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Great news for you! So, what was the surgical procedure like? Any complications? How about diet after surgery? Does the sleeve feel different from the band? How about hunger and weight loss? Scarring? Thanks for your communication! Tad

Thanks - I will check out the revision board!

Hi - after seeing your post, I did check out the revision board. Thanks!

Excellent - I have heard some wonderful things about the sleeve. I am looking forward to my surgery. Thanks.

Thank you!

Hi all -My name is Tad. In July, 2007, I had Lap Band surgery. In the last 5 years, I have lost over 160 pounds. 4 months ago, I started to have some complications with my band. On January 23, 2012, I will be having the lap band removed and conversion surgery to the gastric sleeve. I was just wondering if any one in the forum has had a similar procedure. Thanks for your communication! Tad

Hi Everyone I was banded july 28, 2008. I have done quite well losing almost 60 pounds. However, in early Feb., 2009, I felt no restriction; it was as if my band had deflated. Come to find out, my band is leaking. On March 9th, I had a fill of 8 CCs; 2 hours later, there was 1 CC in the band. I am very depressed at the thought of having to replace my band via another surgery. Have any of you experienced this? Help! Tad Meyer

Hi Kiz - thanks you for your note. Dr. hasn't scheduled anything as of yet. Office staff indicated he/they would contact me to discuss "next steps" this afternoon. I am concerned and frustrated.

Call Dr. Baker ASAP and communicate to him your concerns!

Forget about the numbers Lynlynker... you feel outstanding, you are exercising, you are eating better, you have a great attitude, and you are maintaining portion control. These are all positive things and a foundation for a lifetime of success. Throw the scale away and only weigh yourself when you visit the doctor.

Hi Frypan I have taken the advice of my doctor and walked, walked, walked! Do anything that keeps you active. I have not weighed myself one time but can tell that I am loosing inches by measuring if I have lost inches (or millimeters) ha! Get yourself a tape measure and see if you have lost - DONT weigh yourself! Exercise, excercise, exercise and drink lots of Water. YOU WILL DO IT!

Here is the link for the St. Joseph's Hospital Bariatric Care Center: St. Joseph Hospital of Orange County Bariatric Surgery Care Center- Support Services Located in Orange (714) 771-8298 for more information. Supprot Group meetings twice a month.

Hi St Joseph Hospital in Orange has support meetings every other Tuesday in the evening. Just call the St. Joseph Heritage Bariatric Center for all of the information. Support groups are IMPERATIVE to your success. I think your husband wants you to have long-term success and would be more than understanding. I will see you at the St. Joseph's meetings.

Hi Dianne ~ I am on day 2 of the pre-op liquid diet as well. My surgeon has me on the New Direction Sytem directed diet. It consists of shakes (which are awful) and Soups (which are quite good). First day was pretty tough. For some reason, I was bloated and felt a bit light-headed. I made it through day 1 and feel a bit better today. I spoke to my doctor and he indicated that ketosis is reached within three days and I should begin to get acclimated to the reduced calories. Have you communicated with your doctor? TAD

Hi Lalion - I understand your concerns and feelings of anxiety. I am sure you are in good hands with your doctors. All will be well and you are on your way to your new lifestyle! Good thoughts your way. Tad

I started this process back in May and can't believe my band-date is coming up so quickly. Question: How have your families and friends responded to your decision to have the lap-band procedure?

7 lbs? That is awesome. I'll have to try the shakes and drinks that you recommend. I have a very busy next two weeks with work so I am hoping by keeping busy I won't notice that I am on all liquids. All the best to you on your surgery date!

Sure My bariatric surgeon requires that I follow a two-week pre-op liquid diet and two-week post-op liquid diet. It is a very low calorie (600 calories a day), high in protein, ketogenic diet. Pre-packaged meals are mixed with water - my diet consists of skakes, soups, and pudding.

Hi Choromom I have been drining protein shakes as well and water with Crystal Light. I actually tried a couple of the packaged liquid meals in the pre-op diet and they aren't that bad. I wish I could have my surgery tomorrow! I am ready!

Hi Flowers Congrats on being banded! All patients in the bariatric program in my group have to complete the 2 week pre-op. You are correct about the shrinking of the liver. Hope are feeling good post-surgery! TAD

Hi all My surgery date is July 28th. I begin the pre-op liquid diet tomorrow (Monday) for two weeks... I am SO ready! I have my physician and surgery doc appointments coming up and a final nutition class and then my new lifestyle! How do you all cope with the pre-op diet? Peace ~ TAD

Hi Dalene I begin the liquid diet on July 14th. I have actually been drinking the protein shakes for the last month just to get used to them. I am ready for the diet! The program I have been involved with through my HMO has been very supportive. Are you ready? Any concerns for you? TAD

Hi Dalene You and I share a July 28 Band-date! Congratulations! I know you will do great and I am happy to know someone who shares the same date with me. Let's keep in touch. TAD MEYER

Hi everyone - July 28 is my procedure date! Begin pre-op liquids on 14th, have a mandatory pre-op class on the 17th. meet with surgeon on 22, and primary doc on 23rd. Excited! I have been doing 20 minutes a day on treadmill for last three weeks! Life is good and is going to get even better! Congrats to all of you who have had or are scheduled to have procedure in JULY!!! TAD

Hi everyone! My name is Matt; I live in Orange and just received a referral from my PCP to a lap-band surgeon (waiting for referral to be processed). I have so many questions and I am so lucky to have stumbled on this support group. All of you are so positive and have so much wisdom! I am 41, 340 pounds and have always battled with my weight. I have a supportive PCP who guided me to the lap-band option. So, my journey has started... Questions: What can I expect during the pre-op process? Shall I anticipate problems with my HMO? What about psych evaluation? How long until a surgery date? Is there a doctor expectation of weight loss before surgery? I appreciate your help and friendship! Peace ` Matt