Kat817

It really is a toss up, however, if you look through the site, you will see that many have included a fill schedule for them in their signature. I have not ever seen anyone who required 18-20 fills--that seems way excessive. I was banded last April, had my first fill in June, a second following it in 4-5 weeks, and it put me to proper restriction. I have not needed any further adjustment, I eat small meals, have no hunger---it is good for me. I have also heard of a small number of people that the band itself was restriction enough, and they never had to have a fill. It might be worth starting a poll to find out what an average bandster has had in number of fills. You can get several $175.00 fills for that extra 3-4 grand. I mean I would NEVER EVER suggest choosing a surgeon based solely on price, but if the Dr. is one you want to use, I would not let the fill cost change that. I grabbed the calculator, and with the $3000.00 difference it would still allow you to pay $175.00 for 17 fills. I cannot imagine 17 fills---even if you had to be unfilled at one point and refilled---it seems like a big difference. My suggestion, is to choose the surgeon, and deal with his fill policy. If the band is not put in properly, fills will be useless, the surgeons skills seem more important. Welcome to LBT--we are glad you are here! Feel free to ask any and all questions you might have, the more informed you are going into surgery and recovery, the better off you are!! Kat

Well Darcy, I got 2 miles in yesterday---and I also made Curves---sure wish something I am doing would move the scale. Unfortunatley I think it is---I think it is called eating, and it is moving it UP!!! No, actually I am plateaued, and just sitting here---I have tried upping the calories, dumping the calories, increasing the exercise---nothing, my body says 208 is IT for now....dammit! I only have a few pounds 3-4 I think til I am no longer obese, I will drop into the overweight BMI category. At least according to my Dr. the BMI on the ticker is not exactly the same as his---but either way it is close...and Onederland not far behind that---but there seems to be a wall between me and those goals! I have a killer headache this morning, I think it is the barometric pressure, it feels like pressure in my head, but not really sinus pain, my left ear has been aching off and on----I am thinking positive, that the Tylenol I just took will help it. My laundry did not get done yesterday, so that's what's going on today, and getting some records ready for taxes....yyeeewww. I used to have a stationary bike, but gave it away, back when yet another diet/exercise program failed---and I felt like the ultimate failure---it felt like it was mocking me--now I wish I had it back. Will hit curves again this afternoon, if Great Grandma can keep the girlie. Mary my inlaws gave DH one of those remote control car starters. He opened it, looked at the video for installation, and just kinda shook his head, and boxed it back up, and it joined the pile of 90% of the other gifts they have ever given us!!!! It was a nice thought, but his Explorer he drives, is loaded, so the wiring had to be spliced in, in no less than 15 different areas---some under the dash--many functions have 2-3 wires to them, like the ignition, has the accessories, on and off...and then it also had to be wired into the door for the auto locks, and they have 6 different functions, so they all had to be re-routed. And ours has an automatic rear gate opener--that had to be re-routed, because it couldn't wire in. And just for our own info we called the 800# about getting an extra key fob, just in case---and they run anywhere from $70.00 to almost $300.00!!!! Now DH is a master mechanic, that is not an issue, but like he said, it is no less than 15 areas to short out, or malfunction---then you have to troubleshoot them all. He opted against installing it, but he said there are other ones out there, not so bad. And my Intrepid is as bad if not worse than his, because I have so many steering wheel controls. So meanwhile, he goes out and starts it, and grabs my newspaper, and lets it warm up. He starts it with a spare key, and locks it, we have had several cars stolen in town lately, when they were left running! So he feels your pain, of the cold car---I tell him to put HIS car in the garage, he leaves early daily, I don't...but he won't. Wooohoooo---we have finally made it into the double digits outside! A tropical heat wave!! OK---I am off to fold some laundry. Kinsey fell asleep watching Sesame Street, so I may be back! Kat

Wow!! Lots of newbies---that is so cool! Welcome one and all! The band will indeed be the begining of a new life, and we look froward to sharing your journey!! Feel free to ask any questions in preparation for your surgery! Kat

Awww Cheryl, hang in there!!! It sounds as though maybe the witch behind the desk was having a bad day. I would give it all a chance---if she isn't sure what they require, maybe it is time for you to call your insurance provider, and talk with them. Let them know the woman is not very knowledgable, and ask if there is anything you can do to help. At least then you will know if she gives you faulty info. Sounds like you have everything in order, and you are right the requirements for BMI do change with co morbidities. Hang out, vent all you need---we will be here to listen and at least offer a shoulder to cry on!! Welcome to LBT I look forward to watching your progress!! Hang in there---it'll all work out!!! Kat

Hi Marissa- Welcome to LBT! I think you have found the right place, it sounds like you need to hang out and read lots in preparation for your upcoming surgery! There are threads that go into detail with these things, but I'll give you the quick low down then you can look into them deeper! A PB, is an acronym for Productive Burp. When we eat, our food goes into the upper pouch created by our band separating it from the lower, larger stomach, then slowly oozes into the lower portion. If something is not chewed well, or we eat too much, or too fast for the band--we can get food stuck in the opening--or back food up into our esophagus. The act of upchucking it (vomiting) it is called a PB. It differs from vomiting, in the fact that it is strictly food and mucus, no stomach acids, they are in the lower part of your stomach. It is not pleasant, although not usually as forceful as vomiting--and is discouraged because the stress is not good on either the stomach or the band. Sliming---is your bodies initial reaction to the same things happening. Most times, sliming occurs, before a PB--and can sometimes prevent the PB. Slime is thick, sticky, mucus. It is your bodies way of trying to help "slide" your food through that is stuck. The problem being, if it is stuck, the huge amounts of slime your body is producing, have nowhere to go, your pouch is already full---so the best way most of us have found to deal with sliming is to spit it out. As soon as your body calms down the sliming stops. It is not pelasant either, but has no odor or taste--it is just SUPER thick---unpleasant! Hang out---ask any and all questions you have---you will do much better following surgery if you are well informed!!! Be sure to check out the threads of things to have on hand prior to surgery!!! Welcome! Kat

The woman who shared a room with my Mom when I was born, also had a daughter. She named her Donna Lee....perfectly fine, except her last name was Donnely. They told my Mom at least then when she married, she would always have her maiden name....poor kid! My oldest DD, hated her name (he last name) she was the butt of jokes with it in school--and her father was just that, he was NEVER a Dad or a Daddy. My current DH was always her Dad---but the ex would never sign her over, nor would be support her, but that's another story!!! Anyway, all through HS she said she was going to be adopted when she turned 18. Instead she up and got married herself, thus changing her name. She was married for 6 years, and divorced. Last year, when she was 25, my DH finally adopted her (yes it can be done!). When her divorce finalized she took his (DH's) name, legally, for the first time since she was 5 years old! Me? I took both my ex's last name, then went back to my maiden upon divorce, and now happily carry my DH's last name. It may seem old fashioned, but it was something I was very happy, and excited to do---I was no longer a school girl, but I still did the school girl thing, of writing my name...Mrs _________, Mr & Mrs_________, Kat________....would do it again, in a heartbeat!! Kat

Works for me Darcy---I have no idea how far I have walked except the last few nights, so just put last nights on---will go from there! Mary--did you get along with the wierd guy back when y'all worked together? Strange!!! Eileenie---Boo to you too!!! Must be working hard! Cindy--my dentist was fine, he actually just tested it with some cold, and it didn't react, then he had me bite the carbon, and said it looked a little off, but he didn't want to adjust it unless it bothered me...then he spent the rest of the time, seeing how the little one responded to him. She has went with us from day one, and she sat there, on my lap, and opened wide---she is going in to get some sealant on her molars this afternoon. No more snow, but bitter cold still, so far our high today has been better, we are at 28 right now. We are not supposed to be above freezing through tomorrow, then it is supposed to warm up before hitting us with the next storm over the weekend!!! I want summer! Oh and as for the motivation---I was busy thinking of how we could attach firecrackers to that tree---and you go and spoil the fun! Then again, with the firecrackers---if you did them right, it could take care of the tree for you!! jules---I see you are here at the same time as I am posting, so--- catch up with you next time---I can only "remember" as far back as I can scroll!!!! Kat

If you have your own Dr.'s phone # he should be able to refer you to a Denver Dr. for emergency adjustment while you are there. If not, any local ER should be able to locate a bariatric surgeon for you to consult with. Your list of foods you were able to eat is so diverse, many of the things go right through---ice cream for instance, as well as the liquids...but the nuts and popcorn, they require the stomach to work---it sure sounds like you need to consult with your Dr. and maybe think about an endoscopy, to look at the band and then go from there. You may be on to something with the alititude change--it has been mentioned before, but is not something I have ever had affect me. You also mentioned soda did not hurt--that is something most Dr.s put on the NO MORE list---does it hurt to drink it? Good Luck---if it gets worse, and you cannot locate a Dr. head to an ER! Kat

Many banded people get a stop signal. Sounds like yours is shoulder pain. I have heard of it before, it is guessed to be a relationship with the diaphram, so it makes a similar pain to the gas following surgery. Personally, I am one of the ones who gets a runny nose when it is time for me to quit eating. I hear that it is part of the same system that causes you to slime when you get food stuck. That the body is begining to produce excess mucus, because I am full. I do know if I continue to eat after getting the runny nose, I will either cause myself serious pain (only did that once!) or get the hiccups---and have hell getting over them! Different people get different signals, some soft, some hard---and some have no signal of fullness at all!!! Pay attention, to how it feels, and try to stop before the pain hits. I have learned if I feel it, I don't even swallow the bite I have in my mouth, I quietly get rid of it into a napkin....it is telling me I am full for a reason!!! Good Luck---and welcome to bandland!!! Kat

Awww Cass--I am sorry you are having eating problems! The first thing that jumped out is that you continued eating after the first PB. I know not everyone does, but I was told, and have always tried to go onto nothing but liquids for minimally several hours, and up to a full day following any type of PB or serious sliming episode. The reason for this is that when you PB, your stomach/pouch swell in reaction to expelling the contents with the band in place. It can cause additional restriction, so when you eat again, you are already swollen, which causes the next PB...and on and on and on---an evil cycle develops. I usually do liquids for the remainder of the day, and then the next day I start out with very soft foods, almost a mushie diet, then slowly progress back to normal foods, if everything feels like it is going and staying down ok. You are probably right about the bite size starting it all! But try giving your tummy a break, and see if it doesn't all settle back down. ((big hugs)) I also heard another story about a guy who had proposed to a gal and was to take her to Italy to meet his family at Christmas, but just before they were to leave, he broke up with her, and told her to move out while he and his new g/f were in Italy. So she did, but first she went to the market and bought 2 fish, and pulled back the bladder to his water bed, stuck the fish in, and turned the heat on high, and moved out! They ended up tearing the entire little house down, the smell had imbedded into the drywall---carpet--insulation...everything! There are times I would love to be that evil!!! Darcy---count me in---I added a line to my signature---I counted my miles last night....so what, shall we do, each of us keep count of our own and then at years end, total them? Months end?? Any ideas? I need to go fix some lunch for the DGD---she is HUNGRY she says!!! bbl Kat

Yes. I will definitely post a picture, will get it as soon as it is totally finished, and they get the new curtains, and comforter, and all in place!!! Your new apartment sounds nice---how big is the complex/building it is in? I am slowly changing to more color, when we put in new carpet in the main part of the house, I painted it white. Then as I changed furnishings whatever, it left me with a clean palette. Now that I know which direction my heart took, I am highlighting it more--if that makes sense!!! Without any intention, I ended up with a lot of sage green and taupe--both colors I had always thought I didn't care for so much---and now they are among my favorites! We live in a rural area, and our decorating mimics that, and it sets it off well. Dawn---believe me I cut way more than my share of wood!!! Ok, I don't actually "cut" much of it, but I load and unload and stack, and then haul in more than my share!!! We also haul wood for both of our parents. My Dad is still actively involved in getting the wood, we just help him, as does my brother. Rick's folks however, are both in their 80's, and we take care of it all, with help from our son, and my brother. He is one of 4 kids, but the others don't lift a finger---shock and surprise!!! But if we don't do it, it doesn't punish the siblings, it punishes the folks! So we do it--most of the time it doesn't bother me, I am just on a tear withhis siblings right now---so I better leave the subject alone!!! A friend on another thread, has joined a challenge to walk 1000 miles this year--I declined joining, I know myself, and if I am supposed to log almost 3 miles a day, I will be in a panic when something keeps me from it, I mean good grief that would be 6 miles the next day, and that is only if you miss 1 single day! Instead we have agreed as a group to just see how many miles we can log as a group--so that will be my new signature line---not to confuse anyone. I have been doing a mile and a half in the evening, it is enough to wind me down, and keep me there, makes my muscles tire a bit, but not enough to hit the hormone release, and energize!! I have slept better. Betty-- you are doing so good, days in a row---good job! I am doing Curves this afternoon after I get back from taking DGD to meet her Mama---she too has a dentist appointment today. We set it up when I went this morning. She has her 2nd set of molars coming in, and the dentist looked at them, she allowed it, so he is going to put sealant on the first set. With my Curves, and my walk this evening, I will make today count! It is terrible to feel like I did last night, watching every second tick off---I was so lazy!!! I had that birthday cake, I really think it was the crash following the sugar high. Roberta---breathing any easier? Hope so. Well ladies,the DW is not going to unload itself, nor is the washing machine going to load itself---I am so popular around here!!! This is my escape time to the computer, and chores---Sesame Street!!! It is the only TV she actually sits down and watches intently and inneracts with, I love watching her!!! Will check in later---hugs to all! Kat

I was banded almost 9 months ago in Mexico, and they warned us then that this was going on, and advised us to make sure to get ours taken care of before we were in need of a fill, or to be seen without warning. It is not a new thing---they knew of it back last April I know. We went and got my SIL's taken care of the week after we returned, and it took 3 weeks---but that was before the rush. We also noticed the cost for everything have went up in the last few weeks. She went to Walgreens and had her passport photo done, and she got 2 for $6.99---now they are "on sale" and 2 are $11.99!! You do not have to go to them---it was just handy, and quick, but even they are jumping on the bandwagon to make more money out of this!! We did ours 2 years ago, or actually re-did them, and it was way less expensive. DH's work pays for ours, but I know it cost less! Now everyone will have them, and we can all work on filling them up! Kat

Hi everyone---busy day, and I am ready for bed! I have the fire stoked, and am headed that way as soon as I touch base with y'all. It is freezing cold here, it didn't make it above the low 20's today--it is about 6 degrees out right now....love that fire!!! Niki got about 3/4 of the mural done, it looks finished, but she wants to let it finish drying completely and do a wash of irridescence (sp?) over it. She put a small (2 ft X 3 ft) castle with requisite turrets, up towards the corner of the far wall, away from her bed. Then she did a path winding down towards the other end of the wall, and angling down. She painted a tree in the other far corner, it fills the wall, without really "filling" the wall. It was done on a white wall, it is a gray and pink, overall. She has small details she still wants to fill in --she says 2 more quick adjusts and it will be done, and she will do something on Kinseys wall then. To make up for the nursery Amanda left behind. She painted a tree and garden on the nursery wall, and then they put up an actual picket fence in front of it. She had little animals, and bees, and dragon flies all over...she even painted a row of 6 little tiny ladybugs climbing along the rail of Kinsey's crib! Lindzie was thrilled, she also got a new comforter set, sheets, and curtain that all say Princess, and are done in a very pale pink and orchid, with little crowns/tiaras on them. They are going to make her a set of bookshelves to go on the wall, and use the little toy tiaras, and make it look like the shelf is balanced on them---Niki has it figured out, I will just enjoy the finished product!!! Being raised by just her Daddy--he had not done much of the "girly" thing for her, and she is in hog heaven, she is loving it! It was a fun day! I did 2.4 miles on the treadmill---just enough to make my time...and it took effort to get it done--not sure why, just tired today. Will check in with everyone tomorrow---hope you are all doing good and shrinking!!! I miss talking with you guys when I am gone all day! Anyone get the holiday off tomorrow? Kat

It is still freezing here---it is 6 out right now, and will go down further through the night...the fire is burning---it feels so cozy in here---I hate the thought of leaving, but I have to be at the dentist in the morning at 8:15, so he can recheck the bite, and see if we fixed it. I am not hurting, so I should have cancelled the appt. but forgot it until they left a reminder message on my machine, now there is no time to cancel! Guess I will survive, will just be that much happier to get back home and warm! It is not supposed to snow more overnight, which is great! Darcy--I hope you can make it on your walking, if you decide to alter the challenge--I bet we all together could whip out a 1000 miles---I am game. I logged another big 1 1/2 miles today!!! DH and I also lifted some weights--but he was tired---I am kinda worried about his energy level, I guess I can't expect him to bounce back real fast. Mandy--I am so sorry your foot is hurting so bad, I will be glad when the surgery and recovery are behind you! If the Avon walk takes place anywhere close to me, I'll join you! I did the breast cancer walk with Curves last year, that was fun! Having had cancer myself, and it being in my reproductive organs, it ups my odds of breast cancer--which is pretty scary! So count me in! Is your foot going to be ready? Betty--hope you warmed up! And that supper did not burn!! I put some green chile stew into the crock pot, before going to the birthday party. It was good, but it was too hot for me to eat much of...it seems to sit in my pouch, and just get hotter! So, I ate some cheese and a slice of turkey lunchmeat, and went and walked instead! Of course, I did have cake and ice cream earlier, so it isn't like it hurt me! Chris-- I read a story once about a woman who left her husband and before she left she stuffed the curtain rods with shrimp---soon the smell was horrid! They cleaned carpets everything, could not find the source!! Too bad you couldn't have revenge like that on grouchy neighbor!!! Just glad you are away from him! sorry about the introduction to the famed PB! Sherry--your office sounds very soothing, a nice place to be. I used to have my computer in the other room, in an office. Then when DD and DGD moved in, it got moved into an armoir, in the den area. Now I like it here, when DH or I are surfing e-bay (when I am shopping for wire!!!) we can see without hollering at one another, and traipsing back to the back of the house. The room is empty now, but I like it in here, so guess the room will soon turn into a mini gym. That's our plan....we'll see! Cindy--buy the construction paper in bulk, and while the hearts are on the tree, you can be cutting out eggs and bunnies---problem solved!! Let DH drive you and take your tests, if it will make you feel better, don't put off doing them! Hope it isn't freezing up too bad. They said down at our place (Comanche TX), they actually put hay out for the cows, so they could stay near the barn, and not have to graze. Hurry up Spring!!! Beannie-- I am like Darcy--bring on the gore--I love the real life ER shows!! But I also like the remodel house shows. I just watched my every Sunday show Extreme Makeover--Home Edition. It is refreshing to me to see them do nice things for people, and they don't have to compete or eat bugs, or do stunts!!! Patty--hope our Sherry and you can figure it out---will send up a prayer! Eileen--hmmmmm I am going to have to read back, going Commando sounds interesting!!! Cassie, Mary, Anne, all you MIA's...........we miss you!!! If I missed you--it was not intentional, it is my old brain. I forget everything. You know they do say the memory is the 2nd thing to go...and I forgot what the first was, but I am sure it is already gone too!!! Who is off for the holiday tomorrow??? Kat

I am doing my best to keep a positive attitude, I figure I can buy a wig and cover it up----I could not buy a skinny suit to cover up the fat! Kat

It may be time to have an endoscopy to check the positioning of your band. I don't think being unable to eat, or sometimes drink without pain is normal. I believe these types of problems are what causes some people to eat around the band, and only eat unhealthy foods. At least having it done will let you know whether or not all is well---if it is, you can relax, and try to get more exercise in, thinking that maybe as the weight goes down further, the pain will lessen, and you will feel the band less. If it is in a bad position, has slipped, or you have a dilation, then you can take the necessary steps to fix that, and let the band work as it is supposed to. I think sometimes Dr.s shrug us off, when they don't know what else to tell us. We pay them---and if he will not help you get the tests you need, find another Dr. Even if it is simply a general practitioner---he should be able to order an endoscopy---my SIL's local PCP had hers done,and the results were shared with the band Dr. which resulted in a temporary unfill, while her band settled back into place. She has now started refilling, and is doing MUCH better, both in feeling and in weight loss! Keep us posted...and if simply venting it helps---keep that up too!!! Good Luck Kat

Well since we are counting...April 1st 2007, I will have been smoke free for 16 years! I have always been glad I quit, but now look at cigarettes costing $4.00 a pack, and am just blown away by it!!!! Darcy---I have no problem walking with you---but I know there is no way I will do 1000 miles in a year. That's almost 3 miles a day, which is do-able, but if you miss one day, then doing 6 the next is really pushing it for me!!! And if you miss more than one, it would take me months to catch up! Yesterday, I did a lot of exercise for me---I hit Curves in the morning, then lifted light free weights with DH after dinner, and then walked 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill. The treadmill was not planned, but my dinner wanted to just sit there, and walking is the best way for me to get it going, so I don't end up with problems. I took my book, and walked until I felt better, and felt tired. Tired being the issue---with the other things I had done, another mile and a half would have done me in!!! Now if anyone wants to join me maybe we can share a 1000 miles!!! And I will be here cheering you on every STEP of the way! Chris---guess you really are a bandster now!!! Did you have any issues with your old neighbor when you were moving? Patty---maybe a well placed oscillating fan in the window, obviously blowing it away from your house, would send the message, without confrontation. If she says anything, simply explain about your sons surgery, and how you cannot take a chance at anything causing him more problems. Kill her with kindness, and maybe you will find having her for a neighbor is a good thing. Cindy---good luck on the tree thing!!! Betty---you huddled in waiting out the storm too? Eileen---what's on your agenda for a Sunday? Beannie---I see you on here at the same time---so just wondering what's up with you too. Did you notice we chased around the same threads all day yesterday I think it was!!! Anne---where ya at? Mary---how much new snow? We got another 3 inches or so, but it is soooooo cold out! It is noon straight up, and it is 5 degrees in my back yard!!! Hoigh is supposed to be 23. Guess who wants to stay by the fire? But have to go to the soon to be granddaughters (?)birthday party. I had a friend paint a castle mural on her bedroom wall. I am excited for her to see it! OOpps---my brother is pulling up, I need to go get a bra on---so much for lazy!!! BBL Kat

I am almost 9 months out now, and it is only getting worse. I have less than 1/4 of the hair I used to have. I have cut it shorter---and looks like I will be going even shorter. Although that does nothing for my scalp showing on the crown of my head----I think it is time to shop for a wig. Nothing seems to be helping. I have upped my caloric intake, and and concentrated on a healthy diet...watched the almighty protein, used the nioxin, taken they bioten----and I am still going bald. Too bad I don't have a pretty shaped head. I will lay odds that within a month someone asks me if my cancer has recurred....the lack of hair, and weight loss---it's what I would have thought of someone else. So while it depresses me to no end losing my hair, it could for a fact be worse! I survived bald before and by damned I will do it again! Kat

I have found macadamias cheapest at Sam's Club----I am out right now myself or I would give you the bag size. Will check back after I go shopping. I began eating a few (4-5) macadamias after being banded and unable to swallow the fish oil capsules, I was told they also have good omega 3 fats....cannot say whether it is true or not---but they are yummy!!! Kat

I agree with Carlene---because we ALL know we are on your list!!!! While I am not sure of the "down to earth" I can almost guarantee the "more interesting" to be true!!! Awww Jim you shocked all of us into silence!!!! Kat

Some people have quite severe gas pain, as well as generalized surgical pain. I have read that besides the gas X to try a heating pad...changing positions often (some even say lying down with your butt high in the air helps). Mostly I have heard the best thing to do is walk, walk, walk! It keeps it moving, and working it's way out. If your Dr. sent you home with pain meds, use them, there is no sense in being stoic with it---take them regularly, and you will rest better and thus heal quicker. If you did not receive anything, try Tylenol liquid, if it does not help, call the Dr. there are things he can prescribe to make it better. Keep in mind if it is narcotic medication he prescribes, it will have to be picked up in person (the Rx) and filled in person...at least in the state where I live it is that way. So you might make sure you have someone available to pick it up for you. IF your incisions turn red and have heat in them, contact your Dr. immediatly! It could be signs of infection. Some minor redness, and swelling with heat is normal, it is a reaction to being cut on---our body doesn't like that!!! Each day should improve, and soon you will be feeling fine. Be sure to get some protein in clear liquid form---it will help with the healing as well. Try both warm and cold liquids, to see ifone seems to help with the gas pain more than the other. Sorry you are having a hard time---it WILL get better!!! (((hugs))) Kat

I am not sure what the mysterious problems people alluded to are---there are occasional problems, there are with most things. I am confident that the possible problems I may encounter could not be any worse than the heart disease, and diabetes I was encountering with the morbid obesity. If you learn new eating habits, it may be possible to maintain without the band, I personally hope to never have to find that out! I have developed new habits, both eating wise, and exercise wise---it is much easier to exercise, and enjoy it without the added 80 pounds! I think if someone is having a true problem, then they would be more than happy to share what that problem is, not just allude to it, and hide it! I would question the source. There is with this surgery and gastric bypass, rNy, a battle so to speak---each one thinking their way is best. Lap banders belittle the bypass, and bypass patients belittle the banders. It might be worthwhile to look and see if that battle is skewing the information you are getting. The different surgeries both have their place, and neither one is right for everyone....it is something you truly need to research, and be comfortable with, not just for now, but for long term. Do a little independent research and you will find the actual complications are a very low percentage. They do however vary with each Dr....so researching the surgeon is of equal importance. Good luck in your decision. Kat

Neither my Dr. nor insurance required that I attend any certain number of seminars. Now I did sign up for the seminar, and she ask how many would be attending, I said I thought 2, she ask if that changed, to please let her know as space was limited. When we got there, there were seats for everyone, it was held at the surgical clinic, they had a video presentation, the surgeon talked, discussed the different surgical options--the usual. Then there was both a man and a woman who he had performed lap band on, and they spoke, and answered questions. He answered all the questions ask---but he was your typical surgeon, a bit smug! When a good question was ask--he said so "GOOD question---I like that" then he would answer. If it was a no brainer-he kinda did the bored with it all look and answered it, but did not elaborate. One woman said she couldn't exercise, that she thought the reason for having surgery was to lose the weight without it. He told her point blank, if she was not willing to TRY to do some exercise, he was not willing to TRY to save her life! He was not rude---just attempting to make her see, this is her life!! He is not the Dr. that did my surgery---I do use him for adjustments tho, and he is still very vocal about doing your part. He has jumped on my SIL for eating wrong foods, and told her the band may never work for her, since she is not working it. I agree, I would start any and all appointments I could, and start gathering info together in one spot. Bringing in medical records from other Dr.s, if you have it....go ahead and make an appointment with him, and show him what you have and make sure he knows you will be at the next seminar---see if he will make an exception when he realizes YOU are not waiting for welfare to pay for yours!!! Keep a copy of all records you can gather---let him see how organized, and prepared you are. It is only going to benefit you to lose the 10 pounds anyway---just less you have to lose later!!! And we have all dieted, we know we can lose 10 pounds, our issues are with keeping it off. Record your weight and measurements, and let him know where you are on the 10 pounds....just in general, let him see the responsibility. While I do not agree with his methods so much---the fact that he does have a corner on the market it sounds there---and he is obviously getting some real winners wanting an easy way out, it sounds like he is simply putting up some hurdles, to see who will even bother to jump through them. How you do affects him as well---Dr.'s have to tell you what their statistics are if you ask---how many bands he has done, what the complication rate, infection rate etc. is. If he is getting people who do not have any intentions of complying---you can see why he puts up a few obstacles. Let him see you are not one of the looneys!!! And you are prepared to work with the band to succeed! Hang in there!!! Kat

OOOOHHHH OOOHHHHH I DO, I DO!!!!! Which is why my Dr. does my fills!!! Kat

There is no way I could peddle my a$$ around town without my gel seat!!! Hopefully this spring/summer I will actually be able to ride, and look around. I had tunnel vision on it last summer---I did not want anyone to see me so I refused to see them! Hopefully that will be better this year!!! Kat