Surgeon

I had the realize band diet on 12/22 and I am not happy with the results.  I know there is nothing that can be done now.  I know that my insurance will not pay for the surgery again.  I can't afford to pay for the surgery either.  I am thinking about looking into plastic surgery.  Has anyone had plastic surgery, what did you have and how much was is?  I live in Indiana.  thanks...

I'm sorry to hear you're disappointed ... but if I understand correctly, your band was placed 6 weeks ago.  Have you even had a fill yet?  In what way are you unhappy with the results?  What are your expectations for this stage, and have you discussed your concerns with your surgeon?

I'm one of those gals that tells it up front... and as a successful longtime bandster.... who just so happens to have the same surgeon as you... I just have to be frank in saying the following, so please please please do not take offense. I'm just being direct and honest.............

............You had surgery on 12/22 of 2008 and........ did you think you were gonna loose weight fast like an RNY patient? Have you talked to Dr Clark or Julie about your unrealistic expectations and how they could help you? Have you talked to them at all about ANY of the concerns (like the ones you've posted on the LapBand forum since the begining of this year) you have had?

Lets just be honest here, you haven't even given the band the realistic time needed to see if it would work for you. You didn't gain all your weight in 6-7 weeks, you can't realistic expect to loose it all in that time frame either. You've been given all kinds of great advice on previous posts about allowing yourself time to heal, getting fills (as in more then one), and being patient in general, why aren't you allowing any of that info to set in?

I can tell you that I only lost 20 lbs in the first 6-8 MONTHS after getting my band. It wasn't until I had finally had a fill that made the proper restriction that I suddenly saw the weight fly off as I working the banding rules. At 17 months out I had lost over 100 lbs. This is a slow process, loosing weight with the band, and you had to been aware of that prior to choosing this as your process, yes? no?

You've got to give yourself time. You are being totally unrealistic in your expectations. Talk to Dr Clark, Julie, or any of the counselor in their offices.  

thanks for the advice I think that I am very impatient.  I know that I need to give it time.  Maybe I should of had the RNY, but I can't do anything about it now....

Nicole,

Jessica & Jodi both gave you excellent lap band advise. Since I had RNY, I have nothing to add in that regard except that it was perfectly clear to me prior to my weight loss surgery (WLS)  that the band would be slower. Since I had 200 lbs to lose, I chose the RNY.

Now as to plastics. I would not even think about it at your stage. You cannot get it all the way you want it over night. It just doesn't happen that way. Anyone who thinks that WLS is a miracle cure for obesity is WAY off base. Anyone who thinks that plastics is, is even further off base. Look up what your weight should be to have a 'normal' BMI. Then add 20 lb to it. When you get there..and maintain it there, then drop us a line on here about plastics. I maintained a steady weight for 18 months before I had plastics. Unless you are made of money..which I am taking it that you are not since you can't just go and have your band revised to RNY (without really giving your band a chance), then you will want to save your pennies and have the plastics after you lose weight. I went to Dr. Bergman. Figure on paying at least $4,000 for each procedure you want done. Other surgeons (like Turkle) are at least double that.

Sherri