eyevory

I have seen Dr. Andre Nunn in Ypsilanti for fills 3 times. I am really disappointed though. I have never actually met the man. The appointments are scheduled with a nurse who does everything herself, including the fills. I don't feel like she really answers my questions. I feel like I am put into the patient machine and am "one of the fat patients" and not a real person. They do have weekly support groups at that office though. I haven't tried them, but they may be what you are looking for. I am considering an appointment with Dr. Jonathan Finks at the U of M in Ann Arbor to see if that works out better for me.

Carrie, I am in Saline and noticed you said you had your band done at the U of M. Do they have a support group there? I recently relocated to Michigan and need to connect with some bandsters.

It is a clearance, it says it is 95% off!

I love Luna bars and the 1 oz ones are great for bandsters. Good Protein and Vitamins and yummy. I can't believe this deal on amazon... [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Variety-Chocolate-Caramel-Brownie-1-Ounce/dp/B0019MSTO2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1220580616&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Luna Minis, variety pack (Nuts Over chocolate, S'mores, & Caramel Nut Brownie), 1-Ounce Bars (Pack of 36): Health & Personal Care[/ame] It's certainly "bulk" buying but good deal if you need a work or school or purse snack. I keep them in my car too so I can have a small snack if I need.

Sidenote: ugh, this website just ate my thoughtful response. Let's see if I can recreate : Yes, I believe you can get a fill if you are pregnant. In fact, you can just leave it filled if you aren't having issues. My doctor said there was no need to unfill for pregnancy or breastfeeding unless I wanted to unfill for some other reason. I had mine unfilled for each pregnancy because I was sick and didn't want to deal with it. Yes you will eat more than you were so you may gain weight. Just be reasonable and try to eat veggies and drink your Water, like you should be for the baby anyway. Maybe try the gestational diabetes diet if you are gaining too much. You can lose it after the baby comes, try not to stress it.

I can feel the port if I want to, but it's definitely not in the way if I want to lay down.

For fills, I always lay on the table and feel around with my hand to find the port myself to give the doctor some guidance. I joke about having a target tattoo, lol. He usually does a numbing shot. Then, I do a crunch (lift shoulders off table) and he finds port and sticks it. When I have had trouble, he put a pillow under my back to arch my back. Once he hit the side of the port and bent the needle, but I don't think it was a big deal, I trusted that surgeon. I think it is supposed to get easier when there is less flab in the way!

what is "sliming?"

SHM, I agree! Thanks for your post. I love these forums! :biggrin:

After a few months, I don't see how smoke could effect a bandster any differently. HOWEVER, I would be very careful about substituting other comfort for the food you used to eat. Especially in this early stage. The lap band is only a physical tool, you need to be aware of your psychological food issues and grow in this process or you will be back at square one. If you want to smoke (or drink or use prescription drugs) because you are itching to soothe yourself with food, I would not do it. Let yourself feel every step of this process and be open to what comes up. But if it's just a social one time thing I don't think it's a big deal.

Wow, such a range of costs! I was a self-pay for surgery and have always been self-pay for fills. I am looking for a fill doctor (in Ann Arbor, Michigan area) and the only place I can get a quote from (Dr. Nunn) told me $300 for first one and $150 each additional. OUCH! I hope at that cost he will give me the amount of fill I want and not play the .5-cc-at-a-time game.

I got pregnant with my first child a year or so after my surgery. I was down about 50 pounds. I got unfilled because I was sick sick sick. I gained 30 pounds. I got an adjustment 2 months after she was born and continued to lose. I got pregnant with my second child about a year later. Again I unfilled because I was heaving every day and worried about misplacing the band. I gained 20 pounds and have already lost it (I am unbanded, the baby is 3 months old). I plan on having an adjustment next month. My doctor told me that nursing shouldn't be a problem banded.

I too get headaches if I am not drinking enough water. It's a simple solution worth a try.

Oh yeah, the seatbelt is on my list too! I know these aren't new or unique reasons, but I think it helps to say them out loud to have clear intentions and I am too embarrased to say them to people in person.

Can anyone list the contact info for Dr. Finks? I googled but there are several Dr. Finks. Thanks!