JACKIEO85

Once you get your Doctor issues straight may I suggest you ask them about a CT Scan when you said Lower left Pain in the pelvic region It struck a cord with me as I went through the same symptoms, gas, bloating, constipation and then had 2 days of the pain L/L pelvic region saw my Internist and he said Diverticulitis. I had 2 episodes of severe sharp pain, then smaller less frequent episodes. They did a Ct Scan of the abdomen/Pelvis, 10 days of Flagyl and I'm scheduled Monday for a Colonoscopy to rule out any other problems. Hope your feeling better soon!!

Yes.is is unfortunate that some people get a band and then become the Forum expert (only in their mind) don't want to hear anything negative . Then will say it must be something YOU did, because they know everything about bands. And lack empathy towards others I like being the Forum Troll. I like not living in the land of perfection. But I'm allot happier than you'll ever be. If anyone is looking for true support with your band check out facebook.....Allot less proclaimed bands experts there.

Opps my bad must have been a typo ...lol Didn't realize age was a prerequisite for being a Troll since I've seen the term on here before. But as I mentioned before, If your a resident in Michigan and live under the great Mackinaw Bridge then your a TROLL.My parents are extremely PROUD of me Jean , but thanks for asking

I like to think that If someone is in pain I feel Empathy for that person and will do all I can to help. Since being Banded in 09 I've researched allot online and gone to numerous sites that promote forums for the Band. But the Thing that occurs consistently is the Lack of compassion for others If your going through a tough time, or went through it, SHARE your experience, research, or humor ( it goes along way to heal) about that experience. The people needing help don't always know the right thing to do, or questions to ask. Maybe their Doctor wasn't "the Best", and who's to judge? Do any of us really know all their is about our Health care professionals, or about the band? No, I think Not. NO ONE PERSON has ALL the answers to LIFE or surgery Negativity only breeds MORE Negativity. If someone said, you may only post FACTS, your experience is then irrelevant, and Thus, there is No need for forums like this, because we would only be able to view "The Facts" as presented by the manufactures, doctors, scientists, and researchers and then must take that as Fact. I personally believe Life experiences are more fact based at times than anything else but that is just my opinion ( and Yes I know we all have one ) Unfortunately, it's not only online that compassion has been lost, society as a whole seems lacking as well.. I guess I'll continue to listen to the little voice inside that keeps saying "If you can't say anything nice Don't say anything at all" Because I don't know everything, ( I've yet to meet someone that does) and I surely don't know what the Other person is going through right now..so I wish them, and You Well......

Kim sorry to hear about your back surgeries. are you doing better now? what are your limitations? check with your Doctor about possibly just Walking? even in small increments daily that might help. I sure hope your Journey improves Please keep us posted.

Allergan Inc. (AGN), the maker of the wrinkle treatment Botox, received a U.S. government subpoena over its gastric banding device for obesity. Allergan received the subpoena from the Department of Health and Human Services’s Inspector General this month, the company reported today in a filing. Bonnie Jacobs, a spokeswoman for Irvine, California-based Allergan, acknowledged the subpoena but declined to comment further. Allergan generated $203.1 million of its $5.42 billionrevenue (AGN) last year from devices for obesity. The company acquired the product, called Lap-Band, in 2006 with its purchase of Inamed Corp. The adjustable silicon band helps people lose weight by reducing the amount of food their stomachs can hold. In January, House Democratic lawmakers called for hearings on medical devices including Lap-Band, following a study in the medical journal Archives of Surgery, that found almost half of patients with a gastric band had no weight loss or needed the device removed after six years. More than 40 percent had long- term complications. Where does this 40 %come from? The Food and Drug Administration approved the device in 2001 for patients who were at least 100 pounds (45 kilograms) overweight, had a body mass index of at least 40, or an index of 35 with obesity-related conditions such as heart problems. Allergan gained clearance in February 2011 to expand marketing of the device to people with lower body mass indexes and at least one obesity-related condition. http://www.businessw...ght-loss-device

No actually, I was just asking a legitimate question of where did the 40% come from, because the monash reports only 5. But if it's unknown, no problem, Go back about your business the Troll has left the Forum :lol:

I wondered how long it might take for you to attack me personally Missy. It's okay, I have Broad shoulders I don't need to attack personally to feel better about myself. No, I'm not bored actually I like to post, unlike some here i like to help people. Since the Forum promotes Support it's the only reason I post. NOT everyone is thrilled with the band, unfortunately some are looking for HELP. You keep quoting a study Funded By Allergan so that's why I have a problem with you telling everyone it's THERE FAULT. Does anyone really think a study funded by the manufacturer is going to be unbiased? no matter, believe what you will .. and thank you for the compliment as anyone living in Michigan and under the bridge is considered a troll, I guess that makes you a troll as well looking forward to your next reply since you seem to like stalking my posts. Wondering if you've ever looked in a mirror?

You Didn't FAIL your BAND DID..In January, House Democratic lawmakers called for hearings on medical devices including Lap-Band, following a study in the medical journal Archives of Surgery, that found almost half of patients with a gastric band had no weight loss or needed the device removed after six years. More than 40 percent had long- term complications. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-07/allergan-receives-u-dot-s-dot-subpoena-over-weight-loss-device

your Doctor just might have been trained by Dr Tony Boutt, since they share the same office. Who himself was proctored on 10/02 by a Mexican doctor I'm just saying Services by your surgeon doesn't mean their any better than someone that went to mexico. So why scare anyone that went there?

Well hopefully that person in the Mirror NEVER changes!! Your Beautiful!! The mind takes longer to catch-up with the body when you've lost weight because you still see the same person looking back at you. It will happen it will just take time..... 40 Lbs is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Congrats!! and continued success.

I suggest you do your homework before throwing out fiction based on opinion. OPINIONS Like.....we all have one I was just stating a FACT that you can't get a 4cc band in the U.S. IF anyone was so inclined But I'm curious about the 5% complication rate, if that is from the study from monash? and Dr. O'Brien, I've read it and it was done from 1994-2011 was that done with some of the 4cc bands? The Facts are that bands didn't start in the U.S. so why Scare anyone in England, Australia, Mexico because they have a 4cc band. Years have passed and improvements have been made. surgical techniques perfected ( hopefully) If anyone is interested in whether your U.S. Doctor was proctored by a Mexican Doctor let me know I can provide a link.

And if you don't believe that last fact, ask your doctor for a 4cc band,I'm sure he will come up with a load of excuses why you can't have one, But NEED a larger AP band instead

No one is trying to scare anyone. No were just all reporting EXPERIENCES that we have had part of what this forum seems adverse to? Does it matter where the surgery is performed? Yes, I'm sure it does. But again like one poster mentioned and it is a Fact that Some of the Surgeon's that have been mentioned here have TRAINED some of the U.S. surgeons so what does that say about the U.S. surgeons? We're just trying to warn others of some of the hazards of going to Mexico or having a Lap Band in General if you're not extremely careful. It's a fact that many places in Mexico still use the outdated 4cc band- I'd love to see the data on this fact, I'd call this more hearsay. even though it's been proven to result in many complications and slips. and 5% of the AP , realize, allergan bands have the same complications. It's also a fact that many US doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico because of the liability factor. And yet people have posted here that they have gotten a lap band by a doctor in mexico and they do their follow-up with U.S. doctors Well that FACT was just negated.. But it is imperative to have a doctor to handle your post op care and fills before ever having the surgery in Mexico.OR in the U.S. for that matter . When you go to Mexico, you have no medical or legal recourse if something goes wrong like you would in the US . Well unless the band kills you you don't have any legal recourse here in the U.S. either Allergan has seen to that by stating in their own document Special Notice The manufacturer of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System has designed, tested and manufactured it to be reasonably fit for its intended use. However, the LAP-BAND AP® System is not a lifetime product and it may break or fail, in whole or in part, at any time after implantation and notwithstanding the absence of any defect. Causes of partial or complete failure include, without limitation, expected or unexpected bodily reactions to the presence and position of the implanted device, rare or atypical medical complications, component failure and normal wear and tear. In addition, the LAP-BAND AP® System may be easily damaged by improper handling or use. Please refer to the adverse events section in this document and to the Information for Patients booklet for a presentation of the warnings, precautions, and the possible adverse events associated with the use of the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. Thus releasing them from Liability. A little Unknown FACT about Mexico and the Surgeons It was the MX surgeons that perfected the band and the surgical technique as best they could. It was approved for use in MX 10 years prior to being approved in the US. It was the MX surgeons thatproctored the US surgeons in bands. Due to that Allergan cut them a deal, MX surgeons got the band for $2K each but US surgeons had to pay $4k per band. (Yes, that is COST!) Well, then they came out with the mega band and they wanted people staying in the US for surgery because they made double the money so they refused to sell the mega bands to MX surgeons to try and force people to stay in the US and pay double for their stupid bands. That one kind of back fired on them because the mega bands turned out to be no better than the smaller bands. Matter of fact, Canadian surgeons actually have a choice between the old band and the mega band. They prefer the smaller bands, people have a better shot at actually getting restriction. US surgeons have no choice, they can only buy the mega bands.

Sorry that you had to go through what you have gone through, This board isn't really very band friendly,OH if your doing great yeah, plenty of support, otherwise it's your fault, you did something wrong. When in reality yes not losing weight is considered a Band complication. I have no idea why you didn't lose, I don't judge. I totally agree with your comment about Lack of education from the medical professionals. But you do realize that If you eat more than you expend then your not going to lose weight? NO WAY!!?? really? This is the best advise/support you can offer..I think if your on a WL board that is Obvious.That's how the majority of people ended up here. If you want people to talk to Pam send me an IM I'll send you the information.

I found this information about erosion quite interesting, seems like ven the doctor's don't know Why. How does Stomach Erosion happen in LapBand Patients ]Intragastric band erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 3 to 10% depending on the operatory technique or surgeon´s experience, the device used and the patient’s eating behavior. There are several different and controversial theories for the cause of erosion:[/font] The LapBand around the stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall over time, and goes into the gastric lumen, as we have seen with other intrabdominal devices. The stomach damage done during the LapBand procedure debilitates the layers of the stomach wall, resulting in erosion at a later time. The sutures were placed too deep and trespassed all the wall layers of the stomach, causing micro perforations that generate leaking, infection and later erosion. Events that happens inside the stomach, such as frequent vomiting, medications, ingestion of irritants as spicy or hot food, alcohol, etc. as well as a large adjustment to the band system, will produce an ulcer that penetrates toward the balloon of the band. [I believe the last theory is the most consistent and also the most frequently seen in the vast majority of patients with erosion. Other theories, such as a crease or a fold in the balloon, which may harm and erode the stomach lining, were not scientifically proven. We have seen erosion with all kinds ofLapBands and with all kinds of balloons and find no correlation with the fold theory. ]Once the erosion-ulcer is established it is not possible to cure the ulcer, not even by removing all the Fluid in the band. Therefore the need to remove the band itself becomes imperative. I recommend the band be removed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,not because this is an emergency in any way, but because there is a risk of increasing the ulcer’s size. Removing the Lapband can help to decrease the risk of complications such as infection traveling along the hose to the port and to the skin, or stomach bleeding. How Can LapBand Erosion be Prevented? ]There are several ways to prevent erosion. The first way that I personally recommend is to avoid “large fills” to the LapBand, in order to prevent vomiting or gastric reflux. The second way that I recommend is to protect the stomach with anti-acids frequently, especially at bed time. The thirdrecommendation is to avoid alcohol, hot or spicy food, vinegar, soy sauce, and coffee. Talk with your Doctor about the medications you are actually taking and ask about exchanging the ones that can hurt your stomach for others with the same effect but less stomach irriation. ']http://arturorodrigu...ap-band-erosion

I think a combination of all of the above. I have found a similar theme amongst the online boards though, which is no one wants to hear the negative no matter WHY it happened. I wanna know it all!!! but that's ME Some people have been hurt, in pain etc.. So yeah they come on a "little strong" I also see that if someone is content they don't visit the boards,if they need help/support they do. No one one wants to be in that situation,BUT IT HAPPENS. I usually read it, keep it in mind, and move on if I have nothing to offer I move on..Why make them feel worse? that serves no purpose. No one knows all of what is needed to know about this or any other surgery. I wish I knew how to "vet"a surgeon that would be awesome, But what do we really have to go on? other's opinion's what that doctor tells us? unfortunately the Doctor's only tell us the complications that they are given by the manufacturer And most people don't really want to know ALL the possible complications.

Questions to Ask the Lap-Band Surgeon Are you the doctor who will be doing the surgery? (You want to talk to the surgeon!) Are you a Board Certified Surgeon? Are you a member of any professional organizations that relate to bariatric surgery? What types of weight loss surgery procedures have you performed? How many Lap-Band surgeries have you performed? What percentage of your practice is dedicated to bariatric and/or Lap-Band procedures? Have you completed any special training in advanced laparoscopic surgery? Have you completed any special training in bariatric surgery? Are you a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS)? What results have you seen in your other patients? Do you have other Lap-Band patients who I could talk to about their experiences? Do you provide any support groups and/or counseling services? Weight loss surgery is complex and should be performed by a surgeon who has appropriate experience and expertise. You can learn much about a doctor by the degrees and/or titles he has earned, if he is a member of any professional organizations related to obesity and weight loss surgery, and his or her reputation in the medical community. Questions About the Lap-Band Surgery Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery? Is Lap-Band surgery the best procedure for me? What happens before surgery? What pre-operative tests or evaluations are done? Will I have to lose weight before the surgery? Why? How much? What are the potential risks and potential complications? Where will the surgery be done? What takes place during the procedure? Will the surgery be performed laparoscopically? How long will I be in surgery? How long will I stay in the hospital? What happens after surgery? What is the recovery time? How will pain be managed? How is follow-up care (post-op, adjustments, and long-term care) scheduled and billed? How long after surgery will I be able to drive? Resume sexual activity? Other activities? Will I be able to take medications and/or oral contraceptives after surgery? What will my new diet and eating behaviors be with the Lap-Band? Will I be taking Protein supplements? Vitamins? Will I be able to smoke? Will I have to exercise? What are Lap-Band surgery costs? Insurance coverage? Payment options? What results can I expect with Lap-Band Surgery? What will be expected of me as a Lap-Band surgery patients? http://www.lapband.us/lap-band-questions.html

LAP-BAND® Diet Once you have progressed thru your post-op diet of liquids and pureed foods, you will once again be able to eat normal foods. Eating with the Lap-Band The biggest change will be in the size of your meals and the new eating behaviors you will have to adopt. The Lap-Band will help control how much food you can eat, but it will be up to you to make healthy food choices. The LAP-BAND® procedure works best with solid foods to decrease hunger. Solid foods stay in the stomach pouch longer, so you should feel full after eating only a few ounces of food. In order for your body to remain healthy and function properly, it will be important to choose foods are high in protein and nutritional content. Your diet will ideally include: low-fat proteins (select meats, fish, skinless poultry, eggs) fruits and vegetables healthy breads and cereals dairy products (good source of calcium, but choose non-fat or low-fat) heart-healthy fats Your doctor will work with you in developing a new diet plan. Some of the important guidelines for eating with the LAP-BAND® are: Eat only three small meals a day - this is all you need. Do not snack between meals. Eat only solid foods at mealtime - this is how the LAP-BAND® works to restrict food. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, about 15-20 times a bite, until it reaches a liquid consistency - this will help to create the feeling of fullness and make it less likely for food to get stuck in the LAP-BAND® pouch. Stop eating when you feel full - eating too much can result in pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also stretch the LAP-BAND® pouch. Choose healthy foods - make sure you are getting enough protein and nutrients. Do not drink while you eat - this will wash down the food and you will not reach the feeling of fullness, defeating the purpose of the LAP-BAND®. Do not drink for 30 to 45 minutes before or after meals. It is important to drink plenty of fluids during the day in order to stay hydrated and replace the fluid that is lost due to weight loss. If you become dehydrated you may experience a loss of energy, lightheadedness, dry skin, and nausea. You should choose low-calorie liquids and try to drink about 6 - 8 cups of fluid a day Water is a good choice, but other drink options include low-calorie, non-carbonated liquids, such as artificially flavored drinks, broth, tea, and black coffee (without sugar). Avoid drinking fluids with meals as they move food thru your LAP-BAND® pouch too quickly. http://www.lapband.us/lap-band-diet.html

Sorry for the late reply, I hope your doing better! I wasn't really fond of the stage they call Mushies. Personally I went from liquids to incorporating very small amounts of food that I was able to chew, chew, chew until it was mush. had allot or protein drinks and protein water http://www.amazon.co...eywords=isopure I used this as my morning way to get protein, since some banders find it hard to consume anything in the a.m. And i'm not fond of yogurt but I'm getting better.

WE all needed a TOOL for weight loss that's why were here, seeking information. The thing is I've always had a hard time sticking to anything over 2wks. Confused and don't know what to do, I would visit all the forums here, Check out all the WLS surgery options, talk to a Doctor, one might not be the best option for you. Some areas offer Meetings that explain all or the majority of WLS's Also I was wondering if I did have it after I lost weight could I get rid if it. The band is not permanent, they call it the least invasive, meaning they can do it lapascopically and not have to re-route internal organs. Normally the only reason for removal is due to complications. But not losing weight with a band IS considered a complication. ( and it does happen) Other complications are listed in the Link in my signature line if you care to read about them. Having a Lap Band is a commitment of a life time, not a period of weeks. You Have a Pre-op Testing and Diet, surgery, Post -op diet, and allot of learning how to eat less and differently (slowly) You'll be expected in most cases to attend support meetings, go in monthly to fill the band with saline (at cost). But if problems occur you might have to have un-fills and then re-fills to manage your weight loss or avoid regain. I just wanted to give you a little Overview of a life with the band is like. I'm sure others will add to what I've already mentioned. Good luck in any decision you make.

WOW, imagine my surprise when I spoke to this person and found out it's NOT this Ms Maui that you all speak of But that's okay being right isn't a Fact it's a curse And to QUOTE Melissa300: I believe everyone's story should be heard whether the band was successful for you or you had complications and people should be supportive to people with both success and complications. Good luck to all

Ok ......I'll Bite, and play the devil's advocate here..If were all honest we probably all had a "food funeral" of sorts. I can understand a day or two but anything longer than that Why make it harder on your body and have that extra pounds to lose? What if something happened between now and surgery and they said sorry can't do it, how depressed will you be because you gained more weight? (still playing DA here) :ph34r: Think of the band, your new WL tool, It's not going to help you make better food choices, it's going to help you eat less, which doesn't mean you'll never have your favorite foods again. It just means you'll do it in moderation. Good Luck on your journey and enjoy!

Depends on what your Doctor told you to do, The Pre-op diet varies so much, or at least from what I've seen others posting here. If your Doctor told you clear liquids to me that means Clear liquid diet Definition A clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids, such as Water, broth and plain Gelatin, that are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract. Your doctor may prescribe a clear liquid diet before certain medical procedures or if you have certain digestive problems. Because a clear liquid diet can't provide you with adequate calories and nutrients, it shouldn't be continued for more than a few days. I don't think I've ever seen any Doctor recommend a complete He might have meant a liquid diet? a reduction of fats, sugar yes but not clear. Mine said liquids all day with only 1 meal being 300 calories or less ( Lean cuisine etc..)