NaNa

Sorry but you are not correct, the 4cc band IS NO LONGER SOLD in the USA, even IF surgeons wanted them, if you got a 4cc band in 2012, IT WAS NOT IN THE USA. I lived with a 4cc band for over 7 years, I lost 130 pounds with it, I got restriction very quick with it, but NOT without problems, I had acid issues from day one of surgery, it was hard on my body, I had it removed last year due to chronic back pain, reflux, gastritis, inflamed esophagitis. I've not had to take any PPis' or acid reducers since my 4cc band was removed and hernia repaired with my new AP band.

Why are you thanking this poster? You DO NOT have a 4cc band, you have a non-adjustable band, that has not been used for over 20 in the USA (it was only done under clinical trials), the non-adjustable band has NEVER been FDA approved in the US.

Missy, You've been very polite with this poster, I am more direct, but honest, I sometimes have to be direct because I've seen so many things on these boards over the years and sometimes trolls will try to peddle or advertise on the sly and hopefully she is not trying to resurrect the "non-adjustable band" I am not sure if this poster is REAL or not, because as you mentioned anyone who cares about themselves and their body, would NOT have gotten a non-adjustable band if they've done proper research. And you are correct, the 4cc band DOES NOT COMPARE with a non-adjustable band. The non-adjustable band was NEVER FDA approved in the US. The 4cc band was, even though it causes issues for many long term, it was still better than the non-adjustable band. I lived with a 4cc band for 7 years, and there IS a difference with a 4cc band and AP band. The 4cc band was MUCH harder on my body, I had constant burning from day one of my surgery and reflux and had to be on PPis all the time. With my new AP band, I've never had any burning (so far), or reflux or had to take PPis, also I developed a large hernia with that old 4cc band that had to be repaired, reason I had to get the old band removed, also the 4cc band could not be unbuckled to repair the hernia, the new AP bands can be unbuckled to fix pouch dilations and hernia without removing the entire band. However, most lost weight quicker with the older 4cc bands because they were high pressured and many got restriction very quick with the older bands, but they are NOT safe long term, for many people, some still have them long term, but probably not without reflux and acid issues. If this poster is not a troll, she needs support, but she should not be rude and attack people who are trying to help her, support is not about roses all the time. I find it offensive for anyone to lie to this poster (and sugar coat) and tell her everything is going to be OK, when it's probably NOT, she needs to prepare for complications and have a rainy day fund in the event complications occur, she needs to UNDERSTAND clearly that if her non-adjustable band erodes in her body, it will take a SKILLED bariatric surgeon to help her, whether in the US or Mexico and she will have to pay out of pocket if complications happen, and if she goes to the ER in the USA they will NOT know how to help her with a non-adjustable band.

Congrats! Job well done, you look beautiful!

No one knows how long the band will last, it's a foreign object, there could be many reasons why someone may have to get their band replaced or removed. Some have medical reasons, sometimes there are malfunctions with parts like leaks, some have very poor aftercare. The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge of how the band works: Here are some things you may need to ask your surgeon: 1. How many lap bands has he/she has performed? greater than 500 is best 2. What is his/her complication rate? Do they convert many band patients to Bypass or Sleeve, if so, BEWARE. 3. Research the new eating habits of how to chew your food with the band to prevent frequent vomiting (frequent vomiting can cause lap band complications long term, like horrible reflux, bad enough to get the band removed). I will be 8 years post op this month, however I had my older band replaced 4cc band, that is no longer used in the US due to higher complication rate from Pouch and esophageal dilation. However these same complications can occur with the newer bands, but they occur less often, as long as the patient don't keep it dangerously too tight. The reason I got the band was because I can get it removed if something happens and I can always get it adjusted to help with weight loss. I would do the band over again in a heartbeat. Good luck.

Not sure why you are getting pesky with me, I am just being honest, we can only pray for you -- and you will need lots of prayers...and you tell me to go to Hell? I am putting those links out there, in case others are thinking about getting a non-adjustable band, I only speak the truth regardless if it stings or not.

Mexican surgeons could ONLY get the old 4cc bands, probably of lower quality also, so those who go to Mexico are gambling with their health, more than those who get their bands in the US. Who knows, Mexican surgeons have probably RAN OUT of 4cc bands, since Allergan has halted product, and it could be that Mexican surgeons have now concocted some type of "vooddoo" procedure...aka non-adjustable band again.... Mexican surgeons CANNOT get the new AP bands, they are ONLY sold to surgeons in the USA. http://www.lapband.c...fording-lapband CONSIDERING HAVING LAP-BAND® SURGERY OUTSIDE THE U.S.? The LAP-BAND® AP System is the most technologically advanced gastric band in the world today; however it is not available in Mexico. For long-term success all bariatric procedures, including the LAP-BAND® System, require follow-up and support from a bariatric practice—something that a doctor in another country may not be able to provide. Regular care and follow-up with a qualified surgeon close to home is important for losing the most weight with your LAP-BAND® System. Contact a local LAP-BAND® System specialist, to learn more about your insurance coverage an

How can anybody HELP you when you got something done to your body that NO ONE gets any longer? We have NO CLUE of how to help you, you don't have lap band, also if you have any problems, you will have a VERY HARD TIME getting help from any surgeon in the US. US Surgeons barely take other patients from the US, due to legal reasons, let alone someone who had a procedure done they are probably not familiar with, hopefully you can go back to your surgeon in Mexico if anything goes wrong. I wish you luck with it and hope you have an uneventful and successful journey.

Congrats on your surgery! But what you are saying does not many ANY TYPE OF SENSE, and I am hoping you are joking or either a troll for your sakes. If you got a NON ADJUSTABLE BAND, your surgeon's license should be revoked, but take that back you can't sue or question any type of surgery you had in Mexico. Please be advised, if you honestly think you are "saving money" think again, you very well may end up spending more than many people who've got an expensive band THE RIGHT WAY, in the USA when it's all over, because the non-adjustable band has not been done by ANY surgeon in over 15 years (who admitted it), due to the complications with it. I've heard many horror stories over the 8 years with folks going to Mexico for surgery, some only had a port did not have a band. Not try to scare you, but you probably have no clue of what that surgeon did to you. 4cc/10cm bands are no longer used in the USA, due to the high rate of complications, but you would have been WAY better off with the 4cc band than the non-adjustable band. You will need a whole lot of prayers and luck with what you allowed a surgeon in Mexico to do to your body. Who was your surgeon?

If your surgeon is not trying to get to the bottom of your issues, you may need to search for a new one. I had to do the same thing, many surgeons now are pushing lap banders to Sleeves, because they don't want to deal with lap band problems or aftercare. If you don't feel comfortable with revising to the Sleeve, don;t do it, the Sleeve has its own set of issues, among severe reflux that you may never get rid of, and your surgeon will not have to deal with any of your issues any longer, after you revise to the Sleeve. I urge you to get a second opinion and search for lap band friendly surgeon.

Wishing you well, and hopefully all your pains will go away after removal, it's good that you do have that choice, this was one of the main reasons I chose the band was if something goes wrong, I can get it removed, with other weight loss surgeries, they don't have that luxury. Good luck.

I don't know your medical history, I was just saying those who have achalasia pre band are not candidates for the lap band, and if you developed it AFTER the band, does not mean everyone else will. I've had a band for 8 years and I've never developed it, apparently it is rare occurrence, but horrible if it happens to you. Just FYI, IF you got your band placed in the USA, later than 2007, most likely you DID NOT have a high pressured lap band. The AP lap band is a lower pressured band, I had the first generation lap band when Inamed was the manufacturer (which was a high pressured band), here are links to different bands throughout its life-cycle. http://www.wlshelp.c...alize-band.html My old 4cc/10cm lap band WAS high pressured, surgeons quit using the 4cc bands for this very reason, they were more prone to complications, like pouch and esophageal dilation when the band was filled tightly for long periods of time. Those who go to Mexico and Canada, the 4cc bands are still used, this is why those who go to Mexico to get a lap band ARE NOT getting the safer AP lap bands and they need to know that, and they are NOT deemed safe no longer in the US. But many lost weight a lot quicker with the older 4cc bands overall than the newer AP bands because they were much tighter and very easy to get restriction. Is everyone doomed with the older 4cc bands? No some people are doing well with them, but MOST have to get a revision or their bands removed due to the higher pressure which can cause damage to the esophagus long term and band slippage. That was one reason I changed to the new AP band, however, band slippage can still occur with the newer AP bands -- if someone keeps it dangerously too tight and vomit frequently -- or have any pre existing issues -- or if the surgeon does not place it properly, but the chances and are lower with the newer AP bands and advanced techniques in suturing the band in place. If you need more studies on this I can provide links, I am not an expert the AGB, but I have learned a lot over the years, by living with my band and seeing others issues, and reading tons of studies.

Your post mentioned: Pre operative manometry testing might have shown that the patient was not a candidate for AGB, since this is a high pressure system that has the potential to cause damage to nerves in the gastro-esophageal junction, causing achalasia like symptoms. Bingo... First of all I am not saying this is YOUR fault, and I am truly sorry that you suffered complications, I do not wish this on anyone. But the purpose of my post is to let anyone know that scar tissue ALONE DOES not cause lap band complications, there has to be some "other underlying issues such as a too short esophagus, achalasia (which is a complication of the esophagus without any lap band) being banded will make it worse. I am ALSO sure if someone lives with a too tight band for long periods of time, and suffer band slippage, scar tissue will form under that slipped band area, that is what I was told by my surgeon. Everyone is not a candidate for the lap band, hiatal hernia are contradicted with the band also, I got my repaired, does not mean it will not come back, does this mean everyone that gets a band will get a hiatal hernia? No, but it's good to share our stories so that it may help someone with similar issues. Scar tissue forms around the lap band anyway because it helps hold it in place long term along with the sutures. Who am I? I am a long term lap bander going on 8 years and have seen it ALL....been a member here over 7 years.

This is very sad, but true in our society. The more you weigh, the more discrimination someone may experience. People don't see YOU, or the really nice personally, or skills you have they only see an obese person that they believe obese people don't have control over their life. Some even believe obese people are lazy, have poor hygiene, smelly, uneducated, not smart, etc. I have to be honest though, I've had doors open for me from men when I was obese, but at the same time, I truly believe I was not given certain jobs when I was heavier. But when I first lost my weight with my band, I got extreme attention, sometimes unwanted attention, and I noticed I got jobs REALLY easy and quick, and a lot more money, since I work contract and technology jobs, However, when I was heavier I was "grilled more" and asked more questions about my skills, it's really a sad sad situation.

. I understand, many people who have to travel for fills are most reluctant to go back to get saline removed, but also more likely to suffer more band complications than those who have a surgeon nearby. Give it 2 weeks, if you are still having issues, you really need to get some out. If you are too tight -- eventually that saline will come out by force, but you don't want to end up getting all the saline removed, WITH a possible dilated pouch, you want to prevent complicaitons. If you go back immediately and only get maybe 1 or .2cc removed you may be at your green zone and feel good and lose weight, but if you keep a too tight band too long, it could cause some serious damage and you could very well lose your band too. Be safe and careful, good luck.

What do you want us to tell you? Pain should not be part of eating, if you are too tight and don't like how it feel, but like the scale moving, it will be hard for anyone to convince you that you need to get a small amount out. I am not here to tell you what you want to hear, I am here to tell you what will help you, and the lap band has a VERY high complication rate for this very reason alone, being too tight and not removing saline, after a recent fill when you know full well it is too tight. If you are having pain with drinking your band is too tight, you need to face that fact, the pain will only get worse and you can damage your esophagus and cause enough damage to prevent you from getting a band again. Some people have more swelling than others, you are about 5 days post fill, sometimes a fill does not settle in until about 2-3 weeks later, and it could get a lot worse before it's over, and it may get better and could just be swelling. In the meantime, you may want to sip slowly and start your meals with warm tea, and if you cannot eat anything solid after 2 weeks, you are putting your band at risk/ Sometimes getting a very small amount like out immediately like .1cc can put you at the sweet spot, fills are NOT an exact science and sometimes the surgeon can go over the green zone into the red zone and it is up to YOU, to go back, and be honest of how you are feeling and get a little bit out to prevent any type of complication. Good luck

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It's really a shame, and if you don't have insurance in our country you are pretty much screwed! They even had a investigation on a particular hospital recently on the news of "over billing" for simple things like those little tiny cups that they bring your pill in while you are in the hospital and I think they billed the insurance about $1,500 for each tiny cup that they gave each patient, which is criminal. The medical business is BIG business, and sadly most people lives on the line, I guess it's a slippery slope because in some countries healthcare is free, BUT, some people may not get specialized care even if they have a lot of money and they come to the US IF they are rich to get that specialized care. But something really needs to be done about fraud and excessive and outrageous billing practices in the US healthcare system.

Sorry you had to get your band removed that must have been devastating. However, two things caught my eye, the things that other vets used to warn me about over 8 years ago, and sadly MANY newbies are not listening or being educated on warning signs with the lap band, many ignore the warnings especially if they are losing weight, so it's extremely hard to convince someone to get a small unfill if the scale are moving. When you first mentioned: I've had a ruff couple of months...started having reflux in June, difficulty swallowing That ruff couple of months really meant your band was way too tight, I have seen others refuse to get saline removed from the band, you decided to do something when the reflux started, which is often times TOO LATE, and the band has slipped and permanent lap band damage has occurred. Time is of essence to prevent permanent damage to the lap band, my pouch got dilated with my old band in less than 6 weeks, so damage can occur pretty quickly if someone is too tight and don't get saline removed immediately, this is the part where AFTERCARE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT WITH THE LAP BAND, because if someone can't get to their surgeon in time before damage is done, they risk losing the band or living a horrible banded life filled with vomiting and horrible reflux, pain and burning. You also mentioned you only had 2ccs in your band, this has NOTHING to do with it, it's NEVER how much saline is in your band, it's how you feel, some people are too tight at 1cc, sometimes the surgeon places a too small band for someone's anatomy which can cause issues too, if your band was too tight at 2cc, you should have immediately got some saline taken out, banded life should never be rough. I've had a band almost 8 years and I've read NUMEROUS studies, how lap band complication, occur, I even had a complication myself 6 years ago with my first band mild pouch dilation, my first surgeon filled me too tight, (and I traveled, which caused additional swelling) which was treated immediately when I got home, with completely emptying the band, and medication, before too much damage was done) plus I had a hiatal hernia last year that also caused some pain, and every time I would fill the band optimally I would get reflux. My new surgeon told me that my first band was never placed properly, also it was damaged from being too tight in the first year, But I never had band slippage, or difficulty eating unless my band was too tight, but, I decided to get my hernia repaired, and my surgeon removed my old band, port and tubing, and replaced it with a new AP small band all in one surgery, and my second band surgery was a WHOLE LOT EASIER than my first band surgery Why was my second band replacement recovery was easier? Could be that my new surgeon has more experience placing bands, I was my first surgeons 10th band placement over 8 years ago, and my second surgeon had done over 500 bands and had much more experience I had a LOT of scar tissue/adhesion's too when my surgeon went in to replace my new band, and SCAR tissue is very common after band revision, some people have more scar tissue than others, and too much scar tissue will make it very difficult to revise to any weight loss surgery band or not. But some surgeons are very skilled to clean up the scar tissue to make it possible for weight loss surgery and revisions. My surgeon told me it took an extra hour during my band replacement to clean up all the scar tissue before placing the second band. Also you are correct everyone is not a candidate to get rebanded, some people have too much damage to the esophagus and band slipped too bad, this is why it is VERY important for lap banders to know the warning signs of being too tight, and THERE ARE WARNINGS, such as not able to eat solids after a fill adjustment, many people will NOT go back to get saline removed in fear that it will cost too much money, or they think they can lose weight more quickly, also frequent vomiting are warnings, coughing and reflux are lap band killers, and when the reflux starts this often indicate that the band has already slipped to some degree. Can reflux be treated with a mild damaged band? Yes, I lived with a mild pouch dilation with my old band for over 7 years, plus I had a un diagnosed hiatal hernia which also contributed to reflux, and I was still able to get good restriction, but I had to take PPi's to control it, and be mindful of not eating too close to bedtime and use pillows to prop my head. Thank god, and lessons learned with my new band I have no refux -- yet because my new surgeon repaired the hiatal hernia before he placed my new band and I am almost 1 year post op with my new band. Again, I had scar tissue too, but I was able to have a successful band revision ALL IN ONE SURGERY, I have never read any studies to support scar tissue that cause lap band complications, however the symptoms you mentioned are WELL DOCUMENTED as band slippage and pouch dilation from being too tight.

Many get different signs after band surgery, satisfied is different from pre band. Here are some of the signs that I've had and others over the years: 1. Burping 2. Sneezing 3. Watery eyes 4. A "sigh" 5. hiccup If someone continue to eat to the point of sliming or Pbing, they've gone too far, and many people go too far all the time, and going to far frequently on a very restricted band can cause pouch dilation over time.

Most surgeons "Prime" the band with a little saline during installation, priming is really not filling the band, surgeons do this to make sure that the band is working, and there are no defects or leaks, prior to installing it inside of you, and they usually leave a very small amount in, for example, with my first band .1cc was left in with my 4cc band , and with my second AP small band .5cc was left after priming. With my first band, I was VERY restricted, I did not go through bandster hell, because I had tight restriction right out of surgery and lost 40 pounds in 2 months. However, with my second AP band that was installed last November, I had a bigger band and had more priming Fluid of .5cc, and I had NO restriction after about 3 weeks post op, and it was very annoying because I did not get restriction with my second band until about 5 months post op. Many post op newbies, really are not experienced enough to deal with tight restriction right out of surgery, most do not have any restriction until a few fills, and this gives them time to learn their new eating, you must do this now, and take the time to chew your food to mush, and take pea size bites, this can be overwhelming for a new post, but you MUST learn to slow way down to prevent vomiting, and when I say this...you need to take heed because band slippage is real and can happen if you do not control your vomiting, especially before your band heals. So enjoy your restriction and use it to your advantage and get weight off quickly, because many others will have to wait for months to feel any type of restriction. Good you are feeling better. Good luck

Everyone's experience will be different, some people never get restriction until 1 year post op, where some have tight restriction right out from surgery and never need a fill. The thing she should be concerned about is not able to get down any liquids, at this point, if she can, she could be progressing her diet too soon.

You are not a week out yet, you are still swollen, some people are more swollen more than others. Most people do: 1 week clears - broth, popsicles, Jello, Water crystal lite 2 weeks full liquids - Protein drinks, thin soups, cream of wheat, etc. 3 weeks mushies - pureed tuna, chicken & egg salad, refried beans/cheese, apples sauce. 4 weeks, soft foods like baked fish, soft veggies, veggie casseroles, etc. The things you are experiencing IS normal post op healing, but you are probably making it worse by progressing your food too quick. Also if you can't get any room temp liquids down, while slowly sipping, it is NOT normal, and you need to call your surgeon ASAP and let them know, you could easily get dehydrated.. Careful with gagging, if you have a gag reflux and easy to throw up, you need to find a way to stop this right now, because frequent vomiting and the lap band will be a nightmare, don't even get used to gagging unless you don't mind band slippage in the future. Also stay away from anything cold like milkshakes, I know you did not mention it but many people will do this, and smoothies. Healing IS VERY IMPORTANT, your band needs to set in place and heal properly and you don't want to vomit, you could slip your band before it heals, so take it easy.. Most surgeons give patients PPi's like Prevacid or anti-nausea meds to help with any acid issues and nausea since trauma was done to your stomach. You will probably feel better if you sip room temp water, constantly, and eat teaspoons of broth or jello frequently since you can't get down much. Always progress your food as tolerated, if you can't tolerate any type of food, don't do it, and go back a previous phase until you are fully recovered. Slow down, and take it easy and you will do fine. Good luck

Apparently it's not that bad yet, since you feel you can wait until Tuesday, but in the meantime, you may want to sip warm liquids and room temp Water and nothing cold, and warm broth, and get a heat pad and put it to your chest, this sometimes helps reduce swelling, and if you are able to keep that down, if you can't keep anything down, you may need to go to the ER if you feel lightheaded and dizzy.

Not keeping liquids down means you are too tight regardless if it is immediate after post fill swelling or anytime. If you eventually are able to keep liquids down, then how on earth will you be able to eat any solids? Sometimes removing the smallest amount possible of about .1cc will make a difference since you are 5 years out. If you do decide to keep this fill, be warned, these types of fills causes, esophageal damage, slippage and pouch dilation. Good luck