Starting Over

I had the band put in 3 years ago.  I lost 42lbs but, stayed there.  I am only 1/2 filled and yet things get stuck.  The healthy foods are the things that I have trouble with, yet the bad foods are easy.  I really want to get back into this but don't want to go back to see Dr. Campbell.  She makes me feel bad.  Does anyone have a doctor that will push me in the right direction but with some kindness.  I live in the Salem/Derry/Windham area.

Hi JZ,

My surgeon Dr Jeff Brown just started up a support group in Nashua on the 4th Tuesday of every month. It is at the Nashua Senior Center at 70 Temple St.

Dr Brown is now practising in Massachusetts but is looking to help others in the greater Nashua area. He is awesome, and this group is for anyone that wants to attend. His new office is in Stoneham Ma about 40 minutes from Nashua but if you come to our support group He is there to answer questions and to help those of us that are struggling to stay on track. You are not alone and we so would love to have you join our group.

Dr. Brown does RNY and Lap Band so come join us. The group meets from 7 to 8:30 or so....hope you can join us...Laurie

I have had my band for about 18 months.  From what you are saying, and what I have heard in my support group meeting, it sounds like you need some fluid taken OUT of you band.  You are too tight.  People who have indicated that they can only eat the unhealthy foods have had some fluid removed from the band and are able to start eating normally again, and lose weight.  I know that our doctors have support group meetings in Derry.  I am not sure if they have appointments available there, but I think the sooner you get to someone to remove some fluid the better you will be.  Have you told Dr. Campbell about being stuck all the time, and not able to eat healthy?  If she is knowledgeable about the band, she should recognize the symptons.  Remember, tight is not always good!!!

Keep in touch with how you are doing. 

Thank you.  What is the doctor's name in Derry, NH?  If I have to go to Nashua, then I would but, I would prefer Derry since it is closer to my home and a great deal less traffic.  I have spoken to Dr. Campbell and she feels that I am just one of those that cheat.  I don't eat anything in the morning because it is so tight and if I eat something like bread, it gets caught.  Yet, I can eat chips.  So frustrating.  My port also sticks out and hurts.  Re-reading this, I sound like a whiner but, I am so not.  I walked into an ambulance with my leg broken in 4 places and a torn achillies heel, I also worked a full day after my appendix burst, etc.  Any and all help is appreciated.  Thank you!

The group in Portsmouth/Derry is Atlantic Surgical Associates.  I have Dr. Gens and love him.  They offer support group meetings in Derry also.  Our program is the best. 

Keep in mind, I cannot eat bread, rice, pasta, bagels, or anything like that.  They get stuck for me also.  I can eat crackers, chips, anything crispy.  I would still get everything checked out, just to be on the safe side.

Keep me posted.

Martha

I started my program at CMC and had an appointment w/ Dr Campbell.  I had medical issues and they referred me to Boston.  BEST thing I ever did.  They refer to Dr Tarnoff @ Tufts.  I know you don't want to go far but maybe Boston can help.  Good Luck.

Hi, Lahey CLinic in Burlington also has support groups and great docs, Dr. Brams and Dr. Nepomnyshay. I just had my RNY there and they do both Bands and RNY.

WIncheseter is not that far.  That is where I did mine.  I think it would be only about 1/2 hour ride from WIndham.  He is excellent (Dr. Ameri) and has support groups once a month in Winchester/  I think NH Skinny Girls doc works with him now, per her post.  His office is out of Stoneham. 

Good Luck