MOMW

I am sorry to report that I no longer have my lap band. The recent bout I had with inability to keep anything down was the result of the slip of my lap band. My bariatric surgeon removed all my fluid Monday, so I could at least eat and drink something. Wednesday morning I had and upper GI that confirmed by band had slipped. I was rolled down to OR by early afternoon the same day to have my band removed. My surgeon now says that he would recommend not putting in another band as I had one slip, and in his history, the chances are high that it would happen again. In 8 weeks, I will have some sort of surgery to replace the band - he is talking a sleeve or bypass at this point. So much for being a great buddy. I have probably scared you all away now. Be assured though, my surgeon told me that I was one of the 4% who have their band slip. So keep on going. I am not giving up, but I am moving pretty slowly today.

I would love to offer you any support or anything that I possible can. It helps us all to share. I see by your profile that you were just banded. Congrats on the decision. It is a great tool, but remember it is up to you to use it well. I cant wait to hear your story and hear how I can be the best support to you.

Melissa, it would be my honor to be your buddy! I too can you use any help that I can get. I sure can relate on the lack of support. It is hard to so many to understand if they have not had the procedure. I can also relate to having the energy of little ones. I have the opportunity to watch my 2 grandsons at least 3 times a week. They are 5 and almost 3, and they too have the energy. It is definately hard to take care of yourself when you have their demands and all the other demands of life. But, you have to at least try and remember to take time for yourself. Let me know how I can help.

I have Aetna also. I too would suggest that you find out the specifics of your plan. Go on their website, I was able to find the information there. I was banded Jan 28. I had to do the 3 superivosed program which included the psychologist, 3 preop classes and weigh in at those classes. I also was assigned an Aetna case manager that calls periodically to check on my results and answer questions also. I was pleased that Aetna had a very fast turn around in their approval. My first visit was in August and I could have got my band in December. The staff at my Bariatric clinic were/are excellant and knew how to get this all done. I did nothing but show up and fill out what they asked. Besides the 3 month requirement, they used a bmi of 40 or 35 if you have 2 or more comodalities (blood pressue, diabeties, cholesterol, sleep apenea, etc).

When I asked my Bariatric team about this, my nurse suggested an over the counter probiotic. I get my mine at Vitamin Shoppe, but many have them. They are typically refirigerated, so you may need to ask for them. It was explained to me that the bacteria in the stomach gets out of balance with the surgery, stress, etc. The probiotic helps return the normal balance. I started taking it, and immediately noticed a BIG improvement. My insurance case manager also stated that many Bariatric teams are suggesting this also.

The nurse at my Bariatric Clinic suggested that you take a Probiotic for this. I get mine at my vitamin shop in the refrigerated section. Your pharmacy may have them but may have to ask as they may be refrigerated. It was explained that what happens after surgery and even when stressed that the bad gut bacteria takes over. The probiotic gives back the good bacteria. I tried this and seen releift the next day.

Part of burping soon after surgery is still the gas that is used during the procedure. This will get better. I would ask your medical team if you are ok to add the probotic. I did not add mine until I was 2 months out.

The probotic helps with the belly gas. The iregularity I keep under control with 1 to 3 stool softners per day and 1 to 3 doses of Benefiber. I always take 1 stool softner and 1 dose of Benefiber daily to keep regular.

The Benefiber powder is the only fiber powder that my Bariatric team suggests. I take one dose daily for maintenance. If I get a little off then I will bump it up a dose or two. The Benefiber works VERY well. it is tasteless and blends without notice in the vast majority of foods. It is not gritty at all.

I talked to the nurse at my Bariatric Clinic about this as I was having the same issues. She told me to add a Probiotic. I get mine in the refrigerated section of my vitamin store but you should be able to ask at your pharmacy or such as they are typically refrigerated. Her explanation is that after having the band inserted or even under stress, the bad bacteria overaly reaacts in your stomach. The probotic replaces that good bacteria. I tried and was amazed by the difference it made by the very next day. I am still taking and those side effects are very minimal now.

The dietitian from my Bariatric Clinic has a take a childrens chewable with iron. I have had no problem finding these anywhere. I have been able to find all my vitamins at WalMart and my local grocery store. The only thing that I needed to go the Vitamin Shoppe for was for the protein powder.

The nurse at my Bariatric Center suggested taking a Probiotic for the gas, etc.. I was amazed when I tried it. I felt better the next day, and I still do not have the near the gas issue as I had. She explained that the probiotic helps get your stomach back to a good bacteria level especially have things like surgury or even outside stress.

I weigh myself daily, but I only record it weekly. I weigh daily knowing the ups and downs but do it mainly to start my day knowing I have to keep my head in the game to get the most out of my band. My weekly weight I record in my journal where I also record my excersice and my blood pressure also. Every other week, I record my waist measurement too. I don't record my weight from my surgeons office as my appointments are not always on the same day nor at the same time of the day. This is what I do.

It is funny, I thought I was the only who could not see me as the world did until I saw a picture of myself. I go to Seattle is less than 3 weeks, to see my daughter and her family. I am acutally sort of excited to have a picture taken again. I also scored a nice NSV this week too - I can officially wear ALL the clothes in my closet. So, to Celebrate, I am cleaning out my closet this weekend of all the stuff that it too big so I can make room for the new. Have to look good when I go to see the daughter.

Hello to all!! I am a true newbie - this is my very first post! I just got approved by my insurance last Thursday. (Got my commerative tattoo on Friday). I was fortunate and got approved quickly and on the first try. I could of even had my surgery in December but I choose to wait until January for my job. My surgery date is January 28. I have had an endoscope, sleep studies (2), psych eval, attended my initial three classes, and just finished my 3 momth wait. I have learned a lot and am now excited and anxious as I wait for January.