docbree

Great advice! Thank you so much!

I'm so happy! I've seen 200 pounds for the last time! Yay!!

Oh puuhleeeeze!!! The word was s n a t c h. Bwahahahahah!!!!!

Lmfao!!!!!!!!!

Jessi-- back that up with facts. Any elective medical procedure with the failure rate you claim would not be practiced. No doctor needs that failure rate, nor the risk of dealing will a sullied reputation. So, show us facts for lap band failure rates for procedures--excluding the archaic 4 CC band which is no longer used in the US. Surgical techniques have also improved. Your research?? I suggest it is flawed, and myopic.
I did my research, and was aware of the risks. My doctor could have done any procedure, but strongly advised the band based on my health, age and other parameters. Why would he risk my health if the band was a failure? And his practices credentials are above reproach and has a very high success rate with the band.

On Wednesday, ABC’s “The View” included a tactless segment for weight loss surgery patients. In it, Rosie O’Donnell said that she disagreed with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s choice to get the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap-band), calling it an “inefficient” way to lose weight.


Ms. O’Donnell herself is a gastric sleeve patient who had struggled with her weight throughout her professional life. She got the procedure done in July of 2013, and has since lost about 50 pounds.
Upsetting Effects of Ms. O’Donnell’s Words
Ms. O’Donnell not only insulted Governor Christie, but also every lap-band patient. She stated outright that the lap-band has a 50 percent rate of removal, and is an inefficient way to lose weight. She strongly implied that anyone who gets the lap-band chooses to do so because they haven’t done enough research.
This kind of divisiveness between weight loss surgery patients is harmful to everyone who is affected by obesity. Weight loss surgery can literally save lives and give people back their quality of life. It can be the only way to lose weight for many people. The only way to improve weight loss surgery outcomes and acceptance is to provide a unified front. When someone like Ms. O’Donnell bashes lap-band surgery, it only adds to the public’s general misconception of weight loss surgery as a foolish choice.
The Lap-Band Is a Good Choice for Many
The gastric sleeve is the right choice for some weight loss surgery patients, and it may have been the right choice for Ms. O’Donnell. For other patients, the lap-band is the right choice – and, in contrast to Ms. O’Donnell’s accusations, they can arrive at that decision after careful research. They may be hesitant to permanently remove most of the stomach, as in the gastric sleeve, and may value the ability to adjust their bands.
There’s no shortage of evidence that the lap-band can work. In fact, it may even be working for Governor Christie! He will not publicly discuss specific numbers, but he’s clearly lost weight since getting the lap-band in February of 2013. Rumor has it he’s down 85 pounds, but he hasn’t confirmed this amount.
A Better Choice of Words
Ms. O’Donnell is certainly entitled to her opinion, but it doesn’t seem necessary for an influential celebrity to insult all lap-band patients in front of millions of viewers on national television.
She could easily have praised the gastric sleeve and all that it has done for her without bashing the lap-band.
She could have discussed why she chose the sleeve over the lap-band and gastric bypass.
She could have praised Governor Christie for his weight loss without insulting his choice of weight loss surgery.

How Can “The View” Make Amends?
“The View” could have handled the situation a little differently. The show could have done something as simple as asking Ms. O’Donnell for evidence for her claims. For example, where did she learn that half of all lap-bands are removed? That flies in the face of what patients learn from their surgeons, who spend years studying the lap-band and other types of weight loss surgery.
There’s still time to make amends and show weight loss surgery patients some respect. “The View” could dedicate a segment of a future show to discussing weight loss surgery more accurately. Any number of bariatric surgeons and allied health professionals could serve as credible guests in an informative interview.
Make Your Voice Heard!
What you think matters to Hollywood celebrities and TV shows. Their success depends on your approval and continued support. If you want to weigh in on how you feel about Ms. O’Donnell’s insensitive comment about the lap-band, why not tell her and “The View” what you’re thinking? You can tweet them at @Rosie and @theviewTV to explain how hurtful her words were. They’re on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RosieODonnellOfficial and https://www.facebook.com/TheView.
Ms. O’Donnell may benefit from learning that the lap-band is a good choice for some weight loss surgery patients, and “The View” may learn that the show needs to take responsibility for presenting a more accurate picture of this – and any other – sensitive topic.

Well said!

Check out this article on Governor Christie and the Lap-Band. Feeling a little famous at the moment

I looks like I will be having surgery sometime during the week of November 16th. I need two more surgeon visits, sleep study, psych eval - and that's it! This has been a long process for me as I had my first surgeon appointment January 2013 - but was just not psychologically ready to make the decision back then. Now, I am completely sure this is the right thing. Feeling hopeful.

@@*Lexie*
and i've been waiting months for you to finally tell me that!!
sooooo happy for you
you probably might not sleep a wink tonight
why not take a nap during surgery
there is a reason everyone says "the sleeve is the greatest thing they ever did for themselves"
what is the reason you say???
its true!!!!
good luck tomorrow
speedy recovery
kathy

My surgery is tomorrow bit##es!!! Woohoo!

That's wonderful! I'm 2 days post op! Feeling bloated but great otherwise! Really happy!

I am now 11 weeks post op and have recorded my official vote!
Yes I did Pre-Op and I have been CURED of GERD Post Op (7 votes [46.67%])

INTRAPACE ABILITI GASTRIC PACEMAKER also called Implantable Gastric Stimulation (IGS)
The gastric pacemaker is a minimally invasive procedure. It works by giving you the feeling of being full (satiety), so you consume less. The abiliti is not available in the US yet, but a list of doctors is available on the abiliti website. It is suggested for people with a BMI of 35 or above. The links given below will tell you a lot more. I especially like the abiliti company link (just below). The paragraphs following the links are just a few that come from the company link.
http://www.abiliti.com/about_abiliti/
The abiliti® procedure is designed to be as easy and trouble free as possible. Some of the highlights of the procedure are described below. If the abiliti system is right for you, your surgeon or physician will explain the procedure to you in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
What the implantable system includes: The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor.
The procedure: The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialized instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted,the laparoscopic incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal rerouting or stapling of the stomach. As a result, the surgery is very safe; and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible.
In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour, during which time you will be asleep.
How Does the abiliti System Work?
When you eat or drink something, the abiliti system gently stimulates your stomach to give you a feeling of fullness, so you are more likely to eat less – and lose more.
The abiliti system also tracks exercise and eating activities that impact your weight, and connects you to a support network. So you automatically have the information and encouragement you need to change behaviors that have prevented you from losing weight in the past
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41886107/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/stomach-pacemaker-could-help-obese-lose-weight/
http://www.spirehealthcare.com/harpenden/abiliti-gastric-pacemaker/
Spire Harpenden Hospital > Here Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker
Spire Harpenden Hospital is a leading private hospital, based in Hertfordshire, just North of London - in the South East of England. The hospital caters for a wide range of patients from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as from other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad. We use highly experienced and skilled consultants to carry out all our services including the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker.

What is a Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker?
The Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker - also called Implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) - is a type of weight loss surgery. It may be appropriate for you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more and is a relatively quick and minimally-invasive operation. The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead cable containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor.

About the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker procedure
The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive (keyhole surgery) technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialised instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted, the laparoscopic (key hole) incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal re-routing or stapling of the stomach.
"I feel better about myself, and it has also given me self-confidence. Before, I never would have gone swimming." Silkie, 26 As a result, the surgery is very safe and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible. In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete, during which time you will be asleep.
Why choose the Abiliti gastric pacemaker ?
It's gentle: the abiliti system works by making you feel full so that you consume less. You are free to enjoy life: The abiliti system doesn't put any restrictions on your lifestyle. You can eat and drink what you choose – you will just choose to eat less. It's safe: The abiliti device is safely placed into your abdomen with little risk of short-term or long-term complications. It's smart: The abiliti system automatically monitors when you eat, drink, and exercise. So you and your physician can spot trends and make lifestyle choices that help you lose weight – and keep it off. Tired of manually logging all of your meals? abiliti makes a note of when you eat. Can't remember when you exercised or how far you went? abiliti tracks all your activities, providing a simple summary of your calories burned. It's social: As an abiliti user, you're never alone – you will be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are also using the ability system to lose weight. Through this community, you can learn more about weight loss, share your experience, encourage others and participate in online forums covering a range of topics. It's proven technology: The abiliti system is based on technology used successfully in millions of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators and now clinically proven for weight loss.

Hello!
First i will mention I have been looking and considering WLS for quite some years. I had decided to go with a sleeve, and was looking at Mexican surgeons, and got hit by a wave of err, caution, would be the word for it. i decided I would investigate a lot of other options first. So for the last few weeks, nigh a month, I have been reading lots of articles about what is available in the non surgical world for weight loss. I mentioned wishing for a forum here in bariatric pal that would help me find others that are looking into this too, and voila, Alex heard my request and here it is.
I hope others that are considering this would chime in, and especially those that have had experience with these methods and procedures, would let us know how it going for you. I will post articles i have been reading and hope you will do the same. I am very interested in doctors that are doing these various methods, both here and abroad (as many of these methods are not yet done in the USA yet, or are having trials). Please share here the doctors you are aware of and the experience you are having with any of these methods.
The method I seem to be most interested in is the ENDOBARRIER. This is a clear flexible tube of plastic, open at both ends, that is attached at the top of intestines and travels down into the intestines, and allows food to move through it, but not be absorbed in the top of the intestine until the food exits the plastic tube. This has been ok'ed in Europe, Australia and is being used there now. It is on medical trials in the US, and actually is now accepting people interested in trials. BTW, I have NOTHING to do with marketing this, the trials or anything to do with any of these methods, I am just researching and looking for ideas. Here are some articles on this. Tests have been held on 3, 6 and 12 months use of this device. Implantation is on outpatient basis and removal is about 30 minutes. For more info, have a look at the articles.
http://www.bariatricnews.net/?q=device/11193/endobarrier-gastrointestinal-liner

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245022.php (article about second re-implantation for more wt loss)
http://www.allprivatehealth.com/procedure/weight-loss/endoluminal-sleeve/
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/weight/endobarrier.html
OK, its late and i am falling asleep. More later!
triss

I completely agree with you Ms Roster tail.

As a person who has been on Thyroid medications for years ( levothyroxine) I can tell you that it didn't make a bit of difference in weight loss. I take my pill like clockwork, had dieted constantly but would only drop a pound or two then gain right back. In the 6 weeks since having GBP I have dropped 26lbs. Pretty much eating same type of diet I was prior to the surgery (except during the liquid/mushy/soft stages as required). Diet consists of lean Proteins, salads (once I get to that stage) and the other "healthy" foods that have always been the standard for anyone on a diet. Having a slow thyroid is not something that can be cured by surgery - you will have it all your life. Unfortunately people think that as soon as they are medicated that the weight will just start dripping off - THAT IS NOT THE CASE. You need to take your meds, but don't depend on them to be the diet pill you are dreaming about.
So saying that you don't need to have surgery because you have hypothyroidism is a false statement and one your doctor should explain more clearly to you. You shouldn't regret your GBOP surgery because it is going to do what no other pill can. Keeping the weight off may be easier once your levels are controlled, but it will still be up to you to keep that weight off.

It gets even better.... I left home last Saturday for Phoenix with a friend to relax and get a good tan before the winter hits in Canada. Then I flew to San Francisco this morning to meet up with my husband for a week of touring around and then home together. Well we ended up in different terminals so I asked him to come to my terminal and met me at my luggage carousel. We'll he could find me - why- because he didn't recognize me. Apparently, a week away and I've changed so drastically that after 26 years of marriage he couldn't recognize me! Apparently, my tan and further weight loss did it. Personally, I think he just hasn't noticed the difference seeing me everyday and then was looking for the old *chubbier* me
Feeling pretty good right now

So yesterday I was at the grocery and I grabbed a hand basket thinking I was only getting a few things. A few turned into a bunch and my basket was quite heavy about halfway through the market. I hefted my basket up onto my hip (which used to be quite ample) and it slid right down my leg. Hmmm.... I tried again. And again. I seriously couldn't figure out WHY my basket didn't rest comfortably on my side like it always has. It took about 3 minutes of pondering this phenomenon before I realized I no longer have big wide cushiony hips on which to rest whatever it is I might need to carry. I seriously chortled with glee startling the produce man. HA!

Last week I had a girls' weekend away with my besties. We loaded up the luggage cart with all our stuff and I took my usual place behind the cart as the one who is designated to push it through the lobby. (I'm the only one who can be trusted not to mow innocent people down.) I couldn't budge it. I pushed and I heaved and I shoved that cart and it wouldn't move. I pulled it with all my might. Nope. One hundred plus pounds less of me wasn't going to move it no matter how hard I tried. So bizarre.
The ocean was another weird experience for me. I was a lifeguard growing up, both ocean and pool. I am a swimmer and I was even at my fattest. This summer was my first summer in 20+ years "thin". I was tossed around like a rag doll, totally off balance, barely able to gain footing because there is so much less of me. Oh, and I no longer float like I used to. In fact, I sink like a stone unless I give it a whole lotta effort. SO SO not what I'm used to.

I love the NSVs like fitting in a theater seat with my purse next to me, shopping in any store, passing by people in narrow aisles without rubbing them with my butt, etc. but some of these off the wall things really throw me off guard and it takes me a while to figure out what the heck is going on.

You?

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers! The polyps are benign! (Happy dance) . I'm so thankful!
I see my surgeon this Thursday and will see what he says about this and ramifications for surgery.

In my opinion, there are some snarky responses that show up on here from time to time. Some of them get deleted quickly by the administration. Others are clearly meant not to help, but to shame. A poster being told they didn't deserve surgery, just as one example. I don't see how that's just an honest response or tough love.
Bariatric Pal has been an invaluable source of information and inspiration. By a large majority, the people here are supportive and helpful, but I have seen some remarks over the past 1 1/2 years that are just plain mean.
Please don't beat me up for this post - just my opinion.

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers! The polyps are benign! (Happy dance) . I'm so thankful!
I see my surgeon this Thursday and will see what he says about this and ramifications for surgery.

Just updated my iPhone to the new version. Can't even use it. It freezes my phone up each time I look at a thread. I guess I won't be logging on except when I'm home now

Thanks @@JustWatchMe - I really appreciate it! I can't have lap band because not recommended with autoimmune disease (and definitely no NSAIDs).

@@VSGAnn2014 and @@lose4life - thank you for your replies. The NSAID question is one I've had several conversations with my surgeon about. In my particular case, he is allowing them. I know everyone's situation and surgeon are different. The reason I said I'm getting the VSG is that it can possibly make esophagitis worse, but I'm not a candidate for bypass.
My biggest concern right now is the polyps. I'm over my shock now and am confident they will come back benign .