JACKIEO85

When people are in pain, confused, unsure of themselves they seek answers When Their doing "fine" they are content. I find it refreshing to read all experiences, because no matter what the experience is and no matter Who experiences it were all Human and things happen. Can I ask why you don't have any fluid in your band?

I'm kind of shy and reserved, I know when people see you lose a lot of weight at once they always ask how, right now I'd rather not try to explain my option for surgery, how did some of you handle it Whether you chose to explain YOUR decision about WLS that is YOUR choice. we all handle this differently. IF your Shy, I'd say this is to your advantage I like the idea of the lap band over surgeries that reconstruct your insides,​A totally understandable fear there's lot's of horror stories on the internet, as well as success stories Any and All Weight loss surgeries are going to have both types of stories, that is a fact. I think your smart researching all the different types, Discuss them with your surgeon. No one person can tell you how it's going to be for you,no matter what you chose.I suspect a lot of the problems are due to the patient complying with the rules of living with the lap band, would you agree,NO, sorry I don't agree, Non-compliance isn't always about the patient not following the Rules ,MANY follow the "rules" and still experience complications. How much have you had to change your life because of the band (a big fear of mine? Again doesn't matter what others do, you have to decide CAN I LIVE WITH THE CHANGES? Will I be able to follow a pre-op diet, can I live with restricting my food intake while I go through Bandster Hell? Will I be able to count calories, log food, see a nutritionist, exercise as I should, deal with reflux, productive burping, vomiting, being unable to eat when I get stuck? I'm not saying any of this will happen to you but it does happen. I believe it's better to prepare yourself in advance. READ the questions new banders have, complications, go to a weight loss meeting in your area, then make a decision that you can live with. because no matter what anyone says it's not a Quick Fix, it's a Life changing event. Thanks to everyone who can help

WOW I'm surprised that you can tolerate the carbonation in a beer Don't you feel really full, and uncomfortable? I know everyone is different, but it seems like that is one thing that everyone says to avoid.

another point is if your taking RX pain medications the vast majority of them can cause constipation. So trying a laxative or increasing your fiber should help.

Are you looking for something in your area/ or online? I'm guessing your asking because your Doctor doesn't offer one? You Might also want to go to the Forums page, Click on USA groups and then post this to the Illinois group specifically to find group support in that area.

normal Satiety should last 4-5 hrs? between meals If your STARVING before that you probably need a fill. But of course ask your Doctor.

Hope to hear that your doing well after seeing the.. please Dr. Keep us posted

I'm Truly sorry that you've had to experience this. I AGREE 100% we aren't told the FACTS. WHY? because the Doctors don't share them. Oh they attend their conferences ( at least I hope they do) But they only know what the manufacturer tell's them or what the previous studies report. Do they learn about situations like your's? Highly unlikely. Or their over inflated EGO's don't believe a person in PAIN. I personally don't care who you are, but be warned it doesn't matter on this Board about Complications, or REAL band experiences, Because for allot they only want to hear all the GOOD. And I myself have heard that complications are only 5% with the band, and it's Never the fault of the band, but ALWAYS non-compliance of the patient. So please don't scare all the newbies (NOT my words, but those spoken here) I however want to hear the GOOD< BAD< AND UGLY. SO THANK you for Sharing your experience.

YES, it can be done, I did it lost 70, regained ( life stress) and lost 80 again.. I used good old FEAR, I heard all the bad things prior to the band, don't drink b4 or after, don't drink carbonation, chew,chew, chew, vomiting etc.. So when starting out I was scared crazy to do anything wrong. After life settled down I decided I worked to hard NOT to MAKE it work again. I restarted 04-12 originally banded 04-09. Either way it's not easy,but nothing that you REALLY WANT ever is. My advise, re- fill slowly, count calories, exercise do whatever you know that has worked for you in the past. If your not a calorie counter then Don't. Find an exercise you can live with, if you like to walk, then go do it! i know you can do this

yes, gas pain from the C02 used during Surgery does cause shoulder pain. That normally dissipates days-weeks after surgery. (Everyone is different) Over eating can and does cause this same pain, Some have reported this as being their "soft stop" (but it's not a good guide to use) instead measure your food, count calories ,whatever it takes. When the stomach is too full and if it contacts the diaphragm, anytime the diaphragm is contacted /irritated it doesn't feel pain it refers it TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, the vagas nerve is involved. When this occurs long term it damages the nerve and that takes times TIME TO HEAL. This can and DOES occur from scar tissue under the band as well. The pain referenced is Severe/stabbing @ times and or just pain with limited mobility of the shoulder and arm. (constantly not intermittent) I'm hoping this isn't what your referring to, give it time, and watch what you eat. I hope this resolves, and your discomfort has lessened.

that's crazy, I've never heard of that happening, Tell the beggar to get lost!! but YES, use the ignore option, but also if you reported it to Alex I'm sure he will boot the beggar off and lock his account. sure hope you get some resolution OR send him My way ...lol I'll give him something for Free and it won't be Money

when were you banded? how full is your band? So you saw him on Tues and he did a fill? how much saline? don't start worrying about a Slip, but if your concerned check my signature line to read about complications. Sounds more like your just too tight, scar tissue builds-up under the band and can cause a tightening..sounds like you need a slight un-fill. I'm not sure I believe "the stress" excuse that the Doctors use to pacify us I went through Divorce, moved around the country and all that while banded, and never had a problem being tight because of that stress.

I'd have to say no, and it's different for everyone I would get a fill, could drink half a bottle of H20 in office and then the day after feel the restriction to the point of being too tight. went to liquids and if the feeling passed great ,if not then I'd get an unfill. It's NEVER a good idea to stay tight, go for the happy medium. Being able to eat small amounts, with a steady slow weight loss. Aspirating or Vomiting is NEVER a good option. I

Sorry you experienced this, One of the things is that after having this surgery your stomach needs time to heal after being thrown around and banded. My doctor told me that is why you need 6 weeks post-op to let things heal, I can't imagine why your doctor thought you needed to be filled already especially to 3cc? I'd ask him/her next time you see them. Glad your feeling better.

WOW, that's really awesome. I love flowers and take pictures of them all the time,more than of people. When i'm on vacation family members will ask why no pictures of people? ...lol I tell them people are boring nature is prettier Thanks for sharing!!

Sorry that your going through this... I think what your referring to (ilap) Gastric imbrcation, also know as a gastric Plication. This procedure is considered experimental, and they say it's reversible? From what I understand they fold over the stomach and suture it so it's smaller. When that is done with a band in place the band is really a "back-up because it doesn't need to be filled immediately, if ever because the plication makes a smaller stomach= less food eaten. I personally wouldn't do this not if your surgeon is telling you he's only done it for a year I'd want a surgeon with more experience. In regards to a slip, whether it's an anterior or posterior slip they tend to slip again. I've been told by my surgeon that allot of people have H. Hernia's, most are unaware, they usually repair them at the time of the original WLS. Have you considered just having the vertical gastric sleeve? It's something to consider.

Gall Bladder issues are connected to quick weight loss or restrictive diets. And like others have posted high fat content foods can be a problem after removal. I've been experiencing gall bladder-like symptoms for months so I'm being mindful of what I eat. I'm glad to hear it's a "breeze" since after recuperating from arm surgery I'll be going back for in for GB Surgery.

It sounds like you could be too tight, and it doesn't necessarily happen immediately after a fill, scar tissue can and does build up under the band producing a tighter feeling. If and when you can drink something without vomiting try something warm first then protein, shake or water. sometimes it helps to just sip sip sip. Please keep us posted !!

All the above posts GREAT ADVISE!! unfortunately it takes time.....slow fills seem to better, being :"too tight" NOT FUN. I did notice that once I had a fill I too felt restriction later not immediately..and then yes it seemed to gradually wore off in the coming weeks until I got to a good fill or what some refer to as a sweet spot. My understanding is that once the saline is in the band it doesn't go out or dissipate, If they put in 5cc they expect to remove 5cc If not then they suspect a leak.

You've had major surgery and it's the Body it can and does whatever it wants Sorry your dealing with "that" and healing..but I guess being early is better than being LATE ...lol

DANG YOUR LUCKY!!! 3 kids, 1 C-section later and a hysterectomy, scars are the least of my worries, But it all depends I have 5- 2 about 1 inch and the other 3 barely there..And yes they all fade. You can use sesame seed oil (capsules @ GNC etc..), and a laser pointer for 5 mins at a time per day to fade them quicker. I had 2 different doctors recommended this to me, and it doesn't have to be new scars. BUT I'd wait at least 1 month post -op. http://www.ochealing.com/blog/tag/scar-tissue-removal/

NO PROBLEM!! Vent away..that's why were here SUPPORT!! I personally can't watch shows like that or biggest loser because I believe that ALL of us could be awesome and lose weight with a personal chef and trainer 24/7. That's just not being realistic. REALITY SHOWS are NOT REALITY... I often say If they watched my life as a reality TV show it would never make it past the first show....lol

WOW, so sorry that you had to experience that, I have heard people having difficult time with Fills, but never to the point of pain sounds like the port isn't in the greatest position? Mine was always easy to find I could have done the fills myself..Absolutely insist that your next and even future fills be done under Fluro. No reason to have to go through this on a monthly basis. Good Luck

My nutritionist told me that it takes years for the Mind to catch up to the realization that your thinner. I believe this totally because I pass the Mirror each day and can see the WL but I still Think and Feel FAT. You've done and awesome job!! The idea of talking to someone that understands eating disorders is a great idea..........Think about why you thought being thinner would make you happy, was it because you'd be able to do more? The hardest part with or without WL is LOVING who you are on the inside first..It's a TOUGH first step, but you did this, I know you can get past that. HUGGS

Great responses!! But I'm sorry the DentalHygienist in me has to ask, ARE YOU FLOSSING? ....lol