karenlynn79

Elaine, Congrats!!!! That is so exciting (both). I have some out of state friends that are probably going to come here too to get married. I hope that other states will follow CA example... Plus San Diego is a great place to be near when you get married, I don't know where you live but it's so beautiful down there. I would say a day or two after surgery you'll be ok. Most of us were at least walking around with some minor discomfort. Good luck! Have fun! Karen

Good luck!!! You will do fine!

Congrats and good luck!!!

I would say you need another fill. When you have restriction, you feel it! My first fill was like that too, after my second I knew what everyone was talking about!

Hi Robin, I chose the lapband because the surgery is much less invasive and less expensive. It's also adjustable which is unique. I just had a baby with the band. When I was 3 months pregnant I had a total unfill so that I could eat regularly while pregnant. Now back to having a great fill and losing 1-3 lbs per week. I had always sworn I'd never even visit Mexico (long story) so yes I was apprehensive about TJ. But once I realized how experienced Dr. Ortiz was, as well as how many surgeries he's done and how many U.S. docs he'd trained, I knew it was OK. I live in Northern CA and no one in my area will do fills because I had the surgery in TJ. They said only in an emergency. But for me, I can fly to SD for $100 and it's actually cheaper anyway. I have been really happy with my decision. My surgery was over a year and a half ago, but I didn't get fills right away and then of course got pregnant. So really I've only had about 5 months experience with a proper fill level and restriction. With my good restriction I have been steadily losing. I try to walk everyday and do some pilates a few times a week, but really just with eating less you tend to lose without too much exercise (in the beginning). The OCC staff are very knowledgable and great. I have not had a bad experience with any of them, from the customer care people to the surgeons. I have called once in the past one of the Drs. cell phone and got him right then (which would never happen here). I definitely feel that it is worth the $ and minor pain and would recommend the OCC anyday to anyone. I am actually a psychotherapist (not currently though) so I think seeking counseling to aid in major life decisions is always a good idea! Good luck and hope this helps! Karen

Good luck!!! You'll love everyone at OCC.

Thanks!!! Very helpful and informative for us all.

Cheryl, Glad to hear it! I know, last week I ate little due to my baby going through painful constipation (fun!) but this week I've eaten more like 1300 per day, enjoying a glass of hot choc at night, and I've lost 3 lbs since last weekend. Good luck! Have fun after your fills! It's tough learning what you can and can't have but once you do, it's great. Karen

Claire, I've had the same frustrations (as many have). I found that walking daily (20 min), doing some minor pilates etc.. and adding more calories to around 1200ish, helps. I lost 3 pounds in about 10 days after I did that. Do you have kids? I also have found that after I had kids my body "hung onto" weight so much more. I was anxious after my first fill to lose weight too, just relax and realize that it does take time. I try not to weigh myself daily and just focus on how much protein I get and to be a little active every day. Also I would look into how many grams of protein you are getting. I don't eat much meat so in the mornings I have a SlimFast with a scoop of Any Whey protein powder. That also seemed to help when I was "stuck". Good luck! Karen

My first fill (after having my baby) was 5 weeks ago and I have lost 12 pounds, I eat 2 small meals daily (slimfast in a.m.) with a popsicle or something yummy every day. I am happy! I agree about waiting to officially "count" your weight til you see it a couple times. I bought a new scale and it seems to not fluctuate as much- that can be really discouraging. Appetite definitely way less than before.

Donna, I also get tighter when stressed or on my period. As long as you are getting enough calories I think it's ok. Normally for me I do experience different levels of tightness regularly as well. I just try to eat slower on those days, "easier" foods, etc.. Karen

I have thought that I maybe am getting too few calories (but that never seems to make sense). And I am not nursing! Yikes I know I'd need way more. I do eat healthfully though, not getting 1000 calories through Herseys bars.... I will try and add more yogurt or maybe a cup of milk daily. thnx

I was banded a while ago (year and a half) and didn't get fills until 6 months post-op. At that time I had great restriction and lost 30 pounds in 3 months and was really happy. Then.... we decided to have a baby. She is now 2 months old and an angel. Anyway, I had a fill over 4 weeks ago. I have had/have great restriction, about what I had last year when I was losing. But, I am not losing much. Eating hardly anything it seems, around 1000 calories a day. Getting enough protein, not starving all day etc... Can't workout hard yet (had a cesarean) but I do walk and do some minor pilates moves. Any suggestions? I did talk to Dr. Miranda and she suggested a specific diet, but I am a super picky eater and have not followed it, BUT I am having less or similar calories that she suggested, so that shouldn't matter! Just not sure what to do! I definitely don't need a fill. Karen

Thanks all for the suggestions! I am going to try a few of them and see what I can stand..... Karen

I have trouble swallowing those big One A Day vitamins (even when cut in half!) and I HATE that Centrum liquid stuff. Does anyone have any other vitamin suggestions? Small ones? Or chewable or liquid that is not gross? Thnx Karen

If you do find someone here, let me know! I am in Stockton and have not had luck. I spoke once to a SF place for an emergency unfill but it was over $500 and so I just went back to TJ, where I am comfortable with the Drs. Also I didn't tell them I'd been banded in TJ and I think they would have turned me away anyway.

I will be heading down for a fill Thurs April 17th morning and leaving that afternoon from the airport (Southwest) if anyone out there wants to share a ride! Karen karenlynn79@sbcglobal.net

Hi Sue and Tammy, I live in Stockton and also fly from Sac, for future reference! I am going down April 17th. Karen

Thanks Lisa but I am going down on the 17th. Karen

I am going down on April 17 for sure, Thursday in the morning and flying back in the afternoon. If anyone is interested in sharing a ride, please email me at karenlynn79@sbcglobal.net thanks!

I'd like to go down to get a fill between April 17 to the end of April. Thursdays or Saturdays work best for me. I only get rides from the OCC because it's so easy and safe etc... so I'd like to find people to go down with me. I fly in in the a.m. and then leave the same day later afternoons usually. Please let me know anyone! Thanks, Karen

Hi there, I am now 7.5 months pregnant and had a total unfill a while back. Everything's been fine, etc.. though with my stomach growing wildly my port has kind of stuck out. I am trying to determine how soon after my baby is born I can get down for a fill? I am not breastfeeding so I don't need to watch my caloric intake for that postpartum. My OB doc is great but has no band experience/knowledge really. Anyone else done this???? Thnx Karen

Sounds like you need another fill.

I think that Linda is flying back the next day. See you there! Karen

Hi Katie, Great! I also am meeting up with a lady named Linda as well to share the ride. My flight lands at 10:40 so that's perfect. I fly out around 4:30 that same day, so at least we can share for the ride there. Thanks! We can meet at the escalator by the main baggage area. Karen