Dr-Patient

I think it's important to note that this was posted in the General Forum. Not like the OP was "trespassing" on the Lapband forum, lol. TMF: in refuting posts that you perceive as "anti-band", you do tend to use inflammatory language. To say that the OP used "obvious deceptive assertions" implies that the OP intends to deceive. That implies dishonesty and comes across as attacking the messenger rather than the message. Just a little friendly feedback. Thank you, Bandarella. I didn't '"bash" ANY procedure. I simply shared info within my possession that addressed what people on ALL parts of this site ask about from time to time. And isn't that what others do? I am not misinformed, nor do I have any agenda. I'm a WLS patient just like most of us here. My post merely presented some info from a conference of weight loss surgeons. My post mentioned all the procedures and I did not change any data. If TMF doesn't like the data, that's on him. Don't jump in my butt because of what the current science says. I simply shared info Bariatric surgeons shared with each other. Like everyone's posts on any site, consider the info or not, but for all, (as we all say), do what's best for you. I am an honest person, and very fair. But I am not one to deal folks who are rude, nasty, and inappropriate when they are the ones assigning intents that are nowhere present.

Uh...to '2much fun"...anger issuers, perhaps? I said NOTHING about anyone being "stupid," etc. I was simply trying to pull from the 57-slide presentation what that presenting doctor said. FYI here's that link. As you will see, I didn't put MY extrapolation into either report, so...you know not of which you speak. http://asmbs.planion.com/EvalCenter/ASMBS/images/106296_6_106296_6_LAGB_still_valid_operation-Ponce.pdf I don't get into conversations with what I call online 'rhetorical agitators' who bark about this or that. I simply shared info from, yes, an "Obesity Week" conference, not a "so-called" conference. Google it. Your nastiness, anger and aggression is unnecessary. Maybe you need to live up to your username--get out and have some fun. Have a nice day.

Oh. My. God. Great transformation!!!! Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Encourages me to keep going and having hope through the stalls, etc. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If interested, I posted a bit more info here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/299825-band-bypass-or-sleeve-in-2014-which-one/

Here's a link to a lecture at a recent Obesity Week conference. This presenter addressed why the lapband--LAGB/GB--is not a preferred option at this point. http://asmbs.planion.com/EvalCenter/ASMBS/images/106075_6_106075_6_LAGB_is_not_an_option.pdf The opposite lecture--why LAGB is still an option--had 57 slides. Those slides are very technical, so, instead of that link, I'll start a new topic and provide those points, as given by the current head of the surgical society (though many felt he had so many slides to try to really argue his position in favor of the band at this point). Good luck. Get info, second opinions, and pray, trusting that you will make the right decision for you. In any case, look forward to a new, healthier, thinner you.

Most bariatric surgeons today are moving away from the lapband. It has many more complications (like erosion into the stomach), less satisfactory results re: weight loss, and many bands have to be subsequently removed. You didn't say in the post what your BMI is (and i didn't click your profile yet), but between band, sleeve and RYGB, medically-speaking, the band would be the least favorable, least optimal choice when considering long term goals, complication rate, need to re-do/re-operate, weight loss totals, IMHO. There are exceptions, but recovery is usually not bad for most patients, even with the RYGB, as stated by Chelly above. I may add more info (and links from an Obesity conference later). Consider all options; get a second opinion. You didn't mention the sleeve; is that not on the table...?

No apologies, girl. Accept it! Own it! Work it!!

To 'catnapper,'...is your weight loss ticker accurate/current? It says your surgery was Oct 2012 and your weight loss is 24 pounds. (???) just an observation. About your hunger and ghrelin, what size bougie did your doctor use? In most cases, the larger the bougie, the less weight loss/more hunger...though some with large bougies can do well. (Large meaning ~40.)

You were brave to go. But you can't eat anything, so just enjoy the fellowship, the show and some water.

I had applesauce in week three, for which I was most happy! I didn't attempt actual raw fruit until week 8 or so. My doctor said apples, pears and berries; some other fruits have too much sugar, but (admittedly) I had some pineapple recently, and a piece or two of honeydew melon. Can't do much, though; watching the sugar. I love strawberries, had some this week. But they seemed to get stuck because I wolfed them down. Didn't chew them well enough. Check with your doc's handout.

Alex, great idea for local BP chapters, meetings, etc. As a physician and as a VSG patient, I could assist in this process. Also, my surgeon is one of the leading surgeons/Bariatric surgeons/ endoscopic pioneers. Maybe there's some way to partner. How might this discussion be furthered re: "details," once you might have some? Again, great idea.

Oh, the good ol' days when the decision about what a patient needs, or should have, rested solely with the doctor and the patient. Seems wrong to be denied weight loss surgery because you gained weight! That's the whole point of WLS.

It might be the moon or something. I went to PF Changs yesterday. Can you say 'sodium, soy sauce and, ths morning, 2.5 pounds up?" Don't bum yourself out. You said in your post what to do. Try to start your plan again tomorrow.

For some reason, that cracks me up. I wish I could sell you my bottle but, uh, no I won't, for many reasons...like wanting to keep my license and not be arrested. LOL. But I can't take the liquid Lortab cuz it makes me itch from the codeine, so it's just sitting here. Oh well. But I can take Lortab pills. The pain goes away, so all is well.

I can see the small thumbnails in your post, but when trying to really view the pics [bigger] this BP system says I "don't have permission" to see that. [??] Do they have to be cleared by this board's moderators or something...?

Just walk for now. My initial "walking" was simply going into big stores--Super Target, WalMart, Publix, Sam's, etc-- and, holding the cart, I just walked every aisle, every aisle.

Wow, abarta. That does sound like a lot. BUT...we BOTH will get back on the horse today!!! I'm with ya'!

I understand. I posted something similar [in some post] re: not having to make all those contortions to get to places! I always got to them before, but now, it's so much easier. LOL. I can also scratch/reach the upper small of my back from either direction. Just everything.

I had my VSG Dec. 4th. Stuck at 40 pounds x a week now. I've had 3 stalls, each lasting a week, which was annoying, but part of the process. I am totally enjoying the clothes I've had to dig out, that I can wear again; finding stuff I forgot I had. I am open to being more sociable. I need to find a man, and now, with less blubber, will have more confidence when attending this or that. BUT... yesterday I wanted something different to eat, so [groan, alas, crap!] I went to PF Chang's. Ordrered the Dynamite Shrimp appetizer. Today: I'm up 2.5 pounds, to 219, when I'd fiinally gotten down to 216. LOL. Oh well. back on the horse today. I have not been exercising with any regularity at all; need to do better with that for sure. I miss cooking lots of food--full meals--and I fear that my spices, marinades, etc., will expire before I use them. No biggie; but for a person who loves to cook/eat, it's a noticeable change. But then again, so is my dress size! SO...here I am.

I concur with others. Do not buy a large amount, or a bunch of anything. Just get a little of this or that. Otherwise, you'll have so much stuff left over afterwards. And it's not like you'll be incapacitated post op, to go to the store then.

Lortab should hold you, if you stay ahead of the pain. But...is it incisional pain, or maybe you're having pain from the CO2 in your abdomen...? Do you have a drain (the J-P drain tube)? The incisional pain usually isn't that bad for folks; the gas pains from the CO2 may take a couple of days to dissolve away. Try to distinguish origin. Also, walk around. If +nausea or vomiting, or a really tight abdomen, call your doctor.

Wow. Arm pits are actually that--pits!! They are actually concave, they dip inward, not poofed outward. LOL. When applying deodorant this morning, I said well, look at that. It's amazing what near-40 pounds will show you. Plus I see my clavicles (collar bones), etc. BUT... What I've called "back titties": Mine have gotten a lot smaller; they're more like collapsed sacks now. And they've never been literally on my back. They are more like 'saddle bags' that overhang the side of bras; like a smaller boob behind the main attraction. [Do you know what I'm talking about?] I hate these areas. Anyone with advice about these saddle bags? Did they flatten out for anyone after losing 50-100 pounds? [i'm stalled at just under 40 pounds, but, just thinking ahead.] Thanks.

Krysten, I looked at your pics again, Great change. I'm hopeful. Thanks!

OMG!! Great transformation!! Fantastic results! Good for you.

Wow, you've dropped a lot of inches. Good for you! My 'saddle bags' are higher. They are just above the upper edge of the sides of my bra. I hope they go away, or at least flatten out.