HELP!!!!!

[Guest guest]

I may be way off but perhaps the material the band is made of doesn't

show on an upper GI so a doctor not versed in this wouldn't know what to

look for? The port is made from a different material.

Guessing...

Kerri

Janice Spicer wrote:

> Question: I had surgery Sept 21, 2005.

>

> Fill Nov 12, 2005

>

> I have been having weird restriction.. some days loads to the point of

> throwing up.. some days none..

>

> .. I went in for an Upper GI here in Oregon.. We could see the Port.. (I

> don't know what I am looking at and the Doc didn't know much more)

>

> we could see the port. He said there was NO Band.. How is that

> possible.. (it isn't right??) but again some days..

>

> yesterday.. I thew up from what appeared to be tooo much restriction..

> and then this AM.. NO BAND.. I am confused.

>

> But also I am scared kinda. I have lost 46 pounds total to date and I

> have heard slippage..

>

> I have heard that I am all screwed up..

>

> so I went to a doctor here and now I am more confused then before.

>

> Anyone have any ideas....

>

> Thank you..

>

> I guess I am just wondering what I should do at this point.

>

> And then I ate fine today... not like before being banded.. so not like

> there is no band.. but defiantly like I need a fill...

>

> LOST AND confused in Oregon....

>

> --

> Jan... AKA: janicesdream

>

> Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

>

>

> " Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from ourselves "

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jan, is there a local doc that can do a check under flouro? An upper GI if

I am not mistaken is where they take a scope down your thoart and take a

look at your stomach, could he see signs of restriction? He would not see

the band as it is around the outside of your stomach not inside, he should

however see the stoma. The band is plastic while the port is titanium, I

cant remember if plastic shows up on a reg xray or not, will get back to you

tomarrow after I ask our xray dept. hang in there.

johnette

He said there was NO Band.

_____

[Guest guest]

johnette wrote:

> Jan, is there a local doc that can do a check under flouro? An upper GI if

> I am not mistaken is where they take a scope down your thoart and take a

> look at your stomach, could he see signs of restriction? He would not see

> the band as it is around the outside of your stomach not inside, he should

> however see the stoma. The band is plastic while the port is titanium, I

> cant remember if plastic shows up on a reg xray or not, will get back to you

> tomarrow after I ask our xray dept. hang in there.

>

>

>

This one was done just like the Floro that the Fill was done with..

An xray type machine.. and they follow the white yukky stuff down your

throat.

The picture I watched today looked nothing like the one I watched in

Tijuana though.. I could see a stomach and a neck and the band.. today

was more a blur and really fuzzy..

It just looked different.. but I drank that nasty stuff with no issues

so there was defiantly no restriction.. or very little..

But like I told my daughter.. If I have no band.. I WANT SUBWAY...

But of course.. I then had pork chop for dinner and after 3 bites was

full and had to stop.. so NO BAND... Darn I sure eat like a bird for

having no band..

I am just confused..

I should have known that first day when I had complications to stop

while I was ahead

Hope your doing well...

--

Jan... AKA: janicesdream

Proud Survivor of the Gastric Band...

Owner/Operator of Beaverton House Parties

Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

" Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from ourselves "

[Guest guest]

Janice, First of all, if you are having trouble with your band and

need a fluoro, go only to your band surgeon or another competant band

person! You have found out why - most other docs don't know ebnough

about your band to advise you. This one didn't even know what the

band looked like on the x-ray! It is a little hard to see unless you

know what you are looking for. THis exam was basically useless for

you.

An inexperienced person will also not be able to see what is wrong,

or whether things are in the correct position. In this case, you will

likely need another specialized exam, that is commonly done to

evaluate your pouch and restru=iction - a fluoroscopy. An upper GI is

not the same, and cannot be appropriately read by a non-band-

experienced person.

Secondly, it's very normal for the band's restriction to vary. It

often depends whether you are choosing good band foods, and following

the band eating rules. Also, it makes a great difference if you are

at all dehydrated - as you will be if you are not consciento=ious

about getting in the MINIMUM 64-100 oz a day of fluids. WHO is

telling you you are " all screwed up? " WHO is tellling you you may

have a slip? You will get lots of opinions from people not

necessarily knowledgeable.

What we need to know to help you is more about youHas there been a

sudenc ahnge in what you ar tolerating? How often have you been

barfing since surgery? What you are eating. How you are eating. Who

your doc is, and what he says.

As you know, it's very important to avoid barfing. It may not lead to

immediate slips (although it can), but it likely is loosening the

sutures and scar tissue, which increases the liklihood of future

slips and problems.

It's very important not to get a fill when you ar having ANY trouble

with the present level. Doing so will only make the problems worse.

Please tell us more, and then we can perhaps offer some suggestions.

sandy R

>

> Question: I had surgery Sept 21, 2005.

>

> Fill Nov 12, 2005

>

> I have been having weird restriction.. some days loads to the point

of

> throwing up.. some days none..

>

> . I went in for an Upper GI here in Oregon.. We could see the

Port.. (I

> don't know what I am looking at and the Doc didn't know much more)

>

> we could see the port. He said there was NO Band.. How is that

> possible.. (it isn't right??) but again some days..

>

> yesterday.. I thew up from what appeared to be tooo much

restriction..

> and then this AM.. NO BAND.. I am confused.

>

> But also I am scared kinda. I have lost 46 pounds total to date

and I

> have heard slippage..

>

> I have heard that I am all screwed up..

>

> so I went to a doctor here and now I am more confused then before.

>

> Anyone have any ideas....

>

> Thank you..

>

> I guess I am just wondering what I should do at this point.

>

> And then I ate fine today... not like before being banded.. so not

like

> there is no band.. but defiantly like I need a fill...

>

> LOST AND confused in Oregon....

>

> --

> Jan... AKA: janicesdream

>

> Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

>

>

> " Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from

ourselves "

>

[Guest guest]

Kerri, the Inamed Band, tubing, and port are all made with a material

that vshows up on x-rays - if one knows what to look for. Some of the

other non-

US-approved bands do not have this material impregnated.

Sandy R

>

> I may be way off but perhaps the material the band is made of

doesn't

> show on an upper GI so a doctor not versed in this wouldn't know

what to

> look for? The port is made from a different material.

>

> Guessing...

> Kerri

[Guest guest]

-ette, wow, you're a little confused here. :-)

An endoscopy is the procedure where a thin tube with a camera is

inserted down the esophagus into the pouch and stomach. This is an

invasive procedure, and is quite different from the fluoroscopy that

is routinely used to evaluate a fill, the pouch, port, and band

position. Endoscopies are not done routinely, but only when a problem

is suspected, as they require anesthesia. They are not used to

see " signs of restriction. "

The stoma itself is not visible on an x-ray, since they do not show

soft tissue - but one can see the barium flowing THRU the stoma.

The band is silicone, not plastic, and can be seen on a fluoroscopy.

The port is not titanium. It is a hard silicone, with a rubber-like

membrane, and a titanium backing only. There is also a small

satinless steel connector in the tubing. Neithr of these are

magnetic, in case anyone is wonderfing, so MRI's are safe with the

band.

Banding is a very specialized thing, and only an experienced

radiologist/fill person, and surgeon can adequately advise us. In

this area of Oregon, there are only 2 practices of band surgeons - Dr

Emma 's group, and the Bariatric Group at OHSU. Any other

doctor will not be able to advise you well. Th only experienced fill

person in Northern oregon is Dr Fitzpatricjk in euegene, and

she does not use a fluor, so could noy help here.

If you need a fluoro (or a fill) , and cannot get back to your own

doctor, (which is the best option) the closest experienced person

here is Dr Bill Neal in Shelton, WA.

Hope this clears things up a bit for the newer people.

Sandy R, RN, MN

Kuri

at goal x 2+ yrs

-- In ,

>

> johnette wrote:

> > Jan, is there a local doc that can do a check under flouro? An

upper GI if

> > I am not mistaken is where they take a scope down your thoart and

take a

> > look at your stomach, could he see signs of restriction? He

would not see

> > the band as it is around the outside of your stomach not inside,

he should

> > however see the stoma. The band is plastic while the port is

titanium, I

> > cant remember if plastic shows up on a reg xray or not, will get

back to you

> > tomarrow after I ask our xray dept. hang in there.

> >

> >

> >

> This one was done just like the Floro that the Fill was done with..

>

> An xray type machine.. and they follow the white yukky stuff down

your

> throat.

>

> The picture I watched today looked nothing like the one I watched

in

> Tijuana though.. I could see a stomach and a neck and the band..

today

> was more a blur and really fuzzy..

>

> It just looked different.. but I drank that nasty stuff with no

issues

> so there was defiantly no restriction.. or very little..

>

> But like I told my daughter.. If I have no band.. I WANT SUBWAY...

>

> But of course.. I then had pork chop for dinner and after 3 bites

was

> full and had to stop.. so NO BAND... Darn I sure eat like a bird

for

> having no band..

>

> I am just confused..

>

> I should have known that first day when I had complications to stop

> while I was ahead

>

> Hope your doing well...

>

>

>

> --

> Jan... AKA: janicesdream

>

> Proud Survivor of the Gastric Band...

>

> Owner/Operator of Beaverton House Parties

>

> Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

>

>

> " Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from

ourselves "

>

[Guest guest]

Sandy wrote:

> Janice, First of all, if you are having trouble with your band and

> need a fluoro, go only to your band surgeon or another competant band

> person! You have found out why - most other docs don't know ebnough

> about your band to advise you. This one didn't even know what the

> band looked like on the x-ray! It is a little hard to see unless you

> know what you are looking for. THis exam was basically useless for

> you.

>

Be nice if I had the money to jump on an airplane any day of the week..

I don't.. and no one will help me here.. UNLESS they did my band..

I have a Naturopath (spelling) who will help but she doesn't have flouro..

[Guest guest]

Sandy wrote:

> -ette, wow, you're a little confused here. :-)

>

> An endoscopy is the procedure where a thin tube with a camera is

> inserted down the esophagus into the pouch and stomach. This is an

> invasive procedure, and is quite different from the fluoroscopy that

> is routinely used to evaluate a fill, the pouch, port, and band

> position. Endoscopies are not done routinely, but only when a problem

> is suspected, as they require anesthesia. They are not used to

> see " signs of restriction. "

>

> The stoma itself is not visible on an x-ray, since they do not show

> soft tissue - but one can see the barium flowing THRU the stoma.

>

> The band is silicone, not plastic, and can be seen on a fluoroscopy.

> The port is not titanium. It is a hard silicone, with a rubber-like

> membrane, and a titanium backing only. There is also a small

> satinless steel connector in the tubing. Neithr of these are

> magnetic, in case anyone is wonderfing, so MRI's are safe with the

> band.

>

> Banding is a very specialized thing, and only an experienced

> radiologist/fill person, and surgeon can adequately advise us. In

> this area of Oregon, there are only 2 practices of band surgeons - Dr

> Emma 's group, and the Bariatric Group at OHSU. Any other

> doctor will not be able to advise you well. Th only experienced fill

> person in Northern oregon is Dr Fitzpatricjk in euegene, and

> she does not use a fluor, so could noy help here.

>

> If you need a fluoro (or a fill) , and cannot get back to your own

> doctor, (which is the best option) the closest experienced person

> here is Dr Bill Neal in Shelton, WA.

>

> Hope this clears things up a bit for the newer people.

>

> Sandy R, RN, MN

> Kuri

> at goal x 2+ yrs

>

>

Yes Emma and her group won't even look at you unless you are their

patient.. or on occasion if you are an AMerican banded patient.. and the

OHSU is the same..

has offered to help.. she is the one who wanted the Xray to look

at... and my doctor suggested an Upper Gi.. said if I was having issues

then I needed that..

I would have been happy with an xray..

--

Jan... AKA: janicesdream

Proud Survivor of the Gastric Band...

Owner/Operator of Beaverton House Parties

Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

" Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from ourselves "

[Guest guest]

Janice, if we choose to be banded, we MUST accept the responsibility

of getting the care we need, and paying what it takes. The band

simply does not work without good care, and we often get into

trouble - which makes care even more urgent and more espensive.

you're right that other docs often will not see someone else's

patients. as we often say, you must put your band and it's need FIRST

if you want to do well and stay safe.

Dr Neal in Olympia is the only band surgeon around here who will see

MX clients - and he is excllent. You really need to see him, and

asap. Dr. Steve Tersigni in Coos Bay would have been another band

surgeon choice you could have been banded by, if flightd to MX were

not possible for you.

is excellent, but, as you know, is dealing with her own health

problems and not always available - and does not have a fluoro.

You need a fluoro with at least every other fill - if noty EVERY one -

and you're really risking big problems if you do not get it.

Getting good care is YOUR rsponsibility. Many people lose their bands

when they don't take care of theim and of their stomachs - and then

you're REALLY out a lot of money.

please take this to heart, and get the care you need.

Please email me directly, if you'd like. I just want you to do well.

Sandy R

> > Janice, First of all, if you are having trouble with your band

and

> > need a fluoro, go only to your band surgeon or another competant

band

> > person! You have found out why - most other docs don't know

ebnough

> > about your band to advise you. This one didn't even know what the

> > band looked like on the x-ray! It is a little hard to see unless

you

> > know what you are looking for. THis exam was basically useless

for

> > you.

> >

> Be nice if I had the money to jump on an airplane any day of the

week..

>

> I don't.. and no one will help me here.. UNLESS they did my band..

>

> I have a Naturopath (spelling) who will help but she doesn't have

flouro..

>

[Guest guest]

Janice, is wonderful, but she is not a trained band surgeon.

she is an excellent FILL person, but without a fluoro USED WITH THE

FILL, the fill is simply a blind guess- as you have found out. An

upper GI or a barium swallow 1 day before or after a fill, or one

HOUR before or after the fill, will tell you nothing about the fill.

It will - **if read correctly** by a band surgeon - show the correct

position of the band, the size of the pouch, and the status of the

esophagus.

but again these things can only be evaluated by a BAND SURGEON.

Banding is a very specialized area, and NO ONE else really can give

you good care, especially if there is a problem.

I hope you'll put your health first here and get the care you need.

you're endangering a $10,000 band to try to save $350 (Dr Neal's fee).

sandy R

> > -ette, wow, you're a little confused here. :-)

> >

> > An endoscopy is the procedure where a thin tube with a camera is

> > inserted down the esophagus into the pouch and stomach. This is

an

> > invasive procedure, and is quite different from the fluoroscopy

that

> > is routinely used to evaluate a fill, the pouch, port, and band

> > position. Endoscopies are not done routinely, but only when a

problem

> > is suspected, as they require anesthesia. They are not used to

> > see " signs of restriction. "

> >

> > The stoma itself is not visible on an x-ray, since they do not

show

> > soft tissue - but one can see the barium flowing THRU the stoma.

> >

> > The band is silicone, not plastic, and can be seen on a

fluoroscopy.

> > The port is not titanium. It is a hard silicone, with a rubber-

like

> > membrane, and a titanium backing only. There is also a small

> > satinless steel connector in the tubing. Neithr of these are

> > magnetic, in case anyone is wonderfing, so MRI's are safe with

the

> > band.

> >

> > Banding is a very specialized thing, and only an experienced

> > radiologist/fill person, and surgeon can adequately advise us. In

> > this area of Oregon, there are only 2 practices of band surgeons -

Dr

> > Emma 's group, and the Bariatric Group at OHSU. Any

other

> > doctor will not be able to advise you well. Th only experienced

fill

> > person in Northern oregon is Dr Fitzpatricjk in euegene,

and

> > she does not use a fluor, so could noy help here.

> >

> > If you need a fluoro (or a fill) , and cannot get back to your

own

> > doctor, (which is the best option) the closest experienced person

> > here is Dr Bill Neal in Shelton, WA.

> >

> > Hope this clears things up a bit for the newer people.

> >

> > Sandy R, RN, MN

> > Kuri

> > at goal x 2+ yrs

> >

> >

> Yes Emma and her group won't even look at you unless you are their

> patient.. or on occasion if you are an AMerican banded patient..

and the

> OHSU is the same..

>

> has offered to help.. she is the one who wanted the Xray to

look

> at... and my doctor suggested an Upper Gi.. said if I was having

issues

> then I needed that..

>

> I would have been happy with an xray..

>

>

> --

> Jan... AKA: janicesdream

>

> Proud Survivor of the Gastric Band...

>

> Owner/Operator of Beaverton House Parties

>

> Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

>

>

> " Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from

ourselves "

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sandy- sometimes even older bandsters need a reminder- HEALTH FIRST...

Re: HELP!!!!!

Janice, is wonderful, but she is not a trained band surgeon.

she is an excellent FILL person, but without a fluoro USED WITH THE

FILL, the fill is simply a blind guess- as you have found out. An

upper GI or a barium swallow 1 day before or after a fill, or one

HOUR before or after the fill, will tell you nothing about the fill.

It will - **if read correctly** by a band surgeon - show the correct

position of the band, the size of the pouch, and the status of the

esophagus.

but again these things can only be evaluated by a BAND SURGEON.

Banding is a very specialized area, and NO ONE else really can give

you good care, especially if there is a problem.

I hope you'll put your health first here and get the care you need.

you're endangering a $10,000 band to try to save $350 (Dr Neal's fee).

sandy R

> > -ette, wow, you're a little confused here. :-)

> >

> > An endoscopy is the procedure where a thin tube with a camera is

> > inserted down the esophagus into the pouch and stomach. This is

an

> > invasive procedure, and is quite different from the fluoroscopy

that

> > is routinely used to evaluate a fill, the pouch, port, and band

> > position. Endoscopies are not done routinely, but only when a

problem

> > is suspected, as they require anesthesia. They are not used to

> > see " signs of restriction. "

> >

> > The stoma itself is not visible on an x-ray, since they do not

show

> > soft tissue - but one can see the barium flowing THRU the stoma.

> >

> > The band is silicone, not plastic, and can be seen on a

fluoroscopy.

> > The port is not titanium. It is a hard silicone, with a rubber-

like

> > membrane, and a titanium backing only. There is also a small

> > satinless steel connector in the tubing. Neithr of these are

> > magnetic, in case anyone is wonderfing, so MRI's are safe with

the

> > band.

> >

> > Banding is a very specialized thing, and only an experienced

> > radiologist/fill person, and surgeon can adequately advise us. In

> > this area of Oregon, there are only 2 practices of band surgeons -

Dr

> > Emma 's group, and the Bariatric Group at OHSU. Any

other

> > doctor will not be able to advise you well. Th only experienced

fill

> > person in Northern oregon is Dr Fitzpatricjk in euegene,

and

> > she does not use a fluor, so could noy help here.

> >

> > If you need a fluoro (or a fill) , and cannot get back to your

own

> > doctor, (which is the best option) the closest experienced person

> > here is Dr Bill Neal in Shelton, WA.

> >

> > Hope this clears things up a bit for the newer people.

> >

> > Sandy R, RN, MN

> > Kuri

> > at goal x 2+ yrs

> >

> >

> Yes Emma and her group won't even look at you unless you are their

> patient.. or on occasion if you are an AMerican banded patient..

and the

> OHSU is the same..

>

> has offered to help.. she is the one who wanted the Xray to

look

> at... and my doctor suggested an Upper Gi.. said if I was having

issues

> then I needed that..

>

> I would have been happy with an xray..

>

>

> --

> Jan... AKA: janicesdream

>

> Proud Survivor of the Gastric Band...

>

> Owner/Operator of Beaverton House Parties

>

> Breeder of Long and Short hair Mini Dachshunds

>

>

> " Those who know what's best for US, Must rise and save US from

ourselves "

>

[Guest guest]

ASandy wrote:

> > -ette, wow, you're a little confused here. :-)

> >

> > An endoscopy is the procedure where a thin tube with a camera is

> > inserted down the esophagus into the pouch and stomach. This is

an

> > invasive procedure, and is quite different from the fluoroscopy

that

> > is routinely used to evaluate a fill, the pouch, port, and band

> > position. Endoscopies are not done routinely, but only when a

problem

> > is suspected, as they require anesthesia. They are not used to

> > see " signs of restriction. "

I THOUGHT THAT WAS WHAT I SAID :-)

> >

> > The stoma itself is not visible on an x-ray, since they do not

show

> > soft tissue - but one can see the barium flowing THRU the stoma.

AGAIN I WASN'T CLEAR ON WHAT YOU WOULD SEE ONLY THAT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO

TELL THERE WAS A NAROWING AS YOU SWALLOWED THE BARIUM

> >

> > The band is silicone, not plastic, and can be seen on a

fluoroscopy.

I STAND CORRECTED, I THOUGHT THE OUTTER " SHELL " WAS PLASTIC AND THE INNER

BALLOON WAS SILICONE

> > The port is not titanium. It is a hard silicone, with a rubber-

like

> > membrane, and a titanium backing only.

ON THE INAMED BAND YES, ON THE SAGB NO, I THINK (COULD BE WRONG AGAIN) THAT

THE MID BAND (WHICH JANICE HAS) IS TITAINUM AS WELL.

There is also a small

> > satinless steel connector in the tubing. Neithr of these are

> > magnetic, in case anyone is wonderfing, so MRI's are safe with

the

> > band.

WOULDN'T KNOW ON THIS ONE

> >

> > Banding is a very specialized thing, and only an experienced

> > radiologist/fill person, and surgeon can adequately advise us. In

> > this area of Oregon, there are only 2 practices of band surgeons -

Dr

> > Emma 's group, and the Bariatric Group at OHSU. Any

other

> > doctor will not be able to advise you well. Th only experienced

fill

> > person in Northern oregon is Dr Fitzpatricjk in euegene,

and

> > she does not use a fluor, so could noy help here.

> >

> > If you need a fluoro (or a fill) , and cannot get back to your

own

> > doctor, (which is the best option) the closest experienced person

> > here is Dr Bill Neal in Shelton, WA.

> >

> > Hope this clears things up a bit for the newer people.

> >

_____

[Guest guest]

Well, I don't know where the port is, but it sure as heck didn't

vaporize and disappear. I've seen mine on the xrays/fluoros and it

isn't as easy to see as the port (since port has metal), but it is

visible. I really doubt it has slipped, but who knows? Not you, and

certainly not the doctor. I'd get to a band doctor nearby who knows

something, or better yet get back to the doctor who did the banding?

Who did it? You could probably have gone back to see him for what you

spent on the local stuff. And if there IS a problem, the doc who

banded you will fix it.

Let us know what happens.

dan

Monday, February 27, 2006, 3:40:52 PM, you wrote:

JS> we could see the port. He said there was NO

JS> Band.. How is that

JS> possible.. (it isn't right??) but again some

JS> days..

JS> yesterday.. I thew up from what appeared to be

JS> tooo much restriction..

JS> and then this AM.. NO BAND.. I am confused.

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

323/209/199 Age 63 The road goes on forever....

[Guest guest]

,

Your health is so important. It is not until that health is in

jeopardy that you realize just how important it is. I hope that your doctors

will have wisdom and that they will see and understand any problems they

encounter.

I was quite sick for over a year with gastric issues. I really

didn't see it as a " " band " problem and still think it was more of an issue

that developed and was complicated and allowed to become worse by the band.

I am just now feeling good again and I appreciate my health more than ever

before.

I wish the best for you. I am able to emphasize with the frustration

of going through a period of testing and not knowing what is wrong.

Best of luck,

HELP!!!!!

Hi, all--especially Dan and Sandy,

I've been banded since 11/04 and did quite well for a while (251 down

to 179--and I'm 4'11 " ). For the last year and a half, I've had nothing

but problems--I laughingly (not!) refer to myself as a " surgical

bulemic. " My PCP had the band doc remove all my fill(s) about 6 months

ago, but I still sometimes vomit. I've also regained weight and am

about 210lbs now.

All this is an introduction to my questions/commitment. I turn 56 on

Tuesday. On Monday, I'm going to the hospital for an upper GI and fill

under fluoroscopy (sp?), then to my surgeon's office for a follow-up.

What I want to know is---what questions should I be asking the

radiologist and/or surgeon? I've read and downloaded all the bandster

eating files, and have been following them religiously for the last

few weeks, but still vomit sometimes. I want to " start over, " as I've

spent the last couple of years working with an excellent therapist and

have made great progress in unearthing and understanding my emotional

eating. I've " straightened out " a lot of the rest of my life and am

committed to making this band thing work for (with?) me. I'm ready and

willing to be healthy--I just need some advice and a LOT of support

(which I get here and with my local bandster group).

One of my docs (a neurologist) who hasn't seen me in six months

commented yesterday that she has never seen me as " present " as I was

yesterday and predicted that with my new psychological awareness (to

say nothing of the fact that I've quit taking any meds except the ones

I need to live and breathe: i.e. thyroid and asthma stuff. I was on

all sorts of prescribed opiates, sleeping meds, muscle relaxants, etc.

for chronic pain caused by 3 herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and a

rhuematoid arthritis-like connective tissue disorder among other things).

So back to the title--HELP!!!! Any and all appreciated.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

-

Hi, - wow, it sounds as if you've nade a huge amount of

progress over the last year! This took hard work and a great

committment, so that tells me you're ready too to commit to the

things that the band needs to help you. i'm sure you can gete right

back on track with your weight loss! Even with the bit of regan,

you're still down 40# - and that's terrific!

I'm glad you're seeing your doc and getting that upper GI or barium

swallow - the first step after troulbe like this is always to be sure

the band is in good potiton, and the pouch or esophagus the normal

size and not stretched out.

I'd like to know much more about the problems you've had, when you

say " nothing but problems " for the last 18 months. This would make a

big difference in what I'd suggest. please feel free to email me

directly through the address I just sent you, if you'd prefer more

privacy.

I worry when you say you are still vomitting once a week. It's really

not a good idea to get any fill or more fill when you are already

having trouble. Every barf risks a slip, anf more fill usually makes

any existing problem worse.

If you're barfing becuase of the bulemia, and becuase you have

overeaten and then make yourself barf, and are still barfing this

often, imo it's not wise at all to get a fill yet. IMO, it would be

dangerous to do so, especially since you've barfed so much in the

past. IMO, every barf and pb - even if they don't cause a slip right

thten - loosens the sutures more and more and makes futures slips

even more likley. There really should be no regular problems at all

when you go for fills.

Please let me know more. Sandy R

-- In , " bear2travel "

<bear2travel@...> wrote:

>

> Hi, all--especially Dan and Sandy,

>

> I've been banded since 11/04 and did quite well for a while (251

down

> to 179--and I'm 4'11 " ). For the last year and a half, I've had

nothing

> but problems--I laughingly (not!) refer to myself as a " surgical

> bulemic. " My PCP had the band doc remove all my fill(s) about 6

months

> ago, but I still sometimes vomit. I've also regained weight and am

> about 210lbs now.

>

> All this is an introduction to my questions/commitment. I turn 56 on

> Tuesday. On Monday, I'm going to the hospital for an upper GI and

fill

> under fluoroscopy (sp?), then to my surgeon's office for a follow-

up.

>

> What I want to know is---what questions should I be asking the

> radiologist and/or surgeon? I've read and downloaded all the

bandster

> eating files, and have been following them religiously for the last

> few weeks, but still vomit sometimes. I want to " start over, " as

I've

> spent the last couple of years working with an excellent therapist

and

> have made great progress in unearthing and understanding my

emotional

> eating. I've " straightened out " a lot of the rest of my life and am

> committed to making this band thing work for (with?) me. I'm ready

and

> willing to be healthy--I just need some advice and a LOT of support

> (which I get here and with my local bandster group).

>

> One of my docs (a neurologist) who hasn't seen me in six months

> commented yesterday that she has never seen me as " present " as I was

> yesterday and predicted that with my new psychological awareness (to

> say nothing of the fact that I've quit taking any meds except the

ones

> I need to live and breathe: i.e. thyroid and asthma stuff. I was on

> all sorts of prescribed opiates, sleeping meds, muscle relaxants,

etc.

> for chronic pain caused by 3 herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and a

> rhuematoid arthritis-like connective tissue disorder among other

things).

>

> So back to the title--HELP!!!! Any and all appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi... I have heard..carpet has toxic elements.... has anyone else heard this? I know.. lots of people get sick from carpet... new ones... due the way it is manufactured... and then .. the old ones.. from bugs.. mites... ect... LiaSee what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hey guys...

>

> My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

lightbulbs.

>

> Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I want to

> get my kids out of the house.

>

> What should I do???????????????

>

> W.

>

Not sure on halgen [do a web search] If positive Id open windows and

roll out any rug it may have spilled on.

[Guest guest]

Call the manufacturer

On 9/9/07 12:10 PM, " sammysouthie " <sammysouthie@...> wrote:

>

> Hey guys...

>

> My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

lightbulbs.

>

> Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I want to

> get my kids out of the house.

>

> What should I do???????????????

>

> W.

>

Not sure on halgen [do a web search] If positive Id open windows and

roll out any rug it may have spilled on.

[Guest guest]

http://www.xcelenergy.com/docs/BrokenCFLIssues.pdf

--- autismlink <cindy@...> wrote:

> Hey guys...

>

> My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those

> halogen lightbulbs.

>

> Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked

> out..... I want to

> get my kids out of the house.

>

> What should I do???????????????

>

> W.

>

>

Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane with All new

Mail: http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca

[Guest guest]

, The epa has info for clean up on their site. www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm Good luck, Megautismlink <cindy@...> wrote: Hey guys...My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen lightbulbs.Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I want toget my kids out of the house.What should I do???????????????

W.

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

[Guest guest]

Well I did everything I wasn't supposed to do. I touched it, I

vacuumed, ARRRGH.

The fire dept. was just here -- they can't test for mercury, so I have

to wait until tomorrow for the health dept. to come and test the house

for mercury.

Do you remember the lady from Maine who had to pay $2,000 for clean

up??? Read this:

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=aa7796aa-e4a5-4c0\

6-be84-b62dee548fda

When they tested for mercury after the broken light bulb it was 6x the

EPA limit.

I'm freaking out over here!

> Hey guys...

>

> My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen lightbulbs.

>

> Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I want to

> get my kids out of the house.

>

> What should I do???????????????

>

> W.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm seeing nothing on the web about halogen bulbs and mercury. There

was another article about the hazmat cleanup of the Bridges home:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55213

> > Hey guys...

> >

> > My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

lightbulbs.

> >

> > Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I

want to

> > get my kids out of the house.

> >

> > What should I do???????????????

> >

> > W.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Here are the EPA cleaning instructions:

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_She\

et_Mercury.pdf

NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7431198

Nat'l Geographic:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/05/070518-cfls-bulbs.html

Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288684,00.html

That should keep you busy for awhile :-)

> > > Hey guys...

> > >

> > > My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

> lightbulbs.

> > >

> > > Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I

> want to

> > > get my kids out of the house.

> > >

> > > What should I do???????????????

> > >

> > > W.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Check out the National Geographic article. Don't you love when people

say stuff like this:

" But CFLs' cool-burning illumination is made possible by a pinch of

poison†" about five milligrams of mercury sealed inside every glass

tube†" and the need for the element is unlikely to change anytime soon. "

OH OKAY ITS ONLY A PINCH OF POISONOUS MERCURY. I FEEL MUCH BETTER. KTHX.

> > > > Hey guys...

> > > >

> > > > My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

> > lightbulbs.

> > > >

> > > > Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I

> > want to

> > > > get my kids out of the house.

> > > >

> > > > What should I do???????????????

> > > >

> > > > W.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ---------------------------------

> > > > Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury, so unless you meant to

say that a fluorescent bulb was broken, I think you don't need

to be concerned that your house is now mercury toxic.

Here is a relevant link:

http://www.physicscentral.com/lou/2001/bulbs.html

Sue

> >

> >

> > > > Hey guys...

> > > >

> > > > My dogs knocked over my lamp and broke one of those halogen

> > lightbulbs.

> > > >

> > > > Aren't they loaded with mercury??? I'm so freaked out..... I

> > want to

> > > > get my kids out of the house.

> > > >

> > > > What should I do???????????????

> > > >

> > > > W.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ---------------------------------

> > > > Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>