Angelizz10

My doctor no longer includes the plication with the lapband. He told me the latest studies have shown you don't lose any more weight and KEEP it off with the plication. Also, my insurance company only pays for lapband, not plication. My insurance paid in full for everything and also pays for fills. Now, let's wait and see what ObamaCare does if he gets re-elected which I pray he does not.

Absolutely. It's hard enough anyway so why put yourself in others judgement.

My surgeon does not do the plication at all anymore. He stated that plication in conjunction with band has shown in recent new studies does no good. I was disappointed, because the plication is what prompted me to do this whole surgery. They do still do them at Duke Hospital in NC.

It does take time for Biotin to get into your system. Think how long it takes for your nails to grow completely from the half moon to ends. Be patient and continue to take it. Honestly, I started to notice the benefits on my nails, after about 9 months. I know, I know....BUT what if I hadn't taken it...my nails would still be peeling and splitting. Be patient. My internist told me to take it.

Take your vitamins AND make sure you take Biotin!

You will be able to have your favorites, just not as much. You Will feel satisfied, I am told.

Absolutely! Years after my initial gall bladder surgery, I had one "stuck"in a duct. I was very ill and jaundiced, whole deal. I was in ICUS for over a week. They FINALLY diagnosed it with simple scan. They leave ducts in with just gall bladder surgery as I understand it.

Did you know that even if you have had your gallbladder out, you can still form stones I "the ducts". It is the same pain. Ask your primary care giver.

I would NOT wait. Why go thru the horrid pain of gallstones? I have had them and the surgery. Enjoy life.

I'm carrying around a "secret" band too. I went thru 2 years trying to get the band, and had real doubts about being approved by TRICARE insurance along with Medicare, but finally did it! I was banded July 25, 2012. I have yo-yo dieted, phen fen, Medifast, weight watchers, more diet pills, you name it i did it. Sounds familiar? I know this is just a tool and I have to do the controlling in all phases. Anyone who thinks this will work AND keep on working all by itself is way off the mark. It is also a personal health choice. Nobody but me can know what it takes to make it work. I, personally, want to avoid further judgment on my weight. I'm doing what I consider my last chance at good health. I'm 69 years, diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, was in A-fib, bad knees, lower back pain, etc. when people notice weight loss, hope...hope, I'll just say I'm watching what I eat and using that dusty treadmill. All true. Banding was my choice and keeping the procedure to myself and my signifigant other is one choice that was mine, totally. To each his own and good healthy choices to you all.

Me too! Every thing is way old here and not helpful for us newbies.

Gosh, your thoughts mirrored mine exactly. I was banded July 25, 2012 and still have some doubts. This forum is sometimes old posts so hasnt really helped me much, though I check every single day. My husband and I plan on a cruise down the Danube in October this year, and I wonder how I'm going to do it. I have an empty band for now, and just started the mushy stuff. I had no choices on weight loss. I have tried every thing imagine able. Remember Oprah... Me too and she is still fat! All her money, personal chefs, trainers, etc. I'm 69 years old and probably oldest one on here. I went to the "seventy +" section and it wouldn't load. HA HA. Hope that isn't a forebearer?

What the heck does " slider" mean?

Does anyone know if food is actually digested in the pouch, or just a holder until it passes?