Nicole

Clynn, I was banded a week after you and have only lost 20 pounds and about 4 sizes. I am so frustrasted. Any tips on how you've done so well? Please help... Nicole

Hello Everyone, I haven't been on for a very long time. I was banded in Oct 2006 around the same time as Cindy. I live in Dewey, AZ (outside of Prescott) about 45 mins north of Phoenix. Please help.....I am so frustrated. I have not lost ANY more weight than the pre-op/post-op time. The original 25 pounds. I have lost inches though. I'm down almost 4 sizes. But I can't seem to lose any more. I have heard that stress is a huge factor in the PB'ing. Any truth? I haven't been able to keep hardly anything down the last month or so (and haven't lost anything there either). I've also noticed the same feeling around "that time of the month". Although I have had a partial hysterectomy, I still get the monthly symptons. Anytime of the month I definitely can't eat anything until I've been awake for atleast 3-4 hours. I have tried yogurt/drinkable yogurts too...they barely go down. I have found very few foods that religiously work or don't. Some days I can eat a particular food then other days I can't. Any ideas why? I'm not hungry that much and don't really eat much at one sitting. There is alot of food I know I should be eating but have trouble with...apples, bananas, carrots, etc. I can eat plain salads though with no problem. I haven't been able to eat any kind of cereal yet either. I get some exercise in because of being so busy around the house...we have a small farm so we're always doing chores of some kind. I just don't know what else to do. I have had 2 fills. Unfortunately, I don't know how much I have in me or what kind of band I have. Any advice from anyone??????????

I have rented a car to go to TJ for a fill on May 19th. I will be arriving in San Diego around 8:30 am for a 10:30 am fill. I will only be there for the day. I have to be back to the airport by 12:00 pm. If anyone would like to share the ride, let me know. I am not on the forum very often but you can email me at colaschmit@yahoo.com.

I am having a very hard time passing the gas. My shoulder hurts off and on all day. I have had a constant chest pain for the last 2 days. I am 6 days post-op. I have found when I drink/eat anything that fills my tummy, the gas shifts to my shoulder. Is this normal? I walk alot during the day so I know that's not the problem. I'm just so scared to have my band slip or any other bad things happen. I'm careful with my food and drinks. I'm not eating solid food, so don't worry about that. I guess you could say "mushies". haha Anyone have any suggestions or is this a doctor question?

Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes. My surgery went good. I'm still pretty sore, but managing.

I was banded on Oct. 16th and I can also feel lumps by the port incision. One is to the left and doesn't feel like it is my insides or anything. The other one I noticed today and it is directly under the incision. A small rounded lump. It doesn't hurt, but worries me that it shouldn't be there. Is this normal as well?

Hi Miss Kitty, it's Nicole. It was so nice meeting you and your husband. I wanted to thank you guys for being so supportive to me. You are wonderful people. I hope things work out for you. Please keep me posted. I'd also like to get information on your lodge. We'd like to come visit. Nicole in AZ

Hi all, I am new to banding also. I am scheduled for surgery on the 12th...only a few days away. We fly in to San Diego Wednesday morning for pre-ops. I am so nervous but also excited and anxious to start my new life. This weight has kept me from doing so many things and now I can't wait to get it off. I live in Dewey, outside of Prescott. I was on a website (can't remember where now) but they were talking about a doctor here in AZ that does fills for patients who had surgery in Mexico. She lives around Show Low and travels to Phoenix once a mont I believe. I am looking again to find her name. I will let you know when I find it. I would like to go back to Dr. Ortiz for atleast my first fill. If anyone is interested in traveling together, holler!! Best wishes to the upcoming bandster. Nicole

Thanks for the tips. Nicole

Cyndi, Thanks for writing back. Where in AZ are you? Maybe we could travel together for fills. I am in Dewey, outside of Prescott. Nicole

Hi Cyndi, I am also in AZ and will be arriving at the center on Oct 11th and banded on the 12th. Where will you be getting your fills? Do you know how much they cost and how often you have to get them? Nicole

I will be banded on Oct. 12th. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. Any tips will be greatly appreciated. Nicole