Teri

Gosh, it's hard to believe it's been almost 8-9 months since surgery. I'm afraid to write anything because I don't want to jinx myself. It seem when I write, something out of the ordinary happens. I've been plugging along and am down 10 pounds since my last fill. YEAH!!!! Kyle needs to go back and soon, I think he weighs more then before the surgery. Bummer. Just gotta find the time to get back.

Teri

I am glad you both had a wonderful time! I am 16 (and would be 17 when I want to get banded) and have been over weight... I guess you could say since I was 5 and my mom has been overweight probably her whole life. I don't know how to bring it up to her but I have thoroughly researched the lapband and I really want to get it done... I just don't know how to bring it up to her and how to ask her permission and etc. I'm thinking she will probably call me lazy or something but the fact of the matter is, is that I have eaten what they have been eating since I was a little one. I mean I do have the strength and the stamina to do something like this... I am willing to give up my complete years worth of pay checks and to do this instead of getting a car. I willing to go through the post eating and everything... I guess I am just scared to say something to her about it. I have been thinking about waiting till I have most of the money for it.... but I don't know how to bring it up and etc. ...and another problem... my parents wouldn't be able to go to TJ with me(they have no money or the time to take off) but I do have an adult who would be able to go... I am even willing to pay for their plane tix if I can do this.

I just thought I'd ask you for some help/advice on this seeing as you are a mom with a teen who got it done. So... I am asking for your advice or anybody else's one here.

Surgery is a big decision not to be taken lightly. You will still have to work on food choices with the band. As far as your fears go, just research every chance you get so you are prepared. I dont think being lazy has anything to do with the way you eat. I am so opposite of lazy, I have to much energy some days. When the time is right for you to bring it up to her you will have all the answers since you will have researched. If you are determined enough to have it done, I believe you'll make it happen.

Teri

Hello Everyone,

I havent been around the forum for about a month, so thought it was time to update again. I have lost about 7 pounds since my last fill in JUNE. I was really tight the first couple of days, then, each day the tightness seems to disappear and I end up eating more and more. I think I may have a very tiny slow leak. I just dont understand why at 3.7cc I can still eat a whole meal. I do feel restriction some days, but lately, hardly at all. 7 pounds in one month is great for me though. But I am eating way to much to keep up with this pace of losing. Another trip there and sooooooooo much to do lately. Would like to head back to occ before Kyle starts back to school. He's getting braces on next Tues, and needs a fill as well. So much to squeeze in.

Teri

to Teri and any others I have shared my difficulties with I now have a sad edding to my storry.

Unfilled by Wendy April 25 after multiple addjustment and still never was right. Called Dr. Ortiz Friday and was told to come right in.

Arriving here Monday I went for an endoscopy , then the usal barium test. Without a fill absolutely nothing is moving. The band appeared in correct position and there is no errosion, but I can't even get water through. We all watch at the water and baruim tries to go down the band only to come back up which we think was causing all my chest pain and reflux. No one could give may any answers on the cause, but Tuesday today, I needed to make a decision of loosing the band or allowing them to TRY to see what they MAY find and be able to fix. In the end the later offered NO guarentees. So, I am now bandless!!! Boo Hoo!!!!!!! I will miss this band more than anything right now. This is been such an up and down battle since January, being seen @ OCC and Wendy with fill centers in arizona. In the end I hightly recommend comming to OCC for any adjustment so that their information and histories are current and they are the ones helping you make the better decisions. This was such an unforseen problem that there is noone to blame. Wish me luck as I now try to use what I have learned over the last 9 months to keep me eating right, and excersing. With only 15lbs to goal this should be possible. RIGHT????

Kelly

Kelly,

I am so sorry for you. > I know the feeling of frustration with fills. May I ask why you choose to have it removed instead of finding out why it closes up. Was it something to do with swelling since the position of the band was right. While having it removed, did they see a problem when they removed it? Just curious.

Teri

Just another update................

Well, in one week, I am down 3 pounds. I am tight, and very tight. It hasn't been tight though. Yesterday, I must have eaten something that felt stuck, PB"d, then got swollen, then, I could barely drink water, since my band tightened again. But this time, I went back to all liquids for the day, and this morning, I can drink coffee. I'm gonna let it ride because up until yesterday, I could eat pizza, steak, everything basically and it's been one week since my last fill. I'm thinking something swelled up. I will take it easy, since we fly out tomorrow for Michigan, for a little vacation and nephews graduation. As long as I can keep water down, I'll do the liquid protien.

I could have gone to Wendy from fill centers for a slight unfill, since she was here yesterday, but decided against it.

Teri

65 INCHES

70 POUNDS! WAY TO GO!!!!!! HOLY MOLY! I'll be so glad when I can say that!!!! And, this is all after JUST one fill????? You go girl! LOL I'm amazed!

Donna

LORI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way to Go!!!!!!!! Serious weight loss for ONE year! I am sooooo proud of you!!!!!! and so happy for you. What an awesome feeling. I cannot wait to get there. You must have so much more energy and feel like a light weight.!! Great "job", as it's still a job with the band.

Thanks for your encouragement!

Teri =D>

Congratulations! And my hopes and prayers are with you. You've kept the faith so long; it's time for a BIG payoff!

NoWorry!

Thank you for your kindness. It feels right this time. Everyone, KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED for some luck my way.................................PWWEASE, and TANK YOU!!!

Teri

************ Well, not sure how I feel about setting a record at OCC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!***************

Yeppers, I'm the first patient that Dr. Romero has filled to 3.7cc.

(He has done close to 6,000 fills now, & I knew somehow it would happen to me, to be different. :-? LOL, but not really!!

Maybe that's just what I needed to finally feel restriction on a regular basis. I AM HOPING AND PRAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As soon as I figure it out, KYLE is going back too!

He only extracted 3.2 from my band. The last 6 months have been a nightmare when I decided to switch to a LOCAL fill Dr. here in AZ. 15 minutes sounded a lot better to me then one day. But as it has turned out, it has cost me so much more.

My fills have been incorrect a number of times. I was told I had 3.85cc in a 4cc band. BE CAREFUL on getting fills WITHOUT FLURO. I have wasted so much time, energy and money, and I hope to help someone from not having to go thru what I've been through.

Dr. Romero was great, not making me feel like a complete idiot. #-o

Teri

PS. HELLO gistmom, enjoy the rest of your vacation, it was great meeting you and all the others yesterday. >

Teri, I admire your patience! I've been bouncing up and down with 2 pounds this past week, and it's REALLY TICKING ME OFF!! LOL But, I know I need another fill. I think it is a lot trickier for women as far as fills are concerned. We have to deal with the dreaded TOM. I have to say, that I DEFINITELY notice a HUGE difference then. I get so tight, I can scarcely eat ANYTHING, but after it's over, Katie bar the door!

As far as tightness in the AM. I would think that your stomach, being an organ much like any other in the human body, probably retains water like any other. How many of you can say when you wake up in the AM, that your hands/feet/ankles feel swollen, or just a bit "tighter" due to a retention of water overnight? I can certainly say that my hands DEFINITELY are different in the AM. Ever tried to write something neatly after waking up? Hard for me to do. I can only think that your stomach in fact swells to an extent, just like any other part of the body, so in the AM you have more restriction, because the stoma would be smaller due to the swelling. When it wakes up, things tend to go down easier. Thus being the reason for the change in restriction throughout the day.

That's just my theory....

If the stomach swells/retains fluid during that time of the month, why wouldn't it also do the same overnight?

Donna :-?

Thank you for your admiration. I'm starting to get ticked off. You know the saying, "it's easier to spend someone else's money". Although I have contributed to the majority of our investments, through land deals, etc., this surgery for Kyle and I was spent from my hubbys hard work. So, I feel terrible for him. I was pissed this morning when I woke up and felt that awful feeling of fat, so weighed myself, and sure enough gained 3 pounds. My eating habits are the same. Still can eat lots. Bummer yet again. Oh well, still hoping to get back to TJ for some much needed advice and fill. Blah blah ba ba ba blah. I've read and read and read till I'm literally blue in the face, or red for that matter and I'm getting tired of the same old crap. I hate going through a fill and thinking, this one is going to give me the restriction I need to get started, then, it either doesnt last or it's to much. It's so annoying a few weeks later to get let down. Teri

Pammie,

You just have to know you tried to help Sandy. You are a great friend to her. It is great news she will be ok. It is all very emotional. Something you want so bad for yourself, you share with someone. It's hard enough to deal with your own band, and worrying about another's band is double the worry, because you'd like them to feel great too. I just pray you are not to hard on yourself. It is not your fault. Please know I am thinking of and praying for you both. Teri

OO YEAH, A BIG DIFFERENCE RIGHT OFF THE BAT, WHEN I LOOK DOWN I CAN SEE ME WHO WHO LOL

IT WASN'T PAINFUL AT ALL, SORE YES, BUT NOT PAINFUL. I WAS ON THE PAIN MEDS FOR LESS THEN A WEEK, THEY WERE KEEPING ME DOWN BUT MY HEAD WAS TO FUZZY

You'll have to post's some new pics!! Not sure if you already have. ??

THANKS TERI,

HAVE OTHERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH IT?

TUCKS GETTING WORSE WHICH THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD. I'M IN WHAT THEY CALL SWELL HELL WHICH STARTED A DAY OR TWO AGO. THEY SAY IT CAN LAST A MONTH. AFTER THAT, THE SWELLINGS ON AND OFF FROM TWO MONTHS TO A YEAR. MY LITTLE SISSY HAD A BREAST REDUCTION ABOUT A YEAR AGO, SHE SAYS THIS TOO SHELL PASS LIKE HERS DID I HOPE SO LOL

I'm not sure Pammie about others experiencing the same issues with the thicker saline. Geeze, hopefully you won't have that swelling for to long. Was it or is it painful? Have you notice a big difference?? Teri

HI TERI,

MORE THEN ONCE YOU'VE MENTIONED THIS "THICK" SALINE AND I KNOW ON ANOTHER THREAD WE HAD ASKED YOU ABOUT IT BUT LOOKS LIKE YOU DIDN'T SEE IT.

CAN YOU PLEASE GO INTO SOME DETAIL ON THIS? I'VE JUST NEVER HEARD OF IT AND WOULD LOVE SOME INFORMATION

THANKS

From what I've learned, it has more "salt" in the saline, which makes food stay in the pouch longer because its thicker than the saline OCC uses. For me, I experienced the wild restriction swings. It would tighten up weeks later, so much so that I couldnt even take a sip of water. It even felt funny. I could literally feel the band working when eating. It worked. I lost 31 pounds and was down to 154, but with troubles. I PB'd so many times just on water, I could taste the plastic of the band. I was never hungry and didn't even want to eat. I loved that I was loosing weight and would have kept using the thicker saline if I could have only kept water down. I first read about it on lapbandtalk.com. and the local person I use for fills suggested it. She's only local once a month, and then I would have to take a 7 hour day to drive to see her if I was to tight. That was the bummer. I tried to peg the right amount for me, but it just kept getting tighter with time. Thats when I switched back. Just couldn't adjust it properly. How was your tuck??? Teri

Okay - truth time. I haven't been on in a while, partly because of time contraints, and partly because i am so discouraged. I have lost NO weight because of the band. Dr. Ortiz did a wonderful job - everyone at the OCC is fabulous. Having said that, I feel like maybe this wasn't the right choice for me. I am down 15 pounds since day of surgery and all if it has been since I started Weight Watchers again and had an unfill. I eat what I am supposed to, I work out. I do EVERYTHING that everyone tells me to and nothing. (Truly - none of this is the problem.) I would take small bites, chew like a mad woman and PB until I was so streched out that I could eat whatever and however much I wanted. The next meal, same routine. Finally, my husband said enough and I had an unfill (not all the way) which allows me to eat without PBing at every meal, but still gives me no restriction. Is my body just not suited for this? Teri, I know that you have been through the same fill/unfill battle as I have and if I read correctly, you are down close to the same amount as I am. How do you stay positive and not get frustrated? I really don't want to give up on the band, but Weight Watchers is helping me see results when the band didn't...

The crazy thing is............I assumed all the dieting crap would be gone with getting the band. In my own mind, I thought I would be able to eat less food. I do eat less with this amount of restriction, but my choices are not diet foods. It stands to reason if you follow weight watchers you will lose weight or any diet for that matter, with or without the band. Just havent figured things out yet. For me to lose weight with the band, restriction has got to be very tight because IF I have to rely on my willpower, forget it, it just isnt going to happen. Not for life anyway. My next fill, if I dont tighten in between getting the next fill, will be 4cc's. That will be a true test for me with the band. I havent experienced the "restriction swings" with the reg. saline like I did with the thicker saline. What is most frustrating is the huge swings. Finding the sweet spot has been my problem. I can relate with you. A happy medium would be nice. I still have room in the 4cc band, not much, but some room. I have heard/read some people needing the full 4cc to hit that sweet spot. Watch it be me.????????????? hhheheheheh Hang in there stockprincess.!!!! Great Work Cyndi!!!!

Teri

LOL, I was looking at some Christmas pictures the other day and I was HUGE!! Then I realized I weighed 20 less than I do now AND that's after I've lost 26 pounds!!! :blink:

Hahaa, Not laughing at you, it's just funny the way we think about things. Teri

Hi Teri,

It's good to see you are still chugging along! You really look small in your picture. You were not real heavy when you got banded were you? Of course, I don't know your height, and that makes a BIG difference, but I'll be SO happy to get back to 185, and that's where you started! LOL I'm 5'7" so at about 150, I look skinny. Can't wait to get back there! I just had my first fill, and I got 1.2cc's. I had restriction when I left, and now that it's that TOM, I'm REALLY restricted.

I'm just thinking that maybe since you were smaller than most to begin with maybe that is why it has taken more fill for you?? The stomach get's smaller, the more you lose, so it would make sense that your stomach wouldn't be as big as someone who weighs 250 to begin with. I think you've done great, even though it's been a frustrating road for you. I'm sure you will get to the weight you desire in time!

Good Luck!

Donna

Hi Donna,

Thanks for your words of encouargement. Believe it or not, it really does help. I am 5'2'' and at 185 I was chubby and felt everybit of it. Having extra weight on you is pretty much all relative to an individuals way of thinking. I felt fat, big, yucky, harder to breathe, all the time. I hated being heavy and that feeling. I also had back surgery 7 years ago, and the extra weight is awful to deal with, with back problems. Up and down and up and down with weight. I felt having the surgery was my only solution to a growing problem, no pun intended. heheh.

Anyway, I am so happy for you and it sounds like you are well on your way to a lighter and happier you!!!

Teri

I'm not sure that Teri will agree with you about that.

I was banded on May 16 and also got the VG band. From reading Dr. Ortiz's book, I get the distinct impression that this bigger band is much more favored than the smaller one, and the subtext seems to indicate that he will be using it more frequently.

I'm still on my liquid stage of course, so there's no question of any restriction at all. I hit solid foods in another two weeks and then I'll know how much restriction I have with just the band.

However, with a capacity of 10 cc vs the 4cc for the 9 cm and 10 cm bands, there's a lot more room for fine tuning... or error, depending on your point of view.

Your right, I agree with part of the statement. It is an effective tool, WHEN IT IS WORKING PROPERLY!!!!!!!!!!! You have to GET TO THAT POINT FIRST!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, had a long day, and I'm just not in the right frame of mind. TEri

********update*********

Well, its been a week (yesterday) since my fill. I defintley have restriction at 3.85cc in the 4cc band. Not a whole lot, but enough for now. I think I could use a lttle more, but, I am eating a lot less with this fill, for sure.!!! I can still eat a lot, if I eat slow and chew well, but, I am learning to work with what I do have. I've lost 4 pounds since, and I will take it!! It's great to start loosing again. Just being able to eat less is a huge benefit for me. It's a slow road, but one that's worth the traveling. Stops along the road here and there that hold ya up, but, I don't mind being a turtle, as long as I finish. heheheh,

Teri

Excellent!

Excellent!

Teri

I'm not disputing it. I'm trying to understand why.

I believe, if I remember right, Kyle and I had to do 21 days of liquids, then, solids. I questioned Lori about going to mushies, seems it would be the best plan, but, nope, went right to solids.

Teri

Update

Had another fill yesterday. I'm at 3.85 in a 4cc band. I feel a little restriction this morning while drinking coffee. A little gurgleing while going down. This could be good. I hope this is it. I talked with a lady yesterday that mentioned someone on another forum didnt feel any restriction until she was filled to 4cc, the max amount, then she lost 70 pounds in 6 months. I just hope I'm there!

Kyle hasnt had a fill for a few months, he thinks he's to tight, so will wait on a fill for him. He's not losing, but not gaining either.

Teri

Update.

Lots has happened since my last post here.

First of all, I found out what my problem is. When people eat their stomach churns and works hard to break down food so it can pass through the GI system. My stomach works REALLY hard at this task. IOW, when I eat my stomach goes into overdrive and bottom line, my stoma closes. So I am now taking drugs to prevent stomach spasms. It is working sometimes. I still can't eat fruits and veggies yet I can eat dried fruits and veggies. The dried veggies I eat taste just like potato chips so I feel like I'm cheating but the scale tells me different. I was banded in December, I have lost 70 lbs, I have 32 to go. I can't eat meat but that's okay with me, I was a vegetarian for many years and am more than happy to go back to that lifestyle.

Talked to hubby about plastic surgery. Any guesses as to what he said? He said NO!

Asked hubby to move out about a month ago, we need time apart.

I am not done losing weight so I can't do a tummy tuck yet but I can have breast implants and a breast lift. I have an appt for this soon. I am still undecided about plastic surgeons but I am going for two consultations. One in the US with a friend and one in Mexico.

The tummy tuck will comes two months after I reach goal, I'm banking on two months to goal and two months after that I can have surgery. My big goal is this, I discovered the band existed 11/6/06. Surgery was 12/6/06. I had band surgery in December, I want to lose 102 lbs and have plastic surgery before my year is up. I want plastic surgery on or before 11/5/07. Then ALL my goals will be met. However, if the truth be known my *real* goal is to work out problems with hubby by August as our 20 year anniversary is then. I think we can do it, time will tell. But I will have plastic surgery. He is a doc and his primary concern is unnecessary surgery. He doesn't see the value in cutting into healthy tissue for no medical reason. I understand his stance, however I think he does not understand mine.

Now that I have time to myself and no hubby to worry about my volunteer time has increased. I'm back to volunteering in Nogales, Mexico... something I really love doing. I'm considering joining a program for those interested in understanding the Mexican culture. For $2K you live with a typical Mexican family for six weeks. While they do understand English they refuse to speak in English. I would live with the family and take four Spanish lessons daily. It sounds beyond FANTASTIC to me! Something I really couldn't do as a regular married person. After having surgery in Mexico and seeing the HUGE difference I just can't get enough of the Mexican medical culture. I am verrry impressed with their views and ways of doing things. If I can be half as good as a Mexican nurse, I am happy. Anyone who has already had surgery in Mexico knows full well what I am describing.

Hubby moved to the same apartment complex he was living in when we met. A very nice place, we are basically starting over.

I have a lot of thinking to do and decisions to make. I'll take the thoughts and opinions of anyone who cares to offer them. Life is a funny thing, it really makes us ponder our choices at times. It makes us come to decisions we never in a million years thought we would be up against. But I also realize that only good things can come from much soul searching.

You guys have been beyond fantastic throughout all this. I can never thank you enough. I don't want to bore people with details, but if anyone is interested I will post updates.

Thanks to Michele for giving me the courage to continue with my updates.

Cheers!

BSN!!!!!

So glad you posted, and thanks to Michele for her encourgement. I had written a little, then lost it, so, I'll try again. Basically, so glad you are doing much better. The last time I had read your posts you were barfing constantly. I am so happy for you that the medicine you are taking is working even some of the time. Best of everything to you on your new adventures. It sounds like you are on another new and exciting journey. Congratulations on all your weight loss!! Wow, how awesome!!!!!!!! Does your husband love it?????? Does he say?? We need to thank you. For coming here and sharing. Good Luck to you on your marriage, I know it's not luck, but with whatever you decide, I hope you have a happy and peaceful life.

Teri

HOWDY LISA.

I ENDED UP STAYING LOCAL FOR THE TT AND LIPO ON THE FLANKS. I'M A LITTLE LOOPY YET BUT IN NO PAIN, THANKS GOD FOR GOOD DRUGS LOL. HAD MY FIRST APPOINTMENT ON SATURDAY, DR SAID EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD. I JUST NEED TO STAY DOWN FOR A FEW WEEKS, MAKE SURE EVERYTHINGS HEALING

Keep us updated Pammie, I hope you get great results. I'm surprised you needed a tuck since starting around 190's in weight. Anyway, how was it, and best of wishes on healing well.

Teri

I briefly forgot all about my upcoming surgery and had a drink last night with just 3 days to go to surgery. Anyone have any idea why alcohol is prohibited for 2 weeks prior to surgery and have I messed up big time?

I had a wine 4 days before hand. It was my anniversary, what can I say. I wouldn't suggest it the night before surgery, since nausea could come into play after surgery.

Teri

Hey JC.

I really appreciate your warmth and support - I am in need of it today. I recently broke up with my boyfriend of 14 years and my band has tightened up so much I can hardly eat at all - I'm trying liquids for two days and I may be headed back to mexico for an unfill or worse a slip. Yes, I have tried everything but i still plan to find a youngish woman endocrinologist (suggested to me by a nurse at lapbandtalk.com) when I have insurance again. I am willing to pay anyone up to $15,000 IF they can help me - I won't pay if they can't as I'm complaint as hell and can't keep throwing money away.

But to answer your questions - I have food diaries for over 14 months although i don't do it anymore - i've given up

I snow skied in the winter 5-7 times a week very strenuously for 3-6 hours

I took a boot camp class at the gym

I lift weights 3 times a week

I walk back and forth to work (about 30 minutes each way)

I've varied my calories from 600-1500

I don't Blame the band cuz that's stupid - it should work wouldn't you think?? But because of all the above - having the band makes me crazy - i thank god every day i told no one except my boyfriend - the shame and scrutiny would have sent me over the brink.

I will have it out soon so no need to get myself all worked up but you are right - we 'failures' only post for so long - we eventually skulk away in our shame and despair.

dietingqueen,

I too feel so bad for you. The money, time, effort, agony, obsessions, journals, stress, up and downs is very physcological. All of those things alone take major energy to deal with. I wish you all the best with your decision, especially the peace you deserve.

Teri