Molly A

Well mine was a great pair a pants I hadn't worn in 4 years - they fit perfectly now. I also can't wait to see how my summer clothes fit!

As a former nursing professor, I must say I disagree with you. Giving an injection is much less serious than doing a fill in a lap band. Also, nurses are taught in school to do routine procedures; not a lap band fill. Laws vary from state to state regarding acceptable nursing practice. However, I would suggest a certification to perform fills is needed - this would imply competence in the area.

Each state has different regulations - but a medical assistant!!??? No wonder malpractice law suits are so frequent. I would talk to the doctor and tell him. However if you do not feel comfortable with doing this you could inform the insurance company - the MD is committing fraud by billing for a procedure that he's not doing. As an NP in NYS; I cannot bill for a procedure that I do not do. I can bill for procedures that I do; but the reimbursement amount is less than an MD's amount (even though I am qualified and lawfully able to do it).

Everyday - same time of day, same clothes, before I brush my teeth in the morning

In NY State, nurse practitioners working in collaboration (NOT supervision) with a surgeon can do fills. At the bariatric program I attended, the NP does most the pre-op work up and does follow up after surgery including fills. The NP is specially trained; as is the physician to do the fills. Physician assistants can probably do fills also. PA's work under the supervisoin of a physician. They would have to be trained also. I don't know if RN's can do fills in this state - I think it would be beyond their scope of practice. If you have any bariatric programs near you; ask if the have an NP or PA.

Hi, I spent a couple of hours researching information from Europe and the outcome of lap band surgeries. I found several articles in reputible journals that reported 10 year retrospective data indicating gastric banding and gastric bypass had reduced death rates from heart disease and other side effects of obesity. The benefits outweighted the risks of the surgery. The journals included the British Medical Journal, New England Journal of Medicine and a few others. I also checked the references in these articles - I found no acticles published by the 2 names that were mentioned in this video. All of the reference lists included more than 20 names. I also searched in GoogleUK the two researchers and found no information. I also checked the web site listed at the end of the video. Dr. Rutledge, who is in the video, does another type of weight loss surgery. He would benefit from any doubts about gastric banding surgery. These are the facts as I found them. Interpret them as you will.

While listening to this video, I wonder where the research (that he cited) came from; often when your talking through your hat you don't the give details needed to verify your information. He did give the researches names however. But there is good research and there is poor research - I wonder who he is quoting. I'm going to do some of my own investigating - I'll let you know what I discover. As far as I know, there have been no big problems with the band in Europe - but I can't give you a source for my information either - so I'll find out! Did you email this Dr. Rudlege person? MollyA

I'm a nurse - so have been working with women for years - I understand this terrible and sad situation. When you get a good group of woman together in a work place - there is no bond stronger. However the reverse is true also; if it's a bad group - there is nothing worse. There's a book that helped me; "Women's Inhumanity to Women". In your particular situation; I would keep detailed notes! Hand written or typed notes - like a journal - are accepted in a court of law. So your superiors would most likely accept them too. It's time consuming but to your advantage. It's not likely your trouble maker will take the time to do this. Take the high road and I hope it works out for you. It's a bad situation.

The coordinator of my program explained that the band is tighter in mornings. Something to do with lower body temp and lack of gut movement throughout the night. Maybe this explains it. I don't like to eat in the morning either, just some decaff or a Protein drink.

It dilutes the food so it passes through the band faster - you won't be satisfied as long - defeats the purpose!

I had to write this - to people who understand and to encourage people who need a little pick me up. I'm going to the doctors this PM. All my pants were too big. I found a pair (thank God) that I haven't worn in 4 years and they are perfect!!! This is significant! Banded 2-5-08 Wt loss before band 24 lbs. Wt loss since band 12 lbs. :regular_smile::smile2::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile::regular_smile:

You left out some important details - you should contact your doctor.

Many people have gas pain after the lap band. You should run it by your physician or nurse practitioner however - no on here knows your risk factors. If it is gas pains - take the Gas X (simethicone), walk, lie on your left side when in bed, and a heating pad will help. Try to get off your pain meds - the usual one prescribed post-op is a form of hydrocordone and will increase the gas pains by slowing down your digestive tract. If you can take Tylenol - get the adult liquid form and use that. Take deep breathes when you have a cramp. Drink water; when you feel a little better then worry about your Protein intake. The Protein Drink I was taking made the gas pain worse; if was difficult to digest. Try

Hi, The bariatric program that I attend doesn't require a pre-op liquid phase. The patient has to lose 15% of his/her excess body weight, but how you do it is up to the individual. They do give some patients medication to help lose the weight - only if not contraindicated medically. They will not do surgery until you have lost the weight, however. The reason is a fatty liver. In the pre-op classes they explain even a few pounds make a big difference in the amount of fat around the liver. The requirement was frustrating at times - but all in all I think it was a good idea. It helps you learn how to eat regular foods after the surgery. The program I am attending is at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, NY. Molly A

The progam I attended is asking for volunteers for a study of lung function pre- and post lap banding. The study subjects will be paid. This may be a way for individuals that do not have insurance to have the procedure. I don't know if they will cover the cost of surgery - I doubt that but if interested; you should check. The hospital is Mary Imogene Bassett HealthCare in Cooperstown, NY. They are associated with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Ask for the Bariatric Surgery Department. I am happy with my experience at Bassett. This may be an option for those who have had problems with insurance coverage - just a thought.