Re: 10,000$ down the drain?

[Guest guest]

Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 3:22:55 PM, you wrote:

> OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am feeling Very discouraged!

> I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out). The problem is

> this: I feel no different then I did before the surgery. I have

> absoultly NO Restriction.

Sounds pretty normal to me. The band only works when it is filled.

> Now I realize I haven't had my first fill

> yet, but surely I should feel some restriction?

Most don't, some do. I did, but I was the exception.

> I guess I'm afraid it

> was all for nothing. Is this common? to feel the exact same driving

> hunger?

The band only deals with the physical hunger. Most of us also deal

with emotional hunger, and that's a giant problem. That's why many of

us find counseling helpful, if from someone who KNOWS weight issues.

> Somebody, please tell me they felt the same way & then w/ the fills

> the hunger is driven away?! Restriction will work on me???

Restriction works on everybody. But anybody can beat the band by

eating crap food, taking in liquid calories, etc. But you've lost

already, and that's great.

> My DR told me lots of people wait more then 6wks cause their doing so

> well w/o fill, just the restriction of the band........I feel No

> restriction. Please help

Well, don't know who your doc is, but he's right and wrong. SOME get

restriction before a fill, but I don't think have much restriction

before a fill. A band without a fill is like a car with the gas gauge

reading empty. You can get a little ways on it, maybe, but not far.

dan

--

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

323/209/199 Age 63 The road goes on forever.....

[Guest guest]

, to feel little or no restriction right now is only temporary and I think

you should feel lucky that you are not in any kind of pain, which some people

feel after surgery even when they drink liquids. You WILL get restriction when

you get your first fill -- usually 6-8 weeks after surgery. You doctor has to

wait until your insides heal before giving you a fill because you will have to

be on liquids for a day or 2 after your fill and you need to have everything

running smoothly inside your stomach and band. Even then, it might take a couple

fills before you feel completely satiated after eating 1/2 cup of food. Don't

fret or be upset, this is completely normal and you will lose weight after your

first fill. Please try to be patient for your time is coming.

Barb in , FL

Dr. Grossbard 10/22/04

284(before surgery)/182(now)/160(goal)

________________________________________________________________________

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email and IM.

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[Guest guest]

My gosh, did you do enough research so you know what to expect???

We do not lose the second we get out of surgery. The band does not work

without fills, for 99% of people, and fills cannot even start until 6-8

weeks after surgery. Most lose nothing the first 6 weeks, so your 6# is

more than most.

then, it taked 3-5 fills to get to a good fill level, where serious

weight loss will start. This means several months from now.

Surely your doctor went over this, and much more, with you in your pre-

op consultations???

the first 6-8 weeks is for healing, and starting to learn the many

things you will have to contribute yourself to the formula for good

loss -exercise, better food choices, better exercise, few sweets or

junk, much better fluid intake.

Few people do not need to start with fills at about 6 weeks. In

hinderds and hundreds of Bandsters I know well, maybe 20 did not need a

fill for more than 3 months.

anoAnther thing important to know is that the band does not work , now

or later, with fluids and soft foods. It only works with solid foods -

and you're likely not even back on solid foods yet, if you're only 3

weeks out! It takes a minimum of 1-2 weeks on solids again before you

can tell a thing about your real resriction.

Banding is a process, with many steps. You're at the very beginning and

taking only baby steps, as we all must for the first 6-8 weeks. Keep

the faith, continue learning more every day, and you'll do fine.

Sandy R

>

> OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am feeling Very

discouraged!

> I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out). The problem is

> this: I feel no different then I did before the surgery. I have

> absoultly NO Restriction. Now I realize I haven't had my first fill

> yet, but surely I should feel some restriction? I guess I'm afraid it

> was all for nothing. Is this common? to feel the exact same driving

> hunger?

> Somebody, please tell me they felt the same way & then w/ the fills

> the hunger is driven away?! Restriction will work on me???

> My DR told me lots of people wait more then 6wks cause their doing

so

> well w/o fill, just the restriction of the band........I feel No

> restriction. Please help

>

[Guest guest]

keep the faith, go get a fill when you can, and keep

trying. follow the allowed diet right now and let

everything heal then...go for it.

--- bslimsarah <elephantcrossing@...> wrote:

> OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am

> feeling Very discouraged!

> I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out).

> The problem is

> this: I feel no different then I did before the

> surgery. I have

> absoultly NO Restriction. Now I realize I haven't

> had my first fill

> yet, but surely I should feel some restriction? I

> guess I'm afraid it

> was all for nothing. Is this common? to feel the

> exact same driving

> hunger?

> Somebody, please tell me they felt the same way &

> then w/ the fills

> the hunger is driven away?! Restriction will work on

> me???

> My DR told me lots of people wait more then 6wks

> cause their doing so

> well w/o fill, just the restriction of the

> band........I feel No

> restriction. Please help

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Wow, sorry you are so discouraged! I guess your doc didn't tell you but

many people don't have any restriction before their first fill. Initially

the surgery causes swelling and that is what causes people to feel

restriction combined with being on mostly liquid diet for awhile results in

some weight loss. In fact 8lbs sounds pretty good for where you are. I've

only lost 12 since my surgery last year. I just got my 2nd fill so that

should change pretty quick. Most people get 4-6 fills and it takes some

trial and error to get to the right level.

Before my first fill I could eat everything and in the same quantities as

before surgery. I had lost 9lbs and gained 7 back before my fill. I just

got this second fill and so far it's wonderful - i ate a small breakfast at

8:30 and still wasn't hungry at 1:30 - at 3:00 I had a small protein shake

and I'm amazed.

So don't give up - you still have to work this band and that doesn't stop.

So yes, we all paid 10Kand some paid a lot more but you'll need to fork over

for a few fills, watch what you put in your mouth, learn to chew and take

small bites etc. etc. The band helps but there is a ton of stuff you still

need to do and one of them is working with your doc to get the correct fill.

hang in there - you can do it and you can succeed and hopefully you DIDN't

throw 10k down the drain.

>From: " bslimsarah " <elephantcrossing@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: 10,000$ down the drain?

>Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 21:22:55 -0000

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>

>OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am feeling Very discouraged!

>I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out). The problem is

>this: I feel no different then I did before the surgery. I have

>absoultly NO Restriction. Now I realize I haven't had my first fill

>yet, but surely I should feel some restriction? I guess I'm afraid it

>was all for nothing. Is this common? to feel the exact same driving

>hunger?

>Somebody, please tell me they felt the same way & then w/ the fills

>the hunger is driven away?! Restriction will work on me???

>My DR told me lots of people wait more then 6wks cause their doing so

>well w/o fill, just the restriction of the band........I feel No

>restriction. Please help

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am feeling Very

discouraged!

> I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out). The problem is

> this: I feel no different then I did before the surgery. I have

> absoultly NO Restriction. >

I didn't lose any weight for 4 months after surgery! I had no

restriction and it took a couple of fills before I started losing. The

important thing is to take care of the band and pouch, listen to the

Dr, be patient and you'll eventually get there. Today I'm within 10 lbs

of my goal weight. Hang in there - this works and is worth every penny

I spent!

Jeannie

self pay

** almost** at goal!

[Guest guest]

-Hey I am frustrated! I am still wanting food and do not fill much

restriction at all. I have had 4cc fill for my first fill and I am

scared I won't be able to do this? I want it now and it seems so

hard and so slow. Please encourage me! I live far from the clinic

and cannot go to the support groups

Pat

-- In , " ecu1983 " <ecu1983@...>

wrote:

>

>

> >

> > OK, as you can tell from the intro line, I am feeling Very

> discouraged!

> > I have lost a wopping 8pds since surgery (3wks out). The problem

is

> > this: I feel no different then I did before the surgery. I have

> > absoultly NO Restriction. >

>

> I didn't lose any weight for 4 months after surgery! I had no

> restriction and it took a couple of fills before I started losing.

The

> important thing is to take care of the band and pouch, listen to

the

> Dr, be patient and you'll eventually get there. Today I'm within

10 lbs

> of my goal weight. Hang in there - this works and is worth every

penny

> I spent!

>

> Jeannie

> self pay

> ** almost** at goal!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

i too have had times when i felt that the surgery was a waste. i am down near

20 lbs since the band was installed in january. i wish it were more. recently,

i added exercise, almost every day. and am paying strict attention to my food

choices. it is still a slow go. i guess the good news is that i am weighing

less than when i started this journey which is less than i would have been

without the band.

---------------------------------

Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Everyone should voice their opinion good or bad. I am sorry that

you haven't lost more, have you had fills. I had about a 3 month

period where I lost nothing and gained a few then I had a fill, lost

a few pounds went back got another fill and now am losing steady and

really understands what it means to have hit the sweet spot. Don't

give up, find another doctor if you are not being supported there.

Lori

317/234/175 7/11/05

>

> > Several fills over a period of time is the plan and it should

have been

> > explained to you before surgery. My doctor said that 4-5 fills

over a

> > period of 6 months is normal. This period of time is about

learning to

> > eat correctly with your band. You should be retraining yourself

so that

> > inhaling a whole piece of pizza is not second nature like it

used to be

> > for us.

>

[Guest guest]

I too feel your pain...but in my case it was $23,000 down the drain.

I was banded 2.5 years ago. Yes, I did lose weight and have managed

to drop 80 pounds in the first year and nothing since then.

Unfortunately, I have gained back 10 of those pounds. I have tried to

get a fill, but the dr says I look good and shouldn't need anything

else. I exercise for a hour most days (4-5 a week), doing both cardio

and weights. I eat my protein first and veggies or a salad. I have

had an occasionally ice cream cone with the kids perhaps one a month.

I journal my eating and almost always stay within 1100 - 1300

calories. I have tried the kick start of eating 1500 calories for a

couple days then drop back down, or eat 900 calories a couple days and

go back up. My doctor is baffled as am I. I have thought about

having the band removed and do the bypass so perhaps my body won't

hold onto the calories.

[Guest guest]

Please tell us more, and perhaps we can help figure out why you're

stalled.

please include, if you're comfortable with it,

- the foods you eat daily

- your start, present, and goal wt

- your height

- your doc

- size band and fill amount

I worry when someone says a doc refuses to give more fill, but you

have mor weight to lose. Is your weight goal rasonable? Why does he

say no mopre fills?

I hope we can help more- Sandy

>

> I too feel your pain...but in my case it was $23,000 down the

drain.

> I was banded 2.5 years ago. Yes, I did lose weight and have

managed

> to drop 80 pounds in the first year and nothing since then.

> Unfortunately, I have gained back 10 of those pounds. I have tried

to

> get a fill, but the dr says I look good and shouldn't need anything

> else. I exercise for a hour most days (4-5 a week), doing both

cardio

> and weights. I eat my protein first and veggies or a salad. I

have

> had an occasionally ice cream cone with the kids perhaps one a

month.

> I journal my eating and almost always stay within 1100 - 1300

> calories. I have tried the kick start of eating 1500 calories for a

> couple days then drop back down, or eat 900 calories a couple days

and

> go back up. My doctor is baffled as am I. I have thought about

> having the band removed and do the bypass so perhaps my body won't

> hold onto the calories.

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds like you're getting back on track! good for you!

Any time we are not losing 1-2 # a week for more than 3-4 weeks in a

row, we need to look seriously at what can be improved. We can help

with this, if you like. but your deoc should also play a big role

when you see him.

Fills are only a part of the solution. the rest is up ti us and how

committed we are to weight loss. It is not easy, but the formula is a

proven one for probably 99% of Bandsters.

Sandy R

>

> Hi all,

> i too have had times when i felt that the surgery was a waste. i

am down near 20 lbs since the band was installed in january. i wish

it were more. recently, i added exercise, almost every day. and am

paying strict attention to my food choices. it is still a slow go.

i guess the good news is that i am weighing less than when i started

this journey which is less than i would have been without the band.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Darla,

I am with you. I am 18 months out and have lost

43lbs. I had my last fill in October 2005. I am

2.8cc's in a 4cc Inamed AGB. I have alot of

restriction. I can't eat bread, pizza, anything fried

or cooked dry and hard. I have to do small bites but

not much trouble with PBing and no reflux and no

weight loss since my last fill. I am slowly giving up

hope of losing anymore. I had a consultation for a

breast reduction but wanted to be down at least 40lbs

more pounds. I never post but always read everyday

for some encouragement that it is possible. I always

think it is amazing when people have lost all their

weight. I always want to ask then how they did it.

My weight has stabilized and doesn't really change no

matter what I don't eat or what I do. I am 59. I

could blame it on that. I have had a hysterectomy and

they took all hormones away. I am really joking

because I am very aware of the problem. In Ohio I do

not have any support except through the online groups.

I always read Jessie and wish I lived in her area. I

think her patience have great success because of her

support and no nonsense approach. I loved Dr. Ortiz

and Dr. ez and have flown back twice for fills

but wish I had more support locally. I can feel my

dh's disappointment after going to Mexico with me and

paying the $10,000 because I feel it too. Whatever I

am doing, it doesn't seem to be the right thing. It

is very upsetting. I always love to hear about

everyone's success and won't post because I don't want

people to think I am sorry I had this done. I have

learned so much by this experience. My sister had the

RNY followed by two bowel obstructions Barix was

great about handling the surgery but it was the three

surgeries in one year that was so hard on her and she

wished she did have the band. Love all of you and

will always continue to read.

Debby B

248/205/168

Dr. Ortiz

12/1/04

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Debby, we'll be happy to offer suggestions, if you like. I just

returned from a week on ohio (Lake Erie) visiting relatives, and

think I want to move back there, but that won't be accomplished soon.

Where in Ohio are you?

There is an excellent Band surgeon in cincinnati who is following and

filling MX band clients that might help too, if you're near there.

If you like, I'll send you the Band food and eating /guide i wrote

for the Kuri clients, and my own c,ients. It covers all the band

basics, and might be a good starting point for you or others

disappointed in their loss and wanting to make changes to improve.

In 3.5 yrs of banding and offering suggestions, I have not seen a

bandster that was unable to get back on track, as long as they are

willing to look seriously as the things suggested. It might involve

some ral introspection on your part, and many people don't want to

face some of the things needed. Dan and I are both pretty well-known

for " tough love " and some just don't want that, even if they are

unhappy with their band success.

Please let us know. We care about you, and I know we can help.

SandyR

Kuri, at goal

www.BandsterME.com

>

> Darla,

> I am with you. I am 18 months out and have lost

> 43lbs. I had my last fill in October 2005. I am

> 2.8cc's in a 4cc Inamed AGB. I have alot of

> restriction. I can't eat bread, pizza, anything fried

> or cooked dry and hard. I have to do small bites but

> not much trouble with PBing and no reflux and no

> weight loss since my last fill. I am slowly giving up

> hope of losing anymore. I had a consultation for a

> breast reduction but wanted to be down at least 40lbs

> more pounds. I never post but always read everyday

> for some encouragement that it is possible. I always

> think it is amazing when people have lost all their

> weight. I always want to ask then how they did it.

> My weight has stabilized and doesn't really change no

> matter what I don't eat or what I do. I am 59. I

> could blame it on that. I have had a hysterectomy and

> they took all hormones away. I am really joking

> because I am very aware of the problem. In Ohio I do

> not have any support except through the online groups.

> I always read Jessie and wish I lived in her area. I

> think her patience have great success because of her

> support and no nonsense approach. I loved Dr. Ortiz

> and Dr. ez and have flown back twice for fills

> but wish I had more support locally. I can feel my

> dh's disappointment after going to Mexico with me and

> paying the $10,000 because I feel it too. Whatever I

> am doing, it doesn't seem to be the right thing. It

> is very upsetting. I always love to hear about

> everyone's success and won't post because I don't want

> people to think I am sorry I had this done. I have

> learned so much by this experience. My sister had the

> RNY followed by two bowel obstructions Barix was

> great about handling the surgery but it was the three

> surgeries in one year that was so hard on her and she

> wished she did have the band. Love all of you and

> will always continue to read.

>

> Debby B

> 248/205/168

> Dr. Ortiz

> 12/1/04

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

, this is a well-known fact of banding, sadly.:-(

Men usually lose much faster than women. Not fair, but true! It has

to do with different eating styles, hormone levels, activity levels,

muscle mass, different lifestyles, and more. Men often lose pretty

well, especially at first, by doing nothing more than reducing their

intake,. no exercise, no attention to nutrition, no lifestly changes

at all. (This catches up with them later, though, so I hope guys

reading this will not see this as a license to do no work) Women

have to work hard at it most of the time. (Grrrrr).

Sandy R

> > >

> > > > Several fills over a period of time is the plan

> > and it should

> > have been

> > > > explained to you before surgery. My doctor said

> > that 4-5 fills

> > over a

> > > > period of 6 months is normal. This period of

> > time is about

> > learning to

> > > > eat correctly with your band. You should be

> > retraining yourself

> > so that

> > > > inhaling a whole piece of pizza is not second

> > nature like it

> > used to be

> > > > for us.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Sandy, What Cincinnati band surgeon are you referring to? Thanks.

Sherry

>

> There is an excellent Band surgeon in cincinnati who is following and

> filling MX band clients that might help too, if you're near there.