RogerF

Just enjoy the cruise and have fun, enjoy lots of different things just in smaller amounts, then hit it hard when you get back. Banding is all about being reasonable and healthy. I'm just around the corner in Port Orchard, and there is a band support group on the third Wed of the month over here. Good luck and congratulations on starting your journey. Roger

I've had a few requests and I posted some info the testimonial section under "I Made It", but I'll recopy here. I was out for the procedure, although I thought is was going to be under local. After a year, they would also have preferred and recommended that I had an endoscopy, but they do that with another Dr and it didn't work out. There would have been an additional cost for that. Well I'm a few days back from my trip to OCC to have my port moved. My port has always stuck out some, and as I lost my weight, the skin on top got thinner and the port more apparent. I have been doing some sit-ups as part of my regular routine and felt the my port was interfering with my emerging six-pack A few have asked about the procedure and costs so I thought I'd post here. They put the port under another layer of muscle in the same spot and that should smooth it out. I did have a plastic surgery consult here, and found they wouldn't touch it as part of the procedure, even for an extra charge. I decided that even if the tummy tuck could wait, this was something I wanted to do for me. I think it depends on if there is a problem with the port or not and any costs would be something you would have to discuss with the office. For me it was a cosmetic and a one-year "check-up" decision, and there was a cost involved. But figure less than $500 for the procedure and ground transportation, plus your travel costs (air/hotel). But I had a barium swallow and slight unfill to check my band, the whole regular pre-surgical work-up (blood, EKG), and the procedure (IV's and meds, antibiotics, anesthesia, and surgery). And of course the great care from all the staff. For me, it was worth it. I'm still a bit sore and swollen, but the incision looks good. I was still a bit tight with just a little bit of an enlarged pouch, so the little bit of an unfill should help that, but I'm not looking to loose much more anyway and eating normal, exercising, and maintaining going forward is only a little different mindset than being in "diet mode". Keep the faith that this will work for you, and do your part, you will be successful. Roger

Hey Penny, It was nice meeting you and good to see you up and around walking after your surgery. Hope you're still doing well and had a good trip back. No Worry, No big issue, my port has always stuck out a little, and after losing my weight the skin on top was even thinner and made it look like a little hernia (or my little tumor as I called it). I had the doctors at OCC bury it under the muscle (same spot) so it wouldn't be so apparent. Purely for my own vanity. Everyone was again so great with my care. Roger

Congrats to you both!! Watch for me too, I'll be arriving on the 24th to have my port moved on the 25th, staying at the hotel both nights. I've walked around the area quite a bit on my previous trips, so let me know if I can help. Roger

The one in the Portland/Milwaukee area I believe is a Kelly Fitzpatrick (no relation). Heard she was very good though, but I can't find her website right now. roger

Does anyone remember where the directions are posted? I'm headed back down to TJ next Monday the 24th to have my port repositioned. I'm not having it done until Tuesday so I figured I'd make my own way down from the airport. I know there were some good directions posted somewhere in a post. I know there's a bus to the trolley and then trolley down to the border, so I'm not all that concerned. Anyone else going down there the 24th-26th for a fill or surgery? I'll be hanging around OCC and the Lucerna for a couple of days. Roger

No intubation, and no catheters at OCC. Whew!!!

Bump up for Donna

Good for you Mikey, you're on your way!! There will be some discomfort, but walk as much you can. It really helps. Roger

Actually, I think my fill in TJ by Dr. Romero was probably the best of them. My opinion is that local fill clinics just push some saline in and tend to go on the conservative side. My first three were local, but under fluro, and I was also disappointed with the results and that is why I kept going back. I don't think they worked out the air as well as Dr. Romero would have and I didn't return there. After my TJ fill, I went to a different fill center without fluro. This fill was more of a calculated guess with the amount being my decision, and they would have allowed me to do more. You need to be informed and an active participant in this decision. The benefit of a local fill is the ability to have more frequent, smaller fills to to work into your tolerence level. For many, the travel time and cost associated with going back to OCC is prohibitive to do this. However, in my opinion, I would have gone back to TJ for all my fills if time permitted. I also think the fill process is just as important as the surgery portion, and most do not plan for them accordingly. There is a cost and time committment that that you must be responsible for to make this work. Why have the band put in if you're not going to use it? The surgery part is precise and why I chose OCC, fill management is not. Don't complain, just do what you need to do. It is frustrating in the beginning, but it will get there.

I had my first three over five weeks and would have pushed them a little closer if scheduling had permitted. The local fill places I've used will make slight adjustments within a week or two for reduced prices if needed. I understood the importance of fills and planned to do whatever was necessary. Really the first fill seems to be the most traumatic to the stomach and has the most chance for causing some swelling. After that the adjustments are slight and I seemed to know if there was a difference pretty quick. I think that once any remaining air has worked out the fills can be much more noticible and hold better. Please remember that everyones tolerance for a fill is different. I was a bit more careful after a fill, but I worked myself through a couple that most would consider too tight. As long as I could keep liquids down, I could usually eat something late and the weight loss eventually eased up the tightness. I probably went through more foaming, sliming, and PBing than most would want to. Thats one extreme but I needed a hard indicator of when to stop. Most are content with eating less and then staying full longer. Depending on your food choices, you will loose weight. But I think there is a lot of range in-between and thats a very personal choice. It does take some time and practice with the band to know what you are comfortable with. And fill level is simply not an indicator of tightness. I was at 6.2 at the highest in myVG, but many are well over that.

Bumped up for Mitcheee. Also see the info above about the Port Orchard meeting on Wed the 22nd. Roger

Welcome to the forum. There is a general Washington state forum that I'll bump up after this. Actually I was quite surprised by the number of from around the area here. I think your second fill should give a much better idea of what restriction feels like. Good luck with that. Roger

I have read the book, and I know it came out before the VG band did and there still isn't much info out there on it. In the past those who would have benefitted from the VG still got the shorter band. So if you think about it, they actually got squeezed down an extra inch at the time of surgery, so of course they're tighter to start off. They simply had more natural restriction, and would be included in the statistics across the board. NO lies, just the info available at the time. With the addition of the VG comes safer placement with the longer length, but the greater capacity makes it more difficult to find a good level, but really its better for those who need it in the long run. MY OPINION - I still think Greg's right about OCC doing a better job on fills. There is 3.5cc's of air in the unfilled VG band and port (only 1 in the regular). You shouldn't really count the first amount it takes to replace the air. I've been to two different fill places locally and they just seem to push in the saline. Restriction right away is from the fill and air. But the air works its way out under pressure and you're left with a looser fill untill all of the air is displaced, which may take a couple of fills. I thought for sure I had a leak, but when I went back to OCC (for my 4th fill and thinking the worst) everything finally came together and held. I think OCC understands this and does a better job of working the air out at the beginning so there isn't as much drop off. But it's difficult to get it all at once, and your anatomy and weight loss dictate the rest. My band currently "reads" 6.2, but I've had an even 10cc's pushed in. I've also felt a need for a fill about every 20 lbs lost. NoWorry, I really have appreciated your posts and the details you have provided. I found most of the events pretty much right on to my experiences. I think its good for all to know and understand what to expect, and yes, communication could be better. But it comes down to each persons perceptions and expectations. I think after a couple of fills now, it woudl be very reasonable to try a local. Once your band has settled and you're comfortable with the process it can't hurt to give them a try for minor adjustments in the future. I still think your ahead of the game and it will work. Best wishes in your journey, Roger F

Hey Michelle!!! Glad you're still out there and sticking with the program. Sorry it been such a tough path for you and wish there was some better answers. I'm glad you've still got your good attitude about it and remember, you're not going the other way. For the other WA Bandsters, there is another Port Orchard support group meeting on the 22nd. NW Fill Mgt is coming back to do fills from 3-6 before the meeting. Contact them directly for an appointment if you're interested. Even if you don't stay for the meeting, it's alot closer than going to Arlington for us south enders. I'm below goal and probably going to get a slight unfill in order to just maintain. I'm still tight enough to have problems keeping much down so I'm still losing. I'm approaching my Bandiversary and I'm ready for a break. Keep the faith, Roger

Is your spouse going? My wife has relatives in Canada and if she takes the kids without me they are also looking for a signed release from the absent spouse authorizing travel in and out of the country. I give her a copy of my ID with it. I don't know how important that would be on the southern border, but it couldn't hurt. Roger

I don't see it either. I also lost mine in the "testimonial" section. I'm wondering if when one of the nasty spammers adds an inappropriate post to an existing thread, if the whole thing is being somehow deleted instead of just the offending post. Hope you get your life back, Roger

"Will I be able to eat enough to fulfill my protein intake?" Dreamy, that's really the question and yes you should be able to get enough protein from food, not shakes. It sounds like the shakes are a bigger problem than help. If you're back on regular food after the liquid stage, it's best to avoid the shakes if you can, they won't keep you satisfied as long. You should be able to get enough lean protein and vegetables daily in your meals to meet your nutritional needs. Limit the shakes unless your are having a difficult time. I avoided them altogether, I'd rather blend a can of soup or eat brocolli than most of the shakes out there. What you need is more fiber. I found the Benefiber powder (cheapest at Costo) will mix with anything and is tasteless. I mix a few spoons with a cup of non-fat, sugar free yogurt (any flavor), and you can get 9-10 grams of protein and 3-5 of fiber for 110 cals. But certainly don't despair, you'll find most foods work for you, even after a fill. Best of luck, Roger

Actually the back of the port has a titanium plate (so the fill needle won't go through and is visible on xray). But it is nothing that would set off an alarm. It also isn't enough metal to effect any anyone with metal allergies, which my wife has. So getting her a band was OK, but I don't buy her jewelry (darn). Roger

Well Cripes, Tom, sorry the last fill isn't working for you (or too well anyway). I had a fill about the same time and only had them add .5 (also blind, no floro), and I can definately tell a difference. So even a .5 unfill should provide some relief. But if you needed a fill, maybe the last one was just a little aggresive (especially blind). Usually by losing 20 I am ready for another fill. I would think that even if you got the smaller unfill it would put you back to where you were with the added weight loss. Also, just because it isn't under floro doesn't mean you can't drink water to gauge tightness. Have them back out some and then drink some water to see how that flows. I think that good hydration is the key. IF you can drink freely, you should be able to eat. Still, training for a marathon (heck, even thinking about one) is a great accomplishment at this point. I know you've worked hard to get there, so do whats best for you. All your options are reasonable, and you know what it takes to get on track if you need to. Keep it up, You're the man!!! Roger

From what info I've gathered, I would expect somewhere between 1 to 2cc's for the first. It takes 1cc just to fill the port and tubing and won't come back to count in your total. It depends on how good they are at getting the existing air out. If they don't, then the air will work out under the pressure and your restriction will relax pretty quickly. FYI, it takes 3.5cc's to fill the port and tubing on the 10cc band, and a good first would be expected in the 4-5 range. Good luck on your fill, now the fun begins!! Roger

Hey WA bandsters, Let me know if something gets set up for Tacoma, I'm only a few miles over the bridge and my wife and I would be interested in meeting some of you in the Southend. There is a group that meets here in Port Orchard (only about 15 miles across the Narrows bridge) on the third Wednesday of the month. Next one is July 18th at 6:00. It just started this year and I went last month. Mostly MX bandsters, several Joya and Kuri clients, and pretty informal. It's at La Gamarche Catering downtown (in their banquet hall). The owners are banded and provide the space and a couple of different homemade soups for those interested (small donation optional). Last month the gals from Fill Management NW came down and did fills starting at 3. They said they would come back if again if they have enough interest. I think they did about 20 and need 10 or so to come down from Arlington and spend the night. If you're in need of a fill and don't want to travel, it was pretty convienient for around here. Give them a call if you're interested in an appointment. Roger

Hey Tom, you're doing great! It's so much easier to put up with some temporary discomfort when the weight is going off so well. Like you, I'd rather start a little tight and work into it. I thought I would post here after your comment on deciding on a goal weight. I have also found that to be a difficult target to set. A 25 BMI would put me at 175. I can see I still have some to loose, but it's amazing what being "just overweight" means for your attitude and health. If loosing 100 percent of your excess weight means getting to a normal BMI, then the literature saying most can loose 60-80% of excess is probably about right. For all of us that have been so big for so long, being a bit overwieght doesn't feel too bad. So go for the next 15, and see how you feel. You might even want to have a body fat analysis check done at the gym, I know you're pretty active in your work and BMI doesn't consider muscle mass as well. Of course as guys, we seem to be able to get it off faster, but it still takes lots of work. Even after coming this far, it also seems almost unrealistic to think I can get to a "normal" BMI without some PS work done. I think that if any of us can get to a BMI under 30 we've been a huge success. For me, this is somewhere I never was in the past anyway. At this stage it's difficult for me to keep the dedication needed to lose much more because the results are slower and the energy, confidence, and compliments now are pretty satisfying. Still, I'll continue to eat right and take what comes off when I can. I'm floating between 206-210 now and still want to see the other side of 200, but life is good and it's not hard to maintain. And I'm three weeks away from having no fast food for a year (now that was a tough goal). But I think of where I was last year at this time (didn't even know about the Lapband) and know I was blessed with this opportunity. Keep working it, working out, and keep the faith. You're almost there. Roger

This article was in our local paper this week about a 12 year old (now 14) banded by Dr. Kuri. Lap Band Surgery Helps Bremerton Girl Be 'The Kid I Want To Be' By Andrew Binion, andrew.binion@kitsapsun.com Monday, July 2, 2007 BREMERTON Seventh grade can be hard on a kid. There's battles with self-confidence, puberty, popularity, acne, growth spurts, sexual awareness, drugs, drinking, grades. The list of horrors goes on. When Marsha Siperek of Bremerton thought about her 12-year-old daughter, Hannah, she knew that beside all the usual teen angst, Hannah would have a strike against her because she was morbidly obese. "Before it was people staring at her, openly staring at her," said Marsha, who was also severely obese. "I was an adult, but they did it to her. At 12, on the verge of the cruelest year of adolescence, Hannah stood 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed about 290 pounds. She could eat and eat and never feel full. She showed early signs of Type 2 diabetes. She loved soccer but couldn't force her overburdened frame to run the field. "She was always hungry, and she kept getting bigger and bigger," said Marsha, who like Hannah, didn't get the full, satisfied feeling that tells a person to stop eating. Less than two years ago, Hannah was a morbidly obsese 290 pounds. Today, she packs just 150 pounds on her 5-feet, 5-inch frame and plays soccer

Kelly, I hope by now you've figured out what will work for you. But in my opinion (again, mine), it sounds to me like you are perfect on your first fill. You're able to get down liquids and oatmeal. Learning how and what you can eat with your band is a difficult process starting off, and tested again with each fill. The idea is to eat and chew well enough that everything is the same consistency as the oatmeal when it goes down. A clump of refried beans, while soft, could still plug the stoma and come back up if not chewed and well. Take small bites and chew everything well is the key. Wait a few moments between bites to make sure everything feels right and don't force it. Stop when you start to feel anything backing up. Try some warm liquid before you eat, and later in the day if necessary. You'll get the hang of it and what works for you. I also think this is a good testimonial to how good it is to go back to TJ for you're first fill. If you try fills in the states it may take several fills and months to get you to where you are. But this is really what I signed up for in getting the band, and it's not easy sometimes. But like Tom, I know that as we continue to lose it will loosen up, and if I'm a little tight I just try to ride it and lose as much as possible before I am able to eat more. Before long you'll be needing another, and I try to use each fill as a motivator to push ahead in my weight loss. Watching the weght come off is a good motivator. But unless you start having trouble with liquids, I don't think an unfill is necessary. Try liquids for a few more days, then start slowly to see what foods will work for you. Best wishes to you. Roger