Terry Simpson

First- it isn't starving- you may have hunger pains, and often people really, after surgery, are thirsty but the mechanism between hunger and thirst is mixed up. Do not eat -this is a time for the stomach to rest, and recover from the operation. It is ok to drink a lot -

Gastric plication is not covered by insurance, of any kind. However, we do plication on all our lap band patients, and have for a while. This may end up being the main way bands are done in the future. We have even gone back and plicated patients who have bands. But plication by itself is not covered by insurance.

Never eat anything larger than two tines of a fork. Learn to cook at home- and avoid chain restaurants (good advice to avoid bad experiences). Do not force things down with fluid- you can cause a slip. Jump up and down, touch your toes - and wait. If something is stuck for more than an hour you need to be on liquids for a couple of days, maybe have some fluid removed.

It is never getting a band right or wrong- it is adding fluid to and removing it. There is an average that some people have. But typically, people get to a sweet spot - but sometimes it takes a bit. Glad you found Dr. Johnson

It is where a grounding pad is placed. I suggest getting a Beehive for the hair

Could be the goo was from a lead for an EKG or the place where they put the pad to ground you for the bovie machine.

The band is not about restriction - it is about appetite suppression. If you try to use the band to restrict what you eat, or how much you eat, you won't lose the weight that you should. Good luck

Sometimes looking like a Simpson isn't too bad!

There are three classifications of slips: (a) Pouch dilation above the band. This happens when people eat too fast on a chronic basis. This leads to reflux and heartburn, as do all of the slips ( Pouch dilation with slip. The pouch dilates, as it dilates it pulls up stomach above the band. This is the most common type of slip that we deal with © Pure slip. Easiest surgically to deal with- happens when something gets stuck and people try to force it out. Slips are a complicated topic - and they are best avoided by (a) Not having the band too tight ( not eating too fast food goes through the band quickly- or we hope quickly. If it stays above the band for too long it can cause problems. We have more on our site at azlapband.com/blog -- hope you find the information helpful there.

Our program fee is optional. If you wish to participate in it then it is available. The fee pays for the rent on the facility, pays for the nutritionist to be there, and for the parties we have.

Clearly you had a bad experience with us. Yes, we do Botox and Juvaderm out of our office, and many patients like this. In terms of the "sale" that happens- up to our website, and yes - many patients have taken advantage of the price because of the hospital cutting cost.

I am sorry you had a bad experience with us. We do not have an agreement with other providers about taking other patients - at least not that I know if. Glad you like Dr. Johnson. Glad you found a good spot with your band - and someone who will take care of you. The band is an adjustable piece, and the body changes, as does the band- as to habits and lifestyles. But eventually we get to a sweet spot-- I am sorry if i offended you.

We are happy to give you a fill if you want one. In terms of the challenge- it is a way to get away from some of the things that you eat currently and on to something new. Please call or email us and let me know