labwalker

I always had skinny legs, but I carry my weight on my upper body... I hear that is the worst place to carry weight I've lost about 55 pounds, and the weight is coming off of my waist and upper body. I'm getting back into my old 4X clothes, and the 6X pants are going into storage--forever I hope!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately I hit a plateau over the past two weeks. If it doesn't break I'll elect for another fill next month.

There is a big difference between fear mongering, and being to quote verifiable facts. If someone wishes to accept unverified data based on surgeries that are related to the dark ages of lap band surgeries, then I wish them the best in whatever WLS they decide upon. I simply showed that the European studies are biased towards archaic data that has no relation to the results achieved in the past several years. This is nothing to do with being defensive; but I like to see both sides of the story. I suspect there are ulterior financial motives for Europe to jump on the results of studies that are 14 years old. Follow care for lap banders is indeed costly. Seriously, why would anyone defend someone who posts negative data without providing anything to sustain those allegations? The fact that the European studies are based on dated statistics would have been evident if the OP had done so.

Wow, and those of us who have the band realize and appreciate the commitment it took over those years to achieve those results. Congratulations!!! Awesome job, and an inspiration too!

No, I am NOT bullying anyone... and my band is just right, thanks! Regarding Europe, this what I've been able to find with some research (fair use quote follows): "A new study conducted in Europe has questioned the long-term effectiveness of the popular Lap-Band weight-loss device, finding that many patients suffered major complications and half of them eventually had the device removed. The report, published Monday in the Archives of Surgery, focused on 82 surgeries performed between 1994 and 1997. Even though patients reported losing significant weight, complications such as band erosion and infections led researchers to conclude the surgery had "relatively poor long-term outcomes" Wow, scary stuff, huh? But lets take a closer look at what this research was based on: The report, published Monday in the Archives of Surgery, focused on 82 surgeries performed between 1994 and 1997. How long has the lap band been approved by the FDA? Why would anyone make a decision based on archaic data that is no longer relevant? WLS efficacy should be based on results for current surgical practices and devices, not on ancient medical procedures performed during the dark-ages of band surgeries. One might draw similar conclusions based on the results of 4cc bands installed in Mexico as being the criteria for making your WLS decision. Chose the best surgeon possible and I suspect the lap band failure rate with 5% as claimed for folks who follow their doctor's advice. Color me skeptical, but if someone posts negative comments with no history in their profile, I am suspicious of motives. Allergan's rebuttal, inpart: Allergan officials criticized the study, saying it was flawed and contradicts other studies that have found the device safe and effective. A 2004 study, for instance, found that just 17% of patients had opted to have their bands surgically removed, said Caroline Van Hove, an Allergan spokeswoman. In the Belgian study, researchers contacted 151 patients but just 82 responded, a ratio that could skew study findings, Van Hove said. Surgeries and follow-up care have changed dramatically in the last 15 years, making the findings much less relevant, she said If you'd like to verify sources, simply drag over the quoted text, and do a Google search...

Why can't someone with a band not be able to eat rice, meats or bread? Most foods go through my band fine. But, I feel full after eating a lot less than I used to. A fill seems to give me the same filling as you, for a few days afterwards I feel restriction and have to avoid a lot of foods, but within a few days I am able tolerate most foods without problems. But, I avoid starches like rice and breads.

I guess than eight years is a long time for any WLS procedure. Doctors and medical equipment suppliers learn from problems that developed in the past. This board is full of horror stories about lap band surgeries that failed the test of time. I'm hoping that my recent lap band surgery is based on the test of time, and what has been learned by the medical industry since the early bands were first installed. I'm sure that in another 8 years lap band and other surgeries may be a thing of the past. It would be nice to take a pill and not worry about weight!

I like the way your doctor thinks! A doctor who puts the future welfare of his client against a quick profit is the man or gal I'd want for surgeon. Regarding your question: does your doctor or your insurance require visits a nutritionist and a psychologist? Besides health screenings (cardio, upper GI, etc.) these visits will help you and the doctor determine when you are mentally ready to face life after WLS. The surgery is only one part of life afterwards. Diet, exercise and a lifetime commitment are also needed. If we aren't mentally and physically prepared on how to live and eat after WLS, it won't work.

I know when I bend over I can feel some pain around the port--like when I'm trying to hold a chainsaw with foot through the handle and using the pull cord. I wonder if I'm risking tearing stitches when I do that? I'm six months out of surgery, so it should be healed.

If he doesn't have "what it takes to succeed," then why would any other WLS surgery be a magic potion? If a person isn't committed to lifestyle changes any surgery can be turned into a failure. I feel bad for the guy... he was persecuted for being fat, and now that he has taken a positive course of action he is being questioned as to his choice of surgeries, motives, etc.

Does that doctor do at least yearly post op visits to ensure that things are going correctly? I would think that sort of problem would take some to time to develop as far as it did.

Journalistic drivel written by a non-medical person, which was intended to fill pages in order to sell advertising revenue... I have a hard time believing anything I read on the internet! I loved the quote made by the doctor who would have "talked" him into have the sleeve! Now, that is scary, and I would avoid any doctor who prescribes surgeries without having the benefit of knowing the patient's medical history.

How about some more information? Your profile is blank? Who performed your procedure? I have to admit to being a bit skeptical, but without some validation one wonders why you would posting this information?

You aren't doing that bad regarding weight loss, and your walking routine sounds like it would be a good thing to keep actively pursuing. Watch your calories, and make sure you have enough Protein. Eating on the run shouldn't be bad, but we all have to be careful of what we are putting in our mouths. It can be difficult!

Yes.... I gained for three months after banding. I started to see weight loss after my third fill. I also joined a gym, and started to seriously count my protein and calorie intake. The band is a wonderful tool, but it is only part of the equation.

A sign of a good surgeon is one who requires tests before cutting someone open and finding unwanted surprises/results.

Interesting... My surgeon never mentioned plication as an option, but he did mention that slippage would be unlikely since he folded the stomach over the band. Does that help with hunger control as well? I've been meaning to ask, but my next visit isn't for another few months.

LOL!! How true!

If the NUT is on his staff, even as a contract employee, it should be valid. It sounds like your insurance company is trying to weasel out of paying. I'd fight this tooth and nail, and the people on your doctor's billing dept. who deal with insurance claims should be stepping up to help you win this appeal. With your health problems this denial is criminal.

This could be a screw up with his billing department. I'd suggest you call and talk to him. Agreements like this should be in writing. But, give him the benefit of the doubt first, and call and talk to him.

This is why I always suggest finding the best surgeon in your area, and let him make the decision as to what is best for you.

If it is like my hospital, you will be in a hospital gown right after admitting, and until you are ready to go home. BUT, you will be SORE after surgery, so whatever clothes you bring should be loose fitting and very comfortable! You won't want to wear something that will aggravate your incisions. Slip on shoes might be a good option too, you won't want to be doing toe touching exercises either

Agreed with the others... that seepage doesn't look right! Always call your doctor office. There should be someone on staff to take this sort of call.

Some health clubs have heated pools, and arthritis exercise classes. You might ask your doctor if a pool exercise class would be good fit for you. Moving in water burns calories, and is easy on the joints and back.

Another southern CA weight loss "clinic." Figures.

A ton of fast weight loss may be more water than fat! 3500 calories in a pound. If you do the math, some of the weight losses would be equal to a negative food intake, or mean an extreme amount of physical activity. 2 pounds a week is darn good.