Jlewis229

Thanks Ladies! I'm really leaning toward the sleeve at this point because of people getting revisions and I read an Artivle today that the Fed Gov't just subpoenad Allergan(maker of Lap Band) because they are having up to 40% complications right now! That's CRAZY!! Here is that Article: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/allergan-lap-band-subpoena-27019/ I just don't want to waste this money because I don't see myself having another 15k to spend on surgery! Besides the fact that I don't want a lot of complications and a 2nd surgery. I'm probably looking at doing the sleeve now, I'm just trying to make the decision before Wednesday. Johnathan

I have searched and researched and just can't figure it out! I like that the band is adjustable, It's the least invasive and I'll lose my weight at a slower pace BUT it scares me that I could have complications bad enoug to have to get it completely taken out and wasting 11K!! I like that the sleeve makes your stomach much smaller and that most of the Hormone that makes you hungry is gone. I like that If their will be complications that it'll happen closer to the beginning but their is no taking it out or wasting the money. Anyone had both? Please If anyone can shed some light on this for me i'd appreciate it! Johnathan

Has anyone heard about this? It seems that The Lap Band is having higher rates of complications and the Gov't has issued a subpoena for records. Here is the article: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/allergan-lap-band-subpoena-27019/

WHY were they the reason your port got infected??? That's a huge liability for them to admit that, I'm surprised they admitted any fault. I'm happy your doing better and pray you have no problems at all after this! Johnathan

Gastric Band Institute in Chattanooga, TN- Dr. Jamie Ponce He was one of the original surgeons to participate in the FDA trials and has done thousands of WLS. Currently they are having a price of $10,999 which includes first year after care and fills! Hope this helps anyone around TN or GA

Is constipation a problem after being banded? I've seen a few people talk about it and I'm worried about it because due to my pain meds I already have a horrible issue and dread making it worse but I need the band! Thanks for the input Johnathan

I've tried the gum and Patches before and honestly it just doesn't work for me! Forget cold turkey! I got the chantix and started it today. I'm not telling them that's for sure. Hopefully I'll be quit by Sunday. We shall see how it goes!

Just to be clear-I have been prescribed Chantix I just never got a chance to fill it because of losing my insurance and she decided she was going to wait to stop smoking and would fill it on her insurance so I didn't have to go go doc and get new script and pay full price.

I smoke and filled out my paperwork and said I didn't bc I was afraid they would not band me. I wasn't sure and hate lying so I had my grandma call the Dr's office and ask a few questions as if she was interested in the procedure and also asked about the smoking, and sure enough he won't do it If you smoke. So I figured that if I bought an electronic cigarette and used it on days when I go to their office and make sure I wear smoke free clothes then they can't smell it on me, I also wash my hands and use a pumice stone to keep my fingers from yellowing so that their is no sign of smoking their either. With all of this I should not be ousted as a smoker! My friend has a script for Chantix that I am getting tomorrow and will start it tomorrow because I really would love to quit and if I can AWESOME! If only before surgery awesome too but would love to quit forever! Wish me luck with the Chantix because I want it to work. I know a lot of people that have had great success and are usually smoke free by the 5th or 6th day!

I smoke and on my questionnaire I lied and said I didn't just because after calling around I had a Dr say they would not perform a sleeve if I smoked (which I'm not getting now because I want the band). I hate to lie but dammit one thing at a time and I need to tackle my weight first! I have smoked e-cigarettes and will do so before i go before my next visit so I don't smell of smoke. If they do a nicotine test well fine because the electronic cigarettes have nicotine in them. People smoke socially too with a glass of wine at a bar or whatever it is they like to drink. So that would show up as well. I'm gonna have someone call my Dr's office tomorrow and just ask about their policy on smoking and As long as they say he will do it but prefers you not to smoke then I'll be honest with them when i go back Wednesday otherwise it's the e-cigarette for me!

I've been scouring the Internet and on here trying to find info on both comparatively, and I've found some stuff comparing the two but I was wanting to get some Real life info from people that have had one or the other and if their are any true pros or cons over one or the other. I kind of like the shape of the lap band that it's completely circular, more like that of our own stomach opening but I've heard people say the Realise Band is more forgiving with its triangular shape in case of something not going down all the way. Anyway, all info is appreciated! Johnathan

Thank you. It's been tough. It's bitter sweet. He suffered so much throughout his life(due to illness he was born with and at the hands of drug manufacturers- I'd love to tell all but signed a NDA) but I miss him so much and still wish he were here but that things could be different for him. It's due to his passing that I'm financially able to have this surgery so that's been kind of hard in the fact that he's not here to watch me changr and Celebrate the victories with me. Anyway sorry to ramble but he's still a big part of my life and with this surgery he always will be. Johnathan

As long as we're not out and out looney toons I think we should all be ok. My brother passed in March and we were very close. I still have issues dealing with that but I would sure hope that wouldn't stop me from getting a lap band!

What do you mean supervised? I will only have 2 more visits. It'll actually be my Next one with the Dr. , Nutritionist and Psych. I'll have bloodwork drawn as well. Then I will go somewhere and get my upper GI w/X-rays done and as long as that's good I'll schedule my surgery.

I can relate to that! I'm trying to work better stuff into my diet but as far as completely changing it yet I haven't. I know the pre op diet is going to be a drastic change and I know the lap band is going to be a huge tool to help me lose the weight I want to. I know If I were to start a diet I'd probably do ok for a little bit and then hit a plateau and get frustrated and gain so I'm just not going to do that to myself. I know once I have it it's going to be a complete way of eating. I'll get sick if I over eat or don't eat the right things. Their is so much we have to do with the lap band and I kind of like that about it. It's more strict with the ways we have to eat. Anyways I hope all that makes since haha

You are so right!! I'm so glad I found this place! This will be so important once I get banded to be able to find support from other people that are or have gone through the tough things I'll be going through.

Seems as though most of us are going crazy lol Jen- I am the same way! When I decide on something I want to do it ASAP! Honestly its really not taking that long, all in all everything will be at the most 4-5 weeks from seminar to surgery lol (self pay) That isn't long at all but I am impatient LOL

Just waiting to take a test and make a surgery date and it feels like its taking FOREVER! I guess I just want it so bad that I'm making it go by so slow myself lol Anyone else going through this right now? Johnathan