Matt S

I am an RN and also have type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump. I have had an insulin pump for over 5 years and love having one. It is by far the best treatment plan I have utilized in treating my diabetes. I have lost over 120 pounds since getting my band last year in September. What I did to control low blood sugars was to set my temporary basal rate to hardly anything for about an hour. I checked my blood sugar sometimes 15 times per day or more if I needed to. I found my basal needs to have dropped by half and most importantly I am using a night basal rate which is much lower than before. Definitely keep some type of juice around for lows. I also had low blood pressure issues for several weeks to months post op. I found that I really could not tolerate any my blood pressure medications and they needed to be stopped altogether. I would not be discouraged by the postings you read. I have found the band to work as long as you are willing to do what it takes to make it work.

I also live in Gainesville and an RN. I work at the VA. I had my surgery in September with Dr. Hipp at NFRMC. I am very happy with the decision I've made. I have lost 110 pounds and still counting and over 18 inches in my waist! I know it goes in spurts with the weight loss. I experienced a large amount of weight loss early on then the inches followed later. The weight loss has slowed down but still is coming off regularly. I now have a BMI of 30 and feel so much better. The energy I have is unbelievable to me. I can't believe eating so little can be so satisfying and enjoyable. The guilt I felt in the past over eating certain things has disappeared. I now can enjoy things, have a little of just about anything within reason. This has given me my life back. It may be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life!

Don't forget about the blender or food processor. Just about anything becomes mushy when you do that. Brocolli and cheese would be perfect that way.

I just had mine done on Monday at North Florida Regional in Gainesville. I have coworker who went to Jawad and she can't say enough about him. She never actually had the surgery but she thinks he's the best. He did not seem to like the Lap Band although, he has done many of them. The gas and bloating will last at least a few days. I just came back from Walgreen getting some GAS x. Its actually helping some.

My port is about an inch above my belly button and an inch to the left. I would say its right above my stomach. I don't no if it makes any difference, where it is located probably just surgeon preference or just how they were trained. I no someone else recently that had their located right on top of the breast bone. He was told that it was because they had a lot of difficulty with the placement.

Good luck to you. I had my surgery on Monday. It was really not a bad experience, I'm trying not to beat myself up for being so nervous but now that its over it really was not bad at all. I was sure I just would have a horrible experience. I only took pain meds twice. The only thing I would recommend is take in all the fluids you can. I stayed overnight in the hospital and got five liters of IV fluids and was still dehydrated. I drank fluids constantly but it just wasn't enough. I got dizzy and my bp dropped, it recovered quickly but I was still surprised. I have not really been all that hungry. As far as the smell of food goes, that will still entice you but I really didn't care if I ate any. You will do just fine and just remember to keep a positive attitude.

Good luck, I had my surgery yesterday. I stayed overnight in the hospital. Everything went great. I really have not had much pain. I took pain meds twice in the hospital and now taking tylenol ES. I didn't even take any in recovery. The recovery room said everyone is different some pain some not. I may have just got lucky or have a high pain tolerance I'm not sure which. Don't be too nervous its probably not worth it. I spent an entire week obscessing about it. Now i regret that to a certain degree.

I had my surgery yesterday and my doctor told on discharge just to follow the diet. He said the only restriction I will feel is from inflamation and I probably won't gain restriction till after 2 or 3 fills. I plan on staying on the preop diet till I am able to advance and will still limit my calorie intake significantly. This is still a learning process and I hope to do the best I can. I understand the frustrations. Progress will present itself eventually but we must follow the diet to see it.

Caffeine can cause your blood sugars to be eratic, which can cause weight gain (the whole insulin resistance stuff!). My surgeon allows coffee whenever I want other than when on the clear liquids. I will be having surgery tommorow, wish me luck, I'm very nervous for some reason.

I too live in Gainesville. I will be banded on Monday the 8th. I cannot wait, I'm not able to think about anything else right now. It was such a big decision for me to make. I will be having the procedure with Dr. Hipp at NFRMC. I look foward to being down to a comfortable weight which I can enjoy doing things that I was able to do when I was younger even at a large size. I just cannot do the things I used to which made this an easier decision in some ways.

I am also from Gainesville, I will be having the lap band on 09/08. Dr. Hipp will be performing my surgery. Who did your?