NO WEIGHT LOSS

So I had my surgery on July 6, 2010 and I have my band filled to almost full.  I have had no real weight loss and I am very discouraged.  I wish I would have gone with gone with the bypass.  I guess it's too late for that since most insurance companies won't pay for it now and my doctor wouldn't perform it.  I knew this wasn't going to be easy but I just knew I would have restriction which would help me lose weight.  I am struggling every day  to make smart choice but I am really feeling like a failure.  Any advice?

Well something doesn't sound right, if you are nearly full you should have some restriction. Maybe need to have a fluro of your stomach to make sure the band is correctly positioned and that it has been getting the fills, also could be a leak. Anyway it definately bears investigation because unless there is an issue with the band itself or you are eating around the band you should have lost something by now.

I agree with Hislady. Have you spoken to your Doctor about this? Ask to have them make sure the band is all right.

Now with that said, I need to ask a few questions (and you need to be honest with yourself): Are you following the rules (not some of the times, but MOST of the time); Are you drinking your 64 ounces of non-carbonate non-caffeinated liquids; Are you taking in your recommended allotment of protein (60 to 80 grams – unless your Doctor said otherwise); Are you grazing in between meals; are you eating fatty or starchy carbs; are you exercising; are you going to support group meetings and/or websites; have you followed-up with your nutritionists (many insurance companies will allow you X amount of visits per year); are you eating enough?

 

Finally, the sad truth is the band isn’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t switch to another operation, unless your insurance company specifically has a 1 time only rule – and even then you may get around it. You may need to see another Doctor if you’re truly unhappy with the results and your current Doctor.

 

Know we’re here for you.

 

 

Thanks,

I have an appointment with the nutrionist at my practice this Saturday morning. 

To answer the questions that were asked.  NO. no. no no. no. no.... I have really fallen off the wagon but really never was on or never had results which was and is very frustrating.  I wasn't expecting a miracle... Okay maybe just a little one. 

I have to get my six month bloodwork than I can schedule an appointment with the surgeon.  It's ashame because I almost hope that there is a problem with the band so I can get switched to to the bypass without a whole bunch of hoops. 

I am really trying to refocus my energery into this process.  It is very hard.  Anyone that says it is/was easy.. God bless them because that certainly is not my experience. 

Now off to drink some water. 

Tanyadw, 

I need to be a little gruff, but know I am doing it with love. 

Why do you think switching to another procedure will be better? Any procedure you have you will NEED TO FOLLOW THE RULES in order to be SUCCESSFUL. None of these are cure alls. And while bypass may allow you to lose weight quicker, easier, in the beginning, when the “lost” stops you’ll still need to work the program and follow the rules in order to remain successful.  

Remember ALL these operations are just tools. Think of a hammer and nail – to drive in the nail, it’s almost impossible to do it without a tool.  And when you have one, the hammer doesn’t do it all by itself. YOU need to SWING THE HAMMER. The hammer makes it a whole lot easier, but it’s STILL YOU WHO IS DOING THE WORK.  

With all this said, I need to add I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!! I have all the faith in you.

You have the Inner Strength to SUCCEED!! How do I know? Because … It took strength to admit you have a problem you can’t control. It took strength to decide to have an operation. It took strength to do what was needed before and after the operation. It took strength to say “I need help” (both then and NOW) .. So you have the strength, now you need to call on it. 

Finally know I am here for you and willing to help in any way I can. No matter what operation you have. We’re all trying to get to the same destination, and it doesn’t matter what mode we’re using to get there.  

I agree with follow the rules.

But ask for a thyroid panel. TSH, T4, and antibodies. Just because the TSH is normal it doesn't mean other things aren't going on. Now once I was on synthroid I didn't really drop, but the addition of the band has worked wonders for me.

Thanks everyone,

I met with my nutrionist on Saturday and we are working on a plan to get me back on track.  This is the hardest thing I have ever had to struggle with, this weight loss journey.  I have blood work scheduled in the near future and I believe all that are mentioned are part of it.  My insurance stinks so it will probably cost me about $400 for this blood work.

I am consciously thinking about everything I put in my mouth.  We shall see how this plays out.

Be proud you had the strength to actually GO to the Nutritionists to get back on track. Embrace this strength, and know you can do it!!

Remember, we're here if/when you need us.