Banded14yr

Tonya, I'm sorry that you're going through this with your best friend. At a time where you really need her support, I'm sure it's confusing for you. After reading what happened, I too believe that she is just envious that you are able to get the Lapband and because she isn't, she isn't handling it very well. I hope in time you two can get everything resolved. You may just need to give her some space and time, but let her know that you're there for her whenever she's ready to talk. Take care and congratulations on your upcoming surgery! Tricia

People get easily confused because there are two different Dr. Rodriguez' in Mexico. Dr. Arturo Rodriguez is in Monterrey and has never used Belite. You can contact his office directly if you are interested in the surgery or need anything.

If I were single and didn't have kids, I would do it in a heartbeat! Go for it! How fun to look at the map and try to make a decision on where to live. Good luck!

I've been banded for almost 4 years now and I cannot even begin to express in words how much happier and healthier I am now. Getting the Lapband was one of the best things I've ever done for myself and for my family. I want to be around to see my grandchildren and enjoy what life has to offer. The surgery won't take long, you'll have some fears and concerns, then it will be over and you'll start a new wonderful chapter in your life. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! Tricia

Hello Dawn! It took me almost a year and a half to lose the weight. I've been at goal for over a year and a half now and haven't had a fill in almost 2 years. I wore a size 24 and now wear a size 8. I can't tell you how much happier and healthier I am now :-) As far as advice, sometimes it just takes small modifications to your daily routine. For instance, drink a lot of Water, but when you start to eat, don't drink anything. Wait at least an hour after you eat before you start drinking again. If you don't feel adequate restriction, then get a fill. Getting proper restriction is key to your success with the Lapband. It can get frustrating getting to a proper fill level because most likely it will take a few attempts, but don't give up and be aggressive about it. Obviously, try to watch what you're eating to see if you can make some modifications that will help like starting with foods that are high in Protein. If you start with high protein foods, then it will fill you up faster, you won't be hungry as often and you will build muscle instead of gaining fat weight. Hang in there! I think with a few minor changes, you will get back on track!

With all due respect, it's a scary thought that someday you may become a doctor and "try to help people out" Yikes..... I hope they teach how to communicate with patients without insulting them in med school. And I really hope that you never have a problem with your Inamed band. That would be awful. Again, good luck to you. May your band work perfectly for you.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm sure going to trust what Dr. Curry has to say who is an experienced Bariatric Surgeon over some med student with a bee up his bonet. Enough said....

Amanda, You may already be doing these things, but you want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time after you eat dinner before you go to bed (I eat at least 3 hours before I go to bed). If it means eating a lot earlier, then so be it. Also, I would watch the fluid intake before going to bed as well. Don't drink anything with your dinner, and if you can, don't drink anything afterwards. All other times, drink as much water as you can (except during meals) I also chew on a couple of Pepsid AC Complete tablets before going to bed for a precautionary. Hopefully you're going to see your doctor about this situation. Take care and I hope it gets better soon!

Uh yeah... The Swedish Band is now called the Realize band. - Poor surgical technique can lead to many problems, which would include Slippage & Prolapse which THEN could lead to erosion if not taken care of. I am very sure that there have been complications with the Inamed band. You have totally missed the boat here. I'm not PRO any band. I'm against your harsh criticism of the band that I personally have and have been successful with. You assume that all of us that went to Mexico are fools and that the Swedish band is crap. Bottom line is, you don't have the Swedish (J&J band or the Inamed band) so you are giving an opinion based on what you have read or heard. I'm giving you FACT on what has actually happened to me. I could care less if anyone gets the Inamed or the Swedish, Realize J&J band. I'm not advertising for one particular band like you are. The band has totally changed my life for the better and I'm thrilled when I see it changing so many other's lives as well (regardless of the type of band they have) The studies are out there on all the bands. I'm sure you've read them, they're not hard to find. Good luck to you

Also, as far as I know, the Swedish and the Midband are the only types of Lapbands placed in Canada so it's obvious that the studies would be related to a band that they actually place in that country. I would be interested to see if they did a study on the Inamed band as well

Maybe it's the technique used by the Canadian surgeons? I have also read studies concerning erosion episodes with the Inamed band. My husband is a Scientist, so he is always informing me of studies published about the Lapband, no matter what brand. The studies are out there, the good, bad and ugly and doesn't seem to discriminate. I'm glad that you're doing your research and that you've made your decision on what band to use. I just think that you're a little harsh in telling all of us not to go to Mexico and that we're fools ect.. ect... The J&J band has worked wonderfully for me and for thousands of others. I'm sure there have been complications with the band but there have been complications with the Inamed as well. Good luck with your upcoming surgery, I hope you have success and that all goes well for you.

Well my old, outdated technology of a band has enabled me to lose 135 pounds. I went from a size 24 to a size 8 and have been maintaining this weight for over a year and a half ago without any problems whatsoever. I'm living proof that my J&J band is very effective

If the J&J band was crap then it wouldn't have lasted 14 years. Truth is, it's a very effective band that's why it's been used for so long. Do you work for Inamed?

Preband, I used to drink a lot of coffee It's odd, but coffee fills me up really quick. I can drink about 1/2 cup and thats it. I love it, but I find myself only making a cup of coffee about once a week, then I don't drink the entire cup. I don't miss it anymore. I did at first, but now I don't even think about having a morning cup of coffee, which used to be a vital part of my morning routine :cheers2:

I was banded in 2004 when the J&J band was known as the Swedish Band. So far I've lost a little over 130 pounds so I have no complaints whatsoever It might be difficult for people who have the J&J band to get filled properly in the U.S. because the U.S. surgeons are used to filling the Inamed band which holds a lot less saline. In speaking with several people with the J&J band, they go in for a fill and the doc will place 2 or 3 cc's for the first fill, this usually doesn't even come close to what someone needs for a first fill amount with the J&J band. I think with time and with more experience that the docs get with the Realize Band the better the fills will become. Just my opinion....

Nykee, Great to see you! Congratulations on your weight loss and your incredible NSV of not needing a wheelchair anymore. It sounds like just a few modifications to your diet will allow you to lose the weight that you desire. Good luck in your journey and keep us posted on how you're doing. Tricia

That's good to know. How long has Dr. Morton been at Baptist? I remember him being at Southern Hills

Wow.... I had to read this a couple of times to make sure that you weren't kidding. I'm very sorry, it sounds like you have not had a very good experience at all. Have you had adjustments? If so, how did that go? Do you currently have restriction? If you and your surgeon are on a different page, then you might want to consider contacting the Fill Center USA location in Memphis. Maybe you can get the doctor there to help get the lapband working for you. The Lapband does work, I'm living proof. I think it can work for you too, but it may require seeing a different doctor to help things get started. Hang in there! Good luck, and if you're ever in the Nashville area I have a couple of names of docs that would be happy to see you. Tricia

Jay, I had surgery with Dr. Rodriguez in 2004. I can't say enough about the good care I received. Dr. Rodriguez and his staff are wonderful. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! You might also want to visit and post on his message board where you'll receive feedback from his patients. You can visit his forum by going to Welcome to Bandstersforum - Lap Band, Success History and More Tricia

I would recommend that everyone do your research about your surgeon whether he is located in Mexico, the United States or India. In my opinion it really doesn't matter what country you have the surgery at as long as you receive good quality care and you select a good surgeon. Mellis - Good to see you! There are several of Dr. Rodriguez' patients featured on the Realize band website, but not all of them are his patients. I wish they would have featured Dr. Rod on their website, but they won't feature a surgeon in Mexico, even though he's been placing their band for 12 years now. Continue to take it easy, you're doing GREAT!

GNC also has fruit flavored Isopure. I used to drink them after I was banded, but got tired of them a couple months after and started trying other things to get my protein in. They are a good source of protein if you're not getting in the protein that you need.

I've lost almost 130 pounds with the Lapband and have kept it off for almost a year and a half now. That's something that I have never been able to do before the band. I don't eat diet foods, nor do I diet. So if getting the Lapband is just a big con, then call me conned and I'm loving every minute of it!

Hello Toni and jkeirn! I just wanted to congratulate you on your recent bandings. Welcome to bandland and a start to a new healthier and happier life! Tricia

And you continue to shop there why? I can totally understand your frustration, but if I were you I wouldn't give them another penny of my money and would chirp on the message boards like you're doing to get the word out about how they do business.

My mother has survived stomach cancer 3 times after the docs didn't give her long. She has now been cancer free for 8 years. Keep the faith and enjoy every day you have with your mom. My prayers are with you and your family