Andy Liz

Rachel - I had PCOS too, have since had a hysterectomy and have never felt better - except for the fat. I have not had the band placed yet, but have heard on several sites it referred to as the "fertility band". That tells me something right there! I wish I had this technology available to me before my hysterectomy but I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Yes, any weight loss is beneficial to increase fertility in a PCOS patient. I went to a very aggressive fertility specialist and he continually encouraged me to eat a low carb diet and to lose weight. I'm sure your doc has talked to you about the insulin resistance issues involved with PCOS....? If not, it would definitely be worth investigating. Good luck to you and keep me posted on your decision and progress. In keeping with this thread, I've chosen the band over RNY or other bypass surgeries because of everything that's already been mentioned but my biggest deciding factor is because it's not permanent. I just don't like the idea of my plumbing being reworked! Andy Liz Planning on a July banding with Rumbaut

Hi Celeste! I agree with Jacqui about the carbs - there's nothing wrong with healthy carbs - it's just about getting the crap out of our diets. A low carb diet is actually based on the premise that the body uses carbs for energy first and that if you don't consume many your body has to resort to using it's fat stores. I believe from what I've heard so far the band diet is naturally low in carbs because Protein is eaten first, then veggies, then carbs (ideally healthy ones). Some advice I've heard recently is to actually increase your calories when you hit a plateau. The idea behind this is that the body has temporarily gone into "starvation" mode and is trying to hold onto all the calories that we consume. Increasing intake by a couple hundred calories of good healthy foods should get the metabolism fired up again and the weight loss rolling. This does make sense but I've had no personal experience with it. I just think that if I ate less than 1,500 cals a day my body might go into shock cause it's used to a lot more than that right now! Good luck with your continued weight loss and don't panic - it'll start coming off again. It sounds to me like you're doing all the right things and making really wise changes in your lifestyle - they're bound to pay off in the long run! Andy Liz Hopefully banded in July with Dr. Rumbaut

Great idea! I hope I get to have some say in its placement!

Hi Amy! Where are you having your apron surgery in Mexico, what's the cost and did your insurance cover it? Sorry with all the questions but I think my tummy will cause me problems later too. I'm going to wait for the cosmetic surgery until I've lost the weight but I can completely understand what you're saying. I got a pilates cd and can't do half the stuff because my stomach is all in the way! I haven't had the band placed yet either and am hoping for a date in July - we'll see...? I'm going to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. A friend of mine went there just a few weeks ago and was extremely pleased with the facility and personnel. Good luck to you! Andy Liz

Hi 3loves! It's very important to tell the hospital personnel of your allergy when you go for surgery - multiple times - tell anyone you have contact with. Most hospitals use a betadine solution to prep the skin and the iodine in it is what triggers the allergic reaction. If they know this ahead of time they can use an alternate skin cleanser and eliminate the possibility of another reaction. If you ever have to have a future radiologic test performed where they use a contrast medium they should ask you if you are allergic to shellfish. The radiology techs also have alternate choices to use if you are. I'd definitely be tested for allergens - whichever way you choose - just so you know what bothers you and those triggers can be avoided. Good luck and I wish you a very successful surgery! Andy Liz

Thank you all for your responses. I honestly don't know where the doc will place my port because my entire abdomen is full of fat...! That's where I carry the majority of my weight so it's going to be interesting to see what he can do. I'm thinking the really long needle needed to access the port won't be much fun either - yikes! Anyway, I appreciate all your replies and wish you all the very best in your weight loss journey! Andy Liz

I'm not sure if I'll have PS or not. I haven't even had the band placed yet (hoping for July) but I'll just wait and see when I get to that point. I read somewhere on the internet that banded patients lose weight slowly enough that the skin is better able to accomodate the changes and that unless your original BMI was 45 or above it most likely won't be necessary. However, I think many things play a part in this. As for me, most of my weight is carried in my upper body (belly) and my hips and legs are fairly slim. So I'm thinking I'm going to have quite an apron as I reach goal. My desire is not and never has been to look hot in a bikini so as long as I can be healthy and do more of the things I enjoy I don't think I'll mind a little extra skin. If I do get a big ole flap on my stomach though - it just might have to come off. We'll see! Continued success to you all and be sure to take pictures of your before and after if you decide to do surgery. I love looking at all the successes! Andy