Teri

Wow, you are doing great. Glad we can talk. I know that you have payed indivually for your lap band. I think that is a whole different view point from insurance banding. I want certain results just like you. You might have to pay more. Diane G.

Diane, Thanks, it's been a learning exp. Just curious, when u say you think that it's a whole different view point from insurance banding, what other view point do you mean? I never thought about it.

Teri

Surgery was Nov 1, 2006. I have lost 31 pounds, and my son has lost 34. Lots more energy in our house!

Teri

Hi my bandster family,

I just wanted to apologize for not being around very much lately - I had my hernia surgery and that recovery is taking much longer than I had thought (even though my doctor warned me it was a very large, very deep hernia!) he also had to do some other exploratory work and repair in there... so I was pretty beaten up.

Dr. O has been keeping me very very busy with surgery patients lately so I've had very little time to spend with all of you. I wanted you to know that I miss you guys and that if anyone needs to get in touch with me, just email me directly at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com and i'll get back to you ASAP!!

Thanks to my helpers on the forum for keeping up with the spammers!

> > > > > > > > > to all of you!!

Oh Lori, I cannot believe your healing process has lasted this long.!!!! I feel for you. Being down and out is no fun. Glad to hear you are doing better since you are working more. All the best to you. We missed you too.! >

Teri

Hi there, Diane G. here. I am new to this website. Could anyone tell me what they love about this site???? I think that would help me get aquainted with folks. I am located in Maryland right on the Chesapeake Bay. Love boats, dogs, and food (darn it) I was a good cook but I swore off from my good cooking and now cook normal healthy stuff. I will have to learn how to cook good gourmet foods. I think I will make a trip to Borders. I garden and have 3 grandgirls and no I didn't grow them in my garden. The stork brought them. Well, enough of my sillies. Hope to meet you all. Diane G. oh, band stuff!! I had surgery Nov.21,2006. I was 229 and I am down to 197. Mine is coming off slow, but I know one thing. I will never see this weight again EVER. Yeah.

I think your doing great Diane! It is slower, but it's better to lose slower. I personally like this site for support, and info you probably would not know otherwise. I was banded by Dr. Ortiz and this is the website for Obesity Control Center. There is support here that other people may be going through what your going through. Just reading and following the progress of others banded and thier stories is great. I personally am a little embarrased about posting about all my fills and unfills, but if someone can learn from my adventure, glad to save them from the headaches. Way to go on your weight loss so far.!!

Teri

Congrats Teri! Mine is May 11th. I hope I will be experiencing the same thing you are... in time. I was shopping yesterday and looked at this awesome sweater on winter clearance. I wanted it so bad but then I thought to myself.... by next winter this will be too big! I was proud... even before I start! so I can imagine how proud and good you must feel after losing that much! Way to go.

Oh, Thanks Queen of Chunk, How awesome you will get to experience losing weight also almost effortlessly. You will love it. It is such a great feeling, and even though I still have a long way to go, I haven't bought anything, because I can fit back into my smaller clothes I kept from a few years ago. But, I cannot wait to shop when I get down to the goal. Your smart for not buying it, cuz you will lose, and have so much fun trying on things that feel good and fit good. Congratulations on your surgery. Keep us posted!!

Teri

OK. Oh my gosh! It seemed this prior fill of 2.65 was perfect for about 2 weeks, THEN yet AGAIN the band tightened. Could not keep water down nor eat for a couple of days. Went for an unfill. Had her take out ALL of the thicker saline, since I believe has been the cause of the band tightening up weeks after a fill all the time. I drank 4 big glasses of water, phew, tasted soooooooo good. Then, had her put back in 2.5cc of the reg. saline. I don't feel any restriction with this fill, which is a bummer! But, being so tight, I didn't want to experiece that again, so I am taking it slow for a while, until of course I get "antsy" from gaining, which is what usually happens.

I have only had 4 fills, but the band keeps getting tighter and tighter weeks later after a fill. I think it might be from that thicker saline. If you don't need it, don't get it. The only reason I tried it was because after the 3rd fill, I was given 3.4cc with reg. saline, and for one month was NOT restricted. So, being I was still at surgery weight, 3 or 4 months later I got a little scared, thinking this wasn't going to work for me and what happens when I do start to lose? - There is only a few more cc's I could go.

This is where I'm at. What an experience!!! I must say, I would not give up the band for ANTHING! - within reason of course. For me to lose 31 pounds is thee best feeling. I feel so much better. It is truly amazing. I would go through all the fill/unfill frustration, again, (not that I would want to) but would, to keep losing. I believe I'll find that happy medium with fills that will last more then a couple of weeks before it tightens. We'll see. Now that I'm back to the reg. saline, it might be a process finding the right amount again.

Until then, when I look back at the progress, I am loving it.

Teri

Hello Everyone! I have been lurking in this forum for some time while I researched my options for Lap-Band Surgery, and today I sent in my forms and deposit, and am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz for 5/14/07. I am a bit nervous (the whole Mexico thing), but all the posts here about how great the experience is, have really helped to set my mind at ease. I am hoping to get some others who may be having surgery about the same time, as well as others who have gone through it! My partner had gastric bypass in May 2006, and has gone from a high of 343, to a current weight of 187- and so now I am the "fat" one...and I decided I want to get healthy again! Thanks! >

Skep3key,

I think personally, you have made a lot better choice with the lapband then gastric. From info out there, the lapband is healthier for your body. You still must make good food choices which can be hard at times because when your filled correctly and know you can eat little, you like to indulge in the good stuff that got us all plump. It's way to much fun. Even with all my fill problems, I would not trade this for ANYTHING! You are in the best of hands with Dr. Ortiz and staff. The whole Mexico thing was huge for me to. You will see. Enjoy the best! Very caring and organized! Remember, you will lose slower, but results show after a couple of years, the weight between the to different surgerys is equal.

Best of Everything to you with everything!

Teri

Thank you, Teri! What is PM? and how do I do it?

Michele

PM is sending a personal message. Go into your controls and you will find it there.

Teri

Teri, with all the problems you guys have had with the band, are you sorry you got it?

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The band works great if your filled properly. I would not trade this for ANTHING!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT, especially the losing part! It's not even close to the struggle I have had keeping weight off. PS. Kyle hasn't had any problems with the band, just me.

Teri

Wow Terri!!! You are doing great! I can't wait to get my first fill on April 14th. I don't have any restriction now and find myself eating big portions of food. This is not good but I am going to work out hard this week to burn some much needed calories. COME ON FILL!! I hope my first fill will help slow my roll. I want to drop so more weight before this summer. I am ready to buy some smaller clothes!!!

Keep up the good work!

Oh Thanks bunches Pamela. Your fill is coming up.!!!! It's April already, and your less then a couple of weeks. It does make a big difference. Kyle and I gained all our weight back before the first fill. We tried not to, but it was around Christmas and New Years. Lots of food, family, parties, wine, etc. Plus, all our favorite restarants we long for and miss in MI since we are in AZ. Anyway, I cannot believe it, but it's another 2 pounds down tonight for a total of 29 pounds. It IS SUCH A GREAT FEELING!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll be dropping pounds in no time. Good Luck between now and your fill!

Teri

It looks like my plans maybe changing. I just found out that I am expecting! I have to say I have mixed emotions about it. But that will be my new bundle of joy. =D>

Oh!! Congratulations to you on your new bundle of joy. How very exciting!!!!!!

Teri

Well, af,ter reading alot of posts about what the pre and post-op diets are like after LBS, I am feeling like I can handle it no problem. I just had two teeth pulled(one on each side), so that leaves me with even fewer to chew on for right now until I heal up those holes in my mouth. I have to eat or slurp and swallow very soft, mushy, or at first liquidy foods. I have also come down with a very nasty cold as well, so my appetite is way down. So, since I can't chew too well right now and not having a big appetite is making me realize what to expect with the diets to come after being banded...lol

I haven't got on the scale, but I know for a fact, I have lost at least 5 pounds or more in the last 5 days. Alot, to my surprise is the excess fluid in my legs and ankles from my lymphedema. Feels very good, so now I know I am so ready to follow the rules and lose weight the right way, hopefully soon in the near future.

Peace,

Judy

Judy,

Hope your feeling better with your teeth being pulled. And when the time comes, you will not only be able to follow the rules, you will love the results!!! Good Luck to you, on your future surgery soon.

Teri

Wow- Whipeee! Another 3 pounds gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Down 27 pounds this morning. I was shocked, and the scale read 158.0 from 161.2. I feel so much lighter and I feel I have so much energy. I do love this band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I love being back into the 150's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yahoo Magoo~~~~~~~~~~~ just being silly.

Hey, yesterday was 5 months since surgery!

Teri

Hi!

I noticed that no one has been very active on the boards lately. How is everyone doing on this journey. I would love to hear your stories and if anyone is willing to be a "penpal" for me. I would really like to have someone to ask questions to and about where to get certiain items. I live in Mesa. My surgery is April 6th. Please let me know if you would be willing to be my mentor.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Michele

Hi Michele,

I'm in Gold Canyon. Almost neighbors. I'm on the boards almost everyday. Feel free to PM me if you'd like and I might be able to help.

Teri

I agree, great suggestions. Lord knows the troubles I've had with fills. Thanks for the info. It sure will help the new folks.

Hello everyone I am a new member. My date is April 9th, it just can't get here fast enough. I wish I could sleep until it's time to leave because I am so anxious. I am 36 years old 5'2 at 196 lbs my goal is 130 lbs. I want to know anyone who has a similar profile. Angela Valentine

Hi Angela

We have similar profiles. I was at 185, and 5'2 - 5'3 depending on who measures. Thought I was always 5'2, until the clinic measured me at 5'3. (?) and also want to get down to 130 or so. Maybe more. I'm older then you though, 48. Believe it or not, your wanting to sleep until surgery was exactly like I felt, being so anxious. LOL

Good Luck to you and happy losing!!

Teri

Thanks Teri,

It seems you are well versed on the fill subject. How is your son doing with his fills?

Good Question. He is doing great. He's down 34 pounds as of today!! No problems with him and fills, because his fills were less agrresive then mine, which is the way to go. Saves on the troubles. We just had them add little by little for him because he had already felt some resctrition when getting filled.

Teri

Thanks Teri,

It seems you are well versed on the fill subject. How is your son doing with his fills?

Good Question. He is doing great. He's down 34 pounds as of today!! No problems with him and fills, because his fills were less agrresive then mine, which is the way to go. Saves on the troubles. We just had them add little by little for him because he had already felt some resctrition when getting filled.

Teri

Thanks so much Cyndi and Pamela!

Cyndi - You are doing terrific. Funny about the pool-falling in! oh my gosh, LOL. how is your energy level????? gotta love it!!

Pamela - Only gaining 2 pounds is nothing. Hey, food and drinks are close to the best part of a vacation!! And when you get your fill, your band will help you to stay on track. Aprils just around the corner!

Teri

Well I feel a lot better after reading some posts. All the literature the doc and TV gives you makes it sound so Rosy and nice like you will be able to eat exactly what you did before and just get "full" sooner. Well, what they don't tell you about is the sliming, the chest pain, the PBs and "golf ball in the throat" feeling. But I guess I am not alone in what I have experienced. I was banded 12/15/06 and down about 50lbs to date. About 20 of those I lost pre-op with low fat "starve myself" diet the doc put me on. After surgery I felt a bit of restriction for a few weeks then I could eat anything I wanted. I had my first fill 1.5 cc first of February and still could eat just about anything. 2 weeks ago I had another fill and the do only added about .30 cc and I was feeling like it would be a waste of time. But hardly. I felt restricted immediately. I could feel every bite and drink I swallowed. Aside from a couple instances of blockage (brisket and onion strings are a no-no for me) I have done pretty well and hope I don't have to get another fill. Down about 10 lbs in the last 2 weeks. Each day is different right now. Lately mornings feel more restricted and some days the smallest bite causes pain in my chest. I have never had that "full" feeling that I had pre-band and I suppose I never will. I am amazed and pleased that I do lose my appetite pretty quickly when I get my new "full" feeling which is part minor pain, part burpiness, part...your body won't let you swallow that next bite very well. But after being on every diet known to man and losing litteraly hundreds of pounds in the last 20 years I feel less like I am on a diet than ever before. I do look forward to my goad weight of 200 lbs. hopefully by next Christmas. Haven't seen that weight since....well....lets just say since Carter was in office!

Highest weight 320

surgery day weight 290

currently 262

Goal 200!

Congratulations!!!!!! on your weight loss!! it's a great feeling to feel lighter!!!!!!!!!! I like how you put the "But after being on every diet know to man and losing literally hundreds of pounds in the last 20 years I feel less like I am on a diet then ever before" this is one of the best thing about the band!!!

Teri

Hi, I'm from Gilbert! Your message stopped me--I am scheduled for surgery for April 6th (Friday). I'm just wondering what is meant by "being tight." Does this mean you literally cannot drink water? What does it feel like? Also, did you read Dr. Ortiz' book? I'm wondering if I should since there seems to be so 'much more' to this procedure.

How many times have you had fills, and how can you tell--I mean, I guess I'll probably have to wait and see, but I'm wondering what all this stuff means. I would think it would be good to be "tight" as this would mean you would lose more weight. But if it's so miserable---what??--like a knife in your gut? or just a heartburn kind of feeling?

Any input would be appreciated. I visited the office when I was in San Diego (for my divorce trial!) last week and stopped by and set up a time with them. But I didn't get too much information--none, really, except when to be there, da, da da.

Thanks,

Colleen

Hi Colleen! Gilbert is close! I'm in Gold Canyon. AZ thread has mentioned a bandster get together, but I think we need someone to step up and organize it. ?????? Any way, to answer your questions.......

Being tight- the "ring" around the inside of the band adjusts with the injection of saline. The opening that food slides down becomes smaller and smaller with each injection of saline. With me, the opening becomes smaller or tightens up after days or even weeks of getting a fill. It could happen from to much food at once, irriating the lining inside the pouch, creating an even smaller opening. When you drink water, you can swallow, BUT, it first must pass through the "ring" inside your band and continue down through to your stomach. The water just stays without empty-ing if you are to "tight". The result is water coming back up because it cannot go down. It's so miserable because it's so painful.

It feels like.......this.... Think of a 2 minute hourglass- you take a tiny sip, and it is going to stay there for a while, trying to empty. I dont know why water wouldn't empty, you think it would, but it feels like a type of "brain freeze", going down, that can last for an HOUR! It's painful. You would think at least water would go down, but not a chance. I'm probably confusing you and dont mean to. It's just how I explain it.

Dr. Ortiz'z book- Yes, I did order it off amazon.com. It's good to educate yourself.

It's the "sweet spot" tight your looking for. It's finding that "just right" fill, so you eat little, are able to drink fluids and lose weight..............Getting there with fills and unfills can be a process. Some get lucky, and that part is all chance. :-?

ALL the best with your surgery on the 6th and hopefully the ONE fill that will do the trick for you. >

Teri

Close to 5 month update

Kyle has gone from 225 to 194..........31 pounds down

and I have gone from 185 to 162.......23 pounds down

54 pounds together! There's alot more energy around our house! LOL

Teri

Hi GiBaby,

Personally I don't think I am having complications, just a good fill with restriction. You have to realize that you literally have to eat completely differently than you used to and it's hard to adjust! I am eating healthy and normal food. I can only eat a little bit though and very slowly- so even if I ate "bad" food it's still a small fraction of the calories than I used to be able to eat.

Hope that helps!

Karen

Have been out of town, my daughter and I went shopping in Las Vegas! So much fun, we hit all the premium outlets, especially liked the coach store! Any way, dont be scared. Some people dont have a problem with fills at all. When your still at surgery weight like i was for about 3 or 4 months, yes, you do tend to want to start the process that you paid money for. So, to do that, you aggressively want to find restriction, and when you do, like I did, it was to much. So, you adjust. Then, when you can eat the same as prior to surgery, you go in for a fill. I found out, it doesnt take a lot of saline to make a HUGE difference. The problem is, you dont know until you start eating, which is 24 hours later, usually. When you find out you cannot eat, or keep water down, (even when you could when you left the office) then, you go for another unfill. This is where the frustration of fills/unfills come in. It's not a big deal if you can get back quickly if need be. From experience, it is best to creep up on the fills. I have been going nuts with finding the right amounts. But, it takes time, because often, the band gets tighter as well, which is something the band just does. There is a happy medium, I think, with feeling tighter at certain times, regarless, just because it's how the band is. Any way, nothing to be scared of.

Teri

Thanks, Teri. Glad you are doing better. I am still tight - she took out .3, so I am at 2.6 right now. I can eat, but not much, and the 3 bites i am able to take are painful. Anyway, no worries about leaving - I know you needed to find out how your fill was. I am sure we will run into each other again. I am just happy to start losing weight. I just need to be patient! How was your week?

Had a great week. What a great thing it is to be able to drink water.!!!!!!!!! I hate being tight. What a misirable way to go. Wendy will be here today, but I have no intentions on seeing her until next month! (She's meeting her sister in Mesa to go on a cruise). I'm lettin this fill ride. Loose or not. Since my band seems to always tighten a few weeks later, it might be perfect then. We ended up going to the Renasance Festival on Sun. and had never been, what a trip. LOL, it was great to fit into some small capris. Good Luck. Where in the Valley do you live?

Ter

Just a question for anyone who has experienced ice water being so painful getting down. Just yesterday, I drank a little bit more than a sip, say a gulp, and it must have stuck there for an hour. I was in so much pain, I dont know what reflex is, or what it feels like because I havent ever had it. I wonder if this is what it is. I was pacing, sweating, pressing on my stomach where the band was placed to help aliviate it. I never had this before. Very painful. Any one else have this?

Teri