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HeatherO; I really appreciate your response...You've lost almost 100 pounds in a year and that is SUPER! You give me great hope. I may not be as successful with the skin, since I'm much older (59), but I'll go forward with great faith that I'll adapt! I congratulate you on your progress...and on your new pregnancy..Keep up the good work and don't let that baby be a good excuse to eat too much!

I've had my Realize Band since 2 DEC. Had my first fill a week ago. I'm still really pleased with my decision...not losing weight fast, but really steady 1-2 pounds a week. I'm o.k. with that...want my muscles and skin to keep up! (A friend just had plastic surgery to remove 18 pounds of extra skin...ugh! Who would have thought that was possible??) I'm praying for elasticity!

I have the Realize Bend. Had surgery 2 DEC and still have no problems at all...Great decision... I had my first fill this week (3 ccs) but can't really tell much difference...but I haven't tested it much either. I'm not losing weight fast...only 13 pounds since surgery...but I've been consistent and made it through Christmas without any gain, so I'm really pleased...I wish you the best!

I had a much better experience with Kaiser...but it does take patience! I use the Springfield Center. Their contract is with Dr. Juliet Lee at GWU. I had my surgery in DEC and thought she was great. I had my first fill last week and saw her again. Her Physician's Assistant is a guy named Brian Wallace --also extremely helpful. (He had bypass a year ago, so has experience being a big person, so seems to understand what we're going through! He's lost over 120 pounds and sees lots of patients on a daily basis.) I can highly recommend the team...but you do have to go to KP's classes/dietician appointments before they will recommend you...but once it is done, it costs your co-pay and a $75 fee at GWU...nothing more....Others tell me that they've had to pay significant amounts not covered by insurance--and had to pay for each of their band fills... KP also has a doctor at Holy Cross in Silver Spring if you choose to go there.

Hey Karen; Sounds like you are off to a great start! I had my surgery on the second and went back to work yesterday and worked a full day again today as well. I'm a bit tired and have difficulty sitting at my desk for long periods, but with a few walks through the office, I managed to be fairly energetic the rest of the time. (I do catch myself scratching my belly...those steri-strips still haven't come off and they itch!) Wish you the best! Susan

Teresa; Thanks for the info. Hope you are feeling better...I'm about to head out to the library to pick up some books on tape. I'm planning to go to work on Monday...so I need to get moving. I feel good, but not energetic. I'm hoping I make it through the day, but would be satisfied with just a few hours. I have a desk job, so it should be alright! I'm glad your hubby was with you for the surgery and that you've had the extra few days together. My prayers and best wishes are with you both! Susan

I got those good socks too and never used my slippers. I didn't get a pain ball and never took any pain meds after midnight the night of my surgery (12/2)...I used the morphine pump pretty regularly before then though... I never had any nausea, so never got the prescriptions filled. I'm feeling better every day..no problems with stairs or walking. Sitting is my most uncomfortable position...or moving from the bed to standing. Good luck to you folks anticipating surgery...I'm one to say it just hasn't been as hard as I expected!

Teresa; What is casing of the colors? I've worked for DoD a while, but not at the unit level. This is a term I don't know...my guess is that it means the unit is about to deploy...Is that right? if so, WOW...Please let him know how much we appreciate his service and honor to our country...and that we'll be praying for him and giving you any support we can! Susan

P.S. My throat was really sore after surgery and the nurses let me suck on life savers==they really were a life saver after that barium junk! Susan

WEll, Sue in NE and all.I too am back from a great suirgery. I had no problems and seem to be recovering well. I wouldn't even think of going to a mall, but I did go to my ear, nose and throat appointment today without a bauble. My doctor had me do a bowel treatment before surgery...it was no fun, but it cleaned me out. I think I'm glad now...I don't have to do anything now but lose the gas and a bit of water! Did you guys have to do that? I had nothing to drink after 5:30 a.m. My surgery was scheduled for 1:30, but they took me in at 1200... I spent the night all almost all day on WED before I left...but it was only because the doctor also required an upper GI the morning after. (So after no drinking of anything for 30 hours my first taste was barium!...YUCK)... Then, no one put in an order to allow me to drink, so I REALLY used a lot of those spunge swabs in ice Water... I finally got some water and juice about 24 hours after surgery! I finally went home about 5 p.m. day 2...after the doctor finished her afternoon rounds! Did you get a "binder"?-- a big ace bandage that covers your entire abdomen? I got one, but I'm not slure how long I'm supposed to use it...I don't know of any other lapbanders that got one! (The papers say 6 weeks, but that seems to be an overkill.) I was sitting up in bed the first night and walking all over the floor the second day...I feel good...and I'm really glad it is done! By the way...with all the fluids and gas they pump into you, expect to gain a couple of pounds in the hospital... seems to be common! ...though who can imagine how??? Thanks for keeping in contact. I'm glad things went well for you! Susan

I didn't have much trouble with Kaiser. I told my regular doctor that I wanted to have surgery and she said it was a long process and that I had to start with the nutrionist. Six months of meeting with her and a requirement to lose 3% of my body weight. She also referred me for the psychiatrist visit and to the sleep center. When it was found that I had sleep apnea, it pretty much sealed the deal...2 co-morbidity conditions. The nutritionist actually submitted the paperwork to the board that apprved the surgery. It took ME 9 months from the day I first talked to my doctor about it..At the time, VA kaiser wasn't doing lapband, only gastric bypass, so I delayed some while they made the decision and approved a surgeon. I didn't make all my appointments with the nutritionist on time. and it took another month to get the board's approval.(I could have gone to Maryland where it was already approved, but I liked the idea of going to GWU. Then, I had to wait for the surgeon to get qualified on the Realize Band, so that took another couple of months. It's been 15 months since I started the process...I've had plenty of time to question my decision and do lots of extra study, so I'm really ready...(maybe!)

Sue in NE; Thanks for responding...I've given blood, so I guess putting it in is thesame as taking it out! I have lousy veins, so I need that good nurse. When they took my blood for the pre-op bloodwork on Friday, they left bruises in my right arm, and in the backs of both hands. I hope I have a vein left somewhere. They told me I wouldn't have a catheter (the bypass folks had that pleasure)...I too am staying overnight...Surgery is at 1:30 and release expected the next day about noon. I'm glad for the extra time to not be responsible for myself! Did your doc make you do the bowel treatment today? I've got to drink the 2 bottles of magnesium citrate, a couple of pills and an enema...YUCK! along with my clear liquids, it doesn't sound like a fun day. I've taken off from work so that I can be near the bathroom! :cursing: Hope you don't have to go through that part! Susan