finally

I have only been banded for about 2 months. Having a blind fill seems so dangerous (almost like it shouldn't be allowed) We have a foreign body inside us there are too many what ifs... I paid for restriction I want to see it! If I hit traffic my fill could be over three hours+. I have heard the term "sneaking up to restriction" What is that!!! CRAZY. Really any health care provider could do blind fills all you need is a sterile field and the right needle. Blind fills require very little skill. (the new lets increase our income a bit, 0.1cc at a time )

drinking a protein drink as I type this! so glad I read the "heartburn" thread! and the handout!!! liquids for me for 2 days. :to_take_umbrage: D.

Lea, I like to stay with "less ingredients are better" I found a good selection of creamed soups in the "Organic" (used to be health food section) of the grocery store. Don't have any Whole Foods etc in my area! Found the carton soups worked well for me. I can pour out what I want. I followed the instructions from the OCC 21 day "calendar" I am going back to liquids for 2 days because I had a stuck food episode aka PBing! :bad: D. (I sent you a PM)

Advice. I had a my first serious episode of stuck food (pretty sure it was chicken!) It felt awful. I had PBing and it was very painful. Walked around resisted the urge to drink something, finally it passed. (seemed like forever!) The surg center where I got my fill gave me a handout and it says "After an episode; always go back to a full liquid diet for two days. This allows the swelling to go down before solid food is resumed." I don't remember being told this at OCC? Do you do this? D.

Angie, Learning...how are you doing? When I went to those two parties last weekend I didn't dare touch some of the food items for fear they would get stuck (fear is good..) So I made choices based on what I have learned here and from my friend Pat. I can't eat to early in the morning to quote you "I got the ohh feeling in my chest" So I am learning. Had some shredded white meat chicken, got the "ohh feeling in my chest", then I tried it was some BBQ sauce and it was fine (chew chew chew). Today I had piece of an apple with skin, my complex carb for lunch " the ohh feeling in my chest" didn't chew it enough. (in a hurry-going to be a bad habit to break!) Do you have any restriction at all? I do think I have restriction? Going back next Monday to have my band checked again. D. (my foot is acting up (getting a steroid shot :lb17: in it tomorrow ouch!) Still not able to walk etc for exercise, I am going to wait for three months per the OCC recommendation to start lifting weights again.) Are you exercising? (besides running after your little one!)

"I don't want my life to revolve around food. I want to live my life." That says it all for me! I have been on so many diets, been so obsessed about food, food has controlled my life for so many years. to quote another forum member "Food is not my friend!" I really like that statement because it implies a relationship. food really is just fuel! (sometimes it just tastes sooo good!) I can only speak for me. I am attempting to follow the band rules to eat 3 meals a day. In the morning I have found that food gets stuck so I am having a protein shake. With my job I almost never have 20 uninterrupted minutes for lunch (I carry a pager and it beeps most of the day). that being said I am making time to sit down and eat lunch! Protein first, then a complex carb. If I wait till I am too hungry I will be too tempted to eat crap so at this stage of my journey I am not equipped to only eat when I am hungry! maybe if I reach my goal and stay there for awhile (when I finally give away all my different size clothes for good!-of course some of them are quite out of style by now!) It could be a consideration?. :scratch_one-s_head: Good thought provoking question.

I had my first fill on Monday 6/8 stayed on liquids till Friday. It was scary eating solid food for me reading about food getting stuck, throwing it up etc..... (Had an "incident on Monday after the fill was drinking a smoothie and a chunk slipped through, was burping :bad: (PBing) it was so much like I had read about, it did pass...) so back to solid food. Friday night , I ate some meatballs, wanted to follow the "protein first rule" It seemed OK then I just felt like I needed to stop, so I did. Then Saturday morning went out for Breakfast and had a bacon and cheese omelet and well done hashbrowns, didn't get too far and just felt like I needed to stop not sure if it was stuck or not???? Really wanted to drink some water but I didn't. Decided to take a another small bite but once again just felt weird so I stopped. Later in the day I ate a protein bar (zone w/almonds) chewed it really well and had no problems.Went to a Grad party for a friend. by now I am hungry . A friend who is also banded (she came with me when I was banded) was there so I had some coaching! Ate some meatballs, deviled eggs (protein first again) and then some chicken and broccoli casserole. Took a small plate for cake (Costco chocolate.....) and a little homemade Oreo cheese cake. Ate most of the cake, it was a very small piece and found I couldn't finish the cheese cake, another small silver. I was done! I felt full. Restriction? Hope so. Then I had to go to another party!!! What I discovered when I left is that I didn't even eat any food. I stayed satisfied from the food at the first party. I am excited to think this band really might work for me. Today is another day. This really is a learning process. I printed a few copies of the 5 rules: (put it on nice colored stock paper, cut it fancy scissors (I am a scrapbooker), and put stickers on them (Bloom where your planted, flowers etc...) Rule 1: Eat three times a day Rule 2: Eat only solid foods Rule 3: Chew thoroughly Rule 4: Do not drink liquids with your meals Rule 5: No high calorie liquids and put them on my bathroom mirror, in my pantry (I rearranged the food so I have my own shelf), on the frig and on my dresser mirror. Thank you all for the support, encouragement, and realistic expectations! D.

Faith, Update? I was looking at the "old" posts and yours is one of the most viewed. First thank you for the honesty... I was banded about a month after you. Just had my first fill. How was your first fill.?I did had some "regrets" but I seem to be adjusting OK. My port is doing lots better. Still on liquids post my fill but will be eating solids soon. Do you have restriction? How is your weight loss? Still having pain? Logging on and reading the posts has really helped me. I know I have support. D.

Finally got my fill. Such a strange experience! The RN was very knowledgeable (I had lot-o-questions!) Now I know what band I have (a. the surgical center called Dr. Ortiz b. you could see it under fluoroscopy!) Had to drink 3 cups of barium to make sure all was OK. The band took 9cc so it is almost full, she made sure I didn't have a leak or anything, turned sideways, more barium. Took it all out then put it back in. she was surprised it took so much. I am glad she was so cautious. I was sitting up. Could see my underwires and how the port was attached (metal clips vice sutures) I made an appointment in 2 weeks. Going to have it checked again (for my peace of mind). Liquids are going down fine. Advised to stay on liquids for 2-3 days then chew.....chew.....chew.... believe me after seeing how small the opening is I will chew!!!!! Hopeful this band my work for me. This board has been helpful as I know others have had success. The surg center suggested I attend a support group, I already have one, here!!! The RN also is a lap band pt she told me "You never have to gain the weight back" That is my main reason for getting the band. Angie any restriction? Eating solids? D.

Angie, Any restriction? I get my first fill Monday. You must have a 4cc band. gee .7 seems like so little. I am really concerned about multiple fills, as my fills cost so much (still less expensive than going to TJ) Thank you for the honest post. Can so relate! If I could control my food intake I really would not have bothered with the band! My goal is to retrain myself. I have lost weight soooo many times I have a clothes collection from size 6 up! (needless to say the smaller sizes look new as they were not worn very long!) Yesterday was one of those "why did I eat that" (really those) going away party at work for someone.... Today is a new day, work this weekend. (answer to you post a while ago....don't know what the pop was did you ask your fill doc?) My port is still a little sore getting better (still scared to lift weights of do sit-ups, afraid I will rip it off my abd!) Foot still not 100%, having nerve pain, hope to start walking next week , scooterless for 2 weeks, returning it today! (I still walk around at work, but haven't walked up to the 4th floor yet, using the elevator, normally I never use an elevator (They kind of creep me out...) Keep us posted on how life is after your first fill.... D.

Shelby, Your new picture!!!!! You look fabulous! :lb21: You are an inspiration..getting my first fill the 8th, been struggling with being on a "diet" have good days and bad days. :dash2: Looking forward to "restriction" why I got the band! I went through my clothes and have them ready to put back on, Maybe this time I can really give then to St. Vinnie's for good! D.

Here is cut and paste.... Band Adjustment (Fill) Information For Patients Outside Our Practice Our office is available to do fills (adjustments) for patients who have had their surgeries elsewhere. We request that you fill out the questionnaire that you can receive by calling or emailing our office. Once we have received the form back, you may call our office to schedule. Band fills are always done under fluoroscopy (x-ray). Payment due on day of fill. We accept VISA, MC, Discover, Cash & Check. Please remember to not eat solids for 4 hours before the adjustment. Fluids are okay. You must return to a liquid diet for 2-3 days following the adjustment to allow for swelling to go down. The fee for band fills is $375.00. If within a week or so of your fill, you have problems and need an additional adjustment, the fee will be $150 for the 2nd adjustment. If you feel your fill is too tight and you need to have some fluid removed, please call right away for an appointment, as there will be no charge. I too was going to go to TJ but I talked w/Dr. Ortiz about Pacific Surgical Weight Loss Center and he recommended it. (He taught the MD's at the clinic) If you call 1-866-722-6363 they will e-mail the required forms. They are even going to call OCC to verify what size band I have (if you read my posts I am confused about what band I have) D.

I made an appointment @ Pacific Surgical in Olympia for Monday June 8th (wanted it sooner my work schedule got in the way...) Thank you for the feedback. Now same question as Angie? What does Pacific Surgical do sitting or lying? and what is the difference? D.

Angie, When is your first fill? I am so ready for it!!!! I looked for the Realize site for Mexico couldn't find it. It would be nice to be able to use the Realize site it has some pretty cool stuff. My foot is getting better! no more scooter, have been wearing real shoes (sneaker) today was the first day I didn't have to use my surg shoe! sooooo ready to walk!! How are you doing??? D.

I got an e-mail from OCC today and they say I have a 10cc band, which makes sense to me if it a Realize aka Johnson & Johnson. I guess I'll find out for sure when I get my first fill, hopefully the 2nd, going to call tomorrow.

I try and weigh myself just once a week. Every day I get obsessed (really possessed is a better word!) I am really trying to make this about eating right (and not so much!) and keeping the weight off. If you are like me you are a professional dieter, name a diet been there..... (still can't eat papayas :bad: from the "Hollywood diet") D.

Pammie, Where do you go for fills? I know there is a fillcenter in Auburn but was told they don't use floro? How many fills did you get the first year. You inspire me as you are maintaining your weight. I have been at my goal a few times but never stayed too long! D.

Did your card have a size on it? I know you were banded after me. What band do you have? My confusion is from having a Johnson and Johnson aka Realize and it being 4cc.

I am very confused??? I thought I was getting a 10cc band. I called OCC today and was told I had a Johnson and Johnson 10cm 4cc band. I was looking on line Johnson and Johnson is a realize band unless there is another then it might not be FDA approved? 4cc is a very small volume... My card doesn't have any size on it at all.

heard from OCC our bands are Johnson & Johnson 10cm (size) 4cc (volume) sent my paperwork in for my fill. so ready for it!

Robbyn, I am doing so so with solid foods, really don't have any restrictions so it is "being on a diet" If I could stay on a diet I don't think I would have had the band! Find myself still craving carbs. I am looking forward to my first fill. My plan is to get it June 2nd, if I can get the paper work finished (need the name/size) then I can mail it to the clinic where I am getting my fill. I still might go to TJ? Trying to save $. I do feel less hungry, I am "practicing" chewing my food, taking a small bite and putting my fork down between bites! How are your gourmet liquids? (I am unable to exercise because I had foot surgery, can't wait till I get the OK to go back to my walking! Not sure about lifting weights because of the band...my paperwork from OCC says no abdominal work for 3 months, and lifting weights uses abd muscles...I just use dumbbells, nothing to major!) D.

Robbyn, I have enjoyed your postings. I was banded 4/27/09. Looking forward to my first fill. I am trying to find the brand/name and size my lap band. I card I got has a sticker " S or 5? OBTECH" then a bunch of numbers and letters" I remember I think it was 10cc" What does your sticker say? Anyone else help me?. I have e-mailed OCC without a response. I am going to try and call today. I never did get a kids meal card.... I also don't know how to post a ticker etc.... :-? D.

We get in ~ 2:20 We are staying @ the Marriott. Which hotel did you decide? D.

I am scheduled for the 24th also. I am flying in with a friend (she is banded, my support) I am not telling anyone. I am very excited. what time do you arrive?