smatyas

Dr Powell's phone number is 760-635-7507. He is still around and doing fills.

Sending you mail. I know a place.

Dr. Powell is awesome! Have had the pleasure of meeting him on numerous occasions. Great doc.

Darlene is no longer providing fills, unfortunately. She was a diamond in the rough.

Sending you a PM.

This made me curious about the calories in cabbage juice... I found a link that gives you a guide on the right hand side of the page. http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/generic/cabbage-juice/ According to this sheet, there is 25 calories in 100g of cabbage juice. There is roughly 113g in 4 Fluid ounces, so you are looking at 28.25 calories for 4oz of juice. I found apple juice info at: http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-apple-juice-i9400?size_grams=31.0 Your looking at roughly 60 calories there for a 4oz serving.

It certainly couldn't hurt to have that information for your future doc to have that information first hand. It is a double check mechanism for doctors to find out if there are any new issues that need to be addressed... it is always best to be safe rather than sorry.

Everyone heals differently, but I would suggest to wait until you at least have the sutures removed. May be a good subject to bring up at your next follow-up appointment.

It is often necessary to have the apron removed after massive weight loss due to the rash etc, like you are experiencing now. If your doc is deeming it medically necessary to get the skin removed, there is a likely chance that your insurance will pick up most of the cost. Unfortunately the "bat wings" rarely if ever get that same stamp. Good luck, let us know what you find out!

WOW! Congratulations on your success! Keep it up!

Everyone who adjusts bands should be removing all liquids from the band every time they adjust your band. By doing so they can keep accurate records of how much Fluid is currently in your band and how much they add in additionaly to help you feel more restricted. This is the only way to see if the saline is asperating out of the band between fills without the use of fluoro and radiopaque fluids.

You should contact your surgeon to see what he suggests. If you did tear a suture out where it is anchored to your abdominal wall, it is easily remedied under local anethesia. What you don't want is for your port to 'float' around eventually by unanchoring itself, as it may flip, or just be a neusance when trying to get adjusted.

If you can detect a change in feeling between the two liquids in question, it won't be substantial. Good luck.

Omnipaque used to be the norm for adjusting the Swedish AGB which is now the Realize band... and yes there is a chance for your band to lose Fluid over time without your having a leak at all. Because omnipaque is a thicker, more viscous substance, it is often used in those cases to keep the band inflated without it continually or eventually losing it's fluid. I'm not suprised that you haven't had this substance in your band, (as far as i remember as it may have changed in the past few years since I have been out of the business) as it is not approved for long term use in a band and will actually void the manufacturers warranty if not flushed out directly after leak detection under fluoroscopy. That said, it is not uncommon for fluids such as omnipaque to be used to adjust the band, but it is uncommon in the USA. And Cheri, adding saline to the band which has been previously adjusted with omnipaque will only make the solution a tiny bit less viscous. If you prefer it stay in there, just tell them.

It happens! But before you go get a fill you should seriously take a look at the negative aspects of doing this again in the future with more restriction. If you band is tightened down and you eat a whole pizza, what are you going to do. You could create plenty of problems with your band including slippage, prolapse, etc. It is important to inform your physician of your actual eating habits so they can make the correct decision regarding your medical care. Remember that the band is only a tool that needs to be used properly. Only you can decide what course of action you go with, but I caution you to weigh the pro's and con's before you move forward. Good Luck!