NewBandit95

I read on my post-op paper work not to use straws. I am sure it is a very simple answer, but why not? And is this forever?

I had my lap band surgery 09 MAR 2011 and had my first fill done 11 APR 2011. I received 4.3 cc's at this adjustment. For the next two weeks, I experienced the most UNrestricted feeling since the original surgery and constant hunger. I called the office and they had me come in to do a barium swallow and check the saline. When the Nurse Practitioner removed the saline from the original adjustment, she was only able able to retrieve 2.0 cc's. My barium swallow appeared normal and the Nurse Practitioner added the original 2.0 cc's of saline plus another 2.00 cc's to bring me back to 4.0 cc's total and told me to come back and recheck the adjustment next week. I questioned her regarding my band leaking, to which she replied, "Oh I am sure "Betty" just didn't write the correct numbers down or she just made a mistake". Really? Not sure if she was trying to make me feel better saying that, but "Betty" and I talked extensively about the amount of saline i received on my first adjustment, so I would be very shocked if that was an error or an incorrect amount. Then the Nurse Practitioner gave me a lecture about about coming in too soon for another adjustment. I didn't even bother explaining to her that I was TOLD to return at the two week mark because of the irregularity. Anyway, I really see no other possibility for the loss of saline out of my band other than a leak, which is very frightening since I paid cash for my procedure. This is made even more troubling by the lackadaisical manner of my surgeons office. I have a call into the office, which will no doubt go unanswered until next week due to the holiday with the following questions: 1) What is my financial responsibility, if anything, to a band leaking at 6 weeks? 2) How does this happen? 3) Will the band itself need to be replaced or is this a repair? Any insight you all might have would be greatly appreciated.

The Lap Band is a "Closed System". If the 4.3 cc's go in, then 4.3 cc's must come out when extracted. The saline has nowhere to go but in the lap band and will be removed when extracted via an adjustment. I am not sure I understand your statement. And I was not returning after 2 weeks for another adjustment. I was told to return as I was having less restriction than prior to the original adjustment. I am very aware of the idea that adjustments take time to kick in. But if there were not some concerns from some individual within my surgeons office, I would not have been asked to return so soon. You are pretty sure I have to pay for yet another surgery because this happened to you? Thank you for the quick response.

Banded 09 MAR 2011 and have lost 12 pounds since being banded. I weighed 188 before surgery and have a goal of 135. I have severe arthritis in my back with accompanying scoliosis. Neuro says I have the back of a 65 year old and I am only 39. Back pain is already starting to go away.

So, according to my surgeon, I am to have nothing but Clear liquids (Water, broth, black coffee or plain tea), sugar free popsicles and sugar free Gelatin cups. I am also suppose to drink to simple Protein drink (no fruit and no dairy). My choice of Protein Drink is Muscle Milk Light. When I add up the calories of what I take in for the day, I am left wondering if this is healthy. Muscle Milk Light: 140 cal X 2 = 280 calories Sugar Free Popsicles: 15 cal X 2 = 30 calories Sugar Free Gelatin Cups: 10 cal X 2 = 20 calories Total Calories = 330 Calories A Day????!! How can your body possibly heal with so few calories coming in? Doesn't your body start metabolizing muscle to compensate for the lack caloric intake? Or won't it just effectively go into starvation mode which is not beneficial at all? What am I doing wrong?

THank you for the quick responses! You all are the best! Makes sense, and I will definitely abide by those rules, but I do love straws! Thanks again

I am due to be banded on Wed 09 MAR 2011 and return to work on the 12th. I am a flight attendant and my job requires bending, lifting and long periods of standing. Any suggestions on return to work time frame or any ideas to make it more tolerable? Thanks

Thank you all so much for your input on time off for the procedure. I have months of sick bank, I just hate to call in sick if I don't really have to or can take a really easy trip. I appreciate your explanations on what your limitations were during your recovery. This has been really fundamental in determining what to do about sick leave and such. Best wishes to each and everyone of you!

The day is finally here (almost). Being banded tomorrow morning and have struggled with the pre-op diet. I have some anxiety about that, but took a klonopin earlier and am feeling much better. Best wishes to all of you with your upcoming surgical dates. Fast healing and steady journeys for all of you! Steph

Kimmy, thank you so much! Glad to hear others struggled with it too!

We are paying out of pocket, but after all of the money I have spent on Nutrisystem, HCG diets, Diet pills, Weight Watchers, and Physical Trainers, in the long run, this is not that much more than all of those programs put together, but with added benefit of life long results. Yes, the very few people who have I have told about the procedure are very shocked to say the least. "But you're not fat", "but you look healthy", "but why don't you just try this diet or a little more willpower"? (This coming from skinny and overweight friends) Even with a low bmi, the simple things of just shaving my legs in the shower, painting my own toenails, putting on tights or pantyhose and lacing up my shoes is just ridiculous. I am just not comfortable in my own skin. And I wake up every morning thinking "What will I NOT eat today in order to try and lose some weight"? My surgeon said that the FDA will be lowering the standards for LB surgery, and hopefully the insurance companies will follow suit. However, i could not wait that long. My insurance won't even begin to look at me as a candidate unless I was OVER a bmi of 40 with co-morbs. Plus a one year waiting period. That was not a possibility for me. I am fairly certain as I neared that point, I would have been disabled and mostly likely in a wheelchair. My neurosurgeon informed me that my back looks like that of a 60 year old woman (I am actually 39). Best wishes in your decisions and your journey in finding the right path for you, but to finally answer your question, NO, you are not crazy for considering the lap band procedure.

Kneena, I too am a low BMI (barely 30). I made the decision to do the lap band procedure for several reasons (my surgery is tomorrow March 9): 1) One of my co-workers who was also a low bmi (approximately 32) and had the lap band procedure. She looks amazing, not just skinny, but HEALTHY. Her only regret is not having done it sooner. 2) My own health issues. My health had declined rapidly over the last 12 months due to severe arthritis in my spine resulting in scoliosis and nerve pain. Yes, a year prior to my meeting with the WLS group, I was running 2 to 3 times a week and always in the gym. Now, walking can be a struggle at times. I rapidly gained weight over that twelve month period. 50 pounds to be exact. 140lbs to 190lbs. 3) I don't want to live my life in denial of food. I want to be able to share a beautiful gourmet meal with me husband (and yes, I do mean split the entree between the two of us) and not feel deprived or denied afterwards. Kneena, I suppose I finally realized with out some form of intervention or assistance, I would spiral out of control. My husband agreed. Together, we made this decision for this WLS after much research, questions and interviews. Better to stop this problem now, then pay a much larger price later. Steph

B-52, thanks for the response. Did you feel that you could drive right away? How about bending and lifting things?

Finished all pre-op and blood work. Have met with Dr Hollis and his staff and feel quite confident about their qualifications and success. I am starting off at a low BMI and am a little nervous about the slow progression this process might take. I am 39 years old and 5'7" and a starting weight of 192. Started the pre op diet early and am down to 186 lbs. Goal weight of 135 lbs. I was so pleased that Dr Hollis' office has their self pay special, but was shocked at their financing options. I feel very lucky that my husband has offered to pay for the procedure. I am the usual mix of emotions: scared, excited, but sure of my choice. I have been in a downward spiral with a back injury that put an end to running daily which was the only way I was able to keep my weight in check. Thank you for any insight and suggestions of expectations.

I am so sorry I failed to respond in a timely manner. I have been out of town working. When I say "shocked" I was just a bit surprised by the 14.9% finance charge when financed through Care Credit. It seems rather high, however, I don't have any experience in pricing a elective or medically necessary procedures. But thank goodness there is that option for anyone who does not have insurance coverage. I had my first appointment on a Monday, my pre-op seminar and meeting on Wednesday. I received a call on the following Monday that I was approved for surgery 3 weeks later (March 9). It was a very seamless process and was actually a pleasant experience. Best wishes to you folks using True Results and Dr. Hollis. I really enjoyed meeting him and that staff. I felt he was quite informative and very thorough with the seminar. Keep me posted on your surgery dates and I will try to do better about checking back with LBT. I think I need to check my settings and notifications. I didn't even know anyone had responded to my post. Steph