mrclaf

Hi Everyone, Is there anyone out there with Multiple Sclerosis? When I had my surgery (Lapband) I had a numb leg and foot my Ortapedic dr. thought I had sciatica so we went ahead with the surgery. After the 4 weeks I was off from work I went back and I still had the numb leg and was being treated for this by that same dr. after being back to work for a week my groin was getting numb and then my other leg. My Ortho doc sent me to a Neurologist we did more MRIs and a lumbar puncture. If you ever avoid having one of these I would highly recommend not getting one. My test came back positive for M/S and a possible spinal tumor. I had a one cm mass in my spine. I still have to go back for more tests to see if they have shrunk for the IV steroids I was on. Oh my these steroids make you ravenous! Thank God my band hasn't been inflated as of yet. I ate like a pig while taking the steroids and developed insulin dependant diabetes. This really sucks as well. I was just curious if there is any bandsters wit M/S I would love to talk and share some experiences with you. This whole thisg has been so had on everyone in my family but they all stuck by my side and have been great! I am so blessed. Thanks, Steve

Peggy, Have you found someone to do your fills here in the states. There are allot of docs who will not touch you if you had your band done out of the country.

I'm holding my own right now. I haven't had my first fill yet. Waiting till things settle down for me. I have been getting stronger every day. I will get my first fill at the end of the month..... Moffitt is a great place. Thanks Steve

I tried to follow the diet but not to the letter. I did lose 25lbs before surgery. Not too bad.

I work at UCH, right across the street from USF.

Mine is in the middle....

I live in Tampa.

That was tooooooooo funny! I had a personal trainer and she was so nice I thought she was to easy on me. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. They arn't all like that.... Thanks for the laugh I thought I would pee my pants..... Steve

You can also try this link. Thanks Steve http://uch.universitycommunityhospital.org/coe_weightloss.asp

Hi, I had my band done in Tampa... My Dr is John Detrick. Great guy. Very good physician. I work with him in the OR. I'm a surgical assistant at University Community Hospital. I have worked there for 9 years. He has just started the Surgical Weight Loss program at the hospital and boy has it taken off.... This guy is very compassionate and kind. I liked him when I met him. The nice thing about the program there is it is all inclusive. You see everyone there in that facility. You will see the psychologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and of course the surgeon. Its was so nice not having to run all over town making these appointment. I know I sound like I'm trying to sell this program but it was a great experience and I just wanted to share that with everyone. You can also go to www.uch.org and that should direct you to that program. Good luck with your quest. Thanks Steve

Yes, My Doc has a support group in his facility. They meet once a month. The facility was perfect for this. There is a nutritionist, exercise physiologist, psychologist and of course the Surgeon. This was so nice because you didn't have to run all over the place to make all your appointments. Everything was done right there. What a great experience. All of them sponsor the support groups.

Hi All, I am so new to this. I am scheduled for surgery on the 5th of June :clap2: (Lap Band). I have been reading this site and came across allot of slang, I would like to know what some of this stuff means, i.e., PB.... Whats that? I am sooooo looking forward to this surgery and getting healthy. I have hypertension, diabetes high cholesterol and GERD. I feel like crap all the time. If someone could help me out that would be great. I love this site!!!! It has been sooooo informative and helpful in my choice as far as bypass or banding. My sister had the bypass and has gained 40lbs so far and on her way to more. I am 5'11" and weigh 285lbs. I'm 45 years old and live in Tampa Florida. I have a grand baby on the way and want to be around for his or her life. I know if I don't do something now I will miss that opportunity and that is something I don't want to miss. I'm a little scared of all the changes that life has in store for me. I know this will not be an easy adjustment but its something I have to do to survive. I'm just so glad to have this opportunity. Well, enough of my babbling. Got to run for now, hope to hear from someone out there..... Thanks for your time.... Steve <!-- / message --><!-- edit note -->

Does anyone know the percentage of this complication... I haven't be banded yet. I'm looking at all the info on this site and I find it so interesting. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 5th of June. Thanks, Steve

I was told by the dietitian to make sure I drink at least 10oz of water/Crystal lite an hour while you are awake.

Hi Kay, The only clinic in your area is in Dallas. There is one coming to Houston in the near future. I wish I could be more helpful. Check out the web site and see what you think... It would be worth the drive..... Drop me a line.... Good luck, Steve http://www.stopsmokingdfw.com/

Hi Kay, I smoked for 33 years. I had to stop for my surgery. I have smoked every since I was 12 years old, quiting was the worst thing I had to do. I found a way to stop and it was the beginning of change for the rest of my life. I found this clinic and for $400.00 dollars I was able to quit smoking. I thought it was a joke but it really worked. I have a little craving afterwords but not like I wanted to rip someones head off. It was so easy!!!! Just a shot in the a** and one behind both ears. I stopped that day and haven't started since. This was 3 months ago. I feel great!!!!! I work in the OR and perform total joint replacement on a wide variety of patients (I assist the physician in surgery). This is to include heavy patients as well. Their outcomes are not as good as someone who is as the thinner patients. I can see why they want you to lose weight. This is only going to help you in the long run. I really wish you well and if you need anything just drop me a line and I will bet back to you. If your interested I can send you a link to one of those STOP SMOKING CLINICS. They are a chain, kinda like McDonalds.... Just kidding.... Well, you have a great night. I wish you well and like I said if you need anything drop me a note.... Take care, Steve

Hi Kay, I don't think age is an issue. Your health problems are probably associated with your weight. I have a few health problems as well. I have hypertension, diabetes and GERD. My lower back hurts all the time and I can't even start on my knees and feet. I need surgery there as well. I will be going in for my surgery on the 5Th of June so think about me when you are seeing you Doc. I'm nervous and excited as well. I am going through all the protein diet right now. They say its to shrink your liver, I don't think my liver is shrinking. All I know is I'm STARVING!!!! I am only allowed one meal a day and protein shakes the rest of the time. I know this is for my own good but boy a meatball sub sure sounds good about now. Good luck to you. I hope all goes well. Take care and keep in touch.... Steve

OK, I know this might sound stupid but I just want to know how to upload a ticker and have it show on all of my messages? I'm new to this so please have patients with me... Thanks, Steve:help:

Thanks for the help!!! It worked!!! Steve

Thanks for the links... It was helpful... Steve

Hi All, I am so new to this. I am scheduled for surgery on the 5th of June :clap2: (Lap Band). I have been reading this site and came across allot of slang, I would like to know what some of this stuff means, i.e., PB.... Whats that? I am sooooo looking forward to this surgery and getting healthy. I have hypertension, diabetes high cholesterol and GERD. I feel like crap all the time. If someone could help me out that would be great. I love this site!!!! It has been sooooo informative and helpful in my choice as far as bypass or banding. My sister had the bypass and has gained 40lbs so far and on her way to more.