Well, I sure screwed up. I did a ton of research on the procedure but neglected to research a local aftercare facility or doctor. Had surgery in Mexico on Thursday and now have a slight problem with port incision that needs some attention. Does anyone know of a doctor in Michigan (preferrably Grand Rapids or Holland) that will perform aftercare on someone who had the surgery done in Mexico? Thank you

Chris

Just a warning about the Advil. I'm sure you know that we need to avoid NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatories) because of potential band erosion. I'm pretty sure Advil is on that list. However, Band doctors often prescribe them for short term use under their guidance. I'm sure Ortiz told you that, but nobody should think they can take Advil, Motrin, etc. once banded unless it's under doctor supervision.

I hope you're done leaking by now and that things have calmed down & started healing.

DeLarla, you are such a sweetie - your posts have helped me alot! Yesterday, I finally quit bandaging my port incision because it didn't seem to be healing enough. I spent all day in my zip up robe with it unzipped so the incision could get air. This morning it looks MUCH better. I think I was keeping it too moist.

Anyway, I'm glad you mentioned advil as I am confused about what we are supposed to use. Tylenol, advil, motrin, aleve, bayer???? My cardio wanted me to stop taking one of my medicines as an experiment. I have but now I'm getting headaches and I'm not sure what to take for them. Any advice?

Chris

ps sinderala, band leakage is common and in most cases I believe is a good thing. Keep it clean, dry and keep an eye on it to watch for infection.

Hey, when I was having all my port complications this board saved my life. I've made sooooo many wonderful friends here that I can't even keep track of them, which is why I'm having another Band Bash at my house in September. Anyone willing to come to Vegas for the weekend is invited - do a search for 2005 Las Vegas Bash for more info.

No more aspirin or NSAID's once banded. NSAID's are non-steroidal anti inflammatories like Ibuprofen, which usually comes under the brand name, Motrin. The only really safe over the counter pain medication is Tylenol. If you look at the Alieve package, I'm sure it's an NSAID. Get in the habit of reading all labels and avoiding anything that's a stomach irritant - even plain old aspirin. No more Bayer, Execedrin, generic aspirin, etc.

pills usually have a hard time passing through the pouch, so they just sit there - so if it's one of the stomach-irritating kind of medicines, imagine that pill just sitting there irritating that delicate pouch. We have to protect our Bands. I keep a supply of liquid medications at home (usually children's meds come in liquid.) I have liquid Benedryl & Tylenol.

Right now there's a banded woman recovering from a complicated band removal surgery. Do a search for Dianne Beck and you can follow her recovery. I don't have first-hand knowledge at this point, but chances are that she damaged her stomach by using Ibuprofen, which may have lead to her current problems and loss of her Band.

When I had my original Band surgery my surgeon gave me one of these anti inflammatory medicines for pain, but he only gave me a very small supply.

Meanwhile, it's good to let the port dry out, but if it starts leaking again make sure to keep it covered and clean till the area heals over.

You asked about a lapband specialist in Michigan. Dr. Baker at MMPC in Grand Rapids just did my lpaband surgery and is an expert at gastric surgery in general. I am doing wonderful so far. Dr Baker is highly respected in his field. You might give him a call.

Good luck.....

Thanks for the advice about Dr Baker. All of my healthcare professionals are part of MMPC but because I had surgery done in Mexico they will not provide aftercare. My bad - I just assumed they would which is why I didn't seek out aftercare before surgery. I am planning on using Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills. Thanks again.

Chris

can anyone recommend an after care doctor in omaha nebraska or Kansas City MO.

Chris, how is everything now? FYI, Dr. Martinez is usually easier to reach by phone & he has helped me w/any/all questions I've had.

Hi Karen,

I decided to see Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills for aftercare. It's been a little "different" experience. I had my first fill ( 1.5 cc) but it didn't really take as I have no restriction. I contacted Dr. Pleatman and he agreed to see me the next week. Unfortunately, I couldn't get in so I see him Monday, hopefully, for an additional fill. If the 2nd one doesn't take I plan on getting the rest of the fills I'll need in Mexico. Keep your fingers crossed

clg8579,

I just wanted to clarify something---fills don't "take" and getting fills done at one place or another has nothing to do with how much Fluid it is going to take to fill your band and get the amount of restriction you need. In other words if it is gonna take 3cc's of fluid to get a good restriction, it is gonna take that much no matter who is doing the fills. Also the doctors can only put in so much fluid as too much fluid will cause a larger band movement and can result in a larger inflamation in the stomach. To much of a band fill and resulting inflamation and you can have a problem that will result in a swollen band opening area and then the doctor will have to remove all your fluid for you to heal properly. Then you will have to wait months for it to heal before getting fills again. So taking it slowly with only moderate amounts of fills is the proper way to fill for a safe fill. Why risk getting a large fill when the result is months of having no fill while healing up again?

Also just to let you know--many people take 2-4 fills before they feel good restriction. Myself- I am at 2 fills now and have decent restriction. I am gonna ride this last fill out before I get my next one as I think I am close to getting really good restriction. I want to give my body time to adjust to restricted eating before it becomes super restricted. I am still losing weight and that is the whole goal.

T

mmpc in Grand Rapids Michigan. That is where I will be getting my surgery in February 4100 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids Mi. ph #1877-877-6672 hope this helps.. This Clinic has aquired the status as a center of excellence. So if you are a Medicare patient this is an approved center for you also. hope this helps Sheila

This is a late post that really does not help this patient but it might help someone else Jon Schram Holland fill patient's from Mexixo !!! And has for years.... Call the office for details