caro

I posted about a yucky taste in my mouth, a coated tounge and bad breath that I started getting after my May 14th surgery and Jena said it could be Ketosis so I 'Googled' it and it sounds like that is it but now I'm wondering if I should be concerned. I was wondering if anyone else has had this and had talked to a doctor or OCC about it?

"When people eat less carbohydrate, their bodies turn to fat for energy, so it makes sense that more ketones are generated. Some of those ketones (acetoacetate and ß-hydroxybutyrate) are used for energy; the heart muscle and kidneys, for example, prefer ketones to glucose. Most cells, including the brain cells, are able to use ketones for at least part of their energy. But there is one type of ketone molecule, called acetone, that cannot be used and is excreted as waste, mostly in the urine and breath (sometimes causing a distinct breath odor)."

(lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/faq/f/whatisketosis.htm)

I am a carb adict...I start eating REAL FOOD tomorrow; will this condition go away?

Anybody know?

Thank you!

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.

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

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

I also live in Portland, Oregon and am considering using these ladies in Arlington because I cannot find anyone that will do the Fluroscopy here...someone mentioned that these same women are in Port Orchard every other month, do they have the Fluro available there as well?

BTW, Hi Linda! :-h (we were banded the same day)

Thank you!

Caro

Hi Anita, I really wanted to stay and meet you but since we decided to head home early it just didn't work out.

I feel like I have so many more questions now than I did before I had it done and I really thought I had done my research! Oh well, this is how I usually do things...learn as I go!

I'm gald you seem to be doing well too! We're really going to make it this time!!! =D>

Pammie, I am looking for a place in Portland that has Fluoroscopy but have not been sucessful. My daughter lives in Seattle and it would be cheaper to fly up there (Amd less time) then back to TJ so thanks for the information, if I can't find anything closer, this looks good. I'm so glad you're doing better!

Caro

Alana,

Thanks so much for the good info... I'm always so scared i'm gonna mess stuff up.... good info!

Hi Alana, I've been putting Neosporin on mine and they're doing great! I also washed with some of that Hibiclens, (Gently with my hands) when I showered right after surgery...looking good!

How much are those things going for? (I hate to ask!)

Hi! I was wondering what has become of our little group from May 14th?

I did read that Rob had some trouble...I just hated that for him! I never even saw him after surgery; I heard he "sprinted" out of the clinic! I was picturing him back in San Diego at Sea World!

Hope you are all well. My husband and I flew back to Portland a day early and I did just fine. He flies all the time so we got 1st class both ways...I am so spoiled now! I thought the clinic was great but back at the hotel my husband was trying to work and the internet at the Camino Real was HORRIBLE and I was NOT impressed with that hotel. I guess that is the general consensus now!

I have been doing very well. You may remember that I had neck surgery 3 weeks earlier so it has probably been a slower road for me than most. I have lost 15 pounds since surgery day and THAT is definitely keeping my eyes on the prize! I was never so glad to see cream soups in my life!

Yesterday was the first day that I felt like I was "turning a corner" from both surgerys. My port spot was pretty sore and bruised and I was aways afraid I was going bust open a "glued spot"( ), but not any biggie...getting better every day! So glad I did it!

Still tossing and turning about the fills...where to go; back to TJ or stay here in Portland with no Fluro! Argh!

Please let me hear how your doing!

Caro

Hi guys...how do you know you will need a fill after banding? Do they automatically schedule it or do you call and schedule if needed? Is it ALWAYS needed? What is the average? Or is it as different as each individual?

Also, anyone have regrets? I don't, just doing my last minute fretting

I'm off to TJ a week from Tuesday and am very excited to start my new life!

Thanks!

Caro :-h

Welcome Crissi! I too am from the Portland area to be banded on May 14th! I'm not near as good about posting as some on here are but enjoy it just the same and love the support and knowledge you can gleen from everyone!

Good luck...!

I think we have several Oregonians on here; we should meet sometime and start a little support group! >

Caro

Man! You guys are GREAT! I really appreciate all the information…it’s so interesting to see the different feelings on this topic. >

I still don’t know what I’ll do. Like I said, my husband, three grown daughters and their husbands know and are very supportive; just like so many of your families they were all concerned about the “Mexico thing” but are pretty well over that. My dad has shared with some of the rest of the family so that they could pray for a safe and affective outcome and although I did not endorse it, that’s okay with me. (They all live far away and he meant well.)

It felt so right, making the decision to ‘band’…I would have had it done that afternoon if I could have. Sure I wish I could have done it on my own but I just haven't! I just had my 50th birthday and have been overweight all of my adult life. Obesity runs on both sides of my family and I guess I’ve just realized that if I haven’t done it after 35 years, it’s not going to happen without some help! I’m just grateful that we have this avenue of help!

Looking forward to May 14th and my life after that! I’ll be feelin’ great in 2008!!!

I would love to get some input on what you all told people about your weight loss.

I just don't know how I will handle it. I have feelings of shame that I didn't have enough will power to do this on my own but I feel I just can't live this way anymore! The only people that know right now are my immidiate family and they are VERY supportive but I cannot decide what to tell everyone else. I won't lie about it but don't know how or what to say. HELP!

I would appreciate some of your "coming clean" stories and the reactions you got. :lb12:

Thanks so much!

Caro

Hi Caro,

I'm being banded on the 15th. Hopefully we will meet up. Where are you from?

Oh goodie! >

I'm from Portland, Oregon; how about you?

Can't wait to meet you...hopefully the first time you see me I'll be "zipping" around OCC after my surgery telling you how great I feel and not to worry!

Dr.Ortiz is associated with Fill Centers USA

From the OCC wesite:

Fill Centers USA

"By aligning with a reputable USA based aftercare company we can now offer patients the convenience of a coast-to-coast network of medical professionals trained in the art of adjustments and aftercare. By entering patients into a state of the art database, it allows our Obesity Control team to monitor the care of our patients and collaborate with the network of providers as needed. Dr. Ortiz has played an active role in the development and training of Fill Centers USA programs. Together with other renowned USA surgeons, he presently serves on the Medical Advisory Board. Fill Centers USA programs provide extensive take home literature including their unique 250 page Lifestyle Guide containing day-by-day instructions. You will be pampered with periodic contact from our friendly staff to assist with individual needs and monitor progress."

Good luck!

I'm located near Cedartown,Ga & will follow through with LB in May-June.I will be paying cash as i'm self employed & have no insurance.

I was hoping some people would post their costs + fills.I'm considering Tijuana but want to make sure i can find a doctor within 60 miles of me here for fills etc.

Thanks

All I can say is look at the OCC website (www.obesitycontrolcenter.com) and read this forum. Ask as many questions as you want...they'll answer them all and then some! I am going to be banded by Dr.Ortiz next month and am convinced it's the best place to go.

When you get to the website look at the link for Fill Centers USA...there are a few in Ga.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone. We are both a little nervous about the logistics of everything...let's face it, I'm a control freak and want to know every detail to the letter! :lb12: I really appreciate the info. you all are the best! >

Your package actually includes three nights, so you don't have to worry about your husband the night you are at the center. He will be taken back to the hotel and will just stay in the same room. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Great! So are they also taken back to the center or is it close enough to walk to and from?

Thank you Lynna!

Yum! Sounds good to me now and I haven't had my surgery yet!

Hi all...I'm getting banded on the 14th of May and I think I read that OCC covers two nights in the hotel, right? Do we need to make arrangements for my husband for the night(s) that I'm at center? That wasn't really clear. Also, will he be able to get a ride from the hotel to the center the next morning to see me and possibly take me back to the hotel?

What do the traveling companions do; can someone give me some of their experiences please?

:lb12:

Thanks!

Caro

I know what you mean...this group really makes you feel well informed and supported! :cheerleader:

I think I could add a big "AMEN" after most of those comments! My family thought I was crazy too...MEXICO?! No way!!! After the research at the OCC website and many others I feel like I'm getting the best deal with the most experienced doctors and staff! I'm being banded on the 14th of May and you couldn't make me go anyplace else- not after hearing the comments on this site!

I wish you all the best because it is, after all, a very personal decision. I don't get to post a lot because I can't find the time but when I do get on it's very encouraging. :lb11:

All the best!

Caro

Hi Allcdngirl

I am in Vancouver as well! I am being banded on April 21 and will be going by myself. From everything I have heard on this forum, I don't think there is anything to worry about. My biggest fear is the surgery itself, will be glad when I wake up and it is all over and done with.

I'll let you know how it goes. We should start a Dr. Ortiz support group in Vancouver

Hi Allcdngirl

I'll be getting my surgery on the 14th...I'll look in on you!

Hi Everyone!

I am being banded May 23rd. I just came back from San Diego yesterday. My husband and I went on a cruise to Cabo. There was so much food!

I look forward to not being self-conscious about my weight!!

Audrey

Hi Audrey! I'm a Portlander too! Wish we were going for surgery the same week!

My surgery is the 14th too!

See you there! >

Anyone out there getting banded on April 16th?

[/quote

I'm getting mine on the 14th-Maybe I'll see you on the 15th!

Duh, mine is MAY 14th! Sorry...