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Hi there, I had my surgery with Dr. Woodhead Aug. 6, 2008 - I am very happy with the surgery and with Dr. Woodhead's aftercare - he's patient, attentive and imho a great surgeon. He recently did my gallbladder surgery. I was very nervous about leaving the province let alone the country and feel fortunate to have found a great doctor so close to home. Total costs = $14,400. Good luck with your decision.

Hi Dr. S., I'm a few pounds away from goal and am considering PS. I've successfully had PS before (breast reduction). I'm interested in a thigh, butt and arm lift as well as liposuction. I'm worried about the scarring in particular the thighs and arms. I don't want to trade one problem (flabby arms and thighs) for another (unsightly scars). I'm less likely to go for the arm procedure because I don't see anything that doesn't produce significant scars, however I'm hopeful that the thigh and butt can be done without the visible scars. I don't want scars on my legs and arms (I don't mind scarring in the arm/leg crease area however I don't want to have to worry about scars if I'm wearing shorts or a sleeveless top. Given these preferences, are there effective procedures our there? Thanks for your help Dr. S.!

I'm down 1lb this week.

I've just heard back from my surgeon (thankfully he also did my lapband!!) that I definitely need my gallbladder out - I'm scheduled for surgery March 18th. Unless something goes drastically wrong, it will done laproscopically - I should be in and out the same day. Until then, I must stay away from foods on the 'bad' list. There may be other damage (pancreas and liver) but that should heal on its own providing I get the gallbladder out soon. Wish me luck.

Heidi, Congrats on the weightloss! and glad to hear you're on the mend - I understand pancreatitis is very painful. Did you have any warning signs prior to your first attack?

Thanks everyone! Sue, Its reassuring to hear from a bandster who's had gallbladder surgery. From your post it sounds like the band doesn't need to be unfilled. I'd prefer leaving the band as is and not having to start back at square one. Thanks again for the information.

Hi Heartfire, I have the same symptoms as Kiz and my pain does radiate to my back (shoulder blade area) - all pain is on my right side. My other symptoms (don't read if you're squeamish) dark (brownish) urine and gray stool, constipation and lack of appetite. The attacks come in the middle of the night but the pain itself lasts for days. My attacks seem to be triggered by 'fatty' foods - (my favourite Indian restaurant is now off limits). Of course I can't eat very much to begin with, but even the little bit I do eat of fatty foods sends me into a full blown attack. I've done the blood tests and have my ultrasound next week - I hope its just gallstones - my Doc says that would be the best case scenario!!! I haven't asked what the worst case scenario would be and will cross that bridge when I get to it. All signs however point to gallstones.

Thanks Jodi, Kiz and FWWAB, Today is a bit better pain wise and I'm starting to get my appetite back - my hope is that the 'attack' is over and that I'll soon be back to normal. My last test (ultrasound) is on Feb. 14th and I see my surgeon the following week. If I do need my gallbladder removed, I hope the surgery is quick and doesn't require an 'unfil'

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while as things have been rather quiet on the weightloss/band front. Over the past several weeks, I've had very bad pains in the upper right part of my abdomen - At first I thought it was my lapband, but after some research it became clear that it was probably a gallbladder problem. I have most of the symptoms and so my doctor has ordered a series of tests and has done a physical exam - he says he'll bet his Mercedes (albeit an old one) that I have gallstones. Apparently this is quite common (1 in 4) with people who have lost weight rapidly and/or have had significant weight fluctuations. As I'll most likely need to have my gallbladder removed, I've been looking for information on gallbladder surgery and those who have lapbands...do any of you have any info on this topic? I'm curious as to what happens to my band if I need the surgery? Thankfully my lapband surgeon is local and also does other types of surgeries including gallbladders. I'm relieved he's just 10 minutes away.

I've successfully lost the weight from the holidays and am back down to pre-holiday weight - so down 3 lbs!!! YEAH!

I'm up 2.5lbs over the holidays - no fault but my own! Certainly alot less than pre-band though. I've thrown out all of the Christmas goodies and am back to work on Monday - less temptations will be a good thing.

I need something to get me going! I'm in for 1.5lbs per week which is about 10lbs. This is a stretch as I've gained recently and plateaued before that. When I do lose, its been an average of 1 lb per week. Good luck everyone!!:tongue2:

Congratulations on the great losses! I haven't posted much lately and have, as they say, fallen off the wagon, I've gained over the holidays despite having had a fill on Dec. 23rd!. I have made some very bad choices - holiday treats and chocolates have been my downfall - its now time to get back on the wagon and to get serious about the weightloss. This is much harder than I thought! :confused: