JazzyJude

Amanda ~ you took the words out of my mouth! I had very little gas issues from my surgery, so I needed minimal assistance. Like Dolittle had said, it's mostly the CO2 gas they used to blow up your stomach region to aid in inserting your band that's lingering. As 'air' bubbles rises and you are standing or sitting up, the gas bubbles rises also and mostly lay in your upper chest and shoulders. Although, I, too, had taken the Gas X strips ~ two at a time and I thought they had helped me in some ways for my bloatness and swelling feeling. After surgery, I had walked often, every 2 hours or less, into the wee hours of the morning and that had helped me. When I got home, I took several mini walks, not just a few long walks. Also, like Amanda said, rolling your shoulders in circles backwards and then forward can jiggle the gas bubbles. Another thing to do is raise one arm up and slightly stretch up towards the ceilint and then do the other arm. Moving the joints around will aid in getting the gas out of the joints area. Use a heating pad for a bit and then have hubby rub your shoulders while you are rolling your neck around. Again, as mentioned, drink lots of water. And lastly, don't sit for a long period of time, which can cause the gas bubbles to 'settle' in those sneaky jointed areas. Hope this helps...

Karen ~ thank you for posting this valuable message. I am sure with all you had went through, being nervous and concern, may even made the band tighter too. As you are pretty much starting over, at least you've been educated enough to jump start yourself on the right track. THAT is a good thing! Wishing you luck and good restriction soon...keep us posted on your progress, as I am most interested in seeing how you are doing. Best to you ~ Jude

Well, if anyone is interested to keep in touch, my email is jazzyjude88@yahoo.com. Sorry this has come to this but we need to get back to focusing our weight loss journey, to move forward. Let's not forget that this forum is benefitting us from Dr Ortiz and his staff. If we continue, this website could be lost and I don't want this to happen. I came on as a newbie and I've learned so much, and I am still learning as I go. I am happy to share my experiences with the newer newbies. So with this said... Let's us raise our champagne glass of protein shake up in the air...I am toasting to all of you a wonderful, properous new year with all of us enjoying our band journey and may it be rewarding to you as you've reached your goal weight. ((HUGS!))...Salute!

Hi Sabrina ~ like Lisa says, it is not necessary and Kristy said it best when she basically said it's up to YOU to get your aftercare. If I, myself, lived in the east coast, I would still go to OCC for my fills because of their reputation of doing fills and with them, I may not require as many fills as I am hearing others are having. Also, I would do my fills under fluoro, too, so I can have a visual of how my band really is, for my own peace of mind. This is my opinion. But I am one of the the lucky one who lives in San Diego and I have this luxury benefit. But no matter, it's the aftercare of your band. I knew when I researched about this band surgery, that I would need good aftercare. This is where your homework comes in, to chose wisely for your aftercare fill doctor who is knowledgeable. One who would advise you and your band, and have a successful, fruitful life together and not have any hard issues like I've heard of others experiencing. Thanks Lisa for listing the pros and cons of having fills elsewhere...good points to consider. Best of luck!

60 to 90 grams of proteins, daily, is the norm. Protein is the key to this weight loss journey. Also, the more you exercise, the more proteins you need to increase. It's amazing how much proteins you eat one day. Use one of the website's counter and it will give you a total as you plan your meal. Once you know how much proteins are in each food YOU eat, you learn how to do a daily menu plan much better and then you can plan for the week. I now do my menu planning over the weekend. If there's a party coming up, I make sure I get my protein intake around it and play it cool during the party.

I am with Disaster! She is lucky to have you by her side to help her and wishing you both success in finding the answer to her prayer! Good luck and best to you!

Hi All ~ I thought I'd give you an update since my 2nd fill, 15 days ago. It is really a good fill and I believe this is what they call your "sweet spot". I am eating way less than my 1/3 portion I use to eat, for sure! I truly believe after you've done a few fills, there is no way you could eat 1/3 of what you use to eat ~ I know I can't! In fact, if I added all three (3) meals I eat now daily, it wouldn't even come close to 1/3 of what I use to eat. Currently, I am trying to follow the following ratio of foods: 4 oz (1/2 cup) protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese), 2 oz (1/4 cup) veggie/fruit, and 2 oz (1/4 cup) grain/starch/carbs. But in reality, I am only able to actually EAT 2 oz of meat, 1 oz of veggie or fruit, and can't get to the grains/starches/carbs yet. My 'snacks' are the 6 oz protein shakes I use (AmazeRX) that has 17grams if I am low on my protein intake. If I still need more proteins, then I will have a whey liquid protein bullet (42 grams)and mixed it in my Crystal Lite drinks or Gatoraid. I find I don't snack in the evenings as much, so my apple and cheese are not happening. So, I will eat a cheddar cheese stick during the day either for my lunch or mid afternoon break at work. I am constantly drinking my water, protein water, etc, and I DO notice my skin and hair are really healthy....THIS is a good thing! So far, so good...

I am the same as Karen. I was banded on 10/8/08 and Dr. Miranda told me I could drink up until I eat, eat my meal, and then wait 45 min to 1 hr before I could drink again. Also, what Karen said about the cold/warm water is true for me too. Since my 2nd fill, I cannot have cold or room temp liquids but can have warm liquids. So, I would either have warm tea or cocoa and that helps me start my day. I've also warmed up my protein water, Special K2O, and it works just fine. With this ruling, I am able to meet my water intake throughout the day with no problem. Also, when I have had a 'spicier' meal, I would chew on a few ice for relief.

Hi Ricon! Both my first and second fills were done at OCC under fluoro and yes, I will always have them done there. So far, Dr. So did my first fill and Dr. Acosta did my second fill. Both were good and had a wonderful experience receiving them. My first fill was a 'primer' fill for my future fills yet to come. Meaning, you will not get an aggressive tight fill because your body may rebel or reject such action. So, doing fills progressively is a good thing and in the mean time, you will put use to your 'practicing' of cutting your food into small dime-size pieces, chewing at 30 times before swallowing and eating slowly. Don't be nervous, it's natural to feel nervous of the 'unknown'. You don't have any restriction at all when your band was put on you at surgery. Your first 3 months is your healing time and focusing on the good things yet to come between you and your band. As far as what you should be doing? Portion control is the key with eating 1/3 of what you use to eat ~ eat in this order: proteins, veggies/fruits, and grains/starches/carbs. PROTEINS is the key! Make sure you are taking your daily PROTEINS, between 60 to 90 grams, drinking all your water, and exercising. Bottom line ~ if in doubt or have concerns, contact your doctor/nutritionist for assistance and peace of mind. Every person's body is different and reacts/responds differently too. Good luck and keep us posted on your fill. Love to hear of your experience!

Ok, so I am asking this for my mother who is going with me next week. In case we have to stay all night at the clinic (my mom won't go back to the hotel by herself) is there any food places there, are next door? Or if she has to bring something, is there at least a vending machine where she might be able to get something to drink? > According to OCC ruling, no one stays in your clinic room except you. Your Mum can stay at the clinic while you are doing your preop prepping, surgery, and recovery, and then just before visiting hours are over, OCC will take her to the hotel in their own van. I STRONGLY suggest your Mum to go to the hotel as soon as you are taken in to surgery. Also, is there a refrigerator in side the rooms at Hotel Lucerna? > Not the regular rooms but like CindyLou says, you can upgrade your room for other amenities. You will need to inquire when your Mum checks in, after visiting you. NOTE: I STRONGLY suggest for your Mum to check in as early as she can to get the room she wants. First come, first serve deal. Once I am picked up at the border, do we go to the hotel first to check in or do we go right to the clinic (I am being picked up at 8:00 am)? > Not sure of your surgery schedule. I was to come to the clinic for preop the day before my surgery. So, when my hubby and I were picked up from the border, we went straight to the clinic for my preop stuff (EKG, meeting Dr Miranda, etc). NOTE: BE PREPARED! They may ask you to have your surgery a day earlier if they have time, like they did me. If not, then they will take you to the hotel to get checked in and be picked up in the early morning next day. After being banded, is gum chewing allowed? What about ice (I know that's a stupid question, but I thought I would ask..lol) I love chewing on ice. > Gum chewing is not suggested as it can create gas and you will be walking around trying to get those gas bubbles out of your system. And the possibility of you swallowing the gum is NOT a good thing. Having ice if fine...just not during meals. After your surgery, nurse will will give you a glass of ice chips to ease out from your recovery and help with your water intake before you start drinking. As Judi says, the Otter Pops popsicles are WONDERFUL! Does the hotel restaurant take cash (american money) and credit cards/debit cards? > Hubby put out a credit card for the hotel and we paid at the end of our stay. You can use credit cards and American money to pay for any items in TJ. If your devit card has the Visa logo on it, that is acceptable too. NOTE: It is SUGGESTED to take small bills, fives and ones. Don't whip out large bills like 10s or 20s, as most vendors will say they don't have change or some other excuses. Make it easier on you and think smart. If you are not going to go shopping, you won't need too much money. You won't be eating anything other than the wonderful tortilla soup (broth) at the restaurant, which caters to OCC's patients! The other restaurant is by the poolside and they have wonderful food there as well. Ok I think that's it for now, just trying to get the last minute questions out of the way. I appreciate all of you, you are all so informative > You are going to be just fine! I love the way you are planning in advance and get organized. Remember to pack LIGHTLY! Trust me, you will NOT want to tug your suitcase after surgery...NO WAY! This is your healing time and ANY strenguous pushing, pulling, or lifting will make you cringe a bit.

Yay! You made it here! I am so glad to came on board! Browse thru this forum and get as much info you can absorb. I've printed many, many post and put them in my binder to quick references. This is really exciting for you and you will do GREAT! Keep us posted on your journey and any questions or concerns, come on here ~ we are here to help! Also, I sent you a PM for more info. ((Hugs)) ~ say Hi to your daughter for me! We met up at dinner with your Mum in Brawley last monthl

Congrats SheRee and WELCOME to Bandland! So glad you made it to the other side! YAY! Remember to sip, sip, sip and WALK, WALK, WALK!! Yes, check your paperwork like Lisa says. I had my surgery in Oct and I wasn't able to have pudding during the first 21 days post op. I was allowed to have Jell-O, but added more water, so that it was like the consistency of the gelatin just getting ready to thickening and it stayed that way. It was basically watered down, drinkable and it was oh so good!

Yeah! Happy New Year to all of us. I am closing this year out with the best resolution to start the new year off with this wonderful band of my mine. May we all succeed in our weight loss goal in the coming year! My wish ~ from my band to yours...may your restriction be as tight as you can handle it and lose the old eating habits and replace it with a new healthier lifestyle choices! ((BEAR HUGS!!))

I totally agree with Lisa on this issue. I walked only, minimal mind you as I hated to walk, BUT, I knew I had to do something and not just sit! Since my surgery, I've done more cardio, walking 5 miles or more a day (YEAH!!) and doing light aerobics. I am waiting for my 3 months post op brefore I do any hard core exercises, which I can't wait to do! This progressive exercises I've been doing so far, is really working out for my body. I am glad I am listening and following OCC's band guidelines to help me focus and move forward. I LOVE MY BAND!

Dawn ~ WELCOME to Bandland! You're one of us now! YAY! Hope all is well and like you said, follow the dr's diet and if you have any questions or concern, contact OCC for assistance or read the pertinent posts. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing! Remember to sip, sip, sip and WALK, WALK, WALK!

YOU'RE HIRED Lisa! LOL I was going to take a stab too and you beat me to it. The only thing I was going to add is I was advised my first fill between 6 to 8 weeks post op. I had mine at 6.5 weeks out. Also was advised, after each future fills, you had to wait a minimum of 4 weeks before the next one, like AngelaAnn said. Again, we are all different and react/respond differently like WillT said. My 2nd fill, I didn't feel my true restriction until 6 days later and I am still feeling the same a week later. So, it is hard to pin point a time frame for YOU. You will just have to listen to your band and if you feel you are using more willpower than bandpower, schedule a fill appt. Hope this helps...

Thanks for the suggestions Dana!

I agree with Shelby, Lisa and CindyLou ~ don't do anything to jeopardize or taking risk of your own body. Do the things naturally. Again, the key to weight loss is PROTEINS! Re-evaluate your protein intake as this will help guide you with proper, healthier weight loss. Lack of proteins will make you hungry and wander off to eating the things you shouldn't eat. When you plan your meals, recheck to make sure your are giving yourself plenty of proteins DAILY. Ther eis NO easier way than to do the safe way for a healthier new you ~ do it naturally and you will prosper.

I was to be banded on Th, Oct 9 but when in on W, Oct 8 for the rushed preop procedures and was asked if it was ok to do the surgery right now. I said, "um, sure", Dr.Miranda said ok, we can do this in about 30 minutes. I wasn't 'mentally' prepared but a minute later, went back to the lounge area, with my luggage, and told hubby, and within 5 min, Dr. So was ushering me in and had my surgery and out of recovery by 1130a and I was the last person. There were 6 or 7 people ahead of me who had surgery already, I was told. FAST, is all I can say for my whirlwind experience!

Well the hot water works for me wonderfully! Also, go easy on the Slim Fast drinks...they are very high in sugar. When I stopped drink those (drank them DAILY for the vitamins and minerals) and started on a better choice or protein shakes, OMG, what a HUGE, HUGE difference! But do what you got to do to get yourself ready for the big day... SlimColaGirl ~ BE COMMITTED! You've got to be serious about this weight loss, otherwise it won't happen. Get a reality check and start over and stay true to yourself! You can do this IF you want it bad enough. Good luck!

That's true CindyLou. Let me clarify too that the soups I normally have in my solid stage are hearty, thickened soups, not just broth. I have chicken and veggies in my soups. I haven't have broth since my first week of post op.

Soup is ok to have...I have it as my main 'meal', especially during this cold season. Like Dana says, watch your portion. Yes, my Buffalo Checken soup recipe is what I have the most of in fact! I have this all the time! As i've mentioned before, it's a mind over matter thing and really, as long as my tummy is full of warm food/liquid, I am doing fine. Just make sure you get the proteins in for the day.

Welcome akm and congrats on your date! YAY! Soon you will be a bandster like us! Keep reading the posts on this forum to gain as much info you can to prepare yourself for your weight loss journey...you are going for an amazing, adventurous ride of your life! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Your first fill is 'priming' for you and your band, to get use to the idea of a little restriction. You don't want to shock your system and then your vody starts to rebel. You need to have patience and do this weight loss progressively. Start slow and stay on track kind of thing. I had my first fill 6.5 weeks post op and I had a slight restriction for about a week and a half. I made my 2nd fill appt 4 weeks from my first fill and now I am doing good AND, for me, it didn't "kick" in until 5 days later, but that is how my body reacted to this fill this time. Like Ann Marie says, some don't get their 'sweet spot' until their 3rd fill ~ every person's body is different. Like Shelby says, stay with the basics and keep your focus on your goal. At OCC, after your first fill, you wait a minimum of 4 weeks before your 2nd fill. I am going to use what Cathy's surgeon had said to her, "If you are using more willpower than bandpower, it's time for a fill". This is what I am going to do and make every effort to live the bandster life before I do get antoher fill for the reason what Lisa was saying about PBing. Lisa ~ thanks for your tips about when/how you get your fills...good info.

Dolittle! You are coming along nicely. Do you regret doing this LBL? Are you satisfy so far?