DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Wow, I'd be very upset too. I have to tell you, I've never used any of the True Results chain but I know from reading about them on these forums I never would either. It does appear just as you said- a cattle call- just pushing people through one after another to make money. It seems their patient care is nominal at best and they seem to pump out a scary high number of totally under informed band patients. I think if I were in your shoes, I'd start from the easiest point. You say you're starving, so I'm assuming physically hungry. Yet you're sliming/stuck every time you eat and are stuck on slider foods. Has anyone bothered to check your actual band placement? If you band has been slipped this whole time, it would also explain the port flip too. I would not ask, but demand, a barium swallow to check your band placement. I know $300 is a ridiculously expensive amount of money, but I think it would be money well spent to get your care into the hands of a doctor who actually gives a rip. You deserve good care with a good surgeon. I do have an idea how you could check out the doctor before paying the fee- go to his free informational seminar. This way, you can get a feel for his mannerism and personality before forking over the money. If you like him, then pay the fee and switch your care to him. Just a thought. As for the Sleeve comment, I personally wouldn't even entertain the thought until you've given the band ample chance to work for you. Check the band position, check out the new doctor, and then go forward with the band from there. IF you reach a point the band just isn't going to cut it, consider the Sleeve, but I personally think it's way too soon to go through that. Best wishes to you.

Oh yes, a HUGE difference! I only had a .2cc fill last time and it was the perfect amount to put me into the Green Zone. Even a .1cc can be the difference between perfect and too tight.

I've already had a Peanut Butter cup. Is it wrong I'm praying my son gets awful candy tonight? It will make it so much easier for me to resist!! This is the first day I find myself truly white knuckling through the day, trying to resist all the temptations. Ugh.

It sounds like you don't have adequate Fluid in your band yet so you're really physically hungry sooner than you should be. I know it's hard now, but it does get so much easier once you do have adequate fills. Before I was in the Green Zone, I found focusing just on calories and portions to be the trick. For instance, I knew there was no way in the world I was going to make it on 3 meals a day without being crazy hungry. So, I spread my calories through the day allowing me to eat every two hours. I made sure my meals were always a cup or less of food, but I had about 6 a day rather than 3. For me, it worked. I was able to continue losing despite not having good restriction yet without being crabby starving. I also made sure to really load up on Protein because it keeps you full longer. For my Snacks, I'd have stuff like cottage cheese, string cheese, pistachios, or even a piece of lunch meat. I don't restrict carbs but I do know protein is key towards fighting hunger. Best wishes.

Oh my goodness that's awful. I'd be upset, too. Could your surgeon appeal on your behalf stating medical necessity? It's worth a try. Best wishes to you.

I could be wrong, but it's my understanding that it depends. If you're admitted on an emergency basis, requiring immediate removal of the band, then they have no choice but to remove it and bill you later. All hospitals have to do what's necessary to stabilize someone. A good example: I had a hernia surgery. If I didn't have insurance and just went into the hospital wanting it fixed, they wouldn't have to fix it because my health wasn't in jeopardy. But, because the hernia became strangulated threatening my life if left unfixed, they would've had to fix it immediately and bill me later regardless of insurance. I would hate to see you go through an emergency, that's for sure. Maybe even talk to your surgeon now as a "just in case" measure, so you know your options well in advance. Be well and good luck.

If I were in your shoes, I'd find a seminar near you (they're free) to learn about the band. It will help you make a better, more informed decision. Losing weight can drastically help both Diabetes and Arthritis. The thing with the band is, you have to be prepared to do the work. It's an amazing tool, it really is, but only when utilized properly. I find way too many get Lap Band surgery thinking it's a magic cure for fat. They think it'll physically stop them from eating the wrong foods, or stop them from over-eating, or even just make the fat melt off effortlessly. None of that is the case at all. The band helps to appease hunger on less food for longer periods of time, and it does it well, but it's still up to the patient to make good food choices and restrict their portions. I encourage you to do your homework. Read all the medical data on Lap Band and do the research. Learn what it's supposed to do, not supposed to do, and what to expect. Education will be your best asset when trying to make this very big decision. On a personal note, I positively love my band. I've lost about 160 pounds in 10 months. I've never felt better or been happier in my adult life. Best wishes to you.

Who told you what not to post? You posted, I answered your question honestly. Nothing more. Just because you don't like the response doesn't make it untrue.

You will have to check with your insurance to find out if they cover it. You'll have to ask your surgeon how much he charges for fills. Every insurance company and surgeon is different so hearing what ours does/doesn't do won't help you. You need to find out about your own specifically.

The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing. I would suggest putting your scale away until you're at least back on solid food and past the healing phase. It's very likely you won't feel restriction until you've had numerous fills. But also keep in mind the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating. It's up to you to make sure your portions are band sized. Here's a link to better explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Finally, I'd highly recommend paying for a nutritionist yourself then. They are not expensive at all and it's crucial that you learn how to not only eat healthy but that you have good food guidelines to live by. Changing your eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime is necessary to be successful with the band and you need someone qualified to teach you how to do that. Best wishes.

I can tell you from my own experience.... I know my face looks thin. Truth is, I look very thin from about the shoulders up. You can even see my collar bones. But that is because like most people, I lost weight first and fastest in my face. As a result, my face looks like a thin person, despite the fact I still have 100 pounds left to lose. Look at my profile, the before pic that was taken when I weighed almost 160 pounds more than I do now. That was NOT a "thin, happy face". LOL!

Today is the 9 month anniversary of my Lap Band surgery. Since then I have lost 152 pounds. I still have considerable weight to lose but I am SO happy with my results so far. It's definitely work and I've had to change my entire lifestyle but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my adult life. I absolutely love my band! It's the best decision I've ever made for myself! HAPPY DANCE!!!

Holy cow that's amazing, congratulations!!

Yes, I'm a huge unjury fan, too. I absolutely love them. They are under 200 calories and about 25g of Protein per shake. Here's a link if you'd like to check them out: http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/

No, it's not a better choice than frosting. Nutella is much worse. You need to start comparing nutritional labels, it's an enlightening experience

From what I understand, there is a link between esophageal cancer and reflux/stomach acid. The connection to the band comes into play because reflux is a common symptom of slips and bands too tight. If your band isn't too tight and you're not having reflux, it shouldn't effect you. However, this is just one more reason being too tight isn't good and people need to stop walking around that way for months and months. That build up of stomach acid has a lot more risks than just heartburn.

Well technically you cant eat whatever you want, there is no "NO" food exception carbonation. However, I suggest you read the nutrition label on it before making your decision. In a nutshell, Nutella is awful for you nutritionally.

That is so awesome!! I am so happy for you!!! Congratulations! I am flying December 1st and scared as hell. I'm praying I don't need one either.

It's possible you're not eating enough calories. I would try increasing to at least 1000 a day and see if that helps. Also, keep in mind low carb doesn't work for everyone. I know it's the "in thing" right now, but it's definitely something to consider if you're not losing. For the record, I eat 1000-1200 calories a day and I don't restrict carbs. Finally, have you seen a nutritionist? If not, I would. Best wishes.

I never took Meridia, but I can tell you from what I know of it the band is very different. The band does diminish your appetite, but it also allows you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. It doesn't work anything like Meridia, though. Nor does it cause diarrhea. I wonder if maybe your doctor could give you a better comparison? I know mine was really lacking *laughs*. Hey I tried

Wow that sounds very nutritious! Do you know about how many calories they are? What liquid do you mix it with? Skim milk? If so, how much? What is swiss chard? Thank you!

Yeah that's just water retention. Just tell your doctor you started and he'll understand.

It's hard to say, when is your surgery? The whole purpose of the preop diet is to shrink your liver so it's safe to maneuver during surgery. If your doctor thinks it's not shrunk enough, then yes, he will cancel your surgery. Did you gain it from eating? Or from "that time of the month"?

Everyone's surgeon is different. I suspect they may even place the bands differently, creating different sized pouches. Do what yours says to do, regardless of what anyone else says. That's what's right for you. (btw, my surgeon does say 1 cup or less of food per meal)

It all comes to personal choice. I would strongly suggest doing your homework before making a decision. Both procedures have their pros and cons, and unfortunately both procedures have their myths too. Research the actual medical facts, not just anecdotal evidence here. They did a very large study, over 4000 Lap Band patients, and found that about 8% suffer complications. It's also very important to take in account the number of people with slips, complications, and needing removal because they abused their band. Unfortunately that number is scary high. It seems either surgeons aren't educating their patients enough or people are foolishly ignoring their instructions, but whatever the case I've seen more cases of complications because of patient negligence than I can count. How much you lose with the band is entirely up to you. Whether or not you keep that weight off is also up to you. The band is just a tool, not a magic fix for fat, and to be successful with it requires you to change your eating habits for a lifetime. Best wishes with whichever you decide!