Longhorn

I had been interested in lap-band surgery ever since I first heard of it a few years ago but I wasn't 100 pounds overweight. After I saw a commercial for it, I decided to check again and saw that I might qualify with my BMI of 35. The first I said anything about it out loud was on a hike in the mountains with my husband and two of my daughters. They all thought it was worth looking into. That was on September 21. I started researching it more seriously after that and found this board. I made inquiries at three doctor's offices -- one in Denver, one in San Antonio, and one in Austin where I live -- and decided on the Austin doctor. I had my consultation with him last Friday and I'm scheduled for surgery next Thursday. I am also self-pay. I just applied online with a company that my doctor uses and I got immediate approval. I've been able to get all of my other required labs, tests, and appointments in since last Friday. So from the first moment I seriously considered it to fruition should be about six weeks! However, this is a culmination of several years of interest. Good luck!

According to Dr. Trace Curry, the new small AP band also holds 10 cc. Here's a quote from him on his support board: "Allergan/Inamed has a new band in the US called the AP band. It has not yet been released to the general public but I have put a number of these excellent bands in. There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones: 1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones) 2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips 3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster. So those of you with the older models, it would definitely not be to your benefit to think about having your band swapped out! Just thought you guys would like to know this! _________________ Dr. C" Trace W. Curry, M.D. :: View topic - New AP band

My doctor said that the new version has the "baffles" going completely around the band. There is some belief that if the band erodes into the stomach, it may start at that point where there is no inflation. Also, he said that the baffles may help prevent slippage.

I have to say, I would really be pissed! And I do believe that the band that they put it is fine. My surgeon told me that any problems they had with it were rare, plus it was an improvement over the earlier band. But one of the reasons I chose my surgeon is that he does use the AP band. I felt like I wanted the latest improvements. I don't know what they can do now, short of replacing it, which I'm sure you wouldn't want. But they should make some concession, in my view. Certainly, if there is ever a complication due to that particular band, they should fix it for free! That said, I think you'll be fine with the band you have so don't let this sour you. Good luck!

1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn Hopping to It- Danna 19th Mrs Smartypants 26th kuchiegrl1 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras

I just got back from my pre-op testing but I was able to get it done in my GP's office. The appointment was at 9:15 and I was done by 11:15. I had an EKG, Pulminary Function Test, Chest X-Ray, and blood drawn for tests to be done at the lab. Including the visit, it cost $515, which they told me was much less than it would have been at the hospital (I'm self-pay.) I go to the hospital Monday for pre-op paperwork and to my surgeon on Tuesday for his pre-op examination. Then surgery on Thursday at 7 a.m.! It is getting very close! :whoo:

I'm off to the GP, hoping he will order my labs and I can get them done today! If not, I'm getting a manicure!

I decided a long time ago that I am NOT a mind-reader. And since I don't really know what they're thinking, why not imagine that they're thinking GOOD things about me? I mean, really, I'm the one who is putting words to their thoughts so why not good words? Try it! When you get used to it, you find that there is love and support everywhere you go!

Yes, but she thought it was smooth like the AP band so I was showing her that the AP band is not smooth. That's the one I'm getting.

Oh, no problem! I wish there was a site that compared the various bands, new and old versions, etc. My doctor went through it all with me and he had a couple of versions that he could show me but, except for posts on boards like this one, I haven't been able to find a site that directly compares them, with photos. Even the J&J Realize site says, "Coming Soon," or words to that effect.

The new AP band is not smooth on the inside. It looks like this:

The liver lays across the stomach and the bigger it is, the more it gets in the way of the surgery. So several surgeons require a pre-op diet to shrink it.

I think drinking it through a straw helps. Otherwise, I can taste the metal of the can! Also, I just got a cooler that plugs into my car's lighter socket to help keep it cold for days I'm on the road. I just got it yesterday so we'll see how well that works! :eek:

My doctor said he wasn't too worried about me shrinking my liver since my BMI is low so the nutritionist put me on a low-carb diet. Instead of what, I don't know. Anyway, it's been a little hard to stick to because it kind of feels like I don't *really* have to do this. But I'm trying. I do fine all day long but I must not be eating enough because then I'm starving in the evening. But I don't think I've exceeded the 30-gram carb limit by much and it's been good food like whole grain crackers and low-carb wraps. I got a snack suggestion doing a search for low-carb foods: slice cucumbers, spread with cream cheese, and top with salmon. Yummy! I drive 45 miles to teach a class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it's my only opportunity to eat in the evening until late. I used to get a grilled chicken sandwich on whole wheat bun, bag of Sun chips, and a huge diet coke. Tuesday, I got just the sandwich, no chips, and a Propel. I was eating while driving but I managed to eat the sandwich without eating most of the bun! Today I'm going to bring my own low-carb bread and ask them to make my sandwich with it. I'm sure the couple that runs the snack bar on my campus will be glad to but if they can't for some reason, I'll ask for it without the bun and do it myself.

I lucked out and got to see the nutritionist right after my initial consultation with my doctor. All she did is discuss my pre-op and post-op diet with me and make sure I understood it. She also discussed the chewable vitamins I should take, all of which I already had bought because of information from this board! :eek:

I'm getting banded on the 1st. I saw Dr. Ganta last Friday, as well as the nutritionist. I saw the psychologist on Tuesday. I go to my GP tomorrow to see if he will order my labs so that my insurance will pay for it. I hope to get those labs the same day. I go to the hospital Monday for my pre-op check-in. I see Dr. Ganta again Tuesday for my pre-op examination. And FINALLY, the surgery at 7 a.m. Thursday. I teach at a community college and have a really tight schedule so working all of these appointments in has been hectic. I am cancelling classes on two days, Thursday and Monday, and going back on Tuesday, November 6. I've announced the cancellation to my classes and one student raised his hand and asked why I was having surgery! I told him I wasn't planning on discussing it. Then another student, who is older than I am, asked me privately if I was okay, that she was worried because she has a friend who just found out she had cancer. I went ahead and told her what I was doing and she was supportive. I haven't even told my mother and in-laws yet! :omg:

Well, if you look at my post, I had already put you on the 9th. I think you may have added yourself to the 10th so I'll repost, removing you from the 10th. I don't think you want to be in there two days! 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn 19th Mrs Smartypants27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras

Kristin: I had added you to the 9th. You're on there twice now, the 9th and the 10th. Did I put you in the wrong place?

I'm also using Slim Fast low-carb but I'm just on a low-carb diet, not just liquids. They're handy to bring to work. I can't have fruit juice until after mushies! My doctor believes the acid in fruit can be irritating. So I'll that will make the clear liquids even tougher but I can handle it. I should order some Strawberry Unjury as well, since I'll be able to have that on both the clear liquids and full liquid periods of the diet. Thanks for your input! I see from your other post that you've already been through several classes and support meetings and I appreciate you sharing what you've learned!

I had my psych consultation yesterday and the psychologist told me that 98 percent of the people who get banded are very successful with it. She believes that boards like these, as wonderful as they are for information and support, over-represent the problems. She pretty much advised me not to come to these boards but I told her that I understood that some of what we read here is not necessarily typical but I have learned SO MUCH and, in fact, would probably not have found my doctor if it wasn't for this board. And I don't mean to downplay the problems that some folks have had or imply that they shouldn't be sharing them. That's also what this board is for. I think it's good to be aware of the possible problems but not worry about them too much. And only other bandsters are going to understand and offer support and suggestions when someone is in pain, physical or emotional.

So Protein Shakes qualify as "clear liquid" or have you found a clear liquid Protein Shake? I've ordered some unflavored and chicken-flavored Unjury that I'm hoping I'll be able to add to my Propel or broth, etc. but I'm trying to figure out exactly what I'm living on with the clear liquid because I'm supposed to stay on it for up to two weeks after surgery! Or maybe I'm living on my own fat?

1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn 19th Mrs Smartypants27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras 30th Sasquatch

My elliptical and recumbent bikes also allow me to input my age. I've checked the pulse shown on my machines with my pulse shown on a heart rate monitor and it was amazing how close they were. However, I do agree that the formula for determining how high your rate should be does not apply to me. My heart rate jumps up very quickly -- if I exercised at the suggested rate for burning fat, I'd barely be moving! My husband, on the other hand, has to really push to get his heart rate up.

I got approval from my department chair to cancel two days of classes so that I have surgery on Thursday and not return to teaching until Tuesday. I'd like to announce the cancellation enough in advance that students won't make a trip to campus for no reason. But it occurred to me that my surgery could get postponed! How often does that happen and how much notice did you get? Thanks!

I tried to get the list updated. I think some old lists were coped and moved forward so there were some names left off. If your info is missing or wrong, please copy this list to change it. Good luck, everyone! 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn 19th Mrs Smartypants27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras 30th Sasquatch