TQUAD64

I am so sorry to hear this. Sick with it. Your turn will be here before you know it.

That is a very cool picture. Congrats on Onderland. It is a great accomplishment. Good job!

My doctor let me drive after one week out from surgery. But personally, there was no way I could go for a 700 mile drive even with pit stops.

Clear liquids week one. Full liquids week 2. mushies week 3 and 4. Full diet after week 4.

I have a card in my wallet which is underneath my drivers license.

I am 24 days post op and doing great. 30 pounds down and working out on the treadmill.

Band Date: 11/11/08 H Weight: 251 Pre-op Diet start weight: 251 Surgery weight: 241 Current weight: 221 Goal Weight: 130

Hello Dee: For over a year, I researched the Lap Band vs gastric banding. I reviewed medical research papers and really seriously considered both procedures. In this regards, I selected the Band, because it is less evasive and weight loss is slower. There is risk associated to any surgery, especially one which involves general anesthesia. Plus, most clients that select WLS are not in the best possible health to begin with. According to literature, less than 1% of WLS surgery results in death. It really is a personal desicion whether or not to have the surgery. But for me I came to terms with it by accepting the fact that one day I am going to die. I don't know when, but I know I will die, because that is the nature of life. However, I want to do everything possible to ensure I live as long as possible, so I want to work on my health and well being. Thus, I was banded on 11/11/08. It is not easy. There is a lot of hard work involved. But I do not regret my choice at all. Thus far, I am very happy with my decision. Good luck with your decision.

BillOh you crack me up. I did not tell my mom either. The only person that knows is my sister. The reason I have not told my mom is that she has been trying for two years to qualify for gastric banding. She initially qualified with private insurance. She was approved with private insurance, but then she turned the magical age for Medicare and had to start the whole process all over. Today, she is now dealing with several medical issues, which must be addressed before she can have surgery. Thus, I don't have the heart to tell her that I was banded. It would be cruel of me to tell her. Life can be so unfair.

Great update. I was wondering what happen to you. I am glad you called the doctor out for talking about you and you hearing it.:whatchutalkingabout

Congrats! How exciting to get banded before the holidays. It will be hard, but well worth the healthier life-style you will acquire.

Hey Jitterbug: It is time to get a new primary care doctor. Plus, when you are self-pay you don't need your PC doctor to recommend the procedure.

Banded 11/11/08. 30 pounds total. 10 pounds pre-op, 20 pounds post op.:whatchutalkingabout

I would call the doctor and schedule a slight unfill. Thank goodness you can keep fluids down, but by this time you should be keeping soft foods down. You don't want to throw up with the band, because of possible slippage. Good luck!

I had to complete the 6-month diet as well even though I had been on plenty of primary care supervised diets, including some that included phen-phen. I have Blue Cross.

Good luck and let us know what happens. :whatchutalkingabout

Today: 50 minutes treadmill at 4% to 5% incline. :whatchutalkingabout

My doctor waits six weeks post op and then inserts 2ccs. She actually filled me with 3ccs at time of surgery and I have a 10cc band.

Hello: I would look on this forum in the section called Lapband complications, there might be information there. The FDA states the band is good for at least 10-years and could last longer without complications. As far as studies, here are some links: However, the best research papers are in medical journals. Do a Google search for information. gastric banding research - Google Scholar Gastric Banding Reverses Impact Of Type 2 Diabetes

Ask for a copy of the insurance requirements in writing. This will greatly assist you in moving through the process.

Very normal and good for you too!

Sounds like your doing what your doctor told you to do. And is the best way to have a healthy recovery. Congrats on being banded!

Hi: Sorry to hear you are having problems with your first fill. I have not had a fill yet and I know every doctor gives different instructions, but shouldn't you have been on liquids after the first fill. At least liquids for a couple of days until your stomach has time to adjust to the fill? My doctor instructs us to go on liquids after a fill for at least 2-days. If we are still having issues after a couple of days on liquids after the fill, then the doctor will take some of the fill out. Can you keep liquids down? If not you should call your doctor to get a slight unfill.

Congrats on being down 23 pounds that is great! And keeping up with your exercise is awesome. The eating habits we developed over several years will not resolve immediately, because we are now banded. However, the band is a great tool to help you take one step at a time to developing new healthy eating habits. Bravo for recognizing the issue and moving forward. It will take time, but you can do it! Good luck.

Today: 45 minutes on treadmill @ 4% incline 1.5 miles. Stretchy band upper body, but the damn band broke in half. It is my amazing new strength.:cursing: No worries, I have two back up stretchy bands.