lexy

My Plastic Surgeon did not require that I get an unfill, but I choose to do so. I am so happy I did. I was almost too tight prior to surgery and I tend to vomit following any kind of operation. I woke up from surgery feeling very sore, sick too my stomach - basically like I had been hit by a truck. It was very re-assuring to know I didn't have to think about my band while I focused on recovery from my Breast Lift. I did not gain any weight and got a fill once I was feeling well. I would highly recommend a de-fill before any kind of surgery if your have post surgery nausea, so you can take oral pain medication easily and so you can eat lots of good healthy food to help your body heal!! Best of Luck

I have been banded for almost one year and have flown several times in the last twelve months. I have flown twice since my fill level was at my "sweet spot". Both times I have felt two tight after my return flight home. Once I was away for 2 weeks and once for 3 days. It seems crazy to me but my band has definitely got tighter for about 7 days. The tightness is extreme and both times I have considered going for a slight unfill and then all of a sudden the tightness subsides and I am fine. The benefit is that any weight I may have put on while out of town disappears!!! I do feel the tighter your band is the more chance you could be affected my air travel, but I have know idea how my band knows when I arrive home!!

I had the surgery at 48 - no problems!!! My Mom had the surgery in Mexico in August at - SEVENTY-ONE!! I am so proud of her and she is so happy. No problems - She has lost over 30 pounds (her BMI was only 30) is off Type 2 Diabetes medication, blood pressure is NORMAL, "bad back" almost completely healed. This surgery has lengthened her life and improved her quality of life incredibly!! Because of the surgery she is going to live to be an OLD LADY - at 71 she was not old at all and now nine months later she seems 10 years younger.

Please go to your nearest Emergency Room. I tried to ride out a "too full band" over the weekend. I went to Emergency last night where I was told I was extremely - and DANGEROUSLY- dehydrated!!! My kidneys were shutting down and my heart was in "tachacardia" (sp??). After five liters of intervenous fluids I finally felt like I needed to go to the bathroom. My Dr. met me after I was in the hospital and took out the amount (.5cc's) that he gave me on Thursday. I feel so much better. Losing weight is great - LOSING YOUR LIFE DUE TO DEHYDRATION - which can happen is stupid. When you can't swallow your own saliva you could be putting your life in danger. Trust me I know I just experienced it and will never allow it to happen again!!! GOOD LUCK

Hi: I also live in Calgary. I have lots of information for you. 1. I was banded in Toronto at the TLBC,in June, 2007. By the time I paid airfare, hotel, taxi, etc. I think my band probably cost $17,000. I am happy with the band but that is a lot of money..... 2. I told my 71 year old mother (who is very healthy) about my surgery. She wanted a lapband very badly (BMI is low but has other weight related health issues). Losing 30 pounds would make a huge different in the quality of her life but at 71 years old $17,000 seemed like alot of money. SO AFTER LOTS OF INVESTIGATION and checking with Calgary Dr.'s she had the surgery in Tiajuana (Dr. Ortiz) for $8,500. I travelled with her and was able to make a direct comparison between Canada and Mexico. IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER AGAIN I WOULD OF HAD MY SURGERY IN MEXICO IN A SECOND!!! There was no comparison between the two procedures. And my mom paid almost 1/2 of what I paid. Even at her age the surgery went off without a hitch. We flew home after 24 hours and she is losing slowly (but steadily) and had blood work done yesterday that showed her to be the "picture of health". I felt a huge responsibility taking my mom to Mexico and was worried - I cannot stress enough how happy we both were with the care she received!!! The medical facilities, staff and physicians were absolutely top notch!!! I spent 5 minutes with the surgeon in Toronto. Following my surgery I never saw the Dr. again. I had to spend the night in the clinic (at an additional charge) because I was from out of town. I was basically left on my own until 7:30 in the am at which time I was escourted to a taxi. While Dr. Ortiz had all the time in the world for us prior to surgery and then popped in and out for the rest of the day. His medical staff of Dr.s and nurses were around through the day and the following night. My mom was checked very thoroughly before she was discharged. Dr. Ortiz gave my mother his cell phone number, just like he does to all patients. She has had a couple of occassions where she needed answers to questions and has phoned him - he answers his cell phone personally(even when he is eating Breakfast with his family at a restaurant on a Sunday morning). I have never been given a Dr.'s cell phone number in Canada!!!!! 3. Dr. Mitchell in Calgary is doing both our fills. He ALSO THINKS MEXICO IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WANT TO WAIT OR PAY THE BIG $$'S. I could have my fills in Toronto for free but pay Dr. Mitchell $125 with no airfare, taxi costs, etc. 4. Dr. Mitchell plans to be doing the Lapband Surgery for about the same cost as TLBC in 2008 right here in Calgary. He currently does surgery that is covered by AHC, but will be doing "user pay" out of a private clinic very soon. He is the nicest, most thorough Dr. I have ever been to. 5. Prior to both our surgeries we confirmed that we could receive fills here in Calgary. Getting the proper fill level is tricky business and you need to make sure it is convenient and affordable. I hope I have been helpful.

ooops... hit the wrong button.... YOU CAN GET ZOLOFT IN A liquid FORM. You simply add the drops to Water or juice and drink it. No more Zoloft/Sertraline stomach problems. Ask at your pharmacy, I am surprised with everyone asking their Dr. that no one thought to suggest a liquid. The problem is not unique to Bandsters, anyone who takes Zoloft runs the risk is severe abdominal pain with a stuck pill. Best of luck!!!

Hi: I have taken Zoloft for 14 years. Over the years (and well before I was banded) I would occassionally experience severe stomach pain, burning, vomiting, etc. etc. if I took a pill without drinking enough Water or without food. Basically, if I was in a hurry and "downed" my pill without taking care to make sure it got down properly. THE PAIN IS HORRIBLE. Taking Zoloft was a huge consideration for me when I decided whether or not to become Banded. I was worried about my pills becoming stuck. YOU CAN GET ZOLOFT IN

I had my surgery a week ago. I had little/no pain post op and have not needed any pain medication. I have to keep reminding myself to take it easy. I have houseboated in Arkansas in August and I have one major concern for you. It is so HOT that it is almost unbearable. The only relief from the heat is to stay in the lake from early morning until the sun goes down!! If Arkansas is having a hot summer (which is almost 100% guaranteed) the Water in lakes can become quite full of bacteria, As the summer progresses and lake water begins to evaporate the bacteria concentration can get dangerously high. My children all got severe swimmers ear infections and stomach problems from the water. A Dr. we took them to told me that by the end of August sometimes the fish even start dying. I know every Dr. has different rules about how long after surgery you need to wait to swim, but I would have grave concerns about your incisions and the cleanliness of Arkansas lake water. I don't think it would be safe to swim, or even shower (houseboats take the water directly out of the lake - and other than the toilets you can see used water from your sinks and showers, bubbles and all, drain directly into the water). Unless you want to spend most of your time inside the boat with the air conditioning running (which costs a fortune in gas) I would either postpone my surgery until after houseboating or not go houseboating this year. Best of Luck!!

I just spoke with my surgeron's office and they advised that the manufacturers of the band want patients to wait 8 weeks until their first fill. I was told if I had a fill any sooner than 6 weeks I would be asking for problems.... I feel very disappointed because one week out of surgery I am sooo hungry:cry. Now it looks like it will be the middle of August before I can start losing weight boo hoo!!

Hello everyone!!! I was banded last week and feel great!! I have a question regarding the timing of my first fill. Between my vacation schedule and my Dr.'s vacation I will either have to have my first fill four weeks after surgery or eight weeks. I don't want to receive a fill too early, but I am super motivated right now, and really want to see the scales move. I started out with a lower BMI (30) and am worried that without restriction I will not lose weight. Anyone out there who received their first fill after 4 weeks??? Will I run the risk of complications. :help: Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!!!

Hi: I am also new to this site and am having my surgery on June 22nd. I have 45 pounds to lose - may not seem like much to some, but I have been struggling with my weight my whole life. Every year it is another 5 to 7 pounds. I am nervous and very scared but at the same time very excited - I can't wait to lose weight and keep it off!!! What sort of pre-op diet are you supposed to go on? I have been give a three day diet of low fat cottage cheese and sugar free yogurt. I found over the weekend I was eating everything in site. I keep on thinking "I won't be able to eat that soon, so I might as well have it now", at this rate I will need to lose 65 pounds by June 22nd. Best of luck to you, imagine how great we are going to look this New Years Eve - I can't wait!!!

:help: I have just booked my surgery date - June 21 in Toronto. I have two big concerns: 1. I love to eat salads, are salads difficult to eat and/or digest following surgery. From what I have read everyone seems to react differently to the surgery but what are the chances I will be able to enjoy my rabbit food once I become a "bandster"; 2. My BMI is less that 30, I have about 45 pounds to lose. Any words of wisdom from people who have had less than 50 pounds to lose. What would be a realistic time frame, I am committed to exercising 5x/week because I am paying $16,000 out of my own pocket. I am scared, nervous, excited - and learned more from this website than anywhere else. Thank you for your words of wisdom!!