Gained 40 pounds since lap band

[nanaladawn]

My husband (57 yrs old) had the lap band surgery in Oklahoma in Dec. 07. Initially he lost about 8 pounds but gained it back in a couple of months. He went back for fills on two occasions, but neither time did he experience any change. The doctor simply won't listen to him about the gain, and we all know how expensive the fills are. He is not very active at 387 pounds. He has extreme bottom of the foot pain, constant diarrhea and is finding it more difficult to do physical activity all the time. He has sugar test (no problems), takes testosterone shots monthly due to very low levels (started these after being obese), and sleep apnea with a breathing machine at night. I've read posts about throwing up due to too tightness, but he has never thrown up since the surgery. He is normally pretty faithful in eating reasonably with infrequent lapse in a desert of two every few months. It seems like all he is able to do anymore is work and sleep. We have not been able to find a doctor here in Oklahoma that will see him since he already had the surgery.

[nothereanymore]

Who did his surgery and how much in his 2 fills has he had put in (and what kind of band does he have) - good luck - you're on the OCC forum for patients of Dr. Ortiz, there's a reason we went to him. And I'll be honest, if he's eating reasonably there’s a medical reason why he's still gaining - or he's not eating reasonably.

And there have been multiple examples on the board lately of this type of post - one post of a problem with lap band with another doctor.

I'm looking forward to hearing back and getting more details.

[JazzyJude]

Who did his surgery and how much in his 2 fills has he had put in (and what kind of band does he have) - good luck - you're on the OCC forum for patients of Dr. Ortiz, there's a reason we went to him. And I'll be honest, if he's eating reasonably there’s a medical reason why he's still gaining - or he's not eating reasonably.

And there have been multiple examples on the board lately of this type of post - one post of a problem with lap band with another doctor.

I'm looking forward to hearing back and getting more details.

...DITTO here, as I am interested on what food guidelines were given to him, such as is he getting in his proteins every day, eating 1/3 of what he use to eat (as Dr. Ortiz recommends), and drinking all his liquids for the day?

Please, as Lisa says, come back with more details. There are a lot of bandsters here, such as Lisa, who has succeeded beyond their goal, not only in losing weight, but maintaining and really embracing this healthier lifestyle.

Good luck!

[nanaladawn]

...DITTO here, as I am interested on what food guidelines were given to him, such as is he getting in his proteins every day, eating 1/3 of what he use to eat (as Dr. Ortiz recommends), and drinking all his liquids for the day?

Please, as Lisa says, come back with more details. There are a lot of bandsters here, such as Lisa, who has succeeded beyond their goal, not only in losing weight, but maintaining and really embracing this healthier lifestyle.

Good luck!

Honestly, I don't know the name of the brand or how much was injected. The first 6 months he really stuck to the guidelines the nutritionist gave him including drinking the juva??? (can't remember what it is called) and less than 1/3 of his previous diet. Now although I hate to admit it he has increased his intake and doesn't drink the protein drink. He stopped the drink because he feels like he is consuming enough again to not need it. He has recently started seeing a new doctor that isn't really up on lap bands and she had him start vitamins again. He has gained more weight since he started them. I didn't realize it is ok to say who the doctor was since we are so unhappy with him. His name is Lafonse in Cushing OK. In addition to the weight gain, when we went to our intial consultations and classses prior to the surgery he out right lied about the costs and what was included in them. We paid cash up front since our insurance won't cover it then he has charged tremendous amounts in addition for things he said were included. This a problem others having the surgery by him have encountered also. (sorry, didn't mean to get off on that). Any way it seems that he doens't want to inject much in order to get another fill fee real soon. Maybe this is just the impression we (and others) are getting, but within 2 days of the fill he feels like it wasn't done. We have even wondered if it is leaking or something, but the doctor assures us that this is impossible. We did a lot of research online and worked very hard to be careful of what and how much he ate in the beginning. He just gave up when his weight continued to climb. I would like to say, that he was almost too thin when we married 31 years ago, but has gained close to 200 pounds since then. He was a very active athlete, but has difficulty with most physical tasks now. His blood pressure and sugar are great though thank God.

[tootsie_lou]

This sounds like the doctor that TRAV just posted that he went to for a fill recently.

http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?s=&a...ost&p=65376

Good luck to you--this sounds beyond frustrating.

[Smiley]

I am sorry to hear about the problems your husband has been having, but I am glad you have not totally given up and are seeking some answers and help.

First off, if you all and others have been having problems with this doctor you need to call the medical licensing board in your state and report him, as do the others that have been having problems. Doctors have rules and regulations that they have to follow. If you still have the paperwork you signed about the surgery read thru it carefully, even the fine print, so as to have documentation about what was or was not told to you. Do this not only for your husband, but also for any future patients that this doctor could potentially lead astray.

Secondly, I don't know how far you are from Wichita, KS, but Weigh Loss Surgical Center which is based in Overland Park, KS has a satellite office there. They might be willing to see your husband. I had my surgery and all of my follow up care with WTLSC here in OP, and everyone has been wonderful. The phone number to their main office is 1-800-777-6812. It won't cost you anything to at least give them a call and hopefully you can get some of the answers you have been looking for. If you can get a fill at their office it might cost more not only in terms of money but also in terms of travel time and missed work, but in the end it will be worth it to attain the success that you both know should have happened by now.

Good luck and let us know how things progress!

[Blazn]

I would also check into Fill Centers USA. A lot of us here on this forum go there for our fills and they are great. They do not care who you have been banded by...that is what they are there for...fills. The first visit can be costly...up to $550 depending on the charge for fluoro if any. If you live in OK it looks like the closest will be either be Austin or Houstin, TX or Farmington, MO. I know all three of these places are hundreds of miles from you but what is the point of having the band if you can't figure out why it is not working. Good luck and keep us posted.

[jhawkchick75]

I agree I would start seeing someone else! Let us know what towns would be a reasonable drive for you and we can all give you suggestions on where to go. Depending on where you are located, MO, KS and TX have quite a few places you can go. Tell him definitely not to give up hope!

[nanaladawn]

Actually, my husband is on his way home from Indiana as I write. He will be here in OK a day or two but will be going to San Antonio TX sometime this week. He travels a lot for his job which makes planning ahead a little difficult. I would greatly appreciate some help in locating someone near San Antonio that would be willing to see him. It seems that other doctors here in OK won't see him since Dr. L. did his surgery. God Bless All of You for caring!!!!!!!!

[tehudson]

Dr. Stephanie Eijsink does fills on alternating Saturdays in Bryan and Tyler Texas. She does the fills under fluoro and charges $200. She will see your husband no matter who did his band. Her number is 903-520-8847.

[calicat]

Don't hesitate to get a second opinion. And it is unlikely there is a leak, but it's not impossible for that to happen. Are the fills with fluoro so they can see the pouch, make sure it's not stretched, etc.?

Have you told the doctor of your concerns? Usually the office should have an advocate or coordinator you can speak with. Try them instead of the doctor directly.

The lap band is a tool. He has to choose to do all the work - that means food portions and exercise and drinking enough water. All that "diet" stuff is not completely gone. He has to do the work, and the band will help him along.

Does he food journal? That may be key. Maybe he's eating too big of portions, or not getting enough protein, not enough water, etc. Sparkpeople.com works best for me. The band works - but it takes time for the patient to learn how to use the band (that's hard) and then it takes a while to get to the right sweet spot so you can live effortlessly with the band.

Good luck!

Honestly, I don't know the name of the brand or how much was injected. The first 6 months he really stuck to the guidelines the nutritionist gave him including drinking the juva??? (can't remember what it is called) and less than 1/3 of his previous diet. Now although I hate to admit it he has increased his intake and doesn't drink the protein drink. He stopped the drink because he feels like he is consuming enough again to not need it. He has recently started seeing a new doctor that isn't really up on lap bands and she had him start vitamins again. He has gained more weight since he started them. I didn't realize it is ok to say who the doctor was since we are so unhappy with him. His name is Lafonse in Cushing OK. In addition to the weight gain, when we went to our intial consultations and classses prior to the surgery he out right lied about the costs and what was included in them. We paid cash up front since our insurance won't cover it then he has charged tremendous amounts in addition for things he said were included. This a problem others having the surgery by him have encountered also. (sorry, didn't mean to get off on that). Any way it seems that he doens't want to inject much in order to get another fill fee real soon. Maybe this is just the impression we (and others) are getting, but within 2 days of the fill he feels like it wasn't done. We have even wondered if it is leaking or something, but the doctor assures us that this is impossible. We did a lot of research online and worked very hard to be careful of what and how much he ate in the beginning. He just gave up when his weight continued to climb. I would like to say, that he was almost too thin when we married 31 years ago, but has gained close to 200 pounds since then. He was a very active athlete, but has difficulty with most physical tasks now. His blood pressure and sugar are great though thank God.

[nanaladawn]

Dr. Stephanie Eijsink does fills on alternating Saturdays in Bryan and Tyler Texas. She does the fills under fluoro and charges $200. She will see your husband no matter who did his band. Her number is 903-520-8847.

Sounds great!!! He saw his primary care today and has gained 17 pounds this month. She ordered a cat scan of his abdomon and pelvic for Wed. morning. I am very happy about this. We will call one of the clinics in TX tomorrow.

[crazycoolbutterfly]

I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles, but the ladies are right. You are doing great by seeking out help to assure your husband that he has made a good choice, he just needs to get more information from a caring doctor to help him succeed in his journey. You may also try calling Dr. Spiegel, I've heard great things about him and he accepts patients from other surgeons.

Dr. speigel

Houston:

Phone : (713) 960-0003

YORKTOWN PLAZA

5373 West Alabama Suite 121

Houston, Texas 77056

(one block from the Galleria)

In the Woodlands:

WOODRIDGE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER

27828 I-45 NORTH

CONROE, TX 77385

RESEARCH EXIT OFF I-45

http://www.swspecialists.com/

You can also click on this link below and go directly to his website Surgical Weightloss Specialists

Dr. Spiegel in Houston TX

[Lindsay]

RE: fills.

has he physically SEEN the liquid go in and out of his port?

i've heard/read some stories about shady fills - which have turned out to be NON-fills.

They didn't actually inject in the port, therefore, there was no restriction.

Every time I get my fills, I ask for the nurse to show me the liquid coming and going,

just so i know for sure that everything is being done/filled as I want.

[Blazn]

RE: fills.

has he physically SEEN the liquid go in and out of his port?

i've heard/read some stories about shady fills - which have turned out to be NON-fills.

They didn't actually inject in the port, therefore, there was no restriction.

Every time I get my fills, I ask for the nurse to show me the liquid coming and going,

just so i know for sure that everything is being done/filled as I want.

That's a good point Lindsay. Some docs do blind fills and do not pull out what is already in there. So.....how in the world do you know the needle was even in the port to begin with. The fill could have been injected subq - which you would not feel if normal saline was being injected - which is what is normally used for fills.