PrtyAntOvrYt

@prty. Were u having trouble with your band that you knew of an decided to switch or did you decide to switch an then they found out about your tubing. Just curious

no, I was planning to keep my Band forever and ever! I had lost so much and had not one problem until last March, I started having problems eating anything. I even tried Protein Drinks and I would get stuck! It was horrible. It turned out to be the massive scar tissue. It caused my band to be super tight even though I hadn't had an adjustment in over a year and a half. I was compliant with every rule and had few fills and not one unfill or even a small unfill. I went into have it removed and the insurance approved me for a revision.

I hit the 323 lbs lost mark and then gained a little - it was my first gain in almost 5 years of Banding. My band was causing me a lot of problems so I had to have my first unfill! I revised to the Sleeve so that I don't regain all of that weight back! My band was a mess inside me. The tubing was wrapped around my internal organs and the scar tissuew as massive.

Everyone is different. I had no pain with my TT or my LBL. My Doctor uses the epidural and twilight sleep. If I had not had an incision, I would have never known I had major surgery - except for my extremly flat and beautiful Tummy!

for the best result and the chance of not having to have a revision, it is best to be at goal and to be stable at that weight for 6 mos to a year. You can have it done earlier and I did due to mobility issues, but I knew going in that I would need a revision. I was fine with that. After losing 270lbs I had 19 lbs of excess skin to remove from my tummy and arms.

drinking while eating can also increase the size of your pouch, you're adding food and adding liquid, it will flush your food through, you'll eat more and not sat as satiated as long. My doctor's rules were no drinking for 60 mins post meal, but you could drink up until your first bite. AND no drinking during your meal. This has been one rule, I have followed to the letter since I was banded 2008. I have lost over 270lbs and I think this is a good rule to follow.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have help planned for the first week (my niece) then I have good neighbors and friends but don't want to impose if I don't have to. So I am trying to get my stuff organized. I appreciate your help. Tazzy

Thanks for the suggestions. I have help planned for the first week (my niece) then I have good neighbors and friends but don't want to impose if I don't have to. So I am trying to get my stuff organized. I appreciate your help. Tazzy

If you're doctor is one who uses drains, I'd suggest getting several Lanyards. I had two that I attached together for my drains. My last surgery - I had 11 drains. I used two for my shower and two during the day. It makes it much easier if you have something to hang your drains on.,

I haven't ever had problems with bread of any type, Soft, toasted or tortillas. I do think most do much better with crackers, flat breads and wraps. It's a matter of not keeping your band too tight and eating slowly with tiny bites. I get stuck when I rush my meals because I've waited until I'm starving to eat!

My surgery is scheduled for 1/31 and I am beyond excited. I've done a ton of research and feel like I am making an excellent decision. There is one area of concern and I was hoping to get some feedback from others on this. I have noticed that when I look at after pics some people who have been banded or had other wls many of them have a similar look. I don't quite know how to describe it... thin hair in the front and some deep wrinkles around the mouth as well as a general sunken appearance to the face. This is my worst fear. I don't want to look like I have some sort of illness. I'm hoping it is just a lack of Protein in some of these individuals or that it is predominately in bypass patients. Is this something that some of you have noticed? Any thoughts about how Protein intake affects this? Thanks so much.

Dana

I absolutely looked much older after having lost over 250lbs. I had a total facelift and that helped a lot. I never lost any hair and my skin and nails are lovely. I do notice that most RNY patients look very pale and sickly. I think it depends on the LapBander's nutrition. Do they eat crap? I don't. I eat mostly protein and good whole grains and fruits and veggies. It's being wise with your food choices!

Hi, I'm getting surgery in March! I'm 23 years old and 270 lbs.....ewwww! Anyway, I know that when you lose a large amount of weight there is a possibility of sagging skin. But, we have the advantage of youth on our side. So I was wondering if there was anyone out there that has been successful with losing 100+ pounds and what there problems were with loose skin, or if they had any at all!

Thanks

I have a really good friend who had plastics the same time I did - she had lost 100lbs and she was 22 years old. she had to have a lower body lift, thigh lift and breast lift. her arms looked pretty good, however, but she said she never carried any weight in her arms. it all depends on your genetics and how you carried your weight, If I were you, I'd start saving your pennies now for some tucks here and there! Believe me, it is the icing on the cake!

Congrats to all the big losers here, great job !

I am 2lbs away from becoming a 200lbs loss member maybe we need a thread for 200lbs loss club !

Cazzy! We should do a thread for people who have lost over 200!

I have lost 278lbs since my highest and 228 since the LapBand was placed! I plan to lose 300 lbs since the band and 350 from my highest. I used to wear a 6xl and now I wear a Large. I've had plastics done - and I am in better physical condition today than I was in my 20's! I love my LapBand!

^{Skin doesn't weigh much at all. My TT was 13 and my arms were 6. I just had a LBL and Thigh Lift with full face in May and it was another 13 lbs. The thing that is cool about plastic surgery for some patients is that it increases your metabolism. I was starving and ate a lot post operatively. Mostly Protein because I wanted to aide with my healing. And I lost 24 lbs the first time and 18lbs the second time. I was really swollen due to all the collateral circulation. I am so happy with my work. I had it done in Monterrey with Dr Francisco Sauceda, He's the best! Very experienved with Massive Weight Loss patients, all inclusive, full service hospital and two week stay at the Hampton Inn with an RN who visits every morning to help you shower and redress your incisions! I'm going back for my breasts and upper body work soon. I've lost over 250lbs with the Lap Band and I am a whole new person!}

^{BTW, the best part about Dr Sauceda besides his bedside manner and excellent skills - is he charges 1/3 of what I was quoted here in the states!}

Hey anything is possible! I've lost over 250lbs with the Band and I still have 40lbs to go! I want to be 170! A normal BMI for me since I am 5-10! I'd love to be 150's and maybe I will try for that once I get to 170! I hate people who tell me it's impossible to get to your goal with the LapBand! It's not! I am proof and so many others are here to tell you that it is totally possible! You have to work hard, yes! But if you're willing to follow the rules and listen to your body, you will reach your goal! Don't listen to this blowhard! Go for it!

Thanks for the details! I cringe when I hear the crazy liquid pre-op diets people have to do. Dr. K. had me do Atkins and it worked great as a pre-op diet. The 22nd will get here fast and you will be on your way to skinnyville!

I had Dr K and have been very successful! Natalie is a Doll!

I cringe too when I hear about the bizarre pre-op diets they have patients do! I have a friend who had to only eat no sugar Jello, black coffee and sugar free tea. That was all she could have for 7 days! What on earth was wrong with that doctor? She was feeling faint by the 2nd day! I think many doctors do these bizarre diets pre-operatively to just torture the obese, like, "if you really want this LapBand you're going to have to suffer for it!" Like we haven't suffered enough already! Dr K's diet and Dr Weaver's diet is the true Liver Shrinking Diet! - Carbs is what causes the liver to swell, not fat, not calories! Carbs! Anyone who knows anything about nutrition and the body, knows this!

Off my soapbox now!

Glad this thread has been started! I need to get in and see Dr Weaver! I was waiting to get my finances in order after the holidays, some dental work and some business trips I hadn't been reimbursed for yet! Yikes! TMI! I'm sure no one really needed to hear my woes!

Take care folks!

dee~

congrats on your plastics. I had a virtual consult with Dr Quiroz in Mexico. He wants to do a lower body lift, Lipo on thighs, and inner thigh lift...all at same time, if there is enough time. I think it is too much to do at once, but I would hate to have to wait another year to get my thighs done. When you say you had lower body lift, did your surgeon make incision all the way around?? Some people say lower body lift, but only have tummy tuck...so just curious. I have all summer off, so planning on going to MX around June 20 or so...I still need to schedule my appt. I am planning on staying there for 10-12 days...hoping that drains and stitches will be gone before flying back home!! Glad to hear you are back at work after 2 weeks...I was worried the 8 wks I would have off wouldn't be enough time for recovery...lol

I hate to ask you this, but have you really checked out your doctor? I have heard horrible things about him. I have a friend who almost died from your doctor's malpractice. He put her in a taxi cab after her plastic surgery and sent her alone to a hotel. She was very ill. She tried called him and he wouldn't respond. I have seen what he's done to others. I would really really advise you to be 1000% sure before you trust your surgery to this doctor. I had my surgery done in Mexico, but not with your doctor. I was in the hospital following my surgery. I had a LBL/Anchor Cut TT/extended thigh lift with lipo and brachioplasty. My surgery was done under epidural and it took close to 12 hours. I stayed 4 days longer and had a total face lift including neck and eyelid lift. My doctor takes you to a hotel nearby and his RN visits you daily to help with your shower and dressing changes. He visits every evening. It's all inclusive including your airfar and hotel if your surgery costs $7K or more. I'm very serious about having concerns with your surgeon. Go to Obesityhelp.com and ask for their opinions there. There are many on the plastic surgery forum who have either gone to him or know of patients who have and they can direct you to more information. Good Luck!

Most of the time a doctor will suggest another type of surgery not just because he thinks it would be better for you but, to pad his wallet. A lap band gets about $18000 where as the sleve nets about $30000 or more. Over all it is your choice and he will have to do as you ask or you need to see another surgeon. I have read where the sleve usually is the first step to a gastric bypass. I have the Lap Band and it's probably the best thing I have ever done. Good Luck

Actually, the sleeve is the first part of the DS (Duodenal Switch), not the RNY. The RNY is totally different configuration of the stomach, the DS starts with the sleeve first. Many have the Sleeve if their BMI is over 65 and then return for the rest of the DS procedure.

Thinking about the TT and asked my PS about switching to the low profile port because mine looks like a half a golf ball under my skin! He said there isnt that much difference and it might not be worth it because there would still be a bump. Not sure If I want to spend 7K and still have a weird lump!

Anyone have this issue ?

Thanks all!

J, Do you have to get it unfilled for the surgery or only if you have the port switched??? I would HATE to get unfilled beause mine is so perfect! My doc did say he could 'dig a hole' with the Lipo cannula under it so it could sit lower against the abdominal wall. I seriously cant decide. I talked to Lellow about it and she said hers isnt too big but shes just used to it...shes pretty darn skinny and has had belt lipectomy...shes awesome if anyone hasnt looked her up!

I've had the Anchor Cut TT and my port sticks out much more now. I will eventually get the Low Profile port, but for now - I am focused on getting my breasts done. I've had my face and thighs and arms done along with a lower body lift and I never had an unfill at all. My doctor uses an epidural and not general, so I didn't have the post op vomiting that I usually do. I had a hernia near the port location and my ps said that is pretty normal. He sees that a lot with Banders. He fixed the hernia. You can move the port to lower tummy area, near your belly button, but I would think that would feel strange when you sit down. I'll just keep mine where it is and get the lower profile.

If you can tolerate a sip, nothing tragic will happen. At my current fill level, if I take too big of a drink while eating, it will cause things to jumble up in my pouch and cause a stuck episode. Within a few minutes after my last bite, I can sip something without incident.

Personally, for me, the no drinking while eating is because it can cause me to get stuck, it has nothing to do with washing food through quicker. Prior to this last fill I'd drink with my meal without consequence. There was no difference in my satiety level. My doctor was aware of my penchant for liquids with food.< /p>

Your mileage may vary, of course.

It can also enlarge your pouch. You have food there that is blocked by the Band and can't go down, then you add liquid to it. The pouch will stretch. Not good over time...

Okay, so I have no problem with the Water intake or the not drinking anything 15 minutes before meals or an hour after meals. However, what I do have a problem with is the scungy feeling I have on my teeth and my throat's need for something just after I eat. Can't I just have one sip of Water to rinse out my mouth and throat after I eat? It's quite vexing and uncomfortable for me!

If I have that feeling, I suck on a piece of ice only! I've had my band for almost 4 years and this is one rule, I can honestly say I have never cheated on.

When I was a lifegaurd (in my early 20s), I would see these old ladies at the pool with their skinhanging on their thighs--like wrinkled tissue paper. Well, after losing 112 pounds, my thighs started looking like "old lady" thighs and I didn't like it, so what did I do? I "allowed" myself to gain weight and deep down I was pleased to see my thighs beginning to plump back out again (I mean, "fat" is better than "old lady" right?!). Such a slippery slope! Now at 22 lbs more than my lowest weight and inching close to the dreaded 200 zone, I've got to face the fact that I'm going to be 50 next year, and I'd rather have "old lady" thighs than "old lady" arteries, and "old lady" joints. What a silly game I was playing with myself! Time to update the weightloss ticker, face reality, and get back in the game!

Honey! Don't gain! Get some plastic surgery done! I've had an Lower Body Lift, An Anchor Cut Tummy Tuck, An extended Thigh lift with Lipo, A brachioplasty and a full face lift with upper eye lift! I'm returning for my breasts and upper body lift with my second stage of my thigh lift! I went to Monterrey Mexico to Dr Francisco Saucedo! He is a miracle worker! I have a better body today - after losing over 250lbs than I did when I was 20 years old!

I am thinking about getting the lap band, but the doctor that I went to go see discourages me from getting it and wants me to get the Vertical sleeve. Says the lap band is not good for people to get. I want to know has any of the doctors that you are seeing tell you or have told you the same thing? And, if anyone knows how long does the lap band have to stay in? If you lose all your weight in a 1 1/2 years can if be removed? I would really appreciate if anyone can let me know.

Beth

i've had mine for almost 4 years! I wouldn't want to remove it because I might gain my weight back., I don't plan to get any more fills and just ride the restriction I have now. I had many people try to talk me out of the LapBand. BUT it saved my life! I've lost over 250lbs with the LapBand and I totally believe in it! The sleeve is nice, sure, but you will lose 3/4 of your stomach, permanently. I'm not sure I wanted something that drastic!

I had my lap band done about 3 years ago, i lost some weight but i have gained it back, even morethan my original weight from when i first got banded. In the past few months i have developed excess hanging fat on both sides of my front private area and on top, it bothers me so much, it feeks as if i have a footbal between my legs.

What can i do about this, it hurts and i am desperate, would this be cosmetic surgery or a seroius medical procedure, please give me advise. I do have insurance and it paid my lapband 100%, i had already met my yearly deductible when i got it done. I am hoping my insurance will cover it since i dont have the money to oay fir cosmetic surgery.

You can usually consult with several plastic surgeons for free. This may or may not be covered by your insurance depending upon your coverage. My insurance had a total wavier for anything related to plastics, regardless of why or what I needed done! I had my first TT done in 2009 due to chronic back pain and it helped emensly. I have no further back issues! I had the same excess skin that hanging down between my legs over my private areas. Call a plastic surgeon and see if they can give you some free advice. You may need some documentation from your PCP stating that it interferes with your mobility or causes you other medical issues. Good Luck!

Thanks to everyone asking about me

Well, I am home. Surgery went well, other than the fact that he ran into a lot of scar tissue from the hernia mesh I had implanted. Took him longer for surgery than anticipated, though he said the bypass part went really quickly and well, expecially since he was expecting problems because of the scaring from the erosion.

Spent 2 nights in the hopital Glad to be home, as you know no one can sleep there. Been having issues with my O2 levels while sleeping for years, so Dr Chae ordered home oxygen for me this time. Hopefully that will give me more energy. Dan.... wondering if it's helping you at all??

Still on Clear Liquids til next Tuesday, then switch to full liquids.

Glad it's finally over with.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Hopefully in Jan??

hey! So happy to hear you're doing okay! A little O2 isn't a biggie! It can help you have more energy! So when can you start eating regular food? I would love to see you all in Jan at Red Robin and there is another new person who would like to join us.

January 18th would be perfect for me, as I will be there in town. What about anyone else?

Hello Ladies!! I haven't been here forever! How are you all doing? Long story short, Josh and I left the nanny scene and both have good dependable jobs now and I am able to afford regular fills. I am getting back on the band wagon, and got a good fill on Monday and am down 5 lbs this week so far. I know it won't come off that fast for long but at least I am heading down now. It is a relief to not be gradually climbing. I figured it would be good for me to get back on here. I need to kick myself in the butt and stay on the wagon this time!

Wow! Marie! So good to see you posting again! I have thought of you often and wondered how you were doing! Hearing that you're back on the bandwagon and getting your fills sounds great! I saw a study recently that stated the most successful LapBanders are the ones that get fills - not big ones, but small fills every 4 to 6 weeks - they tend to lose consistantly and do well. IT also keeps their minds on track for working out and being accountable.

I know that when I was doing my best, I was seeing Dr K or Tom regularly. Sometimes life gets in the way with work and stuff and we get off track! What is so sweeet about the Band is you can return and start back from square one!

Don't be a stranger!

OK. I doubt there will be much I can consume?

Many of us have been there post op - the french onion Soup was a very very poplular order! WE just got it without the bread and cheese.

Dan,

Looking forward to meeting you! By then you'll be on Clear Liquids still, or maybe some thin Soups. No worries, Red Robin has always been very accomodating to our special menu requests. They can puree some Soup for you, or you can have iced tea or apple juice. See you soon!

Try not to worry about the surgery, I saw your post and think we all felt the same way. Trust me, it all works out, and your only wish will be that you had done it years ago.

Sorry, I can't make the 3rd or 4th. I am working both nights. I hope everyone has a great time!