CalKev

Kevin-

I am curious to hear how your latest fill went. Is restriction improved? Does it feel like this fill will put you back on track?

Greg,

Thanks for asking. I believe it will. I had incorrect figures on the amount of saline in my band. Dr. Romero kindly checked how much was in my VG and I had 6.2ccs before the fill. So he added an additional amount of .8ccs to a total of 7ccs. He actually filled the band until it closed the stoma fully and then backed it off to the 7ccs. I had put on weight since my last fill. He asked me if I had been eating differently. My spouse informed him we had just returned from an all-inclusive vacation or should I say all consuming vacation and yes I did go to the gym and workout every other day. He and I both just knodded in a silent agreement as to where the extra weight came from.

So I am at chew, chew, chew to get the food through. Feels great to have the restriction that will limit my intake.

Congratulations on your success! I see you are on a good trendline. Do you plan another fill and if so when? How is your restriction. I can still believe that one more fill will be needed to get me to my ideal weight. We should coordinate in future and meet up at OCC maybe when we get close to our goal weights. What do you think? Kevin

Beata and Barbara,

It was a pleasure meeting both of you. I'm glad we got to share some good "spirits" together on May 3rd, 2007. You both are great people and I wish you success on the band!

Now again about those spirits. They were in a black bag right? hmmm where is that box I brought across the border?

Well a "toast" to your continued success! Oh I mean....Beata I hope you will get your next fill soon!

Have a fun weekend! Kevin

aka CalKev

aka You buy it, can't fly it, we'll ship it.

Ok...So as some of you may have read some of my posts already, I am supposed to lose as close to 36lbs as possible before surgery. I am doing very well so far, but have slowed down. I have lost 18.

Now, I read somewhere that their scale read differently than one that someone had at home and the weight loss was not as much as the person had said it was because the scale at OCC was different.

So, is this true that their scale might read totally different than what our scales at home read? Could be good or bad depending on the difference in scales I would think.

What has any of you experienced scale and weight wise between what you know as weight loss and what their scale showed?

Thanks for any replies that would explain.

Peace,

Judy

Judy,

You are on track for success. Only rely on your scale. You can't do better than that. Make sure it is calibrated per instructions that came with it and keep making it happen.

You are an inspiration to us all! Congratulations on your continued loss and your decision to enter the lap band lifestyle!

Just a quick idea---how about getting the pizza that has allthe toppings on it wether it be a supreme or all meat pizza - take the toppings off and just eat that - I can eat up to about 3 pieces that way and it equals about 1- 1 and half cups of food and I am skpping the bread-----your sandwiches same thing take the middle out eat only it -----or have 1/2 a grilled cheese and dip it in tomato soup -----just some ideas -- is till love my food - but I have special bowls and plates I eat out of and don't go back for seconds too much and if I do i attack the protien first or scoop another soonful of cottage cheese onto my plate - my kids make fun of me cause I eat the cottage at almost every meal ----it is great n tomato soup - on nachos instead of sour cream - mixed in refried beans - I am a big mexican food lover and have learned what to eat off the menu -----if oyu need some more ideas let me know I will journal what i eat and pass it along to you = the thing is eat don't starve yurself , don't not eat cause you may gain something ----portion and the right choices ae what makes this work

Cyndi

Cyndi,

Awesome job on weight loss! I'm still frozen in time....

Going for fill May 2nd........ getting up there in ccs.

Have a great weekend and congratulations!

Kevin

=D> Hi all,

Just scheduled with Carolyn April 17-20. Need to fill out papers, fax and send money.

Sue

Congratulations Sue!

I'm two weeks away from my surgery (2 weeks tomorrow!) and I'm having second thoughts because I feel like I'm being so selfish for doing this, and taking $8500 from my family. I tell myself all the reasons why I'm actually doing it for them too (better health, more energy, etc...) but I still feel guilty. Then comes the shame part of not having ever been able to keep the weight off on my own. If I only I were___________. Fill in the blank...stronger, more disciplined, blessed with a better metabolism. The fat person's mantra that always ends in with thoughts that if I were any of those fill-in-the-blanks, I'd be a better person, more lovable, more worthy, blah blah blah.

Anyone else feel this way before surgery? After?

Heather,

Yes I felt as you do. Your family I am sure puts a higher value on your health and happiness than $8500, 20,000 or even 100,000. This journey is however not about their needs. It is about yours. Accept that you deserve this and embrace the feeling of well being that is to come. Don't fight it with guilt. It isn't worth it. I've been there and I'm not about to go back and niether should you. Even if you don't feel like it you have already stepped away from the old you by setting a surgery date. Embrace what is to come and savour the anticipation like you would the purchase of a new car or a trip to a holiday spot of your dreams. That is simplistic because those things won't change your life to the degree this will. Enjoy every moment of the process and learn from it. Don't look back. I do know how you feel. A small part of me is still there but it grows smaller by the day. By making yourself a stronger human being your family will automatically reap the benefits. Focus on accepting change and the truly good things to come!

Best wishes and congratulations on your decision to make "You" a priority! Kevin

Lap Band In The News

These are stories being publised by the the named entity and do not reflect my views!

I chose to delete a seperate news thread I posted as it was just begging to be taken out of context.

Viva La Band! Kevin

Bariatric Surgery Found to Significantly Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Complications

Sun Feb 25, 2:01 AM ET

Researchers Celebrate Major Advance in the Fight against Morbid Obesity.

San Francisco, CA (PRWeb) February 25, 2007 -- A recent article published in the Elsevier Journal of Science and Health illustrated the results of a study designed to assess the impact of bairiatric surgeryon cardiovascular and musculoskeletal morbidity.

The study focused on 1,035 morbidly obese patients ("cohort") who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical LapBand procedures sometime between 1986 and 2002. The results of this group were compared to 5,746 patients who had chosen non-surgical alternative therapies.

The study focused on 1,035 morbidly obese patients ("cohort") who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical LapBand procedures sometime between 1986 and 2002. The results of this group were compared to 5,746 patients who had chosen non-surgical alternative therapies.

On the whole, the surgical cohort experienced a 62% mean reduction in excess weight and a 32% drop in body mass index (BMI). More importantly, during the five-year follow-up period, the surgical cohort had a significantly reduced incidence of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease when compared with the control group, while 10.84% of the control group received treatment for arrhythmias, only 1.96% of bariatric patients required similar treatment. Bariatric patients were also less likely to encounter problems with pulmonary edema, heart attack and arthritis.

When asked to comment on the study, Dr. Paul Cirangle, a noted bariatric surgeon and member of the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF), stated, "With over 300,000 deaths attributed to morbid obesity each year, this is another example of bariatric surgery being an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Not only do weight-loss procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and duodenal switch bring at-risk patients back to a safer weight, but they also limit the possibility of future cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems."

Dr. Cirangle explained his view, saying, "A global epidemic like morbid obesity deserves greater attention from health experts. It's comforting to see more studies conducted in that confirm the benefits of bariatric surgery. It's important that individuals understand that first and foremost, a good diet and a regular exercise regimen are the best roads to a healthy life, but bariatric surgery is a viable option for those looking for serious treatment."

###

Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco

Ben Kou

My life changed one year ago, tomorrow. Thanks for all the support given here...Good Luck to you all. Below is a link to show you all what a difference a year can make...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/DarkP.../OneYearPic.jpg

Kris

Banded 3/22/06

222 (starting weight) /172 (current) /142 (goal)

Kris,

Inspiring success story! Awesome progress! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your positive point of view!

Hello March Fillers!

My fill is 11am on the Thursday, 22nd of March. Anyone else going to be there for a fill-up?

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I have a question for you band pros out there. I was lucky enough to be a member of the March 8th patient group. My question is this: Did you go ahead and automatically schedule your first fill for 6-8 weeks, or did you wait to see if you "needed" the fill and then schedule? I am a week away from solids, and think maybe I should see what kind, if any, restriction I have before I schedule. Any input appreciated.

Hopeful,

Schedule your fill. If Dr. Ortiz is still doing the surgery as he did when I was banded (correct me if there has been an update to this) you do not have saline in your band if you do it is a minimal amount. No saline = no restriction. Six week increments has worked well for me. Consult OCC for your own timeframe if it differs. Kevin

Hi, I'm "E"...(Eleatrice, actually, but E's easier on most)

Banded March 16th by Dr. Ortiz...the whole experience was AMAZING...ironically, I don't remember much about Dr. Ortiz, but I remember everyone else very well...I think the medicine they gave me to relax me had already kicked in by the time Dr. Ortiz came in to talk to us. He was funny, though, as far as I can remember. Kinda reminded me of Dr. McDreamy...LOL!

Pre-Op diet was tough, but my mind was made up and I lost 12 pounds overall...Dr. Miranda was pleased, even though by her count I had only lost 8 pounds. Losing that weight was my BIGGEST worry pre-op...I just could not fathom being sent home and having to reschedule.

Night before surgery, I ate tortilla soup and a hot wing in the hotel's restaurant...I was a little worried about bingeing (and again, possibly being told I'd have to reschedule)...but I found everything was TOO RICH after being on that pre-op diet anyway.

Day of surgery I did all my pre-op stuff the same day...nutrition consult, EKG, pulmonary function test, and now they have added a DENTAL SCREEN just this past week...need a deep cleaning, but passed that with flying colors too! =D> The worst for me was getting the IV port put in, and that was 'cause I thought I was just getting my blood drawn...no prep for that...I cried and the nurse felt sooooooo bad...she apologized all night and hugged me before I left the next morning. The ENTIRE staff was so amazingly sweet and comforting and welcoming and I could go on and on and on...

Actual surgery took less than 10 minutes (5 according to Dr. Ortiz) from what I hear, and I was up and at 'em!

Night of surgery I walked a LOT, round and round and round the facility...made me feel like I was accomplishing something since I couldn't sleep AT ALL. I was under the impression that your companion could stay the night with you, but they sent him back to the hotel, so sleep was hard to come by for me. Grey's Anatomy was GOOD though!

Today is Day 2 officially, and all is well. I'm sticking to this post-op diet NO MATTER WHAT...even though every Red Lobster commercial ever made is being aired this month. No band slips for me as long as I can help it.

Get at me if you have any questions....'E' >

E, Congrats on the new band and a new life! Viva La Band! Kevin

Hi,

I am a couple of weeks away from getting a lap band. I weigh over 400 pounds. After reading through the various topics on this website I feel quite discouraged. There are a number of people who have lost no or minimal weight despite weeks of being on liquids, others who feel strong chest pains and wish they had known before they took the plunge. Maybe the forum by nature brings out more negative experiences as people express their stories and troubles. Are these kind of experiences normal, or rare? Do most people have a relatively trouble free experience and lose significant weight?

Looking forward to some encouragement!

Paul

Paul,

Man - I'm with you - I started at 377. We are in the same shoes. You have a valid point on the support style of the board. We all need it. Support is a positive term not a negative one. Got to know what to support before you throw some legs under it.

On several occasions I have met people getting an unfill at OCC. They reached their goal weight and feel healthy and many are focused on saving money for plastic surgery. Are they here on the board? No. Are they on a plastic surgeons board somewhere? Maybe. They have beat obesity and are doing things we all would love to do. They are kicking the tires of life in their new bodies and finding out what they can achieve now. You and I will do the same. We may not leave the board but our personal focus will shift us to look at new and exciting avenues to rev our improved chassis on.

Paul - you got t made! Do you know how many would love to have the privilege of being banded? And by the best, in my book, Dr. Ortiz. The toughest part is making the decision. Because at that defining point you decided life will never be same for you again. This is opportunity in its purest form. Make it work for you! We all are the best we know how. In that moment you made the choice to do something for yourself and no one else. You are committed to the process.

Go for it! Grab it! Viva La Band! Kevin

Hi all,

I am working on getting my 401k withdrawn for surgery and hoping I can make that life changing appt. for mid-April. One of my biggest concerns is I am diabetic and if I don't eat right or enough, depending on hunger and the right foods, I get very weak and tired. I am worried about getting enough protein and nourishment to keep me going.

I don't have a big income to buy all the special meals and supplements to get me through alot of the liquid stages and so on, but am willing to get them when and if necessary. I read alot about protein, protein, protein to keep your body and your stomach running smoothly, but it sounds really complex to me. I may by thinking to hard on this, but would like some advice and suggestions anyway.

Thanks so much in advance.

Judy

Judy,

You will do great. It really isn't complicated. We all sometimes make it that way it seems. I'm a vegetarian and I have made it so far so good.

Follow Dr. Miranda's advice and you don't even have to think about it. Call her if you need help and she will be there for you. She has for me and many others.

Stay focused and all will go well! Congratulations on your decision to band! It will change your life for the better - it has mine!

Viva La Band - Kevin

Hello All!

Wow this is some really good insight in this thread. All the views are just a little different but each one has great points.

When I first started to investigate my own reasons for being obese the one realization I confronted was like the alcoholic, drug addict, even the shopoholic, I had to say

Well said Kevin ----you are such a inspiration on this board-----I have had lots of comments from friends and family and clients of my husband....which in turn I can't tell if that has hit a sore spot- but the talk of leaving him did get mentioned by him not ME- I advised that I am doing this not to leave him but be with him for the rest of our lives...see the kids grow up -----and so on ---he is know pursuing the kourney of being banded also - my insurance covers it witht eh normal hoops to jump through at 5K or I advised go see Dr. Ortiz it is in his hands now - but as far as I am concerned this surgery has made Daron and I closer in our relationship the 26ht of this month it will be 11 years - and honestly I can't imagine starting over.......best wishes everyone Cyndi

P.S. this Friday is 5 monthes out Kevin --- I am down 55lbs woo hoo

Cyndi, Congratulations! - So glad you are doing so well! It sounds like your motivation to live a longer healthier life has rubbed off. That is about the biggest compliment one can have being banded outside the personal achievement. I keep in touch with the sisters who were banded on our Band Day (very close to a re-birthday), and they are both doing well. Slower progress than you and I but progress none the less. Let's keep on losing! Viva La Band! Kevin

I was banded on January 15, '07. I took the pre-op and post- op very seriously, follwed to the "t". The surgery itself was a breeze. After the 3 week post-op I was excited and nervous to start solid foods. Slowly but surely I realized I had no restriction, and though I tried not to do so began to gain back some of the weight I had lost on the liquid phase. Six weeks after surgery I returned to TJ for my first fill. Again the procedure was a breeze. I got a 1.8 cc fill which I was told was the maximum for the first fill. After 3 days of liquid again I slow and carefully began solids. Here is what I found and where I am now. I have problems with chicken, tuna, salmon, bread. I have to take tiny bites and chew, chew, chew. If I forget, these foods immediately clog and pbing follows. Unless it's one of these foods, I notice little or no restriction. I'm not sure what this means. At least I'm not gaining weight and may be losing a little, though vey slowly if at all. It's been 2 weeks since the fill. I have a tax business so I can't get back to TJ until after Apr.17th anyway. I trying to follow the rules - only solid foods, etc. I notice that my cravings are less and that helps, but I don't think this is altogether what it's suppose to be. I sure hope not because I don't think I will get very far on my weight loss goal with so little restriction, but with more of a fill will I be able to get chicken, etc down at all? I would love the imput of those further along this road than I. Thanks in advance.

Starting weight(1/8/07): 217

At surgery (1/15/07): 213

At 1st fill (3/1/07) 1.8 cc: 208

Currently (3/17/07): 204.4

Pam,

I'm we met on the Jan. 15th at OCC. I was the only male there for a fill or any procedure for that matter. Terry C who had surgery the same day as you did is getting her first fill on the 22nd of March.

What you are experiencing sounds very normal. I didn't pickup anything from your message that is outside the normal mind-bending education most bandsters go through. If you can let the band continue to talk to you and be open to its teaching method then your eating habits will start to bend to its demands.

You may want to try other protein sources or even as I do from time to time supplement my food intake with a high protein shake to make sure I get the nutrients I need. I am vegetarian and allergic to soy so I have to do the shake thing to keep protein intake high. After losing 70lbs. my hair started to thin out and I realized it was time to up the nutrients.

Hey you started at 213 and you are at 204 - thats called progress! Congratulations! Kevin

How much should I tip the OCC driver or should I? I don't know too much about these kinds of things as I don't really travel anywhere.

Tipped a $5 per person each way. The last visit there were 4 so $20 each way. Well deserved.