smilin_apple

Hey Reggie! Long time no chat....hope you are doing well! I'm actually having surgery to remove my LapBand on Wednesday the 26th because its slipped. So I haven't been on here in quite while...unfortunately it looks like no one else has either.

I don't post here often' date=' but am hoping to get some input from more experienced banders. I have a call in to my nurse and am waiting to hear back. Two weeks ago I had a Stomach Virus that lasted 5 days...thankfully I only had 1 episode of vomiting. Since the stomach bug I've been having discomfort when food goes through the band. Saturday I did 24 hrs of liquids then started back on food Sunday. Sunday was ok, but by Monday I was having discomfort again. My hope is that everything is just still swollen and irritated from the virus and can do a couple of days of fluids. Anybody have any similar experiences?[/quote']

I have had very similar pain, let me tell you a little about my journey:

In 2007 I was banded....I had some ups and downs with being too tight, too loose, etc. Then in 2010 I was getting ready to leave out of state for a trip so I stopped off at my surgeons office to have a little bit of an un-fill from my band ( I felt like I had been too tight for the prior 5 months but never made it in sooner because my surgeon is located 2 hrs away). As he was removing some of the Fluid I felt an unusual pain in the band area as the Fluid was moving that I NEVER felt before, mind you at that point I'd had many many fills and unfolds and never had pain before. I ignored it and left for my trip. All seemed to go well on my trip, I was eating good..no PB'ing etc. but a couple days before I was returning home I started having a pain in my back exactly behind where my band is located and also in the front. As the days progressed the pain was so uncomfortable that the day I landed in my home state I called the surgeons office and they told me to come in straight away from the airport.

Needless to say they did a few testes and didn't see anything wrong. The surgeon decided to order an Endoscopy where they put you under and put a scope down to see if there was erosion of the band. He decided to remove all the fluid to make the test easier to perform and when he did that the pain came back worse then the last time! So he decided to admit me to the hospital instead of sending me home.

Web. They did the test they didn't find anything so they left my band un-filled for two months to let it rest. I went back and slowly started to fill it up over the next few months but never got back to a good restriction level. I just dealt with it over the next two years.

About 3 months ago I started having the same pains again and this was all without and fill/un-fill being performed. So I went to see my new surgeon in my home city ( I transferred doctors about 6 months before this incident)

The doctor did the same tests but also came up inconclusive on the results. He figured that last time the infill "worked" to take care of the pain (which I knew was only temporary) so he decided to try it this time. When the performed the Endoscopy this time they found a stomach bacteria and treated me for that. During the treatment period I had a conversation with the surgeon about my continuing pain and my concern that something is really wrong. I told him maybe it would be better to remove the band and "revise" me to a different surgery. He basically told me that he doesn't think I should remove it and that he wold only if I really wanted it but that he wouldn't give me a different surgery in its place even though I still had over 125 lbs to lose. He said I should just be happy with the 100 lbs I lost already and deal with the band.

Of course I asked for a second opinion and when I saw the other surgeon he looked at all my X-rays, films, and pictures from my Upper GI's from day one of the band. He also talked to me about my symptoms and told me that I DEFINITELY have a slipped band! Finally after 3 years a doctor figured it out. He immediately put me on the last to have surgery to remove it. My surgery is coming up in a couple of weeks. Then he wants to let my esophagus and stomach heal some then he will give me a revision surgery to get the sleeve in a couple of months after the removal.

If you have any questions feel free to ask

I hope goes well with you

April

Tina' date='

you look great! the good thing is that your band has helped you to not lose. I am also ready to try this again. I didn't know Elk Grove does fills now. Can we request a new doctor here? That would be ideal...[/quote']

Hey all...I miss the group too!

I switched my doctor to South Sacramento Kaiser last month...I was s excited when I found out that Kaiser FINALLY opened a Bariatric center in Sacramento. The main reason I switched is because in May I finally broke down and drove to SSF to get a fill after 2 years of not too much restriction and putting on over 50 lbs of the 145 I had lost originally. I am almost 5 years out from surgery now. Anyways when I went to SF to get the fill I found out that my original surgeon Dr. Alami left Kaiser to practice medicine in another country....I was shocked! Needless to say there was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that I was going to see one of the other doctors in SF for my follow up care.

I had Paul give me a small fill (this was in May) and then he informed me that Sacramento Kaiser had a Bariatric center now that does fills. I waited a couple of months and in July I called SSF and asked for them to transfer my case to Sac, they agreed to do it and 2 days later I received the call from Sac Kaiser to schedule an appt to meet my new doctor. On August 10th I met the new doctor and I am soooo glad I did, he is awesome! He was so proud of my progress since my last fill ( I've lost 30 lbs since May)

I did ask him about the possibility of a revision surgery, since i was thinking of getting the sleeve instead; and he did say that Kaiser will not do revision surgeries.

I'm hopeful that I can try and stay on track and continue to lose weight but I would love to stat attending support groups again! The doctor also said that they are looking to try and get a Kaiser run Lap Band only support group going again.

Ok I'm tired and all typed out for now....I work grave shift so I need to go to sleep for a little bit. Talk tomu all later and it's nice to see you all on here again, miss you all!!!

And John too!!!!

OMG - I thought we had lost everyone! I was amazed to see the emails from my old dear friends, Candra, Heather, Tamra, Reggie and Pam. I hope we can start posting again - I miss you all a bunch. I agree with Heather that a walk is in order once this rain stops. I just got back from Sunny Florida - it was amazing and I am freezing here! Lots to update everyone on.

Hugs

Pat

You look great Pat!

Hey Candra I MISS you girl!!!! Haven't seen you in almost 7 or 8 months! How are you doing? Call me sometime, we need to get together!!!!

I miss all of you wonderful ladies I hope we can all start to meet soon! I need more support as I know most of us do!

I am currently co-moderating a 3rd Sat of each month support group for LapBansters only but not sure how much longer this group will continue. The lady I co-moderating with will most likely not be heading the meetings anymore and I don't think I can commit to leading the group at all times each month. I'll have to see and decide more later.

But I would love to see you all and possibly start meeting for support, walking and lunch on occassions!

Again I hope to see you all again soon!

Take care,

April

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

BTW - Pye, I wish you all the blessings for a safe surgery and a QUICK recovery! Hang in there and we are there for you if you need someone to talk to even before the support group. Just message me or shoot me an email! Take care!

I'm being banded on 2/17/11. I'd love to join the group as soon as I'm up and around again. I've had a heck of a time getting my meds put into liquid form. I've been chasing pharmacies around since last Tuesday. It's been nuts! I think I finally have the meds taken care of but it has sure been a hassle! Maybe they just want to make sure I really WANT to have this surgery. I've been in 7 months of appointments and have plenty of time to think about any other alternatives and I'm sure this is what I want. I've already lost 55 lbs during those 7 months - so you can tell I am serious about this weight loss!! I'm done being obese!! I'm excited to meet other lapband successes!!

God Bless!

Pye

We would LOVE to have you there Pye! We hold this meeting every 3rd Saturday of the month so you can always send me an email at smilin_apple@yahoo.com if you need more info! I hope to see you in March!!!!!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. This costs $1 per hour. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding the area that use a meter to park. I think its approx. 25-cents per 15 min. increment of time.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients; from ANY doctor or hospital are welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

Attention ALL Pre and Post Op BANDSTERS!!!!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

Hello...My name is April. I am from Sacramento too and have been banded for over 3 years. Maybe we can exchange emails and we can swap stories. I wanted to give the information for the support group the I am co-moderating in Sacramento on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome! Let me know if you need more info...

The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011!

ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!!

Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group

third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30.

Sutter Cancer Center

Classroom 1, First Floor

2800 L Street, Sacramento

Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour.

This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area.

Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend.

Please join us!

I am in month 3 of my 6-month mandatory "counseling" before surgery. Would love to hear from anyone who lives in Sacramento to maybe start exercising/walking/biking together. Hate doing it alone! And how neat to chit chat with someone who is doing the lap band too, while exercising?