nothereanymore

I think the numbers we see on slippage are most likely correct – based on what I’ve read slippage (where the band has to be removed) occurs in less than 5%. If you think of it – with 100 people on the forum could have, say four of us had a band that slipped and had to be surgically removed? I don’t think we’re there yet. But there is slippage where the stomach wall can slip up through the band. It causes an hourglass effect with a bulge above the band and extra stomach tissue with in the band and these don’t normally have to be resolved through surgery; they can be mild and resettle down with a liquid diet and then focus on following the rules. We really have to come to terms with the fact that this is s tool, we need to use it wisely. Will things happen and we’ve done everything right and it slips – yes – but the truth is most slips likely lies in the fact that at times we don’t follow the rules. Now don’t think I’m up on a high horse – because I mess up all the time – been lucky so far and want to beat myself silly when I do, I never want to chance going back to how I use to be. And I hate myself sometimes for doing things that might jeopardize my band. Here’s the most important piece I want to focus on – we have to deal with slippage – mortality with the band is extremely low – mortality with other surgeries is about what it is for our slippage rate…. Something to think about.

Small, I'm right with Pammie, but when I was losing weight and had a tight fill it was eraser size. Food isn’t the same for me anymore – it will lose a lot of its luster and it’s more about turning it into fuel, I don’t like watching people eat – the big bitters gross me out. (I call myself a tiny bitter now).

They are one and the same for me - just cues to listen to and act on. For many of us the "I'm full" sign is differant. You need to find out what yours is and listen to it. (It can also change after a fill). Best, Lisa

Wowser!! You look great!! Congrats! (Angie, what's that on your finger girl)??

Nicole, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have to do whatever is best for your body needs. I know you've changed your life and learned how to better manage your food intake - that since you are at your goal if you remove your band (which many bandsters do) you'll be fine. Trust your instincts. Best, Lisa

It sounds like you were sick, (food poisoning?) normally when this happens I go on liquids for a few days to make sure I give my band time to heal. If you continue to have problems you should go in for a check up – especially if you have heavy acid reflux or can’t eat - or most important - you can't swallow liquids. Get in for help.

If she's just generalizing and saying "in Mexico", you can generalize and say just in the "States". (Remember Pricilla Presley had bad plastic surgery in the States) http://www.bittenandbound.com/2008/03/26/p...ghtmare-photos/ You can generalize about any Country, but the truth is you need to do your homework. There’s a reason why Dr. Ortiz has proctored so many Doctors in the States and throughout the world. He’s one of the best. Be smart – do your homework – don’t listen to stupid people who “generalize” about one Country. (The truth is – they are pretty ignorant…) But you owe it to yourself to check out who you are going to for surgery, do your homework. I did, that's why I went to Dr. Ortiz.

I'm not confused - however to get an answer you are comfortable with you should go directly to the doctors. This is a forum for the patients to use and I’ve yet to see a doctor reply to a post. Not saying it can’t happen – in almost three years I haven’t seen it.

I’ve just kept changing for almost 3 years now. My body has started and stopped so many times that I kind of given up on what to expect. My sister hadn't seen me in just the last 5 months and was really surprised at how I changed my shape since she last saw me. I really didn't think it was that drastic, she just thought I had gone really athletic, and liked how I had molded my figure – which was really my goal. What I see happening over time is your body does get comfy at a set weight – to get it moving again you have to step it up and surprise it - then it kicks back into the weight loss process. Whether it’s through diet or exercise - or hopefully a combination of both you can get it going again.

Thank you for the nice compliment! I did have plastic surgery and I had it when I had lost about 75% of my weight. (Or what I thought was 75%) There was no way my skin was going to "mold" to my new body ;-) I'm not a very patient person, and my stomach and skin was getting in the way of me being able to physically and mentally get into exercise. (Literally - it was.....) My high was 275 pounds, I had my tummy tuck at 200 pounds, about a year after being banded. I had my breast lift about 6 months later and added inserts 3 months after the lift. If you go down the plastic surgery forum there are links to some pictures and more info. My weight now moves between 135 to 142 pounds depending on what I eat and how I exercise. It really can go up and down, I'm to the point were I just don't worry about it unless my clothes aren't fitting right. Best, Lisa

I don't know of any damage it can do to your band, unless drinking alcohol causes you acid reflux. (That's what can damage the band, along with over eating and not chewing your food). I'm a wine drinker and have had my occasional glass of wine (about 2 week when I was in my weight loss stage). I drink a few glasses a week now. Red wine is about 95 calories for a glass. I add it into my daily intake of calories. The only no no would be (as noted) if you drink something with fizz....

One note, make sure you are following the rules and eating proteins first. And if restriction is light eat heavy proteins, such as steak or chicken. That helps to fill you up faster and you will not be as likely to eat more.

Take care and thank you for the reminder. Heavy hearts for you and yours, thoughts and prayers coming your way. I'm glad you didn't go to the kitchen, you dealt with your emotions through love and caring. Lisa

Julie, Its great to hear from you. Congrats on your weight loss - there's always ups and downs and struggles when you work to change our lives for the better. You'll do fine with the surgery and I know you'll feel better about yourself. Take care and stay in touch. Lisa

Here's the differance: http://www.rejuven8u.com/breastlift.php

There have been some who had their insurance pay for the surgery - from what I know they don't take insurance at the OCC, however you can take your bill and submit it to your insurance Co. to see if you can be reimbursed for the surgery. Also you can talk to them (your insurance company) ahead of time if Lap band surgery is on the approved surgeries to see if they will approve of surgery at the OCC. It’s never a given but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Congrats!! They are the best workout clothes – not only are they cute and fit your body awesome but they stay on when you work out!! I love lululemon and its very big in the states - they have free classes at most stores on Sundays and they are awesome! They get the best instructors to teach so since you now have your outfits make sure to take the classes! Once I could fit into workout clothes that I loved and felt good in that's really when I started to take working out in the public arena to a new level! Have fun with it girls! Lisa

Are you going to Dr. Ortiz? Hope you're getting the best of both worlds, getting 100% insurance and having Dr. Ortiz as you physician. Congrats! Lisa

I love the Lucerna, the little restaurant out by the pool is actually one of my all time favorites. They do amazing seafood. (And I'm from Seattle; spend a lot of time in Halifax so I know great seafood). The Lucerna is not fancy, it is clean, and the people are what make it special to me. Personally I’m not into chain hotels, restaurants so I do try to avoid them. When I go back I’ll be staying at the Lucerna.

Great post Carrie! I'm at the point now were sometimes it just growls for no reason - it will be hours after I last ate and I'm not stuck or anything. It doesn't bother me - I just deal with it and laugh it off! Lisa

Holly! Girl congrats - this is soooo awesome - you've got a twofer!! Amazing job on the weight loss, this is what its all about - you have totally changed your life!! I'd love to see some pictures! Keep it up, you're on the home stretch! Lisa

The biggest unexpected for me is the noise that my pouch makes. It’s so much closer to your mouth that people can hear it – it’s the strangest thing and hard to explain sometimes - its not like gurgling - its really heard to explain and its not like other people make this noise. I was sitting next to a lady at a conference and she had the noise - I just looked at her - smiled and whispered "hello banster". She started cracking up.

I had this once - I was traveling out of the Country and it was horrible. It did go away on its own; I think I just had some really bad heartburn. I was lucky - by the time I got home I was fine - I was going to go in - but didn't. And I've never had it again. I do recommend going in - the only reason I didn't was because I was traveling and I was lucky. You just never know. I had a friend that had really bad heartburn and burned a hole in her throat - she could have died - so we need to be careful. Take care and I'm thinking of you! Lisa

Sorry about this, it does happen. Suggestion, I've learned going in for fills to make sure I set myself up for success. I don't have fills in the AM (that's when I’m at my tightest). I don't get them before - or during my period. I stay away from salty foods or anything that could cause me to retain water. I focus on not dealing with stress and letting it go. I focus on drinking a lot of water the week before my fill to flush my body of any toxins. My goal is to go in and get a fill at my optimum. Don't stress out, you will find your sweet spot, but realize even when you do - it will need adjustment from time to time. I know its hard but even when you're loose - you can't use that as an excuse to overeat or test out your pouch - focus on measuring your food and eating bandster style - proteins, veggies, fruits, carbs (if you have room). Right now is the time to make sure you are exercising as well - the combination of eating less and exercise is the key to our success. Take care, Lisa

Hello Margaret, Welcome and honestly, I'm just one of many of us banded and living life very differently than we use too. It’s normal to be nervous - you're making a very significant change in your life, and with school and little ones on top of it! I'm feeling it for you! You'll make it, it’s the best thing you can do for you and your family. Sometimes you just have to jump in and go for it (most of us wish we’d done it sooner). I'm a little bit worried about your schedule - with little one's I'd like you to have more time off, I had my surgery on Friday and was back to work by Tuesday, but no little ones - mine are all grown up. So take care and try not to do too much! I’m proud of you and you’ll do just fine! Best, Lisa