National Geographic a couple of years ago when they did a study on weight and the brain and how the brain knows when we're supposed to be fat and will do whatever it takes to get that fat back, at least to a degree. Or somesuch. Obviously I cannot quote from memory.

Fact is, Shosh, you're meant to be fat. You will likely always be some degree of fat. And also, the way you're holding your face accentuates your double chin. Are you fat? I dunno, but I don't think you're a failure. I'm guessing that you are not back to your pre-surgery weight, and you've had some challenges that have made exercising and such more difficult. And screw the doctors and nurses; they have no right to chastise you. I simply do not see you as a failure.

[AlethaBBW]

You are in no way a failure. You got the band to keep your weight down because the MS compromises your mobility. You've accomplished this, and if any nurses or doctors try to lecture you, set them straight. YOU are the customer, they work for YOU, not the other way around. You didn't do this so you could be a size two bikini model. The only two things that matter here are your health and being ok with yourself.

[Sandie S-R]

Shosh - It is an important distinction to remember...

You (we) are not the failures. It is the diets and WLS that fail us.

Huge difference.

[BeautifulPoeticDisaster]

You are soooo not a failure!!!!!! If anything it is the band that has failed you!!! I have done tons and tons of research about all different type of WLS and the one thing I do know, is that the band fails the most and people almost always gain the weight back. So it isn't you, it's the band.

[TraciJo67]

I've regained about 20 pounds from my lowest weight. Up to about 160, and on my 5'6" frame, that's a little bit of the chub ;). I wouldn't consider myself to be a failure. I'm not sure why you feel this way, Susannah. Did you have surgery so that you could be thin, or was it in the hope of eliminating or reducing the effects of co-morbids that were troublesome to you?

If my doctor mentioned a word about my weight gain, I'd just say that the surgery accomplished for me what I wanted for myself. And at my age, 160 pounds is probably a very realistic portrayal of where I should be anyway -- at least, a reflection of what I can reasonably maintain, while remaining otherwise healthy. This may be the case for you, too. I'm definitely NOT going to worry about being 15-20 pounds over the so-called "ideal" BMI. With what you've got going on in your own life, your weight should be the least of your concerns. Cut yourself some slack.

If I felt the need to complain about my own weight gain (seldom do, usually it's more about making very poor choices for myself), I won't do it here. For me, this is more a place of discussing health concerns that may be tangentially related to weight. The weight itself is just a thing, a number on a scale.

[ChubbyBubbles]

Well two years out from my lap band surgery, and I have gained some weight back, and I am struggling to exercise, and yep I am probably one of those WLS failures.

I dread going to the clinic, because they will give me a pretty stern lecture about my weight gain.



Just look at my profile pic. I am looking a bit volumptuous should I say! Lol!

I guess all this will never be over. It is so hard.:(


Shosh,
You are BEAUTIFUL to me! No matter what you weigh!! *HUGS*

[Shosh]

Thanks everyone.:)

As Tina said I am probably meant to be fat, that is just my body type, I will never be thin. I am ok with that. I come from a family of fatties on my mothers side. That is who we are.

It is not so much that I want to be thin, I just want to maintain the loss, for my sanity mostly.
I just do not want to go back to those horrible days when others looked down on me and judged me and made my life a misery over my weight.
I cannot handle being put through that again.

Hope that kind of makes sense.

[KendraLee]

Susannah, you are in no way shape or form a failure and unfortunately I think we are seeing more and more cases of people gaining weight back a few years after surgery. I wont get all technical but our stomachs are elastic and they wont stay tiny forever. Plus the surgeon I spoke with was pretty against lap bands. He said they had been around for a long time and werent found to be very affective and the reason for the upswing in its popularity in my country had to do with a lot of political lobbying in Washington by the makers of the band. He actually refused to do them.
You are not a failure it is societies failure to celebrate our differences that drives us to live up to their standards and makes us unhappy to just be who we are

[Miss Vickie]

Every body responds to WLS differently. You're no more a "failure" for regaining some weight than the person who loses too much. Sometimes we just can't predict how each person will respond to a surgery, particularly when you throw autoimmune diseases like MS into the mix.

I realize you want not to be judged by others, but... you know you have no control over that, right? People might just as easily judge you for your eye color or your mode of speech or whatever. People do that, Shosh, and we unfortunately can't control it. :( But it speaks more about them and their issues than you and yours.

You've got bigger fish to fry than being a little "volumptuous". Be kind to yourself, Shosh. "Failure" is not even a word that should be in your vocabulary.

[Ernest Nagel]

“I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” ~ Bill Cosby

Shosh, you get to say if you're pleased with yourself or not. It's not anyone else's place to tell you how to feel about yourself. Maybe calling yourself a failure motivates you? I think the point is nobody's opinion about you should supersede your own. It's your life. What do you have to say about it? Validation is no better or worse than condemnation if you have to rely on others for it. JMO :bow:

And just for the record I think you're gorgeous! ;)

[mergirl]

I think you look thin.:confused:
Not that thats a compliment nor nuthin! lol But you do look lovely. :)

[jewels_mystery]

Darling you are far from a failure. Please stop being so hard on yourself. Just live your life and be happy.

[Shosh]

Thanks again everyone.

Can I just tell you all how miserable my lap band makes me feel on a regular basis?
When my brother and I flew to Tasmania to see my father last weekend, I ate something on the flight that got stuck, even though I chewed carefully.

We then drove from Hobart to Launceston which is a two hour drive, and my brother had to pull the car over a million times so that I could vomit. I was also in pain.
My brother was shocked that I had to do this, as I generally keep this particular side effect very hidden from people, but I could not hide it this day.

This has become a regular occurance for me.:( I cannot handle it, and I am contemplating having my band removed.
I am scared though, If I gain weight which is inevitable, I will become a pariah again by people making me miserable about my weight.
I do not want to have to go through the judgements of others.
Anyway.
It is so hard.
Sorry.:(

[jewels_mystery]

Don't you dare apologize. You did nothing wrong. As you can tell, you are loved by people on this site. That is unconditional regardless of your size. hugs

Thanks again everyone.

Can I just tell you all how miserable my lap band makes me feel on a regular basis?
When my brother and I flew to Tasmania to see my father last weekend, I ate something on the flight that got stuck, even though I chewed carefully.

We then drove from Hobart to Launceston which is a two hour drive, and my brother had to pull the car over a million times so that I could vomit. I was also in pain.
My brother was shocked that I had to do this, as I generally keep this particular side effect very hidden from people, but I could not hide it this day.

This has become a regular occurance for me.:( I cannot handle it, and I am contemplating having my band removed.
I am scared though, If I gain weight which is inevitable, I will become a pariah again by people making me miserable about my weight.
I do not want to have to go through the judgements of others.
Anyway.
It is so hard.
Sorry.:(

[Sandie_Zitkus]

Shoshie let me tell you one thing I know for sure. If people want to judge you they will find something to judge you about. It would be your weight or something else. If you are in that much pain and are having so many bad episodes I would suggest at least consulting a surgeon to see if it can be fixed. Then decide if you should take it out. People judge everyone, all I know is you are a lovely woman who goes out of her way to be kind. I couldn't care less if you are fat or thin. You need to be OK with you - screw the rest of the world. Be happy Shoshie you are loved. :)

[Super Fan]

Well two years out from my lap band surgery, and I have gained some weight back, and I am struggling to exercise, and yep I am probably one of those WLS failures.

I dread going to the clinic, because they will give me a pretty stern lecture about my weight gain.



Just look at my profile pic. I am looking a bit volumptuous should I say! Lol!

I guess all this will never be over. It is so hard.:(

Yes Susanna they give you a hard time for a reason, so they can keep up their sham. See only the "successful" victims go back to get their bogus weigh- ins. The majority that gain their weight back starting from 3 to 5 years after their horrendous surgery, do not go in to get scolded, so the scammers can show a fake long term success rate.

If you ask them what about the people who don’t come back for their scolding, the doctor will tell you “we can’t make our victims, I mean patients, come back for their scolding, I mean weigh- ins. If they don’t come in then we cannot count them as success or failure they just are not counted.”
This way they can perpetuate their scam because only the few long term “successes” dare to come in for the sham weigh ins.

So don’t blame yourself, just try to start or join a class action law suit to stop the butchers in their tracks. With weight loss surgery the weight comes off for about two and a half years there is another year or two where the weight fluctuates then after 3 to 5 years most tend to start packing their pounds back. It is just an extended Yo Yo extremely expensive and dangerous fraud.

[Miss Vickie]

Shosh, it really sounds like the band isn't working for you and that having it out (or at least letting the saline out) would be a good thing. When I was looking at the band, they told me that people with chronic illness or autoimmune disease should be careful with the band because it can cause inflammation and swelling, with "unpredictable" results. I'm wondering if your MS is at the root of the problems with the band.

In either case, I know you're worried about the weight gain but first of all, what's more important, quality of life or what people think of you? If you're vomiting like this you run the real risk of having your band slip, which could require more surgery, on an emergent basis. You shouldn't be vomiting this much; it's just not normal, and in no way is it your fault. As far as weight gain, yeah I know it's not what you want but if your band is making you sick, then maybe you should talk to your doctor about it. You're not the first person with "band issues" -- these things happen a lot. But you can't get help unless you seek help. Maybe give your doctor a little credit and talk to him or her about it. They can't help if they don't know what's going on.

I hope you can get some help to get this resolved. Weight issues aside, you can't keep living like this. You could be potentially damaging your stomach, and sometimes that damage isn't reversible. So please, go see your WLS surgeon, or another WLS surgeon who will work on you. You're not a failure, Shosh. Not at all.

[SocialbFly]

Shosh, it really sounds like the band isn't working for you and that having it out (or at least letting the saline out) would be a good thing. When I was looking at the band, they told me that people with chronic illness or autoimmune disease should be careful with the band because it can cause inflammation and swelling, with "unpredictable" results. I'm wondering if your MS is at the root of the problems with the band.

In either case, I know you're worried about the weight gain but first of all, what's more important, quality of life or what people think of you? If you're vomiting like this you run the real risk of having your band slip, which could require more surgery, on an emergent basis. You shouldn't be vomiting this much; it's just not normal, and in no way is it your fault. As far as weight gain, yeah I know it's not what you want but if your band is making you sick, then maybe you should talk to your doctor about it. You're not the first person with "band issues" -- these things happen a lot. But you can't get help unless you seek help. Maybe give your doctor a little credit and talk to him or her about it. They can't help if they don't know what's going on.

I hope you can get some help to get this resolved. Weight issues aside, you can't keep living like this. You could be potentially damaging your stomach, and sometimes that damage isn't reversible. So please, go see your WLS surgeon, or another WLS surgeon who will work on you. You're not a failure, Shosh. Not at all.


My friend i stayed with in Brisbane had one day where she must have puked 10 times, i am not so sure this is not a more common occurance than we think..and it sure made me think about it, and i also didnt know that it should be used more cautiously in autoimmune type disorders, i wonder if my sister knows that, cause i sure didnt...

[Miss Vickie]

My friend i stayed with in Brisbane had one day where she must have puked 10 times, i am not so sure this is not a more common occurance than we think..and it sure made me think about it, and i also didnt know that it should be used more cautiously in autoimmune type disorders, i wonder if my sister knows that, cause i sure didnt...

Holey moley. That just doesn't seem right.... or safe. And I know the band can slip when there is any kind of forceful abdominal movement. Even coughing has been known to dislodge the band. The autoimmune thing doesn't seem to be talked about much but I knew a woman with Sarc like me who rejected her port and had an open wound for MONTHS. Other people with autoimmune diseases might not be as likely as I am to reject foreign bodies, but it sure seems to happen pretty easily, in my case. That makes me worry about even biocompatible materials like silicone. Oh well, I guess those breast implants I've always wanted are a no-go. ;)

[Shosh]

Thanks Vickie, I think as ever you are spot on. I am going to make an appointment to see my doctor at the lap band clinic.

My MS has been so bad in the last year, I have suffered significant, permanant damage and progression. Maybe it is playing havok with the band.

If I was looking at a revision to something else, what could it be?

Could I live with no further devices or surgery?

Does it have to be inevitable that I will gain all my weight back?

Maybe I am just meant to be fat. It is my genetic makeup afterall.

I was out to lunch with my mother's family yesterday, and as I was looking at everybody I was realizing we are all fat, but at different stages of it, namely five of us have lap bands, and the others have either gained a lot or have lost a lot.

We are all fatties, and we are all trying to fight our genes.

[Scorsese86]

Hush, Susannah!

You are not a failure. You are the sweetet, most kind person on Dimensions (I think), and don't be so hard on yourself (as you've said to me on more than one occasion). Don't be so hard on yourself, please.

Check out http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15462&page=100 - #1195

[Shosh]

Hush, Susannah!

You are not a failure. You are the sweetet, most kind person on Dimensions (I think), and don't be so hard on yourself (as you've said to me on more than one occasion). Don't be so hard on yourself, please.

Check out http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15462&page=100 - #1195

Thank you. You are an angel.

[Scorsese86]

Thank you. You are an angel.

I think we're both angels, wouldn't you agree?

Please, remember what you've told me, when I have talked about my depression... you too are unique, and you are a very wonderful lady.

And don't forget that I have a major crush on you, Susannah:wubu:
I don't fall for ladies of failure...;) (once again... that awful English of mine... I doubt that's a real sentence)

[MissStacie]

How wonderful you are?

YOU are not defined by your body, Shosh....YOU are a fantastic individual that just happens to be fat. YOU are supportive to your friends, YOU are a wonderful auntie, daughter, sister. YOU did NOT fail, please don't think that.

Those people who judged you and made you miserable are miserable people INSIDE and felt the need to make you that way, too. Fortunately, you've got an inner positivity that somes out in spurts and you just need to allow it to come out all the time.

You are not a fat woman, you are a WOMAN who is fat. HUGE difference. No pun intended.

I love you!

Stacie


Thanks everyone.:)

As Tina said I am probably meant to be fat, that is just my body type, I will never be thin. I am ok with that. I come from a family of fatties on my mothers side. That is who we are.

It is not so much that I want to be thin, I just want to maintain the loss, for my sanity mostly.
I just do not want to go back to those horrible days when others looked down on me and judged me and made my life a misery over my weight.
I cannot handle being put through that again.

Hope that kind of makes sense.

[Mathias]

You are NOT a failure Susannah. A person's success is not measured in how much weight they've lost. You are the most kind, caring, intelligent, sweetest person I know. Don't let what some doctor says get to you.

((((Hugs))))

[kayrae]

I'm gonna have to jump on the Susannah love. You were one of the very first ladies to befriend me when I first started posting on DIMs. Your kindness and sincerity is appreciated. :bow:

[GenericGeek]

Well two years out from my lap band surgery, and I have gained some weight back, and I am struggling to exercise, and yep I am probably one of those WLS failures.

I dread going to the clinic, because they will give me a pretty stern lecture about my weight gain.



Just look at my profile pic. I am looking a bit volumptuous should I say! Lol!

I guess all this will never be over. It is so hard.:(

My wife is two years out, too, Shosh. And it does get hard here, because old eating patterns start coming back, especially in periods of extreme stress, as perhaps caused by things like... Having your whole bloody :eek::mad:state burn down. I'm sure they're doing a lot of band fills right now, so, no worries! ;)

[Shosh]

My wife is two years out, too, Shosh. And it does get hard here, because old eating patterns start coming back, especially in periods of extreme stress, as perhaps caused by things like... Having your whole bloody :eek::mad:state burn down. I'm sure they're doing a lot of band fills right now, so, no worries! ;)

I think you are right. I have been eating as a comfort to get me through everything.

[sweet&fat]

(((((((((((((((((((((Shosh!))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))))

You're wonderful. People gain and lose weight all the time and feel miserable about it. If anything you are absolutely normal and human, but so very far from being a failure.

[Big Butt Asshley]

I had my WLS in November 99. I only lost 90lbs and since 2001 I have put on about 140lbs. I am now severely anemic, I've had to have a hernia repaired, my gallbladder removed and I have had a bleeding ulcer thanks to my WLS. From time to time I get violently ill from something I've eaten a million times before without a problem. Its hard to stay away from foods that make you sick if you can eat it and be fine 99% of the time.

If I had only known in 99 what I know now I would have NEVER EVER had the surgery.

I'm sad, not because i've regained every pound plus but I'm sad because I have health issues now that I never had prior to my surgery.

Being part of this community I know TONS (no pun intended) of people who've had this surgery and us "failures" are not alone. MOST people I know have regained a majority of their weight and some like me have gained even more. Still I consider us the lucky ones. We are still here. I also have know a few people who didn't make it out of the hospital and some who died soon after being released.

Just my 2 cent....

[zsa]

My surgery was in 99 too I think and I too lost about 90 pound total. Then got realy sick from it in 2006 and had it reversed. See for yourself the picture of health (fat) to very sick (thiner)

[BeautifulPoeticDisaster]

Zsa, that looks like a lot more than 90lbs?? Or was that weight loss not from WLS?

[zsa]

Zsa, that looks like a lot more than 90lbs?? Or was that weight loss not from WLS?

Yess, after I had my baby in 2005 my band moved and I started to throw up.. i would throw up breakfast at 9pm cuz nothing was going down. So after ending up in the hospital for dehydration I had to have it reversed in Jan 2007. So now I am making up for lost time.

[BeautifulPoeticDisaster]

Yess, after I had my baby in 2005 my band moved and I started to throw up.. i would throw up breakfast at 9pm cuz nothing was going down. So after ending up in the hospital for dehydration I had to have it reversed in Jan 2007. So now I am making up for lost time.

well you look gorgeous no matter what:)

[natasfan]

My surgery was in 99 too I think and I too lost about 90 pound total. Then got realy sick from it in 2006 and had it reversed. See for yourself the picture of health (fat) to very sick (thiner)

I cant believe zsalynn!
eheh you are so huge now!

[sweet&fat]

I cant believe zsalynn!
eheh you are so huge now!

Take it somewhere else. WRONG BOARD.

[TallFatSue]

An acquaintance of mine had WLS about 4 years ago. She was probably 350lb then, and about 2 years later she was down to about 150lb. She was pretty happy about it, except her hair became really thin and she had to eat dietary supplements for a year or so because her body couldn't absorb all the nutrients it needed. This afternoon while shopping my husband & I happened to bump into her and her husband. She said in the past 6 months or so she had regained about 50lb and was none too happy about it. If you ask me, she looked much better because her hair seemed fuller and her complexion looked great. But she was skinny as a rail in high school 35 years ago, and she probably won't be happy at any weight above 98lb.

To my surprise (it's a loooong story), she and her husband suggested we have lunch together so we could talk. Methinx Jennifer just likes to watch me eat with great vigor, because that's something she can do only sparingly now.

Jennifer tried to persuade me to have WLS when she had hers done, but I declined. Nobody is cutting into me unless it's absolutely necessary. Nor will I jump out of perfectly good airplanes. ;)

[KHayes666]

Didn't you say you were over 300 pounds at one point? For you to be the weight you are now down from that is anything BUT a failure.

Don't get so hard on yourself.

[TallFatSue]

My surgery was in 99 too I think and I too lost about 90 pound total. Then got realy sick from it in 2006 and had it reversed. See for yourself the picture of health (fat) to very sick (thiner)
That's pretty much why I've decided WLS isn't for me. As long as my vital signs remain good "for a woman your age" (quoth my doctor, arrrr) and I maintain a good quality of life as a supersize woman, my fat can stay right where it is. I'd hate to go through the procedure when I don't really want or need to, only for the weight to return, or to become sick and need to reverse the procedure. Of course I can't absolutely know without going through it for myself, but I see no need to rock this particular boat. Heavens knows I rock plenty of other boats as it is. Besides, after all we've been through together, I honestly believe I'd miss my fat if it weren't around me. ;)

That said, WLS is certainly an option for others should the need arise, and I support their decision.

[op user]

Is she the same person that some time ago she tried to talk you into having WLS? Well I admire your choice any way?

BTW Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is definetely fun!

[Shosh]

Thanks again everybody for your feedback. I have not as yet made a decision about what I am going to do re my band as yet.

It helps to know that it is not a personal defect within myself , and that others have been through this also.

[TallFatSue]

Is she the same person that some time ago she tried to talk you into having WLS? Well I admire your choice any way?
Yes she is. Long story, but she was formerly a thin cheerleader in high school and one of my chief tormenters because I was the big tall fat girl. At our 25th class reunion she was well over 300lb and wanted to be my pal, so I let bygones be bygones. In retrospect, methinx she wanted to be my pal when she was fat primarily because I was even fatter than she was, and I made her feel better about herself. I was probably also her "fat mentor" so to speak, we went shopping together for clothes pretty often, and she learned how to handle herself pretty well in a fat body. But eventually she yielded to peer pressure from her friends and relatives to lose weight, and that's when she tried to persuade me to have WLS too. After her WLS as she began to lose weight, she lost interest in being my pal. :confused:
BTW Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is definetely fun!
Could be, but you haven't truly lived until you've walked on an active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii for 3 hours. Art & I were so close to the oozing intensely hot lava for so long that we were slow roasted to perfection, and the soles of our sneakers were melted smooth. Truly wonderful. :)

[GenericGeek]

Thanks again everyone.

Can I just tell you all how miserable my lap band makes me feel on a regular basis?
When my brother and I flew to Tasmania to see my father last weekend, I ate something on the flight that got stuck, even though I chewed carefully.

We then drove from Hobart to Launceston which is a two hour drive, and my brother had to pull the car over a million times so that I could vomit. I was also in pain.
My brother was shocked that I had to do this, as I generally keep this particular side effect very hidden from people, but I could not hide it this day.

This has become a regular occurance for me.:( I cannot handle it, and I am contemplating having my band removed.
I am scared though, If I gain weight which is inevitable, I will become a pariah again by people making me miserable about my weight.
I do not want to have to go through the judgements of others.
Anyway.
It is so hard.
Sorry.:(

Shosh, what kind of support system do you have for your lap-band? I think that at the very least, you should be seen very regularly by a clinic, so that they can fine-tune your fill level. I think that your MS makes this especially necessary -- you have a lot of neuro stuff going on, and this may well make you prone to those distressing "productive burps" and other unpleasant side-effects of the band.

I know that my wife has benefited greatly from one of the online support forums, and from a weekly support group run by the clinic where she had the surgery done.

Please don't give up on yourself, dear! You can never be a failure in our eyes, no matter what your weight may be. We just want you to be happy & healthy. :kiss2:

[GenericGeek]

Holey moley. That just doesn't seem right.... or safe. And I know the band can slip when there is any kind of forceful abdominal movement. Even coughing has been known to dislodge the band. The autoimmune thing doesn't seem to be talked about much but I knew a woman with Sarc like me who rejected her port and had an open wound for MONTHS. Other people with autoimmune diseases might not be as likely as I am to reject foreign bodies, but it sure seems to happen pretty easily, in my case. That makes me worry about even biocompatible materials like silicone. Oh well, I guess those breast implants I've always wanted are a no-go. ;)

Saw a program the other day where they did reconstruction surgery on a woman who had undergone a double mastectomy, but had THREE implant based reconstructions go wrong. The surgeon removed her silicone implants, then harvested her own tushie tissue to complete the re-re-reconstruction with material that was 100% her own.

I bet that sort of procedure becomes more widespread among folks who have autoimmune issues. (Speaking of which, I read an interesting book recently about a possible link between immune system dysfunction and low-level radiation exposure, but I digress.)

[Shosh]

Shosh, what kind of support system do you have for your lap-band? I think that at the very least, you should be seen very regularly by a clinic, so that they can fine-tune your fill level. I think that your MS makes this especially necessary -- you have a lot of neuro stuff going on, and this may well make you prone to those distressing "productive burps" and other unpleasant side-effects of the band.

I know that my wife has benefited greatly from one of the online support forums, and from a weekly support group run by the clinic where she had the surgery done.

Please don't give up on yourself, dear! You can never be a failure in our eyes, no matter what your weight may be. We just want you to be happy & healthy. :kiss2:


Thank you so much for caring.

I have been avoiding the lap band clinic because I do not want to have to explain why I have gained weight to them.
The clinic is also in the city, so it is a long and tiring trip for me to make.
It should be easier now that I have my scooter though, because I can take it on the train to Southern Cross Station ( The old Spencer Street station, u will know it:D) and they can help me on and off the train with it.

I have to admit to comfort eating though. Food has been my comfort in the last few months, because I have slowly been getting sicker, food has soothed me a bit.
Anyway. At least I am amongst those that understand here.

[Dibaby35]

I'm there right with you girl. I haven't been here in forever to this site, but it's good to see your still here.

I'm also feeling like a failure with my band as of late. I'm up about 45 pounds now and I'm depressed about it. I know I'm eating cause of stress and it's all mental. I've done the pulling over in the car thing lots of times. I even have the plastic bag in the car just in case cause i've actually not made it..once..but twice..yeah not fun to clean up. Lately I've had alot of reflux at night which is completely horrible..and again...my fault. Of course I wouldn't have it if I didn't eat late at night.

Anyways I still don't think I'm a complete failure though. I'm still 60 pounds down from where I was pre surgery (which was back in 2003!) and I know if I didn't have the band I'd be at least another 50 pounds heavier than what I am now. So with that I'm content. But I know with me it's all about exercise. It all started gaining back on when I stopped exercising because of my tendonitis in my ankle. Yes I used it as an excuse. I'm trying to figure out a plan for myself how to get myself back "on the wagon" so to speak. It's not that I hate myself right now. I was just really really comfortable with myself at 200 pounds versus 245. Most would say that 200 pounds is not healthy but for me it's perfect.

I haven't read everything that you wrote. But I know I have those days too of hatred of the damn band. Why am I going through this if I'm gaining weight? At the end of the day we can't completely blame the band. We gotta do our part too...the part we signed up for when we got this tool. I hope whatever you decide to do with the band it all goes smoothly for you. This is quite the journey we are on. I always tell people over and over when they are thinking about getting the band that what they have to think about is 5 years down the road...10 years...how is life going to be with the band. If your completely miserably get rid of it. At least we have that option thank God! Take care of yourself girl

Di

[00 toni lynn 00]

babydoll, i hate to hear you refer to yourself as a failure--- i've seen a buncha your posts, and you're a wonderful person--- and look- if you're gonna listen to someone else's opinion, why not base it around these people here that love you rather than a doctor and others who don't know you as more than another body passin' thru

[Les Toil]

I personally don't believe it's in the genes. I believe it's in the environment. I bet if I was sent to japan for a year, you'd see a rail-thin guy with a very clean colon. Send someone from japan here and they'll likely gain some weight. Not a lot since Asians worldwide embrace one hell of a healthy diet. But if you're surounded by a family that loooooooves to eat, well then you're a goner. But I believe weight gain has the world to do with the eating attitude of your surroundings.

[TraciJo67]

I personally don't believe it's in the genes. I believe it's in the environment. I bet if I was sent to japan for a year, you'd see a rail-thin guy with a very clean colon. Send someone from japan here and they'll likely gain some weight. Not a lot since Asians worldwide embrace one hell of a healthy diet. But if you're surounded by a family that loooooooves to eat, well then you're a goner. But I believe weight gain has the world to do with the eating attitude of your surroundings.

I agree with this, Les. As we're seeing McDonalds and KFC and Burger King popping up all over the globe, countries where citizens usually kept to diets of fish/rice/steamed veggies are now seeing steady weight gain in the citizenry.

I still think that how much you gain has much to do with genetic makeup, though. The volume of food that my husband can tuck away never ceases to amaze me, yet he's thin. When I was at my heaviest, I still couldn't eat anywhere close to the volume that he can, yet I weighed 300 pounds ... he's stayed pretty close to 160 his entire adult life.

[Tina]

Doesn't that just make you want to slap him? (j/k) Most of my best friends when younger were not just thin but skinny. We were always at opposite ends of the spectrum, with me wanting to lose weight and them wanting to gain. They'd eat copious amounts of food and be unable to gain and I'd starve myself and be unable to lose. Life can sometimes be a big practical joke, eh? :p

[GenericGeek]

Doesn't that just make you want to slap him? (j/k) Most of my best friends when younger were not just thin but skinny. We were always at opposite ends of the spectrum, with me wanting to lose weight and them wanting to gain. They'd eat copious amounts of food and be unable to gain and I'd starve myself and be unable to lose. Life can sometimes be a big practical joke, eh? :p

Yeah, Tina -- but the joke's often on THEM as they approach middle age... The metabolism changes, but the eating habits do not, and suddenly that annoyingly skinny person who could eat any quantity of anything begins to gain weight like the rest of us! :p

Speaking of metabolism changing, but eating patterns remaining the same -- ever notice how many retired pro football players really pack on the pounds? Of course, many of them can just trade off their fame, and become TV ad flacks for diet programs like NutriSystems, Jenny Craig, etc., etc.

Even for the rich & famous (people who can actually AFFORD a personal trainer and/or dietician, and to spend half their waking hours in a gym working out) diet and exercise alone have an abysmal track effecting long-term weight loss record in the "morbidly obese". If the medical profession (and the FDA) were really smart about addressing the "obesity epidemic", they'd pull their heads out, and apply the same criteria to weight loss treatment they do to any other therapy. So why do they keep pushing the same tired BS, even though the standard approach (diet & exercise) has proven to be neither safe nor effective over the long haul? :doh:

Could it have something to do with the fact that weight-loss schemes are a multi-billion dollar racket, and folks just keep coming back for more? Or am I perhaps too cynical? Naaahhhh...

[Keb]

I personally don't believe it's in the genes. I believe it's in the environment. I bet if I was sent to japan for a year, you'd see a rail-thin guy with a very clean colon. Send someone from japan here and they'll likely gain some weight. Not a lot since Asians worldwide embrace one hell of a healthy diet. But if you're surounded by a family that loooooooves to eat, well then you're a goner. But I believe weight gain has the world to do with the eating attitude of your surroundings.

Sorry, dude. I lived in Japan for 2 years, and didn't lose a pound, even though I was walking up and down literal mountains every day to get to school. Environment simply isn't enough.

And, actually, they warned us at one point not to expect weight loss even on a Japanese diet. It doesn't seem to work as well for westerners as it does for Japanese people.

[Shosh]

Well I was weighed at the doctor's office today. I am 270 pounds. The exact same weight I was the day I was banded in February of 2007.

I have felt like a failure, but then WLS is not the answer. There is no answer.
I am a food addict, I have a disease. It will never be over.

I have to travel to the hospital in the city tomorrow. They are going to image my band to make sure it has not slipped or moved.

I want it removed, but my PCP is adamently against it.

My surgeon is overseas right now.

I have not brought the subject up with my mother again as yet, as I know that she will go ballistic about it.
She does not approve of my gaining weight.

I am very weary of this band.:(

[Paul]

Well I was weighed at the doctor's office today. I am 270 pounds. The exact same weight I was the day I was banded in February of 2007.

I have felt like a failure, but then WLS is not the answer. There is no answer.
I am a food addict, I have a disease. It will never be over.

I have to travel to the hospital in the city tomorrow. They are going to image my band to make sure it has not slipped or moved.

I want it removed, but my PCP is adamently against it.

My surgeon is overseas right now.

I have not brought the subject up with my mother again as yet, as I know that she will go ballistic about it.
She does not approve of my gaining weight.

I am very weary of this band.:(

Shosh,

Do what you feel is right in your heart, not what others tell you you should do.

You are not a failure. WLS may not have worked and can be defined as a failure since you are back at your pre-wls weight. Still you are beautiful inside and out. Don't let anyone define your worth by the number on the scale.

Please update us on the results of your visit to the hospital.

[LillyBBBW]

Shosh,

Do what you feel is right in your heart, not what others tell you you should do.

You are not a failure. WLS may not have worked and can be defined as a failure since you are back at your pre-wls weight. Still you are beautiful inside and out. Don't let anyone define your worth by the number on the scale.

Please update us on the results of your visit to the hospital.

Agreed 100%. (((Shosh))) I know what you must be going through hun. Just remember that you are a person of value, period. Close your eyes, relax, take a deep breath and listen to what your body is telling you hun. Your body needs to be at peace as well as your mind. Find a healthy balance of both if you can. Hang in there.

[KHayes666]

Well I was weighed at the doctor's office today. I am 270 pounds. The exact same weight I was the day I was banded in February of 2007.

I have felt like a failure, but then WLS is not the answer. There is no answer.
I am a food addict, I have a disease. It will never be over.

I have to travel to the hospital in the city tomorrow. They are going to image my band to make sure it has not slipped or moved.

I want it removed, but my PCP is adamently against it.

My surgeon is overseas right now.

I have not brought the subject up with my mother again as yet, as I know that she will go ballistic about it.
She does not approve of my gaining weight.

I am very weary of this band.:(

May I ask a question? Not trying to be rude of offensive because I honestly don't know the answer.

Why did you get the band originally?

[joswitch]

Well I was weighed at the doctor's office today. I am 270 pounds. The exact same weight I was the day I was banded in February of 2007.

I have felt like a failure, but then WLS is not the answer. There is no answer.
I am a food addict, I have a disease. It will never be over.

I have to travel to the hospital in the city tomorrow. They are going to image my band to make sure it has not slipped or moved.

I want it removed, but my PCP is adamently against it.

My surgeon is overseas right now.

I have not brought the subject up with my mother again as yet, as I know that she will go ballistic about it.
She does not approve of my gaining weight.

I am very weary of this band.:(

You are not a WLS failure, hun - WLS has failed YOU (as it does many folks). And it's not your doc or your mom who lives in your body - don't let the bastards grind you down! Good luck with getting your band removed...*hugs*

[CleverBomb]

What Paul, Lilly, and Jos said.

-Rusty

[the_captain]

If I may also chime in here to say Shosh, you are most definitely NOT a failure! We are all individuals, and everyone's body is different. Some are built to be big. Growing up, I was always the "fat kid" that everyone teased in school. Well I sort of "grew in" to my weight, but still have a large belly and am built rather big. I tried lots of things to lose weight, but none of it was very successful. I like to joke that I could stop eating and still not lose weight! But as others have said before, your size is not who you are. From what I've observed in my brief time here (and as others have said) you are a beautiful, sensitive, loving, caring woman, and I think those qualities are part of what is making you miserable because you don't want to hurt or disappoint your family. You have to do what is right for you. If taking out the band is what you truly want, and your PCP resists, find a doctor who will. Be proud of who you are, and don't forget the incredible support system you have here at Dims!

(Side note: I have never liked the idea of the lap band. The first time I saw an advertisement for the system it seemed as though my entire being screamed, "NO!", and I think we're now seeing that it's not the "miracle cure" it has been touted to be. I see precious few success stories, and lots of serious health issues caused by it. JMHO, YMMV...)

[Shosh]

Thanks everybody for taking the time to read this thread and give me your thoughts. I am lucky to have such good friends here.

I had the band imaged last week. It is apparently in the correct position. That does not however explain why it is giving me so much pain and problems.

I just know now that there is NO fix for this.

I actually like myself as I am now.

My mother however does not want to have a fat daughter. She does not approve of it.
I just would like to tell her that she is going to have to come to terms with who I am, and to just let me be.
She will resist that all the way though. She will never let it rest.:(

If I have my band taken out and do not tell her beforehand, all hell will break loose.
I realize that I am an adult and I can do what I want, she will just make my life miserable about my decision.
She and my sister Rebecca are always at me, it is really affecting my self esteem.

I am trying to fight the disease in my body, and that takes a lot of mental strength and courage, so all the weight criticism stuff is an added burden for me to have to carry.

[LillyBBBW]

Thanks everybody for taking the time to read this thread and give me your thoughts. I am lucky to have such good friends here.

I had the band imaged last week. It is apparently in the correct position. That does not however explain why it is giving me so much pain and problems.

I just know now that there is NO fix for this.

I actually like myself as I am now.

My mother however does not want to have a fat daughter. She does not approve of it.
I just would like to tell her that she is going to have to come to terms with who I am, and to just let me be.
She will resist that all the way though. She will never let it rest.:(

If I have my band taken out and do not tell her beforehand, all hell will break loose.
I realize that I am an adult and I can do what I want, she will just make my life miserable about my decision.
She and my sister Rebecca are always at me, it is really affecting my self esteem.

I am trying to fight the disease in my body, and that takes a lot of mental strength and courage, so all the weight criticism stuff is an added burden for me to have to carry.

Unfortunately I don't think that will ever change Shosh. I'm 43 years old and still have to put my foot down with my mother every now and then. I've always had a hearty appetite that I've been scolded for since forever. The mind is programed to view overweight as some kind of proof of sinful practice though, it's a form of ignorance. I couldn't help it though. Deep down I always knew that my appetite was a real manifestation and not some act of greed or excess. I was truly hungry. Restrictive diets always made me sick. I've been in hospitals because of them.

Recently my appetite has gotten less as I've aged and lately I've had problems with my sugar dropping during the day. The other day I was in the bank and had to grab a tiny candy cane from the candy jar to stop myself from shaking because I skipped lunch earlier. (I'd eaten a late breakfast and wasn't hungry at lunch time) I don't even like candy really but I had to eat it because I deposited my last dime to cover a bill and couldn't eat till I got home. I wouldn't have made it without the candy. I thought I might have diabetes or something so I went to the doctor. I appear to be in textbook health with no issues. I just have to plan light snacks in between meals or something I guess.

I feel like I'm all alone in the world because all I get from anybody is, "OMGYOUSOFAAT!!!" The bottom line is that I'm not eating enough to sustain me. Yesterday I nearly fainted in church because I only had a cup of unsweetened coffee and a light breakfast hours earlier. By 11:15 I felt woozy and my skin got tingly and cold. I moved to sit down and nearly fell in to the pew when I did. (Thank goodness it's a Pentacostal church and no one knew the difference) I called my mother later that night just to check in. I haven't told her anything about the fainting because I don't want her on my case any more than she already is. Without knowing what happened in church she began to dig in to me about food. Here I am struggling to pay my bills and handwringing about how I'm going to afford to eat properly and she wants me to be more restrictive. My body is such a source of dismay for her and it's something I've come to just accept and place in perspective. I have to if I'm to survive. I'm still loath to tell her about my problems because no matter what I do it will never be enough as long as I'm in this body. The irony is that what is REALLY going on is far more troubling than what she's thinking.

I'm told by people who've lost their parents that these awful things that get on our nerves are what we will miss most about them when they're gone. I'm told I would give anything to have my phone ring and hear mom's voice reminding me I should run in place in my apartment every day. In my mind I just tell myself that that's just the way she is and to leave it be. One of us has to adopt that mindset if we're to move along and it's clear that she wont.

[Aswani]

The other day I was in the bank and had to grab a tiny candy cane from the candy jar to stop myself from shaking because I skipped lunch earlier. (I'd eaten a late breakfast and wasn't hungry at lunch time) I don't even like candy really but I had to eat it because I deposited my last dime to cover a bill and couldn't eat till I got home. I wouldn't have made it without the candy..

That sounds like a classic case of Hypoglycemia (" Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low. "). My girlfriend cannot go 6 or so hours without eating something and not expect to get Hypoglycemc. It's usually feelings of severe dizziness and fatigue. Is that what your doctor assessed the situation as?

[LillyBBBW]

That sounds like a classic case of Hypoglycemia (" Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low. "). My girlfriend cannot go 6 or so hours without eating something and not expect to get Hypoglycemc. It's usually feelings of severe dizziness and fatigue. Is that what your doctor assessed the situation as?

I had a test done where I go to a test facility on an empty stomach and drink this vile sweet liquid in the morning. I had to go back every hour and have blood drawn to test my blood levels. By the 4th hour or so I was visably shaky and unsettled though my blood levels showed nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor could see I was not well however and promptly ended the testing. I was told to go eat something. I did and the symptoms went away. As of now I have not been diagnosed with anything which is very frustrating. I'm glad it's not diabetes but at the same time I'm feeling my way in the dark as far as finding a solution. I'm trying to use common sense but it appears common sense is expensive. :-/

[LoveBHMS]

That sounds like a classic case of Hypoglycemia (" Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too low. "). My girlfriend cannot go 6 or so hours without eating something and not expect to get Hypoglycemc. It's usually feelings of severe dizziness and fatigue. Is that what your doctor assessed the situation as?

That is just what I thought, and if I can offer something from personal experience, I'm borderline hypoglycemic and the doctor I saw said the right way to do testing is not after fasting because it gives an artificially low read and that what is important to know is how you're metabolizing glucose. The testing I had, the doctor just gave me one of those blood testing things diabetics use where you just randomly prick your finger throughout the day and use a little testing strip to stick the blood in the machine and it gives you a number. I did mine when I woke up and throughout the day, after eating, and when not having eaten after a certain amount of time. I just logged the reads I did and what i'd eat before/after and how long it had been since I hadn't eaten. The testing didn't cost anything---doctor gets those testing kits from drug company reps and gives them out like candy as samples.

[LillyBBBW]

That is just what I thought, and if I can offer something from personal experience, I'm borderline hypoglycemic and the doctor I saw said the right way to do testing is not after fasting because it gives an artificially low read and that what is important to know is how you're metabolizing glucose. The testing I had, the doctor just gave me one of those blood testing things diabetics use where you just randomly prick your finger throughout the day and use a little testing strip to stick the blood in the machine and it gives you a number. I did mine when I woke up and throughout the day, after eating, and when not having eaten after a certain amount of time. I just logged the reads I did and what i'd eat before/after and how long it had been since I hadn't eaten. The testing didn't cost anything---doctor gets those testing kits from drug company reps and gives them out like candy as samples.

Thank you L. I'm going to pursue it and suggest it to my doctor. I hate not knowing.

[the_captain]

Thank you L. I'm going to pursue it and suggest it to my doctor. I hate not knowing.

I'm glad I read this thread, because I've experienced symptoms similar to yours, Lilly. Occasionally after going a while without eating (skipping breakfast or lunch) I'll start to feel weak and woozy, and I know I have to eat something. My doc says all my tests are fine and I'm the picture of health (other than my weight, which Doc and I butt heads over all the time!) but I just "feel" that something's not right.

LoveBHMS, thanks for the tip. I'm also going to suggest that test to my doc. Of course I'd probably do just as well to eat several small meals throughout the day, but that's not always practical.

[Shosh]

Unfortunately I don't think that will ever change Shosh. I'm 43 years old and still have to put my foot down with my mother every now and then. I've always had a hearty appetite that I've been scolded for since forever. The mind is programed to view overweight as some kind of proof of sinful practice though, it's a form of ignorance. I couldn't help it though. Deep down I always knew that my appetite was a real manifestation and not some act of greed or excess. I was truly hungry. Restrictive diets always made me sick. I've been in hospitals because of them.

Recently my appetite has gotten less as I've aged and lately I've had problems with my sugar dropping during the day. The other day I was in the bank and had to grab a tiny candy cane from the candy jar to stop myself from shaking because I skipped lunch earlier. (I'd eaten a late breakfast and wasn't hungry at lunch time) I don't even like candy really but I had to eat it because I deposited my last dime to cover a bill and couldn't eat till I got home. I wouldn't have made it without the candy. I thought I might have diabetes or something so I went to the doctor. I appear to be in textbook health with no issues. I just have to plan light snacks in between meals or something I guess.

I feel like I'm all alone in the world because all I get from anybody is, "OMGYOUSOFAAT!!!" The bottom line is that I'm not eating enough to sustain me. Yesterday I nearly fainted in church because I only had a cup of unsweetened coffee and a light breakfast hours earlier. By 11:15 I felt woozy and my skin got tingly and cold. I moved to sit down and nearly fell in to the pew when I did. (Thank goodness it's a Pentacostal church and no one knew the difference) I called my mother later that night just to check in. I haven't told her anything about the fainting because I don't want her on my case any more than she already is. Without knowing what happened in church she began to dig in to me about food. Here I am struggling to pay my bills and handwringing about how I'm going to afford to eat properly and she wants me to be more restrictive. My body is such a source of dismay for her and it's something I've come to just accept and place in perspective. I have to if I'm to survive. I'm still loath to tell her about my problems because no matter what I do it will never be enough as long as I'm in this body. The irony is that what is REALLY going on is far more troubling than what she's thinking.

I'm told by people who've lost their parents that these awful things that get on our nerves are what we will miss most about them when they're gone. I'm told I would give anything to have my phone ring and hear mom's voice reminding me I should run in place in my apartment every day. In my mind I just tell myself that that's just the way she is and to leave it be. One of us has to adopt that mindset if we're to move along and it's clear that she wont.

I really feel for you L.:( We are kind of like kindred spirits with our mothers always harping about our weight.
I am sorry that you are struggling financially. I bet living where you do the rent is expensive?
My friend told me that she lives on those two minute noodles as they are cheap, once she has paid the rent and bills.:(

I am worried to hear about your physical symptoms. I think it may need further investigation.
In the meantime, maybe you need to carry a little plastic bag with
some sweets in it for moments like you described.

Oh poor Lil.:(:kiss2:

[LillyBBBW]

I really feel for you L.:( We are kind of like kindred spirits with our mothers always harping about our weight.
I am sorry that you are struggling financially. I bet living where you do the rent is expensive?
My friend told me that she lives on those two minute noodles as they are cheap, once she has paid the rent and bills.:(

I am worried to hear about your physical symptoms. I think it may need further investigation.
In the meantime, maybe you need to carry a little plastic bag with
some sweets in it for moments like you described.

Oh poor Lil.:(:kiss2:

Thanks ((((Shosh)))). I have an appointment with the doctor today and plan to really make a case for further investigation into what's going on. I've kind of had my head in the sand about that because I don't want to hear any bad news. I'd rather remain blissfully ignorant but I realize it's foolish to let things go on. I've merely performed rudimentary investigating thus far because I'm afraid.

As for my apartment, thankfully it's not that expensive. The rent is solid but it is definitely below the current market value and my landlord has promised never to raise it so that is very good. I try to be faithful in paying it on time no matter what. The owners have been very kind to me in the years I've been there. What's killer are all the utilities, especially in winter. The recent oil bill is near $600. Phone and internet is over $200 and the service I get for it is a disgrace. The phone hasn't worked in months and the internet connection is spotty. I complained to the company and they threatened to charge me hundreds more if they send a guy out to check the connections and he can't find any problems. They want me to hire an electrician first AND pay them $200 for their shitty service. I haven't paid so what little service I had is now gone. So... I sit at home knitting doileys all weekend and contemplating my next move. Either fight them or go someplace else. I couldn't pay them now even if I wanted to anyway. I'm not certain I can start up with another service as I'm currently in arrears with these crooks so I have to wait. It's just been a shitty stressful time with no freelance gigs coming in to pad my funding so I've been living lean lately. I'm going to be ok, it's just that right now I'm a little overwhelmed. Found out the other day that I need a tooth filling redone and there will be out of pocket expenses there too. Beautiful. I seem to always land on my feet but I'm tired of falling.

[LoveBHMS]

I think it may need further investigation.
In the meantime, maybe you need to carry a little plastic bag with
some sweets in it for moments like you described.

Lilly--I just have to add if it is hypoglycemia please do NOT carry a bag with sweets in it, that makes it worse as far as the sugar highs and lows. The best thing to do when your blood sugar drops is to eat a small amount of protein/carb combination. The good news if you're having money problems is one of the best things i've found is one or two teaspoons of peanut butter (classic budget food) on a whole wheat roll, it will stabilize you quickly. Another thing you might try that is also cheap is some pre-packaged trail mix, refined sugar is not your friend here but you can find some without M&Ms or chocolate chips.

Lastly, I know you're a coffee lover, but another food i've found great for this is green tea. If you don't hate tea, try the Bigelow brand green teas with pomegranite. It's wonderful and a whole box is typically only $2 or so.

[LillyBBBW]

Lilly--I just have to add if it is hypoglycemia please do NOT carry a bag with sweets in it, that makes it worse as far as the sugar highs and lows. The best thing to do when your blood sugar drops is to eat a small amount of protein/carb combination. The good news if you're having money problems is one of the best things i've found is one or two teaspoons of peanut butter (classic budget food) on a whole wheat roll, it will stabilize you quickly. Another thing you might try that is also cheap is some pre-packaged trail mix, refined sugar is not your friend here but you can find some without M&Ms or chocolate chips.

Lastly, I know you're a coffee lover, but another food i've found great for this is green tea. If you don't hate tea, try the Bigelow brand green teas with pomegranite. It's wonderful and a whole box is typically only $2 or so.

Thanks L. I've heard this before about the sweets. I was loath to eat that candy in the bank but it was the only thing I had access to. The peanut butter and ww bread is a good idea though, I'll try that. I'm out of peanut butter now though. I've been carrying those Mini Bonbel cheese things with me since I remembered I had some in the fridge. I made rich spaghetti sauce with Italian sausages that has the consistency of chili. I ate it with some pasta but the pasta made me feel... icky. Shaky and cold in another way so I'm eating just the sauce and sausages for lunch. So far I've had no episodes so I don't know what this all means. Could be anything. I've got it all written down though to tell to the doc when I see him. Sometimes carbs/sugars cause me to feel ill. Only sometimes though, maybe it's a certain type? I find this scarier than the other thing I mentioned. :(

[LoveBHMS]

Thanks L. I've heard this before about the sweets. I was loath to eat that candy in the bank but it was the only thing I had access to. The peanut butter and ww bread is a good idea though, I'll try that. I'm out of peanut butter now though. I've been carrying those Mini Bonbel cheese things with me since I remembered I had some in the fridge. I made rich spaghetti sauce with Italian sausages that has the consistency of chili. I ate it with some pasta but the pasta made me feel... icky. Shaky and cold in another way so I'm eating just the sauce and sausages for lunch. So far I've had no episodes so I don't know what this all means. Could be anything. I've got it all written down though to tell to the doc when I see him. Sometimes carbs/sugars cause me to feel ill. Only sometimes though, maybe it's a certain type? I find this scarier than the other thing I mentioned. :(

My best guess is it has to do with the glycemic index of the food. The simple carbs (bread, pasta, white potatoes) have a high GI, meaning they cause a greater spike (and of course drop) in blood sugar level, whereas the complex carbs, protein, and even fat in the sausage or veggies in the sauce have a low GI. That is why the whole grain bread is 'easier' on you than white bread and combining in a protein lowers it as well. A wedge of the cheese in the morning if you don't like eating breakfast or as a mid morning or late afternoon snack is likely the right thing to keep you stabilized.

[LillyBBBW]

My best guess is it has to do with the glycemic index of the food. The simple carbs (bread, pasta, white potatoes) have a high GI, meaning they cause a greater spike (and of course drop) in blood sugar level, whereas the complex carbs, protein, and even fat in the sausage or veggies in the sauce have a low GI. That is why the whole grain bread is 'easier' on you than white bread and combining in a protein lowers it as well. A wedge of the cheese in the morning if you don't like eating breakfast or as a mid morning or late afternoon snack is likely the right thing to keep you stabilized.

I feel like I've hijacked this thread but I can't tell you how helpful this exchange has been. I hardly ever eat pasta but due to financial restraints I decided to dig them out of the cabinet to pad my food and stretch things out. Right away I felt ill after eating them. I've gotten ill directly after eating before but at that time I couldn't pinpoint the cause. This period of poverty has actually had some helpful side effects.

[LoveBHMS]

I feel like I've hijacked this thread but I can't tell you how helpful this exchange has been. I hardly ever eat pasta but due to financial restraints I decided to dig them out of the cabinet to pad my food and stretch things out. Right away I felt ill after eating them. I've gotten ill directly after eating before but at that time I couldn't pinpoint the cause. This period of poverty has actually had some helpful side effects.

I felt the same way about hijacking the thread, but the information might be helpful to others.

/mods-- Is there way to pull out the posts regarding hypoglycemia and migrate them into a seperate thread titled "Hypoglycemia" or "Non-Diabetic Blood Sugar Issues" where this condition could be appropriately discussed?

[Jes]

I was told to go eat something. I did and the symptoms went away. As of now I have not been diagnosed with anything which is very frustrating. I'm glad it's not diabetes but at the same time I'm feeling my way in the dark as far as finding a solution. I'm trying to use common sense but it appears common sense is expensive. :-/

you know, I've had this experience too. I did this test at 18 (after never before having my blood drawn, I had to have it drawn 9 times in 1 day. By the end, they were taking it out of my outer elbows and hands).

anyway, i too passed and wasn't hypoglycemic. IN recent years, I've felt the symptoms you describe more regularly, and got tested for something again (just 1 blood draw, no liquids, etc.) and it all looked fine.

Perhaps some of us are just more sensitive and need food more frequently than others (small shots of protein, at least).

Do you eat a lot of breakfast protein? I've been eating more of late, to see if that helps set me up for the rest of the day.

[LillyBBBW]

you know, I've had this experience too. I did this test at 18 (after never before having my blood drawn, I had to have it drawn 9 times in 1 day. By the end, they were taking it out of my outer elbows and hands).

anyway, i too passed and wasn't hypoglycemic. IN recent years, I've felt the symptoms you describe more regularly, and got tested for something again (just 1 blood draw, no liquids, etc.) and it all looked fine.

Perhaps some of us are just more sensitive and need food more frequently than others (small shots of protein, at least).

Do you eat a lot of breakfast protein? I've been eating more of late, to see if that helps set me up for the rest of the day.

I'm thinking that may be it Jes. I'm a bit jittery about it because diabetes runs in my family, both sides. My parents struggle with it and I've been having diabetic curses proclaimed over me for years. I had these symptoms when I was younger but they went away. Here they are back again. Here's an anecdotal thing that happened when I had my last test. I'm jittery and the doc has ended the test. I'm getting worse and the doctor performing the test is telling me what I should do. "What you need is to go have some protien. Maybe some cheese, some peanut butter, an egg or... [looks at my body].... no... wait.... LOWFAT cheese, uhhh... tuna... IN WATER NOT OIL.... an apple...." Lowfat cheese? :-[ She was stammering to think up other stuff but by then I was walking out on her. I really feel like everything I will be told will be mostly weight related, "OMGYOUMUSTLOSE200POUNDS," and not relative to the actual issue at hand. Maybe I'm nuts, I don't know. In the past I've not known fruit to be helpful. I may as well just have the candy. Plus at the time I believed I was allergic to apples. I'm actually just sensitive to the red ones. Food sucks sometimes. The woman's turnaround really angered me.

[Jes]

I'm glad I read this thread, because I've experienced symptoms similar to yours, Lilly. Occasionally after going a while without eating (skipping breakfast or lunch) I'll start to feel weak and woozy, and I know I have to eat something. My doc says all my tests are fine and I'm the picture of health (other than my weight, which Doc and I butt heads over all the time!) but I just "feel" that something's not right.
.

I say this slightly for effect, but mostly for truth's sake: i wish i got weak and woozy. What i get is crazy in the head. Like...bad PMS crazy. And b/c it takes awhile to feel the effects of eating, by the time I realize it's a problem it's WAY too late. Then, b/c I'm flustered and cranky and frenetic, I can't get myself focused on making something to eat. It's bad. I have some workarounds but it's definitely become a real problem.

[LillyBBBW]

I say this slightly for effect, but mostly for truth's sake: i wish i got weak and woozy. What i get is crazy in the head. Like...bad PMS crazy. And b/c it takes awhile to feel the effects of eating, by the time I realize it's a problem it's WAY too late. Then, b/c I'm flustered and cranky and frenetic, I can't get myself focused on making something to eat. It's bad. I have some workarounds but it's definitely become a real problem.

I get that from the bad food. Pasta made me agitated, creepy crawly bleh feeling, don't want anyone touching me, I'm uncomfortable, get the hell away kind of feeling. Later I needed a nap like you wouldn't believe. When I stick to protiens I get nothing like that. Mouth is a little dry but otherwise I feel great. *shrugs*

[LillyBBBW]

Shosh I hope you don't mind if I post once more in here. There were some people who took a personal interest in this particular health angle. since I went to the doc yesterday I thought those directly affected by this might be interested to know what became of me from that.

As you all know, I was getting the shakes from my sugar dropping and sometimes would feel icky after eating things like pasta, etc. I went to the doctor over a month ago and he took 5 vials of blood from me checking for thyroid, electrolytes, diabetes, etc. I got a letter a week later saying everything was textboox normal. The stuff is still going on though, probably moreso now so I went back yesterday for a second look.

I explained about what happend in the bank and what happened in church. He looked at my records once more, even reviewed the sugar test I had years ago with the sweet concoction I drank. That test was 10 years ago by the way. Then he told me that there are some people who simply metabolize sugar a little differently. He says it's quite common actually. Then he asked me if I would be open to consulting with a nutritionist to learn what foods to eat in combination, etc. I said yes so I will be consulting with a nutritionist. I know what foods make me feel ok and which ones don't but that is simply by trial and error, just knowing. I've never examined anything like a Glycolic Index or any of that stuff, I just know what makes me feel like shit. So I'm going to go despite my xenophobic paranoia about nutritionists. Who knows, she may be helpful. But to give you some medical mumbo jumbo to use if you plan on starting an investigation of your own, my doctor wrote, "Erratic Carbohydrate Metabolism," on the referral form for the nutritionist. Sounds like a good term to use if you're trying to describe what's happening.

[SocialbFly]

Lilly, i had to throw my two cents in here, if i dont make sense, just call me, and i will tell ya what i meant....

ok, so here is what i found out, i always used to have hypogylcemia, and i have read that the way we eat and metabolize sugars can say if you are predestined for hyperglycemia, and apparantly if your sugars are low a lot due to over insulin production or under insulin sensitivity, no matter which reason, it increases the incidence of diabetes...because it shows you already have an issue...one thing i found out for me (it is called syndrome x http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_types/syndrome_x.php)
it is when you go too long in between meals and your body goes to raise its own sugar levels, so it releases glucagon which causes the blood sugar to raise, then you eat and your sugars are even higher...so, regular small high protein, low simple carbs or average complex carbs. is the key to go...i struggle cause i find the more i eat a regular 6 meals, the better my sugar is, the longer i go between meals, the higher my sugar is, wierd huh?

[joswitch]

Something not mentioned (I think?) Lilly - are you sleeping enough/regular/well? I've found that if I don't get my optimum sleep (no later than 1.30am to bed +8hrs) then my blood sugar control goes wonky as does my circulation and body temperature... Just a thought, might help a little?

[Shosh]

I feel like I've hijacked this thread but I can't tell you how helpful this exchange has been. I hardly ever eat pasta but due to financial restraints I decided to dig them out of the cabinet to pad my food and stretch things out. Right away I felt ill after eating them. I've gotten ill directly after eating before but at that time I couldn't pinpoint the cause. This period of poverty has actually had some helpful side effects.

You are not hijacking at all. Post away. I am interested in hearing the responses.

[LillyBBBW]

Something not mentioned (I think?) Lilly - are you sleeping enough/regular/well? I've found that if I don't get my optimum sleep (no later than 1.30am to bed +8hrs) then my blood sugar control goes wonky as does my circulation and body temperature... Just a thought, might help a little?

You know come to think of it, my sleep habits have been oddly tinkered with of late. Underneath the current of stress and odd working hours I've been following up with a sleep therapist who issued me a new cpap mask about a month ago. It doesn't seem to be working very well, I'm more tired than I was before. And I admit, this metabolism issue all started when I started using that mask. I'd been thinking about going back to the therapist again to complain. And I threw the other mask away. :( Joswitch you're a genius, you know that? :kiss2:

[Shosh]

You know come to think of it, my sleep habits have been oddly tinkered with of late. Underneath the current of stress and odd working hours I've been following up with a sleep therapist who issued me a new cpap mask about a month ago. It doesn't seem to be working very well, I'm more tired than I was before. And I admit, this metabolism issue all started when I started using that mask. I'd been thinking about going back to the therapist again to complain. And I threw the other mask away. :( Joswitch you're a genius, you know that? :kiss2:

My uncle has recently starting using the CPAP mask, and he reports having the best sleep he has had in more than twenty years.

He was, and I hate the word, obese, but he is strictly against WLS, and he has lost more than 100 pounds just by eating less and moving more.

Obesity runs in my mothers side of the family. We are all fatties! Haha!

[Shosh]

OMG this band is hell.

My lap band doctor had to come to my home this evening to completely unfill my band as I have been vomiting since the weekend, and have not been able to keep anything down.

I just do not need this, especially since I spent three days in the hospital last week having a relapse treated for my MS.

I have just gone three years with my lap band. I weigh today exactly what I weighed on the day I was banded, two hundred and seventy seven pounds.

I am weary of all this. That is all I can say. :(

[Paul]

HUGS Shosh. I things improve for you soon. Your band doctor sounds very good. How many doctors will make house calls these days.OMG this band is hell.

My lap band doctor had to come to my home this evening to completely unfill my band as I have been vomiting since the weekend, and have not been able to keep anything down.

I just do not need this, especially since I spent three days in the hospital last week having a relapse treated for my MS.

I have just gone three years with my lap band. I weigh today exactly what I weighed on the day I was banded, two hundred and seventy seven pounds.

I am weary of all this. That is all I can say. :(

[Shosh]

HUGS Shosh. I things improve for you soon. Your band doctor sounds very good. How many doctors will make house calls these days.

Thank you so much Paul.

[Shosh]

I just wanted everybody to know that I have made the decision to have my lap band removed. I will have to travel to the city and stay overnight in the hospital, and my surgeon will remove the band.
I am not sure exactly when the surgery will be, sometime in the next month when my surgeon is able to fit me in.

My mother is now actually ok with it.

I think after I had the weekend of vomiting and was nearly dehydrated, she became scared.
My Aunt has also just had emergency surgery to remove her band, as her stomach had looped over itself and had became blocked.

That could have been catastrophic.

I am nervous of course about having to go under anasthetic again to have the band removed, but it will be removed like it was inserted, through keyhole surgery.

I am nervous, but I am happy that I have made the decision to remove the band.

I will not be having any other kind of WLS. That is it on WLS for me.

[CleverBomb]

I just wanted everybody to know that I have made the decision to have my lap band removed. I will have to travel to the city and stay overnight in the hospital, and my surgeon will remove the band.
I am not sure exactly when the surgery will be, sometime in the next month when my surgeon is able to fit me in.

My mother is now actually ok with it.

I think after I had the weekend of vomiting and was nearly dehydrated, she became scared.
My Aunt has also just had emergency surgery to remove her band, as her stomach had looped over itself and had became blocked.

That could have been catastrophic.

I am nervous of course about having to go under anasthetic again to have the band removed, but it will be removed like it was inserted, through keyhole surgery.

I am nervous, but I am happy that I have made the decision to remove the band.

I will not be having any other kind of WLS. That is it on WLS for me.
Best wishes for an uncomplicated procedure and a prompt recovery!
And get well soon in the meantime!

-Rusty

[Shosh]

Best wishes for an uncomplicated procedure and a prompt recovery!
And get well soon in the meantime!

-Rusty

Thanks so much Rusty. I appreciate that.:)

[KHayes666]

I just wanted everybody to know that I have made the decision to have my lap band removed. I will have to travel to the city and stay overnight in the hospital, and my surgeon will remove the band.
I am not sure exactly when the surgery will be, sometime in the next month when my surgeon is able to fit me in.

My mother is now actually ok with it.

I think after I had the weekend of vomiting and was nearly dehydrated, she became scared.
My Aunt has also just had emergency surgery to remove her band, as her stomach had looped over itself and had became blocked.

That could have been catastrophic.

I am nervous of course about having to go under anasthetic again to have the band removed, but it will be removed like it was inserted, through keyhole surgery.

I am nervous, but I am happy that I have made the decision to remove the band.

I will not be having any other kind of WLS. That is it on WLS for me.

Whatever happens you have my support, good luck.

[Shosh]

Whatever happens you have my support, good luck.

Thanks Kevin.

[CrankySpice]

I just wanted everybody to know that I have made the decision to have my lap band removed. I will have to travel to the city and stay overnight in the hospital, and my surgeon will remove the band.
I am not sure exactly when the surgery will be, sometime in the next month when my surgeon is able to fit me in.

My mother is now actually ok with it.

I think after I had the weekend of vomiting and was nearly dehydrated, she became scared.
My Aunt has also just had emergency surgery to remove her band, as her stomach had looped over itself and had became blocked.

That could have been catastrophic.

I am nervous of course about having to go under anasthetic again to have the band removed, but it will be removed like it was inserted, through keyhole surgery.

I am nervous, but I am happy that I have made the decision to remove the band.

I will not be having any other kind of WLS. That is it on WLS for me.

Best of luck to you - I know any type of surgery is scary. I'm sure you'll pull through just fine, and I'm so glad your mum has come around to be supportive of your decision.

[joswitch]

@Shosh - best of luck with your op! I hope you get back to health soon! *hugs*

[joswitch]

@Lilly - glad to be of help... :) Did you get any joy sorting your sleep/metabolism issues?

[LillyBBBW]

@Lilly - glad to be of help... :) Did you get any joy sorting your sleep/metabolism issues?

I'm still a work in progress. The sugar drop issue has gone away but mostly because I'm eating on time, eating properly and so fourth. Im feeling alright though. Thanks for asking! :)

Shosh, I'm keeping my eye on you. Please keep us informed of how you're doing and what's going on. :kiss2:

[Shosh]

Best of luck to you - I know any type of surgery is scary. I'm sure you'll pull through just fine, and I'm so glad your mum has come around to be supportive of your decision.

I was relieved when my Mum told me that it was ok if I have the band removed. I think she got a fright when my Auntie had to have her band out in emergency surgery.
I think my Mum realized the seriousness of it right there.

Thanks Cranky.

@Shosh - best of luck with your op! I hope you get back to health soon! *hugs*

Thanks Jos.:)

I'm still a work in progress. The sugar drop issue has gone away but mostly because I'm eating on time, eating properly and so fourth. Im feeling alright though. Thanks for asking! :)

Shosh, I'm keeping my eye on you. Please keep us informed of how you're doing and what's going on. :kiss2:

Thanks Lilly. I will let you all know when the removal surgery is scheduled.

[Shosh]

I am having my pre band removal consult with my surgeon on March 11th.

Hopefully he will be able to schedule the removal of my band soon after that.

I am looking forward to having it out.

As soon as I am well after the surgery, I may even have a band removal party.:D

[Scorsese86]

I wish you the best, Shosh. Everything will work out fine. Hold on, be strong, and know you have many friends who support you:)

[LillyBBBW]

I am having my pre band removal consult with my surgeon on March 11th.

Hopefully he will be able to schedule the removal of my band soon after that.

I am looking forward to having it out.

As soon as I am well after the surgery, I may even have a band removal party.:D

This is a party I would love to go to Shosh! You could have a band theme. Everybody dress up like they're part of a band i.e. rock band, marching band, mariache band, contra-band. :D It would be fun!

[BeautifulPoeticDisaster]

Susannah, I'm glad you are getting your band removed. Everyone I know who has had a band has had issues 3 years + from surgery. It's a quite painful and scary process for sure. It's good your mum supports you because you are going to need some support afterwards.

Anyways, I wish you the best!!!

[Shosh]

Susannah, I'm glad you are getting your band removed. Everyone I know who has had a band has had issues 3 years + from surgery. It's a quite painful and scary process for sure. It's good your mum supports you because you are going to need some support afterwards.

Anyways, I wish you the best!!!

Thanks BPD. This month was my three year anniversary with the band, and I think you are correct, the really severe troubles have been lately.

[Shosh]

I wish you the best, Shosh. Everything will work out fine. Hold on, be strong, and know you have many friends who support you:)
Thanks so much.:)
This is a party I would love to go to Shosh! You could have a band theme. Everybody dress up like they're part of a band i.e. rock band, marching band, mariache band, contra-band. :D It would be fun!

I told my sister this idea and she loved it!:D

[Shosh]

I posted this message regarding my pending removal of my Lap Band, on a Lap Band Forum.

I shall not name which forum or link to it. That is not important. The message is important.

I do not think I wold be as at peace with my decision, and at peace with myself without Dims and my friends here. I thank you all.



Hi All,

I have not posted here in forever. I was banded in February 2007.

I have made the decision to have my LAP-BAND removed. I cannot handle it anymore.

I am tired of the horrific side effects of vomitting and pain. I think I have vomitted everyday for the last three years.

I am tired of the fill and unfill game.

I also have progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and I have been struggling with the disease.
I have recently been hospitalized for it.

I cannot fight a battle on two fronts. The side effects of the band, and the progression of my MS, and the battle that is MS.

The LAP-BAND.
I looked gaunt and awful when I had lost 50 kilos. My hair fell out, I looked like a deflated balloon.
I hated how my body looked.

I have gained the weight back, and it has all filled out again, and I feel happy with how it looks. I feel very beautiful and feminine.

I think the medical profession glosses over the psychological effects all the changes the LAP-BAND can have on your life.

Disclaimer this is my experience of life with the band. I am speaking only for myself, and giving my own opinions.

There is no easy answer. I now personally do not believe the LAP-BAND is the answer either.

I also believe it to be possibly dangerous in the long term.

My Aunt had hers removed in emergency surgery a month ago.



I have decided to love myself as I am, be healthy in the body that I have, and to live my life for now, and not for the magical day that I look a certain way that society perceives that I must as a woman.

I am a beautiful woman, right now and as I am.

I am not buying the propaganda anymore.

With that said I do wish everybody else well who has the band, or is to be banded.

I am seeing my surgeon this Thursday, and I will ask him to take it out.

My body, my choice.

I am at peace with myself and who I am.

Best Wishes

Susannah
__________________

[jewels_mystery]

You have been very strong through your ideal. I am amazed and proud of you. hugs

[Shosh]

You have been very strong through your ideal. I am amazed and proud of you. hugs

Thanks Jewel.
xoxo

[Shosh]

Well tomorrow is the day I go to the city to see my surgeon, and lay it on him that I want my lap band removed.

I think he will try to talk me out of it.

Not sure what to tell him except, it is my body and my choice.

I shall let you all know how I go and when the removal surgery will be.

[bigsexy920]

Good luck Shosh, Ive been toying with the idea of having mine removed as well. Im very interested in how it goes for you.

[LordSheogorath]

I think you have a great experience here. Certainly not the most positive but one that appears to have had a positive impact on your life. If it counts I think you look wonderful. :happy:

[Shosh]

Good luck Shosh, Ive been toying with the idea of having mine removed as well. Im very interested in how it goes for you.
Thanks Berna. I shall let you know how I go.
I think you have a great experience here. Certainly not the most positive but one that appears to have had a positive impact on your life. If it counts I think you look wonderful. :happy:

Thanks so much.

[Shosh]

Well I am having the surgery to remove my lap band a week from today Thursday March 18th.

My surgeon wanted me to keep my band, but I explained to him why I wanted it removed, and he respeced my decision.

He is concerned about giving me a general anasthetic given my MS, but the surgery will go ahead.

Wish me luck!

[joswitch]

Well I am having the surgery to remove my lap band a week from today Thursday March 18th.

My surgeon wanted me to keep my band, but I explained to him why I wanted it removed, and he respeced my decision.

He is concerned about giving me a general anasthetic given my MS, but the surgery will go ahead.

Wish me luck!

Good for you Shosh, for standing up for what you need! Glad to hear he didn't mess you about and you got a prompt date for your op.... Best of luck, hun! *hugs*

[Green Eyed Fairy]

I'm watching you Josie......... :p

[HottiMegan]

I wish you luck on your surgery. I will be thinking about you through the day. The 18th is a good day. That's the day Max came into the worl. :)

[Shosh]

Good for you Shosh, for standing up for what you need! Glad to hear he didn't mess you about and you got a prompt date for your op.... Best of luck, hun! *hugs*
Thanks Jos.
I'm watching you Josie......... :p

Like Meet the Parents style?:p

I wish you luck on your surgery. I will be thinking about you through the day. The 18th is a good day. That's the day Max came into the worl. :)

Thanks Megan.:)

[Shosh]

Two days to go until my surgery and my mother is kind of flipping out about it. I think she is scared about me going under the anasthetic.

I am a bit scared about it, but I have an excellant, most capable surgeon, who will take he utmost care of me.

My mum is so stressed about it, she has done a backflip and is urging me not to have the band removed now.

I understand her fears, but her constant stressing is quite frankly stressing me out now.

I am more concerned with my post surgery recovery.

I will stay two nights in the hospital in the city, most people stay one, and then I am being transferred to my local hospital in the little country town that I live in for a few days.

Oh no, damn crappy hospital food.:p

At least I will have no more pain when I eat. Eating with a lap band is like having your throat in a vice.

I will be ok.

[LillyBBBW]

Two days to go until my surgery and my mother is kind of flipping out about it. I think she is scared about me going under the anasthetic.

I am a bit scared about it, but I have an excellant, most capable surgeon, who will take he utmost care of me.

My mum is so stressed about it, she has done a backflip and is urging me not to have the band removed now.

I understand her fears, but her constant stressing is quite frankly stressing me out now.

I am more concerned with my post surgery recovery.

I will stay two nights in the hospital in the city, most people stay one, and then I am being transferred to my local hospital in the little country town that I live in for a few days.

Oh no, damn crappy hospital food.:p

At least I will have no more pain when I eat. Eating with a lap band is like having your throat in a vice.

I will be ok.

You will be Shosh, I got your back. ;) Be sure to eat a fresh pineapple or canned pineapple in its own juice the night before surgery. They say the enzymes in the pineapple are excellent for cleaning toxins out of the liver. If you eat the pineapple it prevents the icky stuff from sticking and you recover faster. Don't know if it's true but it doesn't hurt to try.

[Shosh]

You will be Shosh, I got your back. ;) Be sure to eat a fresh pineapple or canned pineapple in its own juice the night before surgery. They say the enzymes in the pineapple are excellent for cleaning toxins out of the liver. If you eat the pineapple it prevents the icky stuff from sticking and you recover faster. Don't know if it's true but it doesn't hurt to try.

Thanks Lil.

[Shosh]

My family staged an intervention with me today, even though they say it was not.

They were really insistant that I not have the surgery this week, as they do not believe I am physically well enough to cope wth it.

They are probably right, given that I cannot control my bladder right now, walking is hard, and I feel shakey and weak most of the time.

I wanted to get this surgery out of the way, but my family are adamant that I wait.

I had to sit there for an hour while my Mother and Uncle and Aunt spelled out how they felt.
My mother can be pretty insistant about things.

She was against it, then she supported my decision, now she is against it again.

I have agreed to postpone the surgery until after my birthday in May, but I WILL be having the removal surgery.

[LillyBBBW]

My family staged an intervention with me today, even though they say it was not.

They were really insistant that I not have the surgery this week, as they do not believe I am physically well enough to cope wth it.

They are probably right, given that I cannot control my bladder right now, walking is hard, and I feel shakey and weak most of the time.

I wanted to get this surgery out of the way, but my family are adamant that I wait.

I had to sit there for an hour while my Mother and Uncle and Aunt spelled out how they felt.
My mother can be pretty insistant about things.

She was against it, then she supported my decision, now she is against it again.

I have agreed to postpone the surgery until after my birthday in May, but I WILL be having the removal surgery.

Shosh, this sounds like it is for the best right now. Afterall your health is what is most important. Waiting untill you are on more stable ground health wise is a good idea.

[SocialbFly]

I agree with what Lilly said, sometimes waiting is harder, but better, take care Shosh.

[Shosh]

Shosh, this sounds like it is for the best right now. Afterall your health is what is most important. Waiting untill you are on more stable ground health wise is a good idea.

Thanks Lil. You wise old owl.:)

I agree with what Lilly said, sometimes waiting is harder, but better, take care Shosh.

Thanks Dianna. The neurologist is going to assess me again in three months time and we will go from there.

I do still want it out.

[joswitch]

My family staged an intervention with me today, even though they say it was not.

They were really insistant that I not have the surgery this week, as they do not believe I am physically well enough to cope wth it.

They are probably right, given that I cannot control my bladder right now, walking is hard, and I feel shakey and weak most of the time.

I wanted to get this surgery out of the way, but my family are adamant that I wait.

I had to sit there for an hour while my Mother and Uncle and Aunt spelled out how they felt.
My mother can be pretty insistant about things.

She was against it, then she supported my decision, now she is against it again.

I have agreed to postpone the surgery until after my birthday in May, but I WILL be having the removal surgery.

Sounds like building up your health prior to surgery is a wise move..

Just a thought though - might the constant throwing up be contributing to your ill health and weakness? It's hard to recoup your strength if your body is not absorbing food/vitamins/minerals properly....

Is there anything your doc might be able to prescribe to reduce your reflux?
And / or a nutritionally balanced liquid diet / supplement? Would you perhaps be able to keep that down easier?

I hope you feel better and stronger soon, Shosh! *hugs*

[jenboo]

I would not think of it as a failure.

[imfree]

I posted this message regarding my pending removal of my Lap Band, on a Lap Band Forum.

I shall not name which forum or link to it. That is not important. The message is important.

I do not think I wold be as at peace with my decision, and at peace with myself without Dims and my friends here. I thank you all.



Hi All,

I have not posted here in forever. I was banded in February 2007.

I have made the decision to have my LAP-BAND removed. I cannot handle it anymore.

I am tired of the horrific side effects of vomitting and pain. I think I have vomitted everyday for the last three years.

I am tired of the fill and unfill game.

I also have progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and I have been struggling with the disease.
I have recently been hospitalized for it.

I cannot fight a battle on two fronts. The side effects of the band, and the progression of my MS, and the battle that is MS.

The LAP-BAND.
I looked gaunt and awful when I had lost 50 kilos. My hair fell out, I looked like a deflated balloon.
I hated how my body looked.

I have gained the weight back, and it has all filled out again, and I feel happy with how it looks. I feel very beautiful and feminine.

I think the medical profession glosses over the psychological effects all the changes the LAP-BAND can have on your life.

Disclaimer this is my experience of life with the band. I am speaking only for myself, and giving my own opinions.

There is no easy answer. I now personally do not believe the LAP-BAND is the answer either.

I also believe it to be possibly dangerous in the long term.

My Aunt had hers removed in emergency surgery a month ago.



I have decided to love myself as I am, be healthy in the body that I have, and to live my life for now, and not for the magical day that I look a certain way that society perceives that I must as a woman.

I am a beautiful woman, right now and as I am.

I am not buying the propaganda anymore.

With that said I do wish everybody else well who has the band, or is to be banded.

I am seeing my surgeon this Thursday, and I will ask him to take it out.

My body, my choice.

I am at peace with myself and who I am.

Best Wishes

Susannah
__________________

WOW! You ROCK, girl!!! Your tiara picture shows your beauty,
right down to the eyes, too!:bow:

[Dromond]

I would not think of it as a failure.

Total agreement. I'd say in this case WLS failed YOU, not the other way around.

[squidge dumpling]

Shoshie let me tell you one thing I know for sure. If people want to judge you they will find something to judge you about. It would be your weight or something else. If you are in that much pain and are having so many bad episodes I would suggest at least consulting a surgeon to see if it can be fixed. Then decide if you should take it out. People judge everyone, all I know is you are a lovely woman who goes out of her way to be kind. I couldn't care less if you are fat or thin. You need to be OK with you - screw the rest of the world. Be happy Shoshie you are loved. :)

I totally agree with Sandie on this, know matter what size you are your still you, and the you I know is such a kind loving lady who is always there for other. Think of what best for you and screw the rest of the world.