LoriBecky

I am still working on some dietary guidelines for band patients! I haven't given up, and hope to be able to post something soon. I'm also trying to get the packet of information you get from her at surgery to include that information. I promise, I'll post it as soon as I get it

ok... this is what I found out: Same healing time...The more preop weightloss the faster the recovery...usually hours and not days... So... it sounds like lower and higher BMI heal at about the same rate - but the more pre-op weightloss a higher BMI patient has - the better the recovery period. My guess is because you lose abdominal fat which makes the surgery easier for the doctor and easier on you... hence a quicker recovery. Honestly from what I've seen and heard, most recovery pretty quickly. Its more about how you handle the anesthesia than almost anything else. Again, I'm no expert... well kinda - hahaha - but I'm not a doctor

Weight Commander I haven't used this one, but have heard good things

Ok... I've sent it to the top - I'll let you know when I hear back. GREAT question!

awww Thank you so much! I really appreciate the positive comments I'm a bit at a loss for words... which if you know me... is a HUGE thing hahaha thanks again

Chelley, It is great to have you back on the forum again I am really sorry you aren't able to head back to Dr. Ortiz for follow-up care. Once you see your (more) local doctor, I'd really like you to email me, or Dr. Ortiz with that doctors recommendation. I'm really hoping and praying that all you need is an unfill and maybe some time on liquids to allow your stomach to heal. Please keep us all posted I really think I should start signing off as Lori the Water Girl! hahahaha

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about the VG Band, so I hope the following information will help to straighten that out. The VG Band is a larger than the standard Lap-Band. The VG Band holds up to 10cc's of fluid and is 14cm long, as opposed to the standard band which is 10cm long and holds up to 4cc's of fluid. The VG band is used for higher BMI patients or for those that carry more weight around their abdomen. While the appropriate band size can usually be determined prior to surgery, if a higher concentration of fat is found around the stomach during surgery, the decision to use the VG Band may be made during surgery. You will be informed of your band size after surgery and the ID card you are given at the clinic will list the band size on it as well. Using the VG Band on higher BMI patients and those with a higher concentration of abdominal fat generally gives the patient a higher success rate for long term weight loss, but also causes fewer complications after surgery. As you lose weight around you abdomen, you may require additional fills. Remember, as you slim down on the outside you are also slimming down on the inside. As with the standard band, our goal is to get you to that "sweet spot" where you can eat about 1/3 of your pre-surgery intake, without struggling with Pbing (remember to

Please go to October Surgery Patients to find and support other October patients

its what they call a "twilight sleep" - not deep under, but deep enough not to know what's happening to you

It was most likely air in the band. That can happen on new bands even though they try to remove any air in the band during placement, and once the air dissipates after your fill, you might find you have less restriction. It can take longer to hit that "sweet spot" with the VG band, but you'll get there

Roo, email me if you want a recommendation for an IBS safe fiber. I had a terrible IBS problem and this fiber has made such a HUGE difference for me!

I spoke with Rene at the clinic about this. He said its a good idea to have an endoscopy every 12-18 months so check your stomach/band health. Since some problems don't have symptoms, its just a good idea to make sure all is well down there! Our office doesn't do the endoscopy, but it is around $250 for the procedure with the doctor we refer you to, and from what I've heard, he's an expert at doing the endoscopy on banded patients, and even gives you a video of the procedure. You might be able to get your insurance to pay for it in the states, but if not, $250 sure is a small price for peace of mind!

Hi Nikki, If you'd like more information about surgery costs or have questions, feel free to contact me.

Ok... here's the scoop. I talked with Inamed and because the Rapid Port is not yet approved for use in the U.S., they can't send me any specific information on it... yet. So, as soon as its approved I'll follow up!

Hi, A long-time bandster told me its probably acid reflux problems possibly causing my stomach to spasm a bit (I also have IBS so that could be the culprit) anyway - I started taking Aciphex and it is a lot better - I sometimes still pop a tums when needed and that seems to have helped a lot. I've always had a very tender tummy and I think its still learning to live with the band I do plan on getting the annual endoscopy as recommend by Dr. Ortiz just to make sure all is OK

You guys are missing out on a lot of October Banding support! Go here >>>>October Surgery Patients <<<< to meet up with other October surgery patients.

OK... this is what I've found out so far...band erosion is still a bit of a mystery. There are different theories. One of them is infection that gets in thru the port and travels to the band, another is that its possible that there was an accidental nick of the stomach during the time of band placement that caused the erosion. It could be from a band that is too tight. They used to think that aspirin or other NSAIDS might be the culprit but that theory has been ruled out. Sometimes there is no specific reason why one person will have an erosion and another won't.

Hi Fairy, You'll do great! I know its hard and the clear liquids get SO old, but then again, that makes the shakes taste all the better once you get to them

First week after surgery - only clear liquids (clear juices are OK - just dilute them) You can take a fiber capsule 2x per day after surgery - but talk to Dr. Miranda at your pre-op so she can determine the proper amount and when you can start taking it.

Here's the link to: Carbonated Beverages

Support and coordinate travel with other December Fill patients here. here's a link to the great post by Marys about bus/trolley rides Bus/Trolley Info Don't forget if you can coordinate with other patients to arrive at the airport at the same time, you can share the cost of our fill transport. Its $130 and can carry up to 6 passengers. Just get yourselves coordinated and schedule with Rene at the clinic.

Here's the "chicken lady" post Chicken Lady (I know that sounds terrible, but that's what her new name seems to be.)

I think this is a terrific page to print out to show doubting friends or doctors about Dr. Ortiz qualifications! (see link below) Dr. Ortiz

Ok I'm working on it!

Hmmm... i'm counting from 9/7 and you are eating "chunks" too soon. stick with the soup until day 22 and then feel free to try things, in moderation. Eat until satisfied, not full and you'll be fine Guilt isn't always a bad thing