b2g Live Chat with Special Guests

[PhotoNut]

We have been talking about having live chats in the b2g chatroom with featured guests such as band doctors, nutritionists familiar with the bandster's needs, physical trainers, etc. This would be a well organized event so that the speaker's posts don't get lost in a whirlwind of chatting members.

Also, in an attempt to keep the live chat with our guest speakers organized, we will be letting those interested in asking questions post them here first so the speakers can be better prepared with responses. Then, when the live chat event takes place, the author of each question will have the opportunity to ask it live in the chat and speak with the guest briefly about their response. Then, if there are other questions related to that topic, they may be asked but limited to only a couple because of time constraints. The order of the questions will be the same as they appear on the pre-chat thread.

All of that led up to this:

I met with my own doctor today and he was very excited about such an opportunity and I was doubly excited about having him with us. Here is a brief bio:

Robert M. Cahn, MD, F.A.C.S., Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery at St. Alphonsus Regional Center in Boise, Idaho, has practiced General and Bariatric surgery in Idaho for over 5 years. Dr. Cahn completed his residency in General Surgery and Fellowship in Critical Care at Oregon Health Sciences University. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, President of the Idaho Chapter of the ACS, and Chair of the Idaho State Committee on Cancer. Dr Cahn performed the first adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-Band®) procedure in the State of Idaho at Saint Alphonsus. He is known by his patient’s and colleague’s as a caring and highly skilled surgeon who is extremely dedicated to his patients. Dr. Cahn enjoys cooking, cycling, and running in the foothills with his dogs.

I don't have the date for the chat with Dr. Cahn as of yet, but this thread is now open for the pre-chat list of questions.

First come, first serve. Please do not change your question after it has been posted! This will only this will only complicate and possibly negate the questions that will be asked after yours has been posted.

[HeatherGurl]

I would like to know his opinion on the long term effects of the band in the body...
Does he think we will get to have our bands until we die if we have no complications?
Who has had the band in them the longest?

[DonnaB]

If a person has minor complications like esophogeal irritation early on post operatively, are they more likely to have complications down the road than someone who had no complications post-op? Is esophogeal irritation a common reason for band removal? What is the percentage of patients who suffer from esophogeal irritation/reflux?

And, finally, WHAT IS the cause of hair loss in WLS patients? People on B2G and other message boards report adequate to abundant protein intake, along with vitamin supplementation, but are still experiencing SIGNIFICANT hair loss. What treatment is available to prevent, slow, or stop the hair loss?

~~Susan, thanks for setting this up. You are inspired and inspiring.~~

[NotSoFunny]

Once at goal, what is the best maintance plan for a bandster? is the plan to eventually have it removed? Or is it to keep it in the body for life long maintenance and adjustment?

[Goannabanda]

NOTE:
I may be unable to participate in the live chat, due to time differences, however, would be interested in the doctor's answers to the questions below, and in reading a summary or transcript of the chat if this could be posted somewhere. Many thanks.

QUESTIONS - WEIGHT LOSS AND KIDNEY / GALLSTONES
I would like information about whether there is a link between weight loss and increased risk of developing kidney / gallstones.

Is there such a link?
If so, how does this mechanism work?
Is the RATE or AMOUNT of weight loss the bigger risk factor?
What can be done to minimise the risks of developing kidney / gallstones during weight loss?
Is diet a significant contributor to the potential for developing this disease during the weight loss phase, or is the weight loss itself the larger driving factor?
Can dietary modifications be made and / or supplements be used to reduce or avoid the risk of developing kidney / gallstones during the weight loss phase?

[PhotoNut]

*bumping for more responses*

[NotSoFunny]

Has there been any more study in the erosion arena, or are they any closer to figuring out what causes most erosions and how we as patients can combat or prevent them? what is the recommended amount of time between one losing their band and when they can get a new one?

[A1ikou]

I would like to know how the surgeons decided which lapband someone will have. Do they decide the lapband before the operation or do they wait until they are part way through and see what they are dealing with?

[Diva]

Kind of an odd question but I am curious.
The tubing is loose inside the body. Or is it anchored someplace? Has it ever harmed anything inside? Does it move around in there?
I know, I know-laugh away... but sometimes when I think about it creeps me out.

[PhotoNut]

Ok, now this is more like it! Great questions! And sure to keep the Doc busy for an hour or two!

I'm going to send this list to Dr. Cahn, and when I get home from North Carolina (Sept 22nd) I'll get Dr. C nailed down on a date for the Live Chat.

This is going to rock! :rockon:

[Diva]

Just wanted to add about the tube question...my port is in between my breasts not near my waist. I hear that more surgeons are placing it on the sternum area because they find it easier to access (I can attest to that). That is why I am asking the question, the tube would be floating around in that upper area.
Leave it to me to ask the wierdo question!

[THEQUEEN]

These Are Really Great Questions. Will This Chat Be Here To Read If We Can't Make It Into The Chat Room?

[wavydaby]

Ok, mine is about eating and drinking.
Some Dr's say nothing to drink 1 hr before and 1hr after.
Mine says 15 min before and 15 after.
My question is, what is a good time frame for drinking before and after.
If its just water 15 min before or right before you eat, will all the water be gone or will you wash the food down?
I personally thought that only 15 min after eating was too soon, and could lead to in-between meal munchies.
What do you say?

[NotSoFunny]

So many people fin varied success with varied amounts of restriction. Not just that to be restricted take a varied amount of saline from person to person. But that one person can be tight, not be able to get brea and re meat down, and be completely happy, the next could be the same an me totally miserable. The one who is happy will obviously have an easier time with their journey due to the fact that they are in good spirits and enjoying the process. How does a doctor determine how tight, or aggressive, to be with a patient?

[PhotoNut]

Ok folks,

Time's up for questions. I'm taking the list we have to Dr. Cahn in the morning, and I'll see if I can get a date set for his live chat.

Stay tuned!

[503-250]

crap....

I was going to ask if the Doctor's think about replacing a band when they see people getting filled to near limits.

For example is it possible that a 10cc band filled to 10cc might have been to large a band?

[PhotoNut]

Got it added 503 :)

[503-250]

Thanks P'Nut

[MoOrLess]

boo hoo - sniff sniff - we folks who can't get here DAILY would shore like a chance to say something.......

pssst pssst....

Question: People who have diseases that do not allow for major exercising lose weight more slowly. Is this a factor when getting a lapband and weight loss expectations?

[PhotoNut]

Silly Mo... this has been posted for two weeks! If you haven't been here in two weeks then shame on you! *grins*

I've added your question, my friend. *hugs*

[PhotoNut]

Band2gether.net - Live Chat with Dr. Cahn



I would like to know your opinion on the long term effects of the band in the body... Do you think we will get to have our bands until we die if we have no complications? Who has had the band in them the longest?

– Heather in Houston, Texas (Dr. Hadar Spivak)

Once at goal, what is the best maintenance plan for a bandster? Is the plan to eventually have it removed? Or is it to keep it in the body for life long maintenance and adjustment?

– FunnyDuddies in Tampa, Florida (Dr. Sanchez, Monterey, Mexico)

If a person has minor complications like esophageal irritation early on post operatively, are they more likely to have complications down the road than someone who had no complications post-op? Is esophageal irritation a common reason for band removal? What is the percentage of patients who suffer from esophageal irritation/reflux?

– DonnaB in Dallas, Texas (Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, MonterreyMexico)

Has there been any more study in the erosion arena, or are they any closer to figuring out what causes most erosions and how we as patients can combat or prevent them? What is the recommended amount of time between one losing their band and when they can get a new one?

– FunnyDuddies in Tampa, Florida (Dr. Sanchez, Monterey, Mexico)

What is the cause of hair loss in WLS patients? People on B2G and other message boards report adequate to abundant protein intake, along with vitamin supplementation, but are still experiencing SIGNIFICANT hair loss. What treatment is available to prevent, slow, or stop the hair loss?

– DonnaB in Dallas, Texas (Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, Monterrey, Mexico)

I would like information about whether there is a link between weight loss and increased risk of developing kidney / gallstones. Is there such a link? If so, how does this mechanism work? Is the RATE or AMOUNT of weight loss the bigger risk factor? What can be done to minimize the risks of developing kidney / gallstones during weight loss?

Is diet a significant contributor to the potential for developing this disease during the weight loss phases, or is the weight loss itself the larger driving factor? Can dietary modifications be made and / or supplements be used to reduce or avoid the risk of developing kidney / gallstones during the weight loss phase?
– Goannabanda in Australia

I would like to know how the surgeons decided which lapband someone will have. Do they decide the lapband before the operation or do they wait until they are part way through and see what they are dealing with?

– Al1kou in Athens, Greece

I was going to ask if doctors think about replacing a band when they see people getting filled to near limits. For example is it possible that a 10cc band filled to 10cc might have been too large a band?

– 503-250 in New York

So many people find varied success with varied amounts of restriction. One person can be tight and unable to get bread and red meat down and be completely happy, but the next with the same amount of restriction could be totally miserable. The one who is happy will obviously have an easier time with their journey due to the fact that they are in good spirits and enjoying the process. How does a doctor determine how tight, or aggressive, to be with a patient?

– FunnyDuddies in Tampa, Florida (Dr. Sanchez, Monterey, Mexico)

Kind of an odd question but I am curious. The tubing is loose inside the body. Or is it anchored someplace? Has it ever harmed anything inside? Does it move around in there? I know, I know-laugh away... but sometimes when I think about it creeps me out.

My port is in between my breasts not near my waist. I hear that more surgeons are placing it on the sternum area because they find it easier to access (I can attest to that). That is why I am asking the question, the tube would be floating around in that upper area. Leave it to me to ask the weirdo question!
– Diva in Boston, Mass (New EnglandMedicalCenter NEMC Boston)

Ok, mine is about eating and drinking. Some Dr's say nothing to drink 1 hr before and 1hr after. Mine says 15 min before and 15 after. My question is, what is a good time frame for drinking before and after. If its just water 15 min before or right before you eat, will all the water be gone or will you wash the food down?

I personally thought that only 15 min after eating was too soon, and could lead to in-between meal munchies. What do you say?
– Wavydaby in Charlotte, NC (Dr Bauman)

People who have diseases that do not allow for major exercising lose weight more slowly. Is this a factor when getting a lapband and weight loss expectations?

– Moorless in Chicago, Illinois (not banded)

[Natural-1]

I may be to late or the questions may have already been asked but I'll try anyway.

1. I am at goal, should I have some of the fill removed to make sure I don't continue to lose weight? Are there maintenance programs available for bandesters?

[Firefly]

Unfortunately hon you are too late to get the question in this way. I was with P'nut when she went to hand him the questions today, lol. However, the good Doc will be here himself to answer the questions in our own b2g chat. We just wanted a list of questions prepared already for him to look over. If you cant be here the day of the chat, whenever we schedule it, possibly have a friend ask for you?

Hope this helps.

[PhotoNut]

Ohhhh, y'all do not want to miss this chat! When I gave Dr. Cahn the list of questions he began to read and make comments on the questions. He was firing off such interesting information I had to stop him and say, "Save it for the chat!" I think you'll all find his opinions VERY interesting!

Dr. Cahn is checking his schedule to see when he can be here for the live chat. He thinks it will most likely be on a Friday, early evening MST (mountain standard time) which is -7 GMT.

So.. some ground rules for the chat.

1. Questions will be asked in order of the list. If the author of the question is present, they will ask the question and then everyone will wait for Dr. Cahn's response.

2. Then, the author of the question will have the chance to make a comment if they need any clarification.

3. An opportunity for others to ask a question will then be presented to the group before moving on to the next question.

4. All are welcome to join the chat. Even if you don't have a question. Just being there and watching the chat session will be a great learning opportunity!

5. Please refrain from chatting out comments or questions that could cause confusion or make it harder for others to keep up.

6. I will be moderating this first chat and will do my best to make things go smoothly.

If you do not know how to enter the chatroom, please ask before the Live Chat. We don't want anyone missing out on this because they are unfamiliar with the chatroom.

More details to come as soon as we get a date and time from Dr. Cahn!

[Stefunny]

Will there be a transcript if we happen to miss the chat?

[PhotoNut]

Good question, Steff! A question that I think was asked earlier and I forgot to answer.

Yes. We will be keeping a log of the chat and will make it available for those who cannot attend the chat.

[THEQUEEN]

THANKS :)

i thought i was forgotten

[Maggie63]

can i get a copy of the transcript of the chat...thanks : )

[PhotoNut]

Sure! Just as soon as we actually get the live chat accomplished! *laughs* Dr. Cahn got extremely busy after saying he'd chat with us, so we've not been able to pin him down yet. I am hoping to get back in full swing of things around here after the holidays. Keep an eye on this thread for announcements.

[HeatherGurl]

Sure! Just as soon as we actually get the live chat accomplished! *laughs* Dr. Cahn got extremely busy after saying he'd chat with us, so we've not been able to pin him down yet. I am hoping to get back in full swing of things around here after the holidays. Keep an eye on this thread for announcements.
Good, I thought I had missed all of the fun!

[Alicia521]

Me too, I am eager to hear the answers to these questions!

[PhotoNut]

I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Cahn tomorrow. I know he's going to be out of town the next week, but I'll try to get him pinned down on a date when he can do the chat. I'm really looking forward to that!

He is scheduled to be the guest speaker at our next local support group in January. I'm very excited about that and plan to take some notes to share here on b2g.

Hang in there everyone, we WILL get this feature of b2g off the ground and in full swing for 2007!

[PhotoNut]

Please see this thread for updated information and further discussion:

http://band2gether.net/showthread.php?t=1419