dishdiva

It's often without symptoms. But a bad case of acid reflux and difficulty keeping food down are sometimes sytmpoms. It can only be revealed through fluoroscopy or other diagnostic-imaging type tests. The band can be re-positioned through surgery, although sometimes they get in there and discover the band has to be replaced.

I don't see how Dr's can know if the FDA will withdraw support. It's true there are complications at rates similar to or perhaps slightly higher than what Inamed reports. I know Inamed has to track all 'complaints' or reports of complications and report them to the FDA.

I don't think Jen is looking for judgment from anyone on her dating and/or sex life. At what point in a relationship someone decides to be intimate is their business... and the level of honesty required is up to the individuals in that relationship. Many, many people on these boards don't fully fess up about their band surgery and we're not questioning them. Let's stick to her band-related issues... Jen, go for it. Tell him whatever you're comfortable with as far as your scars go. (To clarify, my comments were in reference to a few people who were asking if she should be getting intimate with someone she can't be honest with... I just think that's her personal choice.)

Hi Kaseyd -- Try the North Georgia Bandits group on Yahoo. I know it's not South Georgia, but I think there was someone on there who went to John Bagnato. Or maybe Atlanta bandsters or SE bandsters... I'm not sure. Good luck.

Sue...Thanks for such a great attitude. I recently was unfilled because my reflux was so bad. I'll try again with a smaller fill down-the-road. Meanwhile, I've gained six pounds. The band does slow down our metabolism because we're taking in far fewer calories than we did pre-band. Then when you're unfilled, it's easier to gain without drastically reducing your food intake. But it feels like you're out of food jail, so that's hard. Plus, many of us have years of yo-yo dieting behind us...which doesn't make for the most efficient metabolism. I exercise, and it's still hard. Good luck to you. Elizabeth 8-28-03

Hi Helen -- Thanks so much for sharing your story... I am sure there are others in your same situation out there, but have perhaps avoided boards such as this one. Having been unfilled from band slippage and again for health reasons, I totally see how easy it is to re-gain weight. The good news for you is you haven't experienced any complications that would prohibit you from a good, healthy fill! That's what makes the band work! But, as everyone will tell you, the band only works if you're working IT. Where are you? Have you contacted Inamed about surgeons in your area -- or at least closer than 8 hours? They have a vested interest in your success. Meanwhile... browse around for reminders about the band rules...many of which are just good rules in general for health. Get plenty of fluids (but not around mealtimes), exercise, small portions, etc. I know, I know. Easier said than done. We are here for you, girl. Elizabeth 8-28-03

Reflux is hell, no question. Mine was at night only, however. Never when I exercised. Are you doing all the basic rules for avoiding reflux -- no spicy foods, etc. WebMD has some good information on their site about it (http://www.webmd.com) I was on Nexium. It helped the acid but not the reflux. I finally got an unfill to let things settle down a bit and will go back for another, smaller fill later. Good luck. Elizabeth 8-28-03

Made fewer bad decisions today.... Which is awesome, Alex! You might want to talk to your OB-GYN about perimenopause symptoms and what you can do. I think you're a little younger than I am (43), but I was surprised to find out that symptoms can begin as early as 10 years before menopause. She prescribed a low-dose birth control pill, which helped me. Here's to making fewer bad decisions tomorrow! Elizabeth

And my Dr. worked me in today as well! I was totally unfilled. We decided it's the only way to determine if my symptoms -- excessive gassiness, reflux, etc. -- is band-related. I feel better, so I'm guessing they are. It's going to be tough for me without a fill...I gained 20 pounds in the nine months I didn't have any fill after my slip last year. Anyway, we'll see what happens and will do the next fill in a few weeks with fluro to see what's up. So glad you're feeling better, Kathy. Elizabeth

Kathy -- I'm in the same boat...except I'm going on 4 weeks, not 4 days. I had an appointment for an unfill last week and cancelled it because I was feeling better. What I finally realized is I'm okay in the morning and then at about 1 p.m., everything just closes up. And the reflux has been like nothing I've ever had. So, while you're stalking your fill doc tomorrow, please think of me -- stalking mine. I decided if mine wasn't in, I'd call around town until I found one who was. And, if that doesn't work, I'm heading to ER where hopefully they can unload me. I want ALL my fill removed so I can a. get a good night's sleep b. eat three meals a day c. rest the pouch, stoma, stomach, everything d. hope and pray I haven't had a second slip. I had 2 cc's in June for my first fill after the band was re-positioned in March from the slip. They took out .02 cc's after a few days. Obviously it wasn't enough. And I don't want to go back for a third unfill. I'd rather take it all out, wait four to six weeks and try again. Good luck to both of us. I'll be thinking of you and hoping the Dr. is "IN." Elizabeth 8-28-03

Sonnie, yes...I had total relief when my fluid was removed. I had the band re-positioned with a second surgery in March and was fine. The reflux started again after my first fill in early June. My previous experience is that the benefits of a fill subside after about six weeks...if it's not better then, I'll go and have an unfill. Meanwhile, I'm hoping the Nexium starts working. Good luck to you. Glad it's not a slip. (As for certain foods tasting strange now... it may just be "too early" for those types of foods... some foods become more tolerable over time, in my experience.)

Tammy -- Thanks. I tried elevating the head of my bed...no success. Legally blonde, I've also had a Dr.'s office tell me acid reflux was not a side effect of the band. I went to Inamed's web site and looked it up in their patient guide. In Inamed's clinical study, 34 percent reported reflux. So, pull that up and take it to your Dr. next time -- I plan to. What's the world coming to when we're more informed than the Dr.'s?? Elizabeth 8-28-03

Shouldn't Sonnie be symptom-free with the Fluid taken out of the band if it was a slip? At least that was my case. I have terrible reflux and feel your pain. But it should have been resolved with the fluid being removed from the band....maybe talk to your regular Dr. as well -- not just the band surgeon. Good luck and hoping you're getting well soon. (I did a second opinion when my band slipped and am glad I did...) Elizabeth 8-28-03

Very interesting...one of the frustrating things I"ve found is different doctors and nurses with different understanding of the band and aftercare. And huge difference in prices -- from $150 to $900 just in my area (Atlanta). Consistency is what's needed. I don't see anything about them being sanctioned by Inamed or the other band maker... think that would be pretty important for credibility. Elizabeth 8-28-03

I previously had some success with Pepcid...but didn't seem to help this go round. I tried Prilosec OTC but that didn't work...then went to my Dr. and got an Rx for Nexium. That's supposed to take awhile to kick in and I'm still waiting! It's been almost three weeks. I may call my Dr. this week and tell him it's not cutting it. I wake up in the middle of the night coughing with the reflux coming out of my nose. (GAG). During my previous episodes, it did resolve itself after a week or so. Good luck to all of us that endure it. Elizabeth 8-28-03

I'd be dissappointed too. So sorry to hear of your troubles. Something obviously is not right -- I'm assuming your sticking to the band "rules" of eating? As for the insurance co-pay -- if it does change, it should only be in January when the new plan year kicks in. My surgeon did raise his rates for fills -- and I promptly found an equally capable doctor who does them for less. Remember, we are the paying customers. It is not right for surgeons to raise fees without proper notification before a procedure. Where did you have your surgery done? You need to get back in touch with that Dr. (assuming it's not the same one doing your fills) and let them know what's going on. Good luck. Elizabeth 8-28-03

Jorjet -- Believe me, many of us have had periods of eating the wrong foods. I've often found inspiration here on the boards for getting myself motivated. Exercise helps me. And also helps me get out of bed in the morning. Drinking more Water also helps. Remember what you've been through to get to this point. You've come too far to turn back now. You are not a failure at this! And remember your own mantra: THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Elizabeth 8-28-03

I'm going to go a little against the popular vote here. I totally agree with the premise of taking care of your health, being responsible for the band, being "good" to the band, etc. However, sometimes there are reasons why we don't act. For example, I'm a single working mom and my doctor is a hike. I've taken off a lot of time from work for doctor's appointments recently... and it's tough. Getting there isn't always easy. (I recently found a doctor a little closer to home/work and that helps.) Second, some people are cash-paying patients... some surgeons don't charge for an unfill immediately after a fill...but will charge if a few weeks have passed. In some cases this can be several hundred dollars. It's the broken-down health care system...where insurance companies don't cover the cost of the band... And sometimes the office staff at Dr.'s offices might not take the issue as seriously as we would like. When I called once about an unfill, I almost felt like I had to justify the need to come in for a second unfill in three weeks. If they had a sense of urgency, maybe I would too. It's amazing to me how different doctors offices have different views on what's important and what's not. And often, patients follow the lead of the doctors in terms of attitude. Sometimes we rationalize that what's happening to us (i.e. reflux) isn't all that bad and is bearable for the time being. I'm not saying that's appropriate, just reality. In my case, things change so often that if I wait a day or two, the problem often resolves itself. Anyway, want to emphasize again that I agree with the whole self-responsibility thing...but just wanted to share some of the possible reasons it can be a challenge. Elizabeth 8-28-03

I'll be the lone voice in the "worse that expected" category. I've had complications... from bad reflux to slippage -- which I knew could happen going in, but you tend to focus more on the positives. At least I did. I rarely experience the "full feeling" that the band supposedly creates. And that is pretty much the whole basis for the band. Instead, I have more discomfort and pain signals to clue me in to stop eating. Anyway, that all said, I am happy to be 40 pounds lighter than I was when I started this journey. Would I do it again? Ask me in six months. Elizabeth 8-28-03

Wendy -- Yes, it will go away... try walking...always helps me. On the Reflux/GERD topic, I have only had a problem with it since getting the band...and mostly it resolves itself... I had a fill recently after having the band re-positioned from slippage. The fill level is fine, but the reflux is hell. Like you Nancy, the gushing-from-the-nose type. Crazy thing is the Dr.'s office told me that's not a "side effect" of the band and I need to be in touch with my personal physician. (Which I had done anyway...he prescribed me Nexium...which I'm told can take awhile to work...and you're not supposed to take other things such as Tums, etc. with it -- which is killing me. ) I'm going to work on the three hour rule better (I try!) and may even try the bed raising. Will report back... Hoping the Nexium kicks in soon, Elizabeth 8-28-03

I gave Cigna everything in the appeal process... nutritionist records, food journals, pyschologists statements, physician's letter... and they denied me through every channel. Other examples here show you...it just depends on the plan.

I don't know what Dr. you're seeing, but I've seen Dr. Ponce there for a second opinion on something and really, really like him. They're a good group...really have their act together. I don't know if you qualify either...but they will tell you. They're not the type of practice that would do it if they genuinely believed you didn't. I didn't go to them pre-op, but there are many people who have who will likely chime in. Also, maybe try the northgeorgiabandits group at yahoo... lots of them went to Dr.Ponce... Good luck to you!

Some Cigna plans cover it, some don't. It depends on your company, I think. HOWEVER: The Obesity Law Center lawyer, Walter Lindstrom, recently posted on another lap band site that Cigna now does cover Lap-Band. I would call Cigna and check with them. Don't let administrative staffs at doctor's offices deter you... some are fabulous, but some are horrid. Good luck...keep chugging!

It definitely makes you stop and count your blessings... complaints about this fill or that fill... PB's...slow weight loss...complications -- all just seems so petty in the face of what she's dealing with... Prayers for Jessica and her family... Elizabeth

Hi riverrat -- I would mention it to your surgeon...but tell them what you're OB said. Better to have your surgery put off than to them have a surprise once they go in or for your recovery to be more complicated, especially with a little boy to care for. Everyone experiences the nervousness you are feeling...it's perfectly normal. to answer your questions: I had my surgery on a Thursday before Labor Day and was back at work Tuesday. No regrets -- except I wish I'd been better about communicating with my surgeon when I was too tight after fills. The end result was that I did have slippage -- from vomiting, which came from being too tight. I had it repositioned in March and had my first fill since then on Monday. All that aside, still no regret. No hair loss. And, a PB is a "productive burp" which may or may not include the food in your pouch. Good luck to you. I hope everything goes well. Keep reminding yourself of how many of us were in the same place you are right now...and we all came out on the other side! Elizabeth