Dr-Patient

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.

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/

Hi, all. I often see posts about band vs bypass or sleeve. If interested, 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 (ASMBS = American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons) The opposite lecture--"Why LAGB is still an option"--had 57 slides. Those slides are very technical, so, instead of that link, here are some 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). In short: --The Lapband needs maintenance; needs frequent follow-up. --Success depends on center's success/surgeons. --1% of patients had no weight loss; 16% had "poor" weight loss. --19% undecided about a WLS will opt for the band because it's reversible and they think it's easier than being rerouted or having stuff removed. --Since 2009, there's a been a major decline in the band across the world. Slides had data from USA/Canada; Asia/South Pacific; Europe; Latin and South America: In 2008, 43% of WLS patients had the LAGB; now, it's 17%. In 2008: 39% had the RYGB; now, 43.5% In 2008, 4.9% had the VSG; now, just under 29 percent (newer 'stand-alone' procedure; on the rise; replacing the band) --If your BMI is low, the band may be good for some patients. The higher the BMI, more patients are advised to get the VSG, RYGB or DS. There's more info, but I'll stop here. Don't want to overwhelm anyone. Good luck. You'll make the right decision for you. Weight loss can happen with either procedure.

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.

A friend sent this picture to me. I don't know who dressed up their beloved pet like that. LOL. But it sooo reminds me of a picture taken of me at my friend's house the afternoon of my VSG, trying to sip. Funny! (I was done as an outpatient.) Until I post my actual pictures, enjoy this; maybe you can relate and smile. And yes, it gets better. (For me, March 4th = 3 months; approaching 45 pounds down.) Enjoy pic:

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.

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.