6Jewels

Roger et al..

I didn't know for sure the first few days whether I had restriction or not. Then on Thursday night (6 days after fill) I ate 1/2 peanut butter sandwich on a heal piece of white bread. OH BOY..hold on for the ride... I'm just glad I didn't have my service weapon on me....the PB ing wasn't bad, the pain, however, of that being stuck..made me sweat ... a drenching sweat that I'm sure rivaled child birth.

At that point, I did what is suggested and did liquids for a day and will not be testing it in the near future. I ate chicken alfredo the night before and the pasta wasn't a problem, but the peanut butter and white bread are now sworn enemies!!!

Back down at my lowest weight and ready to Rock and Roll

Tom

Hi Tom, just read your reply, and wanted to say good job on getting back down to your lowest weight. Great Job , and I know you will make it all the way to your goal.

Catherine

If anyone knows of fill doctors in the atlanta area, that would be very helpful-thank you

i am to be banded 25th of sept-woo hoo

Here is a website that might help. Dr. Ortiz is one that helped set it up so they take patients banded in Mexico. (fillcenterusa.com). The website has you click on your state, then you have to put in your zip code. it walks you through it. If this doesn't help try to get info from fellow banders in your area. They can be one of your best sourses.

Good Luck on your search.

Catherine

Hi,

I had my lap band surgery on April 4, 2006. Three days ago I start to feel a lot pain. Everything solid that I tried to eat, I end up vomiting. Today I went to the emergency room and they told me that my band slipped. Now the band is located where the esofhagus and the stomach meets. They want to remove. I'm on a liquid diet until the surgery. Sincerely, I don't want to remove the band. There is any other option? Can the band be reposition back to it's place?

I don't have the money to pay for another surgery, and because my BMI is 32, I don't qualify for gastric bypass, so the band was my only hope for weight loss. I feel like they will take from me my only chance to get to my goal weight.

Please, I need a reply ASAP. They will be calling me very soon to schedulle the surgery to remove the band.

Thank you very much.

Boy, I wouldn't mess around I would call Dr. Ortiz immediately. There are somethings a forum can help with, and this isn't one of them. If anyone can advise you on what to do it will be Dr. Ortiz. You should have his cell phone in your paperwork if you don't the clinic's number is

1-866-376-7849. They open at 9:00 Pacific time.

Good Luck,

Catherine

Thank you for all the advices. It realy help moticate myself to keep trying.

About the vomiting, yes, I'm forcing myself to vomit because I want to eat more, and with the band I can't. I already see a therapist, and she is trying to help me, but I'm still unable to stop.

The first thing I will try to do is stop drinking during meal. I notice that when I drink with meal, makes it easier for me to vomit. Only solids is much harder. Maybe this is help me control the vomiting.

I'll go one step at time. This is my goal for now. After I achieve this goal, I can jump to the next. I'll keep posting to update in how I'm doing. Thank you very much for all the support.

Prayers for you for the strength to take this one step at a time. We are all pulling for you.

Catherine

My surgery is scheduled for October 10th.

Personally, I hope to have this done, eat less, eventually just forget about it

and get on with my life, going back to the normal energy levels and do the

active things I used to do.

Of course, I'm gathering all the info I can get....

But does anyone ever accomplish this? Just doing it and forgetting it

and not being a "banded" person?

Thanks!

oh, I'm going to be in Denver.

plj: I was banded on 08/31. I already have gone to, "this is a way of life". It will be on your mind a lot, especially when you have been on liquids for two weeks and you have one more week to go. Just about at that point you could chew shoe leather!! But, I was surprise how quickly I fell into the routine after I could have solids. You do go back to you normal energy levels. Correction, better energy levels. You plan your meals ahead and life goes on without the constant thoughts about the band. Of course now I have my first fill scheduled for, so I have to work at still eating like I have restriction even when I don't. But it isn't in my constant thoughts like it was before and right after my surgery. This might not be the way everyone reacts to being banded, I can only speak for myself. Hope this has helped.

Catherine

Hi - I'm an Okie too ... and live in the southeastern part of the state. I have a very detailed and honest account of my 5 months post band under the "newly banded" heading. Best wishes on your surgery!

Chelley

Chelley, I am looking for a fill Dr. and noticed you are going to Paris, TX. Paris would be about a 3 hr drive for me, but very doable. I have a few questions if you wouldn't mine answering them. What is the name of the Dr. and his phone number? Do they use the Florscope and what do they charge? Last one is how did you like him and how do they treat you there? I sure would appreciate your help.

Thanks, Catherine

Warning - a bit rambling and long...

Well it has been 10 months since my surgery (Nov 05) and my first fill in January. I have lost 15lbs. It has been a lot more challenging then I thought it would be and my weight loss is less than I hoped for. I was so concerned about the surgery and not dying I didn't focus much on living with the band. I thought that would be the easy part. Ha. The band is definitely no magic cure and no one told me it was but everyone I talked to was a 'success' and easily and quickly lost their weight. Of course now that I'm more knowledgable I know many the band does not 'work' for but I may not have ever thought that would be ME even if I had talked to them before hand.

Do I regret the band? I make it a practice to never regret anything - what's done is done. But I do wish I had thought longer and harder about doing it. The band has stopped me in my tracks with eating and exposed so many bad habits and behaviors that I didn't even recognize I had. I know now that I would never ever be successful at losing and maintaining a weight loss without it - I'm just not sure yet if I will ever be successful at losing and maintaining weight loss with it either - ha. All I wanted was to be able to eat like a normal thin person - eating a variety of foods in small quantitites and stopping when full. I am just learning NOW even what full is suppossed to be so that is pretty huge. But, I'm still 'dieting, still obsessing about food, my body, my fill level, pbing, etc, etc and it seems to have just added a another layer of obsession to my crazed mind - the jury is still out on that one.

Hi, I thought I would put my 2 cents in and let you know what has really helped me. I found a wonderful book. The title is "Eating For Your Blood Type", and for me and my husband it has really opened our eyes and changed what we pick to eat. I couldn't believe the things I have tried to eat while dieting SO MANY TIMES was exactly what I should not have been eating. With the changes I made because of this book taking the weight off for me since my Lap Band is melting off, and it hasn't even been that long. My husband who has not had the Lap Band has also been losing his by the different things he now does or does not eat. The book is loaded with good information. I hope this can help you. Good luck on your journey. I will keep you in my prayers.

Catherine

On the positive side I haven't binged (pretty impossible) although I 've had some crazy cravings nights and ate toast with butter and sugar (maybe 1-2 times) you know that time of month!, I don't snack or graze near as much - hardly at all as that usually ends up stuck, I eat a TON less then before banding, I don't get up at night and eat, or shovel and not chew like before so I see these as all positive things. And my weight is pretty stable and I've not gained the 40 or so lbs i would typically gain in a year. Yes, my weight has fluctuated about 5lbs but it is pretty stable (for me). So at least I know what it takes to be this size forever. Hence the problem, what the heck do I do now to get the weight off.

Well I started working out 6-7 days a week, I do cardio 45-60 minutes 4 times a week and lift weights the other days. I'm getting pretty darn fit for a fat girl. But I'm still fat and am now resorting to my old dieting tricks - no food except dinner, no carbs, high fiber, low fat - different diets different days. Not happy about that but the band alone is not tool enough to do the job. And I'll be the first to admit - if I had lost 25lbs even, I'd probably be singing a different tune but here I am. Is this a slam against banding or Ortiz - Hell no. I'm still happy and somewhat hopeful I will lose all the weight I want and Ortiz and Martinez and Romero and everyone are beyond wonderful in my book - BUT.... I guess stay tuned for another update on my year anniversary!

Mary, sorry some how my reply popped into the middle of yours. I hope you still get the information. The book I was telling you about is a BIG BIG help.

Catherine

Hi,

A long-time bandster told me its probably acid reflux problems possibly causing my stomach to spasm a bit (I also have IBS so that could be the culprit) anyway - I started taking Aciphex and it is a lot better - I sometimes still pop a tums when needed and that seems to have helped a lot.

I've always had a very tender tummy and I think its still learning to live with the band

I do plan on getting the annual endoscopy as recommend by Dr. Ortiz just to make sure all is OK

Lori, This is the first I have heard of a annual endoscopy. Please explain what that is, and can Dr. Ortiz or one of his staff do that for us?

Also wanted to thank you for all the good information I have gleaned from your input on this web site.

Catherine

Banded 08/31 by Dr. Ortiz

trizzy and tombourn -- so far on solids I'm feeling decent restriction and eating about 1/2-1/3 of what I was eating pre-band. I'm gonna try to live without a fill as long as I can...but I want to here all about how it goes for you guys!

Hi Jess, I too am doing fine with my restriction. Eating only 1/3 of what I did. I am going to see how long I can go without a fill, or if I will need one if this keeps up. Weigh is coming off, and I feel great. Glad to hear you are too.

One of your sister bandsters (08/31)

Catherine

Hi, I am in Tulsa. Where did you get banded? Was this the LapBand? I am still researching and that's why I am so nosy! Thanks, Janet

You are not being nosy, that is what we do here, help each other. I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. I did a lot of research, and decided Dr. Ortiz is the best. I wanted the best not someone who has only done a few to his thousands. However, after being banded I can say, he is not only the best his whole staff is. My experience from being picked up at the airport to the pre-op surgery requirements, to the surgery, and stay at the clinic was the best medical experience I have ever had. I have had plenty of experience of state side medical needs, and no other place was I ever taken care of so well. I would do it again in a heart beat. In fact when the time comes for plastic surgery to get my extra skin off I will be off to Tijuana again.

One note if you decide to get the Lap-Band either in the states or Mexico. Follow all their directions to the letter on diet both pre-op and post-op and your weight will come off. Your life will change, you will not just loose the weight, but you will have to deal and overcome the reasons you have been over weight all these years. You will become a stronger person in many ways. I am not just talking about my experience, but the experiences of others with whom I have spoken, because I still have a ways to go on all the accounts I just mentioned. Everyone will tell you the Lap-Band is still only a tool, but it is the best tool (thing) I have done for myself.

I hope this has helped you. Good luck on your journey.

Catherine

Tulsa area How are you doing? What foods have you found that you can tolerate?

Sure wish I could answer your question on the foods, however, I was banded on 08/31 so I do not get to start real food until this Thursday or Friday, but boy am I READY!!!!

Been too long on this liquid diet, I keep getting light headed, and weak. Solids can not come to soon for me. Other than that I have healed, no more gas, weight loss coming right along, doing great. Hope the same for you.

Catherine

That is a great question, and one that I had wondered about. I hope someone has an answer. From what I have read, it sounds like people do oatmeal, cream of wheat and cereal and consider it solid food. I am curious what Dr. Ortiz thinks about this. I would love to eat those things, but thought they would be too soft.

Becki

Hi Becki, I was banded on 08/31/06, I ask Dr. Miranda the same questions you are asking the day I was there for my surgery. She told me the difference of eating a solid food to mush, and eating a food that was already mush, is that in the chewing process we release different things in our saliva that aide in digestion, which in turn helps in weight loss, and food processing. I hope that helps.

Good luck on your journey.

Catherine

Hi Everyone,

I am getting banded on Sept 18th. Anyone else going to be there also? Anyone from Oklahoma banded?

Kay

Hi Kay, I am from Tulsa and was banded on Aug 31st. Be glad to share with you. Where in Ok do you live?

Catherine

Hi! I am getting banded on the 28th of this month and some friends going with me do not have passports. Do they have to have one?

Thanks! Paige

I was banded on 8-31-06. I don't have a passport, but at the border they checked my driver's license and my birth certificate. However, new security law that goes into effect on Jan 1, 2007. Everyone entering the US from any country, after that date, including Canada and Mexico will have to have a passport.

Catherine

MM - Glad to hear all went well! Congrats on entering Bandland! Keep us posted on your progress.

I will be leaving tomorrow for TJ and surgery will be Thursday. Say a prayer for me, please. I am both excited and nervous.

Claire and Catherine - see you on Thursday!!

Take care,

Michelle

Michelle, well it won't be long now and we will be fellow banders. I am keeping all of us in my prayers for safe journeys, successful surgeries, and fast recovery's. I am looking forward to seeing all of you either tonight or tomorrow, and Mexico. It will be my first time there. I like you have mixed emotions of both nervous and excited, which is probably par for the course for everyone who goes through this. Excited because we know we finally will have the tool to lose and keep the weight off for a healthier life, and nervous because we are also going into unknown territory of changing life long habits.

See you soon,

Catherine

Why don't you call me at home. I'd be happy to talk to you. Or I can call you too. It's almost 8:30pm for me.

Let me know and you can email me your number at mp6666@hotmail.com

I didn't take anything to the hospital. I just wore loose fitting comfortable clothes.

When I walked down to baggage claim, there was a driver with my name on a board waiting for me. It was funny because my last name is so long it barely fit on the paper. The driver will have ID on his person. It's a badge and that really did a lot to comfort me.

Michele

Hi Michele, I appreciated the information on getting picked up at the airport. I am having surgery on Thursday, flying in Wednesday night. I have another question I could use some help on. How did you handle tipping, with the driver from the clinic, hotel, taxi cab drivers? I am at a loss at what is the normal going rate and would sure appreciate some help on this.

Thanks, Catherine

Catherine, I am from Phoenix, AZ. My flight arrives in San Diego at 6:00 p.m. I think I might try the Atkins Advantage shakes also. Congrats on the 8lbs. so far. I still have 9 to lose . . . H E L P!!

Claire, today was a hard day for me also. I am hoping that if I stay really busy, it will keep my mind off of the hunger.

I would like to know how both of your husbands feel about the surgery. Were they supportive or hesitant? Mine was hesitant until he did more research on Dr. Ortiz. Now he is looking forward to meeting the good doctor.

I'll be thinking about you guys when my tummy rumbles.

Michelle

Michelle

I have been working so many hours at my job the hunger so far has not been a problem. This weekend will be a real test for me. We are having company, and attending my company picnic, which is being held at an amusement park. Food will be everywhere, and I get to enjoy my chocolate shake, yum yum

My husband was also hesitant when I first told him about it. Two years ago I cancelled having a gastic bypass. He was concerned that the reasons I did that could also happen with a Lap Band. After I explained everything to him, and went over my research he has been very supportive since. However, the only other person I have shared my decision with has been my daughter, who also supports my decision. She knows how I have battled this weight problem. I just don't want everyone else's opinions and comments. I have a saying , "everyone has a belly button, and everyone has an opinion on how other people should lead their lives, and neither one of them really serve any useful purpose." That is why I am so looking forward to meeting all of you who will be my fellow banders. You know what I have been through for years on weight issues, and we can support each other through this.

Everyone hang in there with their liquid protein diets, it will be over soon an before you know it we will all be meeting in Mexico.

Catherine

Catherine, we get in at 8pm. I wonder if we willw ait or if they do 2 trips to/from the airport.

I am using a GNC soy protein mixed with a little skim milk and water. They whey stuff was bitter and funky. I don't know about you guys but I am sooo hungry! Please let this get a little easier. Right now I'm hurtin'!

Claire: I bet they take us both at the same time back to the hotel. I will be looking forward to meeting and riding with you. My husband is coming with me. Do you have a support person coming with you?

Catherine

Hi Claire and Catherine!

Can't wait to meet you two on Thursday. It is going to be an exciting time for all of us! I am starting my liquid fast also tomorrow. I am going to use FIT 365. I have lost 1 lb. and have 9 more to go by surgery day!

Did you both practice taking small bites and chewing til mush. I did it and it is not that bad you . . . just feel like you are chewing forever. I need to work on the 30/30 rule - no drinking 30 minutes before eating or 30 minutes after eating.

Good luck to you and I'll see you both on Thursday.

Be blessed!

Michelle

Hi Michelle, I am looking forward to meeting you next Thursday. I am using Atkins Advantage, so far it is the only one I could stand drinking. It is a lot better when I pop it in the freezer 15 min. before I drink it. I have practiced the small bites and chewing, and chewing, and chewing. It felt like baby food when I got done, but doable.

I live in Oklahoma, where do you hail from ?

Hey Catherine! What are you drinking for your liquid fun fest? I tried 2 different protein shakes today at breakfast and lunch. They were super chalky and gross. I have to find something tonight because the "Real" liquid diet starts tomorrow. YIKES. I bought about 12 single packets of different stuff trying to find something that was decent. No luck so far.

Claire: I am using Atkins Advantage. It has 15g of protein, and only 1g of carbs after you subtract the 4g of fiber. My favorite flavor is chocolate delight, my husband's really likes the strawberry flavor they have. I have been getting them at Walmart, where of course they are a lot cheaper than any other place I have seen them, especially the health food store I like mine really cold makes drinking them easier. So 15 minutes before I have one I stick it in the freezer. I have lost 8 lbs pre-op so far, and have been really pleased on how the liquid protein really helps you lose the weight for a better safe surgery.

I see you are from CO, I live in OK, so our flying time is going to be a lot the same. My flight doesn't get there until 8:20 Wednesday night so I probably won't be seeing you until Thursday.

Catherine

I GOT AN EMAIL FROM LORI, SHE SAID SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO POST THEM SO, I'VE UPLOADED THEM TO A WEBSITE.

http://www.webshots.com/homepage.html

JUST USE MY USER NAME, NELSENETC, AND THE PASSWORD IS ORTIZ EVERYTHINGS IN CAPS IF THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. THEN CLICK ON "MY STUFF". I DID ADD REMARKS AS TO WHO IS WHO, IF I REMEMBERED EVERYONE RIGHT I JUST WISH I WOULD'VE TAKEN MORE PICTURES OF THE STAFF.

Thanks for sharing... What did you do after you were released back to the Hotel? I have heard there are some nice shopping areas close by. did you take advantage of any of them? And, do you really feel as well as I keep reading that most people do after the surgery? I am being banded on Aug 31st and have loads of questions, so any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Catherine

Hi all August Bandsters!

I am scheduled to be banded on August 31st! Yeah! Anyone else on that day? Good luck to all who are not banded yet.

Michelle

Hi I also am being banded on August 31st!! Am anxious to be on the other side. I am looking forward to meeting all of you who will be there going through this on the same day. Start my liquid diet tomorrow. After what has been a lifetime of dieting, I have high hopes this is the beginning of really being to keep it off. Good luck to all of you.

I have really gotten a lot of support and good information from reading the new daily posts, and wanted to thank all of you for sharing. See you in Mexico.... Catherine