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I was also lead to believe the Bypass would be better for me but I was self pay and could not afford it much more than the LapBand. I might would have done it if I could have just because I wanted something done. But now 2½ years later and down 84 lbs and an easy journey, I am so glad I did not chose to have my insides all cut up. I feel I would be one of those people who would not get all the nutrition and Vitamins I would have needed. Tonight on TLC (Wednesday) they have a program call “My 600 lb Story” tonight is the last one. But there have been 4 more before this and they take someone more than 600 lbs and they show them having the bypass and then they followed them for 7 years and show their ups and down and struggles. They go year by year each year telling how much was loss or regained year after year for 7 years. They show them when the are having excess skin removed and in the hospital for some setback. It is a very very good show. The people in the story are very honest and from what I have seen it is not an easy road to go down. I am so happy I had the LapBand over the Bypass. But I have met some people who did not do good with the Band and revised to bypass or sleeve. Cheri

That is great! Newbies need mentors. Your Dr thinks you have done a great job. Congratulations!! Cheri

I do not know why it takes so long. But at first I could feel it in the office or walking to the car. Then it would take about 6 hours and after about 1½ years it would take about a week and then wow it would hit. Maybe air moves, or the fuild moves around heck I don't know, you would have to experience it. lol Cheri

Wow 4ccs that is a lot. I was about 2 years with only 3.5 cc and it was sometimes hard for me. My Dr went very slowly on ½ cc at a time. But my fills always took a week or 2 to kick in and twice I had to get a small unfill. But Drs. all have their own way to do it. What size band do you have? Great work on the weightloss!! Cheri

Just tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth and let your doc make his or her recommendation... quote Good Advice!!! Cheri

I would not do a complete unfill. People say it never feels the same. Just get a fill and start over. Cheri

I have read the information on that site. I would be very worried about mixing my meds with something new. Scary thought. But you know we ALL would like an easy fix. I now remember people going to get the shots when I was younger can't remember the results of anyone though. I just think that if it really worked wouldn't the USA have more skinny people? Its not like it is a hidden product. I would not spend the $100 for it. But someone come back and tell us the results I am curious to see what happens to you. But happy with my band, but the fat person inside me is curious Cheri

Make sure you come back and tell us the results good or bad. Good luck!! Cheri

Well I did google it and there are many warnings about it. I say you paid all this money for the surgery, why not just step up your exercise instead of starving yourself. I could probably do it because since surgery I really never have any hunger but I would like to keep what hair I have and what muscle I have. Anyway to each his own, just be careful is you choose to do this. Cheri

The difference like night and day. I was glad I did not have to go back to were I was. It seemed to make me hit the green zone. That is the 2nd time in 2 ½ years I only had .2 taken out after a fill and it really makes a difference, Being too tight is no fun at all. I but I do make it clear to the Dr that i only want that much taken out before he touches me. Cheri

If you are too tight for a normal day you should go get a slight unfill about like a 1/4 cc which should make a lot of difference. But to just get an unfill so you can eat more food for the fun of it still say no. But maybe a slight unfill will help but when you come you can keep it that way and eat better I had a fill months ago ½cc and in two weeks it was too much but I went in and told the Dr I would only let him take about a small amount so he promised. He took .03 out and I was still ahead by .02 and it was perfect months later. I say never let them take it all out unless you have medical reason for it. I have hear too many peopl say the never feel the same again. Cheri

Just my opinion, keep everything the same and just do like you do at home. It's a lifestyle change. Be careful in Mexico and have fun! Cheri

Sorry my post is always too late. Cheri

I think we need to realize people have many reasons for have WLS. Some have really bad medical problems already and some are headed that way. We should not judge people for their starting weight or ending weight. It is what feels comfortable for them or their Drs. I really would like to get to my goal, yes I am 84 lbs skinner, but would still be so much more happier with even less weight to carry around. I am not sure why I have not made it to my goal, is it the fat person inside of me that keeps me form completing the task or that am just willing to settle for almost there? That my problem. My Dr has told me I have succeeded what the Band promised and he is pleased, but I still want that next 15 or 20 lbs to be gone for my journey to really be over. I am working on that, but does not mean I am not happy when others lost all their weight, if it was only 40 lbs or 200 lbs. It does not make me mad that people made it to their goal no matter what size they were when they started, the heaviest do not own the right to WLS. I am glad that the FDA lowered the BMI because why should people have to wait until they did so much damage to their body before getting help. Also just because smaller people are getting surgery now does not mean their struggle is or was any easier than ours because we started at a heavier point. But I also want to say that this thread was probably started out of frustration, you know the grass is always greener thing. So I think we are being too hard on her and should try to understand where she is coming from and not be so defensive. If I had posted that and got all these responses I would never post again and that is not what this place is about, it is about us helping and guiding people with the knowledge that we have learned, about helping people keep their heads up and on move on down the road. So many people have been so nice to me here and answered my numerous questions some dumb, some answered so many times but still answered once more for me. So I say we should not judge others for their reason for having WLS, but maybe we need to remember it is a daily, sometimes hourly struggle for some and give them a break when they vent their frustrations. Sorry to ramble on Cheri

It bothers me some because people have made it to their goal and I can't get any more off. Not that it really matters, when you factor in people's starting weight, age, medicines they take. but just 15 or 20 more would make me so happy. My body just seems to settled in at this weight. Size ten pants is okay but a 8 or 6 would make me much happier. But I did loose 84 lbs with the band and doing good keeping it off. So I should be happy Cheri

Just go in for a small unfill, don't let them take it all out. I have gone in for a fill and had a half cc put in and then had to go back and have .2 cc taken out so I was still a head by .3 cc and did fine. I always tell them if they are going to take out more I will leave and they always do what they say. So just ask them to take out a tiny bit and you will still have more than what you had before the fill. A tiny bit can be the difference like night and day. Good luck! Cheri

Sounds like your on the right track! Cheri

I crushed all my pills for 3 months. Its gross but works. Try drinking some hot liqiud like coffee ot tea before taking your pills it opens the band. Cheri If your still stuck drink a couple of drinks of hot diet coke in the bathroom and it should come up pretty fast.

I also have a friend with the same and she is banded seems to be no problem except slower losing as she can't always exercise. Cheri

Sorry for the disappointment but it is worth the wait! Cheri

Did you read the part that said “4 Years”? We will just have to agree to disagree. Cheri

Congratulations to you! Your on your way! Cheri

Does it really matter what nationality they were? They are people. The tourist can't spend their money if the stores are closed as many are. But I am giving up. If you decide to go to Mexico please be careful it really is dangerous. May God protect you and all who decide to go. Good luck to you. Cheri

34,612 Deaths in Mexico’s Drug War in 4 Years, Mexican President Says

My problem is not with Mexico or the people. My husband's whole family lives there and for 31 years we have been there many, many times. But right now it is not safe. The people and police are not in charge. Evil people are ruling in Mexico right now. Even the people who live there are scared to death and would tell you not to come. Google “drug cartels in Mexico” and view the images people are being beheaded all the time for no reason. Bodies just left everywhere as a warning to the people all people that the drug cartels are in charge. If you think being an American in Mexico gives you some status you are wrong. Buses are being kidnapped (main buslines) and everyone killed there. It is truely horrible. I would rather pay an extra $4000 them be kidnapped and raped and killed. I am saying this to scare you because it is true and no amount of money or being skinny is worth that. This is the last I will post on this thread as we all must make our own choices, but honestly the US has many many travel advisories out about Mexico. I heard just last night on the new a man from Houston, Texas went to Matamores to have some dental work done and has disapeared. Check the Houston News channels. Read up on the violence in Mexico before you go. How many beheadings in the USA for no reason except not being a part of the cartel? Sorry to be harsh but it truly is not worth the savings in my opinion or I would have gone. I was self pay too and it was hard to come up with a way but you have to. 5 or even 4 years ago it was so different I might would have gone as I wanted it so bad. But I am not willing to die for the procedure. Cheri Rodriguez