paula

Ive thought about this one too. Didnt seem as if this older band had so many problems... leaks, slips, port flips, and the big one - eroding! I would be interested in hearing from the surgeons who implanted the older band. One of the main reasons so many were turned onto this newer band is because its adjustable. But with this new feature, other problems became unavoidable. Im like Kathy. I cant encourage this decision at this time. A 1-3% rate of problems - thats roughly 3 people out of 100. Not a big gap. The band may be the healthiest WLS - its also the most costly! Good luck with this tough decision.

You may want to call your doctor and ask his staff this question. Each doctor has their own rules. My doctor said that our bodies will tell us what we can do - when we can do it... But nothing strenous until 4 weeks post op - when I went for my first check-up/fill. So I just stuck with walking until I was able to do more. Be careful!

Anytime a "family" member has anything devistating happen, we cant get them off our minds.... Just checking to see if anyone reported a US erosion?!

Hey Brother, I sure hate to hear this - but heck, at least you know why you havent lost more weight! I can see why so many others steer towards the GB - this band is VERY costly to maintain! Just wondering, are you gonna go for a second one? Or possible try a "plan #2" WLS?

Im shocked! First Jonathons news, now yours - and thats just today! This may sound crazy, but is the doctor 100% certain your band is eroded? I cant imagine something this serious happening inside of our bodies and we do not have any symptoms. Thats mind boggling! Im so sorry... (((hugs)))

Aftercare? What aftercare??? Sometimes I wonder if the surgeons that are giving us the band are even aware of how long we will be needing aftercare... probably til we die! And how many of us will live in the same area, use the same doctor, have the same insurance, and so forth during the rest of our lives?? I truly wish there would be an open door policy for all banding doctors to be open to seeing/treating/adjusting any banded patient. I understand why they do not. But its something I wish would happen! Since my surgery, my surgeon has moved most of his practice an hour and a half farther away from the city where I was banded. He moved - I didnt! Its no longer easy seeing him in his old location! And due a new insurance plan that totally excludes AGB and outrageous fee's for any hospital visits (for testing)... what am I to do for aftercare??? *sigh* more aggravation! Now that you are "home" for a moment, are you gonna try to see your surgeon for a follow up? You are a brave woman for letting someone "inexperiencd" touch your goldmine! ((hugs)) we're gonna get to the bottom of why you have no weight loss! You'll see!

You are one of the most awesome individals around here. Hope you are having a supreme day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The first -20 is usually Water retention. And then you get to -40ish. And you start noticing things (clothes) a little looser, someone may make a comment here and there about you looking like youve lost weight (I usually responded, "yes, Ive lost a little bit" - never giving numbers). So for me, it was around -40 before others started commenting. Also, with the band, Ive noticed that when I wasnt losing scale recorded pounds, I was losing inches. Here's an example... I saw family members in September that I havent seen since May. I weighed the EXACT same in both months. Everyone thought I had lost more weight since May (when they saw me last). The only difference was that I was down a shirt size between both months - again, no change in weight. So dont get discouraged. If the scale isnt moving, it may mean that your body is shrinking!

Terrilen, as hard as it may seem, you really need to get back on liquids for at least 24 hours, maybe even 2 days. This will help reduce the swelling that has occured from all the pbing. And once you introduce food to your new tummy, do it s l o w, s l o w, s l o w. We want to avoid pbing as much as possible! Some bandsters gain restriction weeks after a fill... and some do not. Its a wait and see type of thing. Not everyone experiences this. So to say you are too tight, only you and your doctor can figure this one out!

My Goodness, Girl! You are beautiful! youve lost a hundred and one pounds???? just amazing. WTG

How consoling is this? knowing that a slow weightloss hasnt been your fault. You are gonna be fixed up and skinny before we know it!

Are you sure there isnt a baby on the way? Sore boobs that lasted more then 2 days are a sure ssign of early pregnancy symptoms for me!

Goodness Kim, you sure do have a lot to deal with right now! son's surgery... holidays... no/new job... We're thinking of you and praying for you...

Leatha and Delarla have bands and both have autoimmune diseases. Both are very educated about this match. Neither one are on this board very often, so you may want to send them a PM and see what they have to say. And any experienced surgeon should give you a very honest opinion of this as well. Good luck!

Just wondering if this is something of concern... Yesterday afternoon I ate bites if food #1. Had Water here and there afterwards, everything went down well. About 2 hours later we had supper (food #2). I could feel the food going through my stoma. Then the flow of food was stopped! After several different attempts of trying to get my food to "pass" I ended up having to pb. Here's the strange thing... I pb'd particles of food #1. Some of food #2 came back up, but not all. Anyone else experience this?

No! Its was shredded roast beef, I eat this very often. And b/c I was able to drink water for 2 hours afterwards, Im assuming I wasnt "stopped up". Then, I was able to eat part of my supper (nachos), before the "attack" happened... so, thats why Im not sure whats going on. Its almost like particles of that roast beef stayed in a portion of my pouch, then tried to make an escape with the nachos, but didnt! Sooooooo, where was the roast beef hiding for 2 hours??? Thats what has me wondering...

Tammy, here's a big ole' bear hug, from us - to you.... ((((( H U G S ))))) Remember, its an accident. An ACCIDENT! No one plans for these things to happen. Hang in there!

Pat, Im sitting here laughing at you... cause Im in the same boat! I am definatly not Betty Crocker. Although I am anxious to know if shortning/lard/crisco are all the same thing.

Does it bother you when you drink liquids? Or it just when you eat solids? Ive heard of bandsters having spasms in their esophagus when the food goes down. Im wondering if it could be somthing like this. DEFINATELY let your doctor know though. It may be nothing, but it could be something!

Ok, I feel like such a doof... who are the guys in the background? BTW, you are looking good Girl!

Hi Ceparano, and WELCOME! Each insurance comp. has their own set of rules/requirements. Some are the same (rules), and some are different. My insurance comp didnt require me to wait 6 months (thank God). Goodness, that seems like a long waiting period. Do you know if you are even approved?

How do you know that its your esophagus? Being overly analytical about our bodys mechanisms with this new device is MOST CERTAINLY commen! Its where we have to figure out what is normal and whats not - that is so hard to do.

Trish, Good luck! And please let us know *as soon as possible* what is going on! By the way, hows the shoulder pain? Oh, and be careful on those roads ~ the holiday traffic is starting to pick-up!

Erica, My 2nd (and last) fill was a year ago. And I remember a little pain in the tummy area for a couple of days afterwards - like I had done sit-ups the night before. Hope you get better soon!

:banana woo hoo Nickie!!!! I *wish* I had your motivation.... and you did it at the beginning of the holidays! How smart are you?!?!?! WTG!