utahmom

Thank you, I have signed onto My Fitness Pal. Perhaps my attitude is wrong, but I had weight loss surgery to help what I was unable to do on my own. With the Band, it was very easy, your body sent you a definite message when to stop and the weight dropped off. With the plication, I obviously expected that if my stomache was so much smaller I would not be able to eat much per sitting. This is not the case with me. Counting calories and watching every bite is not what I expected. In my experience, I would rather have the band back.

It's not what you eat, I understand that...but how much can you eat? I can eat a whole dinner, never get sick or any other symptoms.

Had plication done Oct 28, 2010...no weight loss to date.

Had to have my band removed due to scarring and hiatal hernia. Opted for plication surgery and not getting any positive results. I have no restriction, no nausea, no vomiting, no PBing.....can just eat whatever and whenever. Did really well with my band and now pedaling backwards. Would like to know how others have done with plication surgery! Mybe should have done sleeve instead of plication? Upset and disappointed in Utah!

Having just returned from TJ(my daughter got banded), I must report my displeasure at being put up at the Mariott Hotel. Having stayed at the Lucerna several times in the past, I was extremely disappointed in the Mariott. I cannot comprehend why OCC, in maintaining its US excellence rating would put patients up at the Mariott rather than the Lucerna. There is NO comparison! The Lucerna is far classier, has better service, is by far a more beautiful and serene place to be at, and has much better food and food choices for patient guests. Sitting around the Mariott was truly difficult and boring, to say the least.

Hi All, It's been a long time since I've visited the Forum! I've done well and maintained my weight. I am considering one more small fill to satisfy my inner ego. I started with the lap band at a size 2-3X and am now a size 10. At my age that's pretty good, but am unable to lose that last 10 - 15 pounds. Been exercising at least 3 times per week, but my weight has not budged in months. I have to say the Band is the best tool ever and have been so happy with my results. Happy Holidays to all and remember to listen to your band! Arlene

Hi All, Haven't posted or updated for ages, but doing great. Is the Vegas meet still going to happen...and where? My daughter lives in Summerlin, and even though my husband is having hip replacement surgery on April 28th, I might be able to show up for a short visit. Please advise of details. Thanks, Arlene

There seems to be several of us......anyone up for a get together? I'd be more than happy to host, I live in Park City...or perhaps we could all meet in a more central location. Just think it would be fun to meet and compare our progress. Arlene

Hi All, I have not been posting for a while, but wanted to take this oppportunity to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! Arlene

Check out Kathy Gonzalez in St Pete......supposed to be wonderful. She is with Fill Centers USA.

If you do go to Antelope Island, there is a great BarBQue place called Famous Dave's you will pass on the way. There is also a fantastic famous Mexican Restaurant called The Red Iguana, it is right downtown on Temple. Temple Square is very nice to visit and if you are walking around you should wander into Abravenel Hall. It is where the Utah Symphony performs and there is a wonderful Chihuly glass sculpture in the lobby that you might want to see.

You might want to go to Antelope Island and see the Bison. It's a huge island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake and very beautiful, filled with wild life. Also, there is a fantastic exhibit of the human heart and body, you can purchase the tickets on line at www.BodyWorldsUtah.com Hope this helps! Arlene

How long are you staying, I will check on what's happening that weekend and get back to you. Arlene

In perursing the Forum, I've noticed that many of you are discouraged in regards to slow weight loss. I personally have stayed at the same weight since July, yet I've recently dropped another size. So, my point is...don't despair, it's going to come off one way or another. It does get disheartening at times, but consider the fact that you look and feel so much better. I recently looked at some pictures of me taken exactly a year ago...OMG, what a difference! My advice to myself and to others is to hang in there.....this is not an easy journey, but one well worth the end result! Cheers, Arlene

Hi Everyone, I was so sorry to hear of Julie Burns experience. I must say that when I had my problem 6 weeks ago, the response from OCC was immediate. I emailed Dr Miranda in regards to what I was experiencing at 6pm on Labor Day. I had an answer within 30 minutes instructing me what to do. I also had a follow up email the next morning telling to come to OCC. I went the next day and was taken care of immediately. We were all given phone numbers to reach the physicians directly. I would not call the main clinic number with a serious problem. Call or email the doctors directly if you have an emergency, that's what they told us to do when we had the procedure done. Wishing everyone good health and empowering weight loss! Arlene

Mid back pain after eating could mean that your band is too tight. The pain is caused by the esophagus having to work too hard to push the food through. That was one of my symptoms when I had to go to OCC because it got so bad I was unable to eat or drink. Please make sure you don't let it go too far without addressing the cause of the problem. Arlene

Thank you all for your responses and good wishes. It was important for me to get the message out about what happens when your fill is too tight. I am doing fine, feeling great, showing more restraint and still losing weight! Any doctor that tells you to come back monthly for fills is just trying to boost his/her income. I have compalined to Fill Centers USA. Regards to all my fellow bandsters! Arlene

I have heard somewhere and I do not recall where, that taking tylenol was okay, but not any of the other brands ie advil, etc. do not know if there is any truth to this..............anyone out there know anything about this?

Got my first fill at OCC then went for a 2nd fill 6 weeks later (June 13th) at Fill Center in SLC. Had not been able to eat very much, lost weight and thought I was fine. A few weeks ago, I began to get pain around my rib cage after eating, also back and shoulder pain. On Labor Day, I ate normal breakfast of yogurt and cereal, had a slice of meat for lunch, felt fine. Later that day, I could not drink or eat, nothing would go down and the pain around my rib cage was horrible. I contacted OCC and they told me to come immediately. I arrived there last Wednesday, Dr Acosta did a Barium swallow and emptied my band. He then refilled it with only 1/2 of what had been in there. He told me the fill was way too much for me and my esophagus was pumping up and down so much that it pulled stomach tissue up and that was why I couldn't eat or drink. Having a too tight fill can be very dangerous. In speaking with Dr Ortiz and Dr Miranda later that day, I was told if I had waited much longer, my band would have slipped and would have had to be removed. According to Dr Ortiz, a woman should only need 1 or 2 fills in a lifetime. He went on to say that getting fills all the time was not using the band in the manner in which it was meant to be used. I am home now and feeling fine, can eat a small meal and still have some restriction. This means that I have to work harder to eat the right foods and exercise in order to utilize 'the tool' properly. So instead of depending on the fill to stop me from over eating, I now have to be in tune with my band. Obviously, I did not need that 2nd fill. I guess from reading the forum I thought it was the right thing to do....I was wrong! So please, all of you, really be careful. Reread the book by Dr Ortiz, and call OCC if you have a problem. The band does not tighten or loosen, it is your body talking to you, and you must listen! Good Luck to All! Arlene

Going to OCC tomorrow. Decided not to wait any longer, as I have not been really great since my last fill at Fill Center USA in SLC. Have had too many off days of not really eating very much, having to supplement with protein drink. Good thing is my very dear friend goes tomorrow to become a 'Bandster'. Can keep her and her hubby company and get myself fixed as well. Arlene

Thanks all, Dr Miranda sad to go on liquids for now, she was going to talk to Dr Martinez and get back to me. When I PB'd the steak did not come up, just saliva. I did my ice cream trick and felt better, but that is not a very good solution. I do need to be able to eat. She thinks I will need a Barium Swallow, if so I will go to OCC, I dislike the Fill Center doctor in SLC. Arlene

I give, what is it?

:help: :help: Any suggestions would be helpful! Wondering if anyone else has had anything similar. Have not had a fill since June 13th, but still have restriction. It seems like everytime I try and eat, I end up PBing and get terrible pain around the rib section all around my back, to the point where even my bra becomes painful. Can't find a pattern to these episodes, but becoming a real bummer. This morning I had some whole grain cereal, did fine. For lunch I had a small piece of leftover steak.....was unable to eat or drink the rest of the day. Waited until around 7PM, forced myself to PB, then was able to slowly have a protien drink. I emailed Dr Miranda tonight will see what she recommends tomorrow. Arlene

that sounds great!

Ok everyone, I know how you may be hurt and/or upset by this news, but.............. We are all very fortunate that Dr O has provided a wonderful service for us. A service that takes up a very good portion of his life and has changed our lives dramatically. He deserves his free time for family and friends. Being married to a physician for the last 42 years, I can understand his view. Please just be grateful for what he does and give thanks every single day and for every lost pound!!! Arlene