Recent Posts
Thank you, I am trying to get back on track too. I had RNY January 2000 and was very successful. Lost 130 pounds and started to regain 5 years ago when my Mom passed away. I lost site of how to eat and began eating anything I wanted too. I forgot that I have to forever eat the way my surgeon suggested we do for the rest of our lives. I don't want to go through a revision and just want to get back on track. I believe my pouch still works. The malabsorption may no longer be a help but I truly believe my pouch hasn't failed. It may be bigger than it used to be but since I have started a higher protein diet, cravings have already started to subside.
Hello Carolyn,
Are you switching to another wls or just removing the band?
Thank you soo much for the details of the Keto diet and the offer to help I really appreciate it!! And the Truvia suggestion. I can totally try it, baby steps to ween off the full sugar tea.
I am happy to hear that you had it unfilled, thats great and what a difference with your ability to eat that quickly. Its crazy how just a little fluid in it can cause soo many problems. And I am glad to hear that another Dr said the same thing mine did about the failures of the band. I swear they should totally do away with it. I hope you dont have to deal with any erosion damage.
So I can totally relate to the emotional side of this journey. I am embarrassed as well so I know what you mean and to have a Dr totally agree with you and understand thats huge. My primary care dr is not easy on me when I go to her . She is always discussing how she only has me and one other patient that has not been successful with the band. So when I go to her in Oct I will inform her that she should be more aware of the problems that the band is causing and that my other Dr had to let me know, when I see her like 4 times a year and instead of making me feel like I failed she should have done some research of the possible problems.
The amount you stated if you have to pay out of pocket is not too bad if cigna does not pick it up. Hopefully they will for you.
So I have a case worker assigned to me from the Bariatric Dept with United Health care and since I do have a high BMI, I am totally covered for the revision and the bypass. All I have to do is after my unfill appointment and the review of the GI results with TGH Dr Mooney, I just have to call United with a surgery date and I am good to go. So I am anxious to get this show on the road. I have 2 cruises scheduled before the end of the year so I need to work around those and I already gave my boss a heads up that I may be out for 2 surgeries and she understands and will work with me. And by no means do I mean this in a bragging way, thats not me, but my company is awesome with short term leave. Its 100% pay for up to 26 weeks. So this takes off the stress of having to be out twice, removal and bypass, for this to happen.
So after Aug 30th , counting down the days to that appt, I will know when everything will happen and I can go on this journey again, with better success!!
Good ole sweeeeeeet tea! I make mine with Truvia now and it totally kills the craving! Give it a try :)
Keto is a lot like atkins in that it's low carb, but the biggest differences are increased fat content (think fatty meats!), no sugar and the lack of any wheat/rice/grain derivatives at all. A lot of food additives include wheat based sources and chemicals. Keto is about eating healthier fresher foods high in fat. The fats you eat actually fuel your body so its less about restriction and more about getting your fats and fiber in...a plan that lets you EAT! Woo! haha I am actually less hungry with it, too. I started it because I wanted to stop my body from making insulin as frequently. I'm insulin resistant. Anyway, I'm always here to help if you want any more info.
So yesterday was AMAZING! I went to Surgical healing Arts in Ft. Meyers, FL. It's a 2 hour drive from Tampa but SO worth it. Dr. Ramlogan completely agreed that I needed to remove my band. He completely unfilled it and I could immediately eat 100x better than I have in 8 freaking years! I had 2 tacos and didn't throw up or even get backed up. I am so excited! I am going back for an endoscopy as he fears there may be some erosion based on my symptoms and pain at the port site. After that they will submit to Cigna to see if removal will be covered. We had a very long discussion about my current eating and exercise habits. He advised me to think about what I WANT, not just his thoughts. He did say insurance would likely deny a revision because I am at a healthy weight (169 yesterday with only 30lbs of fat), but if I self pay for removal it's only $2k more for a revision (food for thought if I self pay). So I think if insurance covers the removal, I'll just try that at first. I'd ideally like to not have to cut my stomach open if I don't have to. Now that I have found keto, I'm optimistic. :)
The entire appointment was very therapeutic for me. He asked why I had not been in for follow-ups and I was honest. I explained the depression, shame and guilt I had over not being successful at losing the weight, the fear of there being a problem, drinking carbonated water to eat, etc. He was absolutely floored at my sheer determination to make it work for me and just how far I went to get food down. He told me there's nothing to be ashamed about. Doctors know now that the band is not a successful tool, which is why he no longer places them. He said my story is not uncommon and that I should not be ashamed at all. He truly made me feel SO GOOD about the whole thing. My S/O was there too and he really helped as well. I cried a couple of times but it was all so worth it. It did cost $325 for the day, but money well spent. $175 for the visit and $150 for the unfill. I was not warned of this, so i thought I'd share.
When is your appointment?! I really hope you have an amazing doctor experience like I did. Man, I should have done this like 7 years ago. haha!
I had a lapband removed and the doctor made the decision for me.
Hello, I too am removing my band on Sept. 30. I would love to talk to you about it. 405-799-6669.
Thanks
Carolyn
Hello,
i had the band put in in 1998 going to have it removed next month. I would like to talk to you . Can you call me 405-799-6669.Thanks Carolyn
Have you been able to find one? I can't think of an option besides calling around. I would think NY would have something being more urban but you might need to travel if you want this. I have read varying things about the over stitch procedure. I wish you the best
What are you dealing with? There are so many options like pouch reduction where they go in and create a smaller pouch or they bypass more intestine. It really depends on what you are dealing with I think.
Hi! I just had a question? What type of test was give, urine or blood? And when did you stop smoking before they give you the test? Thanks so much hope to hear back from you!
