healthny

Angela - thanks for sharing -- glad to know alls been well for the past year -- Have your doctors indicated to you what they believe is causing the formation of stone/sludge ?? Also, is anyone out there, whose had their gallbladder removed, taking actigall or any other med. during their weight loss phase to prevent stones/sludge?? please do share -- would love to hear form you.

thanks guys for the info. much appreciated -- got me thinking does anyone know what is the diagnostic test to access one's bile?? sludge??

banded in May 07 -- all was going well until September when gallbladder was "inflammed" (no stones) started Actigall; by end of December had 2nd espisode with pancreatitis, January had gall baldder removed -- problem is now have constant upper right back flank pain -- doctor ain't offering any real help -- anyone else out there have similar experinece and offer help/advice/hope. Thanks

wow - I haven't been on line since June came on today to see if I could find anything out about gallbladder issues and you sound just like me - last saturday about 3:00 am woke up with severe pain ultrasound showed inflammmation of gallbladder and sludge, no stones. Tranported to the hospital where I had my band that night no more pain spent all day Saturday and Sunday and 1/2 of Monday in hospital no pain meds feeling good -- I am so proud of myself I fended off 3 residents and the surgeon on call who were ever so eager to remove the gallbladder (like it was absolutely so inconsequential) Anyhow, started researching -- and have come to learn that losing a significant amount of weight and rapidly to boot puts enormous strain on your liver having to process all the cholesteral (no one told me before and I guess I never really thought about it). Now, two days out of the hospital and having met yesterday with my primary doc. -- he ordered a HITA scan, at my insistance really, that I believe will show me the functionality of the organ (is it impaired functioning or not) don't be surprised if you ask for one and the doctor says you don't really need it cause as far as they are concerned the ultrsound already showed the inflammation -- but I was insiting that I wanted to know about the functioning of the organ before any surgery and I will go back and have my blood tested in about a week or so when I finish the antibiotics. My band surgeon who I finally got to met with last night (who was out of the hospital over the weekend) agreed to put me on Actigal for the next 40-50 pounds I plan to lose. I heard it possibly aids in the prevention of gallstones during weight loss. My goal today is to do a bit more research about actigal becuase I really don't know of the side effects etc., etc., the only real concern he has is if I start experincing nausea and/or vomitting which won't be good. I am simply doing any and everthing I can to fend off having to have my gallbladder surgerically removed and be safe in losing the weight (everyone says its no big deal but I personally just don't buy it) Did you lose 43 lbs since having the band placed?? I'm no doctor but that sounds like an incredible amount of weight too quickly -- are you restriciting your caloric intake too much??? Are you going to take the actigall??? what did your doctor say about it?? let me know -- be well

Alex - I was shocked to hear your news -- don't despair one door closes and another one opens -- fight the good fight you're so worth it !!! Keep us posted...HAVE A GREAT DAY !!!!

I was banded May 8th and recieved the samller AP band and low profile port... (I first heard about it on this board in April, talked to the company, my surgeon and doc.) ...the "selling" point for me was that in the even of complication/revision it is apparantly eaiser for the surgeon to unlock/access. The other thing that made good sense to me was the full 360 deg of compression as opposed to 280ish with the other band -- it just seemed to make good logical/mechancial sense. The company will be publically announcing the AP bands at the the week of June 11th at the Bariatric Conference in San Diego. Whether or not it's better -- who knows -- I just know it was the right decision for me. With that said I recognize any band is just a tool and if you work with it it works -- if not, there lie the problems.

I had surgery on the 8th -- don't despair things will get better -- everyday that passes you will feel notice you're on your way -- my best advice stay positive and be gentle with yourself.... but I definately would have the blister checked out..that could turn into a dangerous situation....

wow -- sounds like a great idea !!! This forum has given me so much -- I am soooooo very greatful and would welcome the chance to get together. Although I'm partial to New York what about New Orleans? Giving them the business/money, giving back/new beginings it all makes sense..... what do you think ????

that too is a fear of mine -- I discussed it with my doctor and he really didn't give me a very clear answer as to wether and under what circumstance would he have to resort to an open procedure -- (truth is maybe he did answer initially but I didn't "hear" him) I am meeting with him again tomorrow and will put that question back out there and hopefully clarify a few things... and what option(s) I have if worse case senario. Its a very valid concern and one needs to have a clear understanding of their options before hand.

can someone tell me where you find "isopoure" or any other protein supp. you can take during the clear liquid phase -- (I'm sure its already been said a million times before but didn't find it and was hoping for a quick repsonse) THANKS

not one of you brillant, beautiful people has anything for me -- I know your smarter than you're letting on .:clap2:

anyone know of and/or recommend any informational websites/articles regarding the nutritional science of protein? whey v. soy?? grams?? ketosis etc. ??? Looking to get to the science of it. (also if you know of any noteworthy nutritional sites/articles in general also appreciated --) you guys are the best..:clap2:

Found out this week INAMED is generally releasing its updated AP bands June 07 -- (I put a thread out AP bands earlier this week on this forum but didn't hear anything from anyone regarding specifics) does anyone have the newer bands, any preop patients programs/doctors talking about them?? A select group of US doctors have been using and inserting the bands and was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the newer bands, anyone have one?????????? (Feel free to private message me if you prefer) THANKS

Heard today that INAMED will be announcing the release of the two new AP bands in June. Only a very select, small number of surgeons in US currently place these particular bands, same surgical technique as the other bands slight variations in design and port -- anyone have one or planning to have one of the AP bands????

wow you guys are great, now that's what I call service. Sometimes I wish I could get all my life questions resolved soooooooooo fast :) Thanks for the info.