Randi

A few us discussed the foreign object thing in another thread. Here's the link for anyone interested: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19316&highlight=Foreign+Object

Confused, The lapband consists of three components -- silicone band, tubing, and port. These three components comprise what is referred to as the "lapband system." This entire system is implanted into the stomach cavity; the silicone band is placed at the top part of the stomach to form a small pouch, the tubing connects the silicone band to the port, and the port is sutured to the stomach muscle. Once the band is in place and approximately 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, the doctor/surgeon will use a syringe filled with saline to access the implanted port and initiate a fill. The lapband system is a PERMANENT implant and is not removed unless you have psychological or medical issues that require band removal.

Starting Over, I haven't met with my surgeon yet, but I had the opportunity to feel a regular sized port that was implanted in one of the surgery group's patient. To me, it felt hard as a rock and was huge. So, I've been trying to find information on the low profile port to do some comparison. Are your fills done under fluoro?

LOL. Randi is my nickname. If it's any consolation, I had to go with Randi P. at the obesityhelp.com website because Randi was already taken.

Were you banded by Dr. Spivak in Houston? I've been all over that Inamed site and the two ports listed look to be the same size to me -- from the top and the side.

Thanks, Jo Ann.

Jo Ann, I know. From the instant I heard about the possibility of a low profile port, I've been seeing what I can find on the Internet. About the closest I've gotten is that Dr. Spivak installs them for an additional $700.

Josephine, Is this the site you're referencing: http://inamed.com/site/ ?

Every now and then, I see a post by someone talking about a low profile port. I've done an Internet search, but I can't find any information on this type of port. Is there another name for it?

Bandy, Do a search for Weight Watchers. There are some others LBTers on that program. The primary thing I remember one of them writing was that they were following bandster's rules, not Weight Watchers. I went back and did a search and found several links addressing Weight Watchers within LBT. Here's one to explore: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=23591&highlight=weight+watchers

Yasmina, I found some surgeons in your area that do banding. Here's a link for your research: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/professionals/find-professional.php

Diana, First, call back and get clarification. Then, if what you're being told is that you would have to self-pay for the surgery, find another surgeon. Here's a link that should help you do just that: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/professionals/find-professional.php

Rainstorm . . . on a metal roof. indoors or outdoors

Neither. Jersey Knit Sheets Mow the grass or clean the house

Josephine, You've NEVER had a fill?! That's absolutely amazing. I would sure like to know how you've accomplished that amazing feat.

Slow A$$ Sally Sold Yarn COLTS

Read Over Somebody Else's Shoulder QUIET

Gross Rashes Often Unleash Pus WORST

Hmmmm, maybe giving it to her beforehand might work better and saying something like . . . "I ran across this great article on LBT and I'm sharing with everyone I know who isn't married yet." IMHO, she may be more receptive to the article if you give it to her before she starts talking about marrying the guy rather than after.

Wow! An offer that's good for six months! That's absolutely fantastic!

Jack, She'll get the lapband she should have gotten in the first place.

HunnyBunny, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've held on to that article for years and every once in a while it comes in handy.

Julie, Congratulations! I can hardly wait for the updates on your fabulous new job! Keep us posted.

Neither you nor your parents can compare your weight loss to that of another person and especially not a male. Most Males have more muscle mass than females and therefore lose weight more rapidly in a shorter period of time. No matter what your parents want, weight loss is individual to each person. To make an accurate comparison on how well you're doing in your weight loss efforts, you can only use the medically defined band weight loss expectations. The minimun weight loss expected for the band is 1 (0.4536 kg) to 2 (0.9072 kg) pounds a week, which equates to 4 (1.8144 kg) to 8 (3.6287 kg) pounds a months. Do you realize you've almost doubled that?! So, I think it's time for you to "school" your parents because it's obvious to me they may be missing some key informaton about the band and how it works. I've found the "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" book to be a very good reference. So don't be down on yourself or the band because you are doing one hell of a job!

According to my surgeon, hair loss is a side affect of weight loss surgery. If you start out with thinner hair, your hair loss may seem more profound than someone who has thicker hair. Also, he said the good news is that at the time your hair starts falling out is also the time the new growth begins ... something about hair follicles going to sleep then waking up, yada, yada, yada. My hair has always been thin. After my daughter was born, my hair starting falling out. So, I'm not looking forward to the hair loss I will probably experience 4 to 6 months after banding.