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Sorry you are feeling let down. However I am sure that the surgeon has your best interests at heart. Surgery is dangerous and the higher your BMI the more dangerous it is . A BMI of 68 is extremely high.Far better to lose the weight prior to surgery than to die from complications on the table. It is also normal in the US to have to undergo a 6 month supervised diet prior to undergoing surgery . This proves to the insurance company that you are serious and have tried your best and are not just looking for a quick fix. you are not the first person i have heard of that has to do a 4 week preop diet. The purpose of this part of the process is to help shrink the liver. When you are obese the liver is enlarged and fatty. If it is not reduced in size prior to surgery you run the risk of having to have open as opposed to laparoscopic surgery or of it getting damaged during surgery which is highly dangerous. If your Dr suggested a bypass you need to find out why do not just dismiss his suggestion out of hand.Yes there are some Dr's that push bypass because it is their preferred surgery but your Dr may feel that a band would not suit you. With weight loss surgery there is no one size fits all - different surgeries suit different people depending on their types of eating.Bands are generally recommended for people that eat large quantities but do not have as much of an issue with sweets. bypasses are recommended where it is felt that malabsorption is also required. There is another option - the sleeve.I have even heard of people having a bypass and a band combined. Price should not be your deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. I understand that it is important but it is more important to choose an experienced surgeon that has done lots of the procedure that you choose and that has a good track record. Their are countless horror stories of things going wrong when using a cheap or inexperienced surgeon. That is not to say that all surgeons offering cheap surgery are bad but you do need to be careful. This board is a great place for you to vent, get support and do research.Read some of the threads from people that had revisions from lapband to bypass to help you with your decision as well. Wishing you all the best.

Today was my consultation and introduction to my surgeon and his practice. I am completely feeling let down! First he refuses to operate unless I lose 50 lbs, he prefers 100. I understand the thoughts I guess. I have an extremely high BMI. (68) Also, I understand that the higher the BMI at surgery time the less effective the lapband is. That I can learn to live with. But then he suggested that I have the bypass (after telling him I did not want it) I smiled and stood my ground. I listened and didn't close off to the idea but I want the least amount of evasive procedure and side effects and the lapband has proven to have those. The center got my business because they were offering a flat rate price for 2 years of aftercare. (fills) Then to come to find out to be a center of excellence they can't operate on anyone above 55 BMI and in that case I don't qualify for the 2 years of aftercare. What a waste of my consultation fees! But it didn't stop there! After meeting with the nurse, the doctor, the insurance lady, they had me meet the nutritionist. Apparently I can only follow their diet for not 1, 2, 3 weeks pre-op but 4! A cost of over 500 dollars! I just shilled out the money out of my pocket for the consultation fees. I'm frustrated, broke, and just feeling let down. Don't get me wrong. I did like the surgeon. He seems to know about the lapband and has done many many hundreds and has a fantastic track record. I'm just wondering why it has to be so difficult and expensive! I am on such a tight budget and yet my life is at risk. Sigh. I just wanted to vent.

<!-- BEGIN MESSAGE BODY --><TABLE class=tblMsgBody cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%" height=300>I had my surgery done two weeks and two days ago. Yesterday I went to the chiropractor for some neck and upper back pain. I asked him to only work on the upper portion of my body. I motioned from chest up. He then ran a vibrator type thing along my spine several times and adjusted my neck and shoulder area. Right after the adjustment I noticed some swelling directly above my port area. It is not a great amount of swelling. It does not hurt. It is not red or irrtated. There is just an area that is slightly raised above the port incision. The area is about 4 or so inches wide and 2 or so inches tall. Is there any need for concern? Anything I can do to combat the swelling? I have emailed my doctors but you guys seem to always figure something like this out. THANKS! Lindsay </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hey yall. Im just popping in to see how everyone is doing. I have been more in chat than on the forums but Im trying to check in more often. Things have been ok. I am only down 12 lbs since surgery but 22 total. Im on a halt on the losing. But Im trying to kick it back into gear. Ill be glad when I get my first fill. I go aug 25th to start my treatment for Hpylori bacteria that I tested positive for. I have to complete the 2 wks of treatment before I can get my first fill. I am currently little under the weather. My 4 yr old was sick last week and I think she gave it to me. Im hoping it goes away cause Im gonna try to go out of town tomorrow but who knows if that will happen. I am gonna do my measurements later today and see what the difference is. This saturday makes my 1 month bandiversary. Yall take care and look forward to seeing updates.

That doesn't sound right, maybe he put a touch in at the time of placement. I'd be pissed if I had to wait that long. My first fill was 4 weeks after surgery.....it's been a long time, I think that's when it was, lol.

Hello. I was banded in July 2009. I have only lost about 10 pounds :thumbup: I finally started losing weight this summer but that's only because I had severe pain whenever I ate anything solid. I also started getting reflux so the doctor took all the fluid out for 6 weeks. I gained it all back. I am now filled back to about 4cc. I was able to eat about anything with the exception of breads, rice, and pasta. Now I am feeling the pain again when I eat. But if they take a little fluid out when I don't feel pain, I have no restriction. I know they tell you its not suppose to hurt, but honestly, for those who have been successful when losing, what does it feel like when you eat?

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Sheesh, my thoughts are all over the place! This August was to be our 3rd annual Vegas trip w/our good single guy friend. They do a football draft and then the three of us whoop it up and have a good time. I'm focused on having my surgery, hopefully within the next 2-3 months., and I want to skip Vegas. My dh isn't soo much down with my idea. Way deep down, it's b/c I'm thinking, "I don't want to go, b/c I'm fat and I want to wait till next year and I'll feel so much better" Silly, b/c I went last year and the year before that.... It's almost like I want to stop living until I can start living with the band! I think it's making me kind of grumpy in day to day life. ?? Sorry to be a pain in the butt with all my concerns...!

I had never had trouble til about 6-8 mo after banding....now it's acid reflux and ulcer-feeling pain. I finally had a EGD last week and they said I don't have an ulcer but my band is too tight and is causing the food to back up into the esophagus and cause irritation. Dr said Protonix is probably the best med you can use. I also was ordered to cut out my arthritis meds because they certainly irritate my pouch. I'm also now using Folger's Smooth (low acid) coffee. I'm getting a a slight unfill next week and hope to get some relief.

Thank you for all who responded. The criteria states as follows: A documented failure of twelve (12) continuous months of compliance with medically supervised non-surgical methods of weigh reduction. Medical supervision must occur under a MD, DO, or nurse practioner wihtin the previous 24 month period prior to the request. A medically supervised weight management program is expected to consist of: 1. Nutrional therapy or medical nutrition therapy including a very low calorie diet (ie., Medifast or Optifast) unless contraindicated, 2. Behavior modiciation or behavioral health interventions 3. Supervised increased in activity 4. Pharmacologic therapy 5. Maintenance support to continue to encourage nutrition choices to reduce health risk factors and amaintain a healthy lifestyle.

I also had a hard time in the beginning with the Water. The PA suggested adding in some crystal lite. My problem was not only desire, but taste too. I also had popscicles that helped. Each day will get a bit better. After 3 weeks I am now just up to about 20 oz and they are fine with this. She said some people it takes a few months. Feel better soon!

By the way the cost is $1,500 double occupancy, for 1 week, ALL inclusive, EXCEPT air fare. It includes my workshops and all activities at the resort which includes two trips a day to the deeper reef for snorkeling. The shallow reef is the resorts backyard. It is so great one week will not seem like enough! Flights leave from Houston and Miami non-stop to Roatan. Continental airlines and I think another one is starting to fly there also) It is a short 11 1/2 hr. flight from there and both airports(HOU and MIA) are easy to fly into from any city in the US. The cost of my flight last year cost around $550 round trip from San Francisco.

Molly - thanks, I will do that - it is so weird adding in more food, especialy when I am finally not hungry Stranger - WOW, we are band twins, huh? I know how you feel, the afternoons were rough for me until this last fill. But, you are right, nothing compared to the binging I used to do. I actually am surprised that I was not heavier than 222 considering all the massive binging that I used to do. Let me know how things go for you. I would have a stroke if my Dr. told me to wait 3 months to come in, luckily they will accomodate me and my annoying behavior. All in all, I try to be grateful since I have not seen the mid 180's on my scale since 1995. Life is good. Thanks again for all the help - the comments really help me put my experience into perspective. Gotta go get a snack!!!

CONGRADULATIONS!!!! You are doing so great. I can't imagine having to do that. I have to do a 2 week Atkins diet which I will not be complaining about anymore. You are an inspiration to the rest of us. Good Job!

Hello. I was banded two and a half years ago. I was 105 pounds overweight. I started out at 248 and now weight 176. I have gained about 6 pounds since January due to being too loose. I just went for a fill a couple of weeks ago. The problem I am having is I just can't seem to lose these last twenty pounds. I stopped losing right around 165 pounds. I keep gaining and losing the same 5 or 6 pounds. I have slacked a little on my exercise, but I am back on it. Before I was rapidly losing 1-2 pounds a week the first year and a half even by not really going by the high Protein low carb rule because I was just not hungry. Now it seems that no matter what I do this weight is not moving. My dietician told me that I should have no more than 25 grams of fat and 60 or under grams of carbs. To me this is almost impossible, being that most low carb foods are high in fat. I cannot exercise 6 days a week because I work a full time job and I have two grade school kids that need my attention. Has anyone else been through this and what helped you lose those last few pounds?:ohmy:

I went in for a fill a week ago but it wasn't successful. The needle was too short, they could feel it and touch it with the tip of the needle, but not fill it. Something clicked though - cause I'm losing again. The total loss is 25 lbs now - still doesn't sound like much to me, but I was completely stalled for several weeks so I'm glad the scale is moving again! I started my new job - and I'm moving more - walking to the train - walking up and down stairs instead of taking the elevator - walking to the bank - even working out in the on site gym. (I haven't hit the gym regularly yet, but I've been there a few times to use the treadmill) Honestly - I looked at my a$$ in the mirror 2 days ago - and all-be-darned - its a shape I haven't seen in years!! I'm loosing that flap of belly roll down by my hoochie too! I still have a long way to go - but the visual changes are SO encouraging. I'm going to go back in for a fill after I lose about 5 more pounds. I've had a hard time lately with certain foods - breads especially - and some meat - like sausage - so I've cut back in those areas and been reminded to eat slowly, chew carefully. It's easy to forget otherwise!!

I went in for a fill a week ago but it wasn't successful. The needle was too short, they could feel it and touch it with the tip of the needle, but not fill it. Something clicked though - cause I'm losing again. The total loss is 25 lbs now - still doesn't sound like much to me, but I was completely stalled for several weeks so I'm glad the scale is moving again! I started my new job - and I'm moving more - walking to the train - walking up and down stairs instead of taking the elevator - walking to the bank - even working out in the on site gym. (I haven't hit the gym regularly yet, but I've been there a few times to use the treadmill) Honestly - I looked at my a$$ in the mirror 2 days ago - and all-be-darned - its a shape I haven't seen in years!! I'm loosing that flap of belly roll down by my hoochie too! I still have a long way to go - but the visual changes are SO encouraging. I'm going to go back in for a fill after I lose about 5 more pounds. I've had a hard time lately with certain foods - breads especially - and some meat - like sausage - so I've cut back in those areas and been reminded to eat slowly, chew carefully. It's easy to forget otherwise!!

It's a good time to find this post. I have been losing and gaining the same 4 pounds for nearly 3 weeks. I get so frustrated at times. I needed to hear others are going thru it too. It's not the 1st time it has happened but it still seems like it is every time it happens. I'll keep plugging away tho. hope the scale moves for all of u fellow plateau-ers.:thumbup: Barb

My surgeon talked with my dietician and she totally revised my eating plan. He said that the diet is per Doctors orders and the nutritionist's job is to make sure calories and nutrients aren't being sacrificed. Well with that said I told him about not being able to have yogurt or cream soup stuff or sf pudding etc. He had her change the diet. I can have thin deli slices, yogurt, sf pudding lowfat cheese slices, eggs(soft scrambled or poached). My surgeon said that the liquid phase was okay for a week and full liquids does include cream soups thinned etc. Kathy I can have egg drop soup with the egg but to got slowly! I feel so much better now. he also said I ws doing very good and the weight loss is great but not typical so don't get discouraged if it slows down after the next 4 weeks. He said that all the surgeons who perform this procedure have different diet plans. Unfortunately my dietician had RNY in mind for me and that is the diet plan I was on. I guess she got confused since the majority of the patients are RNY. I had a slice of lowfat cheese..yum and 3oz of fat free turkey and ham... and I was full WHoo Hoo! I am on my way.

My doctor didn't ask me to do a pre-op liquid diet. I was on liquids for 6 weeks after surgery. I don't remember how much I lost before I started eating solid foods, but I do remember I lost 18 pounds in the first two weeks (was only allowed 2 oz 3 times a day plus protein supplements). After the first two weeks, I could have more liquids. I did gain a little bit (a few pounds only) when I started getting more calories, and from what I've heard from others on this site, that's normal. After a week or so, the weight started coming off again. Good luck! I know it seems like there is no way you can make it through the liquid stage. But now that I'm past it, it seems like it flew by!

I had my first fill last week and have experienced a lot of discomfort with the port. This past week wearing dress pants or jeans have been unbearable. Anyone experience this?

Conratulations! It's funny, when they told me I was so excited, but all of a sudden I was scared stiff at the same time. I'm 3 weeks from today and counting. Good Luck

I lost 23lbs before my first fill which was 2 weeks ago. I feel more restriction then before the fill but I can feel myself getting hungrier every day. Ive heard it sometimes takes 3, 4 or 5 fills before you hit the sweet spot. let us know how your first fill goes.

I am fairly new to being banded; it has been 2 months for me. I know that I am doing something wrong and I need a little push in the right direction. I get up in the morning and my band is tight, so I have my coffee, meds, and a Protein shake. I load the Protein Shake up with 31 grams of protein. I am full until about 3:00, but I am only a tiny bit hungry. I then have a can of flaked chicken which has 16 grams of protein and green Beans. Sometimes I do have admit I am lazy with lunch and I just eat some pieces of cheese, it is only because I am not hungry. At 7:00 when I have dinner I am famished I can eat my 1 1/2 cups of food, and feel almost full. We normally have some sort of meat dish with veggies, or a meat dish with noddles and veggies. But about 1/2 later I am starving and I eat again! I feel like I didn't eat the first meal, I am even hungier the second time. I can't eat as much the second time because I do have restriction and my band does get tight, and a little cranky. (About 1 cup will go down.) I stay full until about 11:00 and then I need another protein shake. This time it only has 23 grams of protein. I don't think I need a fill because I have restriction until 7:00 pm. It is kind of like my band goes on a break during dinner. What's up? Dispite my best of intentions I have turned into a grazier and a monster dinner eater! My tummy really does hurt at 2nd dinner service. Has this happened to anyone else? How can I stop it and get back on track? I did not get the band to skip meals during the day and eat two at night! I need some advice, because I think I am screwing up.

So I just wanted to share something real quick with fellow walkers. A majority of my exercise is "power walking" 4-6 times a week for a lil over an hour. I started off at 30-40 mins and a few weeks ago pushed myself to walk longer. After I walked an hour and 15 mins one night my legs were sooo sore(in a good way) but my sneakers were not in the best shape anymore either. So I could really feel the shock in my knees. So the next day I set out to get some good walking shoes. Naturally..I steered towards the big fad of shapeups by skechers. I was sooo excited for these. Well..that was short lived. I have a high arch so I wasn't walking in them right and I almost fell, and I stand normally leaning a smidge to the outsides of my soles. So apparently shape ups are NOT for everyone. What a disappointment. So I found a another pair instead to recommend..they're the reebok tone ups. They don't have the big platform. Just padding on the ball and heel..looks a lil more fashionable. Anyone looking for a good pair of sneakers..I SWEAR by these..they're like walking on air..I find myself walking faster and longer anywhere I go!! Wearing them right now at work and I've never moved this fast with ease lol..check em out