Brian

Obese, and normal weight people can get similar syndromes, and they are reported and described in various different ways. There are those that do seek medical evaluation, and after spending a great deal of money, learn that they are "OK". However, it isn't necessarily "all in your head", but it does seem to be self-perpetuating. As you have never had this before, it is likely the band, (and related consequences) are the cause. You may, however, I would guess there is likely an anxiety reaction to what you are physically experiencing, whether it is the "gas', or diaphragmatic pressure, etc. Obese people have a lot of weight pressing down upon their abdomens, which pushes up against the diaphragm- making it harder to breathe. We are able to take deep breaths when the diaphragm is "pulled down", creating negative pressure in the lungs, and air comes in. Obese people who eat a very large meal, will have noted the symptoms, and instinctively change into more comfortable clothing or sit in a chair for a while. I have had the experience of feeling as if I were unable to take a deep breath, and that may be part of what you are feeling. I agree with the writer who suggested a short course of benzodiazepines; her klonopin 0.5 mg BID is a good start. I don't recommend band removal at this time. You could spend the money on testing, but it is very likely that being morbidly obese, the band and "gas", (etc), and your anxiety about it, is causing the problem. Anxious people sometimes do better with supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula- at least it reassures them. I would also be inclined to recommend increased activity, if not exercise. Also an incentive spirometer, or a peak flow meter to give you positive feed-back. Hope you do well. Keep us posted.

Hi, I am in something of the same boat, scheduled June 30th. I don't think the answer is known; i.e. the better band. J&J no doubt wants to cash in on the market and has come up with their own product. They made it a little different, wider band, (don't know how much) and the port is same diameter, but apparently a little "shorter". And the materials are different. My office nurse says our doctors have looked at both and are still opting for the Allergan band. Stated reason is what they think is the superior material, (long lasting). They are not impressed with any studies on slippage and erosion, no significant statistical difference. Ok, that may or may not be all true. What is true is that you are "buying" a 2008 model, (yes it was used in Sweden first...) new models are always riskier than tried and true established models, (think of cars). My doctor also thinks the securing mechanism is better on the Allergan LB. But what seals the deal for me, my doctor has never put on a Realize Band, and is not "factory trained", as he was for the Lapband. I don't care to be the guinea pig on his learning curve. I would change doctors, do anything, (I'm self-pay) if I thought the Realize was clearly superior,etc. If I change my mind, I'll write back.

June 30th. It makes me nervous just adding myself to the list I feel like I've been driving 120 mph, and by the time of the Big Day, I will be going the speed limit. That is hard to imagine.

I looked at the Realize site. Looks like Ethicon (Johnson and Johnson) is the manufacturer. Is it merely a "me too' product, or are there real design differences? Anyone actual read the study? Is there a link to it somewhere? This is their FDA approval study for 3 years, and is certainly going to be presented in the most favorable terms by the web-site and manufacturer.

Greetings, interesting topic. My doctor told our group that he didn't want anyone messing with the port, (especiallly the nurses! ha) Of the 500+ LB he has installed, he mentioned that one had to come out later because a nurse was putting in her own fills and got an infection. (I don't know details). Soooo, like others said, withdraw the tainted fill and put in new NS; I think that would be about all you could do. As to the specific question, platelets will clot and whole blood is a medium for bacterial growth, but to clinical relevance, don't know. When I get my LB, I plan on letting them do everything, because I fear that I don't trust myself. That may be the bigger issue. good luck.

Hi, As one who has given a fair number of injections, etc., I would suggest that when you decide to get the injection, blood draw, IV, whatever, really have decided in advance that you will indeed get it done. Don't be ambivalent. This helps the "shot-giver", this in turn will only be to your advantage. Voice your fear to the clinician. Have a friend come with you; hold her hand, (or finger if you squeeze too hard.) I find that even another staff member being the "comfort" person is a real help. It generally isn't the pain that is bothersome; but the emotional load. Some patients tell me that when they were young, an injection was forced on them, held down etc. Most patients, naturally, look away, but don't close their eyes; they try to be distracted. Some don't do well with the "1, 2, 3 stick" routine. It is like getting your picture taken; eyes are closed again, but in this case, it heightens anxiety and tension. Just feel the painful sensation, anticipate it, wrap your mind around it. Personally, the worst "shots" I had was an arterial blood gas, (on a ventilator) and always liked a little "juice" (morphine or whatever I was getting) in preparation. Maybe a Xanax would help? With ya bud. looking at June 30th for my banding.

Hi Aubrie, I read somewhere in one of these forums, recently, someone who sucked on cheese puffs for those cravings. I'm not banded, yet, and can't recommend it, but there it is- for emergencies? Brian

Hi, I'll let more qualified people speak to you about the procedure, but I think it is very good that your doctor is taking that precaution. My doctor has done about 500 LB surgeries and he has had one patient die, and it was post-op blood clots, (massive cascade of pulmonary emboli). One thing you may suggest, if not already done, is the Factor V Leiden blood test. Factor V, (five) is a coagulopathy- a hereditary blood clotting disorder often found in Scandinavians. If you have a clotting disorder, independent of risk factors of weight, immobility and surgery, it is best to prepare for that at the onset. Good luck, brian

Hi, You've had some very good replies. I would only add that your doctor can tell you if it is "telogen hair loss", that is, the hair in the intact follicle is falling out, but is expected to regrow. Oral zinc pill and a good zinc shampoo are often used. Good luck.

Hi, if you are self-pay, and don't have surgical risk issues, I bet you could be done in a month... Doctors go on vacations, etc. I waited a year to think about it, read about, search my heart, (and stomach) and have a date next month. I thought the psychological preparation is the big deal. will be the big deal. /good luck.

Hi all, anyone know if the weight loss, of lack thereof, prior to surgery has anything to do with or w/o the gas and shoulder pain I'm reading about? (i.e., more room more gas more pain, vs. more "room", and therefore less gas needed to forcefully inflate the abdominal area...)

Hi, I think I can help you with this one: A "nurse" is legal description, indicating licensure as either an LPN "Licensed Practical Nurse", (LVN in California); or a Registered Nurse. It also would include Advanced Practice nurses such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, etc. A Medical Assistant is not a nurse. It is illegal to represent oneself as a "nurse", unless you are so licensed.

Hi, I am strongly in favor of LapBand, and will be getting in July. My doc recommended RNY about 10 years ago, while #290. My insurance doesn't cover, (then or now). I think the risk:benefit profile make by-pass unacceptable. I'm not diabetic, (yet), nor have sleep apnea, (yet), etc. I'm glad I didn't have RNY, even though I'm now #317lbs. I think with banding it is all about follow-up with your support groups, careful titration to optimal "fills", no soda pop, no liquids with meals, and meal planning. It will work if you make. By-pass is virtually irreversible. If LapBand (or "you") "fail", it can be safely and effectively removed.