leatha_g

never had an infection in my belly button from laporoscopic surgery, but did have an infection in my belly button years ago.. it was quite painful. i don't envy you.. maybe you can get that all taken care of..

Maybe with all of us north of Dallas on this board, we should just find a way to get together ourselves?? I'm in McKinney..

that's too bad. sometimes, people have to find out for themselves. ortiz is considered a great doc, but the coincidence that so many on this site alone - who know each other and had erosions is just a tad alarming. but, for those not yet banded and who think they've done all the research, sometimes, they can't see the forest for the trees. live and learn, right? you tried..

Just an update to let you all know, my EGD was uneventful and there are no signs of erosion, no esophageal dilitation, the esophagitis seems better and I had 3cc fill replaced, so I'm back on the road again. Thank goodness. Thanks for all your well wishes and support. Now to nurse this sore throat... fun, fun, fun..

Sorry.. took awhile to find this. My first band slipped 1 year out. I had it removed and replaced.

Try reminding them that YOU are the one who paid for this apparatus and you intend to have it work as it was intended. rule of thumb, UNLESS you are losing, is that you get a fill. Kinda like a car won't drive without gas.. sheesh. Sometimes they forget who employs who..

:faint: Why can't I have my very own Randy doll?? Congrats to you wife! There's so much yet to come! She's very blessed to have such a great supporter on her side! Keep on keeping on!

Dr Veninga has taken pre-banded patients in the past. Me, being one of them. He's at Trinity Medical Center, Carrollton. 972-939-6380. His nurse, Barbara is awesome!

My only input would be this. IF you were truly having nighttime reflux and were overfilled, the 'bronchitis' could be misdiagnosed instead of the aspiration pneumonia that can happen due to nighttime aspiration with the band. However, you said they said you had no signs of pneumonia, right? I hope this came from x-rays and not just speculation by listening to your lungs.. ??? If there were no x-rays performed, I'd be a bit concerned, especially with the other signs of dehydration/dizziness. Dehydration alone can cause dizziness, fatique, weakness, so forth. I hear the aspiration pneumonia possible with the band is very tough to get over. If you had no x-rays to prove their was no pneumonia, I'd ask for them. I hope you get to feeling better very soon!

I had a scope last week. It went perfectly fine.

Yup. I'd suggest a barium swallow, at the least. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Sherrie, If you do have problems due to your band not being FDA approved, ie band surgeons not wanting to touch it. Another alternative for you is to check with the local radiology department. Some radiologists who are currently doing fills will agree to do a fill for people with other bands in some cases. Often, freestanding, privately owned radiology centers are learning these procedures for added revenue. It's worth a try and all they can do is say 'no'. Of course, I would ask about their experience with such a thing. Also, one thing you need to know for certain; does your band hold saline only or does it require the special liquid used in some foreign bands? Your Dr in Belgium should be able to answer that question readily. I do know there are people in the states who've found this special mix and who've had radiologists agree to do fills for them. I wish you luck and like all the others I certainly appreciate you and your husband and all that you have at stake for our country. God bless and good luck to you!

Yes! I do have restriction again!

I take 5 pills every single night. If you can swallow it, size-wise.. there should be no problem. I'd take it between bites of food, however.

Hey girl! Where you been?? I love your new avatar!! Hope you're doing well also! Thank you!

I have systemic lupus and yes, in the beginning the pain was hard to deal with, due mostly to the weight, I believe. However, i started out slow and worked up. My pain is minimal now. Yes, the weight loss has helped tremendously with my symptoms completely.

Hmm.. think I have an unopened container of crab dip that I never got around to eating.. now isn't that a change for an over-eater? It's never been opened, but now I'm afraid it might have botulism.. lol.. That and my icky drawer full of supplies to check the clotting level of my blood.. fun, fun, fun..

Still have your gallbladder??

Yea.. well this particular sore throat is from the EGD - my uvula HAS BEEN VIOLATED!! LOL. But, guess what?? I have restriction again!!!

Cost to the account I work for, is around $ 2000 -$2500 TO THE hospital, for a band. This will vary depending on vendor contracts with each facility/corporation.

Or, someone works in a hospital supply area and ripped it off... Medical devices are big business these days..

This morning's weight. 176.8. AND GUESS WHAT!! After my EGD yesterday and subsequent fill, I now have restriction! Woohoo.. I might actually lose some afterall..

I'll get in on this one too. I would like to AT LEAST lose another 20 lbs, but if I could get my head on straight, I might even pass that and do better. Don't feel too bad, Kyleigh, at least you're going in the right direction. Without the band, we'd have gained it all back and then some!

MKinney here..

Rene, I have been banded twice. I have not lost ALL my weight. Yet, I would still do it again. Never before have I been able to lose weight or maintain any weight loss as I have with the band. There may still come a day that I have to give it up, but for today. I am still very grateful to have it and to have had this great opportunity.