I merely offer the following as food for thought (no pun intended!).

I can't comment specifically for the other clinics.....but at TLBC, a patient receives a very detailed package of info along with a detailed eight page info booklet that they are required to read and sign (in front of them) (ie. they read it on their own time and then sign it right prior to the surgery - in other words, the "release")...among other things this package contains a complete listing of possible complications and how to avoid them etc etc.

I think that too often, those of us done at TLBC forget about this release package (with all it's incredible info)...read it, sign it, and then never refer to it again. As for those done at other clinics....either they may have done the same (or never received the info).

That being said, I would like to offer a reminder (a direct quote from this particular package) from the section entitled "Specific Risks of Laparoscopic Banding (Late Post-Operative)":

"REMEMBER: Slipping of the band may be prevented by slowly filling the band over nine months as opposed to rapid fillings in less than six months."

I thought it might be prudent to offer this reminder because lately I have read a lot of posts about how newly banded people are frustrated with getting fills and not having "restriction" or the "proper restriction" etc...and they want to go back right away and get a fill etc....don't get me wrong, I COMPLETELY understand the frustration and the sense of impatience that some people may likely encounter....but just remember that this is NOT a quick fix...(unlike the gastric bypass) and it is/was never billed as being the fast solution. People choose this type of surgery for a reason...so just be sure to work with it and not against it.

Be patient, is what I'm saying. It would suck to be back here a few months from now complaining about a slippage and then wondering why it happened....or worse having to be back under the knife to get it repaired or removed entirely...when it may have happened in the first place as a result of impatience and desire to get the fills quick quick quick and get to the proper level too fast. (Disclaimer: I am NOT saying that all slippages are a result of user error and getting fills to fast...only that it is one possible cause).

Again...just something to think about it; take it or leave it as you wish!

Honestly, the one thing I have learned is that Patience really IS the key to this entire process. And, people can't compare themselves to the progress of others: EVERYONE is different; there are sooooo many variables. In fact, the package I refer to above also states this (in different words).

So, good luck on your continued banding adventure!

Not much longer now - just till the end of the week. Hang in there - you are doing fabulous.

Susan

Not much longer now - just till the end of the week. Hang in there - you are doing fabulous.Susan

Oh I will be fine now that all those damn easter treats will be gone from my office/mom's house/every place I turn.

Andrew

Hey Gaffer I hear you. I know how frustrating it is to not feel the restiction. After the first night with the last fill it was like I had never had it at all. I don't want to push myself to hard where I would hurt myself but I would like to feel some restriction.

I got my first fill on the 28th and my 2nd is supposed to be on the 18th but I might change that to the 20th so I can just bump off work early on that day.