Ask Dr. Curry

Pancreatitis?  I have had several episodes of acute pancreatitis but the last one was 3 yrs ago.  I am 5 months post-lapband and had another episode about 2 weeks ago.  Had elevated lipase of over 800.  Went to ER and got pain and nausea meds and sent home.  My band seems fine-good restriction and all.  But does the lapband increase episodes of pancreatitis?  I do not drink and do not have my gallbladder anymore so no reason for the pancreatitis.  I had an ERCP several years ago after the last episode.  Do you think having the lapband can cause me to have more episodes of pancreatitis?  I have seen my GI doc and he didn't seem worried. 

I haven't seen pancreatitis caused by a gastric band before.

 

Dr. Curry can you please explain to me the difference between the Lap-Band and the Realize Band and when one would be used over the other? Thank you in advance for your help.

They are both really good bands.  Your success depends a lot more on how compliant you are with your diet, exercise, and follow up regimen than which band you get.  I would let your surgeon decide, he or she can pick which one best fits your anatomy.

 

Thank you very much!

I found this on another site and thought I'd post it here and get some comments on it.  The answer is from a doctor by the name of Dr. Oz who is the author of You: On a Diet.

How long does it take to digest food?

A: Your body can digest most food in less time it takes hot shot celebrities to get engaged: about four to 12 hours. Fruits are the fastest travelers on the intestinal interstate, with meats driving like an oversized load in the right lane (they can take two to three days to be excreted or even longer as it rots inside your intestine). By the way, gum is digested as fast as most other foods (not the seven years that your mom had you believe).

I did not know that it takes our bodies 2-3 days to digest meats.  I personally have had problems losing weight since I've adapted protein as my main food, with very few carbs. Does it make any sense to say that with all the protein we banders consume that maybe it's too much for our bodies and that it causes us to get backed up with this overload of protein?  Maybe too much of one thing is a bad thing?  Sure, we all have problems with breads, but shouldn't we be adopting a well-balanced diet, including whole grain foods?  I for one think after 2 months of no loss and little carbs that my body is not getting all that it needs.  Man cannot live on bread alone--[neither can he live on protein alone.]  Its just like water weight when the body doesn't get enough water. that it holds onto whatever water it gets because it fears it won't get anymore.  We don't realize it, but our bodies are VERY VERY SMART!  Don't get me wrong--the band is the best thing ever--mostly because of the restriction.  But, for our bodies, isn't it smart to provide it with a well-balanced diet. What are your thoughts?

You are right - protein alone is not enough, we do need some fat and carbs.  However, in America, it would be next to impossible to not get enough carbs in your diet.  As long as you have normal kidney function, getting too much protein is very unlikely. 

 

 

Dr. Curry, Thanks for being so kind with your time and knowledge. I'm 7 months out and doing very well. My BMI is normal now. I was self pay and I had 50 lbs. (pre-band) to lose in order to reached a normal BMI.  I tend to worry about what might happen to me, if I were to lose the band. I have been told by others (not doctors) that with a normal BMI they would do nothing for me (replace the band or go to some other wls). I would have to gain the weight all back and then re-visit the issue. Have you seen this before and what happens, if the patient has a normal BMI and the band has to be removed for some reason? Any hope for us?

First of all I wouldn't live your life worrying about whether you may or may not have a complication with your band.

If I have a band patient who has done well and has a normal BMI then gets a slip, we fix it.  Whether that means replacing or repositioning the band, either way.  It would make no sense to me to take it out and wait until your BMI was higher to put another one back in.

 

hello i am looking to have the lap band i have a question reguarding h pylorei. i was told i had that some years ago and i dont believe i ever finished the meds because they made me sick. if i find that i still have that what is needed to be done before surgery and how long do i need to wait to have the lap band after the meds for the h pylorei?  thanks tiffany