Diva

Found this info on another site, FYI Interesting info about AP bands -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I found this info on the 'net and thought I'd share it: The "skinny" on the AP: Allergan/Inamed has a new band in the US called the AP band. AP stands for Advanced Platform. There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones: 1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones) 2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips 3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster. So those of you with the older models, it would definitely not be to your benefit to think about having your band swapped out! ·They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc). ·They are considered by some to be "the next generation in AGBs". ·They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than other AGP types. ·They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types. ·They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than other AGP types. ·Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved. ·The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280 degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove. ·The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types. ·They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB types. ·The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better. ·The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band, rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism. ·The balloon is wider. ·They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be. ·They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach. ·AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be available until the summer at the earliest. ·We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG band. ·new : AP ( Advanced Platform ) ·APS ( small) ·APL ( large )

Yes yes yes. Me too I'm "hangry" - banded on Apil 30th. Only 11 days in and I'm really struggling. Last night I blew it and had a low card tortilla and some fiber cookies. I chewed the heck out of them and promised I'd be bank on track today but it's not going to be easy. I feel great, but I certainly don't want to mess things up for myself but man o man! I'm scheduled for my first fill on June 20th and am a little freaked about all these stories about people not feeling any restiction even after more than one fill. Shoot. No restriction - no point to all this. I know I've got to keep positive but it's difficult when you're hangry - yes, hungry + angry! Good luck. If you find "the way" please pass it on!

What you are experiencing is my biggest fear. I know I'll have to do my part but without the sensation of restriction, it'll be just like the old days and what's the point of that?! Congratulations though on your weight loss thus far. That's still a lot of weight to have lost and not regained. I'm only 9 days post op and already feel as if I could eat just about anything. Darn it. I'm still sticking to my post op diet - fairly well - but am really concerned about the next 6-8 weeks before my first fill. Shoot. I'm really banking on that first fill to have an effect. It would really suck if I ended up with no restriction. Keep us posted on your journey. Best wishes.

Yikes. Will you please let us know how things turn out? Did you sense that something was wrong - feel anything? I'm curious to know the whys of how this could happen. I wish you well. I'd be pretty upset too. Good luck.

Well, I can't say I've exactly stuck to my post op diet. Like you, I felt famished. I've gone back to my hiking routine and clear broth just wasn't cutting it. So, I took a box of Trader Joe's low soduim tomato soup and blended a cup of fabulous white beans and chicken broth into it. What a difference. I kept feeling like I was upping my calories too much but the weight keeps dropping. I really was worried about shutting down my metabolism with too few calories. Best wishes

Thanks ladies. I feel much better today - especially since the scale showed another drop. Perhaps I WAS really hungry! To be honest, I think true hunger is a new sensation for me. I guess I should get used to it. Best wishes and thanks again for the tips.

Thanks MamaMichelle. Leave it to me to make this much more complicated than it is! I'll give it a try.

Hello. It's 1am and my stomach is calling for food - I think. It's like having a perpetual stomach churning/growling combined with a great big gas bubble that never "pops". I really can't tell if it's gas or hunger pangs or both. I'm taking gasx which helps but my tumultuous tummy is driving me nutso. Fortunately the "gas bubble" doesn't allow me to even consider sneaking in any solids. Only in my dreams. Day 8 post op. URRRRR. Any advice? Hungry - hungry. How did your tummy feel at this point in the game?

I added the additional information by going to: MY CONTROLS EDIT SIGNATURE, then typing information in box, then pressing UPDATE SIGNATURE. My problem is how to update the actual ticker info. I've only been able to update my weight loss by the method above.

Only two people know - my husband and a fellow bandster friend. My mother lives with us and she has no idea - she'd freak. She thought we went Palm Springs and that I came back with a little stomach flu. I opted not to tell anyone else because I don't want the added pressure or comments from people "waiting" to see how I do - or don't do. I also think that more than a few people would think me foolish for plopping down 8K for something I "could do on my own" BLAH BLAH BLAH. Even worse, they would think I was nuts for having it done in Mexico. Maybe I could have lose weight on my own -eventually - but I was simply tired of the struggle and I had the cash - so why not? I completely believe that the band will help me finally lose my excess poundage. But on the slim (HA HA) chance it doesn't - I won't give the naysayers the satisfaction of saying "I told you so." So far so good - I love my band.

Hello there, I was banded on April 30th and would consider my recovery thus far to have been a fairly easy one - no complications to speak of. In spite of that, I still don't feel all that comforable sitting for long periods of time. Not unbearably painful but not comfortable either. A long drive would seem quite miserable to me even at this point. The incision area sometimes feels cramped and even painful when sitting. I'm sure that everyone is different but I find that I'm most comfortable standing, walking or lying down. This was especially true in days 1-5. I spent an uncomfortable 4 hours driving home from Mexico to Los Angeles three days after surgery. For me, the thought of driving as far as you are considering would not be a happy option. Just my opinion. Best wishes.

Hi all I am 41 and just got banded this morning. I thnk it is the best decision i ever made.

Dear Dani, You are definitely not alone. I share all of your concerns and am being banded in about 48 hours. My emotions are up and down and I realize that the band will only be a tool. I too am concerned about how/if/when I will deal with the underlying emotions. I don't want to screw this up but have a difficult time really imagining myself succeeding after so many failures. I know there's a way and have been inspired by people's lapband stories. If others can do it, I'm sure we can too. Best wishes. Lorraine

Hello again, Oh my gosh only three days away. Yes, I'm both excited and nervous. I know that I have to do my part but I am really praying that this band will be my saving grace. Binging is my downfall and I hope that the band will curb that urge. Honestly, I haven't done very well with the pre-op and I applaud all of you who have done so well. I'm a little stumped because if I could stick to a diet, especially a liquid one, I wouldn't need the band! Urrrr. My hat's off to you all. I'm driving in from the Los Angeles area on Wed the 30th for my pre-ops and look forward to meeting all of you and beginning our journey together. Question: How forthcoming have you all been to others about your surgery? I've only told two people who have been sworn to secrecy - my husband and a banded friend. My reason? I want to have a little success/progress before (or if) I let the cat out of the bag. I've announced so many "new diets/new programs/gonna change my life" plans if my life that I don't want to feel that certain people are watching and waiting to see whether I'll lose weight - this time. And definitely I don't want to hear any comments how I could have lost weight without the band and a little self control. Yeah right. See you soon! Lorraine

Hello, I can definitely understand your frustration. I've been having a hard go of the pre-diet myself. Today especially. For some reason, I began to stress about my upcoming banding date and binged. The last meal syndrome. I fear that I've gained back most of what I lost. Probably an exaggeration but if I don't get a hold of myself I certainly will. I wish you luck. And me too! Lorraine

Fabulous! You are such an inspiration. I have learned so much from your postings. I will get my band on May 1st and only hope that I will do as well as you. Congratulations. What a difference! YEAH! Lorraine

Just wondering if anybody out there is scheduled for May 1st. It's getting close! Lorraine

Thank you all for your responses. And Hanna, congrats on your 20 lbs lost so far. That's very encouraging. I'm probably not the only one to have ever done this, but.... for three days after making the $$ committment to get banded, I went into a "last meal" eating frenzy. Once again, I was using food to deal with my nerves over the surgery. Shoot. Well, I'm done with that and got rid of all the junk in the house. It's time to look forward and I'm back on board - with a little help from my forum friends. Surgery date May 1, 2008 Best wishes to all, Lorraine

Wow. Thanks for responding so quickly. You're right. I looked more closely and it's the pre-op option 1 that says "one protien shake and breakfast, lunch, and dinner, not over 225 cal per serving." Only 675 cals for the day. Yikes! I guess I'm just a big baby. It's only for seven days but considering I haven't been successful for more than one day on 1500, it's going to be quite the challenge. I'm sure going to be relying on this forum for encouragement and inspiration. Congratulations on your weight loss so far. That's exciting. Are you really not starving on 800-1100 cal post op? If not, then that little band is worth it's 'weight' in gold. HA HA. I wish it were May 1st already, my big day. I found the post op guideline you posted. I appreciate your help.

Hello all, After sitting in the bank parking lot for 20 minutes this afternoon, I finally bit the bullet and paid my deposit. I guess I'm really serious this time! I just can't picture myself "banded". What will it be like? Will I still feel like me? Will I feel this wierd object in my belly? Will I really really lose weight? That's the most exciting thought. I guess I need to start visualizing myself as a normal weight person. It's hard for me to even wrap my mind around the possibility. Prior to paying my deposit, I was so nervous that all I wanted to do was eat. Funnily enough, my stomach was just too nervous - even for eating. I can't tell you how helpful this forum has been. I'm grateful and indebted to so many of you for your stories. My main concern now is the dreaded pre-op and post-op diet. The 600ish calorie diet is scary. Even though any muscle I have is camoflauged by fat, I've worked very hard to build the little I do have. For the short periods of time (two weeks max) I've been able to stick to a 1500 cal diet, I've lost weight. Won't I lose muscle mass by such a 600 calorie diet? I guess I need to consult with the nutritionist but I was wondering if anybody might have some personal insight. It boils down to the old "How do I just lose the fat but keep the muscle" question. Best wishes, Lorraine

Thanks for the fabulous instructions. I would have spent hours trying to figure it out on my own. Best wishes, Lorraine

Thanks Krista, Reading your story helps oodles. Funnily enough, our height and beginning weight are near exact. Hopefully I'll do half as well on the pre-op diet! Congratulations.