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Topic: RE: Questions about Realize Band
I have 3.5 cc in my 11cc Realize Band and feel that with both fills (3 cc and .5 cc) I reached optimal fill. I was able to hold and see both bands before deciding which one to get, and my doctor explained that Realize promotes their band as being low pressure (kind of like a wider rubber band) and flatter than the Lap-band, and their hope is there will be less risk of erosion with this system. The port is flatter and wider and is attached to the facia with little hooks rather than sutured. I haven't noticed anyone with a Realize saying their port "flipped" either...it may have happened, but I just haven't noticed it being mentioned on the boards.
Fills are not the end all to banding. Some doctors and patients are too aggressive with fills...being too tight can cause you to slip, have reflux, etc.
Fills are not the end all to banding. Some doctors and patients are too aggressive with fills...being too tight can cause you to slip, have reflux, etc.
6-7-13 band removed. No revision. Facebook Failed Lapbands and Realize Bands group and WLS-Support for Regain and Revision Group
Topic: RE: Questions about Realize Band
You never want to be very tight or in pain. That's not a good thing.
As mentioned, each person is different. 3 cc's can be as effective as 6 cc's which may be as effective as 10 cc's. Ask your Doctor how he does fills. Some do it "blind", others do it under fluoroscope (which IMHO is the way to go). Some schedule fills every X weeks, others do every X months. My Doctor feels, as long as you're losing no need to do a fill. Fills should only be done if your lost slows, stops, reverses or you can eat more then before. I like that philosophy, and recommend it. IMHO there are only so many fills one can get (the maximum of the band's size). Unless you can control your eating habits, and make good choices, no band adjustments will help. Eventually it's the PERSON who makes the BAND successful.
As mentioned, each person is different. 3 cc's can be as effective as 6 cc's which may be as effective as 10 cc's. Ask your Doctor how he does fills. Some do it "blind", others do it under fluoroscope (which IMHO is the way to go). Some schedule fills every X weeks, others do every X months. My Doctor feels, as long as you're losing no need to do a fill. Fills should only be done if your lost slows, stops, reverses or you can eat more then before. I like that philosophy, and recommend it. IMHO there are only so many fills one can get (the maximum of the band's size). Unless you can control your eating habits, and make good choices, no band adjustments will help. Eventually it's the PERSON who makes the BAND successful.
Good Luck on your Journey !!
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Topic: RE: APPROVED!!!(sorta)
I am unsure how legal it would be if your boss said you can't do it. Do you have a union?
On the plus side, can't wait until you're officially on the MINUS side!! CONGRATS!!
Good Luck on your Journey !!
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Topic: RE: I HAVE A DATE!!!!
Hey DORK!! CONGRATS!! Kim was correct, I am busy getting your place on the Losers' Bench in the Winners' Circle ready!! Can't wait to see you there!!
Good Luck on your Journey !!
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Topic: RE: Ouch Ouch Ouch!
Thanks Tom 
Up until Saturday, that was my experience also. I'm with you -- I don't believe this is normal. I am on a liquid diet right now just incase it is a hernia (to keep from having anything get stuck in it), Today is better than this weekend or yesterday was. I am just trying to keep it that way until my doctor comes to town. If the pain comes back worse or constant, I will definitely go to the ER. Thanks for you advice -- even if you don't play a doctor on TV (LOL)! -K-
Up until Saturday, that was my experience also. I'm with you -- I don't believe this is normal. I am on a liquid diet right now just incase it is a hernia (to keep from having anything get stuck in it), Today is better than this weekend or yesterday was. I am just trying to keep it that way until my doctor comes to town. If the pain comes back worse or constant, I will definitely go to the ER. Thanks for you advice -- even if you don't play a doctor on TV (LOL)! -K-
Topic: RE: Ouch Ouch Ouch!
Thanks Kim I will. I'm doing a bit better today -- we'll see what the doctor says when I see him -K-
I will. I'm doing a bit better today -- we'll see what the doctor says when I see him -K- Topic: RE: Questions about Realize Band
Thank you guys for the support! Well when I asked him why he switched he said it was because he had some patients complaining about being very tight and in pain. And then when I said okay well whats the difference his exact words were, "basically it's a low pressure system, so its not going to be queezing the crap out of your stomach". Normally that should be a good thing right? Well I always wanted my stomach to be squeezed. LOL But I agree with you on it doesn't matter which band, the journey and will power is what matters. I already lost 10 lbs preparing for the band 3 weeks ago so I think I will be fine. It would be nice if I was restricted though. My only fear is, some realize bandsters I know have like 10 cc out of the 11 cc filled and it's only month 3... that makes me worried. What about for the rest of the year.. or YEARS. lol I don't want to be filled all the way right away. I hope 3 ccs can restrict me. How many ccs do you guys have?
Topic: RE: I HAVE A DATE!!!!
I am sure that Tom is busy shining up your spot on the Losers' Bench! Congratulations! Nothing wrong with being a dork, either,Chelsea!
~Kim~
Topic: I HAVE A DATE!!!!
I'm soooo excited to FINALLY be one of the lucky folks to post that I have a surgery date!!!! =)
The surgeon's office FINALLY got my "written" approval this morning and called and asked if I would be available for surgery on June 8th. OF COURSE I said YES!!!
SOOOOO. I will FINALLY be getting my REALIZE BAND on Wednesday June 8th!!! YAY!!!
And yes, I AM a dork...BUT soon I'll also be a LOSER!!! ;)
Topic: RE: APPROVED!!!(sorta)
Yes I TOTALLY agree with you about JOBS like that!! I'm soooo nervous about turning my FMLA/short term disability forms to my boss. Afraid he'll say I can't be off. Is that possible? I don't even know.
BUT!!! On the plus side!!! I got a surgery date!!! June 8th!!! YAY!!!! I'm super excited!!!
BUT!!! On the plus side!!! I got a surgery date!!! June 8th!!! YAY!!!! I'm super excited!!!
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