Alfie

A few years ago, my friend's daughter participated in a study where she got the Swedish band at no cost to her. She went for all her fills etc, and originally she lost 40 lbs. Now she has gained that back plus some. She is now considering RNY revision surgery. Of course, I'm not sure why it failed her or did she fail it? It seems like the latter may be so. She had to get unfilled because she had a swollen esophogus and according to her mother, she was trying to fit what didn't fit and temporarily damaged her esophogus. I guess that can happen with the LapBand too. Well, just thought I'd share that! Regards, Alfie

The only negative comment I got was from, believe it or not, the cardiologist. Her comment was that I should just not eat after 6 o'clock pm and walk on the treadmill and I will lose weight???!!!:confused2: She is actually a surgeon and is very young (she looks in her 20's really). She is adorable and probably weighs 110lbs soaking wet. She told me that's what she does because she says she tends to have a fat tummy...:thumbup: I wound up saying to her "have you ever had a weight problem?" Of course she said that she didn't. She actually is very laid back and sweet but she just doesn't understand the problems with obesity from a perspective of an obese person. She was never for my surgery and I'm very glad she wasn't my pcp because she would have never co operated.

I have the 14 cc Inamed band (I think it's called). I also heard that the newly manufactured ones after a certain date are prefilled with 3 cc's. I'm not sure about mine but will find out when I go for my first fill on March 7. Right now, I can eat the world as I have no restriction to speak of.

Hi Alv, I don't really have a complete answer for you except that I had my surgery on 1/23 and have hardly any restriction (maybe a pinch). This is what is called bandster hell and I'm there with you! You are fortunate to be getting a fill so soon. I can't get one until March 7 and am anxiously waiting to be more in control of my eating. I was starting to think that I am even a failure with a band in place but I've been reading a lot of the posts and one person mentioned that it's too early in the game to feel that way. Actually, when I was a week out, I knew what restriction felt like and it was heavenly. I lost about 13 lbs at that time, then it went to 15 and now I've gained back 3 so....I know it will get better. Hang in there; we can do this!!

Typically, the insurances go by 40 bmi or above -or- 35 with co morbities so if your insurance covers bariatric surgery, you should not have a problem. That is my take from my experience and from what I learned at the seminar.

Hi Mike, I wish you all the best and welcome to bandland and for making a decision that will help you. I'm also in New York (Queens), and had my surgery done on January 23, 2008 at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

I am only banded 3 weeks and I had 1 pb already. This is what it felt like: I felt like the food was going down slow with a tiny bit of pain (not much) and then I thought if I burped that would help so I tried to but instead some slime and the food popped out of my mouth, then it was over. That's all I can say, I'm not sure why you would still feel miserable since your food came out unless it may be because it irritated your tummy. Usually, the rule of thumb is that if you pb like that then you go on liquids for a couple of days to rest your stomach and esophogus. Hope that helps

Hi Graham, Congratulations on becoming a banster. I think a lot of people go through those thoughts even while they are on the table. Even though right now I have no restriction, I am also very happy that I did this. Regards, Alfie

I believe that this is not to even be compared to a c section which is so much more invasive. I can understand that you are nervous but you'll do fine; the surgery was a cinch. I was very fortunate as I had no gas whatsoever. I heard that's the main thing that will cause you discomfort...or maybe you'll be like me and have none :mad:. This is one of the best decisions I've ever made and I love my band even though right now my restriction is minimal! Regards, Alfie:rolleyes2: ps first fill due on March 7

One singe serving size 2% cottage cheese One banana One drinkable yogurt Dannon DanActive

I started to eat solids way before I was supposed to. I confessed to my doctor and his reaction was wanting to know if I was able to tolerate it without vomiting. He told me that it is actually vomiting that will move or slip the band. Again, they all have a different opinion so who knows.

Hi I would think that if you lose some more weight within the next few weeks (which you should at this rate) the fat by your band will decrease thus loosening your band so yes I do believe it will get better.

Hi, I don't know what that is but I definately think you should put a call in to your doctor. Have you had this since surgery? Hope you feel better soon.

Hi Pipa, My doc said I could take a shower the day after surgery

Very frustrating, you would think that the surgeons office would know exactly what each insurance company requires since they work with them on a daily basis. I ran into an issue with mine as well which got resolved, but was thinking why did the girl in the office, that deals with Aetna on a daily basis even send it in if something was missing. She also told me that she had 3 other denials on her desk for the same reason...HELLOOOOO

Hi Turler, Congratulations. I wish you all the best as you start your new healthier lifestyle. I'm just 10 days out from surgery and have no regrets. Regards, Alfie

Hi I was banded on January 23. Right before my surgery, my doctor advised me that I have H-Pylori. He said that it is some type of bacteria that lives in the stomach. He also said that if I were a RNY patient, my surgery would have been delayed. Within the next few weeks, I will have to be on a regimen of 3 different types of antibiotics for 2 weeks. Did anyone else have this?:tt1:

I don't know about them at all but I am also in NY and used Dr Gregory Nishimura who is part of Dr. Vohra's team at South Nassau Communities Hospital. I had a very good experience and they are also a Circle of Excellence. Their office is a little hectic though!

If there is an exclusion clause, you can't fight it.

Is there anyone out there that has had the band for a time yet never PB'd, Slimed or gotten stuck? Just wondering if this happens to every bandster.

Hi Iher and Mindy, Thanks for the replies. I think I speak for a lot of new bandsters when I say that many are terrified when reading about pbing, sliming etc. Maybe the anticipation of it is worse than the reality but the way it's described is often scary. I wrote in another post that I hope I have it early on to understand what it's like. On the other end, I'm glad I've read about it so I won't be totally shocked when it does happen.

Hi Kel, I know, the foods look so good. I keep wanting tuna salad of all things and eggs. I think on Thursday he is going to start me on mushy stuff. I was wondering if the band size made a diff. I have a 14cc Inamed so maybe I didn't get too much swelling. I have also been having lots of weird sounds coming from within and also have been burping up a storm.

Hi I was also banded on 1/23. I am the opposite of you as I am feeling very hungry. I hope you all feel better soon!

I'm only banded for 6 days but am practically hoping I get stuck so I can get it over with. It actually terrifies me for all I've read time and time again:eek:

HI Im 5 days out and I am agreeing with some other posters that you're not getting enough calories. I was having really bad dizzy spells last night every time I stood up and I am only having less than 400 calories a day. Now I added Light and Fit Smoothie with some unflavored protein powder and so I hope that won't happen again. Hope you feel better soon.