Goofy219

I have been cold for the past 2.5 years because of Hypothyroidism so I didn't really notice a difference as the weight started coming off.

I went alone. Just got back the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It was a piece of cake. I had my Lapband removed and the sleeve done all at the same time.

Good luck Briangie.

I have had the lapband since July 2008. Last October I lost my job during a reduction in force and my band slammed shut on me. Had to make an emergency trip to Mexico to have it completely opened. I have since gained the weight back that I had lost. The maintenance is just too much. I am considering having it removed and having the sleeve now that I have a new job. Just scared to have a fill and it tighten up on me again.

Those of you that have had this:

1. Were you able to have the surgery all at one time or did you have to have the lapband removed first then go back for the sleeve?

2. How long is the recovery if you have it all at one time? Time at the clinic, then time at the hotel?

3. Are you happier with the sleeve than you were with the band?

Any information is greatly appreciated in helping with my decision.

I don't know how far you want to drive, but there is a doctor in Lake Charles, LA. His name is Dr. Richard Shimer. He is a baratric surgeon and I have seen him before for a fill. He does them blind or under fleuro. He is NOT cheap. It was the same price for me to get a flight and go back to the OCC as it was for him. But, if you need someone in an emergency, it might help. I think the last time I went it cost me about $350. His number is 337-478-2327.

Congrats Bella!

You will be at Onederland before you know it!

Cheers, Dottie

What are you doing now to lose weight before your scheduled surgery date?

I have never had to walk in the line of people. I have ridden in the OCC van through the commercial lane and stayed in the van until it was time for the van to be searched. I then walked into the side of the customs building into a very short line and walked through to the US side. It has been almost a year since I've been there so maybe some things have changed, but I have never had to wait very long.

I had the same symptoms of sliming, acid reflux, waking up at night choking, etc. I went back to OCC and Dr. So unfilled me because my pouch was enlarged. I went back a couple months later and everything was fine and I got a fill. My band had not slipped, but could have had I not went in to get it checked. I had to take Maalox and was on liquids for several days to allow the inflamation to go down and my pouch returned to normal size. You need to get it checked. You probably need an unfill. My symptoms had been going on for a couple of months before I finally decided to have it checked. Hope this helps.

_{You need to check with your Human Resources Department to see what their policy is regarding FMLA. I am the Human Resources Director where I work and our policy is you must take FMLA if you will be out more than 3 days. We do allow them to use their sick or vacation time in conjuction with FMLA. I would if I were you because if something happens, FMLA is there to protect your job.}

Glad to hear it's getting easier each day. Have you gotten to see your flat belly during dressing changes? How much longer for the drains? Happy healing.

You can email Linda Martin at linda@thearielcenter.com. She is the patient coordinator for the cosmetics surgeries. Very nice person. When I contacted her she said you can email pictures in for a quote, but I am going back to OCC in February to have my band checked so I am just going to do my consult then. Hope this helps.

Just wondering how you are doing after your surgery. Hope everything went well for you. Post when you are feeling better and let us know how you are doing.

Happy healing.

Did they tighten your stomach muscles and did they also reposition your port? I can feel mine and still need to lose another 25lbs or so. I know my port would have to be moved deeper.

How long do you have to keep the drain tubes in and do you have to go back to OCC to get the tubes taken out?

Good luck. I know you will do great.

Good luck. Keep us posted on your progess. You will do great.

I too have been lurking. I am usually on here at least 3 days a week, but like the previous bandsters have said, most of the posts are centered around plication. I too need some encouragement because I have been having a difficult time lately. Had gallbladder issues and now diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Gained a little bit back and having a hard time losing.

Ashley, can you give me some ideas of what your daily menu consists of? You have done a wonderful job and have been one of my inspirations. Glad to see some bandsters still lurking.

This is exactly what happened to me and my band was too tight. I went in and Dr. So completely unfilled it and told me that it was slightly inflamed. I had to go on the liquid diet for 5 days and take Maalox to help with the inflamation. I was suppose to go back about 6 weeks later, but then I had issues with my gall bladder and ended up having to have surgery to remove the gall bladder. I just recently went back at the end of January and had my fill put back in and everything looked fine. I would suggest you not wait and make an appointment with your fill doctor.

I didn't have mine out when I had my band placed, but I did have to have it out recently in December 2010.

Hello Everyone I just had cosmetic surgery on January 8,2011 with Dr.Mendez @ OCC. I had tummy tuck liposculpture and fat transfer in to my butt. I am so happy and pleased how they threaded me there the best the nurses and the doctor's are great. Until right know that I have a month with my surgery I love my results. I really recommend Dr. Mendez as one of the best for cosmetic surgery he did a miracle on my body I just look great!!!!!!!!!

What was your starting weight before the band and what was your weight at the time of your plastic surgery, if you don't mind me asking? You look great.

You look absolutely amazing. Congratulations on the new addition to your family!!!

I will be having my gallbladder out on Tuesday. Same thing would happen to me, but with the pain also came vomiting and constant nausea. I don't have any stones, but they did a HIDA scan to see how the gallbladder was functioning and it's not functioning at all. You might want to go see your physician. Best of luck.

This very same thing happened to me. I have had my band since July 2008 and this year have had a couple of unrelated surgeries. In September I started with the throwing things up and acid reflux at night to the point I would wake up choking. I went to OCC the first week in October and Dr. So completely unfilled my band. It had not slipped, but was inflamed due to all the vomiting. Now at Thanksgiving I ended up in the ER with vomiting and severe stomach pains. Many x-rays, ultrasounds, and a HIDA scan later, I am having my gallbladder taken out on Tuesday. So now I am wondering how much of the acid reflux was band related or gallbladder related. I will wait til after the first of the year when everything settles down and go back in for a fill. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Sounds like you might be a little too tight. I started having the same symptoms and then I would wake up in the middle of the night choking on liquid that came back up. Call Dr. So and he can tell you what you need to do. They are great at answering questions.

This very same issue just happened to me. My flight landed at 9:42 and my appointment was for 10:30am. My flight was scheduled to leave out of San Diego at 3:10. The driver was 2 hours late getting to the airport to pick us up. Then when we got to the clinic, Dr. So was in surgery so I had to wait another 2 hours for him to do my fill. The border crossing back was another 1 1/2 hours. Needless to say, I missed my flight and had to spend the night in San Diego. This all happened on a Monday. Hope this helps.