kat03

During my last fill a week ago, I asked Dr. So about it. He said they fold up the stomach, leaving only a small portion of the stomach, like a bypass, but that it is reversible. They can take out stitches to enlarge the pouch, if necessary. I asked Dr. So his opinion, and he said he preferred the band. Not only do they have more experience with the band, they know the long term effects of the band. He said placation does work, of course, but he said he would recommend it to those not successful with the band. He could have been just telling me that cause I already have the band…lol…but I thought I would share what I learned. Does anybody know the price of placation compared to the band?

I am normally REALLY tight the first couple of days after a fill. I couldn't even drink water after my last fill without it hurting, but now, eating everything in sight...lol. I would give it a few days then determine if you need to get an unfill.

I think the OCC considered me a "lower" BMI. I am 5'6 and was 185 pounds. I was banded exactly one year ago, and have lost 15 pounds with two fills. It is only now, after my third fill, that I am really noticing a difference with restriction - a year later!! Everyone is different. I have 9.3ccs in an 11cc band, and have lost 5 pounds just this past week. Don't get discouraged - at some point you will find that perfect restriction.

I normally wouldn't post this if I didn't feel so strongly about it. I just came back from my third fill, and although I requested to stay at the Lucerna, I was asked if I would stay at Camino Real instead. I'm not too picky, so I agreed. I would recommend you avoid this hotel. The staff was not welcoming, the room was cold and the heater didn't work, mold was growing in the shower, and I was surprised when I was charged $15 for a fruit/yogurt cup and cup of coffee. I've stayed at both the Marriott and Lucerna, and the Lucerna was the best experience - I would pay extra to NOT stay at the Camino Real. The other woman we rode back to the airport with, also was disappointed with her stay. You may have a different experience, but just wanted to give you a heads-up if your traveling there.

Finally, I feel like I'm going to lose some real weight! Just came back from my third fill. 9.3cc in an 11cc band, and now I have some restriction!

I just came home from my 3rd fill at the OCC and went from 8cc's to 9.3 cc's. Boy, do I have restriction now!! I've lost 4 pounds in 2 days! I'm sorry to hear the band is not working for you. I asked Dr. So about the other options they now have the OCC, and he mentioned one that works like a bypass, but they actually fold up and stable your stomach so you only have a small pouch, much like a bypass, except it's totally reversible. He said it's for those that are not successful with the band. It could be an option to explore. I hope things work out for you.

Everyone is different, but, as I was informed when I had this issue, You don't start feeling restriction until the second (or third) fill. Lean protein will help you feel full longer than carbs. I gained about 20% of what I initially lost until my second fill. After my second fill, I began losing again. I think the liquid diet works at first because you are not as hungry just after getting the band. Now that your hungry, I think just liquids is unrealistic. Keep high protein foods close and hand in there.

No, but I'm interested in hearing about the band during pregnancy. I got my band after gaining 70 pounds with my first child. After losing 75, I'm planning for my second child. How much have you gained? Congrats to you and your little one!

Yes, I do get hungry between meals, but I've been eating less than what I normally would. My band weight was 185 almost a year ago. Since then, I've lost 20 pounds, but the weight loss has stopped. I have NO PROBLEM eating breads, rice, pasta....so I'm hoping another cc will provide more restriction and more weight loss. 20 down - 20 to go!

I have 8cc's in my 11cc band. Does anyone have more than 8 in their band? My weightless has stopped but I'm reading 8cc's is normally the most one can go. Anyone have more than 8cc's?? Thx

I've been back to the occ twice. My first fill was 6cc and my second fill was 2 more cc's. I'll be heading back for my third soon. I have an 11cc band.

Hello. I have had 2 fills, and find if I don't chew enough, food will stick. I would like to go for my 3rd fill. Will it make the sticking worse, or is it simply me learning to chew better?? Any advice would be so helpful!! THANK YOU!

I have to admit - I thought if I paid enough money, I could lose weight and not have to work out. I'm learning this is NOT the case. I was 185 when I was banded 4 months ago. I lost 10 pounds that first month, and nothing since then, even though I have 8.5cc in a 11cc band. I'm slowly starting to admit to myself that it may be time to hit the gym. I see many success stories - am I correct in assuming this success is only enjoyed by those who work hard for it??? Is it time for me to admit to myself I paid 6K and STILL have to hit the gym?? I was hoping I could pay for a free pass!!! Thanks!!! Kat

Hello Friends, I was banded on Nov 20, and thought I was a weight-loss superstar when I lost 12 pounds after just 2 weeks. Then, my appetite started to increase, and now I can eat as much as I did before. I've maintained the weight loss, but am hoping to hear that I will feel restriction again after the first fill - scheduled on Jan 6. I've read many of you say you don't really start feeling restriction until the 3rd fill. Is this true? If not, how long will I feel restriction after the 1st fill??? Thanks for any advice, Kat

I'm so glad your 5th fill is the "golden ticket". Did you go back to the OCC for your first fills? If so, why do you think they were less successful than the 5th? I'm scheduled for my first fill in early January, and am interested in any FILL information I can get. Congrats on your progress!! Katrena

I've only been banded for 2 weeks, but have lost 11.5 pounds. I find that if I keep my calories at 600-800 a day, I can lose weight without exercising (since I can't exercise for 3 weeks). Take in as much protein for the least amount of calories as possible. I also keep my crystal light near by at all times, and sipping all day helps with the hunger. We'll see how long I can keep up this 5 pound a week average. I started at 185.5 and am now 174. Not suggesting you do this - just letting you know this is what has worked for me. Katrena

I told my husband I wanted the lap-band because it would help with my weight issue, which would help with my self-esteem, which would lead me wanting more sex. He couldn't write the check fast enough. Most men don't take much into account unless it deals with food, cars or sex. I love my band, and am losing weight everyday. Good luck to you!

When driving to the OCC, I noticed a cosmetic surgery center on just about every block. Why does the OCC recommend this one center, when there are soooo many out there? I may be interested in a breast augmentation, and wanted to know if any of you ladies researched any other places, and if not, how happy are you with your new boobies, or any work from Cosmed. I'm scared to death of having cross-eyed nipples. Thank you for any advice!!!

I was banded less than two weeks ago, and to tell you the truth, I didn't feel like drinking anything the first few days - except water for my Gas-Ex pill. That air can be really painful so be sure to walk a lot, take the pills, and burp, burp, burp. They are small so you can drink them down - the strips have less medication in them. Anyway, I found myself drinking Slim Fast more than anything else. Tomato Soup and Drinkable Yogurt give me some variety, but Slim Fast is my thing. I've lost 10 pounds in less than two weeks!! Another woman banded on the same day as me has lost 15-20 already. I'm excited for you! It's not a cake-walk like I thought it would be. I was sore from the gas and the proceedure, but was feeling like my old self in about a week.

I was banded 6 days ago, and yes, I'm still very sore. It's still difficult to turn in bed, get up from the couch, and I'm just starting to feel the gas is leaving, although I still feel pressure in my chest. That pain in your chest is gas. Gas Ex pills helped me A LOT. The strips have less medication, so take the pills. They are small and will help so much. I wasn't expecting too much pain, but boy did I feel it! I took pain pills for the first 4 days. Although I'm still sore, I'm not taking anything at this point. The pain and gas will pass - give it a full week to start feeling "normal". The good news is, is that I've already lost 6 pounds. A friend of mine, banded on the same day, has lost 14 pounds. Hang in there!!

I will be banded next week, and am looking forward to being the newest resident of sexy town. In all my excitement, it just crossed my mind - will my birth control pills still be effective!?!?! If not, can I ask what you all are using, and more importantly, has it been effective!?! Thanks!! Katrena

Thank you! I am leaving next week, and your message did put me at ease. I'm not so nervous about the surgery - I'm nervous I will be one of the few that doesn't lose weight! Keep us posted on your successes!!

Throwing you Mardi Gras beads as we speak!! Boobies look great. Did you just get a lift or augmentation?? I was considering getting an augmentation, but for some reason, I have an image of my boobs looking cross-eyed. You look wonderful!!

Hummmm..... I wonder how much weight he would gain if he had to deal with pregnancy??? The immature part of me wants to say use that hurt as motivation to lose that weight - and when he notices your waist smaller and your head higher, he will have that sparkle in his eye. That's when you can tell him you don't find him attractive, because sexy for you is how you are treated!! PLEASE, I know it's hard, but do not let a man determine your own self-esteem or self-worth. Focus on you, and the woman and mother you want to be for your son. You are more than your weight and more than your pant size. You are a daughter, a mother - you bring joy to the lives of your friends, are the giver of unconditional love to your son, and would move mountains for those you love. If your husband says anything about your weight, you remind him WHO YOU ARE. Go on and bring sexy back, girlfriend. Not for him - FOR YOU!