male only For Just Us Guys

[Gaffer 1]

Hey Gaffer - $16,000 man - love it - ain't it the truth

I try not to make the Steve Austin Noise at the gym.

Andrew(aka $16,000 man)- I think it's a great idea! My only concern is we need more guys to post more often. BTW, your doing great! You have an excellent chance to meet your July goal. I want to be below 200 by September (6 weeks to lose 12 lbs)..

I am hoping that with a dedicated mens section (which we now have, big thumbs up to Alexandra) that more guys will post regulary. My weight loss seems to go in fits & spurts so I can never really tell if I will meet it, but I am pretty well on my way to it. I would like to get below 258 which will make me officially obese on the BMI. "Horray, I'm Obese":confused:

Hey Guys...quick question. I've been doing a little reading on this AP band that is supposed to be the latest and greatest...and I'm trying to see if it is being widely used here in the US yet? I've seen references that it is approved....and reference to only a handful of surgeons in the US using it so far...but I do not know how outdated that info is. I have a call into my surgeon's office to see if she used the AP band...as I get band on the 24th...and would like the newest one if available. Does anyone know anything add'l?

Also...I found an article talking about the AP band...probably already been posted somewhere...but I thought I'd add it in case some have not seen it. According to it..the APS band seems to be the band of choice.

http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/06/02/the-lap-band-ap%e2%84%a2-system-the-platform-advances/

Any insights are appreciated. Thanks...and have a good day.

Bud

Thanks for the article on the AP band. I have had one since February. My surgeon here in Canada has been using them exclusively since Nov. 2006. They come in APL (large) and APS (small). I have the APL and it hold 14CC total. Currently I am at 5.3cc, after a defill from 6cc and them 5.5cc.

I dont have much to compare with because this is my first band but here is my take on it.

I personally think, and my surgeon confirmed this thought when I talked to him, that the AP band is pretty forgiving interms of sticking. I also like the fact that I have more "space" in my band to fine tune the fills and acheive that optimum level of fill. I am very happy with my band, no matter what brand type, or size it is. It is the first thing that really works for me.

I do think that the AP bands are a good thing, but really no matter what band your Dr. puts in there it is a move for the better.

Andrew

[Chris_NJ 9]

Woohoooo congrats on our new sub forum ! Come on guys lets get this forum going ! :whoo:

[bigsexy 0]

Hey Guys...quick question. I've been doing a little reading on this AP band that is supposed to be the latest and greatest...and I'm trying to see if it is being widely used here in the US yet? I've seen references that it is approved....and reference to only a handful of surgeons in the US using it so far...but I do not know how outdated that info is. I have a call into my surgeon's office to see if she used the AP band...as I get band on the 24th...and would like the newest one if available. Does anyone know anything add'l?

Also...I found an article talking about the AP band...probably already been posted somewhere...but I thought I'd add it in case some have not seen it. According to it..the APS band seems to be the band of choice.

http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/06/02/the-lap-band-ap%e2%84%a2-system-the-platform-advances/

Any insights are appreciated. Thanks...and have a good day.

Bud

The AP Band was released for use to all surgeons in the US in June. Some surgeons have had it for a few months prior as preliminary advocates for its design changes. Dr's still have to be trained on the new closing mechanism to be able to use them. The original band, the VG band and the AP will still be made available and from what my surgeon said there is no plans by inamed to discontinue any of them. I have an AP band - the large one. I dont have any fill yet so i dont have any restriction, but the jist of it is that it is supposed to make the surgeons life easier to install. It does have some additional benefits like the 360d baffeled inflatable tube which allows for uniform grip on your stomach. It is also purported to be easier to pass protien through.

[Brewa2000 1]

What a surprise this morning! Our own section! Good to see a good response. Let's keep up the posting...

I think my VG band does it's job (when properly adjusted) very well. It's me that screws up every once in a while. It is nice to see more products become available.

Jack- good to see your post! You are so right about eating when not hungry. I fight that "dragon" every day, especially evenings.

Stand Strong!

[Dumpling 0]

Hi guys, so here is where I am at. Is this normal?

April 5th - Banded

May 25th - Firts Fill

June 8th - Second Fill

June 20th - third Fill - good restriction for 2 days

July 4th - forth fill - good restriction for 4 days

After the forth fill I felt good restriction for 4 or 5 days. I am restricted in the morning and can overeat at dinner.

I am losing a little wieght, PBing some when I overeat or do not chew well. I have lost about 2 pounds a week since the third fill. Is this normal? I plan on going for another fill, am I crazy?

I basically do not want to be able to eat at all or very very little.

Dave

[budinindy 0]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on the AP band. If my surgeon has it available...that what I'd like to go with. Just seems like the right move.

On a side note...I have to say several of you have inspired me even more...with the amount of weight you have lost in just 4-6 months. My surgery is the 24th...so 5 months to Christmas. I figure a goal of 50# by Christmas is a good, achieveable one with some work...and a goal of 75# would be a nice stretch goal. With effort and following the dietary guidlines 90-95%....I think (based on my previous weight loss history) that those numbers can be met. I'll keep you abreast of my progress.

Thanks again for everything. Have a good one.

Bud

[Lochnagar 0]

Hey all!

I've been a lurker for some time, but figured I should introduce myself.

I was banded by Dr. Spivak last July, but it took some time to get my fill right. I lost about 25 lbs, but when I needed another fill I didn't go back in - my work was just too stressful to not be able to do without food.< /p>

Well, I chnaged my job, got a fill, and am now down a total of 66lbs (I started at 315 and just broke into the 240s at 249 this morning.

On Saturday I run my 3rd 5k race. About 3 months ago I couldn't run much more than a minute - I am now running the fulll 5K in around 35mins - not fast I know - but that will come.

I know, especially at this weight running isn't supposed to be that great for the joints, tendons, etc., but I did build up to it, walking 5-7 miles a day before I started running. I am 41 and used to be very athletic (rugby mainly with some soccer) but when I stopped playing and training for rugby due to a shoulder injury, the weight just started piling on.

I am getting such a high from the running - reminds me of my playing days - that I just don't want to give it up!

Anyway, sorry for the long post, just wanted to introduce myself to all the other guys.

Keep up the good work!

[Gaffer 1]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on the AP band. If my surgeon has it available...that what I'd like to go with. Just seems like the right move.

On a side note...I have to say several of you have inspired me even more...with the amount of weight you have lost in just 4-6 months. My surgery is the 24th...so 5 months to Christmas. I figure a goal of 50# by Christmas is a good, achieveable one with some work...and a goal of 75# would be a nice stretch goal. With effort and following the dietary guidlines 90-95%....I think (based on my previous weight loss history) that those numbers can be met. I'll keep you abreast of my progress.

Thanks again for everything. Have a good one.

Bud

Bud, I think you will be happy with the band for sure.

Us guys do have the advantage in the weight loss dept. I dont think that it is a stretch to be down 50-75lbs by Christmas. For me at least exercise is the key, and the better I feel the more I do.

Andrew

[rsbg1 0]

<p>Hi All, Wow I've been out of town for a few days and now we have our owen room !!! This is great, I never thought this thread I started would get off the ground, but LOOK AT US NOW !!!!!!!!! <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/clap2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Clap2" smilieid="217" class="inlineimg" /></p> <p>Lets keep up the good work!!!! <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/whoo.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Whoo" smilieid="339" class="inlineimg" />Ted</p>

[4RE4ME 1]

Hi All:

Got my second fill 5 days ago. NOW I know what PBing and slime is. YUCK. Thinking I should have sruck with DR advice to do 2 days liquid and 2 days mushies but after first fill I was back on solids in 2 days. I guess the closer you get to "the spot" the better you need to behave. Planning on keeping with liquids for the next few days and see if things settle down. I am scheduled for another fill in 9 days but will cancel if I dont loosen up.

[Chris_NJ 9]

Just wanted to check in and say YO ! I had my 3rd fill on Friday and think I finally have decent restriction ( for now) and I am loving it ! 6cc's I think has actually done it for me. Well off to exercise some more.

[budinindy 0]

Hey Guys...just wanted to drop a line and let you know I confirmed w/my surgeon that I would be getting the AP. Whew! Didn't even know about the AP a week ago...and now I'm just happy knowing I'm getting it.

Now...as my surgery date is a week from tomorrow...the butterflies have kicked in!! Unfortunately I'm focusing on the stuff I won't be able to have again rather than focusing on all the stuff I'll be able to do and the extension of my life. I imagine that is normal...but it's funny...been at this for over a year and today is the first day I've really felt any nerves. But...when it comes to something unpleasant...I get worked up until right beforehand...then accept it...and say, "Ok...let's get it over with!" and move on. But I imagine the next week is going to be a little restless....

Anyway..just wanted to chime in and keep this room active. Have a good one.

Bud

[Big Wave Dave 0]

Way to go Bud, You are alot like me, Alright boy let saddle up and get'er done. BTW what is an AP? Is that the size of the band, I know I have a VG. Talk to you later and hang in there

Aloha

BWD

[budinindy 0]

Big Wave Dave...what a great name!

The AP stands for Advanced Platform band. It's the newest band out there. It a wider band...has 360 degrees of inflation...and a different perforated design. All of of that together is to help with issues of slippage, erosion and blockages. I read this article about it...seems to be performing well: Bariatric Times » Article Archive » The LAP-BAND AP™ System: The Platform Advances

Hopefully the hype is true! I'll keep you all abreast of my progress.

Thanks for chiming in. Talk to you later.

Bud

[tonya66 13]

Hi guys, so here is where I am at. Is this normal?

April 5th - Banded

May 25th - Firts Fill

June 8th - Second Fill

June 20th - third Fill - good restriction for 2 days

July 4th - forth fill - good restriction for 4 days

After the forth fill I felt good restriction for 4 or 5 days. I am restricted in the morning and can overeat at dinner.

I am losing a little wieght, PBing some when I overeat or do not chew well. I have lost about 2 pounds a week since the third fill. Is this normal? I plan on going for another fill, am I crazy?

I basically do not want to be able to eat at all or very very little.

Dave

I know this thread is for guys only, however, I did a search about me losing restrion and found this sight. I'm having the same problem. I am going for fill #4 on Friday, I'm at 3.5cc's in a 4 cc band with no restriction.

I had a fill on 7/6/07 (Friday) and by Monday, I could fill I had no restriction so I called the dr. and he immediately ordered an upper GI. I had that on Wednesday 7/11/07, which showed what I was feeling - all and everything going thru the band with no restriction. It also showed that I had no leaks, and the band was in perfect condition. So my dr. called me back and ordered another fill which I will have on the 20th.

It seems my restriction is getting shorter and shorter. My 1st fill I had restriction for a month, 2nd fill I had restriction for 3 weeks, the 3rd fill I had restriction for 2 weeks, then lost it, then got it back again for a week, then lost it again. I had my fill #3 and it lasted 2 days. So weird. I've managed to lose 74 lbs now with little restriction, but I want to feel the restriction as my backup. Right now, I'm just eating right and exercising, and fighting the urge to eat. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one having this problem.