Starting Over
Once again I am starting over. For those that don't know me (and a reminder for those that do)...here is a summary of my path.
In August 2003 I had Open RNY at HCMC. I weighed in at 430. For OPEN they don't require a liquid diet. I was thankful for that. Operation was very successful. I got all the way down to 255. That was my lowest. Then I started climbing back up.
In June of 2007 I had a revision. They put a Vanguard Band in plus fixed a hernia. This was done LAP and the surgery went well. I weighed about 300.
Under the normal process I had a series of fills in my band, but they were never effective. I did not lose any, but continued to gain. I was able to eat large meals. Once, after getting a so called "fill" at HCMC, I went out to eat at McDonalds. I ate an entire Big Mac and Large Fries. I did that to prove to myself that this was not working. I posted here about that. Someone suggested I see Dr. B at Fairview (UofM). I was at my wits end, so I did.
Dr. B listened to me for an hour straight. He said "lets get this working". I went in for an Upper GI and endoscopy. That is where I met Dr. Leslie. Dr. Leslie told me my band isn't full. But, HCMC did tell me it was as full as they could comfortably make it. You are not full. Lets fill that band. So he did.
From that day I started losing. I got all the way down to 186. Then the band stopped working. It was too tight and my esophogus was stretching on top of it, creating it's own stomach which allowed me to eat HUGE meals....I gained back and currently sit at about 220. Dr. Leslie, about three weeks ago...emptied my band. We need to let your esopogus heal he said.
Yesterday he added 4cc's back in. Very loose in comparison to what it was when I first had him tighten it down (that was like 7.5 or 8 ccs in 2008). But I went home last night and made a big meal, like I had been doing. I had two bites of a sandwich and a spoonful of soup and I was DONE. Wow. And I wasn't hungry until lunch time the next day (today). Small meal today too.
So through all the frustration, tears, angst, prayers, joys, laughter, and every other emotion, I feel like I have it back and have been given one more shot.
I have a hell of a long way to catch Elena....probably never will. But at least I don't have to go back and look for bigger clothes. (I came super close to doing that, and that is a terrible feeling)
Thanks to my closest friends along the way for encouragement, hugs, cheerleading, prayers, advice, motivation, and just downright listening. You know who you are.
P
In August 2003 I had Open RNY at HCMC. I weighed in at 430. For OPEN they don't require a liquid diet. I was thankful for that. Operation was very successful. I got all the way down to 255. That was my lowest. Then I started climbing back up.
In June of 2007 I had a revision. They put a Vanguard Band in plus fixed a hernia. This was done LAP and the surgery went well. I weighed about 300.
Under the normal process I had a series of fills in my band, but they were never effective. I did not lose any, but continued to gain. I was able to eat large meals. Once, after getting a so called "fill" at HCMC, I went out to eat at McDonalds. I ate an entire Big Mac and Large Fries. I did that to prove to myself that this was not working. I posted here about that. Someone suggested I see Dr. B at Fairview (UofM). I was at my wits end, so I did.
Dr. B listened to me for an hour straight. He said "lets get this working". I went in for an Upper GI and endoscopy. That is where I met Dr. Leslie. Dr. Leslie told me my band isn't full. But, HCMC did tell me it was as full as they could comfortably make it. You are not full. Lets fill that band. So he did.
From that day I started losing. I got all the way down to 186. Then the band stopped working. It was too tight and my esophogus was stretching on top of it, creating it's own stomach which allowed me to eat HUGE meals....I gained back and currently sit at about 220. Dr. Leslie, about three weeks ago...emptied my band. We need to let your esopogus heal he said.
Yesterday he added 4cc's back in. Very loose in comparison to what it was when I first had him tighten it down (that was like 7.5 or 8 ccs in 2008). But I went home last night and made a big meal, like I had been doing. I had two bites of a sandwich and a spoonful of soup and I was DONE. Wow. And I wasn't hungry until lunch time the next day (today). Small meal today too.
So through all the frustration, tears, angst, prayers, joys, laughter, and every other emotion, I feel like I have it back and have been given one more shot.
I have a hell of a long way to catch Elena....probably never will. But at least I don't have to go back and look for bigger clothes. (I came super close to doing that, and that is a terrible feeling)
Thanks to my closest friends along the way for encouragement, hugs, cheerleading, prayers, advice, motivation, and just downright listening. You know who you are.
P
Paul:
I count myself among those who have been inspired by your courage, tenacity, intelligence and positive attitude as you have fought against this awful beast. Thank you for sharing your story and so much of yourself here. I actually think you are going to give Elena some substantial competition as your journey continues to unfold. Good luck!
RP
(deactivated member)
on 9/21/10 5:27 am - Clear Lake, MN
on 9/21/10 5:27 am - Clear Lake, MN
Paul,
You know I'm always here for you.....And I'm so happy things are working again.....I know how down you've been.....Keep the faith, keep plugging along, and always reach out for help when you need it.....
Love ya, Kel
You know I'm always here for you.....And I'm so happy things are working again.....I know how down you've been.....Keep the faith, keep plugging along, and always reach out for help when you need it.....Love ya, Kel
Paul,
I don't know you from Adam (hell, I don't even know Adam) but I can hear the hope and tenacity in your post and I know with that kind of will and fight in you, you will do great.
Keep up the great work (because you have been doing great work-you saw that there was a problem and instead of letting it go, you kept trying to get an answer)!!
Best of Luck!
Sam
I don't know you from Adam (hell, I don't even know Adam) but I can hear the hope and tenacity in your post and I know with that kind of will and fight in you, you will do great.
Keep up the great work (because you have been doing great work-you saw that there was a problem and instead of letting it go, you kept trying to get an answer)!!
Best of Luck!
Sam
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind-Dr. Seuss
You've been there plenty for me, Paul. So in the immortal words of JT,
"Winter, Spring, Summer or Falllll ~ baby, all you've got to do is call..."
We didn't get into this whole WLS gig to quit. It's a forever kind of deal, you just keep fighting for what you want from it!
Love you
"Winter, Spring, Summer or Falllll ~ baby, all you've got to do is call..."
We didn't get into this whole WLS gig to quit. It's a forever kind of deal, you just keep fighting for what you want from it!
Love you
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
Paul...I am glad things are getting better for you.
You are an inspiration to so many of us...you never give up....we can't give up!!
I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so. I am wishing you the very best on this journey.
I am here for you....anytime friend!!
Hugs...connie d
You are an inspiration to so many of us...you never give up....we can't give up!!
I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so. I am wishing you the very best on this journey.
I am here for you....anytime friend!!
Hugs...connie d
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