fabfifty58

Hi, I was recently banded by Dr. Ortiz on April 7, 2009. Prior to the surgery since I'm also a physician, I was concerned about the risk, about the possibility that having the surgery and not having immediate results. I'm amazed that my wt. prior to the surgery was 182 and today I'm 170. Im still in full liquid diet, not hungry at all and enjoying the new me.I ahve not regret at all of having the surgery except that I should it have it long time ago.

PsychND

Hi, I was banded on 4/13 and no regrets here. I am looking forward to the positive things that will allow me to live a fuller and healthier life. Congrats on your decision & keep up the hard work.

OMG! after reading this & the Leak thread that recommend doing a search, I got knots in my stomach, I'm about to sign my papers & schedule for May 20th.........

Don't be put off by other peoples experience. You just need to learn from them. This forum has been helpful in coaching me on what to expect pre & post op and how to anticipate problems that can crop up. Don't give up on yourself.

Good luck to you both and much success don't forget to take before and after pictures.

Dana - here is some info

Anterior slippage is where the front of the stomach slips up though the band. We try to prevent this by suturing the stomach below the Band to the stomach above the Band, “locking” the Band in place in the right spot. In spite of this, slippage still occurs. It can happen for two reason, one because the surgeon haven’t placed enough stitches, or they haven’t been placed in the right place or secondly slippage can also occur if patients eat too much and vomits frequently.

Posterior slippage was more commonly seen when the Gastric Banding was placed by the “perigastric” technique. With this technique the back side of the stomach was free to slide up through the Band. Now a days surgeons use the “pars flaccida” technique, which was developed to prevent this form of slippage, and has more or less eliminated the incidence of this problem.

Is Lap Band Slippage Rare or Common?

Unfortunately, at this time there’s not much data on the frequency (or rarity) of Lap Band slippage in post-surgery patients.

Here is some more great information (again)

EMERGENT/URGENT BAND PROBLEMS

What is the difference between Emergent, Urgent and Normal band problems?

EMERGENT: Harsh vomiting (different than pb’ing), unable to swallow saliva or any fluid. You need to go to the Emergency Room and have them give you an IV to hydrate you. You need to tell them you have a lap band and need to have a fluoroscopy to see if it has slipped or you are closed off due to swelling. You need to take your surgeons phone number with you so they can call and talk to him.

Dehydration: symptoms include dizziness, low blood pressure, disorientation, not able to make decisions appropriately. If someone else thinks you are in need help, you probably are because you are too ill to make that decision. It takes more than 24 hours to become dehydrated.

URGENT: When you have frequent throwing up 3-4 or more times per week, you need to be seen by your fill clinic to get a bit of saline removed. If you have heartburn or reflux, you need to be on over the counter Prilosec twice a day, possibly remove a bit of saline from your band. If you let it go on, you risk slippage of the band. After you have a bit taken out, stay on liquids for 1 week, mushy for 1 week, introduce solids slowly.

If your band slams shut after you have had a fill, you should return to your clinic for a bit of unfill. Don’t let it go on too long, you risk slipping your band and dehydration. This prevents and ER visit.

Normal Problems: You can’t eat solids in the morning. Try drinking something hot. This may open your band up and allow you to eat. If you can’t eat in the mornings, try going on liquids for 3 days, then start eating breakfast, larger lunch, smaller dinner. Sometimes this will reset your eating habits. If you just can’t eat in the morning, but can eat later in the day, go ahead and drink a protein drink in the morning to get your protein in. We normally say no liquid proteins, but once in awhile is ok. The whole process behind the band is to eat our protein in solid form, not liquids.

Pb’ing, yakking, tossing your cookies: Are you eating too fast? Not chewing enough? Taking too big a bite? Swallowing hot things too soon? Maybe you need to coat your meat with BBQ sauce or something to help it go down. Try eating with a baby spoon to make sure you are taking smaller bites.

IF you have the flu: You should be fine, but if you are throwing up too much, some fluid out of you band would help. You can drink flat 7-up, gatoraid, apple juice, whatever, forget the calories, just stay hydrated.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

Get an unfill if you can’t swallow your spit.

Get an unfill if you can’t eat regular food.

Gen an unfill if you are having heartburn or reflux.

Call your doctor emergently if you are throwing up blood. You might have a tear or rupture in your esophagus. Be sure to tell them you have a band. They may think you have an abdominal problem. Not all problems are related to the band. Just make sure they have the information anyway.

Go to the ER if you haven’t been able to drink any liquids for 24 hours.

Call your surgeon with any concerns.

DO NOT LIVE WITH THROWING UP FOR MORE THAN A FEW DAYS. THE WEIGHT YOU ARE LOSING IS WATER, NOT FAT!

This is not the way to lose weight. You are depleting yourself of needed vitamins and nutrients your body needs to survive.

From my understanding from my Dr, there is a vast difference between PB'ing, Vomiting and just plain standing over a sink and sliming it back up if your band is being uncooperative for the day.

Go easy on yourself and remember, everyone is an expert >

Lisalaw you are a wealth of info I really enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this and I will print this for future reference. I'm being banded on Monday 4/13 and knowing this stuff is very helpful. =D>

Ok, I know we have all been there but here goes again. Yesterday hubby and I dicided to go to Amarillo to take mother out, she has been under the weather. So we go to the mall. I get stopped at one of those booths to get extentions on my hair just for the heck of it right, so its right in front of VIctorias Secret store and the are having a sale, 2 for $49 so hubby looks at me and says go get some new pretty bras. So I go in and the girl ask me what size am I, I tell her that I really dont know that I have been in a 44B since my surgery so she gets out the mesuring tape and goes to looking for some bras. She hands me these bras and they look real small to me so I tell her are you sure these are going to fit and she said trust me. So I go into the fitting room and I go to putting them on. Well I am happy to report that I am officialy a 40C. And I might not need the boob job after all. So I might just have my arms done instead. But who knows, i might be crazy enough to still get a boob job just to lift them up and go to a D cup? What do you all think. Hubby says hes happy with then now. But thats his job to be happy with me the way I am. Oh and I even bought me a pair of 38C and the also fit, alittle tight but she said if I lost some more weight they would loosen up in time. So thast been said I wore my first one today and everyone at work keeps staring at me and my new chest. So ladys its time for you to officialy go get youre mesuarments taken. It has done wonders for me............

Awsome! =D>

Just a little info re: another option for fills. I received info on the forum re: Dr Ren @ NYU. I was told that they do care for Dr. Ortiz pts. Here is the link http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/aboutus/surgeons/ren.html I was quoted $495. for initial consult then $100. for f/u including fills. I have spoken with this office to confirm the info feel free to contact them.

You go girl! I love to see and hear about everyone's experience this forum is awesome.

Jnlebean,

First I would like to say that you have an adorable Shih Tzu. They are my favorite!!

To answer your question, I have to ask a question...are you wanting to know what full feels like pre-op or post-op?

Here's what it's like to me post-op: The difference is vast when it comes to physical signs, as you know, there are consequences from eating too much food. The first feeling can be tightness in your chest, next can be burps or hiccups, then comes on the sliming and PBing. As far as subconscious signs, it can be as faint as a whisper in your ear, or a sigh. Whisper meaning you know in the back of your head that you are satisfied, and you COULD stop. If you don't, then on comes the physical signs.

Hope this helps,

Evette

Wow , you are a great example of sticktuitiveness. You obviously have been very successful w/the band. I will be banding on April 13th YEEEAAAHHH...can you explain what sliming and PBing is

Hi All,

Just trying to put together my plan for the next 2 months... my bandiversary is coming up on May 31 and I fly out to Hawaii for a family vacation on that day.

So far, down 62 pounds. Nothing to shake a stick at! My original personal goal was 85 pounds in 1 year.

FRUSTRATIONS: Last several months have been painfully slow. A little plateau action, too much ice cream, enjoyed the holidays, stopped exercising after successfully running a 5K in January (lost motivation because my goal was accomplished and I didn't set a new one). Don't have anything to wear (which is also a win) and no clothes budget right now. Can't foresee affording any lifts or tucks in the next 18 months. Seems like my fills are super tight for 2 weeks and then immediately open up like a black hole. I have injured my back and can't exercise right now... heck, I can barely walk.

WINS:

Don't have anything to wear! (I have to remind myself that this is a good thing!)

Was a size 22/24 a year ago. I bought some size 18 jean shorts from OldNavy.com and had to return them for a 16. 16 arrived and they are really too loose! I think I could do a 14 but I didn't keep the receipt b/c I could never imagine being smaller than a 16. Haven't seen a 14 since high school.

I think my body shape is changing even though the scale has been slow to move lately. I don't fear putting clothes in the dryer and I'm often surprised by how loose my clothes, rings, shoes, etc. are.

I think I can shop in a regular store...maybe in the women's section, but I've always restricted myself to Lane Bryant & Avenue. I'm ready to try some Kohl's, Dillards, etc. (soon as we sell this house and I feel better about the clothes budget!)

I weigh LESS than the day I got married (12 years ago).

My husband is awesome and supportive. Puts up with my obsessing over the evil scale, loves me just the way I am, and compliments my efforts to be a better, slimmer me.

Imagine what a world of hurt I would be in if I threw my back out AND I still weighed 60 pounds more. How on earth would I pull myself up out of the bed?!?!?!

The band really works. When I say I can eat like a black-hole, it is all relative. I ate most of a slice of pizza the other day.. and was so full, I'm lucky I didn't slime. That felt like a ton of solid, unhealthy food. Gotta remember THREE slices of pizza used to be typical, plus wings AND ice cream!

I feel "normal." Yes, I'm still significantly over-weight. But I feel like I fit in with American society instead of drawing negative attention / looks.

I feel confident. I've joined a women's networking group and I've been attending luncheons and coffees to meet people (instead of avoiding people for fear that they will notice how fat I am!)

People who know me are blown away by how much I've lost and make positive comments often.

THE PLAN

So -- here's my plan. More protein! More water! (Less ice cream!) Rest my back and don't get depressed about the lack of exercise. Take photos again to get a realistic visual of how far I've come and enjoy the success.

Any more tips on how to make the best of the next 2 months of my first year???

You are an inspiration to all of us who have put off doing something about our obesity and I truly appreciate your honesty. Just think , a year ago you were a totally different person. How about doing something different for exercise like a dance class suggest Zumba its aerobics combined w/ latin dance moves really fun. Not hard on your back at all.

AWESOME =D>

Wow, that was a great update. Thanks and you sound like you're on the right track.

University of New York and a Dr. Ren does them for $100.

Thank you soooooo much and congrats on your wt. loss you're just plugging along and its very encouraging to see.

I have been looking up fill centers and cant find any in NYC. Can anyone help i am concerned because I can't afford to keep flying to Tijuana, my surgery is 4/13 and I would like to find somewhere near for my fills.

Hi Angie, It took me about 6 months to save for my surgery and i'm finally getting banded 4/13 so keep a positive attitude tighten your budget and you will succeed.

I've gotten a lot of emails asking me how I was so successful with my band. I admit that some of my philosophies are not within typical 'band rules' but FOR

ME, they work. I was HUNGRY before I got my band. I didn't have a psychological'need' to drown my sorrows in Bon-Bons, I just had a hunger valve that nevershut off. The band FIXED THAT for me.

I just sent the following email out toanother newly banded person, and thought it might be good to share with thegroup. I wanted to share MY WAY and put the disclaimer out there that I AM NOT SAYING it is the 'right way.' This way just worked for me, considering my circumstances. That being said, I've found my success on a bit of a different road, and wanted to share, and also would like to hear others successstories and the path they took to get there... Here goes...

"...Are you sure you want to hear my philosophy? I get pretty passionate about it, and a lot of the people on the board think I am smoking a little bit of the

"wacky tabackey!" Here goes... I agree with you WHOLEHEARTEDLY about this being a lifestyle change. A lot of bandsters think this is a new diet. This is NOT

another diet. Some bandsters think they have a lap-band, but they still should be counting calories, protein, etc. I got the band because I wanted to FREE

MYSELF from that mindset. I wanted to live my life, and not be concerned with food anymore. So, in my banded life, I have adopted that very philosophy. I DO NOT COUNT ANYTHING. I eat healthy foods, try to stay away from the processed junk as much as possible, and eat small portions. Very small portions. There is nothing that I consider 'off limits' and I don't set a goal for protein or carbs on a daily basis. I know this flies in the face of most bandsters and their

doctors, but I think all that dieting does, is transfer one obsession to another. If you look some REALLY successful banders, the ones who have lost all of their weight (and not just gotten to their 'goal' of a certain size or something, I am going based on a HEALTHY BMI, not overweight), most of them practice some semblance of this philosophy. And a VERY LARGE MAJORITY of them are from Australia. In Australia, they have had the band longer than in the US.

And in Australia, their statistics are MUCH MUCH better than the US statistics. I am sure there are many reasons for that. One is a patient's access to

follow-up afterwards. In the US, patients have to pay SOMETHING for their fills (even if it is just a co-pay) and they find that cost-prohibitive. Another is in the US, I REALLY don't believe doctors emphasize the importance of fills nearly enough. YOU MUST make the band work for you. YOU MUST get your fills until you are in a 'sweet spot' where your life no longer revolves around food anymore. I have quite a 'revelation' or 'epiphany' when that happened to me. I simply realized I was no longer waking up in the morning thinking of what was for breakfast, and planning 4 hours (or more!) in advance what dinner was going to be... I was no longer living my life for the next meal. Another reason Aussies are so successful is because they eat like normal people. Their doctors tell them to eat whatever, just in small portions.

Here are mantras I have for my diet. And when I say diet, I mean what I eat, not what I am doing to lose/maintain my weight.

1) Whole foods are best. Keep processed to a minimum. in our house, we eat a TON of veggies. We eat vegetable laden meals and have lots of beans on a weekly basis. My kids (ages 6 and 4) LOVE veggies and I never have to tell them to eat them. They love veggies more than junk food, so I am blessed.

2) I do not watch my fat intake. That being said, I am not this crazy consumer of fat, but if the label says low-fat, I am probably not going to buy it. Low

fat often means it has other 'fake' fillers and sugars to make it still taste good. If I want meat, I buy what I like. We drink whole milk, we eat whole yogurt, we eat whole cheeses, and if I am going to eat ice cream, I am not going to waste my time with some low-fat ice cream. I eat Haagen Dazs. And get this...

I start EVERY DAY with one piece of chocolate. Not Hershey's or some other 'cheap chocolate.' I eat Lindt, Toblerone, something like that. My current favorite is Lindt Chili Chocolate. If you can stand a little heat, I HIGHLY suggest you run yourself to Target and buy a bar from the specialty chocolate

bar section. I eat one square from the bar a day, so the bar lasts over a week. This is not a bar that ANYONE would want to consume in a sitting, it is very

special, and a DELIGHT to your tastebuds!

3) I DO watch my slider foods. Foods like Ice Cream, Chocolate, Cheetos, Chips, cookies, popcorn, etc. go through the band very easily and do not leave you filled up. Also, they are NOT good sources of nutrition... So, I make sure I limit myself on these, but like I said, NOTHING is off limits. I just eat in VERY small portions.

4) I DO NOT believe artificial sweeteners are good for you. I believe that they are worse for you than regular sugar. They slow your metabolism down, they make it so your body does not heat up to metabolize your food. I am also not sold on that "truvia" stuff that Coke and Pepsi are rolling out. They can claim it is 'natural' but it is an ENGINEERED substance, that has been sprayed BIG TIME with pesticides, etc and I am not thinking that it is any better for you than sugar. See the following article: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,...1711763,00.html And something to think about: Why is it that ALL FAT PEOPLE drink Diet Coke/Pepsi? And often in large quantities? I think there is a very big connection that the general public does not seem to 'get.'

5) I try to eat organic as much as I can, where it is not cost prohibitive. Pesticides are AWFUL...

6) I do not drink soda. I used to be an 8 Diet Cokes/day girl. I REALLY BELIEVE that those fake sugars made me even hungrier. I don't miss it. If I want

caffeine, and I do on a daily basis, I drink coffee or tea.

7) I do not believe that vitamins are necessary for most banded people that eat a varied diet. That being said, if you get into a period of super tightness

where all you're consuming is liquids until you get an unfill, I don't think a multi-vitamin is a bad idea. BUT NOT on a daily basis. More and more science is

proving that multi-vitamins don't do ANYTHING for your health, and sometimes make it worse. HOWEVER, I do supplement with two supplements. I take 2000 IUs of Vitamin D daily. Vitamin D is not something we can 'overdose on' and it is a vitamin that has CLEARLY shown major health benefits. When it is nice outside, I also make sure to get some sunshine to get 'real' Vitamin D. It is just really important. The other supplement I take is Fish Oil. I take 2 1000 mg Fish Oil capsules, this equates to 600 mg Omega 3's. We are ALL highly deficient in Omega 3's and I HONESTLY believe that my taking fish oil is going to give me BIG TIME health advantages down the road. It helps with cholesterol, inflammation, heart issues, etc. If you buy these supplements, buy them from somewhere very reputable. I often order supplements from Puritan's Pride because their pricesare pretty good, and they have VERY high standards for quality. I buy my fish oil from Costco, because A) the price is good and their quality standards arethe best out there.

I work a part time retail job, so I am on my feet a lot for that. My exercise has not been what I'd like it to be, but plan on upping it this spring/summer with my husband and kids. Lots of outdoor time, bike rides, etc. I am also planning to do the Couch to 5K. I need to be active for ME. I've just been kinda lax in that department.

There are two books that I HIGHLY recommend.

1) Rethinking Thin: The New Scienceof Weight Loss---and the Myths and Realities of Dieting and

2)In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto

#1 will help you appreciate who you are TODAY. WHY you are the way you are...

#2 will teach you some cornerstones to implement for eating. It also teaches you about the food industry, the FDA, etc, and how warped they all are...

Until I got to my sweet spot, with real restriction, I DID count my calories. I did not want to be the person who got farther behind post-surgery just cause I

had no restriction. I did not consider that a license to eat. So, I swore off the 'good stuff' till I got to a decent restriction. Thinking back, I would eat 'regularly' if I had to do it all over, but again count the calories. I wouldn't limit my 'fat' or whatever. and protein IS important, but 80 grams of protein is a bit much, and very hard to get in via natural sources. You're going to hit lots of plateaus and get super frustrated, but keep the faith and keep doing the

right things. And GET YOUR FILLS no matter WHAT. The fills are the key to your success. I am so tired of hearing people cry about how unsuccessful they are, or say how they can't afford their copay for their fills, so they are putting the appointment off. Would you buy a car without being able to afford gas? You MUST invest in yourself to get return. You must invest in your band to get the results you are looking for.

I may seem 'passionate' in my email to you. I just want others to have my success... The band is a great tool for that!"

**I hope this helps some of the banded people out there see there are many roads to success. I'd love to hear the philosophies of other successful banded folks. I love comparing notes!***

I love your plain speaking and look forward to to being just as successful as you have been by implementing some of your suggestions.

Hi everyone . My surgery is schedule for Monday April 13th, so excited. Is anyone else going to be there around that time? I am arriving the 12th. Hope to see someone there

Starting Weight: 240lbs :lb12:

Hi, so am i.

Thank you so much for the protein powder info. I ordered the vanilla and it is so delicious! It mixes easily and doesn't leave an aftertaste. YUMMY

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of your support. It means so much to me. I am leaving this afternoon for my surgery tomorrow. I am very excited I can't even sleep LOL. I will make sure to check in as soon as I can. MWUAH!

So happy for you. Stay focused and enjoy the ride into your new life.

Dan what an amazing and talented man you are. I loved everything you did to your home . Much success in your new journey!

I think your choice of fill doctor is TREMENDOUSLY important!

I have had 3 fills over a 10 month period. I know there are others that have had way more fills than that. If you remember when talking to Dr. Ortiz about fills he said you shouldn't need a lot of fills. That a couple of adjustments should be all it takes. He gave me the impression that there are Docs out there that don't always know what they are doing with the fills and if you get one of those docs you will end up needing a lot of fills.

With that said, I NEVER went back to OCC for a fill. I wish I could have, but I live on the east coast and am a single mom. Traveling like that is not really a good option for me. Never mind the expense...It was about the time and the time away from home and work -- I just couldn't do it.

All my fills have been blind. Do I wish I could see if the band is perfectly placed and it pristine condition...you bet, but I haven't. Have I done alright with my band and fills..I think so. I was fortunate enough to find a fill doctor that was also banded in Mexico and is extremely empathetic to the situation we are in. She is a dream in my opinion. She is aggressive with her fills. None of this gradually brining you up stuff. She gave me 1.50 on my first fill and then another 1.0 on the second fill. She follows the guidelines set by Inamed for the band, however she also take into account your personal results etc and makes adjustments based on that. For my second fill she backed off and didn't add the 1.25 that Inamed recommends because she felt that my results on the first fill had been great and that 1.25 was not needed. For my third fill she said she could go as much as .50 but only did a "tweak" of .25 cc and after that she told me she would see me in a year because that was all I would need to finish off my weight loss. And guess what...I am now 9 lbs from goal and she was right....again.

My main point. FIND A GREAT FILL DOCTOR!!! If you can't find one...Go back to Dr. Ortiz. It is that important!!

On that note can anyone recommend a fill Dr in NYC

I think your choice of fill doctor is TREMENDOUSLY important!

I have had 3 fills over a 10 month period. I know there are others that have had way more fills than that. If you remember when talking to Dr. Ortiz about fills he said you shouldn't need a lot of fills. That a couple of adjustments should be all it takes. He gave me the impression that there are Docs out there that don't always know what they are doing with the fills and if you get one of those docs you will end up needing a lot of fills.

With that said, I NEVER went back to OCC for a fill. I wish I could have, but I live on the east coast and am a single mom. Traveling like that is not really a good option for me. Never mind the expense...It was about the time and the time away from home and work -- I just couldn't do it.

All my fills have been blind. Do I wish I could see if the band is perfectly placed and it pristine condition...you bet, but I haven't. Have I done alright with my band and fills..I think so. I was fortunate enough to find a fill doctor that was also banded in Mexico and is extremely empathetic to the situation we are in. She is a dream in my opinion. She is aggressive with her fills. None of this gradually brining you up stuff. She gave me 1.50 on my first fill and then another 1.0 on the second fill. She follows the guidelines set by Inamed for the band, however she also take into account your personal results etc and makes adjustments based on that. For my second fill she backed off and didn't add the 1.25 that Inamed recommends because she felt that my results on the first fill had been great and that 1.25 was not needed. For my third fill she said she could go as much as .50 but only did a "tweak" of .25 cc and after that she told me she would see me in a year because that was all I would need to finish off my weight loss. And guess what...I am now 9 lbs from goal and she was right....again.

My main point. FIND A GREAT FILL DOCTOR!!! If you can't find one...Go back to Dr. Ortiz. It is that important!!

On that note can anyone recommend a fill Dr in NYC

wow so inspired by your story. I'm glad I decided to do this for myself. I will keep yours words of encouragement close to my heart. Thanks

i am not sure if this will post but i am scheduled 4/13/09.