CallMeJim

Here's some more info. on the AP Band. I'm getting one on Jan. 7 and can't wait! » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances » Bariatric Times

Hi Tulip-- great post. I have found that once I "detox" from sugar, the low carb diet works for me as well. The first few days are kind of rough and I just need to do it. Looks like you've lost >50 pounds already. Great job!!! That's probably why you have no pre-op diet. Mine is 10 days of liquids. I think that's pretty typical. Which band are you getting? I need to get blood work and an EKG done and then I'm ready. Keep us posted! Jim

Greetings Team! I am scheduled for January 7. Have been researching since June and I am ready to go! I have been eating entirely too much since deciding to go through with this. :hungry: Gotta stop that! Not looking forward to the pre-op diet. Keep in touch! Jim

Bariatric Times » Article Archive » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances

...but I will try to keep my eyes on the prize and persevere. Dave01-- you are doing fantastic! Which band do you have? Jim

check it out: Bariatric Times » Article Archive » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances

I feel dumb for asking, but I am not yet banded (Jan. 08) and had not run across this yet in my research. Why would you suddenly need an unfill? Does that crop up unexpectedly? I guess I thought you might need one immediately following a fill that was excessive, but if you're going along fine, what causes the sudden urgent need for an unfill? Does this happen often to folks? Scary indeed! Thanks, Jim

When I lose weight even my fingers get skinnier and my ring gets loose. When I gain (I am pre-band) my ring can get so tight it won't budge. Sounds like the fat pad on my stomach works the same way and band fills serve to fill in where the fat used to be. Interesting. Thanks for the info. Jim

I spoke with a lady recently who had her band removed when she reached her goal. I've read of others who had the fill completely removed at goal. Is that what folks typically do? Is it to stop losing or is the band uncomfortable? Does it deteriorate? I thought it was supposed to remain in place for life. I'd be very concerned I'd gain all my weight back. Thanks for any input. Jim

When they talk about the new band I think they're referring to the LapBand AP (Advanced Performance). You can read about it at Bariatric Times » Article Archive » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances. From my research it is being used more and more, but by no means has it been universally adopted yet.

I am looking forward to being banded in January and am a self-pay. My excitement was tempered somewhat by the following information I found on the risk information tab of the Lap-Band System website (LAP-BAND® - ALB Risk): Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function) occurred in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) occurred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery. In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications. I think I saw the 88% "adverse effects" number referenced elsewhere on this board, and frankly that doesn't bother me much since most appear to be minor and easily resolved. However, it looks like 25% had their bands REMOVED due to these adverse effects. That number seems incredibly high to me and is a major concern both from the cost aspect and just the fact that so many people would find the band so bad that they would want to remove it. I assume many have seen this information before. Am I misinterpreting the results? Can you help me put it into perspective? Do the numbers trouble you? I have all but decided to have WLS, and am planning to go with the band. I know it's hard work and I'm good with that, but this concerns me. Paying for the band is difficult enough. I'm not sure I could handle the additional costs and emotional devastation from having to remove it, and if there is a one in four chance of that..... wow! I've been particularly interested in, and encouraged by, polls and posts on this and other boards indicating overwelmingly (90-95% or more) that people believe getting the band was a great (often life-saving) decision. That just doesn't seem to square with 25% taking the extreme step to have the band removed. What are they thinking? Anyway-- sorry to ramble. I look forward to and appreciate any insight from you experienced folks. Thanks! Jim

Yes-- I have lost >100 pounds four times with a max of 160. I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that nothing tastes as good as being thin (or "reasonably normal") feels, and each time I vowed to never go back, but each time I gained it back and more. At the moment I am at 375 (nearing all-time high) and planning to be banded in January. In a way it feels like admitting defeat or weakness or whatever, but desperate times call for desperate measures I guess, and it's so encouraging to read all the success stories and words of HOPE on these boards. I will do my best to do my part and look forward to having a "helper" in my band. I can't wait! Jim

<p>As a self-pay I'm well aware of the financial impact but I am still planning to get banded in Januaery (new tax year...). The poll on whether or not you are glad you got banded was great-- very informative. I'd like to come at it from a little different angle. Clearly, like most everything in life, there are pros and cons to the lap band. Many are the same for most/all and many are different. My question--</p> <p> </p> <p>What is the best thing about being banded (better health. appearance, conffidence, etc.)?</p> <p> </p> <p>What has been the most negative thing you have experienced?</p> <p> </p> <p>Bonus question-- have you ever dealt with depression and has your band affected that issue one way or another? If so, how?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you SO MUCH for talking the time to respond.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jim</p>

Would a few folks mind listing the pros and cons of having fills done with a fluroscope? From what I've read, they're more precise. What are other considerations? I assume it costs more. Thanks!

Hi-- I am pre-op and researching so sorry for the newbie questions. I'm wondering about the medicines I take. Some are pretty good size pills (e.g. 800 mg ibuprofen). Once I'm banded, will the pills still go down OK? Do you have to break them up? What about capsule type pills? Do meds take longer to "work" (or shorter)? Thanks so much for your advice/help. Jim

Glad to hear I'm not the only one battling insomnia. My doc prescribed trazedone (antidepressant) for use at night to help with sleeping. It has helped somewhat. Benedryl has also been helpful. Hang in there! Jim

Greetings! My name is Jim and I am hoping/planning to get banded early in 2008. I have yo-yo'd 100 pounds or more on several occasions during my life and really see WLS as my only realistic chance at long-term success. I'm researching and learning from good folks like those on this board, and trying to SAVE (self-pay)! Looking forward to getting to know you. Jim