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I can't believe they are asking for a pap smear! The thing is.. all he said was a current pap smear, right? He didn't say it had to be normal. Tons of people get abnormal cells on their pap smear. I'm sure it isn't anything to worry about in regards to having your band placed.

I don't think that is a cardinal rule by any means. I do think that you might have trouble finding someone to do your fills having had your surgery in Mexico so it is a good thing you can go back for fills but I would suggest developing a resource if you need an emergency unfill or slight unfill. I am sure a primary care physician would take a look at your stitches if need be.

Sounds like you are healing really well! Good job!

Maybe you could do a pony tail or cute bun every other day?

I have heard that saline implants are more likely to show "ripples" on the skin. I don't know if that is true but I do have a friend with saline implants and major rippling between her breasts.

I am totally against that outrageous amount. I think I paid a fee for the nutritionist and that was probably it. I want to say it was about $300 total but I can't remember. I was a self-pay patient. I do have to say, though, that cardiac and cancer treatments are generally not elective. While, WE all know that the band and other WLS surgeries can save lives, we also know that obesity isn't thought of in the same way that cancer and cardiac issues are. We are generally blamed for the way we are and I think doctors who are charging those types of fees are really taking advantage of people in need. If the cost covers legit expenses, then fine. Perhaps there are classes that you are required to take or something, I don't know. What I do know is that I didn't have to pay that and it sounds like many others didn't have to either. Find someone else.

P.S.: I wouldn't normally have posted this for a leak, but when you said you were having a port replacement and not a band replacement, it made me wonder...

Do you have a REALIZE band? There was some issue with the port become detached from the tubing or something along those lines. Perhaps your doctor can determine whether your band fits within the recall and you might be able to make a claim to the manufacturer. Here is the information: FDA Classifies Previous Field Action of Ethicon Endo-Surgery's REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band As Class II Recall Cincinnati - November 04, 2010 Obtech Medical Sàrl, a medical device manufacturer, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES), today announced the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the companies' previous field action related to adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands as a Class II recall, as expected. The voluntary recall, initiated on October 11, 2010 involves existing inventory only. Healthcare facilities were notified to immediately discontinue use of the device and return all unused REALIZE® Bands to EES. Since then, customers have been receiving an enhanced product, recently approved by the FDA, to replace the recalled inventory and for all new orders. There is no action required for patients who already have received these gastric bands, and removal (explantation) of the gastric band is not required. EES initiated the voluntary worldwide recall of existing inventory of adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands due to reports of the potential for the Tubing Strain Relief, a small (2 centimeter) flexible sheath on the band’s Injection Port, to slide out of its intended position. Movement of the Tubing Strain Relief is highly unlikely to cause any serious injury or adverse health consequences and it rarely affects the band’s function. In the extremely rare instance (1 in 10,000) when tube kinking occurs at the Injection Port, the physician might be unable to adjust Fluid volume within the gastric band, which may require additional surgery to correct. In most instances, this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. There have been no cases of gastric band removal due to the Strain Relief sliding out of position. Patient health and safety is our utmost concern. EES identified the Tubing Strain Relief issue through its continuous quality monitoring program. With the full knowledge of the FDA, healthcare facilities were notified of the recall by official letter beginning October 11, 2010, and then by subsequent communications from EES sales representatives. The initial letter included detailed recall instructions, including the specific product codes and lot numbers affected. EES also has provided customers and third-party advocacy organizations with information for patients on the recall. Regulatory authorities worldwide also have been informed. If surgeons or patients have any additional questions about the REALIZE® Band recall, they may call our Customer Support Center at 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493) between 7:30 am and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday. For media inquiries, please contact: Bridgett Golden Manager, Corporate Communications 513-337-7387 About the REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band The REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band is used in one type of weight-loss surgery. It contains two main components: the first is a fluid-filled balloon that is placed around the stomach; the second is an injection port to adjust the degree of fluid in the band. Thin flexible tubing connects these two main components. The recall involves an ancillary component called the Tubing Strain Relief.

You won't get it all in for a while. You are still healing so you just need to eat what you are comfortable with and don't overdo it. Start slowly and gradually increase to the levels your doctors recommends. Don't stress over it -just do the best you can.

Have you considered getting therapy to help discover the reasons you aren't maintaining your weight loss? It has helped me so much - it might be worth looking into.

I'm scared about this too. I have no fill so I am not worries about what I can and can't eat but I am nervous about having to tell someone someday that I have a band. I'm kind of hoping to have it removed when I have plastic surgery done but I havent truly considered whether that's the right move for me yet. I've still got 40 pounds to go.

I was banded December 9, 2010 and havent yet had my sip! I figure I will when I reach my goal. Until then, I don't need it or feel like I'm missing anything so far.

There is a thread about "scar stages". Take a look at it. I think it is pinned at the top of the post op forum. My largest incisions is about two inches long. Another one is an inch and the other three are about a quarter of an inch.

Fat free Refried beans! Yum!

How many calories a day are you eating? You might need to eat more. Also, are you varying your exercise? Trying something new or different for a few days. Say strong! Power through it.

I totally agree that you shouldn't have cheated and you already know that BUT I have to say that your surgeon rescheduling your surgery to keep you safe sounds like a big power trip to me. I had no pre op diet other than soft foods the day before surgery. If he postponed it because he thinks you aren't ready or whatever, that's one thing but to say it's not safe is ridiculous. I hope you get rescheduled right away!

If you have acid reflux you should not be eating chili!!!! Get online and look up food recommendations for acid reflux. I hope you get some answers very soon. It just be awful to not know what's going on.

My mom was a member of Curves for three years along with her group of lady friends. They went religiously but none of them ever lost any weight! I'd invest in a regular gym membership. You need good cardio options to lose fat. Jumping up and down for 30 seconds at a time just isn't going to do it. Best wishes!

I would go with your hometown surgeon so long as he/she is skilled in this surgery and is a Center of Excellence. Some surgeons won't touch patients who were banded in Mexico (and I think most are still using older technology bands but can't say for sure). If you need care back home, you may have a hard time finding someone to look after you. Good luck!

Hi, I was banded December 9, 2010. No fill. I've lost 85 pounds since and am still going strong. I am training for my first triathlon and running/weight lifting six days a week. All I've done was begin eating healthy and for fuel, followed my doctor's orders and I make the decision every day to do what is best for my body. I still have about 40 pounds to go but this doesn't feel like a diet anymore... it feels like what is best for me and for once in my life, I am committed to doing what is best for me physically. It's a whole new world! It's not hard once you commit to it. There are several no fill people on the board and I think we all seem to have the same perspective on this journey. Best wishes!

Why would you want to stick with this jerk? Start looking for someone else immediately.

I now have way more energy! Im like a tornado all day long. I love it!

Yes, you'll get used to it. I also have used it as a way to not eat. I know if I feel hungry and I drink some water then I am forced to wait 30 minutes before eating. Usually by that time, I realize I wasn't actually hungry!

I know for me, it does matter. I don't do low carb anymore because I'm training but before I was exercising hard I noticed that on days where I had more carbs, my weight loss would stall for a day or two. When I cut carbs, the scale started moving again. I also know that the amount of Water I drank played a role, along with how much sleep I got. I think for some, the problem with substituting healthy calories with chocolate is that chocolate can trigger cravings for sugar and I thinking moderation chocolate is great, but for some it doesn't stop at a once in a blue moon type thing. If you can limit your chocolate consumption to every once in a while - then I don't see why you couldn't have it in moderation. In the place I am in my journey, sure, I could probably eat french fries and get my calories from that but my body and mind do not want unhealthy crap. I only eat organic and am vegetarian (with an occasional piece of fish). I was vegetarian before the band but since I've lost some weight and am working hard, I find that I eat for fuel instead of pleasure. I guess what I am trying to say is that the jury is out on whether the type of calories matter. They definitely matter for some and might not matter for others. Give it a go - eat some chocolate bars and see what happens. One day shouldn't make that much difference. Hope that's a bit more insight for you, Kris! Best wishes!

Sailor, I think it is way too early to judge how much is enough for you to be able to lose. You're pretty new to the post op side so just be a bit patient. I can tell you that, from what I read here, most people experience a slight increase in weight when the eat mushies. I say just keep doing what your surgeon has told you to do. It will happen for you. Be patient and stay positive. Best wishes to you!!