judybellyband

At some risk of saying this to you cause you don't know me, I still have to say oh yes . . . I had my current band, placed 4/29/04 by Dr. McMahon, at Duke WLS Center and my last Doctor there was Dr. DeMaria. He has a great, great knowledge and exsperence with lap-band history from the eary trial days in Richmond; but he is not really pro-lap-band. Also, it is my exsperence and current knowledge that Duke has significant administrative problems in effective management of lap-band patients. Can they do a great surgery for you? . . . yes, if it is DeMaria personally. DEMAND that he does your surgery and no other. It's way too important to you to just allow anyone to do it. Also, if your BMI is less than 50, tell them that you do not want the Vanguard band. Please, remember that Duke and the WLS Center IS STILL a teaching hospitial. You can live with delays in getting your band filled but it is critical that the most exsperence possible do your surgery. . . . especially at Duke. There is more I could say but perhaps you might want to read this thread http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=1047. Also, there is a wonderful, very supportive group on this board but even more so on www.band2gether.com. Perhaps, you will also want to join us there in the NC support section at http://www.band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=64. I wish you the best possible results. You can have that at Duke, especially if you go in with more knowledge. Please keep me posted and sincerely know I wish to HELP and not scare you. I totally believe in the lap-band technology and that is why I am having my leaking band replaced ASAP.

Hi Ready2Lose, Did you have lap-band surgery at Duke or are you thinking of doing so?

HI Fern, I am not sure I can answer you questions directly but perhaps point you to the best known doctors in your area that are doing lap-bands and perhaps you can contact their offices. My advice is to contact either Dr. Moran or Dr.Enochs in the Raleigh area. There are others on the other board (http://www.band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=1727) who might talk to you more of their services; like Cathy or CarolinaGirl. I wish you well and let us know.

Wondering if I could bump this so others might comment? Thanks, Judy

Dear Sue, You look so great. What an encouragement for all of us who have lost our functioning band . . . never give up ;o). I am so excited for you. Merry Christmas,

Luna Koi. . .I agree it would be helpful to have as much information as possible. Just to be sure I contacted my doctor's office today and they afirmed that my band only leaked at the band and there are no other signs in the radiology reports, x-rays, or contrast images of my Vanguard band having erosion or slippage. They said that was why I could wait till January to be scheduled. Still this idea about scar tissue is a concern.

THIS IS THE BEST THREAD - Alex, it NEEDS to be a Sticky ... please! BACKGROUND: After 30 months of living in (-79lbs) Bandland and still BMI =29.2 and being 30lbs away from my goal, I found out on the 8th of November that I have lost function in my band due to a complete leak. I fell apart and mourned the loss for days. Let me put it like it was… I fell apart. After all, it had not slipped or eroded and I had already gained 9.5lbs in 5 weeks waiting for the next fill. Also, I knew the Christmas session was going to make it even worst. When I weigh-in that morning at my doctors I knew I had gained but I planned on getting that band re-fill and getting that off and more. When restricted, my band had been faithful. However, it was not going to work that way this time. I am still waiting on my clinic to submit approval for a 2nd band which they are telling me that it’s not going to happen till “sometime” in January at best. It is my heart’s desire to get this 2nd band and I am praying for it as soon as possible. BUT WHAT IS WORKING FOR ME . . . and my new weight-loss Tools: 1. My faith in Christ 2. Very straight, sound, correct advice from leath_g (Suzanne Chapin) about getting focused and just continuing. 3. Tracking what I eat and exercise. Please hear this cause it’s important and I want you to also get this…. Tracking the WHAT you eat is the KEY. We loose based on WHAT it is we eat verse what we exercise…(yea, yea I know what you are thinking here). It’s tracking the WHAT we eat that is the 2nd band tool. The What we eat is made-up of stuff that is either good for me or not. I need to know it and not just let it happen. So I already had a desktop tool that I never used called “FitDay” and it was excellent but I could not take it with me. So I researched and found “Diet and Exercise Assistant v6.0” which runs on my desktop and also synchronizes with my PDA handheld. The two versions cost about $30USD. This is the best by far software tool but even CONTINUING to put the WHAT down on paper would have been better than not doing so. You have to understand (with or without the band) it’s all about the What you eat and what it’s make up of. For example. I had no idea that English peas were a poorer choice than green Beans by a factor of X3. See what I mean? 4. Hunger control – the BIG problem. I was told about this by a friend who goes to personal trainer and it is helping. Sure Water management still helps also. But the over the counter appetite suppressant I am using is called ‘ALRI Venom Hyperdrive 3.0 (for stamina & energy $28USD/90 Caps)’. 5. SUPPORT … my wonderful husband and YOU! AFTER 9 DAYS of FOCUS on each item 1-5 above and without my wonderful band. . . (-6 lbs) lost. I realize that I CAN handle whatever happens to my weight because I finally get it. I am feeling better and still hoping to have a replacement band in January. But the difference is being in control, not falling apart, staying focused on MY goal. It’s about me and better choices; not just my band. Dear friends, I am praying that this truly helps you and that you don’t have to lose your band to realize this same thing. Go for it…get healthy, get out of those clothes (physical and emotional) you hate, and have a BLESSED 2006 THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS. I am praising my Lord because I understand now and we can do it.

Alex and others, I just came across this wonderful link that I feel should be in the Basic information section of LBT. It's by a Dr. Marc Bessler on Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery from PA. Perhaps, it might make a difference to others. Thanks, Judy Presentation: http://www.columbiasurgery.org/divisions/obesity/surgical_lap_ppt.html Related WLS Information: http://www.columbiasurgery.org/divisions/obesity/index.html PS: I l like the site and value the information; I know nothing about the organization other than from this site.

PLEASE POST TO LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR 2ND BAND EXSPERIENCE. I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! I have been reading searching for others who have had their bands completely replaced. I am also facing this and would deeply appreciate hearing from others to know how you feel about doing so. Was it worth it in terms "pain for loss"? Have you had more complications? Are you doing well? I am 30 mths from the 1st banding surgery and haveloved having my band. At 15 mths had to have 2nd surgery to fix a tube herna (poked up at bar line and became a problem). Also, the clinic has had on-going issues hot being able to get me to a substainable fill level in my Vanguard Inamed band....but in spite of all this I have lost (today) 71 lbs. and I'm around +28 lbs from my goal to get to 24 BMI. So here it is the time of year where there is food everywhere and I have no band to guide me; I'll never make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, what do you think; would you do it over again? Thank-you, Judy

Your feedback last Wed. and Don Mills of Inamed have already made a great deal of difference cause the information was so timly. I can deal with most things if I have the facts to make informed decisions. I just need to be the one to make the call about my body and quality of life. I was not given that at my clinic on that day. I am sure I will try to have a 2nd band and I pray that it will workout for the long term.. But I have started getting control of my weight gain by getting serveral new tools (Diet Assistant 6.0 PDA& desktop SW and OTC appetite control pills) to hopfully help me stay focused. My goal is to go into January as healthy as I possible can by not gaining any more weight. This leak could not have happen at a better time of the year :faint: cause I truly believe the Lord is telling me to trust in Him and not my prosthetic. He is using this season to drive it home. I just wanted to close and again thank those who replied to this post.

11/11/06 (181lbs) - :cry I decided to start this journal to help in tracking progress, both physical and mental through this new phase of my journey. After 30 months with my lap-band (VG) and being told on Wed that my band has totally leaked out from the band, I am slowly recovering from the loss and mourning. I have to diet now in this period. I am trying to get my head right to cope by using the tools I have; FitDay software, OTC Venom pill to help with hunger, carring around my 1/2 gal water container, promising myself not to eat the bad stuff, reading the support boards (obsessed again)... and more. The moment of truth . . . can I diet again for a while til I get my 2nd band? Time and my weight will tell.

11/11/06 (181lbs) - :cry I decided to start this journal to help in tracking progress, both physical and mental through this new phase of my journey. After 30 months with my lap-band (VG) and being told on Wed that my band has totally leaked out from the band, I am slowly recovering from the loss and mourning. I have to diet now in this period. I am trying to get my head right to cope by using the tools I have; FitDay software, OTC Venom pill to help with hunger, carring around my 1/2 gal water container, promising myself not to eat the bad stuff, reading the support boards (obsessed again)... and more. The moment of truth . . . can I diet again for a while til I get my 2nd band? Time and my weight will tell.

Curley . . . is your new band newer or differnet than Inamed's 10cc Vanguard band? I am waiting for my insurance to approval for my replacement Vanguard and hoping that a better model available to go in will be the lasted revison. Any insight will be most appreciated. Thanks so much.

Oh my word...I feel the pain. Found out yeaterday that my band has leaked and I only wish it were at the port or tubing. I know you are equally as disappointed. I am right there with you cause, if they do the re-banding, it's not going to be until after Christmas. . . they have to many RNYer ahead of me. Good thing it's not their emergency is it? Sorry, but I am in morning!!!!! God bless us all.

How wonderful that you are doing so well and have a sincere and responciable Doctor. What a double blessing. I just talked to Don Mills at Inamed yesterday who said that they will open a case and get back with me as my Vanguard band has leaked. You know the disappointment. I sure am in morning (can't sleep) after 30 months of faithful service. The fluoroscopy showed it blowing out at the band but I guess they will not know for sure till they go in. I am concern because I am 30lbs away from "normal BMI" that my UHC may not pay for a replacement band. Maybe you could tell me how the Inamed process works and what steps you had to take. It's very unclear to me. Forexample, if yourproblem had been a manufactuing poblem, would they help pay for or partof the replacement surgery? My sincere thanks in advance for your insight and sharing.

:help: :faint: :help: My 30 month old Vanguard system has a TOTAL leak in the location of band in the membrain but NO other issues like errosion or slipping. So for now on, it will not hold fuild. Duke Medical WLS Center in Durham, NC (same group that put on my lap-band) did the contrast radiology work today. I am in morning. Anyway, I was told that I should seriously consider leaving it broken in place rather than removing OR replacing it. I don't understand this as I know I did not have the band slip or errode AND I am still 30 pounds from my goal weight. They say that statistically I am a sucess and should give myself credit . . . (read their stats are good here but my hope is gone). It took over 3 weeks to get an office appointment and another three working days for radiology. . . so in that month, I regained 9.5 lbs and back now to 181. I really loved my band and now it's gone. I can't believe it. So here is my question please of everyone. Even if there is risk of removing it because it's "major surgery", why would I want to just leave it hanging around like old buried and abandoned underground cable? Why would Duke WLS Center not want to better support ME and go ahead and replace it ASAP? Is there more to the story? They said if when I come back on the 17th to talk to the Head guy (my new Surgeon) and he sees if hecan do it, the earlest is going to be after Christmas because they are so busy with already planned RNY scheduled patients. Please what do you know or think about this matter!

Dear Leatha_g, I sent the email above to Don Mills and within 5 minites . . . he called me back tonight. He is going to forward the information internally at Inamed and they are going to be following up. But Don had greater insight and supported your position that the replacement can most likly be done at the same time with no more or lesser risk than the first surgery. He thinks that their data shows that most leaks 30 moths out are at the port area and not the band membraine. He said there is a condition where encapsalation of the whole thing (port down to the band as a surrounded system) may present a leakage at the band even though the problem may be at the souce of the port. They can't tell till they go in. Bottom-line ... I now know I can replace something and get back into the lap-band journey. I am still not out of the woods, but maybe tonight I will be able to sleep for the first time in 6 nights. Thank-you again. Sincerely, Judy

Thank you dear Leatha g. and Karey, I just fired-off my message to Don Mills and copied Duke WLS Center. . . I am going to do just as you both said, diet, and keep praying my very favorite Bible verse....Deut. 31:8 "...do not be discouraged." I'll keep you posted. ------------------------------------ FYI -This is what I said to Mr. Mills: My 30 month old 10cc newer Vanguard system has a TOTAL leak in the location of the band's membrane but there are no other issues like erosion or slipping. It just will no longer hold Fluid. Duke Medical Radiology and the WLS Center in Durham, NC (same group that put on my lap-band) did the contrast radiology work today. Anyway, I was told by their wonderful PA that I should seriously consider leaving it broken in place rather than removing OR replacing it because it's NOT that the Vanguard has caused band slip or erosion issues. It's just nicely sitting there empty. I am currently 29.2 BMI with 30 pounds from my goal 24BMI which is to have and maintain a normal weight = 18.5-24.9 BMI. Repeatedly at Duke WLS I have been told that statistically I am a WLS success and should give myself credit. Credit or not, I am still struggling to be at my normal weight. By example, it took over 3.5 weeks to get an office appointment after I felt the lack of restriction (happened all at once) and another three working days for radiology. . . so in that month, I regained 9.5 lbs back and now weigh 181.lbs. Ok, I now fully realize I have a problem and I am going to try VERY hard to stabilize, but I have always been very grateful for the good folks at Duke and my band and now it's just gone forever... I can't believe it? I am healthier than I have been for most of my life and this is the worst news. I am to come back to Duke WLS on November 17th to talk to my new Surgeon, who was not available today, and go from there. So here is my question. Even if there is risk of removing it because it's "major surgery" and there are now adhesions around the piece parts, why would I want to just leave it hanging around like old broken buried and abandoned underground cable? Why would Duke WLS Center not want to go ahead and replace it ASAP to continue to help me on my weight-loss journey? Is there more to the "risk" story than I currently know? Am I missing something? IS there an issue at Inamed with replacing the band or with the procedures? I know I want another Lap-band but please what do you know or think about this matter! IS IT PROBABLE that a replacement CAN BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME when the broken Vanguard is removed? Does it take a different course to remove and replace than standard lap procedures? Is this a higher-risk surgery than the first one? Please any information would be most helpful and deeply appreciate. PS: What is the Inamed Vanguard MTBF and warranty? ;o) Sincerely,

Hi MyBand, Sorry that I am so long in replying but the warm coffee/tea relaxes the restriction.. I have always had a tighter band in the mornings and have found coffee helpful. Likewise, if I eat ice-cream/yourt, I can only eat about 2 oz before the cold closes and then I throw-up. But that might just be me. Judy

I have been having significant arthritis pain for over 2 years that resulted in painful shots into the joint. As you know because we can only take Tylenol, it has left me without needed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which had been an effective arthritis pain treatment option before my lap-band surgery. Well, with the help of my wonderful sister-in-law pharmacist, she learned resently of mixing these 2 ointments in use together for treatment of arthritus pain. It is this combination of the two compounding topical ointments which I am now also having great results with. It is applied to the area (hands, knees, joints) twice a day. They are extremely expensive but truly worth it if you are also having the same issues. So you might want to talk to your doctor and then look for a "compounding pharmacy" who can make-up these ointments for you to try. They are (1) ketoprofen 10% PLO Gel and (2) lidocaine 10% PLO Gel. Hope this information might also be helpful to others. :clap2:

Format for Submission of Data: Date Banded: 4/29/04 Country: USA Doctor: McMahan Erodoed: N ________

It's been over a year since I posted. But this subject has been so difficult for me with my Vanguard band, I wanted to encourage you from my own very frustrating "Fill" journey. DO NOT GIVE UP. I went 16 mths post-op having had 9 fills without restriction. I was s-o-o disappointed and I really struggled to lose any weight at all even though I had gotten up to 8cc volume in the band. My doctor is very good but ultra-conservative and only does fills using radioology first thing in the morning when my band is tighter anyway. Time-after-time it made no difference that I told him I felt no restriction afterwards or asked that we change the appointment. He has seen that "the band will tighten within a week or two"....but mine never did. So on my last fill that happen in Sept.'05 (6 mths ago), I drank a little hot tea before the fill. If he had known, he would not have completed the fill. But at fill #10, he could see that the band was not restricted until it reached 9cc. ;o) And since that veryday I have done great. I knew, if it were to tight, I could always have him take some out within days. So I felt like I had to try something different. No, I am NOT recommending my hot tea method to anyone. But rather sharing my path. I have not had a problem but I am very aware the tighter the band the greater the risk for later band problems. However, I was despreate to gain a min. level of restriction and I had already exsperenced 9 fills before without true restriction. I feel good about having done used this method for myself as I went from -59 lbs to now -74lbs without any gaining and then struggling to loose as I was before. This was a huge disappointment cause after all, I had had the surgery, got the band, but not the aid of restriction before trying this method. I have now lost 82% (74lbs) of my exspect weight lost currently at 22 mths Post-op. Summary: the Vanguard band is much harder to reach a true level of restriction. However, you and not your doctor, are the best person to determine what level is best for you. I wish you well in your "fill" journey and pray it is easier than mine has been.

Several folks, including myself, would like to identify where there are clusters of lap-banders in NC that either meet or want to meet. I partisipate with others in the Durham, NC area where we are just getting started. Do you know of lap-band support group meetings and who the contact people might be? Thanks, Judy

Dear Pre & Post-op Lap-banders, We will be meeting this coming Friday, Jun. 24th in Durham at IHOP. Time will be 6:00pm and dress is casual. It really will be fun and completely open to all NC lap-banders. Just tell the folks at IHOP that you are meeting Judy Bellyband. Also, in order that you may recognize me, here is my picture: costco & Bath & Beyond located at the opposite end of shopping center. Their address is: IHOP 1821 N Pointe Drive Durham , NC 27705 Phone: (919) 317-4161

Hi Garner1, I wish you well with your journeyand if I can help, i will be glad to do so. NC Support groups are few and far between;o). One is in Concord associated with a Dr. in that area and the only other one I know that meets is the one I am involved with. We have only done so once but the plan is to meet every other month in Durham. I live near Greensboro myself so it is a bit of a drive on the last Friday night of the month. You are most welcome to join us. There are two other lap-banders and manyother RNY & DS folks who go to the Greensboro WLS group. This next meeting detail is at (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NC_WLS_Information_and_Support/message/5178). I copy it below. But there are others. Hope this helps and if you have any questions give me a call at 336-449-4734. ---- Tuesday May 31, 2005 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm This event repeats on the last Tuesday of every month. The next reminder for this event will be sent in 6 days, 4 minutes. Event Location: Moses Cone Hospital Room 0031 Notes: We will be meeting the last Tuesday of every month at Moses Cone Hospital. The meeting time is 7:00. Please feel free to bring clothes that don't fit anymore to swap. If you would like to eat dinner there is the hospital cafeteria very close by; we can get food and take it to the meeting room. The room number 0031 on the ground floor in the West Wing closest to the parking deck off Elm Street. That is the best place to park.