WendyII

My doc used the Realize Band on me. He's done band surgeries for over 5 years as his primary speciality. My realize band is "second generation". He said he was not comfortable with the first generation bands. He admitted that there is not much difference between my band and the lap band of the same size. He said they also have another size lap band they use for much larger people. He said the bands were basically like coke and pepsi and the only real advantage to the Realize band is that the profile of the port is 3mm shallower than the Lap Band, something you won't notice until you get very thin. He then placed my hand on HIS port from his lapband and I could feel it. In the end I think they are probably the same. They look the same.

Well I'm glad I'm not alone but sorry you're not feeling well either. My anastesiologist said 15% of people vomit from the drugs. Why me!?

I was banded yesterday. Everything went well according to my surgeon but I've thrown up 4 times. I hope and pray I have not damaged anything. I believe the throwing up was from the anastesia. I had no problem getting my liquids today and don't feel any restriction. Also really enjoyed walking. I too feel some fear about being able to stick with this. I really want a spoonful of cottage cheese but I am not going to have it. My doc has me on two days of liquids and then strait to pureed foods. It's interesting how everyone's doctors have them on something different. Hope everyone else is doing well.

One more thought on this... As I mentioned my doc said only one day of liquids BUT they did check to see if my liver was fatty and it is not.

Here is my pre-op instructions verbatim. From Pre-admitance test until day of surgery: Do not take any asprin, anti-inflammatories, herbal suppliments or Vitam E. Do not Smoke. Do not drink alcohol. Day before surgery From the time you wake up in the morning drink Clear liquids only. Take 2 Dulcolax tablets at 10am. Stop all liquids at midnight. No gum, hard candy or mints.

Well if this makes you feel any better my surgeon doesn't require a lengthy pre-op diet. I've only got one day of liquids.

Hi there - I live in Howell MI. I'm getting my band on Friday. Just passd the pre-admission testing today. I'm so glad to be doing this.

I looked at both devices at my initial consultation and I can't see any real visible difference. My surgeon said the realize band is big in Sweeden and is only recently FDA approved. My surgeon hadn't went for his training on the realize band yet but is planning to. I think the differences dont' really hvae to do with the device itself, but more with the support. Also, the surgery methods may vary. I'll be intersted to see what everyone has to say on this topic.

I don't think that eating one less fruit and vegetable a day make you less fertile than being morbidly obese would.

Hi Everyone - I just got my surgery dates and I'm getting my band on 4/17 at Barix in Ypsilanti MI. Could use a buddy if anyone wants to pm.

This cannot be true. HIPPA privacy laws would protect you. My insurance approval was pretty easy, though I don't have the same coverage as you. Good luck.

Did you try to appeal this? I suspect there are different levels of coverage. I have Empire Blue right now but may be switching to BC/BS of MI and would be pretty dissapointed if they didn't cover fills etc.

My approval with Empire Blue went pretty quickly. 7 working days. Same thing - they didn't need any records of dieting other than my recollection. We'll probalby get our bands around the same time. I'm hoping to get my date today. Good luck to you!

I can tell you this from my experience in losing weight in the past there WILL be people who are envious of you. Sadly it might be people closest to you.

This is just terrible. Why is it when one thing goes right in life another goes wrong? I have two Boston Terriers. (I love smooshie faced piggy dogs.) Good luck to you with your surgery.

This is funny! I'm glad you spoke up for yourself. I've also told just about everyone that I'm going to have this surgery. I am surprised how supportive most people are being. The only person who gave me shit was my sister who doesn't understand why I just don't "lose the weight" (like she did by doing weight watchers). For me, I'm just trying to keep in perspective that most people are supportive. There will alwasy be some bitch who tries to rain on your parade anytime you have a success in life.

By the way - I have one more thought for you... as I mentioned we're going to TTC into our 40's however we're also homestudy approved for a domestic infant adoption. We've found the process to be very easy, quick and much much cheaper than we thought. If you want to chat please feel free to PM me. Good luck to you.

My mom had me later in life... late 30s. I'm going to be 38 when we start trying to conceive again. My doctor told me that as long as your periods are regurlar that you're still in basicaly the same shape that you were when you were in your more fertile years. Yes the odds of miscarriage, downs syndrome and (gulp) multiples are higher but the odds are still more in your favor for a healthy pregnancy.

I'm looking forward to being where you're at. Still waiting for my surgery date. Sounds like you're off to a great start.

Your story and mine are exactly the same. However they told me when I got my sleep study that the apnea is worse on my back. I'm also a side-sleeper so I'm going to just deal with it. The lady at the clinic said that losing weight would help. Oh really!? Who would have guessed that right? My husband has the cpap and loves it. It's just not for me.

Hi Guys - I know I'm late to this thread but I'm also a JPMC employee. Would love to hear how your experience with the bands and your insurance has been so far. I've got Empire Blue and just waiting to see if they accept all my docs. Hopefully I'll get my band in the next month or so.

I asked my doc the same question. He told me that they use the weight you weigh at your initial consultation. If you lose weight before the surgery it doesn't matter (even if your BMI drops below 35), in fact they encourage it.