tnm75

If you were banded at the OCC... then you are on liquids only for 21 days post-op. I started my creamy stage on day 8. But, started drinkable yogurts on day 4. Dr. Miranda said that jello and pudding are no-no's. If you can't drink it through a straw, it ain't a liquid. Kristy

Take heed of Jazzy's NOTE. I have had difficulty with my second fill. I have learned that for me, I can eat salad. Some people can't. I have learned that for me, I cannot eat ground beef (hamburger patties, meat loaf, etc.) And, I cannot eat pinto beans. It doesn't matter how much I chew, it gets stuck without fail. However, I can eat the meatballs that you buy at Costco or Sam's Club because they are a different consistancy than ground beef meatballs that you make at home. It has become a favorite for me. I put four meatballs in the microwave with a little bit of Ragu sauce with a side of spinach leaves with a homemade dressing I make with a little bit of parmesean cheese. Everyone is so different. And, the trial and error of it is hard, but necessary in order to see what will and will not work with your band. Kristy

Mona, I'm so happy to hear that everything is well with you and your band. What a great reminder that we are all different and that our journeys will be different. Hugs, Kristy

Be careful not to justify eating the steak because it was tender. Pick yourself up and move forward, but justifying it will only lead to you doing it again. And, just because something did not happen this time does not mean it will not happen next time. I just remember what Dr. Ortiz said, "Not following directions now may not show until six months down the road." Kristy

Thanks CLynn! I can still drink as long as I sip and wait a few seconds before my next sip; however, I can "feel" it backing up. I'm pretty sure that with so many things getting stuck that I have some inflammation going on. I'm doing liquids for now. And, waiting to hear from Dr. Acosta. I understand the starvation mode as for five days I stayed at the same weight. I have lost one pound since my second fill and that is with very little food going in. Kristy

I answered on your other thread, but I will copy and paste here: Where did you have your surgery done? OCC patients are on a 21-day post-op liquid diet. What's done is done in regards to your eating steak; however, you need to really recommit yourself to the process... totally and completely. Eating can cause bigger problems like a slipped band, stretched pouch, etc. If you are able to drink liquids now, you are probably fine but my doctor said that ignoring the guidelines can manifest problems that may not show up until 6 months down the road. This early in your journey... you need to follow the directions of your doctor. OCC patients are not even allowed "mushy foods" during this time. Kristy

Way to go! And hey... the money spent on jeans is probably not nearly as expensive as the money we used to throw away on unhealthy fast food! Keep up the good work! Kristy

Where did you have your surgery done? OCC patients are on a 21-day post-op liquid diet. What's done is done in regards to your eating steak; however, you need to really recommit yourself to the process... totally and completely. Eating can cause bigger problems like a slipped band, stretched pouch, etc. If you are able to drink liquids now, you are probably fine but my doctor said that ignoring the guidelines can manifest problems that may not show up until 6 months down the road. This early in your journey... you need to follow the directions of your doctor. OCC patients are not even allowed "mushy foods" during this time. Kristy

I have been struggling with eating after my second fill. I ate two decent meals afterwards and now everything gets stuck; beans, chili, cheerios, deli meat, cheese, etc. I have emailed Dr. Acosta, but have not heard back from him yet --- I am sure I will today. Will my fill loosen up? Or do you think I should consider heading back to the OCC for a partial unfill? I am losing faith that I will be able to eat and it work as it should with everything getting stuck. I am doing liquids at the moment. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks, Kristy

Shelby, I would suggest eating some protein first to get the protein layer above your band and then allow the salad to stack on top. It is the dressing that you really want to watch because it will go straight through your band. I enjoy a good salad every once in awhile. Kristy

I booked a month in advance. I could have done it sooner, but I had a higher BMI and wanted to be sure I had the time to lose my pre-op weight. Kristy

It is more in regards to the size of the pills and "forcing" them through my band... since restriction will be greater. He wanted me to crush them or break them in half... of course the herbal pills cannot be done that way. Then he said he wanted me to dissolve them in warm water... and, that is something that I just can't do. Plus, I believe that the pills are designed to "release" over time. With that said... I took my two pills for tonight. However, they are the smallest capsules. I will try the capsules in the morning. If they don't go down easily... I will be ending my cleanse tomorrow. Kristy

Judy, I haven't had that issue at all. The program that I'm doing is very gentle. However, after talking to Dr. Acosta today... I might be stopping the cleanse. He's concerned that so many pills a day at the size that they are may not be the best thing for my band. Kristy

Congratulations! Be sure to follow your post-op directions from your doctor! Kristy

Amanda, Hopefully we'll catch one another in the lobby before you are checked in and whisked to the back. I'll definitely look for you. However, if you are having your surgery early in the AM... I will miss you. I should be at the OCC around noon'ish. Kristy

Congratulations on your weight loss! Kristy

Will anyone be at the OCC on Thursday, February 12 or on the early AM shuttle to the airport on Friday, February 13? I'm headed for my 2nd fill. Kristy

You're freaking hilarious! And, I must say... the little bit of time that I spent talking with your daughter, well... my guess is that the two of you are a lot alike. Glad your trip to LA was fun!

Just wanted to post my email conversation with Dr. Acosta. On Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 12:11 PM, Kristy Stock <kstock75@msn.com> wrote: Dr. Acosta, I have a question regarding second fills. I am scheduled for my second fill this coming Thursday. I have recieved mixed messages from other patients... I was wondering, am I to be on liquids for three days after my fill or do I go straight to solids? I'll be going on vacation after my fill and would like to be able to plan accordingly. Thanks, Kristy Re: Second fill question.‏ From: Hector Acosta (dracosta@obesitycontrolcenter.com) Sent: Tue 2/10/09 1:51 PM To: Kristy Stock (kstock75@msn.com) Kristy, After your second fill is important to try and eat solid foods, that way you are certain that your fill is adecuate and not to tight, in some cases we will ask you to stay on liquids, only for 24 hours, this is when we think that inflamation is a factor. Dr Acosta.

They've never checked my bag. I'll just put the meds in my jacket pocket. Kristy

We all need to remember that we are going to have bad days, weeks or even months. But bad days, weeks or even months does not mean that our band is not working. It is a learning process for each person. The band is teaching us what does and does not work for our body. And yes, it is terribly frustrating at times. Like several have mentioned, it is a tool... not a miracle cure. The past three weeks were really difficult for me... mentally. I was fluctuating between 270 and 275 and I for the life of me, I could not get the scale to go below 270. It is finally moving again and I am so relieved. While I was doing most everything "right" during those three weeks I had some of the same thoughts some have expressed here. It is another hurdle you have to jump, learn from and move on. Try to focus on the positives. Watch your portions, drink your water and exercise daily. Take a break from the scale if you need to, I know... easier said than done. Kristy

OICU812, Yes... I remember you having meds in your pockets. What is the name of the paid medication that you bought. I remember you telling me and making a mental note to remember it... but, I've slept since then. Oh... how was your trip to LA? Kristy

Thanks Angela! So... you need to have a prescription? I'm wanting to price Plavix for my mom since it's so expensive for her here in the USofA. Maybe I'll call her today and see if she can get a prescription. Thanks, Kristy

I'm using Lisa's sister's recommendation in the quote above... I'm doing both the Colon and Toxin program together. I purchased both of the programs together on eBay. However, had I know that I was going to do it for three months... I would have bought it directly from the website above as you get a good dealing purchasing several months at the same time. Kristy

I would be interested to see how many of you have purchased meds in Mexico. I know that Amoxicillin is a big one. What types of pain meds are available? Does anyone know if Plavix is available? Do you negotiate prices at at the pharmacies? And, does anyone have a specific pharmacy that they would recommend? I know that they are everywhere. Thanks in advance, Kristy