Dolittle

Hello, this is my first post, sorry, second post, I have been watching the forum for a long time now. I have just faxed my information, I DID IT! AND, I REGISTERED ON HERE, WOW, TWO BIG STEPS!! My surgery is set for the 28th also of this month. Only thing I have left is to get my airline tickets, does anyone have any recommendations on where to get the best deal? Really look forward to meeting everyone! My husband is going along with me even though he is totally against it, but I guess he is supporting me, he is going.

Any suggestions on the pre op diet, I think I need to start it this Thursday, how much weight are you suppose to lose? I am 215 lbs, I was thinking Lori told me 10 lbs, I need to go back and check that. I have gained 10 pounds in the last 2 weeks just reading the forum and deeply knowing I was going to do this with or without my husbands support, I know, bad girl. Every time I eat, I have this sick thought that it may be the last time I eat whatever it may be.

Does anyone smoke that had the lapband, that is another thing I keep thinking about, quiting 2 weeks before the surgery, doing that, and dieting is going to be hard I think. Another thing I think is going to be hard is occasionally my husband and I will go and do something once a week, we may have a few drinks of alcohol, you know playing cards without a beer is going to be hard, how long before and after can you not drink light beer?

Just a few silly questions I know. I know this is a lifetime commitment, and I really have to want it to make it work, just looking for advice.

I am nervous, excited, and in fear I will not succeed at this, even though I want it really bad!

Thanks in advance for all information! Look forward to talking with everyone.

Ive been thinking about lap band surgery for about 2 years now...and it just so happened that I got home early the other day and got a chance to turn on Oprah.... Seeing Cassie and her mom really made me realize that I need to do this. I have gone through my life for the past 10 years just wanting so badly to be thin. I am so exicted to actually LIVE and not let food rule my life.

Going through the insurance approval for the lap banding is such a stressful and time consuming task, I started to give up hope. Then seeing Oprah and Cassie talking about going to Mexico, I knew that was my only hope. My surgery date is set for Feb 27th, I CANT WAIT! I am 21 and i know I still have my whole life to live, and Im so looking forward to it.

My mom and I have been a bit skeptical about going to Mexico, and paying for the surgery in full on the credit card, but seeing all of these people going to Dr. Ortiz really puts me at ease. Ive been having nightmares that Im going to get to San Diego and no one will be there to pick me up!!

I really look forward to this journey, if anyone has any advice- Id love to hear it!

Thank you to Cassie and her mom for getting me going. If it werent for her, I would still be battleing the insurance company.

Hi Everyone. I got my lapband approximately three weeks ago andas of yesterday, I am feeling zero restriction. I am still playing by the rules.............only straw worthy food until this Sunday; however, I am now becoming hungry and if I let myself, I could eat the same amount of soup as I did prior to the procedure. I have also pretty much reached a plateau when it comes to the weight loss. Has anyone ever obtained a fill prior to six weeks post surgery? I am very anxious (and a bit paranoid) that something is wrong. If I am able to eat the same amount of food as before, did my band slip/is there too much stomach left above it? How would I even know if that happened? Someone Pass the Prozac Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and throw in a couple of Valium.

I can't talk about Gastric bypass,, I can talk about Lap Banding. Almost a year ago I choose to be Lap Banded. It was the smartest thing I had ever done. If a person is concidering WLS,, Do your homework and you'll see that the Lap band is the smartest choice. Its minimally invasive,, it can be reversed,,, very, very low complication list, etc. Its a tool and it works. You'll eat less and loose weight. The Obesity Control Center in Tijuana is rated one of the worlds best. It's surgery team of Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez have strived to be the best in the world of Lap Banding. You got to remember,, the power of the Internet will educate and inform the world where you can get the best medical treatment and where not to go. The young lady on Oprah's show, named Cassie, was ahead of her time,,, she didn't wait for her health to deteriorate. She took charge of her problem and did something about it. If this option would have been available when I was a 300 pound high school student, my whole life would have been different. Instead,, I had to wait till I was 54 years old and finally do the smart thing about my weight. I fought my weight all my life. I just wish I would have done it 5 years ago when it became FDA approved. I'm have went from 295lbs to 210lbs in less than a year. I can't remember when I weighed in at 210,, maybe grade school??? I still have a little more to go,,, but I'm now looking at plastic surgery, aka,, a lower body lift. Oprahs show was showing the options obese people, young or old, have today. Dr. Oz should have done his homework,, he was showing his lack of knowledge when it came to the lap band. Those of us that have been lap banded saw his ignorance.. Cassie presented herself as a young lady that was educated in making a good decision.. Cassie ROCKS!

As of early Tuesday morning, Oprah's Message board was still broken. I think they need to hire Chad, our webmaster. Chad does a great job of keeping "The LapbandForum" up and running. KUDOS for Chad the webmiester.

Hi Everyone,

Ok Cassie woke me up to watch the KKTV Channel 11 News In Colorado Springs. So I turned the Tivo on rewind and watched it. She said mom, you wont be disappointed. The hype they put on it I was so affraid. But it was a great peice.

I live in the midwest,, so I just got done watching the Oprah show.. The only bad thing I saw was when they showed tape of Tijuana. Oprahs film crew must of drove down the worst streets in TJ.. It didn't do TJ any justice, LOL There's streets in Chicago that are just as bad.. LOL. But over all I thought the show was pretty postive concerning the Lap band. We'll just have to wait and see if Oprah goes the route of the Lap band.. But due to HEPA, we'll never know unless she gives that info out. Cassie did a fine job and looked great! We're all proud of her.

How long do I have to wait to get a fill? Five or six weeks post-op :-?

Another factor to consider is how much restriction you have at the 6 week mark. If you have restriction,, and your losing weight,, hang loose for awhile and see how it goes. But at the end of the 6 week mark you can eat the house,,, time for that fill. LOL. I know of several patients that have had a lot of restriction from the get go. Several have waited till the 10 week mark and went for a fill. Plus they didn't require much of a fill the first time because of their restriction. You'll be able to tell. Like snowbird said,,, talk to the doctor and you both can decide whats best.

For those patients that will be coming to the OCC in February for your fills,, the best way to travel from the airport is to either schedule the OCC van/shuttle or take the bus/trolley. If your wanting to use the OCC van, it would be wise for you to use the forum to coordinate with other patients and share the van to help reduce your traveling expenses. Also,, get with Rene at the OCC and he'll know the van schedule for that day. For those who like the adventure and are thinking of taking the bus/trolley and walking across the border, jumping into a Mexican cab/and or walking to the clinic, use the forum and see if your coming into San Diego around the same time as other patients. Remember,, your in a new club,,, the bandster club. Once your a bandster,, you'll always have a friend. Buddy up and share the adventure.

The new year is off to a good start. January is behind us now and February is here. There's been a lot of excitement around the OCC with Cassie being on the Oprah show (scheduled for airing on Monday Feb 4th) and with spring coming, everyone is thinking of their health. As you can see here at the forum, patients are talking about their up coming surgeries in February. But,, where's the March patients??? Lets see if we can bring March in like a lion and go out like a lion. So,, come on March patients,,, where you at?

Just an update. As of January, the transfer is $5.50. I got on and bought my $2.25 bus ticket and asked for the transfer and then had to shell out the $5.50. If I had known, you could just buy the transfer and it is good all day for the bus and trolly.

Valerie

Last time I was there, you could buy an all day bus/trolley pass fpr $5 and a 2 day pass for $9. Good for both the bus and trolley. Note: I don't think the bus driver can issue all day passes? When I did it and asked for the all day pass, the driver told me not to pay at that time and to just sit down, ride the bus to the transportation center and buy the pass there. But,, you got to ask and tell the bus driver you want the all day pass. For those bandsters that are doing the trip all in one day, this is by far the cheapest way to go.

Note: Added on 8/18/2010, You can get a all day pass from the bus driver.

I was there not long ago & all they asked for was my ID. I could have swore that Carolyn mentioned that I would only need a passport after June. Hmmmm, I'll have to research that.

Originally the State Departments time line was to make everyone flying to have a passport as Jan 1st 2007 and walking across a border as of Jan 1st 2008. But after last years fiasco of the State departments inability to provide passports in a timely manner they have backed up the walking across date. So be prepared to see the requirement of needing a passport for any travel out of the country sometime later this year. I think this coming June date was the State Departments new goal. I guess what it comes down to,, If you don't have a passport now,,, I'd be applying for one as soon as possible. When you do apply, I think they give you a card that states your in the application process and you can use that in combination with a birth cert and drivers license.

Thanks, I found that after I posted. I have to move my date back because I cant find my b. Certificate. Have everyone elses but mine. UGH!

Thanks again

I think you can go to your county recorder where you were born and get a copy. Make sure its a raised county seal version.

Hi Shannon! I just went to Mexico last year and I NEEDED a Passport!

AS OF THIS JANUARY THE DHS HAS ISSUED NEW RULES FOR TRAVEL. IF YOUR FLYING INTO MEXICO, YOU NEED A PASSPORT. IF YOUR DRIVING/WALKING INTO MEXICO READ THE FOLLOWING MEMO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY........ DHS Ends Oral Declarations at Borders, Reminds Travelers of New Procedures on January 31

Release Date: January 18, 2008

For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

Contact: 202-282-8010

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds travelers that beginning January 31, 2008, border crossers will be asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. This change primarily affects United States and Canadian citizens, who have previously been permitted entry by oral declaration alone, and marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the country. It is also the start of a more robust and concerted public education campaign, intended to inform travelers of document requirements which will be implemented next year.

“For the safety of the American people, the United States cannot have an honor system at the border,†said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Requiring secure and reliable documentation at our borders will drastically reduce security vulnerabilities posed by permitting entry based on oral declarations alone. As travelers become accustomed to carrying documents to cross the border, and as we move to more stringent documentation requirements, our border officers will be able to more quickly and confidently identify cross-border travelers.â€

Beginning Jan. 31 of this year, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should no longer expect that an oral declaration alone will be sufficient to prove identity and citizenship for entry into the country. Instead, travelers will be asked to present documentation from a specified list of acceptable documents when entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry. Examples include birth certificates and driver’s licenses. A complete list of acceptable documents is available to travelers at ports of entry and is also available at www.cbp.gov. Travelers who do not present one of these documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship. Children ages 18 and under will only need to present a birth certificate.

In order to further secure our borders against illegal entry, the U.S. will no longer be able to admit travelers based on nothing more than a person’s oral assertion of citizenship. During October to December 2007 alone, CBP officers reported 1,517 cases of individuals falsely claiming to be U.S. citizens. Last month, CBP officials determined that an individual falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen was wanted for homicide in California. This individual was paroled for entry into the U.S. and transported into the custody of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Separately, multiple Government Accountability Office and Inspector General reports have highlighted weaknesses associated with oral declarations and substandard documentation.

Standard and consistent documentation is critical for border officials to accurately determine admissibility into the United States. The Jan. 31 change is a step forward from the largely subjective standard that allowed travelers to present an almost limitless array of documents, such as baptismal certificates, to satisfy CBP officers of their citizenship. This change will allow frontline officers to standardize inspections against a narrower class of documents, and CBP has protocols in place to verify the authenticity of suspicious driver licenses and guard against the use of counterfeit or altered licenses.

DHS has maintained a consistent public awareness and information campaign to ensure that the traveling public is aware of the new travel documentation requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The transition beginning Jan. 31 will allow travelers to become accustomed to the need to present appropriate documents. Travelers who apply for a passport card, passport, Trusted Traveler Program cards, or other secure documentation denoting both citizenship and identity in response to the Jan. 31 change will not need to take additional steps to meet the final WHTI requirements upon full implementation in June 2009.

U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card on Feb. 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. The U.S. Department of State expects that cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.

Although DHS was on schedule to begin implementation of the new requirements as early as summer 2008, the fiscal year 2008 Appropriations Bill passed by Congress last month restricts the department from implementing these new requirements until June 2009.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov.

###

I'm going to tell you this on a whim.. but have you considered looking into participating in a "study"? Look around.. there is a drug company called allergan that is conducting a study on people with a BMI of 30-40 to see if the lap band will be as effective as in persons with a BMI 40+. Do some research, I know they're out there because my husband and I are part of one! Good luck to you!

A quick note: Allergan is the parent company of Inamed. Inamed is one the companies that manufactures lap bands. Last time I heard, Dr. Ortiz uses Inamed lap bands.

Information from www.travel.state.gov website

Saturday January 26, 2008International Travel Home

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Areas that fall under the WHTI:

Canada

Mexico

Bermuda

The Caribbean region (includes 17 regions)

AIR TRAVEL

Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

JANUARY 31, 2008

U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.

LATER

At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. PASSPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.

The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

Other Accepted Travel Documents: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST and the U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders are exempt from the passport requirement. DHS has more information on these travel documents. This information may be seen at www.dhs.gov.

ABOUT WHTI

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on February 22 its intent to propose, as part of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), significant flexibility regarding travel documents required for U.S. and Canadian children as part of WHTI requirements for U.S. land and sea border entry in 2008.

The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

Media Notes

09/04/2007 DHS Reminds Carriers and Traveling Public About the End of the Temporary WHTI Accommodation

06/08/2007 Joint Departments of State and Homeland Security Announcement: U.S. Citizens with Pending Passport Applications Allowed Temporary Travel Flexibility Within Western Hemisphere

Federal Regulations

I was banded on June 18, since then I have had about 3 fills with the last being on Nov 6. Up until then I was losing weight at about 10-12 pounds a month. Since Nov I have only lost 3 pounds. Most of the time when I eat, unless it is liquids or soft foods I end up feeling sick. I no even attempt to try to drink when I eat and my sugar cravings are crazy. I kept a food diary and I am eating anywhere from 800 to 1500 calories a day. I haven't been super good about exercising but I do walk. Is there something wrong. I am afraid to go back to my doctor because I know he will have a fit that I have only lost 3 pounds in 3 months. Any advice?????????????????

Sue

I've heard of this happening. In the old days of dieting, the "Diet Center" they used to tell us to eat only fruit for 2 days to jump start your loss. The "Atkins" people do only meat and eggs for 2 days. I like doing a protien drink thing for a couple days. Then back to my normal routine. I know exercise is key to getting back on track too. But, I think Clynn's suggestion is a good one, it would be wise to call Dr. Miranda.

I had my surgery in TJ with Dr. Ortiz. Paid cash and then submitted all the info to my insurance company. I qm not sure what they are going to do with it since they want more info, including pre=authorization. But, I found a doctor here that will do fills and he is an innetwork doctor and my insurance is paying for my fills less my co-pay.

I did the pay cash, have the surgery and I submitted it to my insurance provider (UHC). I got a "They ain't going to pay" letter from them stating I didn't get pre approval first. I'm now in appeal. My appeal had to state that it was imposible to get pre approval cause no one in my area even did the lap band surgery. I also had contacted them at the beginning of my lap band adventure and they could'nt tell me how I could get pre approval. Insurance companies are like talking to a wall. LOL. It's like dealing with the people in the comic strip "Dilbert"

hi everyone,

im booked in for my surgery on the 23 of jan and im so scared of the whole thing, i also feel i dont have enough support around me to tell me what im doing wrong and what i should be doing as in my eating.

I really want the results of the surgery but scared of going through it, maybe i need to be more postive...

hope to hear from some one that might have felt like i do now

thanks victoria

Hi Victoria, Everyone goes through this phase of worry. If your having your surgery at the OCC, your in good hands. After the surgery you'll wonder why you were such a worrier. LOL. As for me, I wish I would have been lap banded 5 years earlier when I first looked into it. I've been kicking myself ever since. I can say that the lap band is a tool and it works if properly filled. I started my pre op diet Jan 1st (at 295 lbs) and was banded at the OCC on Mar 1st ( at 275 lbs) I'm now down 85 lbs total. Hooora! I love my band. Oop's, Disclaimer: not all results are the same as me. LOL. I am not the poster child for lap banding. LOL. But, I love the results!

Here's info straight from Inamed/Allergan

The 9.75 cm and 10.0 cm LAP-BAND® Systems have a recommended maximum fill capacity of 4 cc’s. The LAP-BAND® VG and the LAP-BAND® APS have a recommended maximum fill of 10 cc’s and the LAP-BAND® APL band which has a recommended maximum fill of 14 cc’s.

A lot of bandsters have been under the assumption they had more saline then what they really had. Have you thought of going to a different fill center and having all the saline removed to see how much you really have in it. Also, when refilling your band, have it done under fluoro with barium. A good fill doctor, as they inject the saline, can see the restriction as the barium flows through the band.

I wanted to add to this post. I was told once by an Inamed rep that their lap band is designed to last a lifetime. In other words, the band should out live you. LOL. But they also said, technically there is a 5 year manufactures warranty on the Inamed lap band. Now,, who pays for a band to be replaced in that period of time if its defective??? As far as I've heard,, the only defective bands were the ones where the doctor screwed up and or where a fill tech missed the port and hit the tube. Those bands are checked so many times in the manufacturing process that if its a truely defective band, you might be a first. LOL. Keep us posted on this if you could, Thanks

How do I know what kind of Lap-Band system I have? I have been banded since 9/28/07 and have been really stuggling. I have had 2 fills with 2cc's each for a trotal of 4 cc's. I am still able to eat a lot of food. My weight loss has not been good. Since surgery I have only lost about 13 lbs.

I can't tell you which brand of band you have or which size. Your Doctor should have told you at the time of your surgery. You might want to give the clinic or surgeon a call and ask. I'm not trying to be a smart A#$, but its good to know this info. You didn't say where you were banded? I know when I had my lap band surgery at the Obesity Control Clinic, I received the box in which my band came in. On the box is the size and the serial number of my Inamed band. Also they give me a small credit card size card that gives me the same info.

This is my first time posting to this forum (actually, this is only my third forum post ever). I was banded Oct. 01/07 by Dr. Leung in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am already up to 14cc in a 10cc band (no exaggeration), yet I feel little to no restriction or satiety. Dr. Leung attributes this to a "strong stomach" - whatever that means. Having said that, I was wondering if anyone had information regarding how long food is suppose to stay in the upper pouch before passing through the banded area. I realize that there is probably a great deal of variance depending on what you eat, how much, etc. But I imagine there must be some "normal" range.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and passing on any information you may have. Given how overfilled my band is already, I am becoming quite concerned about my inability to achieve any real restriction.

Here's info straight from Inamed/Allergan

The 9.75 cm and 10.0 cm LAP-BAND® Systems have a recommended maximum fill capacity of 4 cc’s. The LAP-BAND® VG and the LAP-BAND® APS have a recommended maximum fill of 10 cc’s and the LAP-BAND® APL band which has a recommended maximum fill of 14 cc’s.

A lot of bandsters have been under the assumption they had more saline then what they really had. Have you thought of going to a different fill center and having all the saline removed to see how much you really have in it. Also, when refilling your band, have it done under fluoro with barium. A good fill doctor, as they inject the saline, can see the restriction as the barium flows through the band.

I just got my AT&T Cell Phone bill from last month when I went to get my surgery done. The phone said I had a signal and I assumed I was getting it from San Diego. Guess I was wrong. I was charged 79cents per minute to call from my cell phone. Text messages in Mexico to the states cost me 50cents each.

When you are in the hospital, there are phones in every room and you can make unlimited calls to the US for free from your hospital room. You are only in there for less than 24 hours, but take advantage of it while you have it.

With that being said, I would never have changed the entire experience. It was great. I have already lost 30 pounds since I began my diet & had the surgery and I am looking and feeling great.

I just wanted to let those of you who are heading that way to know about the cell charges so you are not surprised.

Maybe some of the other carriers do not charge you????

When you go to dial out on your cell phone, you got to check to see which cell carrier tower is connecting to your cell phone. I've noticed that when your in TJ, certain areas or on higher floors of the hotel or clinic, you can pick up the AT&T cell tower on the American side of the border. But at street level you might be connecting to the Mexican cell service, I think its MexTel or some other name, That's when they nail you with those high rates. Another thing I've noticed, I swear the Mexican cell phone company has automatic dialers that can detect American cell phones. Several times my cell phone went off and the caller ID wouldn't display a name.. If I would have answered the phone I would have contributed to the Mexican cell phone company. Them tricky Rascals!!!! Even Fransico, who works the internet room at the hotel Lucerna, said he's heard about this trick. The locals call it "The Joker". So the moral of this story is,,, before you dial or answer your cell phone,, check to see which cell phone tower your signal bouncing off. The OCC offers the free use of their phones and internet and the hotel Lucerna has free internet down in the lobby. PS, good job on the weight loss.

I DIDN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT HAVING AN UNFILL WHEN I HAD MY TUMMY TUCK. I ENDED UP LOSING A FEW MORE POUNDS THAT WEEK JUST FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO HIT THE FRIG EVERY FEW HOURS LOL

I know,, I wouldn't want to unfill it either,, but, its like some people that will have it unfilled before they go on a cruise. What can you say. Different strokes for different folks.

That's kind of in reverse order,,, usually people have the lapband first,, lose weight and then have a tummy tuck. I'll have to check with Doctor Ortiz or Doctor Martinez and get their expert opinion. If your banded, I know at the Cosmed Plastic Surgery Clinic in Tijuana, they want you to have the band unfilled at the time of your Tuck or Lower body lift. For what reason,,, I don't know, but a couple weeks after plastic surgery you can have your band refilled. Just make sure you tell them your banded and where your port is located at the time of your first plastic surgery consultation. Also,, keep track of how much saline is removed from your band. All good bandsters always know how much saline is in their band. LOL. I'll check with the Cosmed clinic doctors and see what the reason is for the unfill and get back to the forum. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you let the lapband surgeon/plastic surgery surgeon and coordinators know up front your medical history and past surgeries.

I wanted to add to this post,,, I talked to the Cosmed Plastic Surgery Clinic and they told me that its not mandatory to have your band empty when having a lower lift/tummy tuck. It just so happened in a couple cases where the patient didn't want to be restricted while recuperating from the plastic surgery. I guess its one of those mental things where you want to eat like an oinker while in pain from the lower lift/tummy tuck. LOL.