Bandarella

If you have a hiatal hernia repair, the z line can appear irregular on endoscopy. This is an early Barrets indication, but a biopsy shòuld be done. I have an irregular z line, but my biopsy was negative for Barrets. I don't know where you got this slide show, but this doesn't look like anything I've seen that looks legitimate. Did you have a biopsy?

There's not a big difference. The a Realize band has a wider, flatter port. The actual silicone band is flatter and wider too and I think it has two inflatable chambers instead of the 3 Lapband has. The Lapband port can become visible, even under clothing as you lose weight.

Most doctors agree that NSAIDs are not ok for bands, RNY and DS. For sleeves it's allowed. With the pressure of the band around the stomach it is thought that NSAIDs increase the risk of erosion. I used liquid ibuprofen washed down with copious amounts of water when my back got unbearable. I still have to use liquid, since my esophagus has little crypts in it where a pill can get stuck and ulcerate.

I will PM you a link to some info put out by Allergan back in 2011. Lots of statistics about complications, results, etc. Sleeve has higher initial complications 1.5% vs .5% in the first 30 days post op. Lapband has a higher re operative rate and more late complications, which can be very serious, require removal and may preclude future WLS. Please cross post your post on the sleeve forum, you'll get a better perspective on both surgèries, especially since many ex- banders revised to sleeve.

Here's another perspective: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/fatty-running-motivational-facebook-post#.

To the skinny running around the track You know nothing of how I came to this place Of aching joints, embarrassment and self defeat I'm trying to survive while you run your 6 minute mile It's not about midnight Snacks, Cookies and cake It's about a little girl who learned early She was alone, unprotected, vulnerable Blamed herself for the abuse she suffered I'm not here for you to judge or make assumptions About how I became a fatty, I don't need your approval As you pass me, an encouraging word would be ok Cause with every painful step I want to quit So don't judge me at the track, grocery store or diner Don't judge me at the gym, park or pool Don judge me anywhere I go, skinny You run your life, I'll run mine, one mile at a time

I'm surprised Washington isn't on there...with our longgggg winters.

Glad you figured it ou! Hugs!

4 days post OP this could be anything from a serious problem to your stomach being super sensitive. Call your doctor, now. If nothing else they can prescribe something to take to help at bedtime. 3 oz broth 3x daily isn't enough...on clear liquids you should be having broth, sf Popsicles, sf jello as often as you want, along with 48-64 oz water, sipped at about a cup per hour you're awake. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Curiousone, good post! TMF seems to be very happy with his choice of WLS. Unfortunately, many who haven't suffered complications of banding are very enthusiastic in voicing their pro band position and in calling anyone of a different persuasion a brasher, denier, negative, etc. This "least invasive", no rerouting, reversible device, is in fact none of the aforementioned. After 3 years of being banded, a year of undergoing some pretty invasive tests and having my GI anatomy permanently change by the device, I can speak to that. It's removable, but the damage it leaves behind is permanent. Many who have trouble free bands just can't deal with the reality that at some point, they will most likely lose their precious tool! It's a devastating reality for many of us. I ignore such people except when they cross the line of name calling or bullying. Thanks for your post.

I've heard that Tijuana is not a safe place for bariatric surgery. What is referred to as a hospital, could be just a strip mall clinic using non standard equipment and sterilization techniques. It's not worth risking your life for a few $$$$.

2 weeks should be pretty good. If you need "light duty" your doctor can write a note and your employer must honor it. I had a longer recovery because it was a pretty extensive surgery. My lifting limit was 5 lb for 8 wks. Best of luck to you!

I think that's a great choice! I wish I'd been able to get the VSG in the first place. It's much safer on a virgin stomach than one that's been damaged by a previous weight loss surgery.

Type in the name of the hospital bariatrics, go to the page. This is what COE looks like at my local hospital https://www.evergreenhealth.com/for_patients/medical_services/weight_loss_services Note the COE seal at the bottom of the page. If you see this, call them to see if they are contracted with Medicare.

Medicare requires you to use a Center of Excellence for surgeries. I would call every hospital in your area and speak to the insurance coordinator for the bariatric department to determine a) if they contract with Medicare and if they are a COE. This is what I had to do prior to my Lapband implantation.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/groups/314-vegetarian-sleevers/

Could be the other woman doesn't know he's married???

Medicare paid for my removal and all testing I had done prior to removal.

Wow... As someone who almost gave up on my marriage years ago, went to counseling and 18 years later is happily married to the same guy, I just gotta say, slow down! Things might not be as you think. Time for a conversation, an honest one to figure out what's going on. Hope things work out for you.

You've been a great advisor, role model and mentor to many. So sorry for your loss... Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the feedback and you're right. She's just misinformed and did not intend to deceive. My bad. You're an intelligent person, who shows a lot of concern and care in your posts, except when you think the poster is wrong. Then words like, stupid, silly, etc fall into the text and the attention is diverted from the issue. The first set of slides were, I think incomplete. The second link worked great. The problem with almost all band studies is that the data IS old. There is a newer long term study underway, but the old studies and anecdotal information, along with the device mfr info, is all we have to go on. In the bariatric surgery community, things need to change. Everybody needs to stop protecting their own position, product, ego...do the right thing. I think a little more honesty by all of the purveyors of WLS would benefit all of the "customers".

So only pro-band members can post biased opinions??? We all post based on our own experience...who says one person's experience is more valid, accurate or reflective of the efficacy of a particular procedure? Posting a contrary opinion isn't "bashing". The newbies of which you speak, are able to read posts on both sides of the argument and, as you noted, are able to make up their minds. By all means speak up! But understand, you also can expect a response.

I think it's important to note that this was posted in the General Forum. Not like the OP was "trespassing" on the Lapband forum, lol. TMF: in refuting posts that you perceive as "anti-band", you do tend to use inflammatory language. To say that the OP used "obvious deceptive assertions" implies that the OP intends to deceive. That implies dishonesty and comes across as attacking the messenger rather than the message. Just a little friendly feedback.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/813532#1 This is more a cost/benefit/risk analysis and funded by Allergan (former owner of Lapband), but does note the declining use of the device. Whether the device itself is the cause of late complications, poor surgical skill or other factors, the trend seems to be a moving away from this procedure.

Cheryl2586, I'm surprised that it wouldn't drive you nuts as a writer to see these types of errors...