Chris S. - L.I.

It's probably the protein drinks.

This happened to me after Pepto also. Scared the crap outa me!

Dr. C, First of all, thanks for being here. Now my question. I happen to be one of those rare people who have never had many problems with different types of food, the only exception being chicken which sometimes gets stuck. I am also rare in the fact that I have 4 cc's in my 4 cc band (this is for sure because the doc usually takes out the saline and replaces it). I have also been given an Endoscopy and a video esophagram and everything seems to be fine. I can eat way more then I should be able to and in fact have gained about 2-3 pounds from my lowest weight. Do I go for more fill? What would you do if I were your patient? Do I have to "diet" on my own or can I get the band to work for me again? My surgery was in Sept. 2003. Thanks Chris S.

Prayer request for my husband who found out yesterday that he has to go in probably next week for an angiogram because they believe he has a blockage. He had 3 stents put in 4 years ago and hopefully this will be a minor blockage and they will be able to take care of it with another stent. I believe in prayer! He's never felt better and this was quite a shock in fact we are just finishing up our driveway where we put down about 4.200 sq. ft of pavers and he felt great doing it so this is quite a blow to him.

Go to an Ungent Care Facility that accepts your insurance and go from there. Get an opinion at least. I don't think this qualifies as something to go to the ER.

Elizabeth, I am filled to 4.1 in my 4 cc band. It will be 3 yrs. banded this Sept. I am not tight at all. I can still eat anything. I can't eat as much as before I was banded but I can eat more then the average bander. If you have the VG band your fill will probably be around 3 - 3.5.

First of all, did you call your doctor? That would be the first thing to do. He might give you something for the nausea. You don't want to be vomiting cause that can cause a slip.

Saturday I went to a reunion of girls from my High School that I graduated with WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back in 1968. (I know, scarey right?) I bought a black pants suit with pin stripes and wore a tank top under it, and new high heels (which I am just getting back into wearing since I'm not carrying the extra 70 pounds on my body). I thought I looked decent. Well, there were about 60 women there and the majority of them said they would recognize me anywhere since I look alot like I did in high school. I was flying high all day! I felt great. So many people told me how good I looked. If it wasn't for my band I would have never experienced this. BTW the last High School reunion was back in Sept. 2003 and I didn't go to it because it was 4 days after I had my band surgery. I wouldn't have gone anyway the way I looked back then.

Here on Long Island a "bargain" price for regular gas is $3.09. Unfortunately the cars we have don't take regular but Super ($3.15) and Plus ($3.27)

Sarah, I had the same thing when I had my surgery, it felt like I had a burp stuck in the back of my throat. I even called my doctor. He said it was normal and to take Gas X. It went away in a couple of days. I hope I put your mind at ease.

Elizabeth, Yes Dr. Geiss was my surgeon as well. I love the guy! You are doing so well. Do you know about the Yahoo group LI Banders? They meet at a diner in HUntington once a month. You have to join to come to the meetings. Great group of people! There meetings are the last Tuesday of the month so this Tuesday there is a get together. Chris

Good job Elizabeth!!!!!!!!!!! Who did you see, Dr. Geiss or Dr. Powers?

How many band patients does he have? Sounds like he doesn't know much about being banded. This is so common it's not funny. Many people have to have something warm first like tea before they have breakfast since they have more restriction in the morning. He should know this.

Try a heating pad. It should help.

Karen, Good Luck tomorrow. Your whole family is in my prayers. Please keep in touch. Chris

The "cheese balls" I refered to have nothing to do with the band. I spoke about them in regards to the Therabreath product because if any one has them they know how stinky they are. Here is the description: tonsillolith (syn: tonsil stone, calculi of the tonsil) a ball-like accumulation of food particles, bacteria, leukocytes, dead white cells, and dried mucus in the folds of tonsils. These folds are referred to as crypts. The balls of bacteria and their waste products are colored white or yellow, have a rough texture resembling cottage cheese or cauliflower, and convey an extremely foul odor. Tonsilloliths may contribute to halitosis and sore throats. Since the Therabreath works so well if someone has this problem, I'm sure it willwork well on any bad breath problem.

There is a great product out there and it's called Therabreath. There is a toothpaste and a mouth rinse. I got it at an Eckerd's and they probably have it at CVS. My daughter has a problem with"cheese balls" by her tonsils and this has helped tremendously.

I believe next weeks theme is Country.

Thanks Leatha for posting this NSV. It really hit me hard. Chris S.

I know it's not the best choice, but why can't you go to McD's for breakfast as long as it doesn't become a habit? Just to get it out of your system instead of constantly thinking about it I would do it. For sure you won't eat the whole thing, just have a little of everything.

Great news!!!! You must be so relieved!

Good news Alex! I've been waiting to hear. Why does the doc think this happened? I am thinking about what you said in your post about his story not jiving with what you think.

Butch, I don't think I can do as well as you!!! Your weight loss is awesome! I have lost 70 pounds since my surgery 9/2003. I was stalled for quite a while and decided to go to Weight Watchers which is something I never thought I would do since getting the Band but I find that it is helping. You must have been one of their first patients since you were banded in 2002. Have you checked into getting the Plastic Surgery now since your excess skin really bothers you? I have heard of Dr. Grossbard in fact one of Dr. Geiss' patients goes to him since she moved down to Florida. Might I know your friend that gave up her appt. for you? Have you had any problems with your band? I get nervous reading these boards with all the slips and erosions. Good Luck and keep up the good work. Chris

I had my usual New Season Soprano's Party tonight which included Baked Ziti and Cannoli (what else?) What a great first show!!!!! Chris S. PS. For those of you wondering about Joseph Gannascoli who plays Vito Spatafore and his weight loss, which was mentioned alot on this show, he had Lap Band Surgery.

I am getting ready for my annual Sopranos party which includes Baked Ziti (like Carmela always makes) and Cannoli for desert. Aee ohhhhh! Bada Bing! Chris S. PS Some Soprano trivia, Joseph Gannascoli, the actor that plays Vito Spatafore, will appear a little thinner this season since he had Lap Band Surgery.