gypj

I use Centrum Liquid Vitamins. They work very well for me.

My band's name is Kip. I am kips slave for the rest of my banded life!!

Same for me...I've been at my goal for 4 years as of the end of March. It took about a year and a half to reach my goal from 238 pounds to my persona l goal of 155. I actually went down to 147, and am back up to 165. I still battle with food, well more wine than actual food but I love myself in my siz eight jeans and I cringe at my before pics. Be encouraged - the band works if you work with it.

Here are mine. Not sure if they will show.

I think that makes sense to get it checked out. I have done some further research, and found that some others have had a similar experience and basically gone on a 10 day liquid diet with gently added mushies to give the esophagus a break. I am going to try that, especially since I have no associated pain to see if it helps. Thanks so much for your response and thoughts.

All, I rarely post (and should do a better job) but thought I would get thoughts and advice from others who may have experienced distended esophagus and how to handle this issue. Background. Banded in March 2005 in Mexico (Dr. Sanchez). Pre-band 238, post (current) 157 (up a few pounds) a solid size six (with a size eight rear - lol!!!). I run three times a week and am very active. I am not disciplined about what I eat always. My main weakness is wine. Yesterday I went to see my fill nurse for an adjustment. I had not had an adjustment since 10/07 and realized I was eating quite a bit more food and without the full sensation. An Esophogram showed that my esophagus was pretty distended, which is why I am not feeling full. Instead of food sitting in the stoma, it sits in my esophagus. My fill person also told me that the band has pretty much done all it can for me and showed me on the x-rays that still I'm very tight. She asked me if I wanted to remove all of my fill from the band for about 3 weeks to give the esophagus a break and then gradually add the fill again but could not guarantee that the unfill would really do the job to fix the esophagus. Some small part of me freaked out and had visions of gaining 30 pounds in 3 weeks. I ultimately told her no, especially since a review of a previous esophagram showed I had greater distension in 2007 than I do now. I am wondering what others have done when their doctor has mentioned this and what, if anything I can do to get my esophagus back to a point where I 'feel' the full sensation without removing all my fluid. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. MJ

I haven't posted in a while but here is my most recent pic, and one I took before surgery. I started at 238, and a size 18. I now (depending on boob and butt size) go between an 6 and an 8, have run my first marathon and continue to love protein shakes as much as I did when I started. Cheers - Gyps

Congratulations on your walk so far. It wasn't easy for me initially. I lost almost no weight, but the dropped clothes sizes like crazy. I didn't really start to lose actual weight for a while. I was CONVINCED it wasn't working. Inches count as much as D's on a grade report card. Take heart...It gets better.

Let's see...banded March 30. Started 238 and currently at 165. I have 15 more pounds to goal. I run a few days a week and am pretty active. I can't say that I am the healthiest eater but I try to generally live by the bandster rules. Has anyone noticed the more weight you lose the tipsier one glass of wine gets you? I'm at 2.3 fill. No golf balls, no reflux...the snoring never went away (the boyfriend is kind enough not to admit to the snoring). I'm enjoying fluctuating between an a size 8 and a 10 right now with no real interest in a size six. Also wondering if I want to ultimately do a tummy tuck since I have a big ole bag of kangaroo pounch called my tummy. Actually enjoyed tying my bra in the back for a while and complaining about it (perverse I know but hey!)...finally gave up the 14, and hesitantly gave up the 12's. Now I don't even entertain anything less than a size 10 (I actually hvae a size six skirt...can you say forgiving?) I actually went shopping at BeBe's the other day (which doesn ot have plus size) and bought a little sexy top. I find myself still having mental fat days, but I know I work out so much (for pleasure not just for weight loss) that I realize i'm really being silly and a bit over the top. I enjoy the whistles (sometimes I whistle back). I enjoy seeing my face without the double chin...love the way the boyfriend loves me in 'those pants'...and some other things! I still have a Protein shake in the mornings (its easier for morning tightness). I like knowing that Kip (my band's name) stops me when I feel the full symptoms and I've been trained well enough to stop. Played a full 1 hour game of dodgeball. Can't say that I could have done that when I was a size 18. The band has changed - and possibly saved my life - and I encourage anyone, no matter what race to consider it as a viable weight loss option. I'm up to a nice 2 mile run in the morning, with plans to run the corporate challenge in the near future. I still hate crunches but I love the motown spin class at NYSC. To say I'm loving my walk with the band is an understatement. How are you guys faring? Meshawn 238/196/165 (and counting 20/14/10 (size)

I live in Hoboken...I'll have to see how far Madison is from that area since i'm pretty new to NJ. I got a suggestion from Alexandra but he would not take me because someone else did my band.

All, I'm hoping for a PCP recommendation in northern NJ area. I've spoken with a few drs (just to get a physical) and they were hesitant to take me because I have a band). I've explained that I"m not looking for a surgeon, just a regular doctor with some basic knowledge of the life of a bandster but i've been unsuccessful. Anyone love their PCP and can recommend?

went from 228 to 189, that's a total of 41 and i'm in a size 14 squeezing into a 12...can't wait till I get to a size 8!!!

I get my band filled by Dr. Maese in Texas who also is excellent with determing band slippage and take insurance. There is also a doctor I met in Rhode Island and one in Virginia who will deal with Mexico banded patients. I think I have a list if anyone wants to pm me with that information. I wish the best of health to everyone, having a band isn't always easy but passing on information and netowrking is priceless. Goodness knows Kip (my band's name) gives me heartache and pain rather often but I'm thankful that I was able to go to Mexico and get a great surgeon and the band has helped me out so much!!!

Hey guys, I was banded in MX (Dr. Sanchez, who I love dearly)...I have an inamed 4cc band, still receive occaisonal calls from the PA (and one from Dr S not too long ago). He has been responsive to ever issue I've had (which honestly haven't been that many) and I've suggested to quite a few of my associates considering banding that they consider MX. I note that many of the people who have erosion issues have in them in conjunction with other issues as well. I have lost a pretty substantial amount of weight and am always cognizant of what goes into my stomach, be it medicine or food. I know there are other bands that they use in MX (i.e., the swedish band, which I believe precedes Inamed's 4cc) but I very specifically wanted the inamed band and Dr. S knew that). My heart goes out to those who have suffered from erosion issues but I can honeslty say I am one (of quite a few I know) who did not suffer badly at all. A brand new hospital, immediate resonses to any call day or night in the hospital, and the area is fabulous. Just my .02.