roundbeard

123, For me, there are varying degrees of port discomfort even after 10 months of having my implant. Exercise doesn't so much bother it anymore, but noticeable discomfort if I may have eaten a bit too much. A very full pouch gives me an achy type feeling. I imagine the added pressure on the band from fullness, pushes the Fluid from the band back to the injection port and causes this discomfort. Rest easy with you band, listen to it, and best of luck. John

Interesting question to you all. I am quite familiar with being slimed or hyper-salivation since being banded 6/10. Recently had my second fill about three weeks ago and now on two occasions during a "stuck" episode found myself foaming instead of sliming. It was literally a foamy like substance when PB'd. Anyone else have this experience? Is it a food thing? Sign of getting close to your sweet spot? Alien experimentation!!??? I'm certainly not concerned about it, but would like to see anyone else has experienced this. Keep up the good work everybody!

My bariatric surgeon also does abdominoplasty, so that answer is easy. I know there are plastic surgeons who specialize with bariatric patients. You may want to research if there are some in your area.

Great question. I too was offered the choice between the Realize band and the LapBand. My doctor said he had no real preference, so that left it up to me to do the research and make the decision on my own. I chose the Realize band, and here are some of the contributing factors for my decision. -Low port profile. Also the port is attached using an intra-muscular attachment system....no sutures are used to attach the port to the stomach muscles. - The "Realize your Success" online. Realize band is the only company with an interactive post-operative website geared specifically toward your individual weight loss tracking. I don't know if LapBand has followed suit with anything similar. I must say it is a feature I am glad to have and I use it almost weekly to track everything from weight loss, food diary, appointments, band fills, photos and tracking reports. - Ultimately the DR decides what size band you will receive, but as I understand it, the Realize band offers the greatest range of sizes, thus allowing for a more aggressive fill regimen, if needed. I have seen recently that Realize has had a voluntary recall, due to a possible weak point in the connection between the port and port tube running to the band. Info about that recall is on their site. The design has been changed to reinforce that area. The choice is yours. Do your research and decide what you think will work best for you. Good luck.

I would also recommend backing down to a liquids for at least 24 hours. I might also suggest calling your Drs. office just to let them know what is going on. Like Beachbunny said,-- you may be very close to your sweet spot......cut back on your portion size, and slow it down beyond your normal eating rate. Hang tight.

A.J. Thanks for posting this. I too was self pay, and have often pondered the question of whether self-pay patients have a greater success rate due solely by the vested interest that they have put into getting the band. I have asked my Nurse Practitioner about her experience with patients who are self-pay vs. co-pay, she claims that there is a definite higher positive outcome with those who pay out of there own pocket. Please don't get me wrong, I thinks anyone who has decided to have this lifestyle changing surgery has done so for a good reason, and with all good intentions, but I sometimes see the idiocy of people who can't follow directions, or think that LapBand is the same as RnY, or think that they can experiment with the band and eat a whole Big Mac 2 weeks post-op. Just venting...............anyhow, best of luck on your journey- I know you'll do well. BTW- I just had my second fill this past Monday- 7 mos post-op. Feeling great!!!!

I think your occupation has a lot to do with when you return to work. I am a watchmaker and most of my time is sitting at the bench. I pulled 4 hours the day after surgery.....yup, I was exhausted, but it was a good mental and physical challenge for me to get back up and at it. So take it as it comes...do what you feel you can do by listening to your body. Best of luck on your journey!!!! @mom2amwt--- Congrats on your new band....you will learn to love it

TanksMama, Its sounds like you're gonna be just fine. I certainly would heed the warnings of all the good folks responding to your original post and get back to Drs. orders. If you are unsure of your dietary requirements, I'm positive your doctors office will be happy to go over them with you again. I am a little curious as to your pre-surgical requirements. Were you required to go through nutrition courses as it related to your LapBand? Did you have a Q & A meeting with your doctor about how the LapBand works, what it looks like using a model of the stomach with the band attached, risks, benefits, etc......? Did they even explain to you the differences between RnY and gastric banding? I'm just curious as to the extent of the Drs. pre and post surgical instruction and care. And one last question if I may.....I am interested to know if your surgery was covered under a health plan, or whether you were "self-pay". Once again- I'm sure you'll be just fine, best of luck with your journey!

Night coughing can be a sign that a band is too tight. Did the coughing start shortly after a fill? Either way, I might suggest you at least notify his Dr. about the persistent cough.

Hokie, I was banded in June, and have had one fill since -back in August. I experience the same "discomfort" , and like the others-it is my signal that I have eaten too much.

New to the forum!! I was banded on June 17, 2010 and have dropped 76lbs. Total with Pre-op 95lbs. So happy I decided to be banded!!!!! Keep up the great work all, it is such an inspiration to see such success.