NewSho

Are you in Cleveland? I just wondered because of the R&R Hall-of-Fame ceremonies you mentioned. I'm a huge Rock Music fan (particularly of The Who) so this totally made my evening. You've got me beat on some of those but I haven't 'shaken hands' with Slowhand (Eric Clapton) yet - although his opening act tried hard to get me to come 'backstage' with him, LOL....But that's another story. Thanks for sharing

Congrats! Here's hoping your journey is smoother from now on...

Check the Plastic Surgery forum here or do a search within this web site for "Port Replacement" or "Lower Profile" and you'll find tons of stories. It's a simple procedure (takes like 20+ minutes in the O.R., seriously) and makes a perfect add-on to a Tummy Tuck surgery. I was switched to a LowerProfile port and I like it much, much better than my Old-School original LapBand port. Months later, I had my TT surgery and my port still ended up being moved - so why not have yours replaced & moved at one time? You'll be glad you did.

I'm a Banded Gurgler.:phanvan The noises, gurgles and other oddiites that come out of my esophagus amaze me. When you are around a lot of longer-term Bandsters or those with much higher restriction levels, they will tell you that you might hear some gurgling. My worse fear is that I'm often around microphones and they pick it up. I also get hiccups if I eat a bit too fast, so I try to never 'rush' eating if I'm going to be around folks or audio equipment.:guess I don't like it (I almost never burped or hiccup'ed before banding) but I value being 'normal weight' much more. :clap2:

OK... Here's a thread that everyone should jump in and help with. BACKGROUND - Twice in the last two days I've talked in person with people who said they read this forum but never post! They'd both read my posts here. Today it was a newbie who had surgery about a month ago, and she said how helpful she has found LBT to be since her banding. So I encouraged her to post something - and I reminded her that if nobody ever posted, and we all read - there'd be nothing to read. We all have things to share. So why don't we start a simple post that lists the lesson we've learned about LapBanding that are NOT in the brochure, or that aren't mentioned at any seminar. We can do it this way - post whatever QUICK TIPS or Realizations you've had, that you wish others would have mentioned. List them with a little bullet point, so they are easy to read. I'll start off... in a fresh message. Please join me. Come on in, the water's nice and warm....LOL :biggrin1:

Guess what they never tell you in the LapBand brochure: The more weight you lose, and the smaller you become - the more fill you might need I will continue to add to the "Fill Gospel" because unfortunately, no one bothered to preach it to me. So I learned the hard way. :phanvan But with forums like LBT, then we can all learn from each others experiences! :grouphug: It's easy to brag about 'only having 1.1cc in your 4.0cc band, if you have a larger frame and a fleshier stomach area. When your stomach is larger, than the LapBand doesn't need much 'fill' to restrict it. To someone who weighs 350 lbs. (or 350#) with a possibly larger stomach, a fill of 1.25 cc may seem like a whole lot of restriction. To another patient who weighs 250# then 2.25cc may seem almost like too much. But the patient whoslims down to a weight of 150# may need 3.0cc's or more to feel that same amount of restriction. Getting to our (sometimes mythical) "sweet spot" may take a bunch of small, incremental fills. That's OK. And don't think that the fill level that worked for you 25# ago, or 50# ago or 100# will still work. Fill levels change. They sometimes ebb and flow like a sea tide. So we have to be ready to keep our levels adjusted to keep our tool working at optimal level. Most 'slim-to-normal-weight' Bandsters that I know have much more fill than they did when they were heavier. No, this does not just mean that they are relying on the bands alone, but it also means that their stomachs are so much smaller, that it takes a more full band to create or keep the same level of restriction. So in a way, a bit more fill in your band may be a sign that you're getting smaller. :clap2: Onwards to goal weight victory, everyone. Let's keep these great tips coming.

OMG, I love James A's awesome avatar from the TV Show "The Family Guy". Giggedy Giggedy Go Go Go! (although I think I have a wee bit more Stewie in me than anything... Oh dear!)

Wait, you have 4cc in your 4cc band? Man, I can barely find a doctor that will let their patients go past 3.0 cc's around here. (Even though I've met Bandsters from across the country and other parts of the world, who have more than 4cc's in their 4cc bands.) Yet all the really "not-just-normal-size-but-slim" Bandsters I know have more than 3 cc's in their bands. (Remember the smaller we get and the tinier our stomachs get, the more 'fill' we sometimes need just to maintain restriction.) But hey at 4 cc's I would think you should have a pretty good tool to work with on the physical aspect of losing weight. Part of the rest is probably mental, right? If only there was a LapBand that they could put on our brains, as they say. Continued success & Good Luck!

...you from somewhere? But those of us who know you by your other "Begins with a N" chat nickname on ObesityHelp LapBand Message Board, maybe a bit confused. :grouphug: I noticed you were here on LBT this summer, so I was happy to see you jump in from time to time. But it's funny. See we have another Nana (no two capital N's like yours has) here on LapBandTalk and you two are completely different, although you are both doing great. Hey, wait - maybe there is one similarity between you too. See, our other Nana is a kick-butt Belly Dancer - and you have spent some time in the Middle East (or was it Egypt?), right? :grouphug: In any case - You look fabulous, marvelous, awesome! :thanks: So both of you would look great in some smokin' hot exotic Middle Eastern-themed outfits. Anyway, big congrats to you and continued success. :clap2:

Well, first some background. I live conveniently located to Mexico, speak Spanish fluently and fly a lot. Would I go to Mexico for plastic surgery (or PS)? No. And similarly, I wouldn't be comfortable going far across this country for PS. For me, after my Tummy Tuck, I absolutely positively needed a local doctor for follow up. Yes, I was fine, no I didn't need further hospitalization but I did need access to the doctor's office for follow-up and continued care. It's not just a condemnation of Mexican health care (which is certainly more affordable in many cases, than comparable American care) but for me, the thought of going to get something as serious as cosmetic surgery in a foreign country (or anyplace even domestically that is far from my home). It's too much of a gamble for me. I know everyone won't agree and I realize there are scores of patients who had great Mexican plastic surgery experiences. I just couldn't roll the dice and take a chance of being one of the few who had complications, but was far from my surgeon. As always, I wish you good luck in your decision. { To answer the unasked question: Would I go to Mexico for a LapBand surgery? Only if Dr Rumbaut was my surgeon and even then, only if I lined up local after-care before I even made the first phone call. I'd want a local LapBand surgeon here ready to take on my care who was familiar with not just Mexican Bandsters but with Rumbaut patients. But again, that's just me.}

Bless your heart. May your continued journey, be a successful one.

Gosh, bless your heart. Sorry about your band. Hopefully your story will help other Bandsters and remind us all to be aware of the risks. But one question - I know you didn't feel as if you need a fill, but in the year after your banding, who was your local doctor before you found this new one (who sounds great, by the way)??? I mean, I know Dr. Ortiz placed it, but which doctor did you see that concurred with you that your band didn't need a fill? I always caution Bandsters to go for 'follow-ups' and so-called 'fill' appointments even if they don't think they need a fill. Often these follow up visits (even when things are going well and restriction is good) help to underscore issues that might arise and pre-diagnose little complications early on. Those appointments aren't just to re-tighten the band. They are great opportunities to find out how you're eating, how you feel, your diet/food choices and other great information. Anyway, congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck on the next leg of your band journey.

I don't get this. Why would you think that how you feel before banding is the same afterwards? This is a tool that will change your life, your outlook, and your body. Getting by on less food is the point of the band - it makes it a bit easier. Now liquid diets are always tough, and after your post-surgical swelling goes down you will have more capacity to eat again. By then you'll be soon on your way to more substantial foods. For as for now: So, of course a two-week liquid diet must be difficult - but your surgeon has prescribed it so your liver will shrink and so your surgery can potentially be easier. That's a good reason. Second of all, it kind of gives you time to de-tox and rid your body of a lot of junk that you don't need to bring into your banded life. If you're on liquids, then I'm assuming your doctor means NO SNACKS, NO MUNCHIES. So you're right in thinking that we can't give you permission (or suggestions) on how to 'cheat.' All we want - is what you want - for you to have a safe, successful banding. It's 2 weeks, but it's a small price to pay to make sure your body (and maybe your mind) are in great shape for your new life. Good Luck. We'll save you a seat on the Weight Loss Bench!

Amen! They should have tattooed that inside my waistband in a temporary ink that only lasted a few months until I learned. I swear, I could have saved myself so much trouble. I spent the first few regular-diet weeks being amazed at what I could still eat. Instead I should have been focusing on getting real restriction - because I don't lose much without it. Some Bandsters can walk around under-restricted and eat as much bread and they want and lose weight. :hungry: Yeah that works early on, or when there is more to lose, or maybe if they were higher-volume eaters to begin with. Me? Nope, I'm not that patient. So don't always get wrapped up if your band journey requires "tweaking" and "adjusting" to make it work for you. I have a ridiculously slow (or downright sleepy :notagree ) metabolism. So although I was eating more than I should before banding, honestly I wasn't eating as much as my weight would lead one to believe I ate. So for me, LapBand restriction helps me to 'restrict' how much I eat. So I see better results when I use my tool properly. And it's really working. :clap2: Absolutely. So true - if I had a dime every time I heard "Gee my sister/cousin/neighbour/fellow coven member/sister-in-law had a gastric bypass and he/she/it lost 20# every month. How come you aren't losing that fast? Not I simply smile and reply... "Two reasons. Number one, I had a different procedure. The LapBand is designed for slower, steady, more longer term weight loss. It produces more incremental loss that is often easier for the body to tolerate. Number two, your friend was most likely, substantially more obese than I was. So considering that they had much more overall weight to lose, then it's natural they would lose much faster. Gee, that shuts them up, wonder why? :heh: (*evil grin*)

Welcome to the World of Lap-Banding - it's an exciting journey. Fills (note: they are generally called "fills" or "adjustments" . Adjustments is the more correct term because remember that sometimes you might get a "fill" or sometimes you might get an "unfill". Both of those processes are called adjustments. This is important because when I saw you mention "fillings" in your title, I honestly thought you were asking would a LapBand affect your dental work. So this way, you can get the terminology correct, early on. ) "Fills" are relatively easy, really. Often my hardest task is just getting on the doctor's appointment schedule to see him. You'll do fine.

I've always loved sushi and especially, sashimi. For me, the hand-roll made-to-order works best. I simply have the sushi chef to make the hand roll without rice (aka Hosomaki, a thinner roll) or with a paper wrap (of soy paper or rice paper, depending on which sushi bar I go to). Either way it's absolutely yummy. I don't hate rice, but a little bit of it makes me SO full that I wouldn't have room for some of the yummy things I like. Tigers eye, Ika, Kani, and Unagi - are some of my favourites. YUM!

As you lose, do buy one or two items of clothing to fit your newer smaller size. No, I'm not saying to spend major $$$$ on clothing you won't be able to wear long (been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. And now the T-shirt is too big! ) but do grab a few nicely-fitting clothing items on sale, or on the bargain racks. When you wear your newer smaller sizes, you get a huge psychological boost. And you get many more compliments when people can see your weight loss :car: .(Even a few pounds makes a difference in how you look in your clothes, honestly! ) Plus on a day when I'm wearing a new smaller size, I feel better, and I just don't want to 'ruin' it by eating crap. But if I put on some old baggy sweats, it just doesn't have the same effect. When I still wore my older baggier clothes, I didn't "feel" like I'd lost weight, even though I know I had. So when you lose some weight, buy an item or two in a smaller size.

Well, my plastic surgeon said that he can tell immediately about a patient smoking - just by their skin and tissue. He prefers not to do any surgery on anyone who has used tobacco within 3-6 months depending on the surgery. He says smokers fare worse during anesthesia & surgery, have more complications, have more pulled incision lines, tend to have necrotic (dead) tissue after surgery and generally heal slower and worse than non-smokers. He prefers not to do multiple (combination) procedures in one surgery on smokers because they don't do well with longer surgeries. If he senses patients are 'fudging' about how long it's been since they last smoked he won't touch them, and he'll postpone their surgery. Once he gets in the O.R. however, he can really tell as soon as he gets in there how long it's been since they have last smoked. He says other surgery doesn't compare to plastic surgery for smokers and occasionally patients will think 'Oh I smoked before my knee surgery so I can do it before my plastic surgery.' And they're wrong. Later when they have necrotic tissue (Google pictures of "necrotic tissue" - but only if you have a strong stomach) that is dying, then they realize their mistake. It's just not worth it.

This isn't good news for me... I've never had kids and believe me, I just want my "Twins" to be perky again. My doc thinks a lift without implants might do it, and I prefer not to have implants if I can avoid it - but I want to look DANG GOOD. I think I've lost too much volume for just a lift... and if I'm going to lose sensation anyway, then I figure I might as well just go all the way and have the full Hollywood look with small natural implants. Decisions, decisions.

Actually, that may not be true. Although the band is not made of metal - it does have a trace of titanium. So when you go through the 'walk-through' metal detector, it does not go off. But if you're at the airport and you're chosen for the extra-special security check? :straight Well nearly everytime I'm hand-wanded, the wand goes off right at my belt line. The security folks assume the metallic traces that are often in underwear elastic - but I know it's usually my band. One time at a New York airport they totally hand-wanded me so many times (it kept beeping when they approached my band area) that I finally did pull out my LapBand wallet card. (It's not a regular "gastric bypass" restaurant card but the one that Inamed sends with the LapBand new patient packet. It has a radiological image of the band, so one can see what it looks like on X-ray. Some surgeons give their patients the packets, some just don't.) After they saw the card they finally let me through. So on regular metal detectors (like at courthouses) no, but if they hand-wand you, it might. Just a thought!

My tummy gets a little gurgly when I fast for a long time. I've had to do it for medical/surgical reasons and it's tolerable to do so for Yom Kippur but quite honestly it's different from how it was before I was banded. Yes going without food is a little bit easier, but my tummy seems to get a bit more irritated when I fast now.:phanvan (*shrugs*) I dunno, but that's been my experience. On the other hand, since banding it's much easier to skip wheat products during Passover!

A big sign that I'm not well restricted:... is when I can drink after eating, without noticing. OOPS! :phanvan Big warning sign - normally I drink before my meal and although I occasionally have a sip or two after eating, I just can't 'chug-a-lug' or gulp a drink after a good protein-based meal. If I can regularly drink more than a few sips, right after a meal, it's FILL TIME!

I always tell newbies - I wish I hadn't 'rationed' out the fills/adjustments to myself when I started banding. No, we shouldn't lean on fills to get us over, but this is a tool and it needs to be properly used to work well. I used to make the mistake of saying "I'll lose 5 more pounds on my own, then I'll get a fill." BIG MISTAKE! I ended up getting frustrated and postponing a much-needed appointment where I could discuss my progress (or my plateau) with my doctor. I listen to my body now: And when I'm eating a bit more than I had been, when I'm getting hungrier sooner, or when I'm able to eat way more carb-filled junk even after my protein, then it's FILL TIME. There are no Merit Badges for leaving your band underfilled when you know you don't have enough restriction. Use your band wisely and you will find that steady slow loss really happens, but only when you're well restricted. I finally know that now. :confused:

What Alexandra said. LyndseyJill - get better soon but while you're healing :sick , get back on the 'phone with Tijuana (buy one of those cheap international phone cards, at the grocery store) and call them daily. Yes, daily. Whoever told you the records are destroyed is (sorry to say this) lying. Even doctors in Mexico maintain medical records long enough to do do patient follow up - no matter where the patient is from, they have to assume that patient will walk right back in the door tomorrow. So don't take "no" for an answer. I very much understand being so focused on getting this life-changing surgery that you do whatever you have to do. I do not understand how patients get on a plane and fly to a foreign country to have a surgery with little forethought of what happens if things don't go as smoothly as planned. Sometimes surgery is not always smooth, and as I well know this can be challenging even when your surgeon is local. Add a geographic distance and a foreign country and it can be really difficult.:phanvan And I don't mean to come down hard on you - because I think you having shared your story will really help some other patients - but no one should go to Mexico without having already arranged for their FOLLOW UP CARE before they leave. Alexandra said it and I'll say it, and we'll all keep saying it a thousand times until every single Mexican surgeons' Lap-Band patient hears us - arrange a local doctor before you get on the plane. Make sure that the follow-up doc is familiar with Mexican band patients and is willing and able to do fills and follow up. I am so sorry - hopefully you can get stronger soon and have helped other Bandsters by sharing. Good Luck - hopefully things will simplify for you.

I know it's certainly not to be taken lightly but things have changed in the world of LapBanding. The LapBand is routinely performed on lighter weight patients in places other than the US, where they (rightfully) focus on preventing obesity, rather than just trying to cure it retroactively. Now, in the US there are more and more Lap-Band surgeons who will perform the LapBand on patients with a minimum of 40-50# to lose or a lower BMI (these are almost all self-pay needless to say) ... This is especially true when the patients have other co-morbidities and a long history of diet attempts. My own surgeon does not prefer to do lighter weight patients (they have to make a superhuman effort to convince him that need surgery but that's just how he is) - but meanwhile many other surgeons will take patients with lower BMI, nationwide. In fact one high-volume LapBand surgeon now advertises "Are you more than 40# overweight with a long diet history? Call us now! " (In an online article by this surgeon who is discussed quite a bit on this website he touts the 40# minimum and discusses the fact that he does surgery on those with a BMI of 30 or more. If anyone is interested, I can find the article somewhere and post the link. I'm not affiliated with the office in any way so I don't have his details right on hand. :phanvan ) So, no matter how people feel about it, the lower weight LapBand patient (with a long history of obesity) now has this option in many geographical areas. And also remember, if the FDA does approve the LapBand as a treatment for acid reflux and G.E.R.D. - then we will see more and more lighterweight LapBand patients.