Vera

Congratulations Erin!! Cheer's to the start of your new Journey Take it easy, try and walk frequently and sip your fluids.

I'll miss you Betty send post cards and get a new avatar by the time you get back!

Hi Erin I was going to PM you but since I get this question a lot, I thought I'd post it. My old band was an AMI-swedish band that was installed 8/14/03 by Dr. Sanchez. After about 6 months and 4 fills I had a flouro/X-ray check which revealed a kink in the tubing. Well I suspected a leak, then confirmed it over 4 months later in mex, cause Dr. Sanchez recomended I go see him. At that visit the tubing was repaired and I was given a 7cc fill (big band), a month later my doctor (McKeen) here in Calif. did a flouro fill and that's when we saw that the repair didn't work. Back to mex I went and Dr. Sanchez decided to reband me, free (the makers of the AMI band is paying for it). Dr. Sanchez takes care of his people! I haven't had a problem since except for at times I'm a bit too restricted. I had a small fill last month. I'm still able to eat a scoop of cottage cheese or tuna. It's the hard protiens I have to chew, chew, chew! My thoughts are with you tomorrow. Let us know how you are, I'll be expecting a post

Interesting indeed Ms V and good point Paula. Are any of those asthma pills prednizone? When I was battling ulcerative colitis and taking prednizone, I gained quite a bit and I was hardly eating. I swelled up so bad I grew a hump on my back that's still there. My sister takes prednizone for her asthma, I think she's been as high as 60mg. I can't stand the stuff. The next time I get weighed in at the doc's office I'm going to pay more attention to all those numbers, all I've ever looked at was weight and BMI. Muscle is better than fat!

Daniela My thoughts and prayers are with you

Hi Erin and Micheala, Welcome to LBT and Congratulations I'm in Morgan Hill, grew up in Redwood City. I've lived in the Bay Area 43 years. FYI Dr. McKeen has a great support group that meets every 3rd thursday at Good Sam, San Jose 7pm, all are welcome. That's this Thursday....when Erin will be getting her band! right? :Bunny

I'm so sorry, I can't even imagine what your going through Dear God please comfort and give Nicole strength during this healing time in her grief.

I'm wearing the biggest smile Thanks for the pics, wish I was there!

Too sweet Kat! these big bands are great with the right restrition! Right ON!Not that they're big. they have baffles, Now I'm going to look for a pic..found it.http://www.core.monash.org/placement.html

I called the kids at the BUCA about 2 hours ago..they sound like there having a great time, just like last year!

It's good to note everything! Sounds like your there and you feel it....7.5 to 9 cc with a VG is a common restristion level. I'd take it slow... creep to 8 if you must, try to feel the food. if your not eating as much as you use to, and feel fuller sooner, thats great. as little as .3cc can make a big difference with big bands

Susan are they willing to re-band you for free? I heard over 5 monthes ago that Dr. Ren uses only the VG band, claims it's the best.

Susan, I had a larger band (sweedish) a year ago with no reflex or hearthburn of any kind. I also was dealing with a leaky band. After being re-banded with a smaller(Inamed 9.75) band I frequently take Previcid and feel a bigger change. This very interesting indeedI will add all the reading I've done show a slower loose with bigger bands unless your willing to whatch everything you eat... Wishing you the best!

Heather, Your welcome. Glad you were able to talk to Dr. Green FYI Dr. Sanchez can be found at www.ready4achange.com

Quack.. Duck, Moderators please!

Congratulations!! I was banded on August 14, 03. I dreamed the night before surgery that I had surgery then ate a big pickle. well I was telling the nurse and she said "why, Don't you like pickles?" It got struck and i woke up.Since then...Chew!! Most of newly banders feel like they can eat anything...That's why I respect doc's that give fills at 4 weeks. Don't get me wrong I beleve in the healing stage, some do faster than others. Best to all of you, your all doing great! If you have to chew...spit it out.

Amen! Congratulations Kel!

What a doll! been missing you too. Sounds like your port fix and fill work for you.

Grebriel, Your in great hands with Dr. Sanchez and his staff. Travel lite, they usually have propel and jello at the guest house and Alma can get you almost anything you may need. Tell them Vera's sending kisses. They're very loveing people.

I copied this from Ruthie Go ahead and E-mail Dr. McKeen office www.southbaybariatrics.com. I believe he does the surgery in Payson as well.

Hello Heather, Welcome to LBT I used Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey Mx I believe his cost now is about 9K, and I use Dr. McKeen for my fills. Dr. McKeen flies cash pateints to his Utah office because the cost is 14,5 total vrs. 20K in Calif. (hospital costs) www.southbaybariatrics.com is his Calif. web-sight. I've heard mention of Dr. Green in Utah doing fills. I have a 4 year old boy, who was 2 when I got my band. I handled surgery very well and was back to work in 4 days. We are all very different. Good luck, I'll see if I can get more info for you.

I'm cashing out. Started at 179.7(180), this morning I'm 171.7(172). I met my goal of 5 lbs plus 3 for a total of 8. I was never put on the chart. Good luck to everyone, and have a great weekend.

That is so cool! 4.0...you rock Travel, School, Family, Workout, I'm tired just trying to keep up. Congratulations

Thanks everyone for the congrats. Jack, my body is killing me. I can’t stand up strait and I started back to work today. Carol, it was great having you over. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and Rusty (Carol’s Man) is one hell of a skier!

Holly Macaroni! You’ve lost and entire person. Congratulation and Happy Bandiversary!