NWgirl

Some have their ports become detached. Depending on the type of band, they are either sutured or secured to the abdominal wall with metal clips. The holdings can come undone- sometimes this is too much activity on the part of the patient too early on or it is just random occurence. The fix for this is another outpatient surgery where they go in and re-secure the port. Some Dr's are able to access flipped/tipped ports under fluoroscopy as well.

You've tried using sugar free syrups? If this is the pre-op diet your doctor recommended, you should contact them for alternatives. If you chose these shakes, you should buy some sample packets and test flavors before you buy a whole tub/case.

Yes, it is protein per day. The 25g is at one sitting. There is some disagreement about if the 25g at once is true or not, but I try to follow it just in case.

I was approved for surgery and authorized for 12 fills through insurance. I've already paid my max out of pocket, so no cost to me. My insurance case manager said when the 12 are up, she will just request an additional 12. I have had 4 fills so far and the last two are in the green zone.

Marci, I'm in Oregon too and there are two centers of excellence in Portland- legacy weight management institute and Oregon weight loss surgery. Not sure If these help or not.

I forgot to mention, I also take a softgel stool softener due to constipation since being banded.

I was told to take a centrum chewable and a calcium chew. They do make bariatric vitamins specifically for band patients (I used opurity for awhile). I decided to try centrum after I ran out of the bariatric and my labs are still good. I also take biotin, vitamin d, and iron (the last two are due to being low in labs and Dr prescribing them). If you have any concerns about nutritional requirements, please address them with your medical staff because they will know what's best for you.

What kind of job do you have?

I had some hair loss starting in months 3-4 post op and it finally seems to be wearing down (after 2 months). Just do what you can, like taking vitamins and getting good protein. It will stop at some point.

My nutritionist gave me a formula for Protein intake: Body weight x 0.3 = grams of protein Some people also experience hair loss as a result of anasthesia, so there's not a lot you can do except making sure you are getting in proper nutrition.

Happy birthday! I vote you should get a special treat and savor it.

Most Dr's recommend bites that small. My nutritionist says the end of the pinky finger. Perhaps you've never needed to do that, but it is the recommend size- nothing to do with self control.

The people who stretch out their gastric pouches get the Lapband because nothing else will work. Some surgeons are more biased towards gastric because while other countries were perfecting the banding technique, USA surgeons were perfecting gastric. It is still considered the gold standard in the US because of that. Just food for thought...

How many times have you tried to lose weight in the past? How many times have you been successful? Why weren't you successful? Are you willing to admit you need the help or still spinning your wheels? When we face reality about our weight problems, you can make an informed decision about your path forward. It's true that the band is not for everyone because it does require significant life changes and may need to be accompanied by therapy of sorts to get to the root of your weight problems. Look at what the band requires of you and decide if you're willing to put forth the effort.

I have heard some Dr's requiring barium swallows before they will take you on, but I am sure you will find someone. There are plenty of clinics in Oregon.

Most surgeons want you on a low cal, low carb, low fat, high protein shake. I recommend premier nutrition drinks. Make sure to drink lots of water too, this will help you feel full.

The first time I actually had 'restriction' was a hard couple days. Even though I was eating smaller bites and chewing more, I had a few PB episodes and a lot of stuck episodes. I finally figured out that even though I was eating more like a banded person, I was still not eating small enough bites, chewing enough, or waiting enough time in between bites.

Starting weight 267 Current weight 205 Goal weight 160 Banded March 20, 2012

I don't know Kelly Fitzgerald personally, but she does fills in Portland and Eugene. Portland is less than an hour from Salem. She has 20 years experience as a nurse and is now a naturopathic doctor. I go to Legacy Weight Management in Portland. There is also Oregon Weight Loss Surgery. Where did you get surgery at? http://www.gastricbands.com/

If your having problems with improper portions, you can go to the baby/toddler aisle and they sell the plastic divided plates based off the new food Pyramid with sections marked for protein, grain, veggies, fruits.

I have a 40 oz water bottle that I fill twice a day (at a minimum) and drink throughout the day. The first few weeks are tough to get in all the fluids, but it does get easier.

What Mis is saying is correct- the band is not meant to create that full feeling you expect, it is meant to satisfy you on less food which does not mean full. It requires careful thought about hungry vs not hungry, which is the goal. If you are trying to feel full, then you are misusing the band.

The one from costco is called premier nutrition. I would recommend buying sample packs and testing as many as you can as protein shakes and taste buds vary widely person to person.

I have anthem BCBS and approval took two weeks. I also received a call from my case manager with the insurance company to tell me the good news. She still checks in with me once a month or do to see how I'm doing and ask if I have any new questions or concerns. It seems that some insurance providers have a quicker turn around than others. They have 30 days by law to respond.

Tylenol. Pretty much no ibuprofen or anything containing NSAIDS.