Dody

Randy Jackson looks no different to me today than before he had whatever he had done. Whatever it is, it isn't working for him.

OK, this girl doesn't live where we do PhotoNut, because camping with the wind blowing about 35 mph and rain in the forecast doesn't do a lot for me....actually to be honest I hate camping. It is like packing up my kitchen for a couple days and then having to unpack it. Camping is a great hotel/motel with room service. That's as rough as it gets for me Hope you have fun on your camping trip.

If your band slips and doesn't fix itself (sometimes it will with an unfill and liquid diet) it is fine to be rebanded. I'm talking about people with deep erosions that have damaged the stomach walls. That is where the people at Vanderbilt say they would not reband, because there is much too much damage and danger of infection. You don't get to choose rebanding, your dr. has to think you are ready for it. If you have gone 6 or 8 mo. and an endoscopy shows complete healing it might be an option. It's one I would have to think about, but I would definitely want it before Gastric Bypass Surgery. I also think if you are not going to reband, you should not be converting failed GB patients to the band...makes no sense to me. Good Luck.

Dr. Pleatman, I appreciate all opinions I hear here on the lap band forum, but I have a very serious issue with the promotion of bypass for "everyone". I have been informed in a telephone interview with a surgeon at Vanderbilt Hospital (among the leading hospitals in the nation I think you would agree) that gastric bypass is NOT for everyone. With the risk factors I have from my5-way heart bypass surgery they would not consider it until I tried banding. Now this comes from experts, who feel the risks of gastric bypass are definitely much higher than the risks of banding which are fairly easily reversible and problems are usually able to be managed. Now, if a facility with the name of Vanderbilt tells me that at 64 I am only given the option of lap banding at this point (which is truly what I want anyway) I have to give creedence to their opinion that the gastric bypass is a dangerous proceedure. You said "Medicare would not pay for it if it was dangerous", but Medicare's stand is lap banding first for anyone over 60. There are extreme conditions like weights in the 700 lb range that constitute gastric bypass as a must to save a life, but for people 100 lbs. overweight lap banding is the preferred method, and yes I spoke to the people at Medicare to clarify this too. Medicare has also opted on behalf of Medicare patients to see that they are exclusively banded at Center Of Excellence Hospitals. At first this threw a kink in my plans as my banding was going to be at a smaller hospital in Tennessee, but after thinking it over, and after being referred to Vanderbilt (which will be a 3 hour drive) I understand Medicare's stand on this. They want people on Medicare at a hospital that provides the very best of everything and the very best in both gastric bypass and lap banding (which doesn't include doctor's that have done perhaps 100 lap band or gastric bypass procedures) but experts in the field of both. They are also fully staffed for people who have had heart bypass as I have where the smaller hospitals are not. I have found out Center Of Excellence for lap banding patients means that the credentials for lap banding are excellent, and not just the overall hospital. This being said, the surgeons at the Bariatric Center at Vanderbilt confer on each and every patient and there are hundreds a week, and have come to the conclusion that lap banding is the way to go first if possible. They don't think you should ever take drastic measures until you have given banding a try and move on from that direction. To jump right into gastric bypass is a huge shock physically and emotionally and they don't feel you are ever ready for that huge life change to start with. Therefore, the top surgeons in the world are on the bandwagon for lap-banding. I don't know where you qualify hospital or dr. wise as far as being an expert, but I do know and have studied Vanderbilt and am thoroughly impressed and very grateful that they have accepted me. I am not the every day run-of-the-mill case I agree, not with my medical history, but I am a very good candidate for lap banding in their opinion. I thank you for your opinions but do feel that being biased is not a good thing. There are those of us for which gastric bypass is not the answer. There is also a lot more psychological investigation that should be given to this huge lifestyle change and not just a simple talk with a psychologist. That being said I welcome you as a member of this board, but I know in my heart and mind that these surgeons, among the best qualified in the world, do know what is best for me. Thank you for your time and opinions, but they aren't for everyone. You are hearing from people on here for whom the band is working wonderfully and from those that for whatever reason have had problems. Naturally, if people are having success with the band they are very happy with it and not very happy with your touting of gastric bypass. I think the lap banding patients have made their choice, and if medical reasons down the road change that choice they are well informed on their own as to what the next step should be. I do, however, agree that re-banding should not be an option, but I also don't believe a failed gastric bypass patient should be allowed to convert to lap banding if they fail down the road at gastric bypass. Apples and oranges...I don't think so!! I have personally left out the Mexican doctors in this thread because they will operate on anyone that shows up with money and do any surgery. Like it or not you that went to Mexico know you didn't need sleep studies or any of the requirements in the states for your surgery. Perhaps that is why without an upper GI a lot of you suffered esophageal problems. I wouldn't be banded in Mexico on someone else's dime. They have a huge erosion rate and they don't even require a diet beforehand to shrink the liver. It has to make you wonder if that may not be one reason for erosion...the liver is too big to get the band high enough on the stomach. I think there are lots more erosions from Mexico because the surgery is but a plane ride and a walk in the part for $10,000. That's just my 2 cents for what it is worth. I would rather jump (or step gingerly) through the hoops to have an excellent surgeon in the U.S.

I have a couple things to ask you. Why is it that a patient that has had RNY and regained the weight after stretching out the pouch (this is at the end of about 3 years) could than be lap-banded. Why don't the same principals apply. If you won't re-band someone, but you would do an RNY, what is the reasoning for a failed RNY patient to be able to get the band? Secondly, and most importantly, as a retired nurse I've been reading on a new procedure that I know is not ready for use, but it is about being able to staple the stomach doing endoscopy. Can you tell me what you have heard about this procedure if anything, and how long you think it will be before it is FDA approved. Are they doing this procedure anywhere that you know of and how is it done? They can't possibly do anything with the intestines endoscopically, so do you know how this works. Thanks for the answers.

I think the South Beach Diet Protein Bar got more yays than nays. I'm ready for one right now. If you are a sweet lover you are probably better served by them and/or a cereal lover because it seems like you get a little of both. They are breakfast for me and I love them.

I thought it was the best protein bar I've ever eaten, but everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I loved the crunchiness of the bar and the peanut butter flavor. Sorry you didn't like them.

Where are you going to find a protein shake with 150 calories is my question? I bet most everyone is drinking at the very least 220 calories every drink. I just know these bars are only 220 calories and that's a long ways from a candy bar and they are yummy. They satisfy the urge for those that love chocolate. I haven't seen any on the cereal aisle, but these were on a huge display at Walmart. They are big, they are fresh, they are a meal in a bar, and they are delicious. I tried a sample of all 3 of them and finally decided on the chocolate and peanute butter. I would normally walk right by these bars because they make me gag for the most part, but this one is excellent. I can't eat a meal that has only 220 calories that's for sure, and this satisfied me completely.

I find most protein bars just plain blah. With this one I thought I had a bowl of crunchy cereal and a milk chocolate bar. Let me know if you agree they are yummy. Will be anxious to hear someone else's opinion.

Over the years I've tried most every protein bar out there and they range from yuck to agggggggggg. Seriously, I have tried them all. The other day I saw and purchased for the first time a box of South Beach Diet Protein Bars. I got the chocolate/peanut butter, but they also come in plain chocolate and vanilla. YUM, what an experience after all the yucky protein bars. These have crunchy tops and what looks like pure chocolate on the bottom. They were soooooooooo fresh. It was like eating a candy bar to me, and much better than drinking a protein drink. I got that crunchy taste I love and I would recommend anyone to try these. They have 220 calories and are delicious. Just thought I would tell those of you that require that crunchy taste that these sure do the trick. I'm looking forward to another one today..........Try Them, you'll love them!!

We have loads of fast food places where I live, but the only Sonic is in Boise and I'm not about to drive 20 miles or so to go there. I don't like anything spicy so I wouldn't want chili fries anyway. The post was too funny. Hey, you can reward yourself with a sundae, but you got two rewards...now I ask you IS THAT FAIR?

My kids both built their own computers and my grandsons. My son-in-law designs video games and all the little people and graphics for them. They are both computer whizzes and my grandson who is 7 can play just about any game on there for his age group. He has his own Spiderman Computer that they built him. They also have a spare that they built a couple years ago that they are putting in the room I'm staying in. In their house computer access is not a problem. That is their enjoyment. They don't drink or smoke nor party. They do, however, love computers and they play each other in games from separate rooms. It actually seems to bring them closer. I would suggest to anyone that with the low cost of used computers that if you can you pick up your own and let the spouse complain then. I have Spyware and Zone Alarm on my computer and I think it has probably saved me a fortune. I wouldn't be without either one of them. I have the virus and firewall in Zone Alarm and think it is the best anti-viral/firewall out there. Actually, I know it it. I have read everything there is to read on it and have never in all the years I've had it had any sort of problem. It's a wise investment with all the bugs out there.

I think it is wonderful you are getting the band now. You will avoid so many health issues hopefully down the road. Good luck to you and your mom.

I think if you have weight and health issues at any age you should be allowed to be banded. The younger and healthier you are the better the process of healing goes. Teens are very resiliant and heal quickly. More parents should be 100% behind their teens. There are so many teen suicides and depressed and unhappy teens who are made fun of by their peers. Kids can be cruel, but then so can adults. I think banding at a young age is a wonderful thing. If I had a daughter with an obesity problem I would be 100% behind helping her, just as my kids are backing my decision and I'm surely no kid. It can give a teen a new life at a most vulnerable time in their lives. Peer pressure is horrible for young adults who want to fit in. Good luck to you teens on your journey.

I think the band can erode from stomach acids, etc. or ulcers. I don't think it is necessarily a case of over-eating. I know people who have stuck to the diet exactly and erosion happened. No one knows the answers. There are some doctors guessing that diabetics have more trouble, but absolutely no proof of what causes erosion. Right now it is just an opinion and you know what they say about opinions. There is no definitely reason the band erodes...it just happens in some people. Maybe too much acid in their system...who knows.

I would love to take my dogs for walks and go shopping at Wal-Mart without my feet and back killing me. I'm in the same position you are, and can't wait to get banded. I have aways to go too before I get everything in order. It isn't going as fast as I hoped, but I've been patient for a very long time clearing up an ulcer and soon I'll be visiting my kids in Tennessee....I can't wait to see them. Dogs are going too. Costs a fortune to take them, but I won't leave home without them. They go in carriers in compartments underneath especially heated and cooled for animals, but they charge almost as much as for a passenger. I think the best thing you can do to prepare is get the necessary ingredients you need for your Protein shakes etc. before hand and make sure you have loose clothing. I can't think of much more you can do to prepare. I know that is what I'm going to do. I'm going to buy Gas-X and some other things and Protein Shakes. I don't think you will get much excercise beforehand if you are hurting so I wouldn't worry about it. I think the time to get the exercise is after you are banded and feeling better....then maybe some of the pain in your back and feet will be gone.

As I've said in other posts, Neurosurgeons and Cardiologists think they sit in the right hand of God, and the rest of them are fighting for their spot on the left hand. I'm saying this as a retired nurse who dealth with doctors most of her life. There are some exceptions, but they are far and few between.

You need to follow your heart and do what you want. Just because you are married you are still two separate individuals. It sure would be nicer if he agreed with you on this, but I think if it's what you want then you go for it. It sounds like the rest of your family is behind you. I wish you luck. I agree with Susan that you have to emotionally support each other no matter what. It is a very important ingredient for a good marriage. I hope he is wise enough to know he is distancing himself from you by not going along with your wishes. I've been alone now for 10 years, but I have no doubt that my husband would have supported me 100% and if he didn't I would have done it anyway....probably why he would have just supported me to begin with. You are working and not dependent on him, so go for it. Follow your heart and your dreams on this one.

I don't think there is an age limit with parental consent. Teens today tend to be much more overweight, because they don't exercise like they did in the "olden days". We actually had PE in school and played games at recess...anyway I know a 15-year-old that was horribly depressed over her weight and got the band, so I have to say there isn't an age limit that I know of. Maybe different states have different rules...not sure.

I wouldn't be able to take a session of any sort that involved both lap banders and RNY's. They both have very different positions on things and those with RNY are very vocal about their choice, as well you should be about yours. Find yourself a support group for bandsters and not one that is mixed up with RNY patients. My friend that has RNY can never be far from a bathroom when we go someplace and also has told me about the horrible gas she passes...luckily I haven't been in her presence to experience it. She is very, very pale and used to be very healthy looking. I don't think she feels well, but she isn't about to tell me, because I'm getting the band and she raves about RNY. I don't think it's all it's cracked up to be honestly...she has lots of problems and tons of loose skin, plus she is fighting gaining it back. She has to eat a little something every few hours or she gets very faint, but they stick by their decisions. Most of them would have been lap banded had it been available at the time of RNY, so I think lots of what you hear is sour grapes.

Photo Nut can give you more info as she was banded here in Boise. There are only two dr's. here in this area that do the banding, a Dr. Cahn and a Dr. Anderson. The first step is attending a seminar to hear all the info on the band. Everyone has to do that and they will explain the procedure to it. It is done laparoscopically (much like a gallbladder surgery). You have some tests to go through first. I believe a psych eval and sleep study and a few other things. I have no idea if you insurance will cover it, because I don't know what type of insurance you have. I know people are having problems with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and they don't do Medicare patients. I would call one of their offices and find out where to call to set up the seminar. That would be your first step. I'm getting banded in Tennessee where my family is am leaving for there before long. Like I said I think Photo Nut can give you the rest of the info as she was banded right here in Boise. The band truly is major surgery (even though we don't like to think of it that way). They put a band around your tummy and a port to the left (or sometimes other places) that you get "fills" put into at different times. Don't take it lightly because like I said it is major surgery, but I think it is worth it, and obviously from the forum here most agree. Good luck on your journey.

I agree with you, I would pay to go see Chris in concert right this minute. Rumor has it that Constantine and Kellie are dating, so says the Enquirer. He was there last night, along with some other contestants. You can't believe everything you read in that magazine, but if they are all the best to a beautiful couple. I always liked Constantine. Patsy Cline was an icon of my generation and Kellie did her justice. Not sure what the above poster was listening to, but Kellie did a great job. Wheetsin, at the rehersals when they were trying out Simon made a remark about Mandisa that he hoped "they had a bigger stage this year". It hurt her feelings and when she faced the judges and was put through she told Simon how she felt in no uncertain terms. Kudos to her. Simon seems to like the women but not anyone the least bit overweight...which is probably why he's stuck on Kellie. As for Paula, I believe she was mixed up with that Cory kid and just bought her way out of it. I wonder often who her next victim will be. Her and her goosebumps are really getting to me too. She's one horny broad

There was no birth control pill when I was first married, just a diaphragm. Well, that just didn't seem to work and neither did finding the time to say hey wait a minute or 10 I have something to do first I have my own little basketball team of 5 girls, but it got me to thinking. My dad comes from a family of 16 children and my mom from a family of 9. There was a time when huge families were the norm. I had a neighbor before I moved that had 10 children (remember this is Mormon country) and they were the best behaved kids around....at least until they grew up and saw the world, and even then they've all turned out alright. Just got me thinking, my Grandma was 46 when she had her last one and she still never skipped a beat. That was in the day of no washers, dryers, or anything we take for granted today. God Bless our ancestors.

I think Bucky will be going home. Taking offense that anyone can sing Patsy Cline...it just ain't so. It's really tough to get just the right twang of the old country singers. Kelly knocked it out of the ballpark last night. Mandisa is awesome, but she isn't going to be the next American Idol I don't think. Chris is awesome, but of the girls I think Kellie is the very best. MePhee is OK, but she's no Kellie. Bye Bye Bucky!! I don't think Taylor is that far behind. He certainly won't be in the top two. I sang too long with a band to not realize pitch problems when I hear them. Taylor looks like he is convulsing on stage.....Paris is OK and so is Lisa, but much too young to have a real set of chops yet. I pick Kellie and Chris to be the final two. OUCH...don't slap me so hard. P.S. Elliott is awesome...he is going to slip right under the radar and be there at the end.....and I do believe Kellie is a country girl brought up by her Grandpa. I love her. She is sweet and wholesome, and Simon adores her, and he hasen't made a wrong pick yet. He picked Kelly Clarkson and he picked Carrie Underwood from the beginning, and I heard him the other night pick PICKLER to win it all. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

It's bad enough I'm going to have to give up my Dr. Pepper Diet Cherry Vanilla and my Diet Root Beer, but please don't take my coffee away. As for the hot sauce, what a brave soul you are. I cower at anything more than a mild sauce with Mexican food. Good luck.