Teri

HI Not sure what you mean by Samia 06. ?? Im in Arizona too.

WEll i guess I wanted to know if you guys ever went back after 2 weeks.. I kow Im rushing but I want restriction and wont wait months to go back

I am sorry, I might have mixed you up with someone else. Where in AZ? No, we did not go back after the 2 weeks. We both are eating to much, but are maintaining.

Teri

BUMPING This.. HOPING....

Hi Samia,

Are you the same person with the name Samia from last year (06)? All I can tell you is read, read and read some more about fills. Everyone is different with fill level amounts. I really believe it takes a good many months to figure out the band. Good Luck. Teri

Just want to share an experience from this past weekend. Last Tuesday I had a fill in St. Petersburg, Kathie is great and the facility is very modern and nice. I seem to be one of the unusual people who tighten up a few days after my fill. Anyway, Friday night I tightened up to the point that I couldn't even drink water. I tried warm tea, walking anything I could think of. I even spoke to Dr. Romero on Saturday afternoon, who was very sweet and gave me the best advice he could from Mexico. I called several emergency rooms who basically said there was nothing they could do, but if I continued to dehydrate they could possibly give an IV.

Anyway, Monday a.m. I was very grateful that another bandster in this area had been talking to me all weekend and she could hear the shape I was in and she was at my house at 7 a.m. to start the trek across the state because she didn't think I should be driving. When it got to be 8 a.m. when the office in St. Pete opened we called to give Kathie a heads up that there was an emergency and we were told that she was off till Wednesday and there was nothing they could do.

Fortunately, since it was still too early to reach Fill Centers, I did know the name of the facility in Tampa, got the number from information, called her and she gave me directions and got me in. She also made sure when we left we had her cards on which there is an emergency number that she answers after hours and on the weekend. She told me that had I contacted her, she would have come in on the weekend and helped me out.

Her facility is much more modest than the facility in St. Pete, but I think her dedication more than makes up for it. She ended a three day nightmare for me, probably just in time as I know I was very dehydrated, starting to have pain in my kidneys, etc.

Anyway, to sum this up, I am so grateful for Darlene who was by my side and drove me across the state to get care because she wouldn't let me go alone and for Dr. Rose, who was so compassionate and accommodating even though she wasn't the Dr. who did the fill. I think that having a number that can be reached outside of office hours is such a plus that it puts her at the top of my list in Florida.

I guess the bottom line is, doesn't matter how great the facility is, or the provider. If they aren't available for an emergency, it's a problem.

I can def relate Barb! You get to the point that you are sooooooooooooooo desperate for relief. The pressure and pain in your chest is so severe. I remember times I counted down the minutes, then seconds, literally for the moment they withdrew some saline. It is comforting when you need someone in an emergency and they can be reached to help. Glad things are better for you and you were able to have compassionate people surrond you. Teri

Teri!! It's nice to see you updating often! I was curious who this 'wendy' is that you use in the Phoenix/Mesa area. Can you get me some info on her? I am in Mesa for the next 3 months & if I don't have to go to Fill Centers or back to TJ... it would be great. You have had some struggles... I hope it smooths out permanently for you. Thanks for any info!

Hi Queenofchunk,

If you go to the Arizona topic, you will find a lot of info about Wendy, when she comes to the valley, phone numbers, etc. Good Luck. Teri

LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES TERI

Thanks Pammie! I remember checking things out on this forum, and I was all over the place, researching, went to calenders and it happened to be your birthday the day I was in the calender. I wished you a happy birthday without explanation of me being everywhere on the site and it might have seemed a little funny to you, so hence the explanation now. Anyway, thanks for your encourgement.

Teri

Hi Kim and Kevin,

Were all about the same time in getting banded. It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone by, getting closer to the year mark. I'm with ya Kim on the trying to figure out the band. It's hard to answer questions at times from people on the board because the band is something you adapt to and only you can do the adapting. It varies wildly at times.

Kyle thinks restriction is order a pizza, eat, get stuck, pb, eat some more, never get full, eat all evening and eat almost the whole pizza. (MED SIZE) doesn't make sense to me, at all.

My restriction is order a kids meal, eat the size of 1/4 to 1/2 cup and I'm stuffed- or eat a few bites from my hubby's meal.

I think becoming swollen after pb-ing will come into play when you try to eat something again. From my experience, you will be tighter. I have to go back to soups or liquids such in protien drinks, and still very tiny sips. Maybe, since you were on your feet all day, you were swollen from that all over and it affected your esophagus too. It's crazy. It's hard to pin-point reasons. It does get confusing, especially when your looking for answers, so you can prepare yourself for the next time. But......................the next time, you react differently to the same thing you might have ate when you pb'd.

Totally extreme.

If you find out, let us know, hehehe

Teri

Good Luck on your new wonderful journey, and happy losing!

Teri

That's very valuable information, Teri. Thanks.

What's the shortest period of time you would wait between fills (to give your stomach enough time for the swelling to go down)?

NoWorry,

One WEEK. I have gone in sooner, after some swelling and it wasn't enough time, since I swelled again. One week seems ok for me and is what Dr. Romero suggested. This last time, I waited the week and it's proven to be good so far. In that one week, I did gain 7 pounds. But new I needed that saline back in and fast. hahehehe

Teri

No Worry,

Personally, I would get a fill,

IF............

I could consume more food in a day, or for a total of one week than the amount I needed to lose weight. In other words, for me, if I could eat to much food in a day, calculate for a week and if you feel your eating to much for your body to lose the weight, I would go for a fill. Do not diet, either during this time. Just eat what your in the mood for, whatever, whenever. With me, I know I will not lose weight if I constantly am grazing. If I am filled properly, I do not think about grazing and I am restricted in that I cannot consume to much food to overeat because the band does most of the work, since I rely heavily on it for my non-consumption (?) of food.

Try it.

This is only my observation. If I waited the 3 weeks to determine things, I WILL GAIN 20 FRIGGIN POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Teri

I dont think your a true bandster until you get to experience this. HHHHHAAAAAH HEHHEHEHEHEHE LOL LOL (Just teasing.) It's not funny at the time, just afterwards when you look back at all the things you try to do to get the food unstuck. Teri

Well, I feel as though I'm getting intimate with the HWY up to Heber. After getting fills on MON. 7-20, Kyle became to tight the next day, and I not enough, so my DH drove with us up to Heber to adjust. The 6 hour drive is a pain in the arssss, but it's getting better. It's very frustrating trying to peg the right amount again. I hope we have it right. Today is THURS, 4 days later, so we'll see.

Teri

Becky!

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting! You look great. So glad you were able to acheive this goal, especially since you've had a few setbacks with your body. Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration to all of us.

Teri

I would never dream of including you with the rah-rah sisters, Teri. I find your thoughts, opinions and comments extremely valuable, helpful, open-minded and reality-based. Heck, even your wrath is welcome.

Why thankyou, NoWorry. Ditto

I'm sure this has happened to many of you on the pre-diet -- I just committed fully to the surgery for 8/28 - but today it finally REALLY hit me what I'm going to be doing!! I mean, this isn't just a temporary thing, it's a lifestyle thing! I know I need it, but certain things are really making me worry -- like the ability to chew without worrying that every bite not properly chewed is going to cause me pain - or the fact that I can no longer drink diet soft drinks with my meals! I think I enjoy the diet soft drink almost more than the meal!

It doesn't help that we went out to dinner where I had salad that I tried to chew really slowly - almost choked on the mush. I also tried not to drink - but I was so thirsty and just broke down and ordered the diet coke.

What I will miss more than anything in the world is the ability to drink diet soft drinks with my meals. I don't know how I can do this!! You'd think I'd miss breads or other foods -- but what I really fear is missing the carefree eating without worrying about chewing every bite - and the lack of diet 7-up/diet coke in my life - particularly when I"m eating.

Is one able to change lifelong habits - really? And make them stick? I confess, I haven't had much luck with that (which is why I'm here!)

Thanks for any perspective/words of wisdom!

Danielle

Danielle,

Not drinking period with a meal was difficult. I talked myself into thinking I could do it, because I was thinking, it was just one rule and how hard could it be. It was hard. But........................just like a habit, it takes time to change things. Once your banded, there basically is no turning back, right? So, you learn to live with the choice you made. It is not a problem for me at all, 8 months down the road. It gets frustrating at times, but so does being fat. It's live with fat, or make necessary changes you learn to live with. You can change habits, and be successful. Sometimes, ya gotta take the good with the bad. It does get better with time. Just believe that.

Teri

Relax, no wrath from me. I guess I'm still into cheerleading after 34 years. Rah Rah. LOL

I would have died for just one little bite! But I knew if I gave in it would make it easier to convince myself to cheat in other ways. I'm constantly playing mind games with myself, man it's exhausting! Lol.

Who's the cutie on the left (pic), good luck to you! Very soon, your mind games will be gone!!!!!!!!!! and you will love it. and you will love your band, once you firgure out how it will help you. :)

Teir

Interesting seeing someone ask and discuss the more difficult questions.

Some random ramblings:

I am of the opinion, as several others, that the band should being doing most of the work. Yes, I am required to make certain changes to accomodate the band, but if I was able to diet properly, I would not have a need for the band. This really bothered me when Dr. Acosta did my last fill.

Seeing my modest weight loss, he said, "Aren't you doing anything to lose more weight? (duh....I got banded to lose weight- you see the band on the flouro, right?) Do you eat lots of soup? (not lots, but I do like chicken noodle) Do you like rich creamy soup? (yes, as a matter of fact I have a cup of clam chowder about once a month or so) Are you eating lots of sweets and ice cream? (no, I am diabetic....is Spenda in my glass of iced tea a 'sweet'?) You can't just wait for the band to take your weight off. (hmm...should I try a cocaine or methamphetimine binge instead?)

Needless to say, I don't yet have a high opinion of Dr. Acosta. And I have many frustrations with the band. But, bottom line, I began at 383 lbs one year ago, and I now am down about 50 lbs. Without being banded, I would weigh between 380 and 400 right now. I was eating too much. I can still eat too much, but it is rare, difficult, and time consuming.

Is it worth the money? Well since I had a large amount of cash sitting around, thus far it has been worth it. I have more energy and I can be on my feet all day without hobbling around on sore feet. Would I have borrowed the money for the surgery? Probably not.

I know many bandsters get loans for the surgery. I would be much more disappointed had I borrowed the money. Since the $10000 was rather inconsequential to me, I think my view is different. I know banding is a much larger financial strain for many. I do not have that extra stress factor.

I knew before surgery that I would probably need 4 or 5 fills to get sustained restriction. I read enough experiences to have that expectation. I have made 3 fill trips, and need another. Another mini-vacation to San Diego is not such a bad thing.

This is a two year or longer journey for me. No hurry.

Greg,

I'm with ya. I havent met Dr. Acosta. I wouldnt have liked his attitude either if I was the one there.

Ah..............hello.............if you experience good restriction with the band, and you dont consume huge calories in a day, he needs to help you get to that point without all the extra crap you dont need to hear because you have been probably beating yourself up about it to. I think your doing awesome!!!!!

Teri

#-o I HATE THIS PRE-OP DIET!!!!!! SEEMS LIKE I'M MORE OBSESSED THAN EVER ABOUT FOOD!!!!!!!!! My surgery is tomorrow, and I'm STARVING!!!!!!!!!! I have a headache!! And I'm in a bad mood!!!

Anyone else out there find the pre-op diet unbearable!!?? That "band" had better work!!!!!!!!!!!!

[/quote

Without a doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are exactly where I was at the night before surgery, as a matter of fact, all the days leading up to surgery were difficult, but doable. Brace yourself though................................ the 21 days in the beginning are ok. Towards the end, you'll be begging for solids, anything chewy or food with substance. It was bad. BUT doable, because you dont want a slip.

The boards are great for that extra encouargement to help you get by. You can do it, but it will take some willpower the last few days.

Teri

Thanks guys, you really did make me feel better! $6.50 for broth and water? That's insane!!! Gotta add boullion to the list...

The ridiculous thing is, I'm probably as nervous about the 4 hour plane ride as I am the surgery. I guess I'm one of those people who invents things to stress about!

Tonight was rough for me. I really wanted to chow down on something bad, anything bad, it didn't matter what. I didn't though. It's tough because at first my husband was going to do the pre-op diet with me, but of course that didn't last more than a couple days. So while he ate two fried chicken sandwhiches, I sat on the couch with a blanket over my head crying. I wanted one so bad!!! It was like I couldn't make myself leave the room. I just stayed and tortured myself listening to him eat.

I know, I'm weird. Sorry, I just had to get all that out. I know that things are going to be better, and when I'm thin and healthy it'll all be worth it! =D> I'll say to my husband, "Go ahead, have your fried chicken, I'm going for a run!"

To funny

I can remember thinking the same thing, poor me, not being able to eat what my husband was eating, and then getting just a little irritated about it, but in a joking way. The funny thing is, is, once your on solids, you can enjoy it anyway, if your band will allow you too.

Teri

Updating for my record............

Went to Wendy after phone conversation with Dr. Romero. I became very tight again, from being to swollen, couldnt hold the liquids down. Dr. Romero wanted me to be completely unfilled, with good reason. But, being the rebble I am, he then mentioned at least stay at 2.5cc. I was pretty determined to do what was right without sacrificing the progress I have made. Keeping in mind all the fills and unfills I have been through. Well, I settled for 3.0.

(Dont be mad at me DOC, I've been there before and gained 20 pounds back in 3 weeks. All this hard work I feel I'm helping to put in, and I just dont want to gain weight back. Believe me, I want to do things right, and I have been in touch with my body and the way the band works with my body. I have every intention on wanting to follow what the Doc suggested, but I know myself way to much. I figure, if I stay on liquids for one week, and they go down just fine, I will heal. And, hopefully, I will not gain weight back. If I thought for one minute, I might lose my band, I would absolutley go down to 2.5cc. I feel very good tonight with the 3.0cc I settled for, both in my mind, and the way I am reacting to the slight unfill. Wendy will be down again in the Valley one week from today, and I will adjust the fill then, if need be.

Tanks for the advice Doc. Just needed a little reasurrance from you today. As always, you are a sweetheart, and care so much. Wish we had lots more of you here in the U.S. hugs, Teri

I'm experiencing a slight problem yesterday and this morning. Usually, when i eat to fast or take to big a bite and I get food stuck, I'll pb, then end up throwing it up, not violently, it just comes back up. I swell, cannot eat for about 6 hours, then try again with soup first, then solids. I am then opened enough for solids. Some days, i can eat a whole burito supreme from taco bell, no problems, other days, steak, you name it. It has been working this way. Yesterday, i was stuck with 2 pringle potatoe chips and was swollen the whole day. My attempt at eating homemade french onion soup worked on just the broth (just the broth at first, then got a little gutsy and added a little onions and soggy cruton, very tiny amount though.

I ended getting up every hour last night with a burning sensation in my chest, I think from the band. I had this once before when I drank cold water to fast, but it started in the evening and went away in the evening a few hours later.

I just might have to let things rest. I can drink small sips of coffee, and that is staying down, so liquids for me today. I'm down another pound for a 27 pound weight loss, and I'll take it!!

Hope your all doing well.

Teri

Thanks for your feedback, Teri. I have been reading your posts with great interest and your story has been inspirational -although I must confess I wondered what kept you motivated through the ordeal (other than the huge investment, of course, and no reasonable way to back out). You have been far more patient and positive than I could ever hope to be.

Tell me, though, would you have recommended this surgery to a friend during those 8 months?

Would you recommend it now to someone who was looking for reasonably quick results - say, looking to lose 75 pounds in a year following surgery?

No Worry, You hit it, right on.... Huge investment, and no reasonable way to back out. (It had to work)

Boy, I really had to think on your questions. Not so quick to answer, that's for sure. Hang on, going to get a cup of caffiene. heheh

I'm struggling.

Recommending the surgery to a friend during the 8 months..................

Yes, I still had belief, and No, it hadn't started working for me, yet.

Each person is different and every person's body will react differently to their band. Fact. You can consider yourself VERY LUCKY, because I believe it is luck, if you reach your sweet spot with 1 fill.

I think I wanted to believe in this process so bad, because I knew in my mind for us, this would be the ONLY weight loss attempt that would permanetly end the vicious cycle of losing, gaining, dieting, gaining, etc. if it worked. I kept very quiet about the surgery to many friends, and to this day, that remains.

If it wasn't for the testimony's I read, I don't think I would have had the surgery. Basically, because of the unknown. Reading both positive and negative testimony's (mainly negative) because it's eaiser to be drawn to the good, and I wanted to know what I would be up against if it didn't work for me. I researched every waking minute I had available and realized the fills were the key to this process.

Every month (card club) I would face a wonderful friend who was so excited for us and she would ask how it was going. I dreaded going because I knew she would be excited to learn how much Kyle and I lost for that month. I then would explain, it's a much slower process then bybass and adjustments are the key and were just not there yet.

Would I recommend it..........quick results............75 pounds in a year...........(it's a loaded question) I still would recommend it, but as far as quick results, it may or may not happen because your fills dictate your success and 75 pounds in a year all depends on a lot of differnet scenarios.

In my situation, I am a rebble. I don't diet with the band. I wanted the band to work for me, I didn't want to work for the band (food choices). Since I paid the $8500 I needed this to work. If I made better food choices (diet food), I would have lost a lot more weight. I refuse to diet because I can do that without the band and lose. (why would I have needed this in the first place is my way of thinking.) My understanding of the band was, eat less because you get full on 1/3 less. That was the concept and the dream of the band that I hung onto.

I knew I had the tool (if indeed it worked). I refused to give up. I was certain if I hit the sweet spot, I would lose. I had experienced a light restriction if I ate a little to fast or to big of bite, but not enough to stop me from eating the amount of food nessecary to lose weight. I would of course just slow it down and take smaller bites, but continued to chow until I was full. I def. wasnt going to keep weight off this way. So, I trucked back time and time again for fill after fill.

What is most frustrating is when you think you've got the right amount of fill and your body changes with the band. At any given time you will experience light restriction, no restriction, some restriction, full restriction, even with the proper amount of restriction. Some days, I cannot eat a thing, only soup. Other days, I can eat a meal. It's hard to plan. But........it is better than anything I have ever tried prior to surgery. You learn to live with it. I rarely think about food anymore. The thought of food and what my next meal will be tends to disappear since I probably won't be eating much anyway.

You've read all about the learning curve and it is what it is. Is it 100% effective everyday? NO. If it is effective MOST of the time, you will succeed, while still enjoying most all foods you love, just in smaller quantities.

Hang in there with the fills process. Believe you made the right choice after doing your research and the desision you made to have the surgery.

PS. Keep posting. > When I find time, I love to read your posts and others.

Teri

Wow, what determination!!!!!!!!!! Love it! The team at OCC are truly amazing and so are you! Love your winning attitude.

Teri

No Worry!

Prepare yourself for frustration if your 2nd fill does not work for you. Or the 3rd or 4th. You will hit that sweet spot. Just hang on and keep believing. It took me to long to get there. I was thinking scam too, but didn't want to entertain the thought until I reached the sweet spot that everyone talks about. It was hell. I used to get silently pissed and irritated because it was hell trying to adjust, thinking the last fill was perfect, going from eating anything to becoming to tight, trying to get water down, etc. I'm at a point where I am losing, and believe me, it works. I refused to spend all this money for nothing. Restriction is real and you will lose once you are filled correctly. I honestly feel I have finally reached the right level for me just 2 months ago and I had been banded since Nov. 1, 2006. 8 months of hell and trying to stay motivated and positive was difficult. Very difficult. I hope and pray you do not have to go through 8 months of hell to get there as I did. If it takes a while to get there, it will be worth it in the end. With each fill that doesn't work, it is a huge disapointment.............. but you paid for the surgery, and the fill process unfortutantly and fortunatly is the key. I'm with ya.

Teri