Phatcurves

I have had the band since 05' and initially lost about 55lbs however I fell into the 40% category of those who do not lose or "fail" with the band. I threw up a lot and every time I tightened the band I couldn't eat with out throwing up and when we loosened it I gained weight. I live in California and in the last year these bill boards started being splattered along the highway stating how the fda approved the lapband for signifigant weight loss and that you too could lose over 100 lbs. Well the truth is, that if you have a lower BMI and very little weight to lose, the band is a decent choice. If you have a lot of weight to lose either the sleeve or the bypass is the way to go. The DOCTORs practice who is smearing the highway with those billboards knows that statisticly they will get the cautious person who fears the other surgeries to get the band and likely a few years down the road also do their revision surgery. I am scheduled on may 12 for the band extraction and sleeve surgery. If you have great self control and little to lose I suggest doing the band. If you have problems with hunger and have more to lose, I suggest the sleeve over the bypass because it is a lot safer, less malnutrition problems, and with only a difference of 10% less weightloss from the bypass in a 5 year time span its safety wins me over. Good luck to you and keep us informed.

I have done multiple sessions and although not the most charming thing I ever had the pleasure to do it was great to flush that S*** out of my system. The importance of doing it is clear. Even if its once a year the purpose is to break up and expel particles that are stuck on the walls, which can contribute to disease. When I did it I felt less distended and my transit time seamed to be improved significantly. I don't know about you but 40 minutes a couple times a year is worth not having leftovers rotting on the walls of my intestines. Just so you know enemas do not reach as far up as the colonic therapy. FYI, I got a little crampy while it was done and that was the extent of any complaints. LOL, its an unnatural feeling, especially you can feel this subtle rush of warmth as the Water fills your intestines. Just make sure to find someone who is licensed or has a certificate (which ever is required in your state or county) and that you feel comfortable with them. Also don't feel embarrassed to ask questions, they do not get embarrassed and its nice to know exactly whats going on.

I was banded in 05 and have seen very little progress as I fell into the 40% of people who have little or no success with the band. I am going to get sleeved on MAY 12 and I am so excited to get the band out and very nervous/excited for the Sleeve. The idea of losing 80% of my stomach sounds so bizarre. LOL, I am looking forward to the new life and weight loss finally. For years I felt so depressed because I felt like the band never worked as hard as I did. Every time I went for a fill I would throw up so much they had to loosen it. GRRR. Anyways I just wanted to say HI and I hope to get to know and share things with all of you. IF anyone is from CEN CAL drop me a line. My doctor is DR. SWARTZ in Fresno.

I am so there and completely agree. I am ready to do this day by day and learn how to be alive again. Thanks for all of your kind words. I cant wait to get the surgery done and get started. I am not overly spiritual although when its needed I can harness its power for my benefit. THanks for your help.

Wannalise, thanks for your words. I guess I just am so hopeful that I can reverse the effects of the band which have left my self esteem in the dumps. I cant wait for the sleeve and think your progress in less then a month is amazing.

For those who have been sleeved, after the surgery does your hunger go away? For those who it doesnt can you take diet pills? Is there even a need? After failing so badly on the band I am so scared that I am goingt to fail on the sleeve too.

well i guess I am going to have to represent CEN CAL... I am from fresno and going to have my surgery on MAY 12 by DR. Swartz and Dr. Felix

Anyone in fresno who would like a work out partner. I am so stagnant with my weightloss i really need to do something. I have about 85-95 more pounds to lose. I have a mini gym at my apt. Two pools and A membershipt to gb3...Does anyone out there have a membership to the same and some motivation?:thumbup:

I cant remember what musical this song is from talking about woman. But I feel like I have my own version. Sip a little, walk a little,Sip a little, walk a little, sip, sip sip, walk a little sip alot. LOL. Ok now about the burps, or semi burps. So I have been getting the feeling like a burp is about to come up and instead it disolves in my chest. OUCH, what the heck is up with that? Is that what the ate to much golf ball feels like? Does that go away or is that common with the new tiny stomach? Other than that I am doing ok, my dad is still cooking. LOL he is now preparing my second and third stage foods. I am going to have to donate my entire freezer to my grandma to make space. I took my first shower today and it was a small slice of heaven. I asked my doctor what size band I had and he mentioned it was a Inamed 10 something, does anyone know what that means? Thanks for listining, I must be feeling better considering my loquatiousness.

Sorry they moved your date, however march 30 will be here in a jiff, REALLY! I was supposed to be in the hospital overnight but was realeased around 8pm. Usually it is an overnight stay.

Which is the kid that Simon said looked like bobby brown...He is my pick for this week. ROWWLLLL. YUMMY, he gave me goose bumps. I think the boys are the winners this year. They are really stepping up to the microphone and showing their stuff..

Patty, WOOHOO! Congrats on becoming a newer leaner you. Dont forget to walk around your house today. Not only for the gas but also to clear out your lungs. That kicked in the gut thing only lasted a couple of days for me. Feel better and keep us posted.

Best Wishes to you for a speedy recovery and for your NEW HEALTHY LIFE! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

((((((((((((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))))))) I will throw in a couple of kisses too. xxxxxxxooooooxxxxxxxoooooooxxxxxxxxooooooo

Jamie, 12 pounds, alright girl. WOW 18 days. HAHAAHA, I remember how quickly that went for me last month. Man it goes by so quickly, before you know it you will be healing up and on your way to the rest of your healthy life.

Roxanna, I believe my surgery was around 16,000. I wish I had insurance help. How much are flights and hotels going to run 6-10 times in the next year to Mexico? There are alot of people who have gone to mexico on this site, if you type in mexico surgeries or something like it in the search I bet you will find alot of info. Where in Fla are you?

Roxanna, My I suggest, Floridabansters.com on Yahoo. It gives info on local support groups and events.

Roxanna, I live in St. Petersburg, and was banded by Dr. Grossbard last week. I dont think Dr. G is filling anyone who is banded from Mexico anymore but if you call his office Barbara can assist you. Where in FL do you live? Have you been to one of his seminars or any seminars regarding the band? When I was researching the band I was told not to leave the state, due to the special aftercare that we require. People indicated that I probably did not want to be hopping on a plane, or go to NY for my fill and then get home only to realize that I needed a slight adjustment. I am not trying to discourage you from getting your surgery in Mexico, but I just wanted to share what other shared with me, when I was planning to go to NY to see Dr. Ren one of the most experienced in the US. So far no regrets, LOL, I am still in the liquid phase so we will see. But I have lost 21 pounds and feel great.

Bigmom, Sorry that you broke your ankle. Make sure that you do any therapy asked of you. If you skimp on the therapy it will make exercise in the future really hard and painful. In regards to the tredmil, I would say go ahead and get it so when you can use it its right there to jump on. Feel better and keep your head up, you will be boogying soon enough.

T, My sentiments are the same as Marie. Your surgery will be approved and before you know it you will be in band land. BUT, It is way more important to have a prestine bill of health before your new life starts. Good luck

Hahahahahahahaha, OUCH, hehe It hurts to laugh. OMG, that picture is so great. You just gotta love this woman!

I just needed to share my a huge success with all of you. This morning 6 days out from my surgery, I stepped on the scale and saw something that I haven't seen in over a year. 299.5 I have to tell you all that right now I am completely balling. I have lost 21 pounds and more importantly, will never see 300 again. I wish I could express how relieved I am. Renewed! These last few days have really been hard. My dad who has been cooking up a storm, which I adore is also driving me crazy. All of those smells, chicken, beef....AHHHHHHHH! I love him but I am so glad he left the other day. Anyway, although it has been tough with all of those smells, I am overwhelmed with joy due to my scale success. Thank you for sharing in my joy!

Oh everyone how I wish that 21# came off in one week. LOL 321 is what I weighed 4 weeks ago, before atkins and the surgery. I still adore the fact that I lost 21#'s in a month. LOL probably never to happen again but a great head start.

Lacy, Good luck on your up coming surgery...I hope you are completely psyched.