Cindy.B

I was informed that I have a possible leak in my lap band (maybe the tubing or the port, don't know yet.) I am going for fluro next week, but would like to know if any self-payers have had a port/tubing leak repaired, and if so, what did it cost? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I think it sounds like a great idea. If the results are better/quicker surgeons in the US may start doing it too. Cindy

As a fellow bi-polar lap band patient, let me say that bi-polar depression is different than any other kind of depression. You cannot 'dig yourself out of it' or do any other non-medicinal types of activities that relieve it. The doctors are careful about giving anti-depressants because some can cause manic episodes, so we are limited in treatment options. Medications that work fine at one time can stop working completely, and they seem to stop working long before the drug companies come out with newer medications. It is a constant battle to find the right medications, at the right dosages, just to make you functional, forget about being happy. Losing weight is almost impossible, especially when so many of the medications cause weight gain. That, coupled with the fact that during the depression you feel like your feet are in cement and you just cannot move from fatigue and exhaustion. I have come to realize that losing weight, even with the band, will be more difficult, and slower that non bi-polar lap-banders. I've had mine almost a year and have only lost 20 pounds. But last year I gained 15, so I figure I am ahead 35. I have learned to be satisfied with slower weight loss, but I am not giving up, I'm in this for the long term. Cindy B.

Thanks for all the posts. I am actually a fellow-Alabamian, I am in Huntsville. I did call the hospital and addressed the issue with the ER Administrator but got no satisfaction. I then went to the Hospital Administrator and complained. A couple of weeks later I got a letter from the hospital saying 'thanks to you, we have changed our procedures for bariatric patients' blah blah blah. It is time to reply to their letter, I just am not sure what to say at this point. Cindy

I received a fill at one of the national fill centers in January 2010. My band tightened up overnight to the point where I could not swallow my own saliva. Of course it was the weekend, so after several hours of vomiting, I went to a local hospital emergency room for treatment. When I explained to the ER physician that I had my lap band placed in Mexico, he called the ER physician that was on call for bariatrics. The ER physician returned to my room and stated that the physician on call said to tell me that, since I had the band put on in Mexico - to take my little "problem" to Mexico. I was released from the ER without being treated. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how did you handle it?

I have a question regarding fills. I have had 2 since my banding on July 31, 2009. I felt no restriction with the first and little with the second. I am trying to decide if it is time to get another fill, and this is the question. In the mornings, my first meal of the day is difficult to get down unless it is cereal or other soft food. The rest of the day I can eat anything I want to with little restriction. Does this mean I am ready for another fill?

Last night, I fell asleep and swallowed a piece of Nicorette gum. I immediately drank a couple of glasses of water, and then a large hot drink. I am not having any problems, but also have not eaten. Liquids stay down fine. My question is, should I eat mushies? My doctors office is closed today, so I cannot ask them. Please help.

I've taken Advil a couple of times, for arthritis pain, with no adverse effects. I eat a bit of cheese, then take the meds, but always wash it down with a full glass of water, and take a nexium with it. I don't know if it is safe or not, and I don't plan to do it often, but hey, I gotta walk. Cindy B

You might try FillCenters USA. I use them and paid around $1300 for one year's worth of care, including up to 6 fills. The people are great also. I believe their website is www.fillcentersusa.com Cindy B

I was banded on July 31st, and am still in bandster hell, although it is not as hot as it once was. I have had 2 small fills, but may go in for another in a few weeks as I am still hungry too often, and eating too much. I have only lost 11 pounds and am discouraged. I hope to reach a good level of restriction so I can see what being banded is really about. Cindy B

Hello, I would love to be your buddy. I am struggling with weight loss on the band. Since I got banded I've only lost 10 pounds and have 65 to go. My first fill was October 9th, but it really didn't do much, so I am returning this Friday. I am hungry all the time. I want your opinion, do you think if I get the correct restriction that I will lose the weight? I'm wondering if I am going to be a failure at this. I had to change doctors because the local guy was a jerk, so I went for about 10 weeks before I got my first fill. This worries me also because the new doc said that the best chance for weight loss is in the first 18 months. Am I just a bag of nerves or what? My email address is unrealville@yahoo.com if you want to reply that way. Thank you for being my buddy. Cindy Bales

I was banded in Mexico on 07/31/09 and am looking for a buddy, preferably in north Alabama/Southern Tennessee. Thanks, Cindy B