Neicy

Ryan, we love having you here. You're a patch of sunshine, I feel like we're good friends. Hope Patty is doing OK.

Jodie, Sorry that you are having these problems. I pray that you find some peace and contentment in your life. I'm glad to hear that you are taking care of YOU. Good luck, sweetie.

Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery from your surgery, and congratulations on your new banded life.

Debbie, When I got my first fill, I didn't feel any restriction at all. I went back after a couple of weeks and, lo and behold, there was no saline in the band. We discussed the possibility of a leak, and also the possibility that he missed the port. He put in another fill, and I've had pretty good restriction since then. My fill doctor said that it was not so very uncommon for the first fill to "disappear". Weird, I know, but maybe this phenomenon has visited you, as well. Has anyone else heard this?

My moment came when my doctor told me that my cholesterol was 347 and my blood pressure was 180/100. I had been on weight watchers for several months at the time and I was sure that they had gotten my blood mixed up with someone else. I insisted that she re-run the blood test before I could accept the truth. My father died at age 60 from complications after a stroke, and apparently I was on the same track. I realized that I had to do something drastic to gain control of my ever increasing girth. My daughter had been banded just about a month prior, and I began to consider this for myself. I began researching and learning all that I could about the band. My insurance excluded bariatric surgery entirely, but I was determined to get this surgery even if I had to pay for everything myself. I am thankful that I found an excellent surgeon, and it was affordable to me. Now my cholesterol is 195 and blood pressure is 145/75. I'm only half way to my weight loss goal, but I have attained a healthier state. Love my band!

Ryan, I am hoping that Patty's surgery will give her relief. My prayers and best wishes are with you both.

Diet Coke as well as most carbonated beverages are highly acidic. They have carbonic acid in them. Even though they are sugar free, it contributes to tooth decay because of the acidity. It also causes/contributes/aggravates acid reflux. Not to be redundant, but this is not good for our bands!

Awesome accomplishment, Marie. You have every right to be proud of yourself. Thanks for your encouraging story.

I have chronic insomnia, and I have found something that helps me. I take coral calcium at bedtime. Make sure you get a brand which has the balanced formula of 2/1 calcium/magnesium. In other words, if it has 1000 mg calcium, it should have 500mg magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, and you don't wake up feeling groggy or goofy. At least not anymore than usual! Hope you sleep better tonight. I am sorry to hear of your loss, Penni.

Count me in! Great idea, Penni. I would be happy to help anyone in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Love the idea.

Zoe, my port is in the same vicinity as yours. That must be Dr. Rumbaut's pick. I haven't had any trouble with mine. Sometimes I will notice it if I am bending a certain way.

86 the Rogaine!! Who wants to check out the bearded ladies? That would be more than I could bear!

Awesome news! Glad that all is OK. When the same thing happened for me, it made me feel so very fortunate. Nothing like getting all worried, and then getting the all clear! Rock on!

It's wonderful to hear that you are doing well, Rica. You go girl!!

My hair is falling out by the handful, too. It is very stressful to watch how much I'm shedding. I thought I read somewhere that it was linked to not getting enough protein, but I am pretty dilligent about it, 'cause I didn't want to lose hair at all! I didn't know that it had to do with anesthesia. Hope it grows back!

Best wishes to you .

Whatever you decide to do, Blossom, I wish you the best. I know you are anxious to get on with the process. I agree about telling the doc about his staff. Most doctors don't have a clue that their practice is being handled with such callous disregard for their patients.

It's a whole new way of eating. My fill doctor says to chew every bite 30 times, and to take half the bite you would have taken preband. Eat slow. If I feel discomfort after the first few bites, I will put the fork down and wait several minutes until it subsides. Most times it's air, and after I burp, I can eat a few more bites. I haven't figured out how to avoid swallowing air yet. Did your doctor use fluoro to fill? You might be a little too tight.

Thinking of you today. Welcome to the bandwagon!

Glad to hear that you're doing OK. Take it easy. Wishing you a quick recovery.

I know it must be so frustrating for you to be treated like this. I'd ask for the office manager and get some answers. Make sure they know you are approved and find out how many bands he's placed. You don't want to be the guinea pig. Getting re-approved should come easier if need be. Good luck, Blossom!

Sorry that you are having a rough time of it, Darcy. But I am glad that you are not hurting anymore. You couldn't eat anything for so long you probably feel like you deserve a treat! Don't beat yourself up over it, tomorrow you can start anew. Good luck to ya!

Kelly, I'm wishing you well, and confident in the excellent care of Dr. Rumbaut. Let us know how you are as soon as you feel up to posting. Bon Chance!

Wishing you all the best, Betty. Thinking of you today.

Just because a surgeon is American, doesn't mean that he is more skillful. You could be taking a bigger risk in the American system if you select a surgeon who is not well experienced. Research your surgeon thoroughly!