Par Girl
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I booked a fill appointment for tomorrow and plan on driving in from the LA area by myself. Going to park at the border and walk across.
Anyone want to join me?
Last time DH accompanied me, but he can't get off of work this time. I thought I could easily cross over the border but all of a sudden feeling a little apprehensive.
After all, what "action" happens on a Wednesday?? That last drug dealer shoot out there happened over the weekend, right?
Do you think it is safe to go by myself? (I know it is, but just need some reassurance
)Darn, wish I had known I just went today! It was like a ghost town! Can you see if the OCC will send a car for you? I went with my hubby early and we were in and out by 9:30 a.m. Everything felt safe and there are still lots of Americans crusing 'round T.J. In the future keep me in mind since we may be going for fills around the same time. Pargirl
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Here’s what I do to really loose fast.
Dutch chocolate Isopure protein shake in the morning.
Lunch
Protein: Choose your weapon
Tuna (small pop top can and I can only eat about ½ can)
Chicken (1/4 of a breast chopped up)
I buy the sliced roast or sliced turkey from the deli and chop it up
Veggies:
Whatever looks good, chopped into bit size pieces so I remember to chew)
Fruit:
Whatever looks good, chopped into bit size pieces so I remember to chew)
Carbs
I buy different flavors of good for me wheat crackers at trader Joes.
Dinner
Whatever I’m cooking for the family I keep my protein out and its pretty plain, I keep my veggies clear and now always have fruit on hand and can eat the carbs fine as long as I chew.
It’s really portion control, I also purchased a small set of pretty plates just for me so my food wouldn’t look out of sorts. (Its generally just a tablespoon of each topic to start)
And I keep my fills up to date and tight and don’t drink with my meals. Alcohol is out of the picture unless I’m keeping up with my weight goals. (So I really try to keep up – love my cab and my treat of a sour apple martini on the weekends).
Don’t forget to work on burning those calories, nothing better than putting on Beyonce’ and dancing around for about an hour, (I would have hated to see what I looked like doing this at my high, but right now since I can finally look in the mirror and surprise I look damn good for a 46 year old) And don't forget to move those hips!
*Quick note - my calcium comes from my latte, which is always the double tall skinny vanilla. 100 calories
I have heard so many different ideas as to the timing on fills. I noticed you said yuo make sure the fill stays tight, how do you know when to get the fills and how often do you find you need the fills? I go for my first fill on the 19th and I'm really looking forward to it. I still have a tight feeling in my chest (the band I suppose) so my appetite is low. Are you suppose to feel a tightness in the chest? Thanks much, Pargirl
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I borrowed this from Hanna's myspace album, not sure if she took this pic of my fluro or if I took it of her fluro but here it is!!
The black left upper part is the esophagus that is filled with barium liquid,
The white in between black areas is the band.. it's somewhat opaque in color here
The black in the lower part of the picture is the barium flowing into the stomach
The two thin dark lines kind of pointing at the esophagus is the the underwire of a bra, lol
MamaMichelle, Are you having any feelings of feeling full after you eat? Are you feeling any difference from the fill?
You are losing like crazy....are you working out as well? Pargirl
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Hi,
Helen again. Just noticed my topic lists "Sorry Lap Banders" - I honestly don't know where that is from - I certainly did not add that as the topic center and I don't mean to imply that all of us are doomed. So Pllllllease don't take it that way. I am just looking for some happy long term bandsters.
Helen >
Yeeks, what site did you see all this news? Pargirl
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Okay bandsters - I want the truth....who ate before week 3????? I know there are several of you.
I was banded by Dr. Ortiz, but I read some online post-op guidelines by other surgeons that direct their patients in week 3 & 4 to eat mushy, soft foods.
I'm just wondering who's done what for post-op!!!
When did you start to eat?
What did you eat?
Well, one of the gals I was banded with did cheat and yee howdy did she regret it! She simply sucked on a piece of meat and became violently ill, almost had to go back to the OCC. Her experience cured me of any thoughts of cheating! Be careful a band slippage can't be good. Pargirl
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Hi Ladies,
I was hit with the flu last night and this morning was violently ill, vomiting and heeving...thank goodness I am not banded yet, but if I were I would have blown something, I am sure of it.
Has anyone been sick since banding and what are the signs of slippage of the band or that something has happened? If you think something has happened, would you go to your family doctor to have him check? Xray, ultrasound?
I am just starting to feel better now, slept all day, major stomach pains. I have been sucking on popcicles and sipping water, I guess I'm getting a taste of the post-op diet in advance!
Take care, Cathy
Good question, what are the signs of slippage? Anyone out there know? I'll call the OCC today and find out unless someone has the answer.
In the mean time take care of yourself and drink lots of gatorade.
Pargirl
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Hi there, anyone going to TJ for a fill early a.m. to TJ? We have two gals so far and looking to share the costs for Francisco to drive us to and from. Thaks much, Pargirl
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I had my first fill last Friday and Dr. Romero said that there are different rules for your first fill than from all the other fills you will get in your lifetime...
1st fill Rules
No food for 6hrs before the fill
No water for 1hr before the fill
Liquid diet for 3 days after the fill
2nd Fill (and beyond) Rules
No Food for 2 hrs before the fill
No water for 1hr before the fill
No liquid diet after the fill
**Dr. R says that he encourages people to go and eat a regular meal 2hrs after these fills to test the restriction level and that way if you are too tight you can return to the OCC within a few hours for an unfill.**
It seems that 1.7cc's is the standard/maximum that they put into a 4cc band on your first fill (I say this because out of the 5 of us who got our 1st fills that day 3 got 1.7ccs and 2 got 1.6ccs) I think they do this because hopefully they can avoid needing an unfill from your 1st fill...
I have heard so many different senarios regarding the charges on the fills. Am I mistaken or is the 1st fill done free, no charge? Just wondering what your experience was. Also, did Dr. Romero offer you a numbing shot first before the saline fill? Much appreciate your info. P.S. you look great in the pics and keep up the great work, you are a great inspiration to us all! Pargirl
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I had my first fill last Friday and Dr. Romero said that there are different rules for your first fill than from all the other fills you will get in your lifetime...
1st fill Rules
No food for 6hrs before the fill
No water for 1hr before the fill
Liquid diet for 3 days after the fill
2nd Fill (and beyond) Rules
No Food for 2 hrs before the fill
No water for 1hr before the fill
No liquid diet after the fill
**Dr. R says that he encourages people to go and eat a regular meal 2hrs after these fills to test the restriction level and that way if you are too tight you can return to the OCC within a few hours for an unfill.**
It seems that 1.7cc's is the standard/maximum that they put into a 4cc band on your first fill (I say this because out of the 5 of us who got our 1st fills that day 3 got 1.7ccs and 2 got 1.6ccs) I think they do this because hopefully they can avoid needing an unfill from your 1st fill...
I have heard so many different senarios regarding the charges on the fills. Am I mistaken or is the 1st fill done free, no charge? Just wondering what your experience was. Also, did Dr. Romero offer you a numbing shot first before the saline fill? Much appreciate your info. P.S. you look great in the pics and keep up the great work, you are a great inspiration to us all! Pargirl
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I'm planning on going back to the OCC for my 1st fill the week of May 16-23ish. I will be in Oceanside that week anyway (time share there) so if anyone else needs a ride, we rent a car for transportation anyway. I'm only concerned about getting back across the border. Does anyone else know if it's the same process-except you drive and not walk?? We don't have passports but you don't need one til after June 1st.
Thanks
Amber
I am planning to go on May 19th with 2 other gals. My appt. is at 9:30 a.m. does that work, I would love to share the ride with you..Pargirl
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I think that everyone is different, I haven't had any problems with any food not even doughy bread. But I have read that some people cant eat bread after their three week post op liquid diet. I believe that all of our stomachs are different sizes and the people with smaller stomachs the band has no restriction when it is not filled, but those that have larger stomachs have restriction when the band is not filled.
Brittany I see you are a golfer. How long after the baning did yo play? I am 21 days into the post op tomorrow and would like to play on wednesday.
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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?
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I would love to start a stats thread here (unless there is already one I missed!) We could add our info and it will make it easier for everyone to keep up with our progress.
Name and Location: Kim from South Mississippi
Age: 31
Gender: F
Band Date: March 28th
Height: 5'6"
Highest weight: 235
Current Weight: 206
Goal Weight: 145
Maybe a Mod could sticky this so we could keep up with it? Thank you!! =D>
Name & Location Mary from Orange County, Ca.
Age; 57
Gender; F
Band date; 04/01/2008
Height; 5'5"
Highest weight; 202.5
Current weight; 185.5
Goal weight: 130
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Hey everyone!
I am excited but nervous about my surgery in two days. i am leaving tomorrow but i am not schedule until friday. I am looking for advice on what special things i should take. I read in another post about the tylenol, so i alerady got that. what else would you guys recommend?
thanks
Congradulations! I am in my 3rd week post op and loving life! I would strongly suggest you make a big batch of homemade chicken stock! Beleive me you will thank your lucky stars you did! What ever you do WALK, WALK AND WALK some more! I was amazed at how well I felt after the surgery. By the 3rd day I was off and walking miles. Good luck and worry not, the staff, doctors and Mrs. Ortiz is everything you've been reading about! Pargirl
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I love Ann Wilson and I love Nancy Wilson and Heart.
Did anyone see her last night on the American Idol special?
Oh dear! She was the heaviest I have ever seen her and my heart just broke for her. How brave is she to get up on that stage with FERGIE and sing her heart out.
For those who don't know, Inamed approched her to get the band an be a spokesperson for it. She was banded in Jan of 2002 (I think) and lost 60 pounds. Somewhere along the line she wasn't successful. I can't find any information about what happened but I would like to know.
I think it's important to hear where people went wrong with the band so hopefully we won't make the same mistakes.
Jena
I remember seeing Sharon Osborne on Dr. Phil. The subject was about her weight and the band. I thought she was on Dr. Phil cuz she was told by her Dr. that the band had to come out and she was really scared because she did'nt want to gain weight and undo all the success she'd had. Of couse Dr. Phil promised to be there for her and get her help if need be.
Over all she loved the band and really did'nt want to have it taken out. I wonder if she had it replaced.
Pargirl
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I'm going to be using Fitday and I was wondering if anyone else is.
If you've never heard of it, it's a great free "tool" and I think it will mix well with the band.
Jena
Jena, Great find! I just went on and registered wow what an eye opener! I recommend this site to everyone, it's great and easy! Thanks for sharing...Pargirl
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Dr. Woodhead is doing them right now.
How are you finding eating such little food, having to chew it so much, etc. I know it's quite a lifestyle change. Are you managing okay? Congrat's on the weight loss!
Hi there,
I had the band on the 1st of April at the OCC and I highly recommend this facility, the doctors and the whole staff (including Mrs. Ortiz!) are everything you read here on the forum.
In regards to your inquiry, my good friend who had the surgery done at the OCC 16 months ago has had two sever experiences with food getting stuck. The food would not come up nor go through and it was frightening. My friend is the first to admit that it was 100% her fault. In any case she had to rush to the OCC in the middle of the night (12:00 a.m.) and they simply did a unfill, she felt relief immediately and there were no residual pains. If you have a Dr. in Canada to attend to your fills or unfills you should do just fine.
For the OCC bandee's isn't it comforting to know the OCC is ALWAYS so attentive!
Pargil
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< I was banded on Monday, January 28, 2008 by Dr. Bruce Schirmer at the University of Virginia Hospital. I arrived a little before 6 a.m., I was taken into surgery around 7 a.m., I left the hospital around 12:30 p.m., I was a little sore the first day. I was on my treadmill on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. Overall I had a wonderful experience, I have had recent surgeries in the past with no recovery problems. I received my first fill on 4-4-08. I have lost 42 lbs.You're really doing super well. I was banded on 04/01 and also feel great. I have been walking like crazy but really want to jump on my elliptical! You have really lost the lbs. Keep going girl! Pargirl
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Hi all,
Tomorrow I go to the OCC. Little bit nervous today. I haven't heard from anyone who is also going. Maybe it is a slow day. Anyway, thanks for being here.
Wendy
Hey Wendy, I too tried to find other "to be bandees" on the forum before my surgery on the 1st and did'nt get any replies. I went down solo and I was so looking forward to this that I never had any thoughts of being scared or alone. Once I arrived to the OCC and met the other bandees it was GREAT! There's something about going thru the process together that creates a bonding with one another. I was also lucky cuz only 4 of us were scheduled for the surgery that day, so it was really a calm and smooth experience. The staff is fun, caring and never once did I feel like they were rushed to get to another patient.
I would advise you take some phayzme and gas-X strips, liquid tylenol and 1-2 bottles of H2O. Order your vitamins before you go and be sure to make home made broths, this really saved me!
Walking is a must do and you'll have company with your other bandee buddies. We really had fun running around the OCC together!
I for one felt really good from the start. I have had bunches of energy. Today is the 1 week anniversary of my surgery and yesterday I walked 2 1/2 miles, I was cautious not to break a sweat. The walking feels soooo good for the gas and the body!
The only discomfort I experienced was some gas, nothing like some others and soreness with the incision where the port is. If I turn a certain way it burns. None of this is intolerable at all.
Today I feel even better, no weakness and no hunger.
Hope this helps, good luck tomorrow! Pargirl
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Hi All,
I'd love to compile a list of what everyone had for their first meal after being banded. I think this would be great info for people who will be banded soon to give them an idea of what they can eat.
So banders, please respond with what you had for your first meal!
Thanks,
Alana
*May 9th, here I come!"
Great idea! I was banded on 04-01 and will be eating soon. So I for one would love to hear from the other bandees!
pargirl
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Hello there! Well first I want to thanks everyone for the well wishes as I was on my way to see Dr. Ortiz (just about the most handsome man EVER!). I had a great time. I almost hate to say it but I really did have a blast. My honey drove me down to the parking lot next to the boarder and I met Francisco who from there took me over to the OCC but no one was there yet so he took me to the Hotel Lucerna. Francisco was really fun and we had a few laughs. I waited in the lobby at the hotel for Mrs. Ortiz and as people would come to sit in the lobby I asked if they too were waiting for Mrs. Ortiz. I guess they thought I was a bit of a nut so I quietly read a book. Finally Mrs. Ortiz came in and what a lovely lady she is. Another couple joined us and we all rode together to the OCC. Smooth as silk I tell ya, had the blood, EKG and met with the nutritionist (now she is a hoot!). Turned out only four of us were getting banded I was the second in. I was impressed with how throrough the doctors and nurses are. Any questions any concerns? Dr. Ortiz came in my room sat with me for awhile and watched some t.v. I felt like he was going to just stay and visit. Unlike the American Dr.'s here he wasn't back stepping out the door as he was conversing with. In the O.R. I felt some pain with the anesthesia like a burning and quickly I was out. When I awoke I was tucked in my bed and ready to start sprints aroung the center. I literally was on the move and fast! I only had a little soreness and that went away beore the end of the day. I immediately started with the gasX strips, dilligently sucked on the breathing device and walked briskly around and around. Soon my bandee friends were out and all of us were trotting together. Our nurses Jose and Carmenita were so kind and attendant. I am now home, I chose not to spend another night and feel so good it's scary. I am sipping fluids like crazy and my gas is coming at a steady pace so I am not experienceing pain. I am up and walking about every 20 minutes.
Before I left for T.J. I made some home cooked chicken broth and am I glad I did! I would suggest to all to have homemade broths they are yummy!
I have no worries and feel like I could literally take a jog, of course I won't!
I want to thank Jena, Charlotte and Rebca for making this expierence fun. Looking forward to meeting up for our fills.
I am still a little goofy with the meds so I hope I didn't ramble too much. I will say at this point I am so glad I did the banding and for the first time I feel like there really is hope for me now! Pargirl!!
P.S. Thanks to all of you who let me pester you pre op, I love you!
ParGirl
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I posted this on my myspace blog ( http://www.myspace.com/mamamichellelv ) but I thought I would share it here too so hopefully those yet to be banded or just recently banded can get a little inspiration from my progress. I am also posting 2 sample before and after pics but if you’d like to see all 6 and you aren’t a member of myspace you can check out my Album here on the boards: Visit My Forum Album (I think a moderator has to approve the pictures before they will show up in my album so if you can’t see them yet check back a little later in the day)!
Jan 1st 2008 – Highest Weight/Start of Pre Op Diet
Weight: 246 lbs
Chest: 48"
Waist: 46"
Hips: 51"
Arms: 16.5†and 16.5â€
Thighs: 30†and 31â€
Feb 28th 2008 – Date of Surgery
Weight: 226 lbs
Chest: 46.5"
Waist: 43"
Hips: 48.75"
Arms: 16†and 16â€
Thighs: 29.25†and 30.25â€
March 28th 2008 – One Month Post Op
Weight: 209 lbs
Chest: 44.5"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 46.5"
Arms: 15.75†and 15.75â€
Thighs: 28.5†and 29.5â€
RESULTS:
Weight: -17lbs lost in 1 month post op (-38lbs lost since starting pre op)
Chest: -2 inches lost in 1 month post op (-3.5 inches lost since starting pre op)
Waist: -6 inches lost in 1 month post op (-9 inches lost since starting pre op)
Hips: -2.25 inches lost in 1 month post op (-4.5 inches lost since starting pre op)
Arms -.25 and -.25 inches lost in 1 month post op (-.75 and -.75 inches lost since starting pre op)
Thighs: -.75 and -.75 inches lost in 1 month post op (-1.5 and -1.5 inches lost since starting pre op)
For a total of 17lbs and 12.25 inches lost in 1 month post op and 38 lbs and 21.5 inches lost since starting pre op!
BEFORE AND AFTER PICS - Taken Feb 28th and March 28th
My first "Goal Dress" Size 12 - Hope to be in it by July 4th for my Husband's Birthday Dinner!
This is what I wore while shopping after my surgery on 2/28 it looks a lot better on me as of 3/28.
WOW..you go girl! I am off in the a.m. for the band! Not really too scared since I've picked, prodded and pestered everyone on the forum! I am amazed at your success and hopeful to follow suit, you are a real inspiration to us all! Mini "Lapbandee" Pargirl
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Hi There, I live in So. Ca. and wondering if anyone out there will be going for banding on 04/01. If so would love to chat for a little support. Pargirl
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i had surgery 3 weeks ago this tuesday... and my jaws hurt me so bad after chewing 30+ times a bite, but i learned to eat oatmeal or mashed potatoes so i didnt have to chew much.... i was 263 2 weeks before surgery and i was 250 1 1/2 weeks after surgery... so i havent lost much... and i was worried that my weight was stopping... but after hearing some of these others i realize that i should lose more after my first fill, which is 4/14/08... i still sometimes get in a hurry and eat too fast or dont chew enough times, and it does make me sick... also if i try to snack or eat a 4th meal like at midnight, i get extremely sick... so i am never going to do that again... i still eat a large plate of food... i am assuming this habbit will change after the fill...
Hi Moonslick, I am having the banding on 04/01 and noticed you mentioned getting sick, what kind of sick? Thanks much, ParGirl
I had my 2nd fill Friday in Portland, Or
in Gastric Band Support & Discussion
Posted
WOW I too had my first fill on June 19th and this a.m. had to have more fill. I now have 2.5cc and releived to hear I'm not alone. Question, do you have a tight feeling even when you are not eating? Are you experiencing more air in the tummy? I can hear my tummy and intestines rumble like in the jungle! Keep me posted..