Thats All Folks

With all due respect, we do understand carb cravings. Many of us have them. If it's something specific to PCOS then no, we don't understand. But if you're posting about it on a Lap Band forum then you can't expect us to "have a clue" about PCOS. Any advice you get here is going to be based on what we know about the band, not PCOS.

Unfortunately, sugar free products are no better than fat free products. Both have a lot of additives to take the place of the sugar or the fat. With sugar free, there a lot of aspertime and other artificial sweeteners. Truth is, studies have found that sugar free is actually worse for a lot of people than actual sugar or fat free foods. http://www.bellevision.com/belle/index.php?action=health_all&type=234 I'm not saying not to eat sugar free, mind you. I'm only pointing out that fat free (or low fat) isn't necessarily bad nor is it worse than sugar free. Everyone has to figure out what works best for their own metabolism and go with it. If fat free isn't right for you but sugar free is, then definitely stick with it.

I agree with TMF. First, a gastro doctor knows absolutely nothing about a Lap band. A lot of well meaning gastros and radiologists often try to diagnose band problems but fail miserably. The only person qualified to deal with band issues is a bariatric surgeon. Also, as TMF said, the fact you have severe GERD is a sign of a band too tight not a band too loose. Talk to your bariatric doctor and let him check your band Fluid and tightness. Best wishes.

Having adequate Fluid in your band will help hunger, but sticking to the right portion is your job to control not the band's job. Here is how Dr. Simpson explains it: "The Lap-band is NOT about Restriction When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite. When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or keep them from eating too much. The Lap-band works by suppressing your appetite As a result, you are less interested in food between meals, making it easier to resist temptation. The analogy is when you are near a vending machine when you are hungry-- what do you do? Probably find yourself with some junk food that is not a part of your plan. But, when you pass a vending machine when you are full, it may not even catch your eye. Having the appetite dimmed makes you less tempted by the many food choices modern living throws at you - -this is what the band does, by suppressing appetite you become less interested in food."

I would even request a culture of the abscess to be done with your blood work tomorrow. As Beanie stated, they need to know what type of infection it is to prescribe the right antibiotic. Obviously the first antibiotic didn't work so they need to re-evaluate it. Also, be sure to take it EXACTLY as directly including all doses. If they get you on the right antibiotic and you follow the directions, you have a good chance of getting it cleared up in time for surgery.

Oh my gosh Jim, you look SO GOOD!! The change is astounding!! You actually look younger even!!! Very very handsome!

The antibiotics won't cause the white cell elevation, in fact they're supposed to lower it by killing the infection. If you still have a high white blood cell count then that means you still have an infection. I know it's frustrating, but it's a good thing they're postponing your surgery until it clears up. The last thing you need a post surgical infection. Best wishes.

Where is the swelling?

I hate to tell you this, but the only way to handle loose arm skin is toning exercising as your losing. Once it's already there nothing is going to take care of it except plastic surgery. Extra skin anywhere on the body is determined by a lot of factors. Genetics, age, whether or not you smoke, how long you've been big, how much weight you lost, and even hydration. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just end up with loose skin. (including me)

It is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry when it comes to blood clots. I found this out the hard way about 6 weeks ago and almost lost my life because of it. Please, if you even think there's a remote chance, go to the ER. They have to treat you. You need a doppler of your legs to make sure there's no clots. Btw- contrary to popular belief, you can have clots in both legs at the same time. I wrote a blog entry about my clot experience, you can find it here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blog/6349/entry-26062-a-warning-about-blood-clots-grahic-pic-beware/ Please, don't wait. Get checked out ASAP.

Are you vomiting or PBing? There is a big difference. When is the last time you saw your doctor? If true hunger is a problem (not head hunger) then perhaps you need a fill.

Wow...what a d*ck!!! I think we should all Tweet him :ph34r:

It lasts as long as it takes for you to have adequate Fluid in your band. Some people get lucky and never go through it, for others it can last for 6+ plus months. The best thing you can do is measure your portions and track your calories in the meantime. Best wishes.

I agree with SueBee, track everything you eat. It's great your eating less food than you used to but that doesn't necessarily mean less calories. Weight loss boils down to simple math: When you burn more calories than you consume you lose weight. Tracking calories is the easiest way to assure that happens.

The way I got through it was spreading my calories out through the day. If I tried to eat 3 meals a day only, I'd have been horrifically cranky and hungry. It just wasn't happening. So, I had little meals/snacks every 2 hours. I also heavily focused on Protein. For me, it worked. I was able to still stay within my 1000-1200 calorie daily allowance without being starving all the time. It also allowed me to continually lose weight even though I was in bandster hell. It sucks!! Hang in there!

He tried to give me 3cc my first fill but I was immediately gurgling Water back up so he took 1cc back out. Since then, my fills range between .5cc and even as small as .1cc. I currently have 5.2cc in my 10cc band

I was wondering the same thing. This thread is very worrisome.

You can lay however is comfortable.

It's actually all over the place if you Google him. If you contact Allergan, the maker of the Lap Band, they will verify which band he uses apparently. I found this: "If you are considering Mexico for your LAP-BAND, you should always make sure that the LAP-BAND® devices and implants they use are exact same devices currently approved for the United States. Allergan, The maker of the LAP-BAND, can be contacted directly to confirm whether a surgeon in Mexico uses the older generation LAP-BANDs. An extremely important question to ask Allergan is when was the last time that the Mexican surgeon purchased last-generation devices from Allergan, and how many devices did they purchase. The answer can often be very enlightening. Coupled with looser medical regulations, the possibility of outdated equipment and possibly less experienced surgeons, you must heavily consider if the actual “real” cost, including travel, is worth the potential risks." If I were you, I'd check with Allergan just to see if he's updated his practices. I mean, it is possible. I don't want to discourage you from getting the band- at all. I just don't want to see you end up with a band that will cause you more problems. Or, ask his office specifically which generation band and what size they use. If they say the bigger current ones by Allergan or Realize- you're all set. It's just the old 4cc one you don't want.

Weight loss comes from eating less calories than you burn. The fills help to suppress your appetite making it easier to eat less food but the band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating. Here's a great explanation from Dr. Simpson: "The Lap-band is NOT about Restriction When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite. When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or keep them from eating too much. The Lap-band works by suppressing your appetite As a result, you are less interested in food between meals, making it easier to resist temptation. The analogy is when you are near a vending machine when you are hungry-- what do you do? Probably find yourself with some junk food that is not a part of your plan. But, when you pass a vending machine when you are full, it may not even catch your eye. Having the appetite dimmed makes you less tempted by the many food choices modern living throws at you - -this is what the band does, by suppressing appetite you become less interested in food." Here's the entire article, it has a lot of great info: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

I think you totally "got it"

I know this is none of my business, but I say this out of genuine concern. Please reconsider using this surgeon. It says on his website he uses the 4cc band. The 4cc band is very outdated and no longer used in the US. The reason it's no longer used is because of it's very high rate of complications. There are reputable surgeons in Mexico that use the newer, safer, bigger bands. I urge you to consider one of them. Your health is worth it and I would truly hate to see you go through more hell because of the 4cc band. Best wishes.

I think it depends. How did your band slip? Did the band come lose and move or has your stomach prolapsed through it? What caused the slip?

All you can do at this point is stick to your doctor's post op diet. The Protein Shakes will help but it will be rough while you're still on liquids. Hang in there, it gets easier.

It could be an umbilical hernia. I would make an appointment with your doctor.