PrtyAntOvrYt

I haven't been on here for weeks and I missed this question. I have friends who have lost all their weight and their port does show. Most are not bothered by it, but I have one who returned and had a lower profile port put in and it is pretty well hidden.

if I were you, I'd call around your town and see what they charge for f/u when your surgery was done by a different doctor. Some can be very expensive... as much as $300 or more. Get all your ducks in a row before you make your final decision. Goood f/u is the most important part of making your band work for you!

She is so fortunate~! I wish I had found the band years ago! I completely destroyed my body with all of the excess weight! I am ashamed to say that I will never regret how big I was. Speaking of RR! Let's do a RR night! We could do Tuesday, October 19th or Thursday October 21st. Is anyone interested? And which date will work for the most? I can do either night.

Libby, Since you're paying cash, you don't have to worry about qualifying for your insurance. Just make an appt with Dr Kirshenbaum and discuss things with him. He can give you an idea if he'd be able to give you a Band. Good Luck, dee~

YOU GUYS ARE MAKING GREAT PROGRESS! Congrats Everyone! You Ladies are looking wonderful!

The Vagus Nerve and the Lap Band Signals from the Stomach are "distorted somewhat" and often Disrupted or damaged by the Gastric Bypass. The signals from the pouch often trigger the Vagus nerve to "fire" unique reflex responses. The Vagus nerve transmits the signal to the brain when we are full. It seems to "drop off" some info to other stations on the way to the brain. It is responsible for Diaphragmatic "Dry Heaves" that some experience in the early days following Bariatric Procedures, and longer term is often associated with rapid gastric emptying. Many Post-ops claim to have their nose start running when they take "that last bite" just before feeling too full. Some experience sneezing or hiccups if they eat a bite too much. Both are actions inextricably bound to Vagus nerve signals. Many claim to get a "runny nose" with one bite too much food for their pouch, and hiccups from eating too fast. Many Gastric Bypass Post-ops have similar odd signals associated with the connections that the Vagus nerve makes along it’s wandering path. Complements of DxE...he originally posted this on March 5th, 2007 & I found this very helpful. He is a wealth of information.

I totally agree that I have to believe in my surgeon - but ultimately, because I am self pay only have 10K, and am unable to get a loan for the difference, really the choice is Dr K or nothing. There were several things I really liked about him. He seemed VERY honest - took responsibility for an early slip and erosion - talked about learning from early mistakes. Also, taken at face value his motives for finding a way to offer the Lap Band at such a low price are great. Wanting to help people and not being greedy… I trust that he will do a great job with the surgery. Just wasn't as convinced about his aftercare. So, I will have to take ownership of that and must MAKE SURE I seek out support. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. I MUST lose this weight. I have a 10 year old son who I want to take to the water park, go on roller coasters with, go on bike rides with etc. I don't want him to feel ashamed of me. AND I want him to not have to struggle with weight his entire life as I have. I want to get of my BP meds and ditch the stupid CPap. So, I have loads of motivation and am scheduled for labor day weekend. I am currently doing a low-carb diet and know I MUST start exercising. I just have to have faith that God will give me the strength to overcome and "use the tool" like everyone talks about. Thanks for wishing me luck! Oh - and not sure if it was you who said you liked my screen name - it is actually my middle name - Amy Rainbow… Hippy Dippy Commune living parents Congrats! I really know how important it is to believe that you can do and believing you are worth it. It's hard for us to believe we are worth all of the hard work, but we are. I know so many who have been banded or who are being banded soon and I tell them the same - follow the rules follow the rules follow the rules. There are many rules I have never NOT followed. I believe that not drinking with or after your meals for an hour is one of the top rules that need to be followed. I also believe that eating your protein first and foremost each meal is another one. I learned early on that I need my fruit and veggies - so I divide my plate out and place my appropriate servings. But each time I attempt to eat my protein first. None of us are perfect, we all struggle and for me it's been a daily struggle. AND I know it will be a daily struggle my entire life. Don't be a stranger to the support boards and seek assistance and encouragement from those you trust - those banded and those who love you! Before you know it - you will be on those roller coasters and at that waterpark with your little boy! Believe, Do and you will Achieve! dee~

Congrats on finally losing weight! I know how that can be and it's so discouraging. My dependent edema makes it hard for me sometimes - because I will lose and gain 10 lbs or more just overnight. What's real, what's not! You're a brave soul eating chicken after your fill. Yikes! I am going to bring my very thick protein shake with me. I put it in the blender with a banana and a tsp of peanut butter and ice. I can tell how long it stays in my pouch after I've drank it and I think that would be perfect for my fill. I hope! I was banded just over 2.5 years ago. I have lost almost 50% of my body weight and am closer to my goal of being a normal BMI than I have been in many many years. I have watched many who have been banded end up unsuccessful. These have not been Dr K's patients - but someone else's. Their surgeon had all the good things you speak of - but they haven't followed the rules and have failed. One has lost 20lbs in 2 years. Her insurance paid for her band. She's very discouraged, but can't control her head hunger and has been to therapists and dieticians. The LapBand is a tough tool. You have to learn to listen to your body and you can't allow head hunger to control your intake. It's the most difficult of all WLS, but it's totally doable. I truly believe you have to believe in your surgeon - but most of all you have to believe in yourself and your ability to be successful. You have to seek support from others and follow the rules from day one. Yes, there are other surgeons who are going to offer you more in terms of assistance, but you will not find another more caring surgeon. Dr K was the pioneer surgeon for laparoscopic procedures here in Colorado. I believe that is how he was able to get the band around my huge stomach. It was his experience and skill that helped me be banded. Don't choose Dr K because of the price, choose him because you believe he is the best man for the job. Regardless of who your surgeon is - it is you who determines how successful you are - it's not a magic pill - it's work and it's a life change. Good luck with your decision.

are you still going to be getting a fill on the 2nd or 3rd?

Dr Metz is going to be the primary baratric surgeon at Parker Adventist Hospital now. I am not sure when that starts but I work there and I saw his name on an email we were all sent by administration.

I'm so sorry! I live in Littleton, about 67 miles from Loveland. I would be your support buddy, however, we live pretty far from one another. I have a few friends who have lost very little from the band. One has lost 23lbs and was banded over a year ago. I wouldn't mind meeting you occasionally halfway between our two homes - think about it!

I will be out of town! I wish I was in town because I'd love to see you all! Hopefully - others can join you guys! thanks for meeting me the other day! I've got my wardrobe planned for my trip thanks to you!!! You're looking great! I'm so jealous of your success! You're so close!

I would talk to Dr K about it. He may be seeking only the coverage of your surgery costs and you may need to get an attorney to get the rest covered. I would call it "pain and suffering" expenses. Thinking you had restriction and not having it - is certainly very difficult to deal with. It lasted a long time and you should be compensated for it. I think they should cover the hotel and other travel expenses too, but you may have to get an attorney. Good Luck Girlie!

Wow! I'm glad you had an easier time this time. I'm sorry I missed you on Friday! My conference ran until after 430pm. I still have those things for you. Do you think you'll be out again for another fill? Or did he give you enough during surgery? I hope the company ends up paying for this procedure! I think it's horrible that you had to suffer without any restriction all of that time, had to endure another surgical procedure and then had to pay for it too! Take care Dear! Love, dee~ p.s. I loved meeting your family! AND it was my pleasure spending that little bit of time with you!

it was great seeing you and meeting your mom and sisters! You're a blessed woman! I hope to see you before you leave! I'll send you a text. God Bless you tomorrow!

The Girls at Red Robin Lotzasunshine, Laptastic, Ruth, Prtyantovryt

Pinky you ARE!!!:thumbup: Congrats for getting to Onederland! :sigh: That's my next goal! I have looked forward to Onederland forever and a day! How is it over there?

I'm sad Girls! You Guys are the backbone of our group!!! I hope others come!!! We will miss you!

Just call me when you know what time you'll need me to pick you up! I'm looking forward to seeing you again!

Red Robin Gathering June 16th @ 7pm! Red Robin @ Arapahoe and I-25. Join us! Lotzasunshine will be in town! :frown:

do you still have my cell number? You could call me after your appt is over and I could pick you up at Dr K's and take you to the hotel to rest a bit before dinner! Or take you to the Walgreens for your Rx if you needed them. I have no problem doing whatever you needed.

The Red Robin is at Arapahoe and I-25. I would love to give you a ride. What time is your appt with Dr K? I working the night before but if it's later in the day I could take you.

The 16th will work for me too!!! I can't wait to see you!

do you know if Laptastic was going to be there? Snowgator can't make it either. I won't go if I'll be there alone. Thanks for letting me know. Do you have Laptastic's phone number?

Anyone going to join me at Red Robin's tonight at 7pm? I hope so!!!:thumbup: