esummersett

Let the rest of us know if you get any answers to this. The same has happened to me, I was 7lb from goal and now have put on almost 10lbs. The first time I have ever gained since having the band.

I used Unjury for pre and post-op, while I ate it at the time, can't stomach it now. I now use Profect, it comes it a tube with 100cal and 25 grams of protien. There are about 12 different flavors, and you can get them mixed. You order directly from their web site. The are a little more expensive, but they have great taste, don't have to be refridgerated, can be store up to 120 degrees. I can't eat in the morning, so I drink one of them. I like them, give it a try if you want.

Before you make any decisions you should ask your doctor: 1. what his infection rate and the hospital's infection rates are? 2. what type of infection is it that you had? 3. how would he suggest preventing these infection in the future if you get re-banded? I wouldn't plan anything at this point until they are sure the infection you had to start out with is completely gone.

I was banded 07-11-07. After 5 fills I have 7.9cc in my APL. I have restriction (actually had to have 0.1cc fluid and 0.2cc air removed from my band, long story about a long flight and a rare complication). The pounds are finally falling off. I recommend that you take it slow getting your fills, after having been too tight, it's miserable. I have lost 44 lbs from my heaviest and 32 lbs from my surgery date, I have 62 lbs to go. I love my band! Don't get discouraged, it works!

Yes, it was approved about 1 month ago.

Conerning the amount of Fluid they put in the band at the time of surgery, it is up to the individual physician. They do "purge" the band of all the air in it, not necessarily "fill" it. I am suprised though to hear people"demanding"one type of band or another. I have full confidence in my physician that he will put the one in that I need. Allergan has several types of bands out, none have been "recalled" or have they stopped making any "type" of band. I am a nurse, not a physician, I left all the schooling to be a doctor up to him. I know we all want the best band for us, but I think people are getting hung up on the AP bands. (FYI I have an APL, if the doctor used something different that would have been OK with me as long as I lost the weight). Just my 2 cents.

I have the APL, it holds 14 cc. I was banded on 07-11-07. Just had my fourth fill, for a total of 7.5cc. At 7cc I had a small restriction, after the last 0.5cc, it made a big difference. Since my surgery I have lost 23 lbs (started at 214lbs), my goal is 125lbs. Talked with my doctor about the "slow" weight loss, he said it depends on how big you are to start out with and that I was doing fine. I guess I thought it would come off quicker, but I am thrilled that it just keeps coming off and I don't feel deprived. I have lost 2 full sizes, so that helps with motivation. Hope this helps you.

I'm with Wendell on this. I have an APL since 07-11-07, lost 33 lbs so far. At week 6, I had 3cc put in it-nothing, no restriction. At week 9, I had 2cc put in it-nothing, oh wait a minute, I developed a hungry so bad that I had to go back to the office 10 days later to have another 2 cc put in before I "ate a horse", and BINGO that was exactly what I needed. I have restriction now, I now have to eat slowly and chew well, I now know what it is like to feel full for hours after a small meal. Thankfully I did not stop after 1 or 2 fills, I kept on trying, knowing that the lapband works, it's just individualized for each person. Keep trying:) PS. love those posts from Wendell, think he should write a book (hey I thought you were going to try and get all your posts together in one spot. How's that going?)

Your doctor should not be reusing the needle or syringe! No ifs, ands or buts. These needles have plastic hubs on them, so there is no way to resterilize them. You naturally have bacteria growing on your skin, once used they're dulled. If your doc tries to use it on you again, just tell him you'd prefer a new needle. If he insists, tell him your sure he wouldn't use the same needle on himself, and you feel the same way. Just my personal and professional opinion as a RN and the owner of a lap band.

UKMommy Please let me know how your appointment goes. Elizabeth

Justme1, I just got 3mL in my APL, I don't think it gave me any restriction. I have an appointment to go back on 09-15-07 for some more. Wonder if you are going to the support group meeting on that Saturday morning? Always nice to have a face with a name and messaging. Elizabeth

Faithmd, the change over from the wording cc to mL came several years ago, related to errors in medications ordered. The group that accredits hospitals suggested that to help avoid these errors a universal system would be best. While the "cc (cubic centimeter) and the "mL" (metric liter) are the same size, the abbreviations were casuing confusion. (Have you ever seeen a doctors handwriting, ugh!) So those of us that work in the medical field have had to get use to it. And having to use it at work makes it a hard habit to break. Elizabeth

I had mine done at Harper (the hospital in the system they do it at, it's all the same campus). MOSS group did mine, Dr. Gazareyli, he did a great job. I was banded 07-11-07 and go tomorrow for my first fill. Have heard from other people that all the doctors in the group are great. Support staff for the office is also really nice. I'm very happy so far. Since surgery I have lost 14lbs, 7lbs pre-surgery diet and 6 lbs before that.

Katdegas what size band did you get? How much did they put in for the first fill? Did Dr Laker do the fill or did Kyle?

Lisa, FYI, the group with G just wrote the latest article for a medical journal about obesity. Hope I'm in the paper work in years to come about people who lose all the weight. G himself does the fills, I can go back to the group (G has his own office abotu 15 mins away, near a mall I really like) for free for fills too. If I go to the group, Kyle the nurse and first assistant in the OR does the fills. I liked everyone up there in the MOSS group. Elizabeth

Let me know what you feel after vacation about your fill. I'm really curious. Hey, what is $300 compared to the price fo the surgery(assuming you paid $11,700 yourself). I agree that I would definately take advantage of the 1 month adjustment thing. I've heard some people with the AP bands get fills every 2 weeks to get to the right spot. I'm not sure how much G will put in my band, very curious about that also. I've heard of the first fill in the AP being anything from 3mL to 5mL (mL=cc, I'm a nurse and we don't talk in cc's, just mL's). How much do you have? Enjoy your vacation, where are you going? Hey where are you at in PA, my sister lives outside Beaver Falls, in Industry. Elizabeth

The real concern is that a girl (or a boy for that matter) at the age of 12 is not emotionally or physically mature. I would be concerned with the long term growing patterns in these children realted to them having a lapband placed, as well as the effects of their obestiy. I speak as an overweight adult and an overweight child, the lapband is not a quick or simple fix. This mother is sending messages to her young daughter that ANYWAY to get thin is the way to go. This child has already had liposuction, that sounds like it was really effective for her weight huh?! I give cudos to the specialists doing the RESEARCH into this growing epidemic and trying to understand what is the right age for someone to be banded. My educated guess is that 12 is too young, but I think it depends on the person. I also belive that pyschological evaluation is paramount for these kids. I feel bad for this child, as her mother is defining her by what she physically looks like. I have a lapband and want to be healthy, not just THIN!

Lisa, how's it going with the fill? Feel any different? I have lost 21lbs since my surgery, nothing in the past 1.5 weeks though, so I know I'm ready for my fill. I've heard of people who did not lose any weight post-op, so I guess I'm rather fortunate in that regard. I went back to work this week, and several people have noticed the loss already, so I'm thrilled with my results fo far. I'm fortunate becuase I live about 1 hour from the hospital and Gazayerli's office so I can take advantage of the free fills for 1 year. Curious about what the local doctor is charging you for a fill, if I can be so nosey.? Elizabeth

I was also banded by Dr. Gazayerli in July. Really great doctor. Lisa, what size band do you have? I have the AP large and am scheduled for my first fill next Thursday. Just have some questions? Elizabeth

Hey thanks band chick for the great reference!!!

Lepez, The diameter (the hole in the center which food goes through) is larger than the original band. It allows for more Fluid to go in to it (my understanding is 11mL). So if you get ill you can get more food therough the hole when all the saline is out. My understanding is the first two fills are 3 mL each and then it depends on how you are doing. Honestly almost 2 weeks out from surgery I have lost 12 lbs!!:whoo: But realistically, I know the weight will not cont. to come off that fast once I go to "mushies". That's OK. I plan on getting my first fill in 2 weeks. I don't think I have any restriction at this point, but I had to pay myself for the surgery, I'll be taking no chances messing up my investment. 226/214/202/120?

I just was banded with an AP large 07-11-07 in Detroit. My doctor has been using them only, in his patients for 1 year. States if you become ill (ie cancer, joint replacement, pregnant) it can be opened up more allowing you to get the more nutrition and eat easier. I like a forward thinking doctor.

I was banded 07-11-07 with an AP large band, I don't think I have any restriction either. I had to pay for my band ($11,700). I have not dwelled on eating more than liquids at this point and am happy to be starting "pureed" on Tuesday. I have no desire to have paid all that money just to have my band slip, port flip of casue myself erosion. Remember the band is a tool, not a "magic pill". While I agree it is hard, it's not impossible. Think of your pre-op diet, not easy but you understood the importance of shrinking your liver for the surgery. Same idea, except now we're talking about your stomach healing, rather than shrinking your liver. Come on, you can get back on the wagon if you try!

The tube put down your throat is put down while your asleep, the only time they are put in while you are awake is if your in the ER and about to die from breathing problems. (trust me, I'm a nurse in an ER, we don't even like to put one in while someone is awake, only if it's life or death and lapband surgery is elective). Please talk to your anethesiologist about it the day of surgery and make sure they know your concerns. FYI, they give you medications thru your IV so you have no idea or memory of what is going on prior to putting you all the way under. I even went as far to ask the anesthiologist what types of medications they planned on using. I give many of these meds in the ER for emergency situations and have some I prefer the results of. As for the catheter, you will have one, if you have surgery in a US hospital. Last thing they want is you peeing in the OR or anywhere near the surgical field. Talk to your surgeon, maybe if the doc is really quick and you tell him your concerns, they'll work with you. The US hospitals really want you to have a good expierence and want you to tell your friends how well it went, so if you or your friends need to go to a hospital, you'll go back to them. Love that almighty dollar. (I have no expierence wit hospitals in Mexico, so I don't know about them).

In nursing school we were taught that pudding is considered part of a full liquid diet. I'm kinda of in the same boat with you, 1 week post-op and almost afraid ? of eating. Had a regular scheduled visit with my urologist, yesterday, who was not "thrilled" with my urine results. One test showed that I wasn't currently keeping up with my body's need of minimal calories, ie. my body is using it's own muscle for food! Don't get caught in the trap. Make sure to have your 2 PROTEIN drinks (supplements) no matter what! Take in lots of fluids in addition. Good fortune in the future.