DisasterWalking73

No, I don't slime very much (or at least not what I consider much) - it's happened maybe 4-5 times since banding. Honestly, my experiences have not really been that bad. Just feel a little weird tightness, and now I've learned to quit while I'm ahead at the first signs of that. At first, I didn't realize what I was feeling (that "stop" signal) and let it get to the point where I slimed a little, but no solid food ever came up. It feels like (sorry for the tmi) - when you have a cold and mucus backs up in your throat. I find that McDonald's cheeseburgers and the chicken salad sandwiches from a local deli are the things that are most likely to do it to me. So now I avoid those. Way to go on those jeans, btw!!! I wanna see photos!!

Hi Girl . I too was banded the same day as you with the same band. I feel restiction still and have had no need for a fill. As long as I am losing weight I am in no rush for a fill. I am hoping I will be one of the lucky ones who never need a fill . Maybe we got magic bands and will never need a fill

Take care

Deb

You know, that thought has crossed my mind... that we have magic bands, that is... Honestly, I've never met nor spoken to anyone unfilled who has as much restriction as you and I seem to. You must've winked at Dr. Ortiz or something... But hey, I'll take it! Have you ever slimed?

Hi, AmberStarr - I am sorry to hear about your problems with your band - that is a very frustrating place to be. I wanted to address the issue of your Doc's office advising you to eat low carb - I can think of two reasons for this, and hopefully it will make a little bit more sense to you.

First, most overweight folks are insulin resistant, to some degree. Insulin resistant folks have problems processing and using sugar and, on them, it immediately turns to fat. For example, while I was on liquids-only, I actually gained some weight on Gatorade and chicken broth - because the Gatorade had sugar. Hard to believe, but true. Now, what causes weight loss in insulin resistant folks? Eating low carb? In fact, the more fat you take in at a meal, the lower the glycemic index (usually) - so this way of eating is really great if you are insulin resistant. I am insulin resistant, I eat this way (limited carbs, but I do not limit fat AT ALL - I eat real butter, ranch dressing, etc...) and I've had good results. See before and after photos under "Hi, Girls" thread - I'm 3 1/2 months banded.

Secondly, some of the low carb foods go down much easier for us than high carb (ie - bread, rice, pasta). Slow-cooked meats, cheeses, most veggies - never a problem for me. So, you might want to give it an honest try and see if it makes you feel better, and see if it gets you some results. Even if this doesn't work for you, I really hope you find a solution! - Deena

Thanks, ladies - I see everyone here is as supportive and kind as ever.

Carrie - thanks, I almost feel guilty for seeing that big a change since I have not working very hard over the holidays and my exercise got very sporadic there for a while. But, whatever, I'll take it anyway! I just went and looked at your gallery, and you are looking great, too, girl!

Theresa - nice to meet you and welcome to Bandland! Like I always tell everyone, it does have ups and downs, but all-in-all, I think you're gonna like it here. I was getting very frustrated at one point, because I am a slow loser (PCOS, not always perfect with exercise, either) - but when I look at my pictures from 4 months ago vs. now, I feel very happy with my progress. Good luck to you!

RevyD - thanks and same to you, Lady! 97 pounds!!! Wow! You are my idol - have you been shopping at Old Navy, yet? In the NON plus sizes? Judging from your photo, that XXL is gonna swim on you, you're gonna have to go down to the XL! You look great!

Hi, Janelle - nice to meet you! Welcome to this awesome journey - it has its ups and downs, but I think you're gonna be very glad you made this decision. As for my weight, I'm not sure what it is right now, but I'm gonna guess in the low 230's or upper 220's. That's fine by me - I'm hoping to see Onederland around my birthday - but, if not, that's ok, too. I'll just be pleased as punch not to be where I was in that first photo!

Kristi- speaking of hard work - you're lookin' great, girl! Look at you in your little black dress! This is the first time I've seen that photo! Thanks for your kind words, it is very nice to be back on the board - I've been away too long!

Hi, everybody - I have a quick question for you, and this may be more a matter of opinion, but here goes... I'm 3 1/2 months post-op and I have not yet had a fill. I know that seems like too long to wait, but bear with me here... My "safe to fill" date would have fallen right before the holidays when I was doing a lot of extensive travelling and I didn't want to have complications or be really super-restricted at that time. Thing is, although I'm not filled, I am losing weight and think I must have some restriction! In fact, I've even slimed a couple of times when eating something very doughy (it's happened maybe 5-6 times since banding - no pb, just slime and a feeling of being "stuck") I'd say I can eat about 1/2-3/4 of what I was able to eat before (depending on the food). So, do I have restriction?

FYI - I've got an 11cc Realize band, Dr. Ortiz told me it does come "primed" with a small amount of saline and that some lucky people get restriction with no fill. Could it be possible?

...And guys, too.

How's everybody doing? I have not been on the board in what seems like forever - but I have missed you guys! I thought once the holidays were over and my schedule got a little bit less crazy, I'd have more time to post and read. And then grad school started. So, needless to say, I've not been around a lot. How were everyones' holidays? Mine were great - a lot of fun and family and travel - and, of course, food! I managed to, by some miracle, still lose a pound or two in those weeks, although I just would've been happy to maintain (it's really hard to make good choices at Cracker Barrel, I found! ) I was getting a little bit obsessed with the scale there for a while, so I've decided that I'm not going to weigh until my birthday (June 5th) - but I can tell I'm losing - for those of you who don't know me yet - hi, I'm Deena and I'm 3 1/2 months post-op. The first photo below was taken about two weeks before my surgery, the second was taken about three days ago (complete with toothpaste splatters on my bathroom mirror - how embarrassing!) Sorry these are so huge - I wasn't quite sure how I could size them smaller!

Oh my gosh, RevyD!!! All I can say is WOW. You look SO great - I can already see a big difference just since I a saw you at OCC. Way to go, girl!!!

Hey, RevyD - how are ya doing, Lady? I just read your stats and it looks like you're doing really well! That is so awesome - I am so proud of you and how far you've come already. You inspire me with your unwavering dedication - and way to go on the 2X - we're now the same size, girl! Let me share my little fashion secret with you (lol) - don't know if you have an Old Navy nearby, but if you do, the size XXL they carry in the store is exactly the same as their 2X. So, by Old Navy standards, we are both officially able to shop in the regular ladies' sizes. Goodbye plus! lol Hope you are well. -- Deena

Hi, Babe (and hi to all my other awesome friends on this board, I've been MIA for too long! How has everybody been?) - I just wanted to chime in and tell you that I sympathise because I, too, am a VERY slow loser. I found out shortly before getting banded that I have a condition called PCOS which causes hormonal imbalance and severe insulin resistance (which almost all of us overweight folks have anyway, but PCOS worsens it) and my weight loss has been sloooooow. Basically, 15 lbs so far and I was banded Sept. 29th. Most of that was from the pre-op diet - and on the post-op liquid phase I lost nothing. Seriously. Not one pound. In fact, I gained weight one day on gatoraid and chicken broth. Basically, if I'm not eating extremely low carb, I'm not losing weight. Sad, but true. Also, with Thanksgiving having just passing and other holidays looming on the horizon, I haven't exactly been eating spectacularly (I'm not filled yet) - but, somehow, I've found new motivation. My goal is to be 10 more pounds down by the time I leave for our annual holiday trip North (Dec. 20th - I'm publicly declaring it, right here and right now! And the good news is, although the band isn't helping me LOSE weight yet, it does seem to be helping me keep it off (a BIG plus, in my book, and something I have not been able to accomplish before) So, basically, I'm saying - I know how frustrating it is - but let's keep going - I'll bet we're gonna get there!

Hi, Anicoler, and welcome to the board. Well, anyone will tell you that this is a decision you ultimately have to make for yourself. That's a no-brainer. BUT, I can also tell you that the vast majority of folks on this board have had very positive experiences with the band. For me, my surgery was very good - but, I am severely insulin resistant (have pcos) and the weight loss has been slow and hard-won for me. I am now in what is known as "bandster hell" - the period between being banded and getting a fill - and have not lost any more weight (nor did I lose much on the liquid diet). So, yes, there can be frustrations like that. All in all, though - I'm still very happy with my decision (I have lost some weight, and my acid reflux is cured) - so I would say read and research as much as you can (I find blogs of people who've had the surgery really helpful) and then just see if you feel ready. If so, go for it - it's a change for the better!

I know I'm late in replying to this, but I thought I'd go ahead and throw in my two cents. Hope2Lose, I'm so sorry you had to hear that, especially from someone you no doubt rely on for support and encouragement. I know I would be very hurt if my husband said that to me (although, secretly, sometimes I wonder if he thinks that - we've been together for 15 years and sometimes things do get a little less exciting than they've been in the past-- I do get that "roomates" feeling sometimes) I think every marriage goes through the issue of struggling to keep a spark alive at one time or another - anybody who claims they are ALWAYS swinging from the chandeliers is lying. Or at least I think so. I really like what Tootsie Lou said about there being different marriages within her marriage - I totally see that. I think that is true of every long term relationship - and I can tell you that the time when my kids were young (same as yours are now) was probably the hardest time in my marriage. So, maybe that bodes well for better times ahead for you.

Also, I have to wonder why weight IS such an important issue to your husband. I mean, is he worried about your health? Is he worried how it reflects on him? What exactly is his issue with YOUR weight? Well - I wish you the best and it sounds like you're moving in a good direction. Good luck.

Hi, WormButterfly - nice to meet you!

Let me add a little shout-out to Angie B in this as well - we are almost at exactly the same weight now, girl! Well, I WAS down to 237 but after being off liquids (and eating whatever I felt like over the past week) - I'm rockin' it at a svelte 240 (lol - well, I don't know about the svelte part) I'm back on track as of tomorrow, though - and my Doc has put me on a new pcos med which she thinks will help my weight loss -- so, anyway, here's to seeing the 230's together!

-- D

I think that was said very eloquently, Shelby - you do rock! lol I also am very impressed that you took the high road and were so polite to that guy - I'm not sure I could've been. That must have taken a lot of self-control, but your point came across loud and clear!

I just wanted to write, dont think anyone answered your question. If you got banded at the OCC, (sorry did not look) you have nothing in your band. The phase that you are entering is known as "Bandster Hell" because YOU have to control the food that you eat. The band will control to a point, but it will get easier to eat more and more until you cant get your fill. I actually went back 2 weeks after my first fill and got my second. I would suggest to you to start weighing your food and counting your calories. Stick to the bandster eating rules as much as you can and if you do this, you will be ok until you get some restriction with a fill.

Hang in there, you will do GREAT!

Carrie

Hey, everybody - well, there is one thing that Dr. Ortiz told me that's a little bit different from what's stated above (although I don't know if it really makes a difference or not) - is that the new bands they're using (the Realize 11 cc's) are "primed" with a little saline going in, and that makes them easier to fill. This came up because I had asked him if it was harder to get restriction from the Realize band since they're bigger (as opposed to the J&J 4 cc bands) and he said, no, not at all. He said, in fact, he feels it's easier because they are "primed" and "take the fill easier." Soooooo, take what you will from that - I don't know if it actually provides any restriction or not (I can tell you I don't seem to be very restricted at all right now) - but according to Dr. O, there is a little bit of saline in the Realize bands going in.

Awesome, Sabrina - congratulations - you have done really well. =D>

Thanks Kristi and Pammie! It does feel great and what felt just as good is when I got on the scale and discovered I was only up 1 pound from where I was two weeks ago when I left. I would say this is more accurate than last nights estimate of 2.5 pounds as I was weighing at the same time and in the same manner I did two weeks ago. If only a certain someone had been there to see me because I would have loved for him to have seen me. Even though another friend was there that will absolutely tell him, it just isn't the same. Guess that is what I get for wanting to be a little show off.

Great job on your loss, Smiley (and also on the very negligible gain over your trip) - I know exactly what you mean about having that certain someone that you wouldn't mind seeing the "new you" - I think lots of us have one of those! lol

Hey there - just wondered how the solid foods are going? I will be there on Tuesday! Yay! Even though, strangely, I'm not as excited as I thought I'd be. I think I am scared of gaining back weight as well - although, my loss on the 21 days of liquids was REALLY small - like 3 lbs. I'm thinking it's cause I couldn't really eat low carb - oddly enough, when I started adding in more creamy soups and higher-calorie stuff, I actually seemed to lose more weight. The human body is a weird thing, huh?

Thanks for sharing your experience, Tadpoles - this board is mostly for patients who have had the surgery (or are scheduled to) by Dr. Ariel Ortiz and his staff at the OCC in Mexico. I can tell you, if you are looking for excellant care, a seemless, easy experience and a first-rate staff, you have found it. I had my surgery less than a month ago at OCC and it went perfectly - I've never recieved such good care in the US. There is one caveat, though - they don't take insurance. That was ok in my case, since mine wouldn't cover a lap-band anyway. It makes me think the REAL solution to healthcare reform in the US is to do away with the insurance companies - if everyone paid out of pocket for everything than the docs wouldn't be able to charge the ridiculous prices they do and they'd have to really work to keep their patients (Doc's like the one you describe would be out of business, because they wouldn't have a captive audience like they do now) -- make them compete for us. Check out the OCC - you might find it to be more affordable than you'd ever imagined (everyone I've told is stunned at how low the price is) - and you won't jump through any hoops, you'll just get first-rate care. I'm a convert - I wish I could go to Mexico for all my medical needs - lol.

Hey I'm going in on the 22nd so you will be gone when I get there but I'm also going alone. I was scared to go alone as well, not because of anything that might happen at the hospital or with the surgery, the posts on this board made me feel confident that everything would be ok, noone seemed to have a bad experience. I just didn't want to be by myself. Unfortunately noone could get off work to go with me I read a post by DesasterWalking and it kind of put my mind at ease, she went alone and everything worked out fine. It might be helpful to you as well. Good luck, I'm sure you will be ok. -Odette

Hi, Odette! I'm happy to know I was able to help put someone's mind at ease with my post. And, yes -- I had a good experience and everything went absolutely smoothly. I will say it would have been more fun if my husband was there with me - but we decided together that we'd rather him be home with the kids so that they'd be comfortable, rather than dissrupt their entire routine and have them stay with someone else so he could come along. That was a tough decision - and I will admit that I was scared and had some doubts (the night before leaving for TJ, in particular) - but everything was just fine. I am now 16 days post-op and feel like a million bucks!

THE ORIGINAL POST WAS FROM ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO

Oh. Ha ha - didn't realize that!

Oh man, the Quesadilla explosion is my favorite! Dangit! lol :lb12:

Ah, Moonwisdom - I feel for you! I have problems with sugar, too. Most of us who are overweight are insulin resistant to some degree. If our blood sugar is not stabilized, it can lead to the constant desire to binge on sugary foods. I can tell you - if my blood sugar is good, I can have bags of candy in the house and ignore them like they're not even there, they don't cross my mind at all and I don't want them. If it's BAD (spiking then crashing) - I would've eaten that bag of tootsie rolls too - then kept going with whatever other candy I could find until it was gone. This is a hard road we're on - don't blame yourself - the blood sugar rollercoaster is not your fault. I can tell you, a cinnamon supplement has done WONDERS for me. When I take my cinnamon in the morning, I'm good for the day and don't want sugar at all. You can google "cinnamon and blood sugar" for more info. Good luck to you and hang in there!

I'm doing good, thanks - not too much discomfort anymore. Weight-loss is slow - I've only lost 3 more pounds since being on liquids. But, cutting out the sugary gatorade and juices and switching them for sugar-free stuff and water seems to have helped - I haven't weighed in a few days, so I don't know how MUCH it's helped... lol. How's it going for you?

Oh, and about that Tortilla soup - YES, you must try it. My kids are literally begging me to make another batch - it's going to become a staple in our house long after the liquid diet is history! My tip - puree an avocado with a little lemon juice and olive oil until completely smooth - then stir about a tablespoon of that into your hot soup. Sooooo good (and will keep you full for a long time). Yum.

Hi Deena. No I have not tried it yet. Maybe I will make some this weekend. How are you doing?

Debbie

Great video - and great progress! You should be very proud. =D>