macleay

I'm so excited for you!!! It's nice that you've lost so much weight already--way to go!

Okay, I'm not commenting for or against, because I really don't feel strongly about it. But having grown up for the first 15 years of my life with chronic constipation, I can certainly see someone trying everything to cure that problem!

The real reason I'm posting is you just crack me up, Angie! Your posts always make me laugh, especially the last one!

Hey guys, just wanted to check in. I just got my first fill at OCC and I must say....I love that place. Everyone there is very itentive and I always have a supper experience. Dr. So was great in explaining everything and I received 4cc's. The fluoroscopy is sooo cool. You get to see your band, the port and even your under wires in your bra. With fluoroscopy the guess work and not knowing where your port is...is just not an issue. I did get to talk to Dr. Miranda and check in with her with was nice. Oh and the icing on the cake....I got to see sweet Carmelita.

I got to see Amy when I was down there getting my first fill and it was awesome! She looks great!!! I had the same experience as her--Dr. So is wonderful and the fluoroscopy experience is so interesting! I only got 3cc's though--I wanted to get more, but the fluid just wouldn't go down!

I don't know if I will be able to get to the OCC for future fills, but if it is at all possible, I will try to, because they are the best!

You look beautiful!!! Good for you and congratulations on this major accomplishment! I can't wait to get there either!

Ugh.. surgery day wasn´t bad... although I was STARVING the whole time. I wish I got mroe to drink. It was like the worst pain ever from being hungry. So, the next day when we got to the Marriot, I had a bunch of broth and juice and felt better. But, the whole rest of the day I was miserable. My stomache hurt so bad, I felt like I was gonna throw up, I just felt awful. We had planned to go walk around but I couldn´t even leave the room. Today is better, I am going slowly on juice, so hopefully that will help. Ugh, this has NOT been as easy as it was for my mom. I am jealous.

Yeah, she looked at me at one point and said ´´this is NOT as easy as you said it was!´´

Hi Jill!

I know it isn't recommended but I only resorted to water after all other methods failed. Walking wasn't helping, all the yoga in the world wasn't helping. And anyway it was intensely painful to do, with my whole core feeling twisted at the middle. TMI moment ahead! After 14 hours, something had to give. I ended up kneeling in front of my toilet and quickly drinking very warm water. Hot water loosens up the tissues and acts as a solvent to food. My plan was to either create an opportunity for the food to go down, or to reach a critical fullness that would necessitate evacuation by vomiting. As I said, my body doesn't do returns, so the added pressure and lubricating effects of the water forced the food down.

My point is, WOW the episode was painful! And more than a little scary, so I do believe I'm scared straight! Since posting this I've already lost 5 of the 10lbs I put on during my "relapse." Yay!

Good Lord, that sounds absolutely terrible! Sounds like you had no choice. I´m glad you didn´t have to get an unfill. And congrats on the weight loss!!!

Just had my first fill yesterday and never had anything stuck before that. But I just wanted to say that Dr. So told me that if I got something stuck to not try to wash it down with water, but instead, to walk it off. Don´t know how well it works, but just wanted to tell you what I was told.

The easiest of the three diet choices for me was the one with two protein drinks and one lean cuisine per day. It´d helped that I knew if I didn´t lose the weight I wouldn´t be able to get the surgery.

Don´t worry, you still have plenty of time to lose it if you start now. Just keep telling yourself that it´s temporary, because it is. And use Kristy´s water trick or gum--either may make it much easier.

BrownEyedGirl,

That is amazing that Dr. Ortiz was able to fix the hernia. That's great!

Janelle,

Congrats! let us know how your surgery went. Hopefully you will see this.

Hugs,

Kristi

I´m sure she´ll tell you herself, but Janelle´s surgery yesterday went fine! I´m waiting now for the OCC van and Francisco to bring her back to the Marriot!

ps. what is swelling due to?

I'm just guessing, but when the band is tightened by having saline added, it tightens around the stomach which could cause irritation and swelling.

I lost 10 lbs before my surgery, 10 pounds during liquid phase and have gained 5 of that back. I'm going for my first fill Monday. I have no restriction and my willpower is lacking. You may be one of the lucky ones with some restriction after banding, but just do your best.

I'm scheduled for 9:00am on Wednesday. My flight back out is at 3:05. I hope that is enough time to tell if my fill is right.

I think it should be--that leaves you an hour or two before you head back, right?

If you're eating less than pre-band, then it seems to me you are at least moderately successful. But if you have no restriction, then yeah, I guess it's time for a fill. I

I feel your pain. I was down 20 pounds, got banded Jan 7, and have been anxiously waiting for my first fill, because I've gained 5 of it back! I'm trying, but have no restriction and old habits are coming back. (I refuse to adjust my ticker, because I'm going to be down 20 again SOON!)

Don't worry, you can do this!

Jill, thank you sooooo much for asking this question. I was wondering the same thing. Lots of good info. See you soon!

You are very welcome! Nothing like waiting til the last minute, huh?

Hey, do you have a specific time you're going to be filled? Because they know I'm showing up with my daughter and I really don't have any idea if I'll be filled before, during, or after the surgeries that day!

Please use me as an example (someone has to set a bad example) - I never fast before a fill and I just sceduled my 4th fill at the OCC for 4/2/10 so what does that tell you??? Now Angie2 fasted approx 28 hours before her first fill (she went with me) and she said Dr. So wanted to give her 5cc for her first fill! (she only let him give her 4cc) I only got 3cc on my first fill!

Dang, I guess that means I don't get to have a big dinner the night before!!! Thanks for telling of your experience. I'll drink a lot of water and won't eat much food.

SOMETHING DOLITTLE'S PUT TOGETHER:

http://www.occforum....?showtopic=9919

Oops--guess I should have searched before I asked this question!

But WOW! Thanks for posting the link and thanks to Doolittle for taking the time to post all that info. I know exactly what to do now--thanks much!

I'm getting my first fill Monday at the OCC. I scheduled this when we booked my daughter's surgery. At the time, I didn't think to ask any questions, and I never got any instructions about whether I should fast before my fill?

I don't know what time I'm getting it, but I'll be going to the occ with Janelle at 7am...guess I should probably fast like she will be doing?

OH yeah, can't wait to get back and play on those computers!

Yay for you! I'm so glad it went well, and that you're feeling good. You're on your way!

I haven't had prunes for years! Good idea--I'll give that a shot.

I wore my jeans to the OCC, but brought a small bag with my nightgown, robe and slippers. I didn't wear their gown. None of the people who were there when I was wore their gowns that evening or to sleep in. We were walking the halls so much and visiting with each other I think we were much more comfortable in our own nightclothes. I also brought gas-x strips. Plus an extra pair of underwear for the trip home the next day. You won't shower or anything the next morning, so you don't need to bring toiletries. Oh, I did bring a toothbrush and brushed my teeth the next morning, but otherwise, I traveled very lightly and it worked out fine. Make sure what you bring to wear the next morning is comfy. My jeans are loose enough that they were fine for me, but stretch workout pants would probably be perfect.

They will have pain medication for you and can handle all your medical needs, and will also give you broth, popsicles, and capri sun that night and the next morning.

GUESS WHAT, GUESS WHAT, GUESS WHAT.........

100 POUNDS GONE!!!! WOOHOO

Scale: 138

This is a good and happy week.

Carrie, I saw that you put a turkey burger recipe on here. That looks so good. I plan on making them sometime this weekend, probably Saturday night. Yum..

Hugs,

Kristi

Congrats to all the losers this week!

Congratulations Kristi!!!! Wow, what an accomplishment and you look GORGEOUS!!!

75 pounds???!!! AWESOME! Congratulations on your anniversary--well done!

I need the 90% band help you're talking about! Can't wait for my first fill.

Sounds like I'm also cut from the same cloth. I need some restriction to help me control my eating better. Sorry I can't answer your question yet, but after my first fill, I'll be happy to!

Great YouTube, Angie! I enjoyed learning your story, and how cool to be asked to do that every Wednesday--congrats!