fabfatgrl

OK, as somebody who has been banded 6+ years, I have to say that at least 60% of the people I know who were Banded around the time I was Banded or soon after no longer have their Bands. I know that if I post something like this in the General forums... I get a lot of hands over eyes and mouth saying "no no no ... that can't be true..." because most newly Banded people do not want to hear this. I can't find any concrete statistics from Inamed/Allergan.. nor do I think they keep them (or want to keep them)... but I did find this study: A 10-year experience with laparoscopic gastric ban...[Obes Surg. 2006] - PubMed Result I guess I'm feeling bad because I one person I tried to convince to try the Band has just had to have her Band completely unfilled due to severe reflux... and she is barely one year out. She's loss maybe 40% of what she needed to, but is now, regaining. I think that so many of us try to paint the Band as positive that we don't talk about the negative... and that we don't accept/realize that this surgery really isn't successful for a lot of people... this study shows a nearly 43% failure rate at 5 years. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Rou...[surg Obes Relat Dis. 2007 Mar-Apr] - PubMed Result This study shows a failure rate of 35% at 5 years for the Band. I wonder what the real figures are. I'd love to know.

Was just wondering what choices people made after their band was removed... or are planning to make.

Just curious... was wondering how Robin is doing and if she's still banded.

OK... some people mentioned that I should start my own thread...so here it goes. I've debated between the Bodybugg and Actitrainer for a few months. There was a lot I liked about the Actitrainer...but I couldn't find anybody who actually owned one. There are maybe two reviews on Amazon.com that are positive. Anyways...24hrfitness was having this awesome special on the Bodybugg and when I went to order, the special was over. I couldn't justify spending $350 for the Bodybugg. I just couldn't. The Actitrainer is $198... and seems to give you a lot more bang for your buck. Things I liked about it: * It's the standard among researchers--used by the CDC, Cooper Aerobic Institute, Harvard, Joslin, etc. If there's a study done that tracks movement--there's a good chance they used the Actitrainer. * You don't need to purchase a separate wrist monitor to find out things. You can see calories burned, step count, distance, heart rate and pace on the Actitrainer even if you don't subscribe to their virtual trainer. (Another good thing... don't have to use the monthly subscription bit if you don't want to.) * Virtual Trainer is slightly cheaper than Bodybugg * They've partnered with Polar...which is the standard for heart rate monitors * Four colors (Yes...I know... silly.) * You can wear it on your waist (most accurate), arm, or ankle. I didn't like the thought of having the Bugg on my arm. Wondered how clothes would work, etc. Anyways...that's it. I ordered it. The $15 shipping fee includes two day FedEx. I'll let you know more once I have it. ActiTrainer Online Data Analysis - ActiGraph, LLC. if you're interested :confused:

Hi: I've been hanging out on the ObesityHelp VSG forum for over two years now. There are tons of Lap-Band to VSG revisions there... I know of at least 30. The only one I know who is not happy was a Lap-Band to VSG revision at goal... and so her surgeon made her sleeve larger than normal, and she regained. People who have a standard sleeve (32-34 French) seem to be quite happy. They also do not have the food intolerances that many lap-banders with good restriction face. Just ask on the VSG forum.. and people will chime in. (Or search!) Good luck, FFG aka Sami on the VSG forums

I usually do mine on the ankle...with the little velcro thingy. I have noticed that I can accidentally remove it if I brush my leg against something... but that has happened at home. I am thinking of going back to the waist. I have had great results with the Actitrainer customer service, so you might try contacting them. :cursing:

She's pretty much self-weaned now, so I'm not as worried about it as I was about six months ago. That's why I completely unfilled again. I've never been able to tolerate any fill in my Band following my pregnancies, and have been waiting on a revision. Thing is... everytime a revision is planned, I end up getting pregnant. We're thinking about having one more, and I really don't want to go through a pregnancy with any other WLS. As much as my Lap-Band has driven my crazy in the past 7 years (or so), I've been grateful for it when I was preggers. So...I'm hoping that I can do this for a few months and lose a bit of the baby weight before becomign preggers again. I'm also wondering if doing this for a month or two might ease the transition to solids a bit and make it easier. No idea. :thumbup: slimmy.... I did that during my liquids phase...because I hated the protein drinks! :eek:

Hi All: I'm contemplating another fill. My Band has been unfilled for some time. The last time it was filled (only 1 cc), I could not tolerate any solids until late in the afternoon. I couldn't live with that as I was also breastfeeding my daughter. I'm thinking of going back for another fill...knowing that I may have to rely on a Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. Anybody else do this?? I don't think it's something I could do for life... but I'm willing to try it for a month or two and see what happens. Thanks :thumbup:

Sounds like an infection to me... maybe not Band related. I would talk to your primary care provider and see what s/he thinks. It may be beneficial to do a z-pack or something similar.

There are no statistics on those who reach goal (which by I'm assuming you mean a normal BMI... so around 25 or less.) Success in weight loss surgery terms is losing at least 50% of Excess Weight and keeping it off 5 years. The weight loss surgery procedure with the highest percent excess weight loss maintained the longest is the Duodenal Switch. Then comes the Roux-en-Y. Followed by the Lap-Band and VSG. However, with the DS and RNY you have to be much more strict regarding Vitamins and regular blood work. The reasons people do not meet "goal" are wide and varied. Some people cannot tolerate significant fills in their Bands without experiencing a lot of reflux. Others find that their food choices are so limited with significant restriction that they cannot consume a healthful diet. Assuming that it's because "they don't want it enough" is a bit naive. As for long-term Lap-Band success, here's an eleven year study. No doubt some will say... but wait...they weren't doing this or that. I can tell you seven years ago the surgical technique was the same. The dietary advice was the same. Here's a 10 year study... And here's Favretti's 12 year results...

Here you go... Permeability of the silicone membrane in laparosco...[Obes Surg. 2005] - PubMed Result Obes Surg. 2005 May;15(5):624-9.Click here to read Links Permeability of the silicone membrane in laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands has important clinical implications. Dixon JB, O'Brien PE. Australian Centre for Obesity Research and Education, Monash Medical School, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. john.dixon@med.monash.edu.au BACKGROUND: The single most important attribute of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is its adjustability. Having the correct volume of fluid within the band is crucial for optimal performance. We observe a small reduction of the satiety-promoting effect with time. The characteristics and clinical relevance of volume change have not been adequately investigated. METHOD: One observer measured the saline volume within the 10-cm Lap-Band in 118 consecutive patients who fulfilled the entry criteria. The same observer had performed and recorded the previous adjustment. Initial volume, final volume and time between observations provide the data for analysis. In addition, a range of adjustable gastric bands currently available were bench-tested to assess broad applicability of findings. RESULTS: The difference between observations varied from 0.0 ml to -1.0 ml, median of -0.1 interquartile range (IQR) 0.0-0.2 ml. Two factors were associated with volume change: time in days between the observations (r = -0.55, P<0.001) and the initial volume within the band system (r = -0.50, P<0.001). These two independent factors accounted for a significant proportion of the variance observed (Cox and Snell R2 = 0.45, P<0.001). Replacement of any discrepancy appears to maintain effectiveness. All six bands showed similar saline loss when bench-tested. CONCLUSION: Adjustable gastric bands are semipermeable, leading to a small reduction in saline volume with time. Patients should be informed of this effect, attend for regular follow-up visits and seek help if the band's effectiveness appears reduced. We recommend that the volume present should be checked and readjusted at least every 6 months. I don't think Dixon was the first on this. I seem to remember one of the German docs writing on this earlier.

I've never heard that the Band is not for life if one does not have complications. The Band will last long beyond you and me. If you want a more permanent solution without fills, you can look at the sleeve gastrectomy. However, realize that it is not reversible. The portion of your stomach is gone forever.

Hi All: I don't hang out on these boards much anymore, but I thought I'd let everybody here know that I've gone through three Lap-Band pregnancies... so I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have. I was unfilled for all three. That was the protocol recommended by my maternal fetal medicine specialist, surgeon, and OB. I realize that some docs choose to leave the fill in, but for me, it wasn't worth risking any sort of nutritional issues for the baby. Also, if I had experienced morning sickness, it could have caused a slip. Similarly, many people vomit during transition in delivery (I did, but had no morning sickness), and that too could cause a slip. Not worth it again. Did I gain weight?? Yes. But after each pregnancy, I lost roughly 40 pounds in a matter of weeks with no effort. The one issue I've had is that I've been unable to tolerate a fill following any of my pregnancies. My last fill I had 4-5 months ago, but had it removed as I couldn't tolerate solids until night and it was too difficult to deal with that and breastfeed my daughter. I've been planning a revision, but am very nervous about undergoing surgery again knowing that I have three small children who need me. I may just decide to get a fill and do medifast or some such thing (blech) to avoid surgery for now. I'm not sure what I'll do. :thumbup:

I had gestational diabetes with all three pregnancies. With my first pregnancy, I gained 15 pounds right away when unfilled, and then gained an additional 50. With my second pregnancy, I gained 30 pounds. With my third pregnancy, I gained 20 pounds. The strange thing is I delivered at the same weight for all three. I guess my body has a sort of pregnancy set-point.

I'm considering a revision to a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Duodenal Switch. I hate my Band with a passion. I've lived with it for almost seven years. Even with no fill, I can still PB. It's fine on fluoro, though. I've done the "one more try" at making my Band work probably ten times. I've seen all of the best Lap-Band experts. I'm done. For me, not being able to tolerate any solid food until 4 p.m. with a measly 1 cc in my Band is not a life I want. YMMV, though.

Contact Dr. Ponce in Dalton... about an hour north of Atlanta. He was one of the FDA trial docs and way back in 2001 was one of the few surgeons in the US willing to work with Mexican Bandsters. Dr. Rumbaut recommended him to me. (Of course, he charged $600 for a fill.) Still, no doubt he would help you.

I totally understand what you're talking about. When I was first banded, when my pouch was full, I was full. But after about 13 or so months, I began to experience my pouch being full, but beneath my band being empty...and I was starving. It's not a unique situation. Lots of doctors will remove your Band. Some will do it for free or 1,000 if you are converting to a different surgery. If it's a plain removal, I'm not sure what the costs would be.

I've skimmed through it in many bookstores. I've been a vegan before, so that was nothing new. Basically it promotes a vegan diet which can be very healthy. But I think the authors should have been more upfront about that. The cursing and attitude was a real turn-off. Salon did a great article on it... http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/02/11/skinny_bitch/

This is from Europe. All of the long-term studies are from Europe, in general, as the Band was approved there long-before the States. There were the clinical trial folks here in the States... CoffeeWench being one of them... but other than that... nobody else. These guys had done tons of Bands before the first US surgeon had even heard of it. When I had my surgery done in June 2001, Dr. Rumbaut had done 2,500-3,000 Bands. It was the same week the Band was approved in the States... when the typical US surgeon (if he was a trial doc) would have hit...maybe 50 Bands max.

Most of the surgeons I've contacted about removal have also known that I want to be revised to a VSG. Some will do it for free with the VSG, some charge $1000 more. One surgeon in Marietta (Dr. Smith?) refused to remove my Band if he revised me. He doesn't take them out. Another, Dr. Rutledge of MGB fame, says he removes the Band, but not the port as it's too much trouble to remove.

Saw this on OH... thought it might be a good fit for some folks near goal weight Here’s a great career opportunity for anyone who qualifies and is interested in filling out an application. Please read below for more information. A message from True Results: We are looking for applicants for the position of Lap-Band Advocate in Atlanta, Phoenix, Austin and San Antonio ! Interviews are to be held starting last week of November and early December, so send in your resume via email to careers@aigb.com today. In the subject line please state the location and position you are applying for. For Example: Austin Lap-Band Advocate. True Results/American Institute of Gastric Banding (AIGB) group of surgical facilities is the #1 Gastric Banding network in the world. The Lap-Band Advocate will provide direct patient support and point of contact for patients assigned to them. True Results is looking for candidates with aggressive inside sales experience. This person should be highly self-motivated and energetic. Responsibilities: * Provide & Arrange proper guidance for patients interested in the Lap-Band procedure * Assist patient with acquiring financing/insurance benefits. * Provide point of contact to patient for assistance through the process. * Attend local seminars or expositions to meet prospective patients and generate community awareness. * Demonstrate knowledge of the True Results program and Lap-Band system. * Inquire both in person and by telephone to ensure proper follow-up before and after surgery. * Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior with patients and their families. * Coordinate organizational resources for seminars and present seminars on nights and weekends. * Participate in providing guidance for patients before and after surgery * Work with the appointed surgery center team as necessary to determine and develop effective outcomes for patients pre- and post-operatively. * Assist in tracking of new and established patients as needed. * Identify needs and priorities for patients in order to effectively intervene in fulfilling their needs before and after surgery. * Monitor, coordinate, and update tracking systems. * Monitor and follow-up with patients. * Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse population. * Participate in team meetings via phone conference or in person. * Utilize reports to monitor patient flow and to ensure proper and prompt patient follow-up. * Perform additional duties as assigned by Center Director Qualification Requirements: *Passion and understanding about people improving their health with the Lap-Band System is required. *Sales and/or medical experience preferred * BS/BA preferred but not required. * 3-5 years of work experience. * Desire to work in a fun, fast-paced and dynamic environment. * Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation writing and delivery. * Outstanding project and people management skills. Interviews are to be held starting last week of November and early December, so send in your resume via email to careers@aigb.com today. In the subject line please state the location and position you are applying for. For Example: Austin Lap-Band Advocate. For more job listings in these and other locations please visit Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery | True Results

A Tragic Risk of Weight-Loss Surgery - Well - Tara Parker-Pope - Health - New York Times Blog October 17, 2007, 11:01 am A Tragic Risk of Weight-Loss Surgery A review of thousands of patient records has turned up a previously unknown risk associated with a popular weight loss operation — suicide. In bariatric surgery, the stomach is made smaller so as to speed weight loss. The risk of dying from bariatric surgery is about 1 ipercent, most studies show, and complications strike up to 40 percent of patients. In addition to being overweight, these patients often have health problems like diabetes and heart disease, so it’s no surprise they also have higher death rates from natural causes. But a review of nearly 17,000 weight-loss surgeries performed in Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2004 has yielded a surprising finding. Of the 440 deaths in the group, 16 were due to suicide or drug overdose, according to the University of Pittsburgh researchers who reviewed the data. Based on the suicide rate in the general population, no more than three suicides should have occurred in the group, the study authors say. More troubling is the fact that another 14 of the drug overdoses that were reported likely include some suicides, suggesting that the real suicide rate was even higher. “There is a substantial excess of suicide deaths, even excluding those listed only as drug overdose,'’ the researchers noted. In August, The New England Journal of Medicine reported a review of nearly 10,000 bariatric surgery patients by Utah researchers, who compared them to a control group of obese people who had applied for a state driver’s license. Although the surgery patients had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from disease compared to obese people who hadn’t undergone surgery, their risk of dying in an accident or suicide was 11.1 per 10,000 people — that’s 58 percent higher than the 6.4 per 10,000 rate in the obese group. The study suggested the suicide risk was twice as high for surgery patients than for those who had not had surgery, but the finding wasn’t statistically meaningful. Nobody knows why bariatric surgery patients appear to be at higher risk for killing themselves. Some research shows a link between obesity and depression, so the typical surgery patient may already be at higher risk for depression and suicide before the operation. It’s possible that depressive symptoms may worsen in patients who have unrealistic expectations about the results of surgery or who struggle not to regain weight after the procedure. The study authors say the 7 percent death rate from suicide and drug overdose in the Pennsylvania case review signals the need for better mental health follow-up for patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery. While most weight-loss surgery programs require some psychological evaluation before the procedure, many programs and doctors are lax about follow-up after the surgery, and patients themselves often opt to skip follow-up counseling.

Hi All: Many of you know that I'm hoping to have my Band revised to a VSG. For many Lap-Banders, it makes sense as a revision because it's restrictive only. Well, I've been researching it for about two years now, and recently found out (today!) that people who have gastrectomies, whether or not the intestines are rerouted, are at an increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. They don't know why. There are a bunch of different theories out there. I was kind of shocked to learn this, because I think we've all assumed that if they don't touch the intestines, then we don't have to worry about metabolic issues. I know that some people here may be looking into the VSG, and I just wanted you to be aware of it. Please make sure that you do get your labs done, bone denity scans, etc. Chirurg. 1997 Aug;68(8):784-8.Click here to read Links [Calcium and bone metabolism after gastrectomy] [Article in German] Zittel TT, Maier GW, Starlinger M, Becker HD. Abteilung für Allgemeinchirurgie, Chirurgische Universitätsklinik Tübingen. Disturbances in calcium and bone metabolism after gastrectomy have long been recognized. It has been suggested that due to impaired calcium absorption after gastrectomy, serum calcium is decreased, being counter-regulated by parathyroid hormone release and 1,25-(OH)2-Vitamin D formation. Both parathyroid hormone and 1,25-(OH)2-Vitamin D are known to release calcium from bone, resulting in bone mass loss and increased fracture risk in some of the gastrectomized patients. No therapy is currently generally agreed on, although supplementation of vitamin D and calcium has been suggested repeatedly. A review on the current understanding of calcium and bone metabolism after gastrectomy is given. PMID: 9377988 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Am J Surg. 1997 Oct;174(4):431-8.Click here to read Links High prevalence of bone disorders after gastrectomy. Zittel TT, Zeeb B, Maier GW, Kaiser GW, Zwirner M, Liebich H, Starlinger M, Becker HD. University Hospital, Department of Abdominal and Transplantation Surgery, Tübingen, Germany. BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that gastrectomy might alter calcium and bone metabolism, resulting in bone disorders. No data are currently available on the prevalence of bone disorders after gastrectomy. METHODS: Sixty gastrectomy patients were investigated for serum parameters of calcium and bone metabolism 5 to 20 years postoperatively and compared to an age- and sex-matched healthy control population. Forty patients agreed to a radiological investigation of the spine by anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine and by computed tomography (CT) osteodensitometry. RESULTS: Serum calcium and 25-(OH)-vitamin D were decreased in gastrectomized patients, while parathyroid hormone and 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D were increased. Serum parameters of calcium metabolism were altered in as many as 68% of patients. We found 31 vertebral fractures in 13 patients, 30 grade 2 vertebral deformities in 18 patients, and osteopenia in 15 patients, corresponding to a prevalence of 33%, 45%, and 37% in gastrectomized patients, respectively. The overall rate of gastrectomy patients having vertebral fractures and/or osteopenia was 55%. The risk of having a vertebral deformity was increased by more than sixfold after gastrectomy. Our study is the first report evaluating vertebral deformities in gastrectomized patients, and the largest series of gastrectomized patients investigated by CT osteodensitometry. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of bone disorders in gastrectomized patients, possibly resulting from disorders in calcium metabolism. Postgastrectomy bone disease might derive from a calcium deficit, which increases calcium release from bone and impairs calcification of newly build bone matrix. PMID: 9337169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Bone. 2007 Sep;41(3):406-13. Epub 2007 May 31. Lack of an acute effect of ghrelin on markers of bone turnover in healthy controls and post-gastrectomy subjects. Huda MS, Durham BH, Wong SP, Dovey TM, McCulloch P, Kerrigan D, Pinkney JH, Fraser WD, Wilding JP. Clinical Sciences Centre, University of Liverpool Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Group, University Hospital Aintree, Longmoor lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK. BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is a gut-brain peptide that powerfully stimulates appetite and growth hormone secretion and is also known to directly regulate osteoblast cell function in vitro and in animal models. Little is known about the effects of ghrelin on bone turnover in humans. As the stomach is the main site of ghrelin synthesis, gastrectomy patients are deficient in ghrelin; they are also prone to osteopenia and osteomalacia. HYPOTHESIS: Ghrelin may play a role in bone regulation in humans; ghrelin deficiency following gastrectomy is associated with the disrupted regulation of bone turnover seen in these subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 8 healthy controls and 8 post-gastrectomy subjects were infused with intravenous ghrelin (5 pmol/kg/min) or saline over 240 min on different days. Subjects were given a fixed energy meal during the infusion. Ghrelin, GH, type-1 collagen beta C-telopeptide (betaCTX), a marker of bone resorption, and procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), a marker of bone formation, were measured. RESULTS: Fasting ghrelin was significantly lower in the gastrectomy group during the saline infusion (226.1+/-62.0 vs. 762+/-71.1 ng/l p<0.001). Growth hormone was significantly higher at 90 min after the ghrelin infusion, compared to saline in both healthy controls (61.1+/-8.8 vs. 1.4+/-0.6 mIU/l p<0.001) and gastrectomy subjects (61.1+/-11.8 vs. 0.9+/-0.2 mIU/l p<0.001) confirming the ghrelin was bioactive. Gastrectomy subjects were significantly older and had significantly higher plasma betaCTX than healthy controls at all time points (ANOVA p=0.009). After adjustment for age and BMI ghrelin was found to be a significant predictor of baseline plasma betaCTX and was inversely correlated with baseline plasma betaCTX (beta=-0.54 p=0.03 R2=26%). However, there was no significant effect of the ghrelin infusion on plasma betaCTX or P1NP in either subject group. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin infusion has no acute effect on markers of bone turnover in healthy controls and post-gastrectomy subjects, but is inversely correlated with bone resorption. PMID: 17613297 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hi Kim: Try vsgfaq.com and the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy forum at ObesityHelp.com Lots of Aussies!

I just wanted to give you all a heads-up that I've contacted a few surgeons regarding a revision, and some of them either refuse to remove your Band (although they'll do another surgery).. or leave the port in place, because it's too much of a pain for them to remove. This is really troublesome to me as my Band gives me problems even with no fill. I told this to the surgeon's coordinator and she said it was his policy to leave the Band in place and he was very firm on it. (Obviously, he will not be my surgeon!) Just wanted to give you all a heads-up on this. Whoever thought we might be stuck with the darn thing or at least the port.