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?

So I was banded on friday and feel great so far. It was interesting though because I was the only person out of the 6 bands scheduled for the day to actually get the band. All of the others switched over to a new surgery that the OCC is doing called Plication. It seems like a good thing but I had only researched the band and did not know enough about the other option to feel comfortable with switching. I did notice that the sugery seemed to take a lot more out of the patients than mine did and they had to stay in TJ a day longer than I did and do daily checks with the dr to make sure everything was healing. It seems to be a great new thing but is not approved here in the states yet and is new enough that Dr Ortiz has only done 100+. I was just wanting to let those of you going for the band know about this new option so that you can research now and not be asked to make a decision on the day of your surgery for something you know nothing about.

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.

Thank you Petrafarmer and Boogeyface I appreciate your caring responses.

If I remember correctly my BMI was about 35/36 and I was banded on 8/3/10 and have restriction without any fills thus far.

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 wondered if everyone would be willing to share their "Sweet Spot" number. (Be sure to say whether you have a 4cc or 11cc band).

I currently have 5 cc in an 11cc band, and am not at my sweet spot. I am not feeling restriction.

I have had 2 fills. The provider used flouro, but no barium. I think she was inexperienced, because I have an 11cc band and she wanted to give me .25cc for my first fill!!!! I was extremely irritated because I had paid $450 already for my first Fill Centers USA visit ($350 initial fee, $100 for flouro). She did go ahead and give me 2ccs because I was irritated about it. Then I went back to her 2 weeks later and got another 3cc, for a total of 5cc. But I already know that I need another fill. I am debating on going back to her or traveling to Roswell, GA where they use the barium and have decent reviews as opposed to no reviews at all. I have been reading tons of posts, and it seems to me that a lot of people on here have right around 8cc in an 11cc band, for good restriction. I do realize that each person's "sweet spot" will vary. I have been losing about 1 lb a week, but can eat 2/3 of what I used to eat and I want to cut that to 1/3 of what I used to eat. I have been exercising on an elliptical for 30 minutes a day as well, and doing weights on my legs and arms too. (Can't do abs, not 3 months post op yet).

I have 10.4 in my band. Have lost only 10 pounds since 12/09. I wanted to lose 50 pounds. The band is a failure for me. I really feel very little restriction, even at 10.4. All my fills were under flouro, the band is in good position and the pouch is not distended. I eat hard protein, which goes down pretty easily as long as I chew well. I have spent over $3ooo.oo on fills, of which I have had 12 fill appointments. I am going to contact Dr. Ortiz and see what he suggests. I think I will return to OCC to see if they can figure out why I am not feeing restriction, why my portions are not restricted to allow weight loss. I can eat just about anything, including bread, rolls, toast, pasta steak, chicken... whatever I want really. It's probably me, not the band. Maybe I just don't really get what the band is supposed to do. I thought it would prevent me from eating larger amounts. That only happened right after the fills. By a week later, I could just about eat what I wanted. If I had stayed as restricted as I had been after the fills, I think I would have had success. It just seems like my stomach adjusted to the restriction and that was that!

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.

Ok so I need help, I was banded on the 7th and I have lost 25 pounds since surgery which is really good but I am starting to eat solids again and I am not feeling full or anything. I eat uncontrollably! I don’t eat nearly as much as I did before but I feel like I need to get this under control before I start gaining weight again. I haven’t been loosing any weight and I haven’t gained either since i started eating meals... I am just super stressed and I need advice from people who have been through this and maybe can relate. I am scheduled for November 1st for my first fill. Do you think I should continue on liquids? HELP PLEASE!!!

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!

here's the link to set up your weight loss ticker: http://www.tickerfactory.com/ezticker/ticker_designer.php?type=3

when you're done it will give you a link. paste that link into your occ forum signature. it will update and appear automatically every time you post.

re: fills

i was at 8.0 cc for 3 months. i hadnt lost any weight in the last two months, was hungry between meals, etc so i went to OCC this past weekend. dr acosta emptied my band, said there was 7.0 in the syringe but the other cc could still be in band or tubing. anyway he added 1.2cc so technically i am at 9.2 ccs. ive been babying it, only had three solid meals since then, but seems to be fine. i can eat just fine, and am no longer starving 2 hours after i eat. so, it appears, its working correctly. i can still eat tortillas rice and pasta, but i continue to abstain from them

i think it might get hard when im on my TOM as thats when i tend to be tight, but for hte other 23 days of the month i think its a good level of fill.

are you getting hungry between meals?

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 reading and seen in many places on the internet that mexico doctors are more aggressive with fills and often place more in during a fill and requiring less fills over time. what did you have placed in a fill ? if you had fills in the states and at OCC, was there a difference in experiences ? thanks.

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

Hello to all my forum friends! I had my 5th fill yesterday. It was by far the best one yet! I got an additional .4 cc's. (I have a 10 cm 4 cc band.) I wanted to put the numbers info up front, cuz I am going to get a bit lengthy in the post.

I do have restriction; I got it with my 4th fill. Fills #1,2, and 3 did provide me with a level of restriction that would last 1-2 weeks then *poof* disappear. Which was such a bummer. With each fill I would say, "I hope this is the ONE!" So when my restriction left.....I was sad.

I have decided to stay local for my after care, I see a very nice group of surgeons and staff at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Although none of them are has handsome as the staff at the OCC. LOL I bought into a package deal there. So the first 4 fills with radiology cost 1200. Each addition fill now costs 125.00 so that is a very reasonable fee. The way the package was presented was that 4 fills would be a year's worth. In many cases I suppose that is a year's worth, but for me it has not been. I understand if I went back to the OCC I would pry would have had 3-4 fills. Staying local is my choice and very convenient for me and my family, as I am a mother to a toddler! LOL I don't mind not getting as aggressive of a fill is what the OCC's is able to dial into…well kind of….LOL. Slow and steady wins the race, but the sometimes I forget about being a tortuous.

The gal who did my fill was pretty nice, I blogged about my grr moment, so I won't include that here. I will say that she had difficulty accessing my port. I think she was hitting the edge. She probed around and pushed pretty hard, she really didn't want to stick me twice. I reassured her that it really didn't matter to me. I don't have a fear of needles and it really doesn't hurt. Not to mention the stomach is the best place to be poked anyway. That being said, when she pulled the needle out it was bent all to shit. Ha! After getting another needle, she took a deep Zen like breath and went at it again. This time she hit the mark! YAY! Over all it was not bad. The worst part was the questioning me like I was not being 100% truthful. (Which I will say that I understand, and am actually glad she took the time to probe me further, as most health care professionals treat you more like a ticket with a number on it. NO OFFENSE TO THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ON THIS BOARD.)

As I watched the barium flow down my esophagus and into my stoma then draining into my stomach it was a slower drain! Woo hoo! Fills # 1-3 the fluid went through a lot easier. So it was nice to see it moving a little slower! Eureka! LOL She told me I would be able to notice a difference with this fill.

That brings me to ...... what have I noticed if anything....well let me tell ya. (see I told ya it would be long) I went back to work and fixed myself less than a cup of soup for lunch. I really didn't want to push it. I didn't feel full, but hey it's liquid. I did feel satisfied. For dinner I had a protein shake made with skim milk, water, ice, and banana. Yummo! When I woke this morning....at 4:30....ugh. (Lisa next time I can't sleep I am going to check and see if you are up!) LOL My stomach was growling and talking up a storm. It was sort of weird though cuz it wasn't like I was starving. I made some coffee for hubby and I. One drink and the talking stopped. I did not notice a tightness, but I was sipping so it is hard to tell if I had a good level of restriction.

I didn't eat lunch until 3 ish. Wasn't hungry and I wasn't paying attention. (What! Not eating till mid afternoon…this my friends IS a change.) For supper I had a protein shake with a few strawberries and a 1/3 of a banana, ice, water, and skim milk. Again, I didn't feel full but it's liquid so what am I going to say???

I am excited to unleash my scale woochie tomorrow! YAY! It's Wednesday Weigh in and my first week of staying off the scale. Yahoo! Baby! I have almost done it! I hope each of you who took the challenge have had a good week. I know it is hard, and one of the top reasons I have made this a successful week is the fact that you were doing it with me! So thanks sooo very much for helping me to break a cycle and find some balance. One week down, more to go. If you didn't make it, don't beat yourself up. The new week is about to begin! Which means a fresh start! Woot!

Back to the fill. I will be on liquids again tomorrow. They recommend at least two days of liquids after a fill. So I am following the rules. Besides that it does a wonderful job of jump starting weight loss which I would be thrilled to have! I would love to be in the lower 230's by Christmas time!

This fill has been super easy for me to stick to liquids because I am simply not hungry. I am hoping for the magic on this fill! Over all I do believe this one will get me to a place where I can be content for a while. I say that without being on solids yet. How can I say that, well it's simple? My 4^th fill gave me restriction that stayed. I was able to eat more than a cup depending on the food, so no matter what I will have better restriction than I had and the point is I had restriction!

Happy with this fill.

* PS I forgot to mention I was on my period. Started on Friday. Still had a good fill.

For all of you that have been banded and lost weight successfully; do you follow any particular diet or are you eating whatever you like (just much less of it)? I have always been a diet junky and would love to throw my diet mentality out the window but I am wondering if I will need to go on some sort of plan like WW or something to keep the weight off. Thank you.

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

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'm wondering what you all found to be the best liquids for the first few weeks.

Anyone have a great place to buy the optifast? Is that what it's called? I really like Slimfast so maybe I'll just stick to that?

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.

Someone please help. I am 2 days post op LB....I have pain everywhere. Its hard to walk cant turn in bed.....neck and shoulders sore also chest probably from trying to help myself up with the pain. Taking tylenol 3 but pain still bad....not hungry(i guess thats a plus) but too hard to move.....Is this normal? Breathing is difficult because of pain in diaphram chest and back.....what is this all about! Cathy

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!

Hello friends. My sister and I are going to get banded in two weeks and I've read a few posts about FARTING. I read a post that recommended getting charcoal pads (or something like that). Does anybody know where I can purchase those? The last thing I need is for the poor guy beside us to pass out on the flight home…lol Also, someone recommended getting a massage therapist to come to the room for a massage that will help release some of the gas. Sooooo….how does one going about requesting this without sounding like a crazy person?

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

ahhh!! so i JUST called occ and scheduled my surgery date!! i'm scared and excited and anxious...etc etc etc...

my pre-op and surgery date is wednesday, november 4th....anyone else out there gonna be there?

i wanted to get it done in early november for the reasons mentioned above....thanksgiving...christmas...new years.... feast time!!

I'm so excited for you - tomorrow is your big day! Be sure to post and tell us how it went and how you feel! My sister and I are heading down in two weeks!!

-Katrena