Michelle2

SO HERE WE GO . ONE WEEK TODAY I AM GOING TO CHANGE MY LIFE FOREVER

I HAVE BEEN ON MY PRE-OP FOR A WEEK AND DOING QUITE GOOD SO ONE WEEK LEFT.

FILLED IN ALL PAPER WORK AND SENT OFF MY MONEY.

PLEASE PLEASE LET THIS BE MY ANSWER AS MY LIFE JUST SEEMS TO SAIL BY AND I AM ALWAYS IN THE BACK OF IT .

I HAVE LISTENED AND CHATTED TO SOOOO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE ON HERE, I HOPE I CAN HAVE HALF THE SUCCESS YOU GUYS HAVE HAD.

TRACEY

Hi Tracey,

I wish you the best on your journey. DEAR ANGEL, the answer is already inside you. Don't underestimate how precious you already are. The band is a tool, YOU have the power! I wish you DOUBLE the success we've had!

I am getting banded in 3 days (May 15th) and I have not told anyone. I mentioned it a few months back and got such a negative response from my family and boyfriend that I decided it was easier to just keep it a secret. There is such a negative stigma associated with getting weight loss surgery. I live in Hawaii and my family lives on the east coast so they will never know. I told my boyfriend that I was going to California to get a hernia repair. I figure that this is for ME and it really isn't anyone elses business. It will be my little secret

I am so with you! I was banded July 21st,2008 and the only person I told was my ex-sister-in-law (in the event of an emergency). When I mentioned the lap band to my boyfriend of 10years he reacted quite negatively also, so I had it done while he was on a golf trip...he still has no idea! When I fly down to the OCC for my fills and tell people that no one knows my little secret, I always hear "I wish I hadn't told anyone". When people notice my 40+ weight loss and ask how I've done it, I simply tell the truth...I split meals with BF and eat much smaller portions. Call me selfish but I want to take the credit for my weight loss. I've worked hard to make good food choices only to have people give all he credit to the band! I love,love,love my band but it's a silent partner! This is absolutely 100% for you and it really isn't anyone else's business.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. The OCC was great, I went alone and couldn't have been treated better.

Take care!

I wish my husband is as supportive as yours... I've been thinking of getting banded for a couple of months already, but still can't decide. Does anyone here know a health insurance covering lap band surgery? I got BCBS but it isn't covered. I visited their site but can't find the answer..

My BF of 10 years was not supportive either. It was so frustrating to keep being told to just diet & exercise. I would lose 30 only to gain 50. Finally, after lurking on this website for 6 months had the surgery at the OCC while he was on a golf trip. I had the surgery July 21st, 2008 and he still does not know. I didn't tell anyone except my ex sister-in-law(in the event something went wrong). In fact, most people that I've met on my trips to the OCC for fills (I fly down in the am, get filled, and fly back in time to make dinner!) regret telling friends/family.

There have been a few woman on this website whose husbands were initially not supportive but after reading the many supportive posts had a change of mind. I think Stormy's husband not only had a change of heart but also got the surgery himself! The other gal's screen name is DaGreen?

As far as insurance covering the surgery, it seems like they have you jump thru a lot of hoops just to be considered for the surgery.

for

Good luck to you. I just had my 3rd fill early December and actually lost 3 lbs the week from Christmas & New Years Day! I love not being out of control with food. It took me 6 months to decide and have not regretted my decision once!

Happy New Year!

I am struggling with what to do, it will cost about $500.00 for me to fly back to Dr Ortiz office for my first fill that was included in price of surgery, his office does under floroscope.

Below is the cost I have been quoted to drive 4 hours each way from the closest fill center to my home...

"The pricing for any provider in our network is $349 for the initial visit, which does include the first fill. The follow up visits are $165 for a visit with an adjustment and $85 for a visit without an adjustment. The price for the annual program is $1372. This includes 4 visits with adjustments and 8 office consultations. You do have the option of trading in 2 office consultations for 1 fill visit up to two times within this year. This would give you a total of 6 adjustments.

This provider doesn’t have access to the fluoroscopy.

What is everyones experiance with floroscopy vs non-floroscopy fills, do you have to go more often to find the "right" amount if not done under foroscopy???

Just banded on the 6th of January but want to book flight in advance if it would be better to go back and have done under floroscopy by Dr Ortiz' office

Anyone know of fill center that does under floroscopy here in states that may be cheaper to fly to than the 6 hour flight going back to Mexico?

I will do whatever it takes to try and get the right fit in the least visits as our money is very limited, it took me 4 years to save for surgery and first fill and I still had to finance some of it and my loan payments started this month. While cost is important, getting fills done right is more important.

Looking for the guidance of those who have gone through this already

Hi Lawanda,

Personally, I feel much more at ease using Floro. Three of us were banded July 21st, 2008 and just had our 3rd fill in December. Two of us believe we are at our Sweet Spot after this last fill (the 3rd gal has a 10 cc band) If you do go to the OCC I would go when Dr. So is doing the fills.

Just food for thought...On each of our trips to TJ we have met at least one person per trip who was there to get the fill situation straightened out after having blind fills from other doctors. It seems like they spent a lot of money to have a lot of small blind fills only to eventually return to OCC in the end. Of course, it's good planning to have someone nearby who can unfill you should you need one.

I believe there are a few Fill Center USA locations who use Floro. I would google them and see what you find.

Good luck with your decision, I know it's difficult when every dollar counts to make sound decision. For me, my less expensive choices have always ended up costing me more in the long run.

Take Care!!

Hi there!

I, too, have not told anyone so I can totally feel what you're going thru. I would suggest splitting something large with your hubby or ordering soup and an appetizer. This time of year is also perfect to use the old "New Years Resolution" excuse...I've been using it and no one questions it. So go, have fun, and they will all admire you for your new found willpower!!

Cheers!!

Hi Bubs,

I was also banded on July 21st...does this Dr. use Fluoro? I've had 2 fills in TJ but the price just went from $130 to $199 so...I guess it's time to evaluate the cost of flying to San Diego & the price of fills Vs. flying to L.A.?? If they use fluoro the price seems good. Can you post a phone number?

SIZE DOES MATTER!!!! In any other situation bigger is usually better...heehee! Congratulations on your accomplishment! Nothing is as rewarding as getting into something you're sure won't fit. We are the same height, started at the same weight but I had my surgery July 21st and CAN'T WAIT to get into the 50's...I can only speak for myself but sometimes my eyes can't see the progress I'm making but the clothing always does. Good luck on your continues success, and go home and do that dance!!!!!

The dog whisperer always for a dog this is the order to do things...Exercise, discipline, affection. This dog must be exercised daily, he must be walked daily at least one 30 minute walk if not 2!! The poor thing is going crazy because you are not properly training him and doing the things you should do as a responsible pet owner to socialize him. Puppies are very hard, that's why I did not choose to get one when I got my 2nd dog a few weeks ago. Kim I don't mean to sound harsh but if you don't have the time and dedication to take care of this dog properly he deserves a home that will. Think hard and fast. Fixing him won't magically change how he responds to you. You have not shown pack leader qualities or he would not be doing the things you described. If you are serious about this you can change his behavior fairly quickly. So please for the dog's sake do some soul searching and either commit to his needs or let him go. Better now than in another year or 2. He still has a chance to learn how to obey and he will but you have to work with him DAILLY on this. Sorry for the tough love but I am an animal advocate always.

I couldn't agree with Julie more. I own a dog grooming salon and see a lot of dogs. It's always frustrating to hear clients complain about "the dog". When I pose the questions "have you taken him/her to obedience" or "have you considered using a dog walker" 99.99% of the time the response is "no". It would be like having a child and NEVER teaching toilet training, manners, reading, writing... social skills in general and expecting a southern belle . The pets have to learn in a language THEY understand. Too often, the behavior that was considered cute at 3-4 months doesn't fare well once the dog is full grown. Again, Julie is spot on, if you are unable or unwilling to provide the time and energy to this pet it's best to rehome him while he/she is still young. Like children, they are completely at our mercy and their well being should come first. Spending his/her life cooped up in a kennel is really no life...it could possibly make things worse.

I truly hope things work out for all involved. There are many rescue groups for Goldens, googling Goden Retriever Rescue should provide many leads if needed.

Best Wishes,

Michelle

I didn't really feel much after my first fill either. In fact, I had to be really careful in watching my portions because I could eat EVERYTHING! From what I've read I think this is normal. You're gradually trying to get to your "Sweet Spot".

Have a great day!!

So I finally hit the 160's today, been waiting so long!!! I have 24 lbs to go for goal and I am trying to do it before Jan 1 but not stressing if I don't.....

Today, 169 finally!

June, around 195 ish I think

Highest while not pregnant: 235

You look fantastic!! You're happiness absolutely shines through your eyes!!

While being banded in July I bonded with two wonderful women at the OCC. We have since traveled to the OCC together for fills, offer support and many shared laughs. On our last trip, however, one of the ladies sounded quite disappointed and ready to throw in the towel. As a vegetarian she expressed her concern regarding the Band's dietary guidelines with Dr. Miranda and basically was not discouraged from having the surgery. Now, however, her vegetarian lifestyle and the band rules seem in conflict. She has no restriction after two fills and since a lot of her diet is soft, may never feel restricted. I'm a card carrying carnivore so

I 'm no help.

She doesn't get on the band forums, so I asked if it would be ok if I put a thread up. I'm hoping there is a vegetarian bandster who can offer her a little help/support. Her email address is klcolton@yahoo.com. She's a real sweetheart and it would be great to see her succeed.

Thanks for your help!!

You are too funny. Whomever does your fill probably won't even know about it. It was Dr. Acosta who did mine. Even the front desk folks are probably clueless!!!

Hi Julie,

Dr. Acosta did do my fill and I did mention what happened to you. He was quite surprised that no one got back to you...asked if it happened on a Sunday but did say your call should have been forwarded to a Dr. I let him know that no one ever got back to you and he seemed to know nothing about it.

He added .6 cc today, bringing me to 2.60 in a 4cc band. Hopefully, this is it. 1-2 fills in a lifetime right???

Anyway, glad everything worked out in the end.

See ya in Clackamas!!

Thanks Pammie & Stormy!!

I'm going to look into flights. I will probably fly in and out Saturday. Going for my second fill in the morning at the OCC...I'll ask if they've called Julie yet...

Hope to meet you wonderful ladies on the 8th!!

Choos(sp)!!

Ahhh, Octoberfest!! Two years ago I was in Germany for a wedding in Bavaria (Eichstatt & Regansburg area) then went to Prague...not sure if I'm sober yet!! Wow, the beer was sooo yummy AND plentiful. Both the Germans and the Czechs claimed to be the beer capital of the world, so we did our best to support the local tally!!!

Cheers, Prost, Salud!!

Hi Julie,

I would LOVE to attend your gathering. I was banded July 21st and read the forum daily. You are always so sweet and understanding while still being supportive and informative! It would be so nice to meet ya in person. Just one question, is Clackamas close to Portland? I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would fly in/out via Southwest on the same day...just unsure if this is a 6 hour drive or 45 minutes.

I'm going for my 2nd fill at the OCC tomorrow. After hearing of your experience I've been considering finding an alternate fill location. At my first fill I asked them to be conservative as I feared being overfilled. The Dr. filled me with 2 cc (4cc band) and said he could still add more, I declined. It's so frustrating because I can eat just as much as I could before. Your explanation in regards to esophageal erosion when we overeat was great. Like many things in life, just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD...sigh...

Wish me luck tomorrow and hopefully we'll meet in Clackamas!

Personally, if at all possible I would go to a Dr. who uses Fluoro. The word "blind" just makes me a little nervous..and I'm far from a worry wart. Seems the additional cost is worth the assurance that yes everything is ok and that you're getting the most accurate fill possible. I went to the OC for my first fill, am going back next month for the second fill and intend to have them do them all. While at the OCC I met a gal who had had SEVERAL blind fills (to save money) and finally decided to return to the OCC "to straighten everything out". Also, if I remember correctly, I think when MamaMichelle posted about her tilted port she mentioned that she would have to pay for the repair since she had not had all her fills done at the OCC, kind of like voiding the warranty?

And in regards to cost, three of us went together and the cost was $130 for the fill & transportation and the flight with Southwest was $59 each way. We arrived at 9:30 in San Diego, had our fills and flew out at 4:00. The peace of mind was worth every penny.

Just my opinion...

So what are your non scale victories that you have achieved or look forward too?

So far I have achieved:

reduction in blood pressure med

my pants & skirts are getting longer

lost 2 inches off my waist

happier

more outgoing and doing things I want to do

I can't wait to:

wear smaller underwear

have a waist smaller than 35 inches

use skinny cuff to take my blood pressure

be off all medications

get pregnant and have healthy pregnancy and healthy baby

feel sexy

Hey Amy

You're doing AWESOME!!

I can zip my smock and button the top of my pants!! Life is good!

New Goal: NO MORE GRANNY PANTIES!

I got my fill on 9/13. I got 1.8 cc. I have really good restriction. I am so pleased. Today, I could barely eat anything though without getting that lump in my throat. But earlier this week I was fine. So I will just wait it out.

Since we can't drink after eating, is it ok to suck on ice chips? I have been doing this if sticking becomes painful.

Thanks,

Amy

Hi Amy,

I could be wrong, but it seems I've read that sucking on an ice cube following a meal is "acceptable". I would just use caution...I can chew a 5 lb bag of ice, no problem!!

You lucky girl...I had my first fill on September 3rd and don't feel any restriction with 2cc's. But, I've had a few bites get stuck, which seems strange.

Cheers to restriction!!

I am getting close to the end of the post op liquid diet (OMG!!! I have almost made it ) I am surprised that I lasted. any way, what did you all have? Did you tip your big toe in and go slow or did you dive in and have something that you have been craving for the last 5 weeks? I am currently hiding myself away right now because my mom is cooking for the kids and the meal includes BACON!!!! So let me tell you, the cravings are huge. I know for a fact I will not let myself wolf down my first meal. I WILL NOT waste all this time and energy for a stretched out port!! But I would like to know what you all had for that much anticipated first meal. No more soup. PLEASE!!!!!

Congratulations on making it...I was terrified to start solids, so definately was a toe dipper : ) I waited an extra 4 days before I gave real food a try (was banded July 21). My first meal was a egg & ham "scramble" with a few bites of cottage fries. I stayed full for hours! and only had about 1/4 of it! You'll be amazed at how the cravings for the stuff you missed aren't as great as you remembered them to be. Kind of like running into an old boyfriend you thought the world revolved around...just loses its pizzazz. Bacon, however, is still so yummy...so good idea to hide out!

Whatever you choose, enjoy!!!

Hello Group: I have been banded for five years now. It took me 2 years and 5 fills to get to goal weight. Then I actually had trouble for a while keeping weight on, so I had an un-fill 3 years out and another un-fill 4 years out. Six months ago I started to gain weight. Now I am 35 pounds heavier than I want to be. I am going to TJ on Oct 7-8 for a fill. Anyone out there need someone to do the bus/trolley/taxi route from the airport? Let me know, Amy

Hi Amy,

I don't know if your dates are flexible, but three of us are going to the OCC on October 13th for our second fills. Because we grouped together, the cost was only $130 ($100 for the fill & $30 for transportation). So, if you would like to join us let me know, we'd love to have you.

Have a great day!

Okay, I was banded July 21st and just started on chewable food this week. I am not a cook. Most of my weight is a tribute to eating out every day...literally. So, I cooked a turkey burger in a pan with a little olive oil. It was dry. So, I tried a boneless, skinless, chicken breast. Again, dry. Tonight, I grilled a little cubed steak with veggies...dry. I haven't been able to finish any of it completely. My jaws give out before I'm full!! Any advice on EASY, 4 ingredient tricks to moisten this stuff up? Also, aside from tuna & salmon, what else is on a sashimi platter? Maybe this will be moister...it certainly can't be any drier!!

Thanks again for any advice.

Hi Heidi,

I will be there on September 3rd for my first fill. Hope to see you there!!

I think there should be a section in this forum where you can go and get infomation on basic rules like drinking liquids before and after meals, when you can start creamy soups, when you can eat "real" food, etc.

Also a glossary with terms like: PB and even DH (I didn't know that stood for Dear Husband for the longest time - Duh!).

Anyway just a thought and it's probably been brought up before, but what the heck!

Hi Suzanna,

What a wonderful idea. I was banded on July 21st and just received Dr. Ortiz's book. Unfortunately, 80% of it was stuff I should have read BEFORE my surgery. But the 20% for post op was nice reading. If nothing else, the stories were inspirational and the "rules" were in black and white AND straight from the horses mouth! It's great reinforcement to re read the rules. Maybe the OCC could post a basic 123/ABC thread to ensure the accuracy. I'm going for my fill next month and maybe I'll bring it up and if you and everyone else requests this, hopefully it will happen!!

Have a great evening!

Hello All,

It has been 15 days since my surgery and I am dying to eat food and chew it. I have been pretty loyal to the liquid diet, but have had a bite of food two or three times. Somebody remind me, what's wrong with eating something soft right now like mashed potatos or cottage cheese?

Thanks for the support!

Teri

Hi Teri,

I just had surgery on July 21st. I know it's hard but this 21 day liquid phase is pretty important. I was just reading Dr. Ortiz's book last night and if I remember eating something soft can cause your band to slip. It seems that your stomach can be inflamed for a few weeks following the band being placed and since it's a little like an hourglass the food can push the band down since it is not quite yet "healed into place". I know it seems harmless, but the way he described it in the book, the fallout from eating too soon didn't sound even close to being worth the risk. I know it seems like forever, but your day will come, I promise. My real food day was yesterday and I'm terrified to eat real food, weird, I know.

I was sooooo sick of juice by the 6th day I was just cranky all day. What I found tremendously yummy and cured the crankies was fudgsicles. Oh, what sweet, choclatey goodness!! And at 60 cals per pop I went thru more than a couple of boxes!! By the time they're "chewed" they are liquid...that's what got me through!! Even now it's become my nightly ritual...it's replaced all the oh so good, but oh sooo bad goodies I use to eat.

I wish you strength, and I'm pulling for you.

Take Care!!

My goal first goal for when I reached my 2 month anniversity with the band was to lose 40 lbs. and this morning I acheived that goal with two days short. I am beside myself. I LOVE MY BAND!!! I can not remember the last time I weighed 225. I have 25 lbs more to be under the 200 and I'm going to try to achieve this by my birthday Oct. 1st. I just wanted to share my excitment. To all the new bandsters or the ones who are considering it... THE BAND DOES WORK AS LONG AS YOU WORK WITH IT.

That is SOOO awesome!! Congratulations!! I was just banded July 21st and would love to have the same success. So please share...what have you been eating? what are your key pieces of advice? Any guidance you give will be so appreciated. I start solids on Tuesday and am terrified. I kind of like just eating shakes and soup...they're so safe!

Again, congratulations, no doubt you're on your way to your next goal!

Michelle