ericsmom

btt - anyone? Bueller??

Has anyone had knee replacement surgery since you've been banded? I have bilateral degenerative osteoarthritis in my knees as a result of my weight. Now that I've lost over 100 lbs, I am having BOTH knees replaced at the same time. I know - you're thinking "Is she nuts?!" Well, we're doing minimally invasive - they do not cut the quad muscle, they go out to the side around it. Then they control the pain with an epidural...they are both so bad that we have to do them at the same time because one isn't strong enough to handle the stress while I rehab the other. I don't work in the summer because I work for our school district, so I will have 10 weeks to do nothing but rehab. I'll be staying in a rehab center for up to two weeks. Surgery is June 15th. So, I was just curious if anyone has had knee (or any other joint) replacement surgery since being banded? If I hadn't have gotten the band, I wouldn't be getting this done! What have been your experiences?

I was just reading Mark's post...when I went in to the hospital for my sleep study I was falling asleep during conversations, at the computer, at the wheel... During my test I quit breathing for a whole 2 minutes except for a quick breath...I quit breathing 183 times in 88 minutes. I was very sick. My CPAP has saved my life. I wear the mask, but I'm used to it...just call me "Mama Vader" LOL!

I have severe obstructive sleep apnea...I've used a CPAP for about 3 years now. Even though I'm down 105 lbs, I'm still using it as I have more weight to lose and I'm not ready to give it up yet. I think many people who are overweight have sleep apnea. What is a bipafor?

Congrats on entering bandland...sounds like you're doing well your first few days. Good luck to you!

Hi Terry, Sounds like you are doing well...I was at the Duluth Clinic on the 20th...we ended up "tweaking" me and Tony put .4 more in, so I'm at 8.8 now. It's good restriction and I'm pleased. I used to go to the races every Friday, but I haven't been since my knees got bad a couple of years ago because it's too hard to go up the bleacher steps. My girlfriend's brother has a car - he used to drive it and now has someone else drive it for him...Rick Milinkovich is the owner of the car and Al Uotinen drives his car. Sounds like you have fun back in the pits! I'm sure you can't wait to get going to the Raceway! Keep up the good work and I'm sure we'll chat again soon!

jlynn, Sorry to hear you're having issues...hopefully you'll get them solved. I'm surprised the Upper GI and the Gastroscopy haven't told you any more. Unfortunately the bands slip sometimes, but they should be able to put it back in place. Keep us posted on what you find out when you go back to Deer River. I see Tony today, but I don't think I'll need a fill - I'm at 8.4 in my 10cc band. Keep us posted!

Checking in from Superior! I had my surgery at SMDC like Terry did...as far as losing faster or slower than regular GB patients, I'm down 101+ in 9 mos. and that is pretty fast. I would probably be down even more if I exercised regularly, but I need two new knees (which I plan to have done this summer) and then I'll be able to walk, walk, walk!! This IS a tool...you still have to have the mindset to use the tool. It is 7 times safer than the regular GB and better for you. We digest food and absorb nutrients just like everyone else...GB patients don't. They have to take a lot of Vitamin supplements and they can lose their hair (or it thins out) and they cannot reverse what they have done. Now we don't have to EVER remove the band, but if we need to, the option is there. Any questions about my experience, just ask :girl_hug:

Way to go, Julie!!! Legs crossed and a plane seat belt with an extra tail hanging from it!! SO happy for you!

<p><p> </p> <p> </p> Hi Terry - my co-worker's surgery went well...I told him about this forum when he was preparing for his surgery, but I don't think he comes here. He is doing okay - he has had a couple of set backs with self-described times of being a "bad boy" and eating the wrong things, but he's recognized this and is back on track. I haven't asked where he's at lately...I'll have to do that. I see you are banded by now - how did your surgery go? I hope you are doing well. I have an appt. tomorrow with Tony Valentine (Dr. Lenz's PA) and then I see the dietitian, Lisa Spooner. I have known her since 1996 when I did a medically supervised liquid diet program at Miller Dwan. She is wonderful.</p> <p> </p> <p>I was in Hayward this past Friday with girlfriends for shopping and dinner at Famous Dave's. The lake it is on is beautiful. You live in a beautiful area. I live in Superior.</p> <p> </p> <p>I plan to keep a better eye on this thread, so I hope to hear back from you soon that you are doing well post-op.</p></p>

Hi - it's been a while since I've posted here - I see there are more going to SMDC in Duluth. I live in Superior, WI and I had Dr. Jay Lenz at St. Mary's Duluth Clinic and Tony Valentine does his fills. Tony is wonderful! And Dr. Lenz has the best disposition. I just celebrated my 9 mo. bandiversary and I'm down 103 lbs I have 8.4cc's in my 10cc band - which is good restriction for me. Interesting fact - when they test the bands it takes 110 cc's before it will burst... I'm originally from the Twin Cities, so as you all mention where you're from I know where you are. My parents are still there and I have a sister in Stanchfield, just outside of Cambridge. There are three other people where I work that have had the band...they all had Medlin and I had Lenz. My port is on the left side, and theirs is in the middle in front. I guess it depends on where they think it would do best in each person's situation. It may be something to ask your surgeon, no matter where you go, where he typically puts the port. I have had an absolute text book experience and it's the best thing I ever did for myself. When I look back at my before pictures, it makes me cry...the band - this tool - has saved my life. If there are any questions I can answer, feel free to ask!

I was told I would have to reschedule if I had my period...it was fine and I didn't, but they made a point to tell me I couldn't have it...hope it all worked out for you.

Congrats on your decision to work toward a better life for yourself...the tests are a breeze...and your surgery will come sooner than you think! LBT is a great place for support, advice and answers to those unending questions... I'm looking forward to your updates

ROTFLMAO!!!! Too funny!

Congratulations on your decision to have the lap band...and wow! what a great weight loss on top of being cancer-free! Good luck to you!

I have not had a drink while eating since my surgery - it defeats the whole purpose of the fact that the food stays in the pouch longer so you feel satisfied longer. I usually have a lifesaver or other breathmint after I eat to get the saliva going.

As you lose weight your band will become looser because your insides are shrinking, too...I didn't feel good restriction until I hit 6cc's...I keep myself at 8 now and that is pretty strict, but I like it that way... My port is still sewn in where they put it, but it lays sideways because of how I'm changing, too. There is also a bit of air in the saline and some can evaporate in the tube. That has happened to me, too. I'm sure your band is fine...it's still pretty new.

Boy, you sure are having a lot of problems...I was going to suggest that they x-ray you and check things out, but it sounds like you've done that. I really don't know what to say, but I hope you get some answers. Maybe you need to see a different doctor...or hopefully someone here can relate to what you're going through and give you some advice. Congrats on the 85lb wls and good luck to you!

I had my 5th fill last Tuesday...I was at 8cc's and when he pulled out the fluid there was 7cc's that only came out. He said some can evaporate. He put me back to 8cc's. He always aspirates what is in there first and then puts it back in with whatever else he's adding.

Molly - so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I haven't checked in in quite a while. My scale had moved up and down for three weeks now. I'm still at 90lbs lost and hope to get it moving down more in the next week or so as I had another fill last Tuesday. Actually, 1cc had evaporated and I had only 7cc's in there, so they put me back to 8 and that is good restriction for me. I'd still like to lose 10 by Valentine's day - that would put me at 100 lbs lost...we'll see.

I've heard good things about the Crosby Center. Glad to hear you are doing so well! As I am only 6 months out from my surgery, I still go monthly for my visits. Since they didn't start doing lap bands in Duluth until March 17th, I am assuming you chose Crosby because it was the closest center to go besides going to the Twin Cities. Are you in the Brainerd area?

How did your co-workers surgery go? Is he a member on this forum? Would like to hear his opinion on things. I am waiting for my surgery date to be scheduled with Dr. Medlin. I live in Hayward Wi. but having surgery at St Mary's can't wait for this to happen it has been going on since July lot of hoops. Terry Terry - my co-worker's surgery went great and he is down 45 lbs to-date...I've taken to calling him baggy pants LOL! There are 4 of us at Superior Middle School that have the band - 3 had Medlin and I had Lenz. My port is on my left side, as is the first one that had it...the second two have theirs in the middle of their stomach above their belly button. I guess each person is different and they find the best place to put it. Did you get a date set yet?

Hello from Superior!! Looks like we're neighbors jqpublic! I had my surgery July 5th at St. Mary's in Duluth with Dr. Jay Lenz...down 90lbs by 6mo bandiversary!!

Hey - Minnesota Lady - where are you having your surgery? I had mine in Duluth... I had two weeks of pre-op liquid diet and lost 14.5 lbs in that time frame. The first three days were hard, but after that, it was a breeze for me. I had (and still have) Slim Fast shakes with added chocolate Protein powder and I blend it with ice in my Magic Bullet (another must have). I also had a lot of Jell-0, chicken broth, Water, and any other liquid I could get ahold of. The surgery went beautifully, I believe because I followed the doctor's instructions to a T. I just had my 6month bandiversary on January 5th and I'm down 90lbs. Just keep your eye on the results and know that everyone's journey is different. Good luck!

How exciting!! Congratulations!