JACKIEO85

NO THANK YOU~~~~~

I was told by my NUT that when you get Banded that you'll get a laminated card, with band information that can be used at restaurant's so that you can order from the kids menu? I personally never received one I think it's ultimately up to the discretion of the restaurant But as MIS73 stated, I either just take home the left overs or split a meal with my spouse.

HI Adam, WELCOME.... AS far as Nausea, it's personal, I never had a problem, other's might have. 1 week post op sounds pretty optimistic, after all it's MAJOR surgery. Is this your first adventure into researching the BAND? Allot of the questions that you might have are better answered by a bariatric surgeon, anywhere close to you that has informative lectures that you can attend? you can also Google search Lap band, and watch videos, and get more information that's factual not anecdotal Also search the other weight loss surgeries, you never know what your doctor is going to recommend. Good Luck In your WL Journey

GNC carries allot of good Meal replacements with vitamins,minerals. Since you have the time do a search on the different types and whey proteins online. It will tell you the protein & vit/min content. It's usually best to get vanilla and you can usually add a sugar free jello to flavor it differently. As for the horrible aftertaste ALLOT have it, you eventually get used to it, as your tastebuds will be constantly changing during your weight loss. GOOD LUCK

I'm not sure what Medifast is? If it's a Protein supplement for Pre-op then can you find something locally that is comparable to it? Or call the office and see what they will suggest. GNC carries a Full meal replacement sup. and Isopure Plus Nutritional drink has 15 grams of protein. yes, some posts are less then helpful.

I think your WISE in waiting, I personally waited for 12 weeks before my first fill ,even when they said 6 weeks was the norm. I just started having reflux after my last 2 fills so I have been back to 5cc from original 9cc fill. I haven't gained, but have had "other issues" to contend with that are more important right now. good luck... balbuque

What seems to be often forgotten on forums is that everyone is entitled to their opinion, GOOD BAD OR UGLY.Any Surgery with complications, Chronic condition, takes an EMOTIONAL TOLL on a person. when WLS is done were ALL hoping for the best outcome, unfortunately that's NOT always the case. IF you've been successful FABULOUS!! BUT we know that's NOT always the case. And those researching DESERVE the FACTS. I agree IggyChic that with allot of WLS it's not the NEED that is addressed it's the GREED. And NOT all doctors are competent. I find it DEPLORABLE that those sharing their experience's are attacked and berated. This IS after all a FORUM: designated space for public expression in the USA

I'm getting the band removed rather than revised because I've had problems with slippage before. I've emptied than refilled twice and I was faced with removal or revision. I refuse to put myself through the emotional toll again and there would be a possibility that slippage may occur even after revision. I also fell that my body is negating the band. [/quote [b]I think you hit the nail on the head with that one phrase EMOTIONAL TOLL..... our intuition is often negated by those that are supposed to be helping us ( the doctors) They so often make us feel like were crazy (were not) band problems DO occur, it's documented. and for that reason REVISIONS occur. DON'T BLAME YOURSELF!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.[/b] I WISH YOU LUCKY in your new journey

The Key is education.. and that's WHY you came here, correct? Also perhaps your doctor, nutritionist, didn't inform you prior or after your surgery of all the endless possibilities that might occur with your band. i need to be more concious of how fast i eat... And how much i drink with my food...i tend to eat very quickly when i am alone... your not supposed to be drinking 30 mins. before or after eating, (my nut's advise)If you haven't gotten Slimed, stuck, or vomited consider yourself LUCKY, because if you do you'll remember why, and hopefully it wont happen again. (it's uncomfortable) Some people DO have issues with certain foods, others do not., And some people never get to goal losing weight or experience complications, IT happens, were all different Have you seen a nutritionist since surgery? I'd slow down your eatting and start there . GOOD LUCK~~~~~

And this : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266497/ It seems like it DEPENDS on why the slip occurred? I hope this helps?

Lellow & Kush I have searched and all I can find is this: Band slip types (I, II, IV and V) are acute and always require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic removal or repositioning of the band is the preferred method of treatment. Pouch enlargement is a chronic complication that should be managed nonoperatively in the first instance, and surgical readjustment is reserved only for those patients in whom conservative treatment fails. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

I'd go see your Doctor, make sure the band is OK, they can do a Fill under Fluoroscopy or endoscopy, etc.. just to make sure.. It will give you peace of mind.

Symptoms of pouch enlargement include lack of satiety, heartburn, regurgitation and occasional chest pain. The diagnosis is made with an upper gastrointestinal series

I'd call the Doctor that did your Band, PAIN around the port is never a good thing. In reference to the GAS your experiencing I believe that is a common problem relating to most with a Band. You might also want to have a Cat Scan to check if you have any intestinal issues, it will also show the band. So you hopefully solve allot of the problems your experiencing. GOOD LUCK

lellow may I ask how old your are? Because you look like your in your early 20's and you've been thorough allot already according to your sig line... Good Luck on your surgery, sorry I can't give an advise I still have my band

All great ideas above, The CT Scan should give you some positive results. Just curious, how did they come to the conclusion that you have IBS? I ask because i just had a CT scan Thurs and my Internist thinks I have Diverticulitis, I've experienced the same pains that you've described as well as Severe, take your breathe away lower left pelvic pain. my band Doc said no way it was the band, but the nurse said the tubing is on the left.? I hope your feeling better soon! and keep us posted I'll know after seeing my Internist what my CT results are...

Band slip (Table 1) may be defined as cephalad prolapse of the body of the stomach or caudal movement of the band. O’Brien and Dixon11 reported a band slip rate of less than 5%. Interestingly, they reported 125 episodes of band slip (25%) in their first 500 patients using the perigastric approach (accessing the right crus perigastrically) and only 28 episodes (4.8%) in the last 600 patients after adoption of the pars flaccida technique (accessing the right crus through the pars flaccida). Other published literature report an incidence of slip of 1%–22%.10–15 Since the cross-sectional area of the stomach is larger at the body than at the level of the angle of His (normal band position), complete obstruction of the stomach can occur when the band slips. Band slip can be posterior or anterior, depending on whether the anterior or posterior region of the stomach herniates through the band. Anterior slip (type-I prolapse) Anterior slip results from upward migration of the anterior wall of the stomach through the band. This can be due to insufficient anterior fixation and disruption of the fixation sutures. The second cause may be related to increased pressure in the pouch due to early solid food, vomiting, overeating or early (< 4 wk) band fill (Fig. 3). Posterior slip is defined as a herniation of the posterior wall of the stomach through the band. This is usually related to the surgical technique but is less frequent now with adoption of the pars flaccida approach instead of the perigastric approach (Fig. 4). In both types of slip, the patient usually presents with dysphagia, vomiting, regurgitation and food intolerance. The diagnosis is made by upper gastrointestinal series. Complications related to band slip include gastric perforation, necrosis of the slipped stomach (type-V prolapse), upper gastrointestinal bleeding and aspiration pneumonia. A type-IV prolapse is defined as an immediate postoperative prolapse and is usually due to placing the band too low on the stomach. Band slip types (I, II, IV and V) are acute and always require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic removal or repositioning of the band is the preferred method of treatment. Pouch enlargement is a chronic complication that should be managed nonoperatively in the first instance, and surgical readjustment is reserved only for those patients in whom conservative treatment fails. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

This Board or forum is for EDUCATION & INFORMATION, The good bad or ugly. The #1 lap band board has numerous Forums, what I have trouble understanding is Why anyone feels the need to defend the Band? If it works for you Fabulous. If not then POST away!!! We don't know as individuals what others are here looking to learn,or what they were or weren't told prior to surgery. I personally don't care how long anyone has been here if you have information, personal or factual if it pertains to me I'll decide. But personal attacks because of information posted is deplorable. KARMA IS TRULY A WONDERFUL THING

In a slip, the patient usually presents with dysphagia, ( difficulty in swallowing) vomiting, regurgitation and food intolerance. The diagnosis is made by upper gastrointestinal series. Rare Complications related to band slip include gastric perforation, necrosis of the slipped stomach, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and aspiration pneumonia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/ Band slip types (I, II, IV and V) are acute and always require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic removal or repositioning of the band is the preferred method of treatment. Pouch enlargement is a chronic complication that should be managed non operatively in the first instance, and surgical readjustment is reserved only for those patients in whom conservative treatment fails.termed #1 I've never had a prolapse or slip as it's also termed. #2 yes you can maintain weight loss , but it won't be easy. ​#3 with the most recently statistical information the lap band is NOT what they reported it to be, I've experienced too many problems with mine and am seeking a revision I personally wouldn't suggest to anyone to have a Band, let alone replace a failing one.

UPDATE: First let me say that all of the above mentioned reasons can cause shoulder pain. BUT the left shoulder pain I have experienced since Oct 2013, BANDED 04/09 until now IS related to the LAP BAND, It's stated in the information from ALLERGAN.( reported side effect) After the unfill the stabbing pain has started to resolve BUT it's not gone, range of motion is VERY limited and is still causing burning, Can't lift my arm for any extended period of time, heat or cold doesn't resolve this. Nerve pain takes a long time to resolve. MRI showed nothing to cause shoulder pain, next step is to remove the band.

Left shoulder pain from LB and gastric banding is REAL What I am referring to is NOT the Post-op pain from C02 that most often dissipates days to weeks AFTER Surgery. I am referring to the Stabbing, Burning PAIN that is constantly present in one form of discomfort to you. This will and can lead to neck, upper back, chest discomfort that comes and goes. (BUT is localized to left shoulder) The pain/burning that you experience can be from multiple reasons 1) over eating (this usually isn't persistent and goes away) at least that is my experience. 2)internal scarring from your band causing pressure on the diaphragm 3) after getting a fill, Anytime the Diaphragm is irritated, contacted it doesn't feel pain, it refers pain, that pain is referred to the LEFT SHOULDER., That pain isn't going to immediately go away If you've experienced it long term, it will take the nerve some length of time to recover. Please don't allow anyone, including your Surgeon to tell you it's NOTHING and it will go away. It will continue if the REASON for it happening isn't resolved. I'm not posting to BAND BASH, I have one I have experienced this! I BELIEVE THAT BEING EDUCATED IS POWER, LEARN TO EMPOWER YOURSELF TO BE HEALTHY AND EDUCATED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Pouch enlargement Pouch enlargement (type-III prolapse) is diagnosed when dilation of the proximal gastric pouch is present with or without change in the angle of the band and in the absence of signs of obstruction. The lower esophagus may or may not be dilated. Pouch enlargement is a pressure-related phenomenon that may be surgically induced by band over inflation or overeating with resulting high pressure in the pouch. Symptoms of pouch enlargement include lack of satiety, heartburn, regurgitation and occasional chest pain. The diagnosis is made with an upper gastrointestinal series Nonoperative treatment includes complete band deflation, low-calorie diet, re-enforcement of portion size and follow-up contrast study in 4–6 weeks. If the band position and the pouch size return to normal, then the band can be incrementally re inflated. A study by Moser and colleagues demonstrated that this conservative approach to pouch enlargement was successful in up to 77% of patients. Conservative treatment is considered unsuccessful when the pouch fails to recover its original size after 8–10 weeks. In this circumstance, surgical treatment with either band removal or replacement is indicated. Band slip Band slip may be defined as cephalad prolapse of the body of the stomach or caudal movement of the band. Other published literature report an incidence of slip of 1%–22%. Since the cross-sectional area of the stomach is larger at the body than at the level of the angle of His (normal band position), complete obstruction of the stomach can occur when the band slips. Band slip can be posterior or anterior, depending on whether the anterior or posterior region of the stomach herniates through the band. Anterior slip (type-I prolapse) Anterior slip results from upward migration of the anterior wall of the stomach through the band. This can be due to insufficient anterior fixation and disruption of the fixation sutures. The second cause may be related to increased pressure in the pouch due to early solid food, vomiting, overeating or early (< 4 wk) band fill. Posterior slip (type-II prolapse) Posterior slip is defined as a herniation of the posterior wall of the stomach through the band. This is usually related to the surgical technique but is less frequent now with adoption of the pars flaccida approach instead of the perigastric approach In both types of slip, the patient usually presents with dysphagia, vomiting, regurgitation and food intolerance. The diagnosis is made by upper gastrointestinal series. Complications related to band slip include gastric perforation, necrosis of the slipped stomach (type-V prolapse), upper gastrointestinal bleeding and aspiration pneumonia. Type-IV prolapse A type-IV prolapse is defined as an immediate postoperative prolapse and is usually due to placing the band too low on the stomach. Band slip types (I, II, IV and V) are acute and always require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic removal or repositioning of the band is the preferred method of treatment. Pouch enlargement is a chronic complication that should be managed nonoperatively in the first instance, and surgical readjustment is reserved only for those patients in whom conservative treatment fails. Band erosion Band erosion is an uncommon complication of LAGB. In this scenario, the band gradually erodes through the stomach wall and into the gastric lumen. The incidence is less than 1%, with a reported prevalence varying from 0% to 11%. The etiology of band erosion may be the result of gastric-wall injury during band placement or tight anterior fixation, especially around the band buckle. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of band erosion as most patients are asymptomatic. When symptomatic, complaints related to erosion include loss of restriction, nonspecific epigastric pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, intra-abdominal abscesses or port-site infection. The diagnosis is often made at the time of gastroscopy. The recommended treatment is complete removal of the eroded gastric band laparoscopically or via laparotomy. Port-site infection Port-site infections can be classified as early and late. Early infections will manifest with the cardinal signs of erythema, swelling and pain. These infections typically occur within the immediate postoperative period and may be reduced by the use of perioperative antibiotics. Early infection with cellulitis alone may be treated with oral antibiotics. If the response is inadequate, then intravenous antibiotic use is warranted. When the infection does not respond to intravenous antibiotics and is limited to the port, the port should be removed and the tubing knotted and left inside the abdomen. Once the local infection is resolved, a new port may be placed and tubing connected with laparoscopic guidance. Late port site infections are often caused by delayed band erosion with ascending infection. This usually manifests several months after surgery and can be associated with loss of restriction. These infections typically do not respond well to antibiotic treatment. If left undetected, band infection can evolve into potentially life-threatening intra-abdominal sepsis. Gastroscopy will confirm the diagnosis of band erosion. This complex clinical scenario is treated most expeditiously by removal of the band. Port breakage Breakage or damage of the port typically refers to leakage through a damaged port septum or tubing leading into the port. The use of a standard coring needle is strongly discouraged, and only Huber (noncoring) needles should be used to access the port. If port access is difficult or if the tubing connected to the port is at risk of perforation, then band adjustment under fluoroscopy is advised. Port breakage usually manifests as a slow leak with the loss of the injected Fluid volume on aspiration and the absence of restriction. It can be difficult to identify the leak site but local exploration of the port site can confirm the diagnosis. I'm posting this because these are things we as Lap Band Patients should be aware of, I'm a firm believer of "Being forewarned is being Forearmed

WELCOME!! Excuse me but your Primary care provider sounds like a walking contradiction First he's going to support you, then says it's a "cop out"? First I'd say get a new Doctor, go to the seminar, Get all the information that you can and then get MORE!! Also see what other WLS' are available to you, Sleeve, gastric bypass, etc.. The band is a TOOL, it's major surgery, it's a life style change forever. Yes it works, but for some it doesn't . It's wonderful that your trying to get healthier and losing weight will help with some medical issues. SO good Luck on your journey.

If you had major surgery and experienced excessive hair loss about three months later, the anesthesia combined with the surgery itself may be to blame for your hair falling out. This is because general anesthesia and major surgery put your body under physical stress, which can alter the life cycle of the hairs on your head, and cause excessive hair shedding that shows up several months later. Hair loss related to major surgery, however, is temporary, and your hair will grow back over time. OTHER things to CONSIDER: Stress,Genetics, Thyroid Disease,Medications,Anemia, Pregnancy, hair appliances, Very strict weight-loss diets can also cause noticeable hair loss, which commonly occurs about three months after losing 15 pounds or more of body weight.