GregNE

I had all of the same thoughts and concerns as above. I decided, however, that the benefits of the surgery make the risks acceptable. It is a very personal decision that each person needs to make. As to getting care for complications, I read my insurance policy, and while WLS is excluded, there is no clause stating complications are also excluded. So, I have a reasonable expectation that if a real band emergency were to occur, I would be covered. And getting food stuck really sucks. It is extremely uncomfortable, and in my case, has lasted as long as 30 minutes. Thirty minutes of hell in my experience. But, as Clynn said, it is usually no big deal medically. The food will either go down after a bit, or come back up. In very rare cases, it could become an obstruction, requiring an emergency "unfill" of the band. However, I have yet to see anyone report needing this kind of "unfill". Considering and knowing the complications is smart before choosing surgery. I personally feel too many people gloss over the possible problems. I decided that I am strong enough to handle them.

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz, and was very happy with my care. I must say, though, I would be very afraid of going to India for surgery. I always had in the back of my head before surgery, "If something goes wrong, I can get back to the USA easily." India would not offer that piece of mind for me.

I would not consider a fill without flouro either. To me, it would be like getting a broken leg set without an xray. It may work out fine, but the risk is higher than I would want.

I had no port site pain until about day #5 post-op also. The most likely reasons are muscle strain (they stitch the port into the abdominal muscle) or nerves firing as the wound heals. I consider it a normal post op process, but if you experience redness or constant pain, you should call Dr. Ortiz or Martinez. My pain occurred about twice daily, for about one week. It felt like being poked with needles, but lasted only 5 seconds.

You will be able to eat all of those foods, but just less of them. Perhaps 1 piece of pizza instead of 3. Perhaps a couple of fries instead of a whole order. Getting banded is about eating less, and better food choices. While you may find some foods do not go well with your band, most foods, including most of your favorites, will be fine in moderation. And, there is no requirement to give up wine. According to the band manufacturer, while not a great food choice, alcohol will not cause a problem with the band. Good luck.

I experience a lot of belching, but I would not call it reflux. My theory is that the air that goes down as I eat cannot easily pass back up through the band. So, it seems, belching is how I am able to relieve the pressure. Perhaps that is a form of reflux, but not acid reflux, as their is no pain or burning.

I'm new to this and will be getting banded some time this month. I think its time to hear from some of the men folk to get a clear picture what i'm about to get myself into. Ok I've read a zillion posts from you girls... This one if for us boy-bandsters. Some of our experiences and reasons for being here are the same... but some are SOOO very different. Looking forward to getting the straight scoop Randy If you do a search of my user name and that of 'CalKev' you should get a good start at seeing postings from a male perspective. Good luck with your surgery!

Don't the choosing2lose tickers work anymore? I updated my ticker, and the board does not show the image.

I decided to return to TJ for my first fill. I found out I had a 'window' of a few days from work. Unfortunately, OCC was closed for the holidays, so I had to go without an appointment. But, I decided to take a chance, and drove many miles to San Diego dodging the blizzards of Colorado and New Mexico. I emailed Rene, requesting a fill for Jan 3rd, and he responded the evening of Jan 2nd, saying no problem for a fill at 11am. I drove to a parking lot at the border about 9am ($7 to park), and walked across. I hailed a Taxi for $5 in TJ, and was at the clinic by 9:40. Great exercise, by the way. It is not a difficult walk, but was perhaps 1/2 mile or so each way. I had a great time talking with others waiting for surgery and fills. I got a sense of fulfillment at easing the anxiety of those sitting there waiting to go back for their surgery. I also learned much from others who were in the office for fills. I encouraged all to visit this forum for questions and to share their experience. I mentioned it months ago, but reiterate, I considered my first fill to be a post-op follow up. And, to me at least, it was. Dr. Romero confirmed proper placement of both the band and the port, and that was a great relief to me. Also a relief, was that I had lost 2 pounds since surgery. It sounds like a trivial amount, but for those of us with the VG band, weight loss is very difficult before the first fill. I had been eating as much as I wanted for 4 weeks, and was certain I had gained weight. I do not weigh myself (I have learned in the past that the scale is my enemy, so I stay away), so had no idea what my weight was. I ended up with a fill of 4.5cc in my 10cc VG band. I believe it was a bit of an over-fill, but I trust his judgement. When the fill was done, I washed the barium down with water, and it was a bit uncomfortable. I had immediate chest pain/heartburn, and even the water was being restricted. Dr. Romero said I drank too fast, and the discomfort did not last long. I got a ride back to the border with a nice woman named Mary Ann. She was there for a fill also, but had a very unique banding experience. She had a band placed a couple of years ago, and lost 84 lbs (to a size 2 she said). Well, her band slipped after she had lost all of her weight. She was re-banded with a VG band by Dr. Ortiz (she did not know why the VG band, but it is because the VG bands tend to slip much less often due to the design.) She acknowledged the slippage was probably due to not following the band 'rules', but also she was told by Dr. Ortiz that her stomach did not develop scar tissue around the band as is the norm. Anyway, she had regained 30lbs with the larger band, but still looked great. She was now at 5.5cc for her VG band. I parted ways with Mary Ann when the traffic jam started, and walked back across the border. I saw Francisco and said hello to him in the OCC van as I passed. It took about 30 minutes in line to cross, then I walked back to my car. Well, restriction sure is making a difference. Even liquids are restricted a bit as they go down. I am more restricted in the mornings, and warm drinks go down easier than cold drinks. I 'slimed' for the first time today, while trying to eat a bagel. Very uncomfortable, but I learned to take much smaller bites. I returned to the bagel about 1 hour later, and nibble by nibble I got it down. Even as I drink a diet green tea while writing this, I feel the restriction with each swallow. It is a feeling I must get used to, but at least now I know I will be eating much less. I know my post is lengthy, but I wanted to give a thorough account of my first fill. If the day I was banded was my "birthday", my first fill is my 'baptism'. I have a long way to go, but am going the right direction.

KellyJo, I think you will find most people using this support board have experienced regaining of some weight after returning to solid food, and before getting their first fill. You are not alone! If you read some of the other experiences, you will see many similar reports. Most people have little restriction until their first or second fill. Those of us with the VG band can expect 2-3 fills to get true restriction. Hang in there, and glad to see you are getting a fill. It should get you to start losing again.

Many bandsters report "tightness" in the morning. Most with this side effect drink a protein shake for breakfast. I recommend Adkins Strawberry or Vanilla. Slim-Fast, at least for me, has too many carbs. The Adkins also helps you get your daily protein intake. Best wishes!

I am able to eat virtually anything right now, but still a little less than before surgery. I remember walking next to you by those taco stands on Avenue Revolution, and it was torture! But, now I can have tacos again. I just have to chew chew chew. Only 30% of patients have restriction before any fills, so I would say an entire lean cuisine is absolutely normal. With your band, you most likely will get restriction after your first fill. Remember, your band right now is still totally 'deflated', kind of like a catheter before it is 'secured' with saline. If a lean cuisine is a full meal for you, you are doing amazing!

I was given a receipt for the procedure as soon as I paid, and also have my stub from my certified check. The receipt details what all was included for the $8500 I paid. Since the IRS is not a medical agency, I believe this receipt and proof of payment is all I need for documentation for my tax records. What further documentation have you requested, Kym?

I really wish this tool had been available when I was a teenager (20 years ago). I am sure my parents would have supported me having it done back then. While I believe every experience in life makes us who we are, and growing up obese has helped develop much of my character, having been of "normal" weight could have been much more positive for my health and life. But, no regrets. I am the product of the sum of my life experience.

It would appear to me that I may use the cost of surgery as a tax deduction. The IRS recognizes obesity as a disease, and it would get Uncle Sam to pay for a good portion of my cost. Has anyone used this as a deduction? Any problems doing so?

OK, how do I post my photo. When I try the option "post personal pic", it says I do not have permission to do that.

The general rule Dr. Martinez told me, is that if its larger than a 200mg Ibuprofen, it should be split. However, I currently have no problem taking my Metformin, which is about 4 times as large. Is the Welbutrin actually 1/2 inch in diameter? Or do you mean 1/2 inch long? A half inch diameter pill would be larger than any I have seen, but 1/2 inch long is within normal size. Taken with a full glass of water, it should go down okay.

I am almost positive that it is the Fleets Kit. They use green boxes, and green bottles. When I used one for a colonoscopy, it was two docusate (Colace) tablets, a green bottle of liquid that was to be mixed with juice then consumed, and the wonderful enema (ahem) Fleet is so famous for. It is, however, better than the "Go-lytely" prep, which is a 3 gallon jug with an orange flavored powder inside, that is to be filled with water and consumed completely within 24 hours ( . I know a woman that said she used this prep the day before her wedding so she would fit in her dress! Reminds me of the old satirical commercial 'Saturday Night Live' made. "Need more fiber from your breakfast cereal? Try 'Rectal-Blo'. The most fiber, guaranteed"

Yes, I am very cute . And speaking of cute, since many ladies point out how good looking Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez are, in all fairness, I must mention Dra. Mirandez is also a beauty, and the Post-op Dr. De.....???? (never caught her full name) is quite cute also. And yes, the care at OCC is wonderful! Being mostly a self-pay facility, it is apparent that they go the extra mile to cater to their clients. After all, unlike US facilities, they actually have real competition, and must keep standards higher.

I am quite sure this will be implemented. The last couple of times I entered Canada (about 18 months ago) I was hassled about not having a passport (It was in process of being renewed). On the first trip, I entered with no problem, but upon returning a US immigration agent gave me the third degree. The next trip, it was the Canadians that hassled me. "Sir, you do realize you are at an international border, right?" Umm, duh. I was required to fill out some paper work, subjected to a vehicle search, then warned "we will let you in, but we cannot guarantee you will be allowed to re-enter the US." However, I was allowed to re-enter with no problem, by stating "My passport is currently being renewed." Also, I prefer to have a passport for any short notice trips to Europe I may make. Last time I went to Europe for holiday, it was with 10 days notice! Being it takes 4-6 weeks to get a passport, I like the freedom of being able to leave the US on a whim. Lastly, a Passport is the best ID (in addition to a Drivers License) a US citizen can have. For example, when you get a new employer, and must complete an I-9 form, a Passport is the only ID required. Without a passport, you must dig out a SS card, or a birth certificate, in addition to a state issued photo ID. In fact, a Passport is accepted as valid ID even if expired. To me, it is a no-brainer to hold one.

Perhaps she is referring to a Fleets Bowel Prep Kit, which some physicians ask patients to use before surgery. I had to use them before my colonoscopies.

I noticed you mentioned having Crohn's Disease. I think I remember the literature saying Crohn's is a top contra-indication for the band. I do hope you have discussed Crohn's with your surgeon, but just wanted to bring it to your attention if you were not aware. Perhaps it is not an issue for you, as every situation is different. I do wish you the best.

Your topic name tells me the story. If your message was truly inspired by a man in the hospital, you would not have used 'MONEY' in your rant. You lack credibility. Do tell us what city and hospital the man is in. I have lost 50 lbs also, in fact many many times. I chose to have a band placed to help keep weight off for the long term, and encourage additional weight loss. Posting negative, and likely false information does no favor for any of us. A factual account with detail could be informative, however. "I gain nothing by telling this story", you said. Unfortunately, without details, we gain nothing from your story either. And yes, 1 in 1000 persons do die from lap band complications. However, I for one, am willing to beat that statistic.

A couple of questions to other bandsters about my post-op experience at OCC, just out of curiousity: 1) Before my first walk around the clinic after surgery, my nurse gave me a 5-10 minute neck and back massage. The other two fellow bandsters that day reported not getting the massage. Was this just something that individual nurse does for her patients? 2) After dressing and walking out to the lobby the morning after surgery (waiting for the ride back to the hotel), several photos were taken of me, first posing with the after-care nurses, then a photo with Mrs. Ortiz. The male surgical nurse took the photos. I never asked what the photos were for, but the other two bandsters were not photographed as I was, nor were any of the bandsters the prior day. Again, the questions have just been in the back of my head for the last few weeks, as I think back to my surgical experience. Anyone else have either experience? Just curious.