Grey Cat

Interesting, I had met some of his patients returning from surgery in the lobby of the hotel. I am so glad I went with BariatricPal for my procedure!

I have had the band since 2011 and am going to Mexico to Dr IIIan to have it removed and revised to the sleeve. I have had nothing but issues since getting it. I was wondering did you all have issues with the port once it was removed? Like pain in the port area? I am doing as much preparation as possible so I know what to expect My surgery is scheduled Jan9th In Mexico

Hello I have been doing a ton of research on Dr IIIan and have view so many glowing reviews of him and Bariatric Pal Mx. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with any links pertaining to his certifications or affiliates? I would really like to use them for my band revision surgery, but I am having trouble finding anything that states his qualifications from a non biased source. I also researched the ASMBS website search for Doctors in his area of Mexico and could not find him? Maybe I am doing the search wrong. Thanks

Did you have to have a ton of classes before he allowed the surgery? Whereill I live In Kansas we are doing self pay as our insurance will not cover the procedure- even with self pay I have to do 8 weeks of classes, a psych evaluation, as well as a battery of tests. I do not mind the tests and such but I really need a band removal to gastric bypass or mini bypass to help manage my diabetes. My band has made me miserable. Even after seeing the specialist here in wichita, they still want me to go through classes that I had when I did the band surgery all for a removal and bypass!! and we have to pay for each of the classes ...

The thing is, If I wanted to go on a fancy diet and exercise like a mad woman, I think I could have done that without paying $15,000 to do it. I did do that. I lost 38 lbs. I was banded in july of 11 and now gained all of that back post surgery.

I will be sure to check you out on your blog.. Cream of Wheat? Does it keep you full? I will try it. You have a point about eating for the rest of your life.

Wow that is great that you have been able to lose that much! Good for you.. Where do you get RVL meal replacement shakes… GNC ?

That is a good idea too. I do eat eggs and yogert but kashi cereal too makes me sleepy…lol do you like egg beaters?

I agree with all that was said… I too suffer from depression, off and on through out the years, The funny thing is that it comes and goes and for years have not had any symptoms, until I had miscarried twins. Then it came back. I didn't want to leave the house, and do much of anything, no cleaning, no exercise and I love my pool, maintaining it — lost interest in that as well. I had gotten the band 7 weeks ago and thought that would help. If he weight came off then I would feel better. But of course that was not the case. So I got put on welbutrin, and have been for 2 weeks.. i am starting to feel much better. Sometimes we put on weight to hide our feelings, and when we are given the tools to take off the weight, we still do not deal with the underlying reason we put the weight in the first place.- thus the depression can get worse. Hang in there and know that the band is not a cure all, its a tool and your heart can also be a good tool. Do not be so hard on yourself. Hang in there! cat

7 weeks post op, I did not have saline in my band either. I have heard that some doctors do that, but mine did not. The swelling in your tummy should as others have said cause enough restriction. I followed the diet to a T after the band was placed for a week. I had gas too. or Air Bubbles in my body cavity that occur when you are cut open and the air gets inside and then after sewn up, have no real place to go but to dissolve on its own back into the blood system. This is how i understood it. The only relief I had was Walking and lots of it. The bubble moved to my shoulder blade, and was uncomfortable for awhile. So I know what you are feeling.. and I wish you luck and I am glad you listened to your body. It is worth it.

Do not be dismayed when you find yourself hungry after the band. I have found some foods that I love before the diet, were good in moderation, HOWEVER they slide right through the band and do not make you feel full. The high protein food that is good quality will remain in your pouch longer and make you feel fuller. I was confused and hoping that I would not be hungry anymore and was sorely let down when after 3 weeks post op.. nothing was filling me up… because i was still leaning toward my old diet… and habits that i reasoned if in moderation wouldnt be that bad because the band wouldnt allow me to eat much of it… but not true! Good LUCK and I hope your surgery goes well!

I am down 14 lbs. and have been eating Adkins products, bars and shakes… Does anyone have any better alternatives? The morning Breakfast bar is still making me sleepy after i eat it about an hour of breakfast. I do not get sleepy if i just drink the shakes- but its not enough to fill me up. What does anyone think? I am 7 weeks post op. Had one fill last week so far. I have taken your comments to heart because Success is learned and taught. It does not just happen! - catina )

I am glad you learned some new stuff! I really do not have a filter when it comes to expressing my thoughts when it comes to the band..lol and I am very glad that I have such a strong support group!

I never realized that about the protein and I will give it a try. I too get tired if I have too many carbs.. i get that mid morning crash. Thanks for your input! I love crystal light sunrise too! and congrats with your battle. The lap band is in for life, so you are right diet is not the term.. its more of a lifestyle change.. Thanks!

Thank you! I love crystal light grape drink..lol and sunrise.. i have not tried the others… I will give it a try and see what happens the trick is just finding balance i think.