January Bandsters???

[saraincincy 0]

Nicknack,

At day 2 post op you are very much in recovery mode, try to get as much fluids in that you can no matter what they are (besides carbinated) I had a really hard time at first b/c I couldn't get enough fluids in. If you have someone there to help remind you to keep sipping ask them to give you a nudge. Go get your favorite juice and make sure you have it with in reach all the time~ I found the sugar in the juice would help give me a little energy instead of just Water and broth. Do NOT let yourself get dehydrated, that can become very dangerous, and once you get dehydrated it can go down hill quick.

I'm sure Tommorow you will feel tons better and then up from there.

Keep in touch on here, it will help get you through it.

Sara

[BabyGotBack 0]

Hi January bandsters!

Just banded in Mexico on the 16th. Lost 6 pounds so far, but hey who wouldnt on a liquid diet. So far all is well as to be expected. Just trying to adjust. I was banded by Dr. de la Garza in Monterrey.

Congrats!!! I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on Jan. 5, 2007. I have not weighed in yet, but some pants that I have not been able to wear for a while fit me today!!!

[BabyGotBack 0]

I had a great NSV!!! I have been wearing 14's very tight and today I just tried on some size 12 slacks and they fit!!! Not perfect, a tad too tight, but I was able to wear them!!! I still don't want to weigh in. Maybe next week after I start solids!

How are we all doing?

Who wants to start the South Beach Challenge with me in a few days on Saturday?

I met a girl at a support group yesterday who had lost 130 pounds in a little over a year!!!! She looked fantastic!!! And wouldn't you know.... she follows the bandster rules and a South Beach diet type of eating plan. Lots of Water and exercise.

I also met other ladies who had lost 20 pounds in 8 months. Wouldn't you know, they eat what ever they want and don't exercise..... HHHMMMMMMM.

I for one want to follow after the one who lost better following the rules. I didn't do this to just stay fat!!!!

[BabyGotBack 0]

I asked for info on erosion from the Obesity Control Center, Dr. Ortiz's clinic and got the following response. Aren't they awesome!!!!!!

I also was given the following contact info was given to me also for any other questions regarding the lapband and for us to actually get it from the makers of the lapband

"I have also never heard of routinely having the band replaced after 10 years. I would think that Inamed/Allergan would be able to answer that question, since they are the manufacturer of the Lapband. You can contact Don Mills (Sales Administrative Mgr) for Allergan at 800-624-4261 Ext. 4546 or email him at mills_don@allergan.com "

I am so impressed and keep on getting more impressed as I go on my Lapband journey, with Dr. Ortiz and his staff. I get immediate responses to my questions and don't get any type of run around.

Dear Friends and Colleagues:<O</O

After receiving numerous calls and email regarding the latest speculations about erosions on the boards I feel obliged to post some facts that should be of some relief and informative at the same time. There are very few reliable sources out there on Gastric Banding complications except the series that are published in the medical literature. My colleagues that post on these forums will agree that my team and I are considered one of the foremost authorities in gastric banding complications and treatments in the world and as such our intention is that our ongoing research results in a safer gastric banding procedure for everybody.

Folks, Lets start out by doing the math. Band erosions are not increasing as one would think. They have actually diminished noticeably in the past number of years. What is increasing is the number of patients having the procedure along with the ability to communicate this fact through forums such as this one. A surgeon that has performed 100 procedures may have 1% erosion, which is equivalent to 1 patient. While a surgeon with 3000 procedures under his belt will have 30 erosions, but this still represents 1%. Also the awareness of it's existence has prompted us to look for them purposely through endoscopic studies.

We now recommend that every band patient gets an upper endoscopy around 18 months after the surgery. For a surgeon to know exactly how many of his patients bands have eroded he would have to scope them all. Endoscopy is the only way to prove an erosion since some erosions are asymptomatic early on.

Erosions are unfortunate adverse reactions of gastric banding. They are also poorly understood. The term erosion has been popularized recently in the literature as one of the complications of gastric banding. It suggests the wearing out of the gastric wall, but the actual process seems to be more of a foreign body reaction where the body tries to eliminate the implant. Erosions are not new and it has been known for decades and reported in the medical literature that various materials near the stomach or intestine can slowly penetrate the wall and ultimately be eliminated through it. Implants, sutures, staples, mesh, rings, tubing, cloth and metal all have readily penetrated the gut.

<O</O

Though the actual process is not fully understood we do know the following:

<O</O

- Most bands erode from the outer edge of the implant into the stomach. Sometimes it is the tubing and not the band that penetrates the gut. This would discard the suggestion that bands that are too tight erode. (Conversely we now know that bands that are too tight actually slip more often)

<O</O

- Surgical technique is similar around the world. Most surgeons in the US and the rest of the world learned the technique from a handful of international surgeons who proctored them. In turn these surgeons have perfected the technique and the principles of band placement remain the same around the world.

<O</O

- Erosions can coexist with an infection process. Even though it would seem that the infection can start at the port and then ultimately cause an erosion, our recent studies have detected mircopenetrations of the stomach at the initial stages of the erosion (soon to be published data) then most likely stomach bacteria tract down though the tubing to the port and contaminate it. Again these ongoing studies will shed new light on the process and hopefully someday will totally eliminate the risk of gastric penetration.

<O</O

- Erosion is not selective of one band or another. Sooner or later every brand of gastric band has been reported to erode.

<O</O

- Latin bands do not erode more frequently. For one the implant used comes exactly from the same company and are made of the exact same materials. Contrary to a controversial post recently published in a forum, responsible surgeons performing gastric banding in Mexico have a comprehensive follow-up protocol. Fluoroscopy and Endoscopy is routinely performed which means that we detect the erosions more efficiently and earlier when present.

<O</O

- When an erosion is detected the band should removed. This gives the stomach time to heal and in given time receive a new band. It is the patient's responsibility to tell the doctor of his or her symptoms. The sooner it is detected the better the chances of performing a laparoscopic and uneventful surgery with a quick recovery.

<O</O

- We also stress the importance of follow-up. Most erosions have no symptoms early on, so a routine checkup with your doctor is always the best option.

NO NEED TO PANIC, erosions are still a rare occurrence, but if present when detected and treated early on the outcome is benign in nature.

You will all agree that gastric banding has touched hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. It is the safest weight-loss procedure but unfortunately no procedure is free of complications. Even though erosion rate is very low, it still exists. When present it should be detected and treated promptly. The earlier it is treated the better the outcome. In some cases patients have actually received a second band after a brief period of recovery and thus having the benefit of restriction and weight-loss again.

The only source of reliable medical advice is your doctor. Other sources of information only lead to speculation, anxiety and worst of all delay in treatment if needed. If you are to go out of the country for surgery, select a responsible surgeon that offers follow-up. Ask if he will always be available (my patients can reach me in a moments notice, they all have my cell#) Don't be enticed to go to the cheapest, usually they go hand in hand with poor to no follow-up. You must be able to trust the doctor you have chosen.

We as Surgeons also have our official Internet forums where we exchange knowledge with each other having only your best interests in mind. Remember, ultimately it is your success that results in our success.

My best wishes to all,<O</O

Respectfully<O</O

Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Bump, Bump, Bump

[Edieday 0]

Thank you for that information, Audree. I was starting to worry about erosions. After paying all that money and then having it be reversed. Yikes, what a nightmare!

I have my surgery in three days, January 25th. I am going out today to pick up some Protein Drinks etc. All of you have been so great with your suggestions; I just went through the emails and made my grocery list. I am feeling very nervous. I have a few loose ends, like my blood tests done at Kaiser (my HMO) have not been sent to my lapband doctor. I am going to go to Kaiser tomorrow and pick them up and fax them over. Then my hospital has been changed from one near to me to one in San Francisco. Thankfully, the one in SF is around the corner from my daughter so I will spend the night with her and my husband and I will walk about to the hospital in the morning.

I enjoy reading all of your posts it makes me feel a little better knowing what to expect.

Take care all of you. I am off to do my shopping.

Edie

208/208/120

I tried to do a ticker but I wasn't able to copy it over. Obviously, I am doing something wrong.:phanvan

[BabyGotBack 0]

There is a woman there who has lost over 100 pounds and has a support group on myspace, for those who are into it.

I couldn't get the lapbandtalk page up all day on Saturday and was going nuts. I definitely need a back up in case anything would happen to lapbandtalk or if I could not get the page to work.

http://groups.myspace.com/TheSisterhoodofWeightLossSurgery

[Bandida 0]

There is a woman there who has lost over 100 pounds and has a support group on myspace, for those who are into it.

I couldn't get the lapbandtalk page up all day on Saturday and was going nuts. I definitely need a back up in case anything would happen to lapbandtalk or if I could not get the page to work.

http://groups.myspace.com/TheSisterhoodofWeightLossSurgery

Same here!!!! My husband is away on business and the friend I do talk to about my banding works nights on the weekend so I was PULLING MY hair OUT!!!!! Thanks for the link.... It's funny how once you start to develop a "relationship" with everybody here you just can't stay away... My husband thinks I'm nuts:crazy:talking to people I don't "personally" know..but how much more personal can we get (have you seen the before and after pix thread:wow2: )...Anyway, thanks for the support everyone:rose:!!!! Youa re all AWESOME and I'm glad to be part of LBT!:biggrin1:

[BabyGotBack 0]

I was pulling my hair out too!! Thank God I had a support group to go to and got my friend on the phone that got banded a year ago. It is my fix!!!

I signed up on obesityhelp.com and posted on my webspace. If lapbandtalk is down, I definitely need an alternate source. I have often thought, what would happen if something happened to this site????

How would we find each other again????? That is why I made a myspace just for my lapband journey. Also, we should have each others email if something would ever happen.

[Bandida 0]

True! I have a myspace also. http://www.myspace.com/familialopeztorres. oh, by the way, my first name is olga...I just posted my "history" on the forum on myspace...... I think I went overboard on details..but I love to write!!! it is true though..we should have other ways of staying in contact. I think this forum one of my most important supporters...

[Sula 0]

Hi January bandsters!

Just banded in Mexico on the 16th. Lost 6 pounds so far, but hey who wouldnt on a liquid diet. So far all is well as to be expected. Just trying to adjust. I was banded by Dr. de la Garza in Monterrey.

I was banded by Dr. Chapa in Monterray on the 16th!! I wonder if we passed in the recovery room? Actually, there are probably more than one hospital there.

How you feeling today? I'm back from a 900 mile road trip and feel pretty great. I was home for a day to recoup and then just a passenger for the most part (trying to be a good companion and wife). I was going to stay home but I think leaving here was more restful in a way because I suck as sitting still and in the truck, there wasn't anything that needed doing!

I'm back to work tomorrow and feel like it will be alright. I have been worried about energy levels, but we will see how it goes. How about you? Feeling strong?

Shawn

[BabyGotBack 0]

True! I have a myspace also. http://www.myspace.com/familialopeztorres. oh, by the way, my first name is olga...I just posted my "history" on the forum on myspace...... I think I went overboard on details..but I love to write!!! it is true though..we should have other ways of staying in contact. I think this forum one of my most important supporters...

I just sent you a request to add me as your friend!!

[Bandida 0]

:clap2: Your a FRIEND now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BabyGotBack 0]

:clap2: Your a FRIEND now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bandida 0]

Your very welcome..Thank you for all of your thoughts, information, communication and support...Everyone...You guys are all awesome!!!

[nicknack34461 0]

Nicknack,

At day 2 post op you are very much in recovery mode, try to get as much fluids in that you can no matter what they are (besides carbinated) I had a really hard time at first b/c I couldn't get enough fluids in. If you have someone there to help remind you to keep sipping ask them to give you a nudge. Go get your favorite juice and make sure you have it with in reach all the time~ I found the sugar in the juice would help give me a little energy instead of just Water and broth. Do NOT let yourself get dehydrated, that can become very dangerous, and once you get dehydrated it can go down hill quick.

I'm sure Tommorow you will feel tons better and then up from there.

Keep in touch on here, it will help get you through it.

Sara

thanks for the advise and quick replys