canuk98828

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of September. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

I will be going down for my first check up /fill on Sept 12. Am traveling alone so would love to connect up with a fellow WLSer

My quality of life is something I never imagined. I have lost almost 70 lbs since my banding and I have a new outlook on life. I don't have to worry any more about weight restrictions. I can sit in the front seat on a roller coaster and I can speed down a zip line! Two things that I was never able to do before my banding. I also enjoy exercise for the first time in my life, which is something I never imagined! I think the eating aspect is different for everyone and really depends on how tight your band is. I haven't had much luck swallowing breads or dry meats like chicken breast, but I don't miss either. For meals, I can have a small serving of meat and a veggie or two. I have never felt unsatisfied or cheated. This was the best decision I ever made and the OCC was the most amazing place! I have no regrets and now live life to the fullest!! Hope this helps!! Good luck on your weight loss journey!!

Mark

I remember when you first started posting. i am so glad to hear your success and happiness. Keep up the great work

Thanks Canuk, I figured it would take a while, guess that will take some getting use to. I knew it would be a problem later when the fat is gone. Have you had to have yours moved?

I have not had it moved, although I think I may have to eventually. Right now, I am struggling with the idea of going back for my 1 year check up. I know I probably should but I am kinda "ostrich - like" as in if it isn't broke don't mess with it. I have my flight booked but who knows, part of the struggle is I will be going alone and it seems to be a lot of hassle for a quick check up on what appears to be doing fine. Sorry for meandering just needed to get it out there.

Roxanne

I had lap-band surgery on the 29th and still have a lot of air, it does take a while to dispell. I can feel mine in my neck and shoulders. Keep moving and taking your gas-x and the papaya chewables help too.

Are you having pain by your port? That's what surprising me. If I bend or move a certain way I can feel it moving and it hurts. Not as much as the first two days. Hoping it will go away with time or sit-ups are going to suck more than they already do...lol

Good luck

steph

I was banded in 8/10. It did take awhile for the port issue to subside but it does.

Does anyone want to go to this with me? Maybe a bunch of us from the Pacific Northwest area could meet up? It's $75 for the weekend but you get $35 off using the code "chef dave" upon registering.

http://www.chefdave.org/events/details/obesity_help_fabulous_in_seattle"

I wold love to meet up and go. It appears we cannot register yet. I will be coming from Wenatchee (Eastern WA). Look forward to meeting all of you that I "talk" to out here.

great information. I will see if I can get the docs in TJ to get me a script...and I bet it's a bit cheaper down there.

Donna

My aestician(sp?) works with a doctor for the administering the Restyln injections and he will gives scripts. You might want to call around your area to see if there is something like that close to home.

Just offering.

Roxanne

Yes, I understand why they cost the same now... but they didn't cost the same to begin with.

So with the seat sale that is happening with SW airlines today, I have booked my 1 year check up and most likely fill for September. I am excited

Hello!

I am scheduled for June 27 and I am very nervous about traveling alone.

My husband is not very supportive of my decision to have the surgery,

especially in Mexico. I am doing this for me. I am a new mom (love it)

to a 1 year old and have really let myself go over the past few years.

Everything (like my job) and everyone has come before taking

care of myself.

I have found a doctor in my area that will do fills on patients who have

had the lab band surgery out of the country. I want to change my surgery

to the lap band instead of gastric plication.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

The decision needs to be yours, but that said, there has been many posts here that a lot of us that are banded, would not have changed the surgery if we had the option at the time. You can have the success you want with either surgery but as a bandster I am partial to the band. Just saying :-)

Alright bandsters I am planning on being banded in a couple of weeks, but the more I read and research the more I'm wondering if I should just get the plication. Do you all feel that you have been happy with your bands, or wish you had had the plication option?? I have seen some that are going in for revisions from band to plication so now starting to have second thoughts on the best option. Any opinions are apprciated. I am 41 wt 246 and 5'7 tall

Thanks

Steph

I love my band and feel it was the best thing i have ever done for myself. I would not consider any other option, it was the correct one for me. That said, we are all different and you need to make sure you pick the WLS that fits you the best. The staff at the OCC can help you make that decision and from what I have read, they discuss it with you right before surgery to make sure you get the surgery you want.

Hi Donna,

GREAT JOB, it sure does feel good to lose even a little weight, but I have the same problem...it always comes back. I'm glad the band worked for you for so long. So what happened, why the plication now? Looking forward to seeing you down there. My surg is the 29th, coming in on the 28th and getting a facial at OCC:). Do you know if you have to do a bowel prep for the band?

Thanks

Steph

no bowel prep for the band.

Hi Donna,

I have been following your posts and I appreciate your diligence. I mean to respond but you know how life kinda gets in the way sometimes...

I am planning on having the gastric plication myself sometime in the near future. I'm waiting on my birth certificate so that I can get a new passport, then 'm booking my procedure.

I cannot say that I am without fear or anxiety over my decision. I know there have never been any fatalities at the OCC, but I have my concerns still. My other fears are failure. What I mean by that is that is I worry that I will not be successful in weight loss after the plication. I have read many posts of those who are unhappy with the time it is taking to lose weight and I wonder also if I will continue with my bas eating habits after the surgery. I honestly question myself and my strength to accomplish the work that is needed and to utilize the surgery as just one of the tools required to meet my goals.

Now I guess I should answer your post. Yes I too chose the 2 shakes and one lean cuisine type dinner daily. I did well for awhile on this, I have lost 12 lbs. But lately I have found myself hungry and I've eaten 2 dinners and even inappropriate snacks. I feel once I get my passport it will be time to hunker down and get serious. I need to lose 20 lbs before surgery.

As far as this plication being reversible, I never plan to have it reversed unless it is medically required. If I am able to lose the weight and keep it off why reverse it? It does seem that the stomach would kind of "heal into" itself after the plication, develop scar tissue and become permanent. I do hope I am making the correct choice in the plication vs. the band.

Well Donna, I will try to be better at replying to your posts. I hope you are doing well ...

Feather

I was banded in 8/10. I did the same pre op diet, but I remember it saying if you felt you needed it, you could add a cup of minestrone soup or a salad to your meal. That was my saving grace.

just saying

Hi Everyone!! Ok... I leave tomorrow morning for San Diego & then TJ. I've slowly shared with family and friends what I'm doing and for the most part everyone has been very supportive. Some have had a few qualms about a surgery in Mexico, but mostly they trust that I have done my research and am doing what is right for me! And I am! Today is my birthday. This coming year I will be losing all this weight that has been holding me back, I will graduate with my MBA and who knows? Maybe I'll even fall in love (this time with someone who loves me back!)

See you on the flip side!

Kelly

Happy birthday and what a wonderful gift you are giving yourself. An awesome year coming up for you, cherish the journey as well as the end.

I'm sorry this happened. Talk about when it rains, it pours. Just know, we all have obstacles we face through our journey, so don't feel alone in this. Keep on pushing and things will eventually look up (keep reminding yourself this and you will see) Look on youtube or search online for exercises you can do that wont hurt your knees and stuff. Also, just watch what you eat, pretend you have a fill and keep eating like you have all the restriction in the world. I can't afford a fill right now and would really want to go see the OCC for a checkup but I can't afford it right now, so I trick myself in thinking I have restriction and only put on my plate what I think is appropriate for when I do have restriction. Don't let your financial situation determine your weight loss, I hope and wish you lots of success and smiles and rainbows and unicorns... big hug!!

what great thoughts and ideas. Thanks for sharing

Did you see re-growth of lost hair?

absolutely, my hair is probably as thick or thicker than it was pre surgery. I can actually have a ponytail again LOL

it is awesome that we have all come forward with the same feelings. I too have gotten into some not so good habits and am looking forward to seeing the encouragement and strength in numbers that I previously felt

Thanks good information..................I did start using the Avalon Oganics Biotin B-Complex, both the shampoo and conditioner..........I have blond streaks and the shampoo has not stripped the color. I use Vitamin World brand Sublingal B-12 5-7 mgs microlozenge(which is 5000-7000mcg), wonder if the brand makes a difference? How long before you started notice new hair growth from the places you lost hair?? I'm at just 4 months out and have noticed in the last month or so loads of missing hair, and I didn't have much per square inch to begin with...................lol................so am really curious to when I might expect some re-growth. Per doc's instructions I also started using Rogaine 5%(it's the men's strength, an OTC in the US, prescription in Cdn, if you know someone one who can ship it to you from the states, you'll say a lot....also the OTC 2.5% I'm told is pretty much useless. In fact I think I got the Avalon Biotin shampoo and conditioner idea from this forum.

I doubt whether brand will make a difference. My choice for the B12 was price point. I started with the conditioner only for about a month at 5 months and saw lessening the the hair loss but no regain. Then about a month later started taking the B12 and within a month my hair was getting thicker and my hairdresser commented on how much new growth she was seeing. I am almost back to my original hair thickness.

Just this week I started noticing an increase in hair loss - washing my hair and more and more seems to be coming out. Any recommendations from those who've had the same issue? I've been reading online and there seems to be many supplements with conflicting reports of success - I'd rather try something that has been effective for others in my position. Thanks!

Just wanted to share with some of you that are experiencing the hair loss. I had my surgery in 8/10 and at about the 3 month mark, started to dramatically lose hair. It got to be pretty serious and laster until about the 6 or 7 month post surgery. I started using two products in about the 4.5 month mark and my hair not only has quit falling out but is definitely fuller than it has ever been. The two products are:

1. Puritan's Pride Sublingual B-12 2500 mcg microlozenqe.

2. Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Conditioner.

I have bought both of these on line and would highly recommend them. I did stay with my original shampoo as my hair is color treated and did not know if the Biotin shampoo would strip my color.

Wow!! 1 to 2 times a week? That makes if quite affordable in the long run. The real cost is the initial start up. I'm getting really happy about this stuff. he he he

I am absolutely hooked on it. I love having the lashes of my "20's." I have actually at one point, before I reduced the times I put the Latisse on, to have to trim my eyelashes, they had gotten that long. Hope you love it.

Do you mean B-12 5000 mcg or 25000 mcg or 2500 mcg? Also does the brand have to be Puritan Pride?

sorry fat fingering on the keyboard. it is 2500 mcg. i don't think brand matters, this is the one I found to be sublingual and that was what I was told to be most important. It is also quite cost appealing and flavored so as not to be hard to take.

Just wanted to share with some of you that are experiencing the hair loss. I had my surgery in 8/10 and at about the 3 month mark, started to dramatically lose hair. It got to be pretty serious and laster until about the 6 or 7 month post surgery. I started using two products in about the 4.5 month mark and my hair not only has quit falling out but is definitely fuller than it has ever been. The two products are:

1. Puritan's Pride Sublingual B-12 25000 mcg microlozenqe.

2. Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Conditioner.

I have bought both of these on line and would highly recommend them. I did stay with my original shampoo as my hair is color treated and did not know if the Biotin shampoo would strip my color.

Just my two cents

From what I've read, you have to continue with it; the growth isn't unlimited, as your eyelashes fall out a lot more than we'd like to believe

So there's always continuous growth.

yes, you do continue to use it but with less and less applications until you find the timing that you need to maintain the length and fullness you want. I end up applying it approx 1 to 2 times a week.

I'm kinda annoyed that the forum is not what it used to be. I remember back when everyone would update on their progress and motivate each other and everyone was pretty much a happy little WLS family. Everyone would share tips on what worked for them and were so active on the forum. I think I'm just going to take my support elsewhere. Anyone who'd like to keep in touch, is welcome to add me on Facebook. Message me and I'll give you my info. I wish everyone a successful journey. I won't be deleting my account, I just won't be checking my account so often. Am I alone on this?

you are definitely not alone. I have been feeling much the same. You and I have talked (IM) before and I would love to connect with you on another arena such as FB.

Roxanne

I am from Louisiana and am scheduled to for the plication on 7/4/11. And I am SCARED. Not going to let this stop me, but would love to have a "buddy" to go through this with. Is there anyone scheduled for this day also? How about someone near me from the south? Please reach out to me beverly@iusco.com or beverlyg101@gmail.com

I do not live close nor am I an upcoming surgery. I had the band put in on 8/3/10 but I just wanted to say, stay strong and use all of us on this forum for the support you need. You will be so happy with your decision once it happens. The emotions you are going through and will continue to go through until surgery are COMPLETELY normal. We all felt them.

Roxanne

Hi there, I am from Anchorage as well (relocated to east washington last mothers day 2010) how did your surgery go? Anything you could tell me would be terrific, I am looking to June for it to happen!

Aksonflower

where in Eastern WA are you. I am in Wenatchee

I've heard mixed reports regarding the side effects.

I guess you've had no eye skin discolouration?

How much was it, in Cdn $?

you are correct, I have had no side effects. A few friends of mine also use it and no one that we know has experienced any side effects. x our fingers, no one does. But what I have read is almost all the side effects do go away if you stop use. Sorry, I don't know how much it is in in Canadian as I live in WA state.