WAgal

"off the record too" I will do what I did before during my first fill. just for the record "OFF" the record! have i confused anyone further??? LOL!!!

This article was just a general guideline. I can't remember where I got it. If the OCC says liquids for 3 days after a fill,, their the boss, but I know this sounds funny,, but how would you be able to test the fill before you left town by doing liquids for 3 days after your fill???? But,, remember,, I'm not the doctor and this article might not be what the OCC tells its patients.

Below instructions are from Northwest Fill Management, Arlington, WA http://www.northwestfills.com/education.php

I have read on obesity help forum about the 3 days liquid, some docs even say up to a week on liquids? There are other bariatric surgeon's web page where they just do the 24 hours liquid, 1 day mush.. then eat as permitted if comfortable. It varies so much that i really would like to know their reasoning. If this was the case of every fill then I definitely would not see going to OCC as cost effective any longer. The three days hotel and flight will cost more. Even if it was $500 for a fill with fluoro locally.

hanna

FILL INSTRUCTIONS

The Lap Band fill (adjustment) is the effect the band has on decreasing your appetite. If you are less hungry then you eat less and will lose weight. The word restriction is a misnomer. When fluid is added to the lap band it causes the food one eats to stay in a pouch for a longer time. This releases a neurotransmitter to the brain that says you are full for 4 hours. This is a fill. To feel restriction is not good and can lead to other problems, like Gastric Reflux, heartburn, PB (projectile burping) and band slippage (rare).

How much fill should I get?

It is important to understand that the tissue in you gut is like the tissue in your mouth, it is very sensitive and swells very easily. Everyone is different; a good fill for one person is too tight for another person, or not enough for the next person.

1. The initial adjustment post operatively should occur at 6 weeks or later, and 1-2cc of Normal Saline (for the 9.75 or 10 cc band). The larger band (11CM and VG) adjustment os 3-4cc.

2. Regular reviews (4-6 weeks) are recommended with weight and clinical status measured. If weight loss is 1 pound per week over the period and patient is following bandster diet guidelines then another fill of normal saline is added at .2 to .5 increments.

3. If the weight loss average between visits is 2 plus pounds per week no fill is needed.

4. If the weight loss averaged between 1-2 pounds and the person feels hungry and found it difficult to comply with the dietary guideline/portions.

5. Fluid is removed from the system if there is symptoms of excessive restriction or obstruction, including excessive sense of fullness, heartburn, regurgitation and vomiting.

6. Fluoroscopy is needed for evaluation of band placement and/or port placement.

7. It is important know that the fluid in the band never adds up, it is always give or take 1 cc because fluid hides in the tubing or in the band.

Post Fill/Adjustment Guidelines

Eat lightly the day of your fill.

After the fill is done drink liquids for 24 hours.

Day 2 go to mushy foods, continue on this until you are comfortable to progress to solid food. If you have pain in your chest, heartburn or you are unable to progress to solid foods within a day or two then please call our office and we will discuss with you if you need to have some fill removed.

If you start vomiting (PBing) at any time then stop eating for a few hours. After an episode of vomiting, the area of the band is swollen and you will not be successful in keeping anything down, give the band a few hours to rest and then eat later on.

Don’t try to force food down!

It is normal for the band to be tighter during the morning. Many people can only drink fluids, or eat yogurt or mushy foods. Work with your band and do not try to force food down. It is also normal of the band be looser in the evening, you might be able to eat more. Some women feel tighter during their period, or flying in a plane. WORK WITH YOUR BAND!

Hi Hanna!

As we're both from the same state - I can relate to the costs associated with going back to OCC for our first fill. Can you be more specific on what you did? I'm flying down 5/16 and getting filled 5/17, and flying home that evening. We were going to have dinner out 5/16 and a healthy breakfast 5/17 before getting my fill at 10am. Claudia said I only needed 2 hours fasting. I was going to ask to eat something - Claudia said they can order out so I can "test" my fill. After your experience, would you recommend I do something different? I too am looking at costs and not wanting to drive to Arlington to spend more! I don't mind driving to Arlington in a couple months for a second fill, but not just after I spent alot of money to get a fill at OCC - know what I mean!!!

I appreciate whatever advice you may have

And thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences - I KNOW we are all learning from them!!!

Calicat,

Read post "February Fills" by Doolittle

I had posted something on April 1st to our group before going to our fill date. Follow the post and see what the experienced bandsters will have to say.

Hanna

HANNAH, THE PIECE WAS GREAT AND YOU AND THE GIRLS LOOK WONDERFUL!!!

"GREAT PARENTING"

OMgosh that was a hoot!!! Can you see the shock on my face! They cut out the part where they zoomed in on my girls, 'cause Kajsa started picking her nose!!! LOL!

Thanks for watching!

Hanna:)

Hi Dusty!

Welcome, wow we have a firefighter! You'll have to excuse that I sometimes make reference to bandsters here as ladies but those are the ones that seem most talkative!!! LOL! I mean I'll be aware to say gents too. I've actually ran into Dr. Brody as part of my research... he's suppose to be good. Best of luck and I hope we can be helpful to you here!

Hanna

thanks, i had a feeling that i might be eating just a bit too much when that happens. but now i know! thanks!

Hi MacKenzie!

I noticed I hiccup on certain foods. Try keeping a log of what you ate when you start the hiccuping. Mine seem to be bread and a bite of chocolate cake. I don't have much of it but try to see if I can. Sandwiches I don't do well with so I've given them up. Hope this helps.

Hanna

Thank you! I'm going to be so embarrassed, I just know it. I haven't even fixed my hair kafuffle! Just hold my hand in thought! This isn't how I wanted to be seen on TV! I just hope I behaved and said things that weren't too ridiculous! Remember to laugh with me!! Not at me!!! LOL!!!

Wow, congrats! What a fun trip that will be! I had a similar experience yesterday, though not quite as big. I won tickets on the radio to go see Elton John tonight. I can't wait! We only get major performers in Tallahassee every once in a while, so this is pretty big!

Congrats to you too Alana! We're just super lucky blessed bandsters! Woo whoo!!

Michelle,

This is your fluoro x-ray! and you underwire bra, LOL!!! I took the picture.

Hanna

Criss!!!

Congrats!!! Thanks for coming out and finally saying hello to all!!! Yay.. you'll find great support here! Blessings and congrats to life changing journey!

Hanna

Scared,

You crack me up!!! I'm rolling on the ground by my computer!!!

WELL DARN, I JUST MISSED IT

WILL THEY REPLAY IT AGAIN?

AND CONGRATULATIONS!!! THAT'S AWESOME!!!

Mybad... I thought it was tonight but it's actually tomorrow night!!! They'll be sending me a copy of the taping. Cool... Thank all... it's just too weird still!

Hanna:)

Hi Hanna!

As we're both from the same state - I can relate to the costs associated with going back to OCC for our first fill. Can you be more specific on what you did? I'm flying down 5/16 and getting filled 5/17, and flying home that evening. We were going to have dinner out 5/16 and a healthy breakfast 5/17 before getting my fill at 10am. Claudia said I only needed 2 hours fasting. I was going to ask to eat something - Claudia said they can order out so I can "test" my fill. After your experience, would you recommend I do something different? I too am looking at costs and not wanting to drive to Arlington to spend more! I don't mind driving to Arlington in a couple months for a second fill, but not just after I spent alot of money to get a fill at OCC - know what I mean!!!

I appreciate whatever advice you may have

And thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences - I KNOW we are all learning from them!!!

Hi Calicat,

Yes, there is some confusion in my part about the 3 day liquid diet after the first fill. That is what we were advised. Now you are telling me that Claudia will order food to "test" your fill? Could you have misunderstood her?

Hanna

thank you ladies! I am so thrilled!

Dear Bandsters,

This has nothing to do with banding but I just wanted to tell you that I won a trip to Disneyland for 4, literally just 2 hours ago! We were just browsing the Disney Store in our local mall and the King5 evening news, John Curley came barrelling towards us with his mic and camera man announcing we have just won a free trip for four to Disneyland. Part of a Disney promotion for new rides they are having. Get a load of this the total prize is about $2,700 but we pay the taxes incurred. I've never won anything in my life. This is so cool... I'm going to time this during my crown placement from the tooth implant I have just had, yes we can go anytime within a year per the paperwork I was asked to sign.

So those of you who live in the Northwest... watch out for me and my two little girls, Kajsa and Anneliese w/John Curley on King5 Evening News tonight at 7pm!!! (oops it's 4-23, tomorrow night) What a surreal experience. To top it off, I looked terrible. I was wearing old sweats that had a tore on the leg, no make up and my girls were clean but not dolled up like I would normally dress them. Oh well this has taught me a lesson to always be prepared.

That's all folks.. was excited and had to just share my good news!

Hanna

Hi Deb,

How are you doing? How's that port area and bruising? Are you still there at OCC or you back home? Let me know.

concerned,

Hanna

Jenn,

I love it! The Sexy disposable panties, signed!!

Hanna

Ohhhh Michelle, I'm sorry... thanks for your experience. I feel kinda bad for you! It's great that you have self control because I wouldn't be able to do what you are doing... I needed that restriction! Now I'm wondering how the others are doing. 3 of us got the 1.7cc fill and you were one of the 1.6cc fill, who was the other one? I'm curious to know. Ladies from our fill group if you can post something about your fill... working for you or not? That's why I didn't obey the 3 day waiting Dr. Romero advised. I don't have the luxury to fly down again immediately to do an unfill or adjustment right now. I'd have to drive, well not too far for me to Arlington but then I'd spend more money to do the adjustment. When we got to the hotel on Friday night (Hyatt), I immediately searched for the fill afer care... they do vary... but I distinctly read that there was only a one day back to fluid then mush the following day... and if you felt good on the third day and no problem then you were back to eating regularly as a bandster. It would have defeated the purpose of staying the few extra nights to see if the fill was correct. Sorry... I do tend to make my decisions based on forehand knowledge... this was something I was certain about.

I have read that sometimes it takes a few days for it to kick in...although I don't know how or can't remember the explanation... I'd call Dr. Romero and find out if he has anything to offer as far as an explanation. I'm sure he must have something to tell you that's helpful! At the least, and I know it's inconvenient, you can drive there.. Best wishes in whatever you decide Michelle!

Hanna

Hanna,

You are an angel! Thank you for thinking of Alyssa and posting the comforting words for her. Bless you!!

Diana

Diana,

You are welcome... I'm just so glad that it was so easy

Have fun... the weather was great except for me and my daughter were feeling sick. Will you be staying at the Lucerna? They have the great package they are offering now at OCC... but if you need help with 4 star hotels at SD, then I priceline. That's what the gals and I did. Again scary to do online (booking hotels) for the first time, but Linda was impressed and claims she'll be doing it again. I've been doing it since 2003. Have a happy and safe trip and shop only in the daytime at TJ.

Blessings,

Hanna

Hey Hanna,

Glad you're back to the great Northwet! I had my fill on Wednesday too, only with Nortwest Fill Centers....it was a blind fill, but everything went well and it was a piece of cake also. Wish I could have gone back to TJ for it, but was in a time and money crunch. Welcome Back.

Donna

Hi Donna!

Thanks for the welcome back.. it snowed again while we were gone?! Where is our warm weather??? Oh well.. I am glad to be home... I missed my little ones... Zulma brought her 3 year old and it made me miss mine! I'm so glad to hear your fill went well like ours. I understand... I'm pretty good with expenses when traveling but the food in the area are so expensive. I had a rental car and could have gone to the suburbs for cheaper dining but my 19 year old was not feeling well. So how's your restriction? How much cc's did you receive? Have you pb'd yet? I have... in the mornings 2 consecutive days... today and yesterday... I'm going to try yogurt for breakfast and just coffee or tea. I seem to eat fine at lunch and dinner.

Hanna

Jenn,

If you haven't found it here's her post... I would still go on the web of OCC and call the 24 hour emergency and talk to Dr. Martinez... he answers the phone personally and he will be able to diagnose better if he asks Debbie the questions directly. I'll be praying for Debbie!

Hanna

***********

Hello fellow banditos!

I did wanted to give you all an update after my 4/4 surgery. I was discharged Saturday around 9:00 a.m. and a group of the girls went shopping. While Calicat and I were shopping, I noticed that my port site had protruded - a great bit. It was scary looking. One of our banditos was a RN and she suspected it was a hematoma.

Dr. Martinez (who I absolutely love!) came to the hotel the next morning and looked at my port site, my skin color, my hands, my eyes, my tongue. He said it was a hematoma and made arrangements for me to go back to the clinic that day (Sunday) to be wrapped and for an antibiotic. Nurse Sophia was there on her day off with her beautiful daughter. Sophia wrapped my stomach and filled the elastic wrap with gauze so I could safely fly home the next day. I was given Keflex which is the worse tasting antibiotic made. Bad thing is - we can't swallow pills so I had to crush and swallow. Y.U.C.K.! I was also given a prescription for additional Keflex and Sophia and her daughter drove us back to the hotel.

We flew home yesterday and I had a comfortable-enough flight. The elastic band wrapping made it more comfortable and I believe did the trick because my port site looks so much better. I don't look 9 months pregnant on one half of my belly anymore. However, I do have a huge bruise which is scary to look at. I think now the bruising will change colors to brown and then eventually go away.

I did go back to work today. Remember I was banded Friday around 2. p.m. I'm a paralegal so the heaviest thing I lift is a file (not too heavy, eh)? Managed the day with some white grape juice, a banana popcicle, and some chicken broth. I think I'm starting to like the chicken broth! No rush for me to start the next phase (drinkable yogurts).

I'm not hungry and have to force myself to eat/drink. I'm still sore, especially when getting up and down out of a chair. I'm SO freakin excited about the upcoming weight loss that I cannot stop talking about it

Ohhhh here's a funny. You all will just love this.....I arrived at work today and was called to the front desk to pick up "something." Got there and there was this H.U.G.E. basket of goodies delivered to me from my firm. How hilarious is that!!!!?? There were pretzels, candy bars, cheese, crackers, candy, ohmygawd did I just want to slap the office administrator who ordered it!?!?!?!? Heck yeah .. but I did imagine eating some of the pepper cheese for about 20 seconds.

We're going to open the basket on April 24th!! but hopefully I will be full from some real food and won't care one bit about it! Toodles!

***********

Jenn! You rock, thanks for these pictures. I have to post mine and learn how you guys are able to just post it on like this. I'll figure it out! I hope you had a nice trip. Thank you for being so great with us.. You were so cool at supporting us all. What a lucky young lady Cassie is to have such a wonderful mom like you!!! Hello to Cassie, Brit and Debbie!!! Talking to you both and your family made me/us feel like we'd known you before. >

blessings,

Hanna

Thanks for the heads up on the experience! I know the US doctors give a pre shot that numbs the area for the port, did Dr. Romero offer anything like that? Are you feeling full when you eat now more so than when you first got banded? Just wondering if its like the same feeling?

Also there have been a lot of articles in the papers of the safety of the boarders right now did you feel safe?

Hi Pargirl,

Yes, I was told to wait until today to start eating solid food but I didn't wait. On Saturday only 24 hours after the fill I ate a small omelette with veges and bacon. I ate like a good bandster and chewed.. I didn't finish but 3/4 of it (about 8 oz. I'd say) and felt the full feeling so I stopped. Yes I did the extended stay after being filled so I could check if I'm not too restricted so I can return right away and do a little unfill had it been too tight. My restriction is right for me so far. Oh yes... the scale thing... I was just checking today and 2 lbs. dropped. Yes! But I think it's a combination of not feeling well when I left Thursday for the trip and then after being filled I'm really eating less. I'm happy again knowing my band is working. I'll post in a week to let you know how it's going. So far it's great.

Notes:

I don't seem to do well eating first thing in the morning. I'm going to do the warm beverage and have yogurt for these next few days. Today and yesterday I felt the food really going down. It hurt a bit... it passes but it's really not the way I want to have breakfast every morning. So today and yesterday I just ate my breakfast for lunch, since it was not comfortable. I'm trying not to skip breakfast because Dr. Miranda said it was important to kick start my metabolism to being normal again, to not skip breakfast or meals.

Zulma's advise about shopping in TJ was that as long as we were about during the day then we were going to be fine and we were. We went to get our meds at the pharmacy and it's an adventure in itself! I needed my pain meds fast 'cause I had a tooth post implant done that day and the pain killer was wearing off. Lisa again came to my rescue and gave me one of her old pain killer from our surgery 7 weeks ago. It didn't kick in fast enough so as soon as I bought the pain med prescribed I took another one. I was fine... if I started to act strange then I had my girlfriends looking out for me.

Hey Hanna-

Glad you guys made it back safe, hope Meredith is feeling better! I bet your husband and the little girls were so happy to have you home!!

I posted my take on our trip on my blog if you want to read it... Will you email me all the pictures you took when you have a chance?

Hi Michelle!

I just read your blog... cool... I'll email you the pics as soon as I can... can you message me your email address. Don't know if I have it.. Am I able to send pics to you via Myspace?

I had my daughter's done while we got our fill and yes it is so worth it! It cost us $250 and her teeth whitened even more 2 days after which Dr. Ana said it would. Meredith is so happy and I love the results... it's so white!!! It's definitely given her a new sense of confidence... she's smiling a lot more!!!! LOL! I on the other hand have more dental work than I anticipated before I can even think about teeth whitening... I had an implant done ... yeah long story but the wrong tooth was pulled out by my local dentist here about a year and a half ago so I'm getting that tooth replaced with an actual crown implant. I'll be back in 4 months for my crown. Price...$1600. Has anyone else done an implant... I know Melody did too she is from Canada. Melody email me if you see this!