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While I am so sorry for the patients of Eric Pinnar that were left high and dry I am asking that when referring to Dr. Pinnar, please add his first name. Reason being is that his father, Robert Pinnar is also a surgeon (weight loss and such). I would hate for Dr. Robert Pinnar's office and wonderful staff to be confused with his son, Eric. I truly hope that the patients of Dr. Eric Pinnar's office that were left, find a new outstanding office to help them along with their journey to getting healthier. As for Dr. Eric Pinnar, I can only say that I did meet with him and his staff prior to my surgery, but felt a better connection with his dad, Dr. Robert Pinnar and his staff Paul Marino (P.A.), Sue (nurse) and Shara. Good luck to all.

Hi Melissa. thanks for the reply. Yikes, so you just were banded this year? I was thinking that I would be more diligent the next time around. I had feelings during the last two years that if I could remove this I would. But now that I am faced with that, I am totally second guessing that. I have regained twenty pounds so that tells me that I need a "tool" to help me. Is it always in the back of your mind about slipping again? Did you doctor think it would or did he/she think you would do just as great? thanks

Hi everyone. I have a question. Why do the plication AND lap-band together. I have a slipped band and I am currently researching ALL my options. I know the benefits of a plication over the sleeve, no leaks due to the staples from the removed part of the stomach (major plus). Are you only wanting the band on top of the plication because of quicker weight loss and the loss of hunger feelings until your first fill? Why possibly go through with fills, unfills, PBings, that horrid stuck sensation if you dont have to? I have learned a lot in my quest for my decision, the main thing I have learned is that the plication or sleeve is everything the band is but without the isssues. Please remember I am only inquiring and do not mean to offend anyone or their decision. I am not looking forward to another surgery, but I have to, so I want to make the best choice for me this time. Thank you for sharing your reasons and opinions.

Hi Mimi, I have read some of your post where you did mention you would go with the sleeve. If I may? Did you consider the sleeve before rebanding?

good evening fellow bandsters. Soooo my band has slipped. It took a while to find the issue but now I am faced with what to do. Have it removed, repositioned or revise. I had success with my band. 70 lbs within a year and half. Yes the filling and unfilling and PBings were not fun, but 9 times out of 10 they were most likely my fault. My question that I am throwing out is if you have had a slip and decided to re-band how are things going? Better weight loss, slower, is it different? Whatever you are willing to share would help me. I do know that I will always need some help with my weight. So that is why I am leaning towards it being repositioned. thanks melissa

Hello everyone. I am guilty as charged for not keeping up on the forums. Life gets in the way. So I have just found out that I have a slipped band. I started having minor issues about 7 months ago, able to eat maybe one bite then nothing at all for days. It was all very weird. Since my band I have had a love/hate relationship with my band and have on occasion wished the thing was gone. But now that I am faced with the real possibility of having it removed I am scared. I have had success with the band (and total non-successful days) but have currently gained weight back (due to a total unfil). My choices are to remove, replace or revise to a sleeve.... Because of my slip, I am on major reflux medication and diagnosed with gastroparesis. I wanted the band over other WLS because of the reversible aspect. But I am finding out that it is not so. I have major scar tissue. I didnt want to my stomach to be cut and removed, but it is looking as though my stomach will have to be cleaned up when I go in for surgery. I have yet to make my decision. Have any other May 2009 bandster made a switch?

I work in radiology so I understand the demands of moving patients. And for you in ICU-even bigger demands. For me, I told the people I work the closest to. My doctor restricted moving patients for four weeks. I went back to work in 11 days. So my co-workers helped out a lot. I picked up that slack in other areas, paper work, stocking supplies, charting etc...Now I actually use the proper techniques we were taught way back in school. Lift with your legs, center yourself etc..... good luck with your surgery. there are plenty of nurses on here so I am sure they will share their experiences on how it has worked out for them.

Congratulations Elgrad, this has been a long time waiting for you. I have seen your name here and there and I know you are glad you finally did it. As for knowing? I am over 4 months now, and I still can't believe I have a band. My eating habits have become a way of life. I know when I'm eating that I am taking smaller bites and chew forever (dentures here i come) but my head still hasn't wrapped itself around the idea that it's in there. However, if I get stuck then I KNOW it's there.

1-scars- I have a total of five the longest being about an inch. they are healing very well and have started to fade. But as Julia and LollyMoe said, I don't care, I thought I would about the scars but I am sooo much happier with the weight gone than the scars. well worth it for me. 2-eating- I miss eating, like I use to. I am struggling still with the head hunger and the urge to WANT to eat more. But it's simple, I CANT eat the way I use to unless I want to spend time in pain and PB'ing, which I don't. so I can still enjoy the foods I like, just modified (no bun on a burger, which you find out you don't miss that much). As far as going out with friends to eat, it's no big deal, you really start to appreciate the TIME spent with your friends than the meal itself. Good luck with your journey. I am glad you found this site, the people are amazing and never be afraid to ask. We all have been down the same road (in a sense) and are here to help.

I again with Tricia on the vitamin E, the PS at my doctors office also said to try CVS brand scar gel. I have used it now for 6 weeks and I have noticed my scars smoothing out and fading, but that could also come from time. But either way, I figure it can't hurt. Good luck.

John, thanks for the kind words. My weight loss has been slow and steady and I am very happy with it. I had my little unfill today and tomorrow I can start eating again. We will see. But after those few PB episodes I am almost scared to eat again.

Going in for a un-fill tomorrow. I just had my third fill last Thursday and I have had three PB's since. I was truly careful and still no luck. I chewed till my food was paste and after, only, three bites I started to feel it in my chest and knew it wasn't good. So my doctor will see me and remove just a tad. I will say that during my PB's I was cursing this band, but I know it was just the pain talking.

Hi to everyone. I am Melissa, I will be 38 in four days. I am divorced and have a 6 year old daughter and a 15 year old dog. Glad to be here.

there is a plastic surgeon in my doctors office and she said to apply CVS brand scar gel. I have been doing it for just under two weeks and my scars seem to be smoothing out. I am 3 months post op so it could just be normal healing, but, for me, I feel it can't hurt to try and takes no extra time. good luck to all.