Randi

Terri, Do you get fills under fluoro? If that's an option for you, you might want ask for it. Under fluoro, my doctor does a barium swallow to see if the fill amount is causing reflux. If it does, he adjusts the fill amount downward.

Work that tool, Girl!

MySherriJo, Make sure the doctor defines "low protein" in terms of numbers and amounts. Like, how many grams of Protein should you have a day and what does that look like at meal time.

Pink, I would want someone to love me for me as I am right now. That way as I lost the weight, I would know that I was loved even when I was overweight and never have to question that aspect of the relationship. My reality is that if by some chance I should ever have to have the band removed and regain weight, that the person I chose would know me and love me regardless of my physical state.

I started with a BMI of a little over 37 and was banded in November. I've lost about 12 lbs post-banding. My first fill was on 6 December and I returned to my exercise program last week, but the scale has not moved. My next fill will be tomorrow, 13 December.

Self-payers, Have any of you had to have your port relocated because it interfered with bending or was just causing general discomfort based on its location? If so, what were the port relocation costs? Here's my story: Prior to banding on November 20th, I made it a point to discuss with my surgeon the fact that I'm very short-waisted and that port placement was a concern to me both during an office visit and just prior to the actual surgery. After examining my waist during the office visit, my surgeon agreed that my waist was indeed short and indicated that hopefully the low profile port would help in my circumstance and acknowledged my port placement concern again prior to wheeling me into surgery. Now, I realize I'm only 14 days post-op, but I swear the port is sitting right on my waistline! I've even heard a muffled click when I've bent over a couple of times -- WTF?! Has anyone else had this happen? Does it go away when your belly fat diminishes? Or, am I gonna have to PAY MORE MONEY for the port relocation when I specifically and consistently addressed this issue prior to banding? I do plan on discussing port relocaton with my surgeon on 6 December to see if there is any provision for rectifying this situation without more funds from me. However, I am self-pay and knew the future might hold additional costs, but come on . . . Folks, any information or advice that you can offer on this topic will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Everyone, for your input. I will give it some time and some pounds. Hopefully, when I reach the low 200's range, I'll be able to make a better assessment.

I love your tatoo!

Cassandra, One way I keep my exercise going during inclement weather is video tapes. Kathy Smith and Leslie Sansone are two of the fitness instructors that have produced indoor walking tapes and there are probably others. If you're a member of a local video club, those types of stores usually have exercise videos availble for rent/purchase. On occasion, I also order exercise videos from http://www.collagevideo.com/

By the 25th, the only person who will know you've had surgery is you! I was banded on November 20th (Thanksgiving week) and was able to prepare the entire Thanksgiving dinner to include desserts even though I was on liquids and not allowed to eat any of it! However, My DH and my DD did do all the lifting.

Dr. C, Is port erosion caused by trauma to the port area?

Thanks everyone for responding. I ran a little experiment yesterday at work; I abstained from gum all day and just focused on the liquids. Then at the end of the day, I tried some gum. What did I learn you may ask? Both liquids and gum add air! However, it's easier to expel the air from the liquids. Gum, on the other hand, seems to just keep pumping it in until it's difficult to get the liquids down. So needless to say, gum is definitely off the list for now (and maybe even forever). Luckily, I'm not too attached to gum. But pre-band, if I purchased it or it was offered to me, I chewed it. So, finding a replacement shouldn't be too difficult.

I was banded last week and I'm still on liquids. In fact, I'm supposed to be on liquids a total of six weeks before I can begin mushies. So, in an effort to keep my breath from smelling downright skanky, I've been chewing sugarless gum. However, after I've chewed a few pieces, I can't seem to get any more fluids down. It's like there's a gas bubble stuck in my throat and I can't quite belch it up. Anyone else have this problem with gum or could something else be going on?

It's probably the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) -- part surgery; part band; no port. And, it's still being done: http://www.drchampion.com/vbg.php

I was banded last week and I'm still on liquids. In fact, I'm supposed to be on liquids a total of six weeks before I can begin mushies. So, in an effort to keep my breath from smelling downright skanky, I've been chewing sugarless gum. However, after I've chewed a few pieces, I can't seem to get any more fluids down. It's like there's a gas bubble stuck in my throat and I can't quite belch it up. Anyone else have this problem with gum or could something else be going on?

Doriana, I'm there with you girl. I have to do liquids for six weeks! I'm hoping when I see the surgeon, he'll back off of the additional four weeks and move me to the mushies phase.

I think you may find something useful in this thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=25721

Betsy, I'll have to see if I can find the Tylenol Adult Chewables. I keep a bottle of the Adult Liquid Tylenol both at home and at work. But, I would rather have the chewables in the car glovebox just in case I need 'em.

Karen, You're most welcome! I don't know how current the handbook is, but it's information in black and white from the lapband makers. That's a plus in my book because it allows you to kinda understand why surgeon's can differ on the instructions given to patients. For instance, some surgeons choose to implant the band with a small fill, while others wait 4 weeks to do the first fill, and still other surgeons will wait six weeks or longer to do the initial fill. And, based on the latest research information, my surgeon is now doing fills as early as two weeks from initial banding.

Veggestyle, The only OTC pain medication my surgeon recommends is Tylenol. I don't know if you're aware of this, but Tylenol is now available in an adult liquid form. I haven't really checked the various drug stores, but I was able to find it at the local Super Wal-Mart. However, I would definitely say to comply with your surgeon's instructions, especially if s/he's the one who told you take the NSAID. Everyone's situation is different. I was previously on an daily Aspirin regimen for high blood pressure and would occasionally take Motrin for migraines and arthritis pain prior to banding. So that is why my surgeon discontinued the use of those drugs for me. Since I'm self-pay, I'm definitely trying to stay aware and remain vigilant on anything that can lead to band erosion or slippage 'cause I definitely don't have another 15K lying around.

Veggestyle, The information I shared with you came directly from my surgeon. However, page 13 of the Inamed Handbook (//www.allerganandinamed.com/pdf/health/94829-12_LB_Patient_Book.pdf) briefly touches on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also, here's a link to some additional information regarding NSAIDs: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/4/1680_50448.htm, as well as a listing I found on some brand names of NSAIDs: http://www.lyberty.com/encyc/articles/nsaid.html

Welcome Back APink! I'm glad to read you're feeling much better and down 10lbs to boot! You go girl!

Great information, Carol!

Laurend, I find that many people think only one kind of WLS exists -- gastric bypass. And, when you attend the seminars, the pictures are usually static and some people still don't quite get a good understanding of the lapband. So, my contribution to gaining more parental support is an actual live video of the surgery being performed. Here's the link; I hope you find it helpful: http://www.or-live.com/distributors/NLM/rnh.cfm?id=194

Josephine, I'm very sorry to hear you were flamed in another thread. I remember when I initially read about your weight loss without being filled, I was is in awe. I felt hopeful that maybe I could be just as successful without a fill too. I, like you, believe the band is MY weight loss tool; my anchor. And, when and if I should ever need to be filled, the band is already in place waiting, ready, and willing to assist me on my weight loss journey. Will I or won't I fill? I'm recently banded and don't have enough personal experience with the band to know yet. However, my first fill opportunity is on December 6th. So, I'm hoping to have a better idea by then of whether I will need a fill. Best wishes to you on continuing your journey without a fill.