Momof4

I have an AMAZING Dr. in North Carolina that does fills and surgeries. I can't even speak highly enough of him.... he's simply the best. No offense to OCC, but had I found him first he would have done my surgery. He's kind, patient, understands this is a weight LOSS journey, listens to what I think and discusses it with me. I found him through a complication. He was not my Dr. at the time, but I was throwing up, not keeping even water down. I called and he greeted me at the front door upon my arrival, got me back to see what was going on.. had to do an 'unfill' boo.... but within a month I started filling again, and not just 1cc at a time. He was aggressive but competent. I have since hit my goal with my band and can't tell you how much I love him and my band... He's in Raleigh, NC, his name is Dr. Eric DeMaria. You will NOT be sorry you saw him, tell him Stephani sent you, he will chuckle... His cost for a fill is $165 and i used to have to self pay given my surgery was in mexico. Most recently his nurse got my fills approved through insurance, so I'm just making a co-pay. They are wonderful!

Dr. Castillo has done my tummy tuck, last August and now my breast and arms. I am very happy with everything, but I have to say the tummy is his best work! I mean I kind of expected the results of my breasts and arms, but he went way over my expectations with my tummy. I look like i have a six pack and I can honestly say I don't work out enough to have one. I am going back to have my thighs done, which does concern me a bit more considering the scars that are very visible... but the excess skin is just too much and those little horns around my knees, you all know what I'm talking about... they gotta go! I would post before and after pics, but very technically challenged...

It almost sounds as if you have some swelling going on. If you're tighter now without a fill - you have to think why? Are you eating more salty foods, under stress - have you been throwing up more, start writing down things that are happening so you have an understanding of why this is happening. It could also be that you changed the way you eat - are you eating your protein first and not chewing as good.

The alcohol thing is differant - its a liquid, it should go down easy so its upsetting your stomach, make sure you aren't drinking on an empty stomach - eat a little cracker then try a little drink - see what happens.

You just have some differant issues. I would take a look at yourself - and if you can't figure it out on your own go in and have it looked out to make sure you haven't had any issues.

Take care - and good luck!

Lisa

Thank you Lisa for responding... there are days I can't eat much and other days I feel like I was never banded... I need to do just what you said and write things down and try to figure it out.. yes I have been throwing up more which almost made me think it's slipped, but it's not consistent... sometimes drinking tea makes me sick, sometimes I can eat chicken flautaus and feel fine.. it's odd.. and my last fill was 4 months ago and this just started..

Hello. I was banded back in August 2010. I have an 11cc band, it's at 5.5cc. In the early months of my banding, the weight loss was very slow. Lately it has really picked up. I find that I can't eat as much as before... so, the weight is coming off faster... Like 3 lbs/week. I also find that for so long I stayed away from alcohol. I have tried to have a drink now and my stomach immediately throws it up.... It certainly isn't that I've had too much to drink, it's like as soon as it hits, it comes right back up! Anyone have any ideas or thoughts. I am just suprised and hoping this is somewhat normal?

Now I'm wondering if it's slipped or something, I just dont' know what signs to look for..

It is most likely that your band is too tight. However, it could be several issues. I agree with the last post. Call Dr. So immediately. He will tell you what to do. He will likely want you to come in for an evaluation. I had to do that a couple of times and never regretted it. Good luck and please don't wait. I know a lady that waited and her band slipped and she ended up very sick and had to get an emergency surgery.

how do you know if it has slipped? I have the heart burn some too, some days i can eat anything, some days I can't eat anything...

I had my Tummy tuck,Liposculpture,fat transfer and breast implants at OCC with Dr. Mendez. I am very happy with the results and most important I felt at home at OCC.

LV,

I'm looking for some feedback on your surgery. Did you do all at once? Do you like the results? HOw close were you to goal when you did the surgery? How does your belly button look? I'm anxious to know how you felt, how was travel... LOL I have a million questions for someone that went through it.

I had my plastic done at OCC in November and I LOVE my results, I had a tummy tuck, liposculpture, brazillian butt lift and breast implants. I am very satisfied next is my thigh and arm lift. Ill be posting some pics!!!

LV-

Did you do that all at once? How sore were you? How does your belly button look? the butt thing, I've always thought I certainly don't need a bigger butt, but am curious to hear what your thoughts are with how they re-positioned the fat.

Thanks

STephni

I was banded last August with Dr. Ortiz. In the beginning the weight loss was gradual. I had 3 fills, and am at 5.5 cc in an 11 cc band. My last fill was in March. Now, 3 months after my last fill, the weight loss is really picking up, about 3 lbs/week. It's like all of a sudden, I really feel restriction and things are clicking, is that normal?

I have never had soda since the surgery, but I did try and drink some alcohol recently and my body threw it up, the INSTANT it hit my stomach... any ideas on that?

Hello. I was banded back in August 2010. I have an 11cc band, it's at 5.5cc. In the early months of my banding, the weight loss was very slow. Lately it has really picked up. I find that I can't eat as much as before... so, the weight is coming off faster... Like 3 lbs/week. I also find that for so long I stayed away from alcohol. I have tried to have a drink now and my stomach immediately throws it up.... It certainly isn't that I've had too much to drink, it's like as soon as it hits, it comes right back up! Anyone have any ideas or thoughts. I am just suprised and hoping this is somewhat normal?

I had my Tummy tuck,Liposculpture,fat transfer and breast implants at OCC with Dr. Mendez. I am very happy with the results and most important I felt at home at OCC.

You say you did all that, but I checked into this and they will do it, but in multiple trips. did you do this all at once?

I'm trying to get some information on the implants vs. lift. Did you know you wanted implants, or how did you decide to go that route? How did you deal with the drain?

Thanks for hte information you provide, I'm trying to make a decision pretty quickly here.

Can anyone talk about the cost associated? Is it a much better deal like the weight loss surgeries?

No regrets with the location or the band... I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared to death going to Mexico by myself, but I was in great hands! Got through everything just fine, now learning that there is more to this than just a band telling you not to eat... you have to have a new mind set, a complete change in your life... If I said this was magic, or a miracle that would also be a lie!

It's hard work, for a long time I just ate and got sick.. I could NOT put food down. I ate out of control for 30 years this little band was not going to stop me, the food was good. I had a very hard time leaving food on my plate.. I don't know why, just couldn't do it. Now, it doesn't bother me, but I've been banded since last August and it's been a battle between brains and band... brain is smart and is finally making the right choices and I'm using the tool as just that, a TOOL! It's wonderful! Just know there is so much more to it!

Should be 11 cc

I recently went to get my first fill and the Dr. here in the states thought the OCC used a band a little large for me. I got banded August 6th this year and have an 11cc band. My Dr. here in the states thought I should have had a smaller band..

Thanks everyone! So here is the final saga, I made an appt for a fill on Monday with this original Dr. I guess I will swallow my pride and plan for the worst so should be happy with any outcome!

Ok, so here is the long awaited, much anticipated update! Well I went in, thinking they would immediately call me out and say "Maam, I'm sorry, but you were here before and now you have to leave". I immediately recognized each and every one of them and thought Oh how embarassing the waiting room is full, they are going to yell at me....

Well everyone was very friendly, yes, even the Dr! I don't think they remembered a thing, and I got a 5cc fill. Not sure if that is good or bad but the one thing I thought was odd... He said he was surprised they put such a large band on me given my size.. he would have thought they would have put something smaller on me.. NOt sure what all that meant, then he said, come back in a month and we'll see how you are doing.. Not sure I like that part.

I left with that same lump in my throat kind of feeling I had the first few days after my surgery! I am only hoping this gives me some restriction.. I have to say I like the band in that I have not gained anything and I eat what I want, just can't eat as much. I've lost some, just not a ton..

I hope the next time I type to everyone I have much better news to share and am half way through to goal!!!

When I was in the lobby waiting to have my surgery done, I was asking folks if they lost the weight they were suppose to lose.. .almost everyone said "no". Now with that being said, anytime you have surgery it is a risk, and you want to start your life by doing this procedure so keep in mind the suggested weight loss is to minimize the risks during surgery to YOU!. You are worth it and this is the first step in a long journey, so consider it just that!

The band is not magic... I know, we all want it to be, but it is merely a tool... I know, I know a tool?? I said the same thing, I don't need a tool, I need something to keep me from putting food in my mouth. Here is what it's done for me so far..

I was banded early August and have lost about 12 lbs.. not a ton... but what I also find is that this tool keeps me from overeating. So while I haven't dropped a lot, I also have no fill yet. This has helped me lose a little and not feel as though I'm on any kind of diet at all!!!

This is going to be a great experience for you, give it your all and remember the reward is not as good if you don't have a story to tell at the end.. This is YOUR story, make it good!

Momof4, I have had two fills at OCC and currently have 5ccs. I usually only feel restriction in the morning. I will continue to go to OCC for my fills as it is cheaper and I feel better letting them do it. Sounds like you found a reasonable Dr. who is taking a conservative route. TC RCR

Thanks everyone! So here is the final saga, I made an appt for a fill on Monday with this original Dr. I guess I will swallow my pride and plan for the worst so should be happy with any outcome!

no no no!! you DO NOT have to tell ANYONE about the medical procedure. She is out of her mind and seems like she's a big contributer to the whole gossip in the office if she can't have control and keep this to herself. I know for a fact she can not force you to tell ANYONE why you are taking the time off. I once called out of work sick and explained to my boss what was wrong... in confidence. he then turned around and told everyone in a meeting. everyone was so offended that he would talk about my personal issues, well, he is no longer working with us.

So no, this is a personal issue and no one will even know you had anything done when you get back. So talk to her or your HR department.

Stand up for yourself now, or "she" will continue to do this to others. She may not even know what she is doing is wrong and you need to let her know.

Stay focused on doing what is right for you and your health, you are making a good decision and consistent with that, you need to tell her that her decision is wrong!

Wow 7cc's seems like a lot. How are you doing since then?

WOW 7cc is a ton!!!! how are you doing? I would hate to have to get an unfill at the Dr. I left... now that would be embarassing. I have seriously thought about going to that "other" dr. again just to get it started.. the longer I wait, the more depressed I'm getting that I'm not using my 'tools' to help me.

I would hate to go to the OCC and get 2 cc and be like.. OMG I should have just stayed in the states... tough decision

Congrats!!! THis is nice to see... because yes I am like you once were right there in the beginning. It's so neat to see your pictures and to know that you are going to help those of us that suffer with this life long battle!

You look amazing!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to yell so loud the cops come to my house! Maybe we should time this right so they have time to make both visits! LOL

Great job and let us know when you reach goal!

Thanks Lindsay! I do want all of the advice I can get and I come here often when I'm "stuck" with a decision or a way of thinking. I invested not just my head/heart, but a lot of cash this time and I want the investment in myself to be worth it. I guess my fear of being taken advantage of was higher than my realistic plan. I need to stay the course and while I will look around at other places to avoid embarassment, I might just go back and see what happens. I just don't want them to be like.. "Hey you were here before fat girl, go home!" I know, I know wouldn't happen.. but we always fear the worst.

You all look amazing in your pictures, so I trust you've been in my shoes and I'm trying to get in yours.

Thanks so much!!!

I did not get the fill at that time, but was questioning my judgment. I did not expect just one fill and then I would be done. What I did expect was for something done under fluro to be somewhat realistic, meaning I've heard horror stories of folks getting 1 or 2 cc's every 4-6 weeks and nothing is felt for so long that they discouraged and frustrated. Well, no big surprise, but I've started many "diets" and been frustrated or discouraged which led to more eating. I have not gained any weight, so I'm still feeling good about my decision, but I'm ready to move on to the next step in this process. I'm in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and this Dr. didn't seemed phased at all that I had my band done in Mexico, but I truly felt as though I would get a fill now, fill in 4 weeks, and so on and so on.

I don't know that I can call back now... I mean I don't know if he would know/care, but at the same time after disucssing with him and deciding to leave, I would look silly to go back and say, "Hey I'm sorry but I was worried"

If anyone knows of a Dr. around me that does them, please let me know and thank you for your posts. I am not looking for the quick fix, but I was hoping for more than just a for sure 4 week follow up. I'm busy and this wasn't what I thought going in...

Today I got sooooo excited! I was getting my first fill today from a Dr. that does ad's and says he takes patients banded in Mexico under Fluoro for $200/fill. I thought I had died and went to heaven and called for an immediate appt. I took some time off work today and drove about 30 minutes to his office.

I get in and they start asking me some questions and then I ask some questions... primarily around fill/unfill within a certain amount of time/days/etc. I wanted to be sure that I came back within the right time frame if things didn't feel right. The gal, I'm assuming the nurse, says to me... " Dear, you won't get a full fill today so you shouldn't need to come back." I said, "I'm sorry I don't think I understand what you mean." She repeats the same thing and "I say, hold a minute" She interrupts me and says, you will need 3-4 fills before you are at the right spot and feel restriction. I said, how often do I need to come? She explains that in another 4-6 weeks they would see me again and so on and so on.

I told her, that is not what I was interested in. I didn't need to be throwing up or unable to keep food down, that was not my goal, but it was not to come every 4-6 weeks either. She said, "I'm sorry Dear, but that is how we do things here in the states!" Omg! I felt like some "ridiculed" person that was odd for going to Mexico and as not sure why, but I felt fat, insecure and just bad. I wanted this fill so bad, but I felt like it was the worng situation, wrong people etc.

Can anyone share their thoughts on what happened? I ended up leaving and am wondering, "Did I do the right thing?" "Should I go back?" Is this really right, do I really need to have a fill every 4-6 weeks?

So, So disappointed.

Hey you, Erin here.

How are things going? I for one am LOVING my band! I am going on 20lbs lost and looking forward to the next 20.

Is your fill tomorrow? I am going next week, we will be in San Diego for a vacation so I hope to just hop on over for a fill.

Hope things are going good for you, talk to you later, Erin

I went to get a fill today and had a poor experience.

I don't know if anyone else has had this, and if so, please let me know your thoughts/comments. When I went to the Dr. I inquired about the policy regarding unfill/fill depending on how things felt within so many days etc. They say to me " we won't do a fill that gives you restriction your first time" You will come back 3-4 times in the next 6 months... I was like, "HUH" "OMG" wait, this is not what I've heard or thought of when getting a fill. Can you all let me know what your experiences are/have been? I left that Dr, but am now wondering what to do..I was so very, very disappointed having to leave.