La_madam

No actually I heard it was a lap band patient, not Star Jones but maybe there iwl lbe a suprise.

A Lap-Band patient will be featured on the television show "The View" on Monday June 20th. It's about time the Lap-Band gets some well deserved press. Don't forget to watch!

3 days of liquids for me after a fill

Try drinking mroe protein drinks, that will help with being so tired. I experienced the same thing the first 10-14 days, I called my Dr. and he told me to drink more protein and I did, and it helped alot

Kathy, it is nice to see you here even if it is under these circumstances. Sorry to hear of your troubles, but like Betty said, I too ama firm believer that everything happens for a reason. My mother always told me things always work out and she was right, everytime I feel things are not going my way, it somehow has a way of working out.The same will happen for you... Hang in there Penni's idea was great, I think you should go for it

Very well said, this is exactly what I was told by my Dr. but could never explain it as good as you just did. this is exactly why Iam going in for a re-fill. I need that switch turned off. When I was filled at 2.5 that switch was off most off the time, now with no fill, it is constantly on. It is amazing when you hit that right level of restriction, the switch goes off. Maybe there is truth to the "sweet spot" It is so different going from 2.5 to nothing.

I bought 50 shares 14 months ago right after my surgery and it was 51.00 a share. 12$ a share profit in 14 months, 50x12= 600 ..Not bad for doing nothing My stock broker told me any obesity related stocks are a good investment in the next couple years to come. With obesity at an all time high in the U.S. and many insurance companies finally coming around about coverage with the Lap band, I felt it was a wise investment

The incision scars are so small, the only one you may notice some discoloration on is the port incision. Iam a professional tanner and my scar looks great with a tan!

Me too I desperatley need a fill. Monday can not come soon enough! Lisa I commend you for all of the motnhs you have had no fill and have not gained any weight back! Amazing! I have been empty for 2 months and I am fortunate to have not gained and actually lost a few lbs in the first month but this last month has been a struggle. I can not imagine being un fiiled for as long as you have. You desreve huge kudos from me on maintaning your weight loss

Ok I have not been doing too good on this challenge. How has everyone else been doing? Lisa? Kathy? Esmeralda? Anyone? I seem to be in a love/hate relationship with chocolate right now

Yes, I was going to reccomend this one too! it is great and relatively easy. You can get it at Target or Wal-Mart

When I had my bowel obstruction I was tested for H pylori, it was possitive, having this can also cause gastritis which are the symptoms you explain. Here is a link to gastritis, one of the causes of gastritis can be H Pylori This is another symptom of gastritis http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastritis/

I would have to agree with your wife about not getting enough protein, it could also be lack of calories. But my guess would be protein, I had the same thing and was told by my Dr. to up my protein intake and I did and it helped trememdously.

Lettuce wraps are always quick and easy, just make a sandwich and use the lettuce in place of the bread, with some sliced cheese, tomato, lunch meat, they are yummy. I use purple onion, mayo, turkey and american cheese & tomato

I try to keep my caloric intake anywhere between 1200-1700 a day, sometimes it is more but never less.

Great idea Zoe...Iam in ! Im getting re-filled on Monday and want to start losing again.

Greg anyone ever tell you that you look just like "Cliff" from Cheers?

karen, sorry to hear you are not doing too good, but stress can do strange things to your band. just keep doing the liquids, I had the same feeling when I had esophagitis and I did exactly what you are doing . Dr. Martinez gave me the same instructions and it worked and I was better in 2 weeks. Pbing can make your esophagus very irritated. I hope things get better for your husband , How is Hanna doing? She starts solids this week doesn't she?

I just got the same acknowledgement this morning in an electronic reply. Maybe since you and I both wrote in aboutthesamething, they will reply and do a follow-up

I was told 4 hours before no solids... but liquids are ok Every Dr. is different

I bought the magazine and read the aritcle tonight and let me tell you I was bothered after reading it so I went straight to their web site and emailed the Editor asking why he did not interview any people who had great experiences in Mexico. I told him I thought it was unfair to not get both opinions on this. I rambled on about many things, my experience from my Lap Band surgery, my experience from my recent surgery where the u.s. doctors wouldnt operate on me but the Mx doctor would and saved my life...I know there are many who did not have a good experience in Mexico .but for every bad experience there is a good experience and the article should of been fair and balanced is all that I am saying. I wonder if I will get a reply. If I do, I will be sure to post it here, you can count on that!

Hi Pansy & Welcome! You have come to the right place for support and lots of info. Best of luck to you, I hope you are able to get the band, it has changed my life! I hope the same for you too

Dabbler, call BCBS and ask if they cover it. I have BC of CA and 14 moths ago they did not cover the band regardless of co-morbitities or not. Thins may havechanged I know BC is joining the ranks of other insurance carriers andcovering it in other states now. It is worth the phone call. Best of luck to your wife. I went to Mexico and paid out of pocket for 2/3 of it and financed 2000 of it, it was worth every penny,14 motnhs later I am down 93 lbs with only a few more lbs to go. Went from a size 22 to a 10 currently. The band is the best thing I have EVER done! You can have a baby with the band also just so you know. I had band buddie who was banded the same day as I was and 4 months after surgery she became pregnant and now has a beautiful healthy baby. Many others here have also had healthy babies with their bands still in tact, just not filled

My Dr. did not require me to do a pre-op diet, he only has his patients who have a BMI of 50 or over to do it, that is what I was told at the time of my surgery. I have a male friend who was just banded 3 weeks ago by the same surgeon I used and he had a pre op diet but did not stick to it very well and was still able to have his surgery.

Penni, that is great news! I'm happy for you that you both are trying to work things out. Alot of women say they would leave if their husband or SO if they cheated on them, but it is alot easier said then done. I admire you for sticking it out and trying to make things work. John from the little I know of him seems like a great man, who adores you, that was evident in Vegas last year. You two make the cutest couple Throwing away all that you two have shared is not the right answer, kudos to you both for giving it your all to make it work...I wish you both the very best!