feelinggood

This is my opinion only at 6 months banded. Are the risks involved with getting the band increased by not following the guidelines post-op? Absolutely! Is the erosion, slippage, etc something that can happen either by fault of the device or user? Again this is just an opinion... Could happen by your fault if your band is adjusted too tight where you are allowing yourself productive burping frequently along with heartburn or reflux. Only you know when your band it too tight and should see the doctor immediately to have Fluid taken out. A complication could also occur if the surgeon does not place the band correctly or doesn't stitch it well. Should do research on the surgeon to make sure he/ she has plenty of experience. The device itself is not going to cause any of the situations you have listed but the device could be faulty and need to be surgically repaired. Is it possible when you have met your weight-loss goal and feel confident that would be able to manage your weight and are able to carryover the new habits and lifestyle that you can have it removed permanently? The only reason it would be removed is due to some type of complication. Though it is promoted as being a lifetime device, there is a 5 to 25% complication rate depending on which study you rely on. For those of you who have the band, what scared you the most or made you hesitant about getting the band? I had no hesitation or fear at all before the surgery but the complications I read about before the surgery became more real. A number of people have revised to the Gastric Sleeve and seem to be much happier with their sleeve then with the band. My advise is to consider the success rate vs. the complication rate and make an educated decision. You also have to be willing to follow the dietary guideline from your doctor. The band will help you with meal size but you are in charge of what goes in your mouth. Understand the complications and decide whether you are willing to take the risk albeit a small one. With the band, most complications occur 12 mos to 5 years out. With something like the sleeve, most complications occur early either during or shortly after the surgery.

I always have cabbage soup on hand for the times when I'm hungry. Goes down easy and very low cal. Head of cabbage, celery, carrots, onions, chicken soup base, Mrs. Dash. Bring to boil then cook on low for an hour. It goes right through my band and I can even get that old full feeling. Hope that helps.

Awesome Butterfly! It feels good to take control of your own destiny and you are on the right path!

My heart goes out to you. Since you asked I'm going to be honest here. First thing... get on birth control pills or condoms work too. Get some protein bars for a snack instead of junk food. Fix some healthy foods for a week and freeze meal sizes so you just need to reach in grab and microwave. Stay focused on your education. Very important for your future. Start taking D3 supplements (if that's what your low on. i take 5000iu per day). Try electronic cigarettes to quit smoking. They really work. I wish you all the best. Keep us posted.

Name, real or screen~ feelinggood Goal weight for June 30th~ 169 - Well I made it to 169 last week but this morning was up to 172 Exercise goal for June~ finally go to gym! joined 2 months ago and still have not been there even once I walked in the door one day haven't been back. Personal goal for June~ fit into size 12 - Yea! Made it!

I need to vent some frustration... My oldest sister was always very tiny until about 10 years ago when she started putting on the pounds. She was able to lose it once then gained it back. I on the other hand have been battling my weight since in my 20's and was at 240 when I started my lap band journey. I have always been heavier than her. I had not plans to tell her about my surgery but my other sister told her. As soon as she found out she decided she wasn't going to let me get smaller than her (she said that to my sister) and went on a diet the same day I had my surgery. Every couple of weeks or so she sends me a text with her current weight but doesn't ask how I am doing nor do I offer the information. She is down 36 pounds - good for her! I am down 63 pounds. She was coming into town and called to tell me she was bringing me her size "Large" tops because they are just too big for her and they should fit me. That just cut me to the core!!! How dare her!!! So she is here, tops and all, and she looks pretty good. I kind of thought we looked to be about the same size but after taking a picture together I can see I am still bigger. Why am I so upset about this? Does anyone else have this kind of issue with other family members?

My doctor also just ordered a bunch of post op labs to see if I am getting any deficiencies that might be causing it.

It's good to hear it worked for you. I am losing hair and just picked up some biotin a couple of days ago.

I'm probably going to get bashed for this but she might consider going to Mexico. $5500 with Dr. Kuri. I have also heard Dr. Ortiz is good. You may hear they use the "old" 4cc band that was banned in the US but they are still being manufactured by Allergan and used in Europe as well. Both of these doctors have done thousands of band surgeries and are well qualified. Just thought I would throw that option out there for her.

All you can do is give it a try. It has worked for me.

We all have small set backs. Just have to acknowledge it was not in your best interest and learn. I am getting a fill tomorrow and decided I was going to eat my favorite meal for dinner (kung pai shrimp) and ate too much. I am suffering now cause it is siting in my pouch for far too long. Was not a good decision. Noted and learned.

I use retinol.

It's an ongoing problem for me and hard as a brick more often then not now nearly 6 months post-op. I have taken milk of magnesium a couple of times but really hate to be dependent on laxatives.

Try wrinkle cream at night. It has helped me some and not nearly as bad as it was.

I had severe GERD for 20+ years and had lapband. My hiatal hernia was repaired during the surgery and I now rarely have symptoms unless my band is too tight.

that's awesome news!

People can be real assholes! Most have self-esteem issues and makes them feel better to put others down.

it gets better once you start eating regular food. take your vitamins, eat your protein, drink lots of water, and get lots of rest.

try Premier chocolate. sells at costco and sams club. it's the only one i can stomach and i have an entire cabinet of full powdered ones to show for my efforts.

this sounds yummy

have your surgeon check to see how much is in the band and compare what should be there. there could be a small leak. or you just haven't reached the right fill for you yet.

Congratulations! Who is your doctor? I had a great experience in Mexico with Dr. Kuri and his staff. They provided a list of doctor who would do my fill that practice near me. Let me know if you have any questions.

I beg to differ with nothing being fun about menopause - NO MORE PERIODS! May not be fun but hallelujah! I made it through the hot flashes for 4 years - no supplements - and would not trade them for PMS for anything!

The main issue with the 4cc lap band has to do with port leakage. I have done some research and also spoke with Allergan who confirmed. I was concerned because all the comments I read and wanted to know what to expect. In any case, anyone interested in finding out the manufacture date of their band can call Allergan. Your surgical report and the medical card both have the S/N listed. Mine is a 4cc and was manufactured on May 2, 2012. The 4cc bands continue to be manufactured and sold in Mexico and other countries and are not "old" as others have said. There have been modifications to correct the problems with the original 4cc bands.

Good luck on the start of your journey!