Apprehensive

Hello Kevin, I too have had a few PBing episodes. Actually there have been three. The first was just white foamy junk, no food but I had to leave the dining area and go outside. The second one was my fault...I just ate too fast. The third one was a bit confusing to me because I thought I was following the rules of chewing and eating slowly. None of these were very intense but they got my attention. I will let you know what the fill is like. I suspect it will be one of these...try and see type things. Thank you for the good wishes and please keep me posted as to your success. Looks like you have done pretty well too. Thanks Again, Appy

Hello Karenci, Thanks for the information. I see you are doing quite well too. I know what you mean about going to San Diego and being able to eat....from what I hear, this fill (first one) is the only one where you can not have no solid foods for a while....I want so bad to be able to have some of the Mexican foods I enjoy so well. Glad to hear from you. I often wonder about how you are doing with this new lapband. I leave tomorrow morning but this time we are staying at the Lucerna. We are also going to stay one extra day just to make sure this works properly and to be able to have some R&R while we are down there. Please keep in touch and let me know how your success is panning out. Thanks Again!

Very interesting post. It does make sense but I wonder how many U.S. doctors will lean towards using this scale instead of the BMI scale. I think this is great that more and more people are paying attention to the overweight problem and different studies being done, just like this one. Thanks for putting this in your post. Very good information for everyone. My Best Apprehensive

Congrats on your decision to join the banded group. You have a great, in family information guide already set up for you. Glad to hear you are excited about doing this. Like many others on this site, I have to say that this was a very important step that I took and I am so glad I did this surgery. Keep us posted as to your success! Best of Luck!

Greetings to all, I am scheduled for my first fill on the 18th of May. It will have been about 8 weeks since surgery. I have had days when it seems I can eat almost anything, but other days I have to be very careful. I guess I just want to know how different bansters knew when it was time for a fill. I do want to go to OCC in order to make sure everything is in the right place and doing what it is intended to do...but fill? I guess the doctor will be able to tell me after telling him about the foods I eat and the amount of weight loss. I realize everyone is different, but I really don't know if I need a fill. I would like to lose weight faster...but then again, I want to do this right. If anyone has any information and/or suggestions, I would really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks to everyone who has given me advice and encouragement in the past. Hope all is going well for all of you! All My Best Apprehenisve

Great Post! You have written down the rules to live by after being banded. Then what jhawkchick75 wrote is a goal that hopefully I will soon be able to say. I have tightened my belt to the point of needing to buy a new one so that is my next purhcase. I especially like the number 18. You are so right about not gaining the weight over night. Thanks for the special post!

Hi MyNewBeginning, Well, the hardest part is over. Now the post-op diet then you will be on your way to a new YOU. I am going to OCC for my first fill on the 18th of May...HEY...that is only 5 days. I have few reservations about going for the fill. I just wonder if I really need one or if I just think I need one. I guess the doctors there will be the judge. My main reason going back to OCC is to have the doctor that put this in, see that it is where it should be. I am losing weight, but wish I could lose it faster...(don't we all) but I am very happy with the results so far. So...keep the postitive attitude and use this site when you become a bit overloaded with questions, thoughts or just needing to vent. There are some great people on here that are very helpful. CONGRATS!!

Good Afternoon robbynnoel, Right off the bat, I see that you have had some fantastic results. For me, I am so new at this...I have had this...well, almost HIGH when I get up in the morning. I have so much more energy, less desire to eat...and I am seeing some results. I wish the weight would drop off quickly but I know that is not reasonable. This tells me I am still in the "new toy mode". It is fun, exciting, and challenging to be recently banded. So right now, I don't find my motivation changing that much at all. Looking at this from your point of view, I think I can relate to what you are saying. The fear part is a good likeness of the feeling. I have had many things happen in my life that when (what ever it was) was within reach...I had this terrible feeling that I just might not make my goal. After working with this for many years, I realized that my feelings were fear as well. Fear of failure. I had to do some deep digging to admit that. Now that I do know what my problem is (was), I don't have the feelings as often. Wanting to stay in a "comfort zone" is so common. Even for people who seemingly do not have the problem with bad "vibes" etc. Finding a comfort zone and wanting to stay there is just part of life. Some people like the easy ways...but those who take on the tougher routes, tougher schedules, tougher challenges are the ones who succeed at a higher level. This is just my opinion...but I think I have been where you are talking about. Recently, when I had to admit I needed some assistance to lose weight or pay for it with other health issues, I had this brief feeling of the "what if's". So I tried to turn in around to the "what if I don't do this"? Looking at different things through a different perspective made a whole world of difference to me. Sure hope this does't sound like a bunch of prattle, but I thought you are having such great success and have been such a great role model for so many people on this site...I just had to send you a pat on the back and a big thank you for bringing up this "make me think" type subject. My Best Apprehensive (no longer)

Greetings, You came to the right place! If you want affordable, specialized bariatric surgical care then the OCC in Tijuana, Mexico is the place. Also, if you want to learn more about the different patients and their experience...just read some of the blogs. Most of the people on this site are very kind and helpful with any and all questions you may have. Now about your travel. The OCC will provide transportation from the San Diego Airport to Tijuana and then back to the San Diego Airport when you depart. I had to pay for my flight to and from San Diego. When you contact the OCC for information, they will provide all the information you will need. When I scheduled my surgery, I was able to schedule the date I wanted, and could not have had better care and service. Included in this information is the US doctors who provide fills. I had a great experience. I have had such success and I am relatively new. I received my Lapband on March 18th. I can not say enough positive things about Dr. Ortiz, all the other Doctors who were present. And the staff nurses, receptionist, well just everyone who were there are so kind and professional. I am a nurse in KC and I studied many options for this surgery before going to Mexico. I agree with you, the prices in the US are way too expensive! In Mexico there are other places that can provide this surgery, but be sure you check them out in detail. I found that no other place compared to the OCC. Look around and I bet you will find that the OCC is the best place to go. You will see my screen name is Apprehenisve, but NO LONGER! I am one of the many satisfied patients. Best of Luck Apprehensive

Hello DanS, You point out a very interesting topic. I had trouble getting insurance several years ago. Three major companies refused to insure me due to pre-existing condtions. I finally found this one insurance that my state has for those who have been denied insurance. Well, after reading your comments, I wonder if it would be wise to tell them about my surgery. Each year my insurance company sends out a question and answer sheet asking health related questions but so far, they have not raised my insurance payment. I pay an outlandish amount for the deductible and the monthly payment is very high as well. After reading your post, I might just tell them so I won't be surprised if I have to use my insurance and there is a denial down the road. It is so sad that people like you and me who do pay a large amount of insurance have to be trapped and/or cornered when it comes to making this decision to have the bariatric surgery. I will bet this will put me in a different catagory and then who knows what the cost will be. Thank you for bringing up such an important issue. I did not even try to run this by my insurance before having the surgery because I knew that they would never pay any part of this surgery. I agree with you. Why would the insurance companies not see this as an improvement of health yet still refuse to cover anything if you have this procedure done? Another good point for Obama's healthcare bill. Something has to be changed so we are not driven to the poor house for medical reasons. I know there are many people who don't understand how important this change will be. I just wish it would go in to effect before 2014. I guess the reasons for some people who don't accept the need for the change is thinking it is "socialized medicine". What do those people think Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits are? Once again, thanks for this important issue. Good luck with your insurance company and congrats on such a fantastic first year being banded. Please keep us posted if you find any other information about the ins and outs of insurance for those of us who chose this surgery. All My Best Apprehensive

Hello SteveD I totally agree with what skinnyagain had posted. Especially what it says about the potassium and your electrolytes. These are very important and could be causing problems like you mentioned. But...you could be right too. If it were me, I think I would want to go to the doctor and check out the blood levels. Being a nurse, I have seen electrolytes that are out of whack really cause some problems for some people. And the suggestion about keeping a journal of what you consume daily would be helpful for you to know first hand if you are getting enough protein and carbs etc. Regardless...congrats on the weight loss!

Congrats!!! Now you can share your experiences with all of the people on this site. Most of the people on this site really do go out of their way to offer positive suggestions and ideas to help overcome some roadblocks along the way. If you are anything like me, I just wish I had have done this long before I did. Again...Congrats! Best of Luck!

Hello, I have done it all...starvation diets, the little magic pills, the fad diets...then it came to a point when I had to make a decision about health and well being. This is when I decided that the OCC could provide a tool and instructions to help me get my weight down to what is acceptable. It is no quick fix so please do some research on this. If you are ready for a big change in your life, and understand that this is not a magic way to lose weight but mostly understand that even with a band, it takes some willpower then go for it. For me this band and all the staff at OCC have been a big plus in my book. I have lost weight, feel better but I know I still have a way to go. I am also very happy that most of the people on this site offering suggestions and sharing ideas that really help. Like I mentioned earlier...check it out in detail and see if the band is for you. If you decide it is, then I highly reccomend the OCC. After checking out many different places to have the lapband surgery done locally, I quickly realized that the OCC was my best bang for the buck. The staff and professional care a person receives at the OCC can not be outdone by many...if any other clinics. So...good luck on making the right decision. Best of Luck, Apprehensive(no more)

Great Job B2010 I have scheduled my first fill for the 18th of May. I am kinda reluctant about doing this because I still have restriction...some days more than others. Actually, there are days I don't really feel much restriction at all and then other days....BIG TIME restriction. I am not sure I even need one but I figure the OCC team will help me make that decision. I know what you mean about being a bit nervous having this first fill. I am the same way, not due to the "pain" which I hear it is nothing,but I don't want to come all the way back home and have something go wrong. I am staying an extra night to see. So...keep us posted as to the difference you feel with your new fill amount in the band. I hope you have a fun/safe trip.

Greetings, I have read several post-op posts and have seen that his is common for many people. I have lost a bit more, but of course, I have had more to lose than you have. I remember one gal on this site lost a large amount of weight without having a fill at all. I guess it is how you react to the band. For me this is the point (I had my surgery 5 days before you had yours)when it is finding the foods that I can and can not eat. I watch the calories but follow the rules for chewing etc. I can not eat as much as prior to the surgery...and I don't feel really hungry but like you, follow the low calorie consumption. I am eager hear what others say as well. Like ValleyGirl says "hang in there" because I am sure we will start to get in the same boat with the other bandsters one day. Keep up the good work with your diet and please put up posts as to your success and things that help you. We are very close together in the time frame of sugery so maybe we can both get some good points and ideas from others. Best of Luck!

Fantastic!! I need to pick up on some of your habits. That sounds like it did you a world of good and I am sure it would help me too. Keep up the great work and keep us posted on your success. Best of Luck Appy

Don't you just love insurance companies? NOT! I had the same response. No, no...no and why do you expect us to pay for this? I told them many reasons why it would be beneficial but still got the NO...NO...NO...Insurance...you first have to prove you don't need it to have it and when you do have it, the reasons for "denied claims" is for previous conditions. Talk about a stacked deck. I would love to see how much the CEO of BlueCross/BlueShield makes. Like you, I probably won't be getting any greeting cards from the insurance companies. Anyway...I found Dr. Ortiz and his group about the same way you did. It is worth every penny. I had my surgery on the 18th of March 2010 and have absolutely NO regrets going this route. You sound alot like me. I had the loss of 5 lbs, gained 8 lbs...too often. One time I was able to lose quite a bit of weight, felt fantastic but then one thing led to another and there I was in need of help. Then I decided I had to so something. Dr. Ortiz and the entire OCC group will do what you need and are not going to steal every penny they can. Funny how crossing that border makes the price lessen by such a large amount. So, good luck with your journey. Keep us posted as to how you are doing. This site is a great place to get information, and learn from what others have done and have not done. Best Of Luck! Appy

Thank You! With your suggestions, I will work on this until I get it right. AngieB gave me an interesting way to look at this too. I am going to take both suggestions and work this out. Thank you so much for your information. You folk are GREAT! All My Best, Appy

Thank You Angie, I think I am going to take your advise and chew chew chew, and then do the "icky" thing you suggested. LOL I thought I was chewing quite enough, but after reading your suggestion, I think you just may be right. I chewed and chewed but something is causing that "feeling" and I will do what it takes to do this right. Thank You Again....you don't know how helpful you wonderul folk are. All My Best Appy

I was wondering what others felt like on the solid food right after the liquid diet. My first day was yesterday and I was able to eat very little. When I ate, I would have this very uncomfortable feeling. It was not really pain, just uncomfortable...feeling like the food took forever to go down and it was so intense, I was finding that I would stop eating because it was not worth it to me. Originally I thought that since I had not had solid food for so long, this was my body saying "what is this stuff"? I followed the rules of chewing, small bites dooh da dooh da...but could not get passed that feeling while eating. This feeling soon passed after I stopped eating. I was not hungry, but I know I did not eat enough yesterday. This could be good or bad. I will watch to see if this continues but would really appreciate any information anyone has about their first meal(s) after the liquid diet. Thanks in Advance

Hello Again, I forgot to let you know what to buy before leaving for Mexico. I stocked up on the Vitamin Water, and different non-carbonated drinks. I paid close attention to the electolytes that the drinks contained because it is very important to keep those at the correct level. When I was shopping for those, I just made sure that they had no calories (or very few) and purchased which flavors I liked most. Coffee was also a big help for me...and tea. Chicken Bullion will be your main course...There are other bullions that will be OK but I liked the chicken. When you are are at the motel after your both before surgery and after surgery, the motel resturant will know what you can have. Remember you will not be able to have anything to eat or drink the night before surgery. The doctor will allow certain medications for blood pressure etc, if you are on them...but NOTHING ELSE but a sip of water. So...once again, good luck at the OCC...they will treat you like family. Let me know how your trip goes. Best of Luck,

Bogiesmom, Thanks for the suggestions. I do not own a George Forman grill, but I will purchase one. I know fried foods are off of the list, I have been away from them so long, I probably could not tolerate them at all. You have been very helpful since I began my journey...and I thank you for all of your support. All My Best

Greetings Bogiesmom: No offense taken. I see I did not put down to use reduced fat cheese. I know it is rather high in my "estimated" calories...but this is only a guess with the calories. I can only consume 4 oz at a time and it is totally acceptable for me and my diet. You are so right about being able to use more Fat Free bullion to make it more calorie friendly. One thing great about this soup recipe, it is easy to alter and adjust. You can also play with the amount of Cheddar Cheese you decide to add. Granted, I am not a nutritionist...but the "proof is in the pudding", I have been losing weight and have had two servings of this during the day when I chose this for my "main course". I am glad you are looking and offer lesser calorie versions of this recipe. I did however make a typo...it is supposed to be a 4 oz serving. SORRY. And...there are always variations which you pointed out, and I really appreciate the revision. I went back in to edit my version. Thanks so much for pointing this out. Thanks Again!