DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

It's a fair and simple enough question. The fact you are deflecting onto me for asking it shouts volumes about you, however.

If you've never considered the band then why are you on a forum specifically for people that have or are considering the Lap-Band?

At 6 months in and 111 pounds down, I am grateful for: -Being able to walk at a normal speed and much, much longer distances -Dropping from a size 7x to a 2x -Being able to comfortably fit in and drive any car -Feeling better than I have in many, many years -Feeling my self esteem slowly rise as the pounds melt away

Hate to burst your bubble, but the 1 in 2000 mortality rate for the Lap-Band IS correct. It's easily verified. I should know, I went out and verified it after I was told this number at the seminar when I was still considering Lap-Band.

I take a multivitamin, Omega 3, and D3

congratulations!! Isn't that the best feeling?!?!

Welcome! You're very smart to educate yourself before going into surgery, you will be so glad you did!

All insurance companies are different, however the majority require a BMI of 35 with at least 2 comorbidities or a BMI of 40. But like I said, they're all different. You will have to contact your insurance to find out what their specific requirements are.

Oh no!! Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but it's possible that they will still cover your surgeon. Is he on staff at any other hospitals? Because if so, then hopefully it's one your insurance will cover so you won't have to switch surgeons. Good luck and let us know what happens!

Congratulations and I'm glad you're feeling so well!

At the end of the day, you have to do what you think is best for you, regardless of what your friend thinks. According to your profile, you have a BMI of 40, so you do fit the criteria for it as well. A BMI of 40 or more is considered obese- further proof your friend has no clue what they're talking about. I would strongly suggest going to a seminar to learn about Lap Band if you haven't already. It's crucial that you fully understand what to expect (and not expect) before you actually have surgery. As for my personal opinion, I love my band. Getting banded was by far the best decision I've ever made myself. I couldn't be happier.

A band too tight can cause a slip, vomiting, and even sometimes carbonation.

That is the correct statistic, 1 in 2000. However, you have to take into consideration the fact we're obese. A lot of us are in horrible health when we decide to have this surgery- heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. The risk is going to be greater by default because of that. Also keep in mind, the mortality rate for Gastric Bypass is 1 in 250. By comparison, the Lap Band is MUCH MUCH safer. And one final thought: I don't have a statistic, but I am more than sure the risk of premature death because obesity related health issues is likely higher than the risk of Gastric Bypass or the Lap Band.

I did get the same thing from it, if you're going on the high Protein short term, your risks are minimal. It seems to me that the problem occurs when it becomes a permanent way of life. I really think at the end of the day- South Beach, Atkins, Weight Watchers,etc- it all boils down to what works best for your body. I can't do high protein/low carb because it adversely effects my kidneys, but that doesn't mean it won't work for others. I just think in light of this study, women need to take their family cardiovascular history into consideration before going on high protein/low carb long term. I do find it interesting that this study only profiles women, not men. I wonder if their risks are similar.

No it doesn't mention fat content specifically, but talks about a very large study over 15 years and how they are not advising women to remain on a high Protein diet long term. I actually had a horrible kidney infection from Atkins, from a build up of protein in my kidneys, so I don't drastically cut carbs like most do. But still, I know the majority of WLS patients are on high protein and very low carbs, so I thought I'd share this. Here's what it says: After these variables were included, results showed that 1270 cardiovascular events took place in the 43,396 women (55% ischaemic heart disease, 23% ischaemic stroke, 6% haemorrhagic stroke, 10% subarachnoid haemorrhage and 6% peripheral arterial disease) over 15 years.

I did but anesthetic always makes me a lose a little, not enough anyone noticed or anything though.

In order to stretch your pouch, you'd have to continue eating with food sitting on top of the band. I'm not sure how that's possible. If I take a bite with food already sitting there, I immediately know I'm stuck. If I were to continue attempting to eat (though I'd have to be crazy to even want to when that uncomfortable) I'm sure I'd end up PBing. I can see someone maybe taking huge bites and not chewing habitually and stretching their pouch, but for someone to stretch their pouch from overeating that would mean they're eating despite being stuck, seriously uncomfortable, and possibly even in pain. It would also mean they're likely continuing to eat despite sliming and/or PBing. That makes zero sense to me. I'm no doctor, but I just can't see that happening.

You know you have enough in your band if: -You can go 4-5 hours between meals without hunger -You are satisfied with a cup or less of food -You are losing weight (regardless of the speed you're losing) You may be too tight if: -You have a night cough -You have acid reflux but didn't before -You find yourself eating slider foods because real foods are too hard to eat -You aren't losing weight and/or are gaining weight

I agree with you totally, if you have to ask, you're not in the Green Zone. I love it, too.

The reason they tell you to limit caffeine is because it can stimulate the appetite, but there isn't anything in that could physically hurt you. You can drink coffee all you want.

Wow I am at a total loss. I have no idea how someone could be gaining on only 1000-1200 calories a day. And they're positive the thyroid isn't doing it? Have you been checked for diabetes? What about your adrenal gland, has that been checked? And your hormone levels? I hope someone comes along with an idea. I'd almost go see another doctor and get full physical, just to get a second opinion and make sure you don't have something wrong with your health,

Wow I am so sorry!!! If your stomach is prolapsed through the band (that's what that muffin top thing is), and your surgeon says it needs to come out, then yes it definitely does. You don't want to permanently damage your stomach, or cause much more serious health issues, by living with a malfunctioning band. I can't even imagine what you're going through, I'd be devastated too, But do listen to your surgeon- the band isn't worth putting your life at risk for, Again, I'm very sorry

Just trying to understand, you're not vomiting everything up back up right now, are you? That's only if you're too full? About how many calories a day are you eating?

I'm glad your fill went well!