Corrigan

You gals both have surgeons with excellent reputations. That's most of it. You don't have to do anything, just show up. Recovery is easy, you'll probably have a little sore throat from the intubation device, but that goes away soon. Don't forget to take your slippers and PJs, those hospital gowns are pretty revealing. Good luck, in a year you'll just be a shadow of your former self.

There are people on here that have had the band for at least six years, and many improvements have been made since then. I don't think you have much to worry about just yet. Any problems seem to be corrected easily. If I have any problems with mine ( unlikely) I'll deal with it then. Now is the time to be losing weight, not freaking about what ifs.

Your new picture looks great.

I know that's a thrill, we lugged all this fat around for so long, I'm sitting here, watching a football game, in a shirt I couldn't button last year, now it's a bit large on me. Things are definately looking up. Next year I'll use it for a blanket.

It really depends on the type of band used. I'm no expert, but from what i've read, the realize only needs one size for both it's bands, LapBand has 5 sizes, but most surgeons only use two, AP-l is 14ml and AP-s is 10ml. All this information is on the net, in one place or another. As to what size is used, apparently the initial size of the stomach was used to determine the band size, now it's thought to not be as important.

You need to give it about six weeks before you lift much over ten pounds. I fixed all our bikes, did all our light yard work and just about went crazy, but my surgeon talked me into taking it easy. Now that it's over, I'm glad I did, everything is where it belongs, no pain and I'm ready to go. Give it a little more time.

I f you mix and blend your mushies well enough to go through a straw and still have problems, if you've had a fill, maybe you need a little taken out. You really haven't given enough information about your problem for anyone to give you any meaningful advice. I hope you can get help for this.

Hi Christina, congratulations on your decision, I got into this also on my PCPs recommendation. I had diabetes etc. and weight loss was about the only solution. This surgery requires lot of education to be really successful, and as far as I know, your weight at your initial seminar is what they base your BMI on. Maybe someone with more experience with Kaiser will chime in. My kids are grown, but I've got a slew of grandchildren I'd like to watch grow up. I hope everything goes well for you. Best of luck.

Kelly, Why not just call her back and say everything is fine now, maybe just a case of nerves. It sounds like you're doing fine, just relax and try not to freak out, there's enough money in this that they won't cancel unless there's really something wrong. One thing to remember, on a carbohydrate restricted diet, your blood sugar can get low and cause shakiness, sweating and overall nervousness. A piece of bread or a glass of juice should take care of that. Whatever you do, don't call your nutritionist when you're in that state. She sounds like a bit of a bully, and you need to talk to her in a calm, collected manner. Good luck and I hope it all goes well.

What would life be without Jalapeños? You'll just have to see what you can eat. It's different for everyone. I don't have any problem with peppers, but some people do. You wouldn't want to try them before five or six weeks, though.

Ann, your choices for a decent surgeons are Riverside, Orange County and Beverly Hills. I went to Cedars-Sinai and had the best care I've ever had in my life. The drive is horrendous and it requires eight to ten trips. I have a ranch, not too far from you and I did a lot of research before deciding, my doctor's recommendation made up my mind. I don't have any idea what Tricare might do for you, but please find the best surgeon and hospital you can. Not all weight loss facilities are equal so choose wisely. I know I sound preachy, but I hate to see young people get less than the best care possible. If I can be of any possible help, feel free to PM me, and the very best of luck to you.

This is going to sound like something out of left field, but I have sleep apnia and for the past three years I have had sinus problems, it seemed worse in the winter. My PCP suggested I get a humidifier for my CPAP machine and immediately my problems were gone! I wonder if a humidifier would help you. You probably don't have apnea, but maybe a little humid air might give you some relief. worth a try. Hope you find something that helps

There have been complications with plication alone so be sure you make an informed decision before you choose one or the other.

Here is an explanation of "banded plication" : http://www.riverside...d_plication.htm

That's called plication and several people here have had it (including me) and so far, everyone seems happy with it. It's fairly new so there's no long term info on it yet. I guess we're all going to have to wait and see. There are people here that have lost well over 100 lbs with the band alone, in a year or so. the band is the safest, most dependable of the WLS. Weight loss is a little slower initially, but in a year or two all forms are about equal. Speaking for myself, I have had no problems of any kind, yet. I have very little hunger and although I'm due for a fill Tuesday, I'll probably pass until, and if, my hunger returns. Read all you can and talk to all the medical people involved, inform yourself as much as you can, and best of luck to you

The tablets are just glucose (sugar) to raise your blood sugar to proper levels. They work the same as orange juce, table sugar or any carbohydrate. We can't live without some carbs, we just need to keep the levels low. Your body will probably adjust to your new levels, but you need to be under a doctor's supervision if there is any question about blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn't anything to fool around with. I hope this helps.

I think if you find a Center of Excellence, and talk to them, you'll be able to get what you need. Look on Google, there are many listed. I hope you find what you want. Good luck

As a recovering diabetic I can tell you those are the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar sounds like it's getting low. Very unpleasant. I use to get it when my blood sugar got below 100. Now that I've lost weight, a reading 70 to 80 doesn't bother me. Walmart sells glucose tablets, but a little candy will work until you get used to it. Hope this helps.

Zana, I don't know if you'd be interested, but there is a new method to help people get back on track. It's called the "five day band test". Look it up (on this forum), and if you want to give it a try, it might help. Best of luck.

I can only assume you know what your diet should be and choose to do your own thing. Best of luck and I hope things work out for you.

Everyone here has had those problems to one degree or another. You just have to decide whether your weight is more of a problem than giving up some of your favorite foods. The band has lessened my appetite to the extent that, although I still like things I use to like, I'm happy with much less. You'll hear a lot of stories about how people here, have conquered, what they call "head hunger", and that's what you'll have to do to make any WLS successful. It takes some sacrifice and a bit of work, but thousands have done it. You wouldn't be here if you didn't want to lose, so give it a try. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

Good to meet you, this is the most lap band friendly site on the net. I hope you've researched your surgeon and made sure your hospital has a good WLS program. There is a Center of Excellence in Rockford, and I hope you talk to them to see if you think they meet your needs. Whatever you decide, all the best and good luck.

Blood sugar spike? We diabetics know it well.

I hope I'm not spoiling anything, but I am painting a bright, shiny picture. I had surgery at a Center of Excellence and had no pain, the best treatment I've ever had at a hospital, the educational portion was excellent, and to date, I have so little hunger, I don't think I'll bother with fills. I know this thread was to point out problems with the band, but I haven't had any. I'm not selling the band and I think anyone considering WLS should explore all types, and research each type thoroughly. This is for life and an informed decision is important.