1byfaith

You what's really good? Try mixing one lemon crystal light package with one fruit punch package, add twice the amount of water. It tastes so good. In fact, I am enjoying a glass now!!

You look fabulous. Keep up the good work!

My surgeon was/is very pro RNY too but I knew, after a lot of research, that the band was best for me. In fact, he questions my choice at each visit. His rationale is that RNY patients are happier therefore he is happier. I guess instant gratification. Obviously, the RNY will result in rapid weight loss in a shorter amount of time. All I can say is, if you dont want the RNY, then dont give in to the pressure from any clinician. Regardless of which surgery you select, make sure you are fully informed about the pros and cons of each procedure. Was there a particular reason why they want you to have the RNY over the band? Good Luck!

Hi Serenity, Dr. Katkhouda performed my lapband surgery in April. I, too, felt he way too pro gastric bypass at the seminar. In fact, at each post-op appointment I have had since my surgery he always asks why I decided to get the lapband instead of the bypass. He even went so far as to say, "I told you so" when I didnt lose as much weight as he would have liked at one visit. Uh... yeah. If you want, I can share more about my experience but I think I would prefer to do so privately. My email address is kirelijet@yahoo.com. Feel free to email me. Best of luck to you.

Hi Erikadawn, How many ccs do you have? Thanks.

HI Everyone! When the Lap band is inflated with saline it forms like little pillows as opposed tp a smoother ringed surface. I was not told I got the Realize band until my first post-op appt. Why? I dont know. I am not bothered by not having had a choice as I have worked in clinical trials and am currently a research evaluator so I am comfortable with the research on both bands. They appear to both be good bands and will yield decent results for most either way. Everyone should research them both and make an informed decision regardless. I agree with you Crystal that no one should get defensive at all. Surgeons have their reasons for choosing one over another. Its funny bandsters are having discussions like this. Can you imagine if this was a bypass/band forum? The things I have heard bypassers and their surgeons say about us bandsters!! You talk about being dissed! :confused:

I had my first fill today (about 1 hour ago). I guess I feel some restriction even though he put in 3.2 ccs!! I am concerned that tomorrow I am going to try to drink a Protein shake and vomit. The radiologist said to see how it goes and if I have problems to come back in asap. I hope to God I dont have any problems. I cant really describe the feeling I have right now. I am not in pain but feel full even though my tummy is growling from not being able to eat anything after midnight. I also feel like I need to burp but have had problems with that since I had the surgery. I am glad to hear from others who have had the Realize band. I didnt even know I got the Realize band until my first post op appt. Hey, does anyone know how many ccs this particular band can hold? Thanks. Pre-op weight: 297 Weight today: 272 Surgery 4/23/08 J&J Realize Band Dr. Katkhouda at University of Southern California

Here you go http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker...ictures-41782/ (Ticker TUTORIAL (WITH PICTURES!))

Not a silly question at all! I just put mine up. You basically have to go into Quick Links and click on Edit Signature. At the bottom there is an add signature box and a spot to put the ticker code in. In the meantime, I will try to find the tutorial someone made for lapbandtalk and post it for you.

I am experiencing the same thing. I was banded 5 days ago andhave burped only like 2 times. It doesnt matter if I have eaten or not it is always the same thing. I went to the store yesterday and bought gas-x strips and are taking the maximum. It seems to help somewhat but I think it just pushes the gas down past the stomach. I will be SOOO glad when this is over. I was beginning to think my band had slipped or something. Goof luck.

Hi Shirl, Good luck with everything. I will pray for your successful surgery and speedy recovery! Keep us posted. PHWMN

Congratulations on your surgery date. I was banded on Wednesday, April 23rd. As far as being mentally prepared...for me I just know: I was/am so very tired of my weight being such a major issue in my life. I am sick and tired of having weight loss be at the top of each New Year's Resolution list. I am sick and tired of my perception about my weight dictating what I should and should not enjoy (eg going out to certain events where there are a lot of skinny people). I am so very tired of feeling ashamed and self-conscious about my weight. I want to be able to sit comfortably in a coach class airplane seat and not have the arm rests raise up on their own. I dont want to have to scope out the rooms at conferences and meetings for "roomy" chairs Having a Masters in Public Health-I dont want be a part of the obesity epidemic anymore and have to endure conferences and journals that talk ad nauseum about obesity in the US I am tired of of my joints aching I want to be able to fall asleep around family and friends without people waking me up to stop snoring like a bear!:huh2: The lap band cannot promise self-confidence and happiness as it is merely a tool. Hopefully these virtues are in place no matter how large or small a person is. However, I just continue to think of what obesity has cost me in terms of mind, body and spirit. I then think about the advantages of obesity not being an issue any longer in my life and that is what motivates me mentally. Good luck!

Congratulations April Avengers! I was banded on April 23rd at USC. I am feeling very well except for some gas discomfort. I am going back to work tomorrow. I have already lost like 6 pounds since my Wednesday and like 15 since my pre-op appt on April 10th. Am very glad to be eating cream of wheat, pudding and creamy soups. Not sure if I could handle another day of jello and broth!

Hi Pearlygirl, Excellent letter. Couldnt have said it better myself. I was banded last Wednesday too. PHWMN

Congratulations sisters in surgery! I plan on going back to work on Monday. I am feeling much better and have driven quite a bit. I live in Los Angeles and commute around 20 miles to work each way! Needless to say, I plan on leaving super early so I dont have to sit and traffic and risk getting super tired. I should be fine since I am off the vicodin except at night. I agree with the other posts that its hard to pinpoint the weird rumblings, discomfort etc I am feeling every once and a while. I havent gone #2 but I think its because there is virtually nothing in my intestines. Tomorrow I get to eat more like thinned out oatmeal, cream of wheat, yogurt and pudding. I think that will get my bowels back on track. I have lost 12 lbs since my April 10 pre-op appt 17 lbs since my first consultation in March. phwmn