Momof4

I just went to Mexico one week ago today to get a fill from Dr. So. He told me to only fast 2 hours prior to the fill. I had breakfast that morning and didn't eat or drink for more like 3 hours before he fill and all was fine. It went very well. He said my band was in the perfect place at the right angle. I had 4.5cc's put in. I was exactly like you before the fill, no restriction unless I really over ate. I was very nervous about the fill and afraid it would hurt. It doesn't. It felt like a slight pinch and it's over before you know it. Anyway, best wishes with your fill!!

Thank you for this advice! So do you have restriction right now? I've heard folks say they don't generally give more than 4 cc's so I'm glad to hear you got a little more. I'm staying here locally but I hope to really feel the restriction with less food adn to stay full longer. I am excited almost like I'm getting the band for the first time!

There is an excellent 14 point sheet by Dolittle. If you use the search and type in Increase your chances for a good fill and then once you get to the next page put Dolittle as the author you can find it. Good luck

Thank you both for your suggestions. I am glad I found the checklist! I didn't think I should eat, but they didn't tell me anything and then I've heard some say, "Don't eat so you get more restriction and heard others say, "eat". I wanted to see what most have tried and found helpful!

Thank you!

I was banded at the OCC on August 6th and am getting my first fill on Monday. Can anyone tell me what to do or not to do prior? It seems as though I've read different advice about eating/not eating before a fill.

Right now, I feel no restriction unless I really over eat! (Which I can do) I try to still watch what I'm eating, after all I made this committment and spent big bucks, so it's on me. I do want to get the most of the fill and want to be sure that if it's better to eat right before, I do and if not I don't etc..

Any suggestions, much appreciated!!!!

I haven't checked in for a while and wanted to say hi and let you all know I'm still maintaining my 95 pound loss and feel great! I was hoping to lose 100 and know I will when I get off my butt but I'm just so thrilled where I'm at anyway. I wake up every morning and hop on the scale certain that I'm going to have gained all my weight back. I still can't get over the fact I am "normal" for the first time in my life. I have to do a double-take when I see pics of myself and it's so nice not to have to delete them all. Of course I still struggle with all the same baggage I had when I was bigger, (marriage is the same, work is the same, kids don't magically start behaving themselves) but it's certainly one less hurdle in life, a big weight off my shoulders, literally! If you are trying to decide and worry this is the "easy way out" I say at least it's a way out! I don't regret my decsion at all and thank all of you who encouraged me way back when.

Sabrina:)

This is nice to see! On the early part of my journey, I still struggle with the "instant" fix which this is not. I still don't have my first fill, I go Monday Sept. 20th. I'm hoping I get one fill and all my problems are solved, but I read many times it takes 2-3 sometimes.. I'll need support as well, so it's nice to see/read these kinds of posts to know it will come, just might be slow! Congratulations, you should be so proud!!!

I am afraid I will end up having to do this port relocation surgery sooner or later my self.

I am only about 5 weeks out from having my band placed but the port is so uncomfortable at times and always noticable.

Erin, When are you getting your first fill?

Michelle, heres what I do:

breakfast - every day its a crustless quiche. each portion is ~200 cal, and has a min of 18g protein, and <4g carb.

lunch - around 350 cal. 4-5oz protein: flank steak, pork chop, salmon, snapper, chicken cooked w not too much fat. sides are always something green: 1 cup spinach w walnuts and blue cheese, broccoli sauteed in garlic chile flake and lemon juice, edamame tossed with parmesan and lemon juice, cauliflower tossed w olive oil and freshly grated ginger and roasted. 300-350 cal, <6g net carbs, min 25g protein

dinner - same, but i might add a second side, like roasted tomatoes or half an avocado. 300-400 calories, <6g carb, 25-30g protein

snack - 1/2 c greek yogurt, 1/2 c cottage cheese, 1 oz pecans or macadamia or sunflower seed kernels, an apricot, or a slice of flaxbread. snacks should have 150 cal, >5g protein, <5g net carb.

i follow this and always end up around 1100 calories, around 20g net carbs, and min. 70g protein, often more.

I would love the recipes, it all sounds yummy and I find that is half the battle. I just got banded AUgust 3rd and am on my first day of food... took it easy today and didn't eat salad or anything that seemed "rough" to my stomach... wanted to take it easy.. we'll see how long this lasts.

i think im having success bc i cook a lot. but i make things in bulk - half an hour making a quiche leaves me w six filling yummy breakfasts. if i buy fish, i buy at least 2 portions, cook them both, eat one and pack the other for lunch the next day. if im making beef chicken or pork i make a full recipe, 4 servings, and then i eat that for lunch the rest of the week. im completely off processed snacks/foods.

id be glad to provide any recipes if you'd like

So I am officially off of my 21 day liquid post op diet!

I have been waiting for this day for, well, for 21 days.

The kicker is that I was so dang busy at work today that I did not get a lunch break so no food!

I am having a little snack of grilled chicken breast strips right now though.

We were going to go out for steaks (little ones) tonight to celebrate but I am so tired after the busy day I had.

The awesome news is that I am down to 167 lbs today! Pre surgery weight was 170. So I am pretty stoked right now!

Congrats to me!

Erin!!!! Congrats, I'm right behind you girl... I have one more day. I am thinking of grilled cheese though for my first meal, or big TEXAS size baked potato... tell us how it went. I'm excited for you... I am at 213 day, surgery date of 221 so doing well, but seriously... eating liquids puddings and yogurts, I would have expected to drop massive weight... So happy yes, at 213 it's the lowest weight since 2004, but wished it had been more.

You need to go back one level to the listing of all the topics in the Weight Loss Surgery Discussion tab, then under Diet and Nutrition the third over is recipes. That's where a ton of great ideas are kept

AHA found it! Thank you! I see the tomato pie... hmmm will have to try it, not sure I'm into it for breakfast, but you never know... there are some really yummy looking ones out there, the breakfast quiche, now that looks good too!

Ok ladies, so the other night I ate macaroni and chees, only like 5 or 6 bites.... but boy was I miserable after eating it.. even dry heeved (not spelling that right) a few times. I got this yucky full feeling and really wished I had not had any..... I thought hey, it's soft and my favorite... BAD choice! My girls eat it all the time and I let food win and found out that was wrong...

Now, I'm thrilled that happened because if it had not, I might be wayyyyy off track now... but I feel horrible because I don't want to damage the band etc... and the motion of almost throwing up can't be good for the band.... You girls may have to try this yourself if you are like me to know it's really there, but if you can trust a gal pal, don't do it!!!!

I'm still only down about 9 lbs from surgery date... a little annoyed at that given what I'm NOT eating... I wish it were more, but I try to remind myself it's still 9 lbs...

where are you all getting this tomato pie recipe... it sounds disgusting, but you are all eating it and say it's good.... I have to try it! Although I hate to cook... half of why I'm in this position, eating on the run is always easier... but certainly not healthier... I have heard it's on here somewhere but I can't find it... SAD>>>

I know how you feel honey!

I'm not expecting miracles but you would think that after a week of clear liquids there would be some weight loss right!

We just have to hang in there and it will happen.

I am doing ok on the liquids, dont feel the urges to eat or chew anymore.

In fact I am a little afraid of eating solid foods (maybe after two more weeks of liquids I will feel differently!)

I feel so "full" and bloated all the time anyhow and cant imagine trying to eat anything.

Oh well, we will get there.

Erin

Ok ladies, so the other night I ate macaroni and chees, only like 5 or 6 bites.... but boy was I miserable after eating it.. even dry heeved (not spelling that right) a few times. I got this yucky full feeling and really wished I had not had any..... I thought hey, it's soft and my favorite... BAD choice! My girls eat it all the time and I let food win and found out that was wrong...

Now, I'm thrilled that happened because if it had not, I might be wayyyyy off track now... but I feel horrible because I don't want to damage the band etc... and the motion of almost throwing up can't be good for the band.... You girls may have to try this yourself if you are like me to know it's really there, but if you can trust a gal pal, don't do it!!!!

I'm still only down about 9 lbs from surgery date... a little annoyed at that given what I'm NOT eating... I wish it were more, but I try to remind myself it's still 9 lbs...

Hey girl!

Dont worry, I had this same feeling for days, not painful just annoying. It does go away.

I have only had one or two days of bad burping and one day of amazingly painful gas but today am feeling wonderful.

I started on soup today and feel so full I cant imagine going onto regular foods!

Oh and by the way I finally saw a drop in the scale today- 8 pounds!

You go girl!!! My week weight loss is 6 lbs! I'll take it... if only to do 6 lbs each week until it's off... the down side, i know it won't be like this long....

You have me cracking up!!!! The driver is such a nice man too!! I'm glad you had such a good experience. I'm on day 14 of liquids and for me, it's been very hard. The cream soups are better than the broth that's for sure. I will never have broth again even if I have the flu! I never got the lump in my throat feeling but I am still burping alot! Sounds like you are doing well and I'm glad to hear it!

I am dying on this liquid thing.... and not losing much weight anymore.. GRRRR like if I'm eating less than 500 calories/day I ask myself... Is there someone out there that just doens't like me? I could never have stuck to this kind of routine before but I would have hoped it provided more weight loss... dang!!!! Kind of depressing.

Momof4,

Hey little brave mama! I'm wondering how you are doing too. Can't wait to hear about your Mexico experience!

Well I am soooooooooooo glad someone told me about the police station next to the hotel. I was a bit freaked out. I have to say, I wished I would have went with my hubby, but I'm not afraid and would go back again for a fill etc if I needed to. I met some great people there!!! I have to say, the initial ride into Mexico was kind of odd.... i'm texting back to the US the drivers name. My girlfriend said, "What is the license plate in case we don't see you again... I'm like, heck I didn't get that I gave you the drivers name" She says, If he plans on killing you I doubt he gave you his realy name! LOL.

All in all it was a good trip! i even went shopping on revolution avenue all by myself! I actually had fun!! My husband was texting me saying, I bet you are in heaven! The OCC was good, i am very happy with my decision. I am actually kind of anxious to get to the 6 weeks so I can have a fill and start moving on with my "new" relationship with food. Right now I'm not hungry at all... wow, can't even believe I said that actually. So far, 5 days in.. I think it's good! I'm so excited to see my new body... come on weight loss. Then, new boobs, new tummy, LOL

Thanks for checking in on me!!!!

Just wanted to say Hi and see how you are feeling today!

I know everything went great, but drop me a line and tell me how things are!

Talk to you later, Erin

hey there!!!! I didn't know where to find this post.. sorry I didn't respond sooner. I have been thinking of you. .Do you feel like you have a lump in your throat? Or are you burping a lot? I'm home, doing the liquids... dying for some creamy soup.. broth is just horrible.. How are you doing?

it's normal. you're still tender. you will burp alot and it will feel funny. but if you are in pain, call the OCC

no pain, just feels weird.... thanks!!!

I was just banded on 8/6 and I feel like I have something stuck in my throat... not to the point of obstruction, but when I burp, I swear I can feel the band. Is this normal? then I burp a lot and I worry I'm going to slip the band. Someone tell me this is normal, or tell me it's not and I need to call the dr. I'm a little worried!

Momof4,

I wish you more than luck. I wish complete success for you!! I will say a prayer for your nerves. If you only knew how much I understand. I was so nervous too and very emotional about the whole experience. I am so proud of you for doing this. I respect you for traveling alone, despite your fears, and for making this decision so you can get healthy for those 4 kids.

You are going to do fine. OCC has computers and so does the Marriott in their Business Center. So keep us updated. Oh and I forgot to tell you that when you are in your room at the Surgery Center, there is a phone and you can make all the calls you want in the USA for FREE!!!

I am home!!! I met some incredible people while I was there. I must say I was very nervous, but after meeting people down there going through the same experience I was, made it all better! Shout out to Michelle and Erin! Thank you so much for making my experience even better. Without you I know it would not have been the same. I also know I will keep in touch with them. I got on the scale first thing when I got home this morning and it showed I had gained 2 lbs from day of surgery, which is nearly impossible... I have had nothing to eat... so I'll be anxious to see what the scale says over the next few days.... I'll keep you all posted.

Hi Momof4!

The Marriott is very clean and nice. The worst part about it is that there are only 3 English speaking channels on the TV and they have subtitles in Spanish at the bottom of the screen!!! I would get so distracted reading subtitles, I would miss what I was watching! Then the commercials blast at you in Spanish. It was hard because my husband and I would get bored and want to watch Tv to pass the time away and there is nothing to watch!

The traffic is crazy down there and the drivers are crazy! The cab rides are a little scary because they drive like maniac's. I did feel safe down there so I don't want to alarm you with this info, just prepare you. There is an abandoned Hotel next to the Marriott that the Police have taken over as a headquarters. They have sandbags stacked up at the entrance with policemen behind them pointing machine guns out at the street 24/7 to protect their Command Center. It's pretty intimadating. We were told don't walk around alone at night.

If you get bored there is a Walmart down the street you can walk around in, it's a $4.00 cab ride or about a one mile walk. Or there is the Revolution Ave. you can take a cab ride to. They sell lots of souvenirs. The day before surgery Dr. Ortiz says we can have a "Farewell to Food" meal. So some people have went to this restaurant down the street with a big Sombrero as the roof called "El Potrero". We ate there and had fabulous service, excellent food, great prices, very clean.

It was a $4.00 cab ride to get there.

I found the food at the Marriott to be expensive and not very good. After surgery the Marrioot provides you with what they call the "OCC Package" this is free to you, or actually covered under our surgery fee. The OCC Package includes broth, the chicken was horrible but the beef was better, popsicles, two flavors, lemon or papaya. The lemon one was basically water with lemon juice squeezed in! Yuck! The papaya was better. Then you can have apple juice and bottled water.

You will also need $31.00 after surgery to by your meds from the OCC Center. Hope this helps!! : )

.

This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO helpful! I am so glad I read this. I leave tomorrow... i would have been freaking out if I saw folks pointing guns at me.... I'm glad to know about the shopping close by too and the medicine money.... They need a checklist of this kind of thing...I really wish my husband was going with me. i'm very nervous, but I know this is the right decision. So hard to be away from them for this long. I hope I don't get too bored. I will have no money left if I keep shopping. I'm not sure I will get a "last Meal" I'm still struggling to get all my weight off... I hope I weigh in right on track!

Wish me luck!

Thanks for all the advice lovesMaui...

Momof4 when are you going to be at OCC?

My surgery is on the 4th...I cant believe that is next week already!

I am getting nervouse and second guessing my decision to do this, I keep telling myself if I just try harder I can loose the weight.

Been saying that for close to 20 years now.

I know I am doing the right thing but it is still scarry.

I am all stocked up on juice and broth though!!!

I leave tomorrow and have surgery the 6th. I am going by myself since we have small children.... I'm nervous!

Momof4,

I just got home from Mexico today. I had lap band surgery on the 28th. I was very nervous before the surgery but it happens so fast. You really aren't under for very long at all. There is some soreness around the port incision afterward. The staff at the hospital was great. You will do fine! Remember to walk a lot afterward so you won't get gas pains.

Thank you for the reply. I love hearing from anyone who has been through this... I will walk to shop! how is that? LOL Since you just came back, anything you can suggest about the area, what to do and not to do? Shopping, stay in your room? LOL I want to be safe, I'm going alone. We have two little girls and don't live near family... so my husband can't come with me. :-(

Just felt the need to say that although I have not even been to the OCC yet (surgery 8/3/10), the quick responsiveness of all of the OCC staff I have had the chance to encounter via email/phone has made me feel so comfortable and safe with my decisions. Everyone has been tremendous. Between the awesome support and encouragement I am receiving from all of you Bandsters and then the responsiveness of the OCC, I absolutely know I have made a great choice and decision. Just finished reading Dr O's book and it filled in soooo many blanks for me. Thanks to everyone

What is the name of the book? Where did you get it?

Oh! I forgot to add - I felt fine in TJ. I have been there 8 times and will be there more, I have met some great friends there

Can you tell me where you went to do the cosmetic pieces? I've been watching some of the posts on this forum and it's hard to keep up with all of them. Was it expensive? Are you happy with the results?

My surgery was Feb. 18, 2010. The surgery was easier than I thought it would be, but that doesn't mean it was a piece of cake. I recovered quickly and was shopping a bit the next day with another lady that had her lapband surgery the same day I did. I've lost 74 pounds so far, and have experienced a couple plateaus which are frustrating. I've never been able to lose this much weight doing anything else. I highly recommend OCC and all the doctors and staff there. Of course I was nervous going to TJ for surgery, but everything was wonderful and they are all so very nice, extremely caring, and helpful. I refuse to go anywhere else for fills, even though I have to travel from Florida, we just save our money so I can go there. Going to OCC has been one of the best decisions of my life! Let us know what you decide.

Congratulations on the weight loss... that is amazing! Have you had to find the right fill spot for you? Do you know what size band you received? I'm amazed, that is incredible!!!

Being out over a year, I would have to say that the sleeve would have been a better choice for me. Don't get me wrong. I love my band and have lost weight and changed so much. That is my hind sight view as it is 20/20 vision.....

I am very curious to learn why.... can you enlighten me a bit more?

I am going down on August 4th for a surgery date of August 6th. I would love to know if anyone else will be there. Does anyone have just one thing they wish they would have known right before or after that no one told them? Please tell me. I have learned so much on this forum but I want to try and ensure I don't make some of the mistakes I've read about either. I guess a mistake is bound to happen, but I'm trying to learn from all of yoU!