magkai1

I have a 10 cc band, so 3.6 cc are in there now. Doesn't seem like much in ratio!

Yes, I will wait 3 days and try food and see how it goes. Liquid IS supposed to slide right through but I thought I recall feeling some restriction when I started drinkable yogurts on Day #4 or 5 (I started early, per Dr. Miranda's instructions since I was about to pass out on clear fluids). It's possible that the stomach swelling from the surgery is why I felt restriction with the yogurt. So, that is a long, drawn out "Yes" to your question.

Wow, Shelby!!!!!!

Hey experienced folks, I'm on liquids for 3 days and I'm surprised that I don't feel any restriction at all with my drinkable yogurt. I could drink the whole bottle if I wanted to. Is that strange? I'm already paranoid that I don't have enough restriction.

PAMMIE- I so enjoy you.

Very cool post. Thanks for sharing that. I just got my first fill today and I need "a system" for this new life. I'm going to check out that site you mentioned.

Bogiesmom, aren't you the cutest? It made me all happy inside that you like my writing. The fill went very well. The whole process was very easy, just took some time. I parked on the west side of interstate 5 in the parking lot closest to the border ($8 per 24 hours). I walked across and into the gaggle of waiting taxi drivers. They all had the yellow shirts and lanyards stating they are the unionized cabs. I didn't even bargain. I told the guy I'd pay $5 to the OCC. I probably overpaid! It's so close! I arrived at the building and tried to get to the second floor via the elevator but you can only access the OCC that way if you have a special key. So then I used my brain and took the stairs, where I went through the unlocked glass door. The receptionist, Melissa, looked up and asked, "Margaret?" Nice! I was early so I sat down with a couple of other women and watched half an hour of a crappy movie. Melissa escorted me to the x-ray/fill room where I was greeted by the gorgeous Dr. So. He is just so damned cute and full of personality. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of exposing my big 'ole belly to him but I knew that I'm just another patient to him. And the doctors there are so professional, it's pretty easy to show your bits. The needle going into the port was barely noticeable. Dr. So pointed out everything on fluoroscopy - the band, the pouch, the barium stuff I swallowed. He had me drink a sip to see how the fluid moved through the port now, filled a bit, drink another sip, then unfilled a bit, drank another sip and then he was satisfied at the rate the barium went through the band. I wish I was "done" and had the sweet spot. It sounds like it takes 1-3 fills to get there. Afterward he gave me a small bottle of water to take with me. Melissa called a cab for me and I was at the border in 5 minutes. The pedestrian line to cross was long.I waited 40 minutes to reach an agent. I walked over the pedestrian bridge and was in my car within ten minutes after that. The whole thing from door to door was 3 hours.

I'm home from getting my fill at the OCC. Seriously, getting the surgery was easier! I mean, it wasn't bad, but there was a long line for pedestrians at the border. Long. Maybe it was the good drugs and the car service, but the surgery seemed easier. Logistically, not medical-wise. I got my fill from primary care doctor, Dr. So. I find him to be so cute, adorable in a sexy way. Did I just write that?

Donna, your stats are almost exactly like mine - high almost 230. Very inspiring for me to see pictures of you and see your numbers.

Thanks, ladies. Your input makes me feel better about the whole process. It's kinda weird, huh? Crossing the border (ooh can't forget my passport) for a few hours. La ti da ti da.....

Hello, I posted a little as a reply to Kristi's slime post (that sounds funny) but wanted to make a new topic in case you had any tips or advice for me. I am going to the OCC tomorrow for my very first fill, almost exactly 6 weeks after the surgery. I am planning on parking at the border and taking a taxi. I just realized that no one has called or emailed me from the OCC to confirm. I don't even know if they do pick ups at the border for fills. That's a bummer that they aren't as in touch for a fill appointment as a surgical one. Am I crazy to go alone? i figure if I go with a yellow (union) cab I will be fine. Right? Right? I am looking forward to the experience!

Kristi- at least (at the very least ) you were still at the doctor's office when you slimed and were able to get some fluid removed. I am going to the OCC tomorrow for my very first fill, almost exactly 6 weeks after the surgery. I am planning on parking at the border and taking a taxi. I just realized that no one has called or emailed me from the OCC to confirm. I don't even know if they do pick ups at the border. That's a bummer that they aren't as in touch for a fill appointment as a surgical one. I am looking forward to the experience!

Love this board! You all (we all?) are so supportive and it's just fantastic. Thanks!

Go girl!

I am getting my first fill on November 4. I can't remember who wrote it but they said their area doctor wouldn't do fills for surgeries from Mexico. WTF?

Nicely done, Shelby! Your response was well-written, well thought out. And congrats on running in races, too!

Besides the obvious, what the heckity heck are papaya enzymes? They're enzymes from papayas that digest ????

Ashley- why did you have an unfill? How are you doing with the band? You're beautiful in your photo!

You're right: clear means you can see through it. White wine is a clear liquid, just monitor the calories. All juices without pulp, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, vitamin water, water, Not a whole lot of variety!

Good for you Christy!!!

Congrats, Auggie! I had my surgery about one month ago. I HATED the clear liquid phase. I felt sick and weak on it. Dr. Miranda advanced me to drinkable yogurt a few days early and from then on I was happy. It's too bad you don't like chocolate. Perhaps you can get protein powder in vanilla flavor?

That is EXACTLY how I felt. Remember the band rules- protein first. After this passes, try protein first. Keep us posted!

Thanks, ladies! I guess what I experienced is normal for a food that doesn't agree with me. I do see it as a blessing in disguise. Pre-band I could have easily eaten four slices of banana bread. IT REALLY HURT!!!!

Hi there friends, This post is especially directed towards the more veteran members. I am 4 weeks post op so I can eat but I have been pretty much following the band rules. About 10 minutes ago I ate a thin slice of whole wheat banana bread that I made for my family. OMG! Really suddenly, I felt like I had a stabbing pain in my esophagus and I felt like I was going to vomit. I could breathe fine but the pain/pressure made me think that I couldn't breathe and I had to calm myself down and remember to breathe. I did vomit up a little bit - one heave, not even large. Two questions: 1. Did I PB? 2. Did my one vomit heave mess up the band? This is weird! I haven't even had a fill yet! Thanks, Margaret

As a newbie, I concur with Sabrina, and also offer you my heartfelt congratulations.