just getting started on my journey. has anyone had experience with any doctors on long island. have an appt with dr. geiss on nov. 20th. have alot of unanswered questions. can you take medications just as you did before the surgery? do they metabolize differently. i take high blood pressure meds, antibiotics when needed, tylenol pm, when needed -- can you swollow them? :thumbup:

Hi, Best wishes to you on your journey. Yes, I can swallow pills. If they are those extra large ones I just cut them in half I can tolerate them with no problem. I am also on High Blood pressure meds. I have had two normal reading so next time I go back to the Dr.'s if I have another low reading I may be able to get off them. I will be so excited about that. I do not think you metabolize any differently. But the amount of food you eat will decrease significantly. You will need to eat more slowly and chew, chew, chew to beat the band. That is so you will not get stuck. I was banded in June and have lost 68 pounds so far. I feel really good about myself these days. The processes is sort of long and all the appointments seem to drag out. Find a good Dr. and you are all set. Now that I think about it I find it hard to believe I have come this far in this short a time. Good Luck. imaluckydog Kathy

In the beginning you are going to have to crush them if they are big If they are small you may tolerate them. They don't metabolize differently. hopefully you won't need them afterwards? How high is your BP? Is it Chronic if not you may not need them. But inform your primary maybe they can give you something smaller other than that you will have to crush them

Hi ima lucky dog and toomuchRN: Thanks for answering my questions about the meds to swallow. My blood pressure is under control with 2 pills a day 130/80 aprox. I hope it gets better without the meds if I am lucky enough to lose the weight. I just had my first consultation with dr on friday. He answered many of my concerns but in the waiting room I got some negative input from 3 patients who had the band. One only lost 25 lbs in a year. The other one said she is losing more with a nutritionist than with the band. How could she say that if the band is still in. I/m sure its helping her somewhat. The other one was complaing about vomiting all the time and wanted hers removed. They all told me to try without it. I have tried without it for many years -- up and down. Do you feel like you should not have done it. They have me more concerned then ever!

THIS IS THE BEST TOOL I have ever used for losing weight.

I have had three fills and I am at a point That I am losing and HAPPY. Best wishes I would have it done again I recommended it without any reservations. Everyone needs to make their own choices. If you have anymore questions I'd be glad to help. imaluckydog Kathy

Kathy - imaluckydog: Thanks for the support I need it. When did you get banded. How long did it take to get to your comfort zone. Losing and happy is what I also hope for. Just got spooked by hearing so many negatives. Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration to all of us just beginning this journey. Thanks, cat lady

Hi I am not that computer savvy. But I just figured out if you click on my name imaluckydog ( in light blue) it will bring you to my Blog area. You can read all of them. I had fun writing many and I have re-read a few of them. Click on blog on a top tab.

I was banded June 29 2009. I have been at this a total of 22 weeks. I have lost 68 pounds and I am still losing. I turned down my last fill as I am tight enough. I have had three fills. Getting started makes you want this all the faster. As it turned out for me I ended up getting surgery almost a month early. I have been a luckydog ever since.

Best wishes on your journey and we can be friends if you wish. imaluckydog Kathy