CCBSTX

Good idea... Banded 09/08/05 Dr. Chang in Texas No erosions or complications Shawn

Welcome! I am glad that you've found this place. Keep reading, posting, and getting support. You will be on your way soon! Shawn

I agree with the previous posters. Just tell her it is a "tool" and give her a few websites, including this one. Let her come to her own conclusions. Shawn

Kerri, you are trucking right along!!! Good for you. Doesn't if feel great????!!! Terrific job :clap2: . Shawn

I am the most thankful person ever!!!:puke: I am now officially 1/2 way to my goal. I would have never, ever lost this much weight on my own. It's amazing the changes that I've been going through... Lapbandtalk has been a wonderful place for support. I am blessed. Thanks, Shawn

(2). They both were well respected with great reputation. I ended up taking the one that was closest to my house. Shawn

I felt much better on the 4th day. Not totally pain free, but mostly not uncomfortable. It wasn't until 3 months did I feel NO pain whatsoever (sleeping on stomach, bending, etc). Every day, you should see improvement...Shawn

I appreciate the surgeons that have chosen to come onto our message board. In my opinion, it is of benefit to read their educational insights and opinions. How many medical-related message boards actually have surgeons responding and replying? I feel lucky. Thank you. Those who have experienced erosions, I am truly sorry and admire your courage for "staying in the game." You have all given us so much information and support as well. Thank you. It's wonderful to have a place to share and hopefully be supportive. Shawn

So glad that you found someone close that really cares about your well being. Give that belly of yours a "pat" and tell it to behave! Take care, Shawn

No magic numbers, just personal differences. Usually, for the smaller bands, a surgeon will start with a larger number (1cc, 1.2 cc etc.). Then after, the cc amount is usually smaller than the first. See my fills below. Shawn

Tell her to call her surgeon again and CRY if she has too...Someone will get the message that she needs to be seen. Sounds like she may be too tight and that can be dangerous if she can't get fluids down....Shawn

Ceira, WOW! I am glad that you and your surgeon took your pain serious. Sorry this has happened. Good luck in your recovery and speedy healing. Shawn

Great question. I figure, they will have seen you both ways. Eating unhealthy and living healthy. After banding, you are putting good habits forward (with a little help). Maybe that will rub off, plus you serve healthier foods. An opinion, Shawn

It sometimes takes folks to be "sick of being fat." That was for me. Shawn

Collarbones yes! However, I've lost my butt at the beginning of this adventure. When I sit to take a bath, my tailbone is uncomfortable! Shawn

Go with your gut! Shawn

We all will make mistakes with our eating. Anytime that happens I always take it easy for awhile and do liquids or mushies. Shawn

I agree with the willpower thing. I was also pretty tight a few weeks back. I ended up with a slight unfill as I was VERY attracted to things that would go through (ice cream, etc). You see our similiarities!!! Anyway, my surgeon said it was up to me as he could keep me as I was or go for the unfill. I told him that I wasn't getting the nutrition and was tempted to eat ANYTHING that would go down easily. Now, I feel better and I am on track. Good luck. Shawn

I think that has made my goal-setting within reach....It's much easier to swallow. For me it is 10 pounds at a time. Shawn

Erin, I feel for you and would have done exactly as you-removal. Now your body will have a chance to heal and recooperate. There are many, on this board, with similiar circumstances. Keep posting and venting. Shawn

"When I went in for my fill, the surgeon had me lie on the table with a pillow under the small of my back, he felt for my port, located it and injected the saline, simple. If they cant feel it then they should do it under Xray, simple." My surgeon does the same as Jachut. I wouldn't do a fill with him. If he can't feel it, then he shouldn't do it.... Shawn

Dr. Spivak is a great choice! Congrats!! Write down any questions that you have ahead of time. This would be a terrific place to keep track of your progress. Some even keep journals. Shawn

bandayed, I am glad you asked the question! Me too! I am in the same predicament as you. I've read that it can be from the stress of surgery some 3-4 months after, to weight loss (lack of protein). It seems that when hair follicles are shocked (from surgery) they go into the resting phase. Those are the ones that are falling out. My surgeon said and also what I read, that this is temporary. For me it's been about a month. I am constantly running my fingers through my hair and shedding about 10-15 hairs every hour it seems.... Shawn

Good luck with your research! I've heard of prices anywhere from 10,500-20,000k, depending on where and which surgeon. Some go to Mexico, as their prices are cheaper. Which ever direction you go, make sure you have a surgeon that gives good aftercare. The lapband takes more aftercare than the other WL surgeries (fill/unfills). Hence, some folks get their surgery and have difficulty getting their fills locally. Shawn

I suppose anything is possible with the band and fills! If you are worried and your gut says "something fills weird," then you may want to get tested for erosion. Just a thought for peace of mind. Shawn