Cleo's Mom

I don't think it's unusual to have burning in your esophagus after a stuck, pbing and throwing up episode. Everything has been irritated. Just take it easy with mushies and liquids for a few days. The lack of restriction could indicate a slip. But the upper GI will be able to tell you what is going on.

What I have a problem with are those who are so sanctimonious and holier than thou and condemn anyone who would do drugs, have affairs or -horrors! - want to enter into a same sex marriage and therefore threaten traditional marriage - all the while doing the very things they are condemning. Yeah, same sex marriages threaten traditional marriage while I guess infidelity doesn't. And those who do this pontificating are largely the born-again christian right who are largely republicans. Do you remember the line up of republicans running for president and how many marriages, divorces and infidelities they had among them compared to the democrats running? I guess that's why you didn't hear about family values during this campaign. And BJean - yeah I can live without them. LOL!

Well, well, well, Mark Sanford is telling more each day. Now he tells us he "crossed the line" with several other women but didn't cross the line to sex. Sounds like the Bill Clinton defense that the conservatives loved to mock. And he is trying to paint his affair with the Argentinian woman as some Shakespearian tragic love story. Soul mates who were meant to be - only kept apart by the minor inconvenience of his being married. But he's taking the high road (LOL), he's going to try to fall in love with his wife again. Good luck on that one. I'd throw him out on his hypocritical behind! He should resign because he used state money for his trysts and left the state without anyone in charge for 5 days.

My grocery store has this great salad bar and I make a big salad with dark greens and spinach (I avoid iceberg lettuce) and add onions, shredded carrots, beets, mushrooms, peas, HB egg, a little ham and then when I get home I put it through the slicer of my food processor. I'm not sure it's necessary as I eat salads in restaurants, but I do it as a precaution. This salad lasts for several meals. I use 1T of olive oil, red wine vinegar and seasonings. I love salads and could never give them up.

Excellent advice! I moved on to another doctor, too, after I got a second opinion about my follow up care. It was an eye opener and I am now under much better and experienced care. And I'm not butting heads with the doctor anymore.

Whatever doctor prescribed the Adderall should do complete blood work, including your thyroid function. You have some very specific symptoms that should not be ignored. Take care and good luck.

If you read her response you will see that she doesn't even know the name of the hospital where she got her band. And apparently she can't or won't contact her parents to find out. And she can't make phone calls anyway because apparently her child(ren) cry continuously during normal business hours. And she can't use a pro bono attorney on the chance that she might lose and have to pay court costs, etc.. So, you see she has an answer for every suggestion given here. It appears that she doesn't want help, just pity.

The notion that liberals/Democrats/progressives are somehow given a free pass when they have affairs is BS. John Edwards was raked over the coals in the media. On the covers of tabloids He was on prime time apologizing. There aren't 3 people in this country who can intelligently discuss the Whitewater investigation of the Clintons by Ken Starr - which started the whole investigation, but everyone knows about the blue dress. Why is that? Because it was downplayed by the media? No one but the republicans in Congress/Senate cared that Bill Clinton lied under oath because it was a gotcha moment. For everyone else, it WAS about the affair. And if the affair itself wasn't against the law (which it wasn't) then why did Ken Starr use tax payers money to investigate it? I've never heard a justification for that. Because Paula Jones sexual harassment case was a separate issue. And once she got the money she wanted, she went away. And by the way, it wasn't the left who prevented Bill Clinton from being removed from office in the Senate, the republicans controlled the senate then and the reason he wasn't removed is because the evidence didn't support it. The Democrats/liberals don't have to go around claiming some moral high ground or phoney family values because they prove that they value families with their legislation - minimum wage, healthcare for all, safe working conditions, unemployment compensation, 40 hour work week, social security, medicare and medicaid. All these programs were brought to you by Democrats and they help the least among us and the working families. That's how they show their family values. They don't feel the need to judge others, as the republicans do - like rush, this sanford guy, newt, etc.. they all have quotes attributed to them condemning other people for things they were/are doing - be that drug abuse, having affairs (with newty it was when his wife was dying in the hospital) or other indiscretions. I've always said, and it is worth repeating, that if it weren't for hypocrisy the GOP (a/k/a Grand Old Phoneys) wouldn't have anything. The republican party in this country is imploding. I have been enjoying this show since the November election, be it the bizarre rantings of Michelle Bachman, or the silly talk of how people wear their hats by Micheal Steele, or Jindal's odd rebuttal to the State of the Union address. I suspect the show will only get better.

I would go to the ER. Chest pain and nausea are signs of heart problems in women. Don't assume it is band related, although it might be. It also might be something that is not serious. But chest pain and nausea should never be dismissed or ignored. And as someone who got a second opinion and then changed doctors, I think you are well rid of a doctor who doesn't return calls and is disorganized. Good luck.

You can see that there is a sense of frustration at those who are trying to help and your unwillingness to take that advice. We can't do it for you. You have to become aggressive in your pursuit of getting healthy. Here are some concrete steps. When you have done them, then post again about the outcome: 1) Get your medical records from your doctor. All of them, including progress notes, all tests performed, nutritional counseling, etc. 2) Call Allergan at 1-800-527-2263 and ask to speak to someone about a medical problem. They have a list of doctors who do lapband surgery. Tell them your story about your doctor and ask for a referrel for another one in your area. 3) Here are two websites that offer free legal advice (there are many more) www.texaslawhelp.org www.texaslegalopinion.com You can research others, but it's a start and it's free. You might get some help as to what your options are. 4) Contact the patient advocate at the hospital at which you had your surgery. If you don't get any help, ask to speak to the hospital administrator. Ask if they have a complaint system in place (most do) and use it. 5) Don't just look into filing a complaint with the Texas Medical Board. Do it. This option is likely to take the longest in terms of results, however. When you have done all or some of these, let us know. In the meantime, I don't think there is much more concrete suggestions or support you can get posting here. Good luck to you. It is obvious that those who have replied to your posts care about you and your outcome, so please do what you need to in order to get the help your deserve.

Never Again - at the risk of sounding redundant - I and many others posted several suggestions. Most cost nothing but a phone call or an online search. Have you tried any of them? Because one thing is for sure, if you continue to do what you've been doing - you'll continue to get the same results. You have to be an advocate for your health. Stop crying and start making demands and phone calls. Shake things up. Keep going up higher and higher at the hospital, then call your state representatives, then your state licensing boards. These people are paid to help you. Get names of everyone you talk to and start keeping a journal of what you have done. The more contacts you make the more likely you will get a response. I'm not sure what more you expect to get from posting on here. You have many more options. Please take advantage of them. Then let us know how it went. Good luck to you.

Like any other addiction this is not about being hungry, just like alcoholism isn't about being thirsty. Just as the other people have posted, I think your will need professional couseling. They can help you address your need to constantly eat because of your fear of hunger. I read the advice of Geneen Roth in Good Housekeeping every month and find her advice very telling and appropriate. You can find her on www.geneenroth.com. She addresses emotional eating and has written books on the subject. Maybe they could help. Did you discuss this with your surgeon, nutritionist or counselor before your surgery? If so, what did they say? You need to call them and get their advice. Tell them what you ate and ask what you should be eating at this point in your post-surgery recovery. You are in bandster hell right now, too, since you haven't been restricted to your sweet spot. That being said, some never find their sweet spot, and even when they do the satiety they find is different that pre-band. The feeling of "fullness" is different. You need to be prepared for that. I hope you get the help your need. And ignore any mean posts you get. There are those who think it is their job to be judgmental and "tell it like it is". Good luck.

Call your doctor. You shouldn't be miserable because of a fill. He might have put too much in. If he put so much in your first fill that you couldn't get water down, then he must fill aggressively. You might need a slight unfill. Some will tell you that after a couple of days the over-tightness will ease up. Call your doctor and see what he says. Never tolerate being miserable or in pain. Good luck.

Ask your doctor how you will get in touch with him outside of normal business hours. Very important. My former doctor didn't even have an answering service. We were required to go to the ER and they would page him. Just one of the many reasons he is now my FORMER doctor.

Refusing to treat a patient who has medical problems that the doctor may have caused and then denying you access to other doctor's care by black-balling you sounds like the basis for a medical malpractice suit to me. I know malpractice attorneys who advertise here say you pay nothing unless they get money for you. Go online and search for medical malpractice attorneys in Texas. They often have an online form that you complete stating your problem. They then get back to you with their advice, which is free. Try that and see if you get any good advice. Also check on the neighborhood legal services which often provide free legal advice to those who can't afford attorneys. I remember when I kept getting a bill from a dentist for something that I didn't thing there should be a charge for (lots of other stuff but too long) and I called my attorney and she said to go sit in his office waiting room and refuse to leave until I got something on their letterhead that said the charge was dismissed. It never came to that but I was prepared to do that. Go to your doctor's office and tell them you want a copy of everything in your files including all anecdotal remarks and you aren't leaving until you get it. If you are reluctant to go to the ER can you contact Allergan and ask for referrals for other doctors and explain the problems you are having with your former doctor? Tell them you are contacting an attorney about your rights and your problems with the band. That should get their attention. Also, contact a patient representative at the hospital at which you had the surgery and explain the problem. Contact the hospital administrator if you don't get anywhere. And tell them you are going to contact the media and let them know how this hosptial and doctor are treating you. They won't want the negative publicity. I would become the biggest thorn in their side. Your health is in jeopardy and that is the most important thing. The way you have been treated is unacceptable. I hope that you are able to get this problem resolved. Again, good luck.

Amlus: They monitor the oxygen in the blood with all those connections they have on you. The clip on your finger monitors oxygen levels, I believe. First, get a copy of the report. Then have it looked at by a sleep study doctor, not just the pulmonologist. If you do have restless leg syndrome, there are meds for that. I never heard of the REM disorder but you need to have it explained to you and ask about treatment for it. You paid $1800 for this so you have the right to answers and treatment. Good luck.

Never Again - I have some advice for you. 1) Get copies of all your medical records. You have the right to these. Make sure it includes all progress reports, disks of all upper GI's, the operative report, the make, model and serial number of your band - everything! 2) Find an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice who either works pro-bono or only gets paid if you win your case. Sometimes just sending a letter on legal stationary is enough for a doctor to re-think his attitude. Call your county bar association for names. There might also be some low cost neighborhood legal services. 3) Document everything from day one of your surgery as to when problems started, etc...what your doctor did and didn't do. 4) Definitely look into Medicaid. At this point, after all your vomiting and problems it is very likely that your band has slipped. You have the right to have this problem addressed. If all of the above suggestitons fail, go to an ER and tell them you are not leaving until something is done. You are also probably dehydrated. Become pro-active and assertive about this. I always live by the saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Speak up. Demand things. The worst that can happen is that you'll be right back to square one. But I suspect that things will happen. A very last resort would be to go to the media. Newspapers, tv news and tell them your story. It couldn't hurt. Good luck and let us all know how it goes.

That's why I am going to discuss the IV infusion of the drug that is done once a year, I think. Thanks for the information.

Thank you, JoannMarie, for a very thoughtful and informative reply. Trust me when I tell you that I am a very proactive patient. My doctors will confirm this. I have results of every medical test I have had in the last 10 years. I carry with me at all times a list of all my meds and OTC drugs, medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, etc.. That never fails to impress the doctors. :biggrin: I research everything. Breast cancer patients tend to do that anyway. My oncologist is coming back Tuesday and I will discuss with him options, including the IV form of these drugs. I don't have any problems with taking pills but I will find out the side effects and my oncologist is very good and changing meds if something doesn't work. I have found out, as we all do, that taking meds for one problem often creates another. The femara for my breast cancer is the cause of my osteoporosis. I do take calcium and extra vitamin D3 on my own. I have never been a milk drinker. I hate cheese. So, I am concientious about getting calcium in supplements. What was the reason for discontinuing Fosamax? Did you develop problems with it or did it adversly affect an existing condition? Good luck to you. Thank you again for your reply.

The advice to eat and drink every and anything you want and as much of it as you want the day before major surgery is irresponsible and medically dangerous, as you found out. I would seriously consider another doctor. Such advice would never come from a qualified and experienced bariatric doctor. Most people on here at the very least had to do liquids the day before surgery. For me, it was 2 weeks of liquids only before surgery. Even for minor surgery most doctors tell you not to eat or drink after midnight. If you stay with this doctor I hope for your sake that your after care is better than your pre surgical advice. Good luck to you.

The UN food officials define going hungry as those who consume fewer than 1800 calories a day. This comes as no surprise to those of us who have been on myriads of diets over the years with far fewer than 1800 calories. No wonder they fail time and time again. But the grim news from the UN was that 100 million more people were defined as going hungry this year compared to last year due to droughts, war, political instability, high food prices and poverty. Very sad.

They took my catheter out the day after surgery and I was not able to urinate on my own. They had to straight cath me and kept me an extra day and if I wasn't able to go on my own they were going to put the catheter back in. But thankfully, the next day, I could go on my own. I was 57 then and nothing on your body works as well as it used to. LOL. But it's not uncommon because of the anesthesia and pain meds. Hope it workds out for you. Good luck.

It came as no surprise to me today that my most recent bone density test showed that I had osteoporosis because two years ago I had osteopenia. Mostly this is due to my breast cancer meds which are anti-estrogen and hard on the bones. My weight loss hasn't helped either. Has anyone gone on Boniva, Fosomax or Actenol? And if so, are the pills hard to tolerate with the band? I don't have very tight restriction and haven't had any problems with pills. I just joined a gym and started weight bearing exercises to add to my aerobic exercising. Hope that will help. Thanks.

It came as no surprise to me today that my most recent bone density test showed that I had osteoporosis because two years ago I had osteopenia. Mostly this is due to my breast cancer meds which are anti-estrogen and hard on the bones. My weight loss hasn't helped either. Has anyone gone on Boniva, Fosomax or Actenol? And if so, are the pills hard to tolerate with the band? I don't have very tight restriction and haven't had any problems with pills. I just joined a gym and started weight bearing exercises to add to my aerobic exercising. Hope that will help. Thanks.

You can go on the forum here that lists the lapband surgeons for each state and cities in that state. You can see what others have to say. What part of PA are you from? But ultimately you need to talk to the doctor's office and find out how many bandings he has done, what the complication rate is, what type of follow up program they have in place, - nutritionists? PA's, etc..Or attend different doctor's seminars. You need to find out how accessible your doctor is outside of normal business hours. I had to switch surgeons because mine was inexperienced and after I developed problems when he overfilled me, his experienced really showed. So finding the right doctor is very important. Good luck.