ozzie3860

I have been on BiPAP (CPAP’s big brother) for 8 years. I am pushing 22 / 17 lbs of pressure. Before the machine I was averaging in excess of 150 events an hour and my life was a living hell. I lived in a state of constant exhaustion in which I could neither sleep nor stay awake. From my point of view the BiPAP / CPAP and the study of sleep disorders is one of the great medical discoveries of modern times. It has greatly changed my life for the better. Anyway because of the high pressure I have to wear my mask very tight. This has caused many issues from discomfort, places rubbed raw on my face and MRSA. While I truly understand the frustration that some have with the machine I strongly suggest working with your doctor and/or medical equipment supplier to find a mask that works for you. I ultimately ended up alternating between two different masks. The first is a mask that covers my nose and mouth, the second is a full face mask that looks something like a fire fighter oxygen mask. Finally a little additional history and word of warning. Sleep apnea is not only weight related but also tends to happen in families (Body Type). I watched my grandfather and father suffer for years with sleep apnea only to be misdiagnosed or disregarded by doctors. In the end the disease contributed to the death of both of them.

Anybody else on this board in the Louisville Kentucky area?

I was banded on 8/2010 by Dr Lusco at Sts Mary’s and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville KY. Dr. Lusco, his office staff and the Bariatric Center at Sts. Mary’s and Elizabeth Hospital has provided me with one of the best medical experiences of my life. Their professionalism and obvious level of knowledge about all aspects of the LapBand process gave me the comfort level I needed to go forward with the LapBand operation. Somebody else in this thread stated that they are “Awesome” and that “They Rock”, I have to say that I 100% agree.

Sweet Tea Cokes Steak .... Drinking with meals (non alcohol)

I found it easier to just drop the pills in a little bit of water, wait about 5 minutes for them to dissolve and drink them. Not the best tasting option but it works for me and is fast.

Look guys, I am here for real life experiences involving the band be they good, bad or benign. I can get (and have) all the rosy info about how wonderful life with the band is from my local bariatric center, surgeon or manufacturer web site. While I respect “Cleo’s Mom” position and posting I think the “bitching” is exactly what people need to see in order to get a well rounded view on the path they are considering or have already committed to take their life on. The real life challenges that people post on this site and the suggestions and solutions discussed are probably some of the most useful information that I have come across and should not be discouraged as bitching. Just my two cents worth.

I use Atkin's shakes & Premier Protein shakes. Sam's Clubs has the best price.