First time posting - ThinnerTimes

Lindypie · 01-30-2008, 05:06 PM

Hello, Hello, gosh, I'm nervous! I am a lapband patient who had my band surgery on Setember 23, 2007. I have gone from 224-193. I have not had a fill yet. I have not spoken to anyone from my surgeon's office because they are not really available to me. When I first went to my surgeon's office I had a very tough time getting an approval for this proceedure. After several months of going through the hoops it was approved by my insurance. The last hurdle for me was finding out I had sleep apnea. I was very persistent to the point where I must of annoyed my surgeon's office staff. His office went through two or three insurance coordinators from january to September when I finally had my surgery. Each time I dealt with the first three insurance denials I had to deal with these "office" people. Also did I mention that I broke both my feet while staying with my mother, helping her with my father's hospice this last May. I stayed in the hospital for five days, then was sent to a rehbilitation hospital were my Dad died one week later! Still fighting to get surgery approval for the lapband. So September I had my surgery YEAH!!! November I had the metal plate and twelve screws and pins removed, because my desire to walk and to comply with my comitment to myself, and this surgery, was critical! I need to know if my not losing any weight except fot 1 pound this month is normal or not! I am doing pilates now especially since my feet work now. I am begining to have more of an appetite now. I drink lots of water, my 2 protein drinks a day and about 1/2 cup of protein usually, per meal. Am I eating too much? I don't seem to be able to speak with the office nutrition she is always with other patients! When I go to their office I have been told by whoever takes me to my appointments that they give me the "stink eye Help!

Mavisavis · 01-30-2008, 06:14 PM

Welcome! I don't know much about the band, but I think any rapid weight loss ebbs and flows. Our bodies just get very shocked and try to keep us from starving because it does not understand why the sudden loss. Keep eating healthy and getting your protein and liquids. I would be concerned if the docs were not available to me. What about finding a pcp who would be?

Lindypie · 01-30-2008, 07:58 PM

Hi Marty, Thanks, my first response ever, I'm grateful. Unfortunately this is the only surgeon from my proivder that does lapbands. I had to even switch from my old provider that I had for over the last 15 yrs.to get this surgery. I was hoping to find a seasoned lapbander or one to whom would understand the lapband process. I need to know if the little plateau I'm in, is something someone else is going through! I'm 4 months out and have not had my first fill. This last dec. my surgeon didn't even see me when I went in for my monthly check-in..he told the nurse to send me home because I had lost 4 lbs. that month and scheduled my next appointment for 3 more months. It would also seem that the nutritionist was also busy. I have only seen her once in these last four months! When I have any questions no one returns my calls! I feel abandoned! I don't know what to feel because my body isn't mine right now..It has been changing so I don't know what normal is. I am losing hair..I have been dizzy..my vision has been fuzzy.. I am a little scared. I do have a pcp that I call...but I feel that my bariatric surgeon should care, am I wrong or impatient?

katzz87 · 01-30-2008, 10:20 PM

Just an FYI: There is a ThinnerTimes lap-band forum also. They'd be able to provide you with more information.

But I think you are doing great! With lap-band weight loss is slower, but you haven't had a fill yet in 4 months and lost the amount of weight you have! Your doctor and his staff are being an a$$!!! I personally would walk into his office and DEMAND to speak with him, his nutritionist, and anyone else you think you need to have contact with. If that doesn't work I'd put in a complaint to your INSURANCE company in regards to the post-treatment you HAVEN'T received and request access to another lap-band provider!

Just my two-cents....but you deserve better treatment!!

Good luck and keep us updated on this matter.

Cathy

Lindypie · 01-31-2008, 12:58 PM

Congratulations Cathy!!!! You're on your way! Linda

jojozo · 01-31-2008, 01:22 PM

hi lindypie
i had the lap band back in my 07 , at my 4mth mark i had ,had 3fills i self founded my surgery and not sure had it works for you to get your fills but my doc will give you a fill every 4/6wks if needed , it can take between 3/6 fills to get good restriction it is a slow process but well weath it . its the best thing i have ever done for my self .
but i would give your team a big kick up the back side they are meant to be their to support you with the small and big questions thats what you pay for . if you ever want to chat my emails are joanne@millett3.wanadoo.co.UK and jojozo@hotmail.co.uk
i live in the uk .
keep up the good work

Angel of hope · 05-24-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lindypie

Hello, Hello, gosh, I'm nervous! I am a lapband patient who had my band surgery on Setember 23, 2007. I have gone from 224-193. I have not had a fill yet. I have not spoken to anyone from my surgeon's office because they are not really available to me. When I first went to my surgeon's office I had a very tough time getting an approval for this proceedure. After several months of going through the hoops it was approved by my insurance. The last hurdle for me was finding out I had sleep apnea. I was very persistent to the point where I must of annoyed my surgeon's office staff. His office went through two or three insurance coordinators from january to September when I finally had my surgery. Each time I dealt with the first three insurance denials I had to deal with these "office" people. Also did I mention that I broke both my feet while staying with my mother, helping her with my father's hospice this last May. I stayed in the hospital for five days, then was sent to a rehbilitation hospital were my Dad died one week later! Still fighting to get surgery approval for the lapband. So September I had my surgery YEAH!!! November I had the metal plate and twelve screws and pins removed, because my desire to walk and to comply with my comitment to myself, and this surgery, was critical! I need to know if my not losing any weight except fot 1 pound this month is normal or not! I am doing pilates now especially since my feet work now. I am begining to have more of an appetite now. I drink lots of water, my 2 protein drinks a day and about 1/2 cup of protein usually, per meal. Am I eating too much? I don't seem to be able to speak with the office nutrition she is always with other patients! When I go to their office I have been told by whoever takes me to my appointments that they give me the "stink eye Help!

Hi i just wanted to say iam due to have my lapband on the 24th july and my doctor also dose the nutriten side, i will have his private mobile number and i am able to contact him 24/7 if i have a problem or question after surgery, also he has a personal email which he will answer any questions, I think the way you are being treated is a crime and i would highly recommend reporting this surgen ...Also my Doctor usalley gives first fill between 4 and 6 weeks.... I wish you well and stay focused, its not a race to lose weight this is a life changing journey..........May the Angels keep you safe .....

SDeRossett · 05-25-2008, 04:00 AM

I too am an RNY, but the sister to the gal I work with had the band and just had her first fill at about 6 weeks. So, after reading a coulpe other posts ahead of me I would say you're a little more than over due. I would schedule and appointment for fill, especially if you self paid! Get your moneys worth girl! If this office is not willing to do their job, I would seek out another office that does the fills. Changing doctors is alway difficult, but you should be happy and comfortable with seeing them. Best wishes.

Sharon

imwiththeband · 06-17-2008, 09:52 PM

I agree with Sharon. My first fill was about 5 weeks after surgery, my second was a month later. I am due to see my surgeon in another month, but he said if I was losing weight and felt good, I could postpone that appt...I definitely would seek out someone else. Or at least, go in person to see the doctor and tell him how you feel you are being treated. What have you got to lose, if he's already being an A_ _, right?

GOOD LUCK!

edlovesjava · 06-26-2008, 02:51 AM

I am new to the lap-band too. I had surgery on Friday 13 of June. I am finishing my blended diet week. I started @ 355 and am now 329 @ 6.26.2008. after the liquid diet. I was told I would get a fill in 6 weeks (4 weeks from now).