Molly A

Well mine was a great pair a pants I hadn't worn in 4 years - they fit perfectly now. I also can't wait to see how my summer clothes fit!

My doctor's nurse does my fills. Why wouldn't they be able to? Nurses do shots and other procedures

As a former nursing professor, I must say I disagree with you. Giving an injection is much less serious than doing a fill in a lap band. Also, nurses are taught in school to do routine procedures; not a lap band fill.

Laws vary from state to state regarding acceptable nursing practice. However, I would suggest a certification to perform fills is needed - this would imply competence in the area.

Believe it or not... a Medical Assistant in Dallas where I had my surgery done did my last fill. I was on the table when she approached me and started doing my fill. I have had problems with it since then. I am now trying to find another Dr for my aftercare and fills. I am a Medical Assistant and I know she is not qualified to do a fill. Dr Jayaseelan at Medical City did the surgery. I know they are charging my Insurance $250.00 a fill and I think the Dr should be doing it not someone that went to school for 8 months for a half day.

Each state has different regulations - but a medical assistant!!??? No wonder malpractice law suits are so frequent.

I would talk to the doctor and tell him. However if you do not feel comfortable with doing this you could inform the insurance company - the MD is committing fraud by billing for a procedure that he's not doing. As an NP in NYS; I cannot bill for a procedure that I do not do. I can bill for procedures that I do; but the reimbursement amount is less than an MD's amount (even though I am qualified and lawfully able to do it).

Everyday - same time of day, same clothes, before I brush my teeth in the morning

In NY State, nurse practitioners working in collaboration (NOT supervision) with a surgeon can do fills. At the bariatric program I attended, the NP does most the pre-op work up and does follow up after surgery including fills. The NP is specially trained; as is the physician to do the fills.

Physician assistants can probably do fills also. PA's work under the supervisoin of a physician. They would have to be trained also.

I don't know if RN's can do fills in this state - I think it would be beyond their scope of practice.

If you have any bariatric programs near you; ask if the have an NP or PA.

Hi,

I spent a couple of hours researching information from Europe and the outcome of lap band surgeries. I found several articles in reputible journals that reported 10 year retrospective data indicating gastric banding and gastric bypass had reduced death rates from heart disease and other side effects of obesity. The benefits outweighted the risks of the surgery. The journals included the British Medical Journal, New England Journal of Medicine and a few others.

I also checked the references in these articles - I found no acticles published by the 2 names that were mentioned in this video. All of the reference lists included more than 20 names. I also searched in GoogleUK the two researchers and found no information.

I also checked the web site listed at the end of the video. Dr. Rutledge, who is in the video, does another type of weight loss surgery. He would benefit from any doubts about gastric banding surgery.

These are the facts as I found them. Interpret them as you will.

While listening to this video, I wonder where the research (that he cited) came from; often when your talking through your hat you don't the give details needed to verify your information. He did give the researches names however. But there is good research and there is poor research - I wonder who he is quoting.

I'm going to do some of my own investigating - I'll let you know what I discover. As far as I know, there have been no big problems with the band in Europe - but I can't give you a source for my information either - so I'll find out!

Did you email this Dr. Rudlege person?

MollyA

I'm a nurse - so have been working with women for years - I understand this terrible and sad situation. When you get a good group of woman together in a work place - there is no bond stronger. However the reverse is true also; if it's a bad group - there is nothing worse.

There's a book that helped me; "Women's Inhumanity to Women". In your particular situation; I would keep detailed notes! Hand written or typed notes - like a journal - are accepted in a court of law. So your superiors would most likely accept them too. It's time consuming but to your advantage. It's not likely your trouble maker will take the time to do this.

Take the high road and I hope it works out for you. It's a bad situation.

Janet-I have a question for you. What size band do you have and how filled are you? My breakfast story is not different from many others...I can't eat in the mornings. I normally drink coffee or a Skinny Latte from Starbucks. I can barely eat 1/2 cup at at time of anything unless it's Soup or chili...I guess that's the goal, but you seem to be able to eat more food and are still experiencing progressive weight loss. I was thinking about getting unfilled by .2 cc's or so to see if I can enjoy a meal. I have a 10 cc band with a fill of 7.2. My weight loss is going well but it is often very frustrating that I can only eat literally about 3 bites of food. Any more and it's coming up.

The coordinator of my program explained that the band is tighter in mornings. Something to do with lower body temp and lack of gut movement throughout the night. Maybe this explains it. I don't like to eat in the morning either, just some decaff or a Protein drink.

It dilutes the food so it passes through the band faster - you won't be satisfied as long - defeats the purpose!

I had to write this - to people who understand and to encourage people who need a little pick me up.

I'm going to the doctors this PM. All my pants were too big. I found a pair (thank God) that I haven't worn in 4 years and they are perfect!!! This is significant!

Banded 2-5-08

Wt loss before band 24 lbs.

Wt loss since band 12 lbs.

:regular_smile::smile2::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile:

Not to sound like a sissy, but I did medicate...it is easing a little now.

I had a craving for mashed potatoes, I made them SOUPY. The first bite hurt when it hit my belly.

Gas x strips do absolutley NOTHING! I eat them 2-3 at the time...nothing.

DO I need to send out for some liquid Vitamins?

Another thing I neglected to tell you guys, I was on the table 3.5 hours. The doc removed 3 lbs of scar tissue out of my belly from previous surgeries and hernia repairs...so I was under for a good while.

I know it will pass and I am not the lone ranger...but DAMN!

David

You left out some important details - you should contact your doctor.

Many people have gas pain after the lap band. You should run it by your physician or nurse practitioner however - no on here knows your risk factors.

If it is gas pains - take the Gas X (simethicone), walk, lie on your left side when in bed, and a heating pad will help. Try to get off your pain meds - the usual one prescribed post-op is a form of hydrocordone and will increase the gas pains by slowing down your digestive tract. If you can take Tylenol - get the adult liquid form and use that. Take deep breathes when you have a cramp.

Drink water; when you feel a little better then worry about your Protein intake. The Protein Drink I was taking made the gas pain worse; if was difficult to digest. Try powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury - you can find it online - it works better and tastes better too (I'm sure there are other ones also).

Make sure you run it by your health care provider just to be safe. But if they did the surgery; you're probably medically okay. Hope this helps. It will get better!

Hi,

The bariatric program that I attend doesn't require a pre-op liquid phase. The patient has to lose 15% of his/her excess body weight, but how you do it is up to the individual. They do give some patients medication to help lose the weight - only if not contraindicated medically.

They will not do surgery until you have lost the weight, however. The reason is a fatty liver. In the pre-op classes they explain even a few pounds make a big difference in the amount of fat around the liver.

The requirement was frustrating at times - but all in all I think it was a good idea. It helps you learn how to eat regular foods after the surgery.

The program I am attending is at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, NY.

Molly A

The progam I attended is asking for volunteers for a study of lung function pre- and post lap banding. The study subjects will be paid. This may be a way for individuals that do not have insurance to have the procedure. I don't know if they will cover the cost of surgery - I doubt that but if interested; you should check.

The hospital is Mary Imogene Bassett HealthCare in Cooperstown, NY. They are associated with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Ask for the Bariatric Surgery Department.

I am happy with my experience at Bassett. This may be an option for those who have had problems with insurance coverage - just a thought.

Molly, you just made my day! I've kind of heard something like this, but to know that it doesn't ALWAYS take over a year makes me feel much better. I more than qualify with my weight and BMI, but I have no other health problems except that my joints are starting to hurt from all the excess weight....

How are you feeling since you're out of surgery for a few weeks now? And did your doctor give you a band that was unfilled just after surgery or did he/she fill it slightly during the surgery?

I'm feeling fine - a few ups and downs - but I'm still glad I did it. The "downs" involve gas pain and diarrhea. That will eventually resolve, Thank God. The incisions are healed, I'm up and around and eating soft foods. I saw my doctor today, he's pleased with my progress. I won't have a fill until 6 weeks after my surgery which is a few more weeks.

I went to the Bariatric Program at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and Healthcare in Cooperstown. Drs. Heneghan and Weiss do the surgery there. The hospital is starting a research study of lung function Pre- and Post-lap band for patients. The Hospital is looking for volunteers. I'm going to do a new post regarding that for people who have problems with their insurance companines.

Where are you going for your surgery? Don't get discouraged; as they say at Bassett all the time - its a marathon, not a spint.

Have a good day,

Molly A.

barbie,

I started in July 2007 and was in surgery Feb. 5, 2008. Many people in the program I'm in have the surgery within a few months - it depends upon their initial medical status. They have a fast track program for people with few medical problems. That may take only 6 weeks.

Hope this helps,

Molly A.

I had told people... and I do regret it a bit... people do not understand that I still have to work at this. Although I've lost 90 pounds,and had to use great will power, they think it was easy for me... and don't realize the struggle. So, now I wish I hadn't told as many people.

WE KNOW AND UNDERSTAND!

I have not hesitated to tell anyone that I had this surgery, and I have only had 1 extremely negative response. This particular person was so rude and insensitive. She basically told me that it was un-necessary surgery and when she found out that my insurance was covering it, she really went off the deep end. She thought it was rediculous that people could have this surgery in the first place and that to have insurance cover it was even worse. She pretty much blamed me and people like me for driving up the cost of health care! I am definately not a confrontational type person, so I just kind of laughed and shrugged it off. I too am very proud of myself for the step I have taken to help myself become a more healthy person. To heck with all of the negative nellie's out there!

mamato3 - I'm sure you were taken aback by that one! But after giving it some thought I have a few comments (keep for future reference):

1. So according to that school of thought, if a 40 year old individual that had been a smoker developed cancer and needed to have a lung out to save his/her life - the insurance shouldn' pay for the surgery? He choose to smoke afterall.
   
2. You must be against insurance companies paying for people to have open heart surgery unless they have led a "perfect life."
   
3. How do you feel about insurance companies paying for plastic surgery even if it's medically necessary? Like surgery to rebuild a breast after a mastectomy - it really isn't medically necessary.
   
4. So you think it would be more cost effective for the insurance companies to pay for my future health problems rather than to prevent them? Mamograms are preventative too - your insurance company pays for your mamogram, doesn't it?
   
5. You know this surgery has been proven to cure diabetes! So if I develop diabetes, the insurance company would be better off paying for my diabetes monitor, my daily medications, quarterly doctor's appointments with my family doctors, visits to an endocrinologist, specialist appoints with an eye doctor and special eye tests, podiatrist appointments, classes for diabetic diets, specialist appoints with a cardiologist, appointments with a kidney doctor, etc.? And if I need open heart surgery because of my diabetes, they should pay for that too?

Just some thoughts!

Molly A

Hi,

I was banded on Feb. 5th - the gas pains were horrible for a few days. They haven't completely stopped, but they are somewhat better. It is to be expected and normal!

Also - down to brass tacks - watery stools, or paste like stools are common too. Expect some urgency; when you need to go - you need to go.

I'm still waiting for it to stop completely - friends tell me it takes a while and differs from one person to another.

Some tips that helped me,

1. Try Gas X strips or chewables - they really helped.
   
2. Lie on your left side when in bed.
   
3. Don't eat or drink right before bedtime.

Good luck,

Molly Ann

Hi,

Sometimes it seems like the lap band surgery takes forever to schedule. But good centers do evaluations. Just the fact that a person has obesity puts them at high risk for several medical problems. In my case, I had several medical problems when I entered the program. A few years ago, I had a brain tumor and then developed a seizure disorder because of the tumor and the surgery to remove it. At the WLS center, the providers thought I might have a type of sleep apnea - partly because of my weight and partly because of my history. I had to have some testing for evaluation. The result was abnormal, so I had to stop some of my medications (they may have been a cause of the abnormal results). Seizures meds can't be stopped quickly; I had to wean off for several weeks. The repeat test results were worse; my oxygen level dropped to 60 % while I was sleeping (that is very bad). Then I had to have a consult with a sleep specialist and 2 separate sleep studies. I now have a bi-pap machine used to sleep apnea. The result - I feel wonderful!

After that problem was resolved; I was scheduled for my lap band. It was successfully done 2 weeks ago. Now I just can't wait to see how I feel in the near future - now I breathe in my sleep and am losing weight!

Thank God the providers found the sleep apnea even if the surgery was delayed. That would have killed me skinny or not!

Anyway that's my story. And hello to Whitesboro. Did you have the surgery yet?

Molly A.

I have to comment on this:

I just read a post about a woman that was having difficulty with a co-worker's comments (they were negative) regarding her having a lap band. Then I took the poll and was surprised about how many people keep the surgery quiet or just share with a limited number of people.

Well maybe I just too old to worry about it or it's just me. But, it's obvious to anyone what I look like - I'm obese. And a great number of people are obese in this country. What's the shame? If diets and exercise worked; everyone in the country would be skinny. It's not always what you put in your mouth; it's more complicated than that.

The people that criticize a person's decision to have a lap band, to be a healthier person, are ignorant. Maybe by reframing the interactions with the skeptics will help; realizing that the critical unaccepting people are stupid and wrong. We should feel sorry for them; poor things.

We are the brave pioneers that are making healthy choices and taking action. I'm proud of what I'm doing.

Molly A

I hate it when someone says they are trying to help you and actually they want to undermine you. Tell her directly that her comments are unnecessary and that she should get a life! You have one and maybe she is jealous. Are your other friends and family supportive? That would make her really jealous.

About the GI bleeding. Most obese people have GI problems with esophagitis, ulcers. That's one of the problems with being overwt. And many lap band surgeons evaluate that before surgery - mine did. I'm not totally sure, but band slippage should not cause GI bleeding. The band is outside the stomach. If the patient just had the band done - the surgeon could have goofed and perferated something - like the stomach - but that is usually a really acute and critical problem. Maybe the patient had a history of GI bleeds and wasn't taking her medicines. And, some medications cause GI bleeds - there are a lot of possibilities for a bleed - the band may not have had anything to do with the it!

Remember, you have made a great choice for yourself - don't let on crack pot derail your decision. Consider the source - she must be like that with other people too. Remember also that the world is full of not so nice people and some really wonderful ones too - surround yourself with the latter.

Good luck

Molly

Hi,

I've gone to Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, NY. They have quite a large program. Two surgeons and a whole team. I've been pleased.:mad:

Hi,

I was just banded in Cooperstown - I live in Sauquoit (outside of Utica). I'm interested in knowing who does it in syracuse just for my own information.

Cooperstown - Bassett Hospital's program is very long. I've been in it since July 07 and was just banded 2/5/08. But I'm doing well - that's the important thing:thumbup: