sunnee01

I plan on using Dr Kilpatrick, I talked to her already, she seems real nice and said she would come to Portland to do my fill when I am ready. I hope she is as good as I have heard.

I have used Dr Kelly twice, and she is wonderful. Plan on booking your Portland appointments way in advance, because she fills up. I've driven to Eugene both times, and it is definitely worth it! =D> =D>

Hi Jenn,

I second her opinion on Dr. Oz. I've watched numerous Oprah shows, especially when Dr. Oz is on there, and listened and respected everything he's said in the past. When I watched the episode yesterday and listened to his opinion I was very frustrated. Keep in mind that he is a naturalist, and he believes that there's always a natural way of solving health issues, and people respect him for that. But being so close minded on a childs health, beleiving that there's other answers to obesity even when it cannot be controlled by diet and exercise is obsurd. Him being a doctor and knowing that there are medical conditions that can hinder weight loss, or even conditions that are caused by obesity, and won't allow you to lose any weight, I am sure everyone in the audience disagreed with his beliefs, even the Pediatric Surgeon there! Oprah seemed to be piggy backing Dr. Oz as well, even though she has been on numerous diets and seems to regain everything she lost plus some.

"If you always do what you've always done - you'll always get what you've always gotten"

I am not a big Oprah fan, and this show reinforced those beliefs. She really seemed to side with Dr Oz. Where did she get her medical degree?? Science has shown that yo-yo dieting is harmful. Most of us who had this surgery have gained and lost the same 50# over and over. I feel like when I lose the weight, it won't come back. I am grateful that there is such a tool that will help me eat smaller amounts. I could not do it by myself

My daughter is also heavy. Would I have made the decision when she was a teenager to have her banded? If I felt that she was able to make the changes to make it successful, ABSOLUTELY!! Not all 13 year olds would be mature enough to make that decision, but I think that Cassie was. Instead of looking at an age, look at the person!

Thanks for posting that Jenn, very interesting and so true!

I have often questioned what was the matter with my "full button". I think it never formed because I've had a weight problem since childhood. I don't feel like I'm alone anymore, this forum and everyone on it are struggling with the "food demons".

Thanks again Jenn! All our best to you and Cassie, (((((HUGS))))) Darlene

Hi Jenn,

I missed the very beginning of the show yesterday. I did feel like Dr Oz wasn't very supportive of your decision to have your daughter banded. I am curious if this is just the thinking in the US, since it was Dr. Ortiz's decision to do the surgery? He must have felt comfortable with Cassie's and your decision.

You have a beautiful, strong daughter. You should be very proud of her and what she has accomplished. =D> =D>

Audrey

Hi everyone

I live around the portland area and will be traveling down to salem to get my fills. I was wondering if anyone has used them and how they where like. I hope they are as good as the doctors and nursing staff when I get banned. I would love to meet others in the oregon that have been banded.

Amy

I also have used Dr Kelly Fitzpatrick, and she is wonderful. She has a lot of experience and is very competent. I even drove to Eugene to see her, since I have heard such good things about her.

She also goes through how many calories, etc. you should be eating. Suprisingly, I wasn't eating enough, which has never been a problem for me!

I know there is a NP at Salem, but I don't know a lot about him/her.

Audrey

Okay Okay! LOL I took some and now just need to upload them. I will get on it right now!

Congratulations on your new baby! All of my animals, and I have many, have found me in one way or another.

Lucy can never be replaced, but there is enough room in your heart for you to love someone else..

Audrey

Do you have to be on a liquid diet before a fill? If so how long?

No, just after, and I think it's only for the 1st fill. They want 2-3 days. (I can eat tomorrow!)

Audrey :lb12:

Did anyone wait until the very end of the 6-8 weeks to get there first fill? If so did you regret it?

I waited exactly 6 wks. In fact, I just got back from OCC yesterday and am still on liquids until tomorrow.

Audrey

hello everyone i am new to the forum but i wanted to let everyone know that i am a lap band patient banded in juarez mexico on 11-23-07. Out seven months and 60lbs weight loss. i have now made part of my practice into a fill center because so many people have to fly or drive so far just to be filled. well not no more. Boise's first fill center is here. we keep all of our fees lower than fill centers fees and are more than happy for anyone to come by for a tour or a consultation. please feel free to call our office at 208-375-9000 or email us at drlukemayes@gmail.com or staff@drlukemayes.com.

Hi! Are you with the Fill Center USA, and do you use flouro?

Audrey

Hi, my fill is at 9:00 a.m. on the fourth! I am at the Hotel Lucerna if anyone wants to look me up, I am there on the night of theh fourth and back to San Diego on the 5th. I should be registered under Christall Beaudry.

Hi Cristall,

How are you?? Are you bringing your family with you this time? We were banded on the same day. Congrats on the weight loss!

I am not sure if we wll see each other. I fly in tomorrow morning, and leave on Friday afternoon.

Audrey :-h

I have been hesitant to ask this, but I know if I am doing these things that ya'll are too!! Come on and spill it!

Why do we burp and fart so much now? LOL

I think it's because, with the band in place, the food moves slower through the digestive system and ferments, thus creating gas..

It has gotten better for me, now I just have to watch the hiccups!!

Audrey

I am getting filled on the 4th! I am flying in on 7/3/08 and the van is picking me up from the airport. Staying until the 5th. This is also my first fill. When did you get banded?

Hi!

I am flying in on the 3rd, getting filled, and then go back on the 4th. What time are you coming in?

I hope the weather is nicer this time!!

Audrey

Hey everyone! I thought I put this post out and see who all will be at the OCC on July 2nd, either getting banded (like myself yeah!!!) or a fill. Would love to hear from you! I will be at the OCC July 1st-4th.

~dianna~ :D

Hi Dianna,

I will be there for my 1st fill July3-4. Hope to see you!

Audrey :-h :-h

Please remember my family in your thoughts and prayers. My wife and I found out yesterday that our son was killed in a motorcycle wreck near Ft. Bragg. The sight of the Army chaplin pulling into your driveway is something that I hope that I never see again. This is going to be tough. You are not suposed to have to bury your kids.

Jim,

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I know this will be tough for you and your family. My heart goes out to all of you.

Audrey

I get hiccups when I eat too quickly or am at my "full" point. I've yet to PB; I just start to hiccup!

Audrey

:lb12: Okay, so here I am thinking to myself, 'How in the world do people drink this shit? It's SOOOO gross but clearly it's good for me so suck it up and drink it!'

Hubby had gone out and purchased six or seven of them for me. This morning I'm working away and I glance at the bottle on my desk and there is my answer clear as day. He bought stuff that was THREE WEEKS past it's best by date! I think I'm forever scarred!

There's like only one left. I'm going back to the protein drinks -- hehe

Thanks for the laugh and the reminder to check my expiration dates!!

Audrey

Hi, Just wondering....I haven't seen many posts or references in posts to "food journals". From all my many previous attempts at weight loss, this was usually one of the top suggestions they encouraged you to use.

Is anyone using a food journal and if so, do you find it helpful?

Seems to me like it couldn't hurt and it might be especially helpful to those that aren't having the results they are looking for.

Thanks,

Kim

I use FitDay. It keeps me honest!

Audrey

Ok is it just me, or does anyone else miss a nice cold beer on a hot day!!!!!! (well it's almost hot here in the northwest)

Linda

I'm from Portland, and there are an abundance of microbrews..Yes, I miss beer, also.

Audrey

I'm not hungry... I just had a nice slim fast and plenty of water but it's like my stomach is so hungry that it's wrenching in pain. I'm only 4 days away before I can finally get off this liquid diet and eating normal food. Any suggestions?

Hi Jessi,

We were banded on the same day, and I am also having some stomach pains. I know it wasn't hunger, because I had just eaten some soup, with a cracker crumbled into it. I tend to think it is gas, also. I am being pretty sedentary. I hope it improves when I start being more active!

Audey

OK, I give up..........why can't you smoke 2 weeks prior to surgery?? Can anyone shed some light on that??

Being a smoker makes you more susceptible to post-op complications. It is very common to have people quit smoking before having elective surgery.

You are right and I know it! I am really trying to be a good girl now. Besides, I get to start eating in 4 days...I've been doing good thus far I really don't want to risk any problems.

On a side note, I have lost 23 pounds since my May 14th surgery so I don't think anything is too stretched out. I don't want to risk it though!!!

Thanks for the pep talk and I WILL "stick it out".

Caro

Caro,

23 pounds is wonderful!! See, you can do it. =D> =D>

Audrey

Okay, I'm a BAD GIRL! ( My husband and I are on a trip and, although I am still eating liguids, I have tried VERY small bites of different foods. I am not supposed to have solids for another 4 days but I have been have been weak. I don't feel any different than I did before...maybe a little shoulder pain (gas?) but nothing major at all. I know I can cause band slipage if I introduce food too early and I'll try real hard to wait till Tuesday...BUT...has anyone else been weak or am I the only fool?!

Also, this may seem like a stupid question but has anyone else felt like they have a "coated" tounge all the time? My mouth just feels yucky!

Thanks for your input!

Caro

One of the things I learned after talking to Dr. O is how eating too soon can stretch the pouch. He came to this conclusion after a lot of research. It's not worth it!! I have spent way too much time and money to sabotage my efforts..Try and stick it out.

Hi Audrey!! I don't think I got to meet you in person, but you're right, we had an awesome group. Hearing from all of us, we're all kicking ass. =D> Congratulations on your progress. Let's all keep in touch and let us know how our progress goes. Jamie, Lena and I were talking about getting fills at the same time so we can split the cost of the van and keep in touch. Let us know if you want to do the same.

Hi!

I came in later. Most of you had already had your surgery and were up and walking. =D> =D> =D> Great to hear how well we are all doing!

I am scheduled for a fill July 3rd. I think they are picking me up around 9:30 in SD. Do they split the cost if we book the "Special?" It would be fun to have a group get together.

Keep up the amazing results!!

Audrey

I am scheduled July 4th, but my van fee was included in my total cost with fill and hotel?

So was mine. I am thinking that if more people signed up, it would be divided by all of us..Maybe I am wrong??

Audrey

Yep, it's me... Oops. My paperwork said 7 days add creamy soup. I added it today. Just got back from lunch. Had potato soup at Rafferty's and didn't eat the soup. maybe I did it too soon? But I feel sooo much better. I did take a tylenol this morning (cut it in half) and I felt like it was stuck all morning... ick.

Hi Ladies,

I was also banded on the 22nd, and I'm losing about a pound a day. We must have gotten a good batch!

Audrey

Hi Everyone,

I am scheduled for a fill on July 3rd and am looking for people to share the van.

Anyone interested??

Please feel free to contact me at sunnee02@msn.com

Audrey