DrCif

I saw my fill center yesterday. They were so amazing and informative. My band is still in good placement, pouch is still fine....ahhh, that felt so good to hear. They decided to take out 0.5 cc to help with the severe fluxuation and inconsistency due to stress, water retention, salt, hormones, etc. They just said that they see alot of women that have a hard time with the band since their bodies tend to be more influenced by the above mentioned issues...they think I might be one of them! They are hoping that will help so I can actually "eat" meals in the morning and at lunch so I won't be so hungry and tempted by evening to help allow me to eat slower and more rationally. I was getting very frustated because all the doctors tell you to only do solid meals and avoid drinking protein shakes and liquid calories, but when I couldn't get more than 1-2 bites of anything solid down before sometimes 1pm...it made for a very hungry girl by evening. They are actually happy with the weight loss so far. Down a total of 67 pounds from my highest weight. Soooooo....this morning after a cup of warm tea, I was actually able to EAT all three meals with very limited portions....and I feel so much better and satisfied. Living with the band has such a steep learning curve. I do agree with all of you...the band will only do so much for me, I have to do the rest. Thank you for all of your input and help.

Christy,

My main question would be - Okay so some days u say that you can consume several pieces of thin crust pizza or even several crunchy tacos before noticing any restriction - why would u do that? Dr So's comment to me was. Do not push to see how much u can eat but how little u can eat to feel satisfied. I beleive if I truly tried I could also consume a fair amount, as I have never had a fill but why would I want to do that when I do feel satisfied after my "approved" amount of food and then if I change up and get busy doing something else. Which as I write now, I realize I am starting to not do as consistently, thus slower weight loss - so thank you for the reminder.

I know that I "should" eat less...but what I think I was expecting was that I would have a reminder from my band that I was full earlier. I think the reason that most of us have the band is because we really didn't have that feeling of full before. Again, I am constantly trying to work on my rules, but it is just so hard when one day I am so hungry and can barely get 3 bites in without almost getting stuck and then the next day virtually feeling no restriction at all. It makes it very hard to get "satifying" meals because each meal amount is so varied. Since I often don't get a chance to eat more than a bite or two, when I do get the chance, I often take it...not saying it is right, but the inconsistency doesn't seem normal either. Just taking it day by day. Hopefully, when I get my recheck on Wednesday, they have some words of advice. I just pray my band is still ok. This has been a very rough road the last 2 months.

I've had my band since 7/26/10 and have had 2 fills (both with fluoroscopy). The first was 6.0 mls and I had only noticed restriction with foods like white bread and had minimal weight loss (7 pounds in 1 month). I had a second fill a month later of 1.5 mls and I then noticed restriction. The problem I am having is that I am unsure if it is me that is chewing poorly or eating too fast but I am so inconsistent with the amount of food I can eat from day to day or hour to hour. Some days I can barely get a protein shake down before 1pm and other days I can eat several pieces of thin crust pizza or even several crunchy tacos before noticing any restriction. I have had several PBing incidences since my last fill at the end of October but I have been trying to be more observant as to how and what I am eating...still seems inconsistent. I am a woman who really has a problem with retaining water so I notice a dramatic tightness during that week of the month. I have noticed that I have often found myself avoiding solid food and going to protein shakes, etc over the last few months to help avoid any PB episodes since I am so scared to hurt my pouch...which most likely accounts for why I am only down another 20 pounds in 2 months...and stuck there. I finally have time off work to get a recheck in 2 days to see what is going on. Just thought I would throw the question out there and see if any of you have had the same experiences.

Thanks for listening. I feel like such a loser. I am a medical professional and feel like I should have a better handle on this than I do. I am certainly finding this journey much more difficult than I expected.

Christy

So happy to see this post. I am having the same problems right now. My surgery date was 7/26/10. My first fill was 6.0 mls with no restriction noted at all. A month later I received another 1.5 mls and restriction was definitely noted. I can't tell if my band is too tight or if I am inflammed because certain days I can eat very well and other days I slime/PB without any real reason noted. The frequency has been increasing the last few weeks but it is so random. I see from all the other posts to go on a liquid diet for at least 5 days and do Maalox 3x/day since it may likely be an inflammed pouch. I'm sure I could always improve chewing, food choices, hydration. I'm so scared about really hurting my band. My fills are done here in the Midwest always under fluoro but I won't have a chance to get into see them for another week or two so I will definitely go on the liquid diet and Maalox from all of your suggestions. Thank you!

I felt the same way during my pre-op diet. In fact, whenever I start a lower carb diet, my body almost goes into shock coming off carbs and sugars. I am a true carb/sugar addict and it feels like it when I remove them from my system but after about 5-7 days, I feel so much better getting them out. I feel so much energy without carbs in my system and after the initial shakes and weakness phase is over, the cravings really go down. Hang in there.

Hi, I was in the same position as you this last summer. I had by band placed at the OCC on 7/26/10 and when I started the process I was a BMI of 53. I was told by Dr. Miranda that I needed to lose 30 pounds prior to surgery. I had about 7 weeks to accomplish this goal...needless to say I had the same fears you are having right now. The good thing is that having a surgery, plane tickets, fear of sending me home bandless, etc helps keep you motivated. I was able to get the weight off...33 pounds to be exact as of the day of surgery. I followed the diet plan #2 I think of Dr. Miranda's...protein shake for breakfast and lunch, then a lean cuisine at night. LOTS of Water since I tend to retain a ton of it. So it is possible...strong dedication is the key, but you can do this. I am 57 pounds down total and in desperate need of my first fill. Post op is so wonderful because you just have very little interest in food and when you do eat, it takes so little to fill you up. Also, be sure to talk/email Dr. Miranda along the way to keep her updated...she gave me little hints along the way when I got stalled out and was having trouble/fears here and there.

Hang in there and be sure to ask for help when you need it....we all need some help.

Christy

Ok, so finding a good fill center here in Minnesota has proven to be much more difficult than I had anticipated BUT I think I have found a good option for those of us here in the northern tundra of the US. I have called over 30 locations within a 150 mile radius over the last 2-3 weeks and had almost all the hospitals tell me that no one will perform a fill on a "Mexican" band because they are all faulty and placed poorly...nice. Also, the Realize/J&J Band was also causing me some trouble because most hospitals around here only do the Allergan band (Lap-Band) and also very few will do it under fluoroscopy which I find very important....so I think I've found an option. Dr. William Lee of the Southern Minnesota Surgical Associates has 2 offices...one in Blue Earth and one in St. Peter. They are perfectly ok with doing "Mexican" bands and the J&J bands and ALWAYS does them under fluoro...YES! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! I would love to go back to the OCC for all my fills but the reality is that I just can't get that much time off from work and pay for all the flights/transportation. I have a recheck/Fill set with the OCC in November but with the lack of restriction I have right now, I didn't want to wait another 2 months to risk gaining any weight. I will update with how things go after my first fill. I really hope this goes well since there are almost no options around here for fills. The Fill Centers USA branch in New Prague doesn't often use Fluoro and the set up fee for a new client is pretty outrageous. Wish me Luck!

Thank you! Breakfast is so hard for me...never enough time, so this is such a good idea. I've also made some of the "Bites" from the EggFace recipe list which work out great for breakfast and also very easy and healthy for a snack when I feel the need.

Hi, I am nearing my 6 week post op time and starting to think more about fills. I live in southern Minnesota and would love to have some options for Fill Locations. The Fill Center USA in New Prague, MN didn't seem all that impressive on the phone. Has anyone used them? Was it just a bad receptionist? I am planning a trip to the OCC in early November for a fill but don't think I can wait that long to get my first. Any ideas?? I've heard about a fill location in Sioux Falls, SD...a Dr. O'brien and a Dr. Strand?? Anyone used these guys?? How many of you get fills without fluoro?? Getting a fill with fluoro in the states seems very difficult and expensive. Many of the bigger hospitals around here will do the fill but by the time I pay for all the "endocrinology consult" fees "surgeon consult" fees and each fill, plus fluoro....by that time the trip to the OCC seems pretty cheap....and a lot less hassle. Thanks for listening...would love to hear your feedback.

Christy

Wow, I'm glad this discussion has calmed down a little bit...it was pretty fiesty there for a while. Here is my 2 cents worth:

1. I was informed that the OCC did have both LapBand and Realize bands and that the surgeon would decide the best one based on my anatomy. Sounds good to me. Most American hospitals only have 1 brand to choose from because they are forced to choose which company will "fund" them.

2. From all the sites and research that I have found, there is no significant difference in results from either band. Results are still based on an individuals work and dedication to getting the weight off...Look at RevyD on the forum...has lost 145+ pounds and hasn't had a single fill!

3. I am a veterinarian that performs LOTS of varied surgeries and I can honestly say that you have no idea what you're going to need in a patient until you open them up and see what you've got going on in there. Abdominal fat can show up in the weirdest places even on a thinner patient.

4. American doctors have egos that tend to be a bit too large in my opinion. I attend a LapBand support group monthly here in the Midwest and I get the "shut out" of lots of discussions because I am very supportive of my "Mexican surgery"...the American hospitals really don't want people to get wind of this option....despite the fact that I have had better results and less complications than all of them...huh...sounds kinda fishy.

5. Most American facilities really push you not to do the Fluoro...why?...just seems like a logical step in a fill..see #3...every person reacts differently...to say that we just start people out at a certain number of cc's is crazy. Fills are very expensive here in the states and each access to the port (especially a blind stick) increases chance of damage to the port/tubing and infection....Less fills = better in my opinion. I am very nervous to get my first fill...have heard so many horror stories...but regardless will do it under fluoro...just doesn't make sense not to.

Anyway, that is my opinion, take it or leave it...but remember if you post something on a forum...you will get LOTS of opinions and they may not all be siding with you...we all have such varied experiences. I am very happy with my choice to go to the OCC...they have saved my life and opened my eyes to the world outside of "american medicine".

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...

The lack of weight loss is frustrating but apparently very typical. I only lost 14 pounds post op...but being as large as I am, I thought I would have lost more. This is my first week on solid food and I haven't lost a single pound despite being very good to my band and following the rules....very frustrating. Getting back on solids has been wonderful but eating so slow is very different for me...I'm a busy lady on the go, like most of us. I just feel like I should be doing something else while I eat to use my time efficiently...like this morning as I post..I'm nibbling on my Tomato Pie for breakfast! From my vast 1 week of solid food experience eating very slow is the key....if I eat very slowly, I can feel full coming much easier and know when to stop without pain....but last night we were all talking and eating and I think I ate a little faster and noticed that I could eat more than my usual 1 cupish and oh my did I pay for it...so much pain...I did not PB but it was very uncomfortable. I should have eaten slower and paid more attention to the "full" button approaching....won't make that mistake again...yikes! Talk about great negative reinforcement!

Tomoatoe Pie was my secret weapon. Ate it every single day and never got tired of it. The recipe is on this forum under the recipes. Goes down easy and tastes yummy

Debbie

[/quote

Made it last night...................sooooo good! Thanks for the suggestion.

Christy

Thank you all so much for your ideas. I thought the liquid phase would be the hard part but finding that this next stage will be the challenging part because I have to make good choices to make this band help me out. Even today, the first day back on solids...I can feel "fullness" very early into my meals so I am excited and hopeful that this might really help me. Can't wait to try out some new breakfast options. I think pancakes, sausage, etc are in my past...and not even feeling too bad about it!

Christy

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow will be my 22nd day post-op...YAHOOOOOOO! Certainly was the LONGEST 21 days of my life but alas I survived just like everyone else. Ok, so excited to get off liquids but kinda scared too. I started thinking about breakfast and got flustered? What can I eat?? I have been on a protein shake, protein smoothie, carb bar, etc for so long now (been on so many diets even before the pre-op stage) that I've almost forgotten options for breakfast. I have seen on the forum that scrambled eggs usually don't go down well...is that the same for all eggs?? Is cereal out? I'm guessing pancakes/waffles/muffins are a no-no even if they do go down. How about oatmeal? I know this sounds weird but I was puzzled. Don't get me wrong, the liquids only thing really sucked but I will miss the ease of grabbing a protein shake before heading out the door for work in the morning. Any ideas will be appreciated!

Christy

Sodium is NOT a source of weight gain.

this is a myth.

I disagree. Sodium causes water retention...which for most of us women can cause significant weight retention and fluctuation. There is no myth about it...pretty straight forward....simple basics of osmotic flow. BTW, I do have medical training. Jennifer, I understand what you are feeling. Had surgery same day as you. Expected pretty steady weight loss post-op since only being on liquids, but have only lost about 10 pounds post-op. Can't be too angry because it is 10 pounds but feels like I am being so "good" and "deprived" that it should be coming off faster. I know from my own experience that I am drinking very little just plain water...everything has a flavor or supplement in it to add protein or something tasty so I'm guessing that is a large part of my problem since I can gain 5 pounds of water weight from just 1 salty meal if I don't overhydrate to flush it out. From all the previous postings, it sounds like this is pretty normal for most people....at least hope so anyway!!! How is the liquid phase going for you? It doesn't bother me at work because I'm too busy to think about it, but on the weekends with family, weddings, etc...it sucks! Keep me updated.

Christy

Hi, I was banded on 7/26/10 (8 days ago) and I have been burping like crazy ever since. Is regular burping different from the Productive Burp everyone is so afraid of happening?? Is this normal at this stage? The first few days the burping of gas was actually quite painful but not anymore. Just wanted to make sure my band was not being compromised.

Thanks,

Christy

So I am 4+ hours post op and have to admit at this point I am feeling great!! The staff at OCC are awesome!! Everyone here is very friendly, happy, and helpful.... From the moment I got on the van to come here everything has run so smoothly. I felt no pain with anything up till surgery, and the pain at this point is minimal. It feels like you have a gas bubble right in the middle of your gut and radiates between your shoulder blades. For those of you that have had gall bladder problems, I would compare it to a mild gall bladder pain.

Afterwards you get water, capri sun, and lots of popcicles...and all of those have never tasted so good! lol

My incisions feel like a sunburn. There are 5 of us here right now which is nice, everyone just kinda hangs out, walks and chit chats....

ooohhhhh yummy, my sweet nurse Josephine just brought me some broth! Happy Dance

ok yall gonna go for now, just wanted to give you my first take for those of you waiting to be banded!! Angela

Congrats!! I was just banded 6 days ago and had the same positive experiences. All of us getting banded that day were all so nervous as we hopped in the van that early Monday morning and as we rode up that deep, steel elevator. As the day went on and we each had our pre-op tests performed our nerves were lessened. One by one they would take one of us away for surgery...before you know it, I was sipping my Capri Sun drink. My advice ( from my vast 6 days of experience ) is be prepared for more pain on Day 2-3 and more hunger on Day 4-6ish...I didn't feel any hunger until then...I had to start the Liquid Yogurt at day 4 due to pretty intense mental fogginess and diorentation but since starting that, no problems. Good luck...I on this journey with you.

So I am 4+ hours post op and have to admit at this point I am feeling great!! The staff at OCC are awesome!! Everyone here is very friendly, happy, and helpful.... From the moment I got on the van to come here everything has run so smoothly. I felt no pain with anything up till surgery, and the pain at this point is minimal. It feels like you have a gas bubble right in the middle of your gut and radiates between your shoulder blades. For those of you that have had gall bladder problems, I would compare it to a mild gall bladder pain.

Afterwards you get water, capri sun, and lots of popcicles...and all of those have never tasted so good! lol

My incisions feel like a sunburn. There are 5 of us here right now which is nice, everyone just kinda hangs out, walks and chit chats....

ooohhhhh yummy, my sweet nurse Josephine just brought me some broth! Happy Dance

ok yall gonna go for now, just wanted to give you my first take for those of you waiting to be banded!! Angela

Congrats!! I was just banded 6 days ago and had the same positive experiences. All of us getting banded that day were all so nervous as we hopped in the van that early Monday morning and as we rode up that deep, steel elevator. As the day went on and we each had our pre-op tests performed our nerves were lessened. One by one they would take one of us away for surgery...before you know it, I was sipping my Capri Sun drink. My advice ( from my vast 6 days of experience ) is be prepared for more pain on Day 2-3 and more hunger on Day 4-6ish...I didn't feel any hunger until then...I had to start the Liquid Yogurt at day 4 due to pretty intense mental fogginess and diorentation but since starting that, no problems. Good luck...I on this journey with you.

I started the liquid yogurt last night which they said we could start at day 4 if needed and I felt so much better...it was like a fog was lifted from my brain. This morning things continue to seem better...enough to give me a little peace of mind that I can do this! I have to go back to work in a few days and couldn't imagine being able to perform (without liability)at the mental stage I was yesterday. Thank you everyone for your encouragement.

I am 4 days post-op...the first 3 days seemed to go really easy and I didn't really feel hunger...now onto day 4 and it's like my body is starting to revolt. I have not cheated. Did you all go thru this too or was it relatively easy. Thank goodness the fear of slipping my band has kept me in check but I thought the post op information said we wouldn't feel hunger during this stage. I've been doing the protein water, gatorade, broths, etc but I feel like my head is just weak and almost dizzy. I thought 21 days wouldn't be that bad but feeling like this at day 4 makes me really nervous. HELP!

Ok, I am on Day 2 of post-op...so far no real problems. Discomfort, yes, a little at times but no real pain. All 5 of us who had surgery that day (all such great people) were up, walking, and talking within 30 minutes of surgery. All except 1 of us were able to come back to the Marriot that same night because we were all doing so well.(The one that had to stay behind was only because she traveled alone not because she was having problems) The whole process was very easy and the day flew by. Dr. Ortiz stopped by my room pre-op and talked for about 15 minutes to calm my nerves, such a charming and amazing man!...not to mention easy on the eyes! Everyone at the OCC was professional, clean, and reassuring. I would recommend this option to any friend or family member in a heartbeat...and trust me, my husband and I had our "abort mission" plan ready to go if the place or situation appeared shady!! I am involved in a Lap-Band support group back in Minnesota and got a pretty hefty dose of superiority when I told them I was coming here...can´t wait to make them eat their words!

My experiences thus far:

1. Driver to pick us up from airport was about 1 hour late...not a big deal. We called the number and they informed us the driver was on his way.

2. Tijuana is a bit rough looking...don´t judge the OCC by the city of Tijuana or you´ll never go thru with it!

3. Be sure to get your Marriot meal discounts by letting them know you are with Dr. Ortiz...patient meals should be free and your companion´s meals should be 15% off. Write down your amounts of meals because they keep all the copies of the reciepts.

4. The pool area is so-so...very shaded so a bit too cool to just lounge around there...and I´m from Minnesota if that gives you any perspective

5. Gas X strips and liquid/meltaway Tylenol will be good friends of yours post-op.

6. Protein water is a wonderful way to get in some clear liquid protein to away weakness and dizzy feelings.

7. If you are afraid to walk the sidewalks of Tijuana for your hourly walking...just walk the halls of the hotel...housekeeping and I are on "hola" and "buenos dias" first name basis!

8. If you are doing your pre-op testing and surgery the same day, expect a few hour wait in the lobby as they call you back and forth to get individual testing done. The surgery is by far the quickest part of your day.

9. There is a Walmart that is clean and nice only a few blocks away.

10. The Marriot´s computer center keyboards are not US standard layout...so hopefully there are´t too many typos.

19 and a 1/2 more days of liquids to go...there is light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks to all of you for your support and good thoughts...this forum really helped relieve some major fears of mine. I will continue to post and read all of your info to help keep me on track.

Christy

Well, the time has come. We fly out to San Diego tomorrow morning for surgery on Monday. So excited but I think the reality of my life changing forever is starting to hit me. I've heard such positive feedback from so many people regarding the surgery, the hospital, and even life after banding...I just hope I have all the same experiences. I will post again after surgery...wish me luck!!

Protein Water Mix - Check

Fiber Powder - Check

Gas-X strips - Check

Liquid Extra Stenght Tylenol - Check

"Eat, Pray, Love" book for the Trip - Check

Waiting for Monday to get here!!!!!!!!!

I'm with you! T-minus 3 days til our surgery day. I've got my check list going just like you. I've been busy trying to get my life in order to be out of commission for the next week or so. I read the comment about your low BMI and choosing the band. This forum has opened my eyes to the huge array of people that struggle with weight loss. I used to be so annoyed at thinner people that just kept complaining about how they couldn't get the 20 or 30 pounds off...now I see that no matter if it is 5 or 500 pounds, we are all struggling with our own demons...and we all need just the same support. I look forward to meeting you on Monday. As excited as I am about the possibilty that this might be the answer to my prayers, I am still scared that this procedure will be just one more thing that I try, spend thousands of dollars on, and still fail like I have so many times in the past.

Hello everyone! This is my first post. My surgery is scheduled for July 19th. I am planning on starting my pre-op diet tomorrow because I know my body and I don't lose weight quickly. I want to make sure I lose 5% before surgery. I'm not nervous about the surgery itself; I'm more nervous about life after surgery. I know it's going to be a journey and I'm ready for the ride.

Good luck with surgery on Monday! I have my surgery on the 26th...let me know how everything goes.

Well I just got banded. OCC is very clean, safe and professional. No pain so far.They said I can just go back to the hotel with my husband tonight. That way we wont be apart. Besides the beds at the Marriot are very comphy. Now back to my walking. The more you walk the faster you heal. Feeling great!

Wow, posting the day of surgery...that's impressive! It makes me feel so much better that someone first hand thinks the facility is safe and professional. Hope I handle it as well as you on the 26th. Keep me posted on the hurdles of the next 21 days.