KrrnCan

I too had a gastric plication in 2011....went back for a touch up bc a stitch "let loose". I lost a total of 65lbs since the original surgery date. Starting weight 247, lowest weight 187, and now hovering around 200. It is now late 2014' and I am considering not only a revision but a switch to a VSG. Since the adjustment, I have battled acid reflux and need too take OTC acid reflux on a daily basis just to sleep during the night without incident. I am really discouraged as well as my husband and completely confused as to the next step to take. It is very expensive to keep returning for adjustments. Honestly, I was really hoping for a better outcome, since I have also been battling a knee injury from two car accidents (and my physician here is encouraging weight loss as the best solution). What a delimma!!!! I have contacted the OCC for advice and am waiting for response. Anyone else experiencing the same type of issues?????

I have been experiencing heartburn and acid reflux too. Most people I have spoken with tell me that this will disappear eventually. I guess if you think about the stomach being folded and much more smaller - it makes sense that there might be some adjustment. It is miserable, especially at night. I am taking an acid reducer twice daily OTC and it seems to control it somewhat, but I still feel it throughout the day. I try to avoid spicy foods, foods with pepper and eating after 7 or 8 at night. I sleep propped up on pillows but my sides get sore from this usual position. Raising the head of the bed is out of the question because of my dear husband. Although, I wouldn't wish this on anyone, it is comforting to me to hear that others are in the "same boat". My husband told me that the Doc's talked about this when we were at the OCC. I was drugged for surgery and don't really remember what was said. My husband isn't the best at communicating information either and he was there. When I started to experience these symptoms I began to worry that something was wrong. It was then that my husband had an "A-Huh" moment and remembered that the Doc's had mentioned this. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

WoW!!! I can see why she may be frustrated. That has to be really hard. Tell her to hang in there ... to keep communicating with the Dr's both at the OCC and at home. Once she finds the true reason she may start to lose again soon! Did you also have the plication surgery?

Thank you so much for this very nice example of what you have been eating....it has helped so much to hear from you....words cannot express my gratitude! I will try some of your suggestions/examples for sure and see how it goes and I will keep you posted. Hopefully any one else experiencing the same difficulties will read what you have here and benefit too! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that down for me...I hope to one day return the favor to you if I can. Of course, if you have any other suggestions or comments please write to me again either here or karensestar@gmail.com Many, many thanks to you ktb2904!!! You rock!!!

Thank you so much for this!!! I have really felt alone and trying to figure this whole thing out. I cannot remember a lot of the details discussed by the doctors for whatever reason. When I met Dr. Ortiz in person - I was so high from the meds (i even apologized to him because i thought i was slurring my words) that i am now positive that i missed some key information from him. Everything was so fast for me, when i was there. It seems like a dream now - but I have the scars to prove it really happened. Yes! I totally agree with a "full feeling" with meals. That is what I am experiencing too! I will keep a journal from today forward (I haven't so far). These may be a stupid questions but here goes - you said you measure your portions, how much are you allowing yourself with each portion? I do remember the portion being 1/3 to 1/2cup per meal. Are you still using protein shakes? If you are, are you counting the liquid as part of the 64oz's per day? I didn't even remember that calorie intake limit!!! I guess in some ways - I feel that I could have benefited from a week's sample food plan?!?!?!?!? I so wish to hear what other plicators are experiencing with meals, their challenges and tips and techniques. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this insight ktb2904. It has helped me to have your support and wisdom. Hope to hear from you again real soon!:-)

Who should I contact there? Dr. Miranda?

I am 47 years old and 5'2". My entire working life has been spent on my feet. From last March until the accident in September - I was involved in an intense boxing workout with running, weights and resistance training for an hour and one half each week. My husband and I own two businesses and are very busy(i Know,i know). Since the accident, I have been helping to take care of my husband who was also in the accident and trying to regain the business we lost while we were recouperating. It has not been an easy time for us. I am scheduled for an MRI on my knee soon, just waiting for the appointment time. There is pain there intermittently and after exercise it really hurts. It gives out on me at times. I also found out this week that the accident injured a nerve on the right side of my abdomen causing my right lung to be shorter. Thank you for your thoughts on the food journal - I will start that today! I will also look into low impact exercises. Walking may be causing further injury - I just don't know yet. I have been watching calories etc. with everything thus far, but there has to be something that I am doing wrong. I am afraid that I have stretched the pouch, although i am not sure how i did that either. I really wish that there was more post op diet instruction, even a "meal plan" to follow - the books I have purchased do not seem to have the information that I need. They target bypass, or band and not plication and I realize the reason is because plication is a fairly new procedure. I just wish there was more info from the start. What are all of the recent plicators eating once they reach the solid food stage? This is what I would really like to know!!! Are you still feeling the restriction? I appreciate the info from those who have had a lap band but I just don't think they really understand completely. But I do listen to the comments anyway. Are we still to taking the vitamins, we were on pre op? Here's a question - should I still be taking protein shakes? and is this included in the daily water amount? All answers welcomed!!!!

I am really discouraged following my plication Feb.9th. I was really hoping that this would be the answer. 1.) I remain uncertain of what I should and should not be eating. I know that 1/3 -1/2 cup per meal is acceptable and that is what I have been eating. I eat my protein first and veggies. I stay away from pasta, bread and rice, I assume because it swells. I have a high protein drink in the am and a high protein meal replacement bar at noon (nothing states that this is not acceptable)or soup. For dinner, I have a very small piece of chicken or fish with salad or veggies. 2.) I am walking daily (despite a knee injury from an accident in September) and working full time. I have lost about 23-25 lbs (18 prior to surgery)since the surgical date. I have contacted Dr. Miranda about my concerns and she told me that it was probably a plateau and that I would hit a plateau every 20 lbs. That was about 3 weeks ago. It has been quite some time hovering around 223-225 lbs with NO WEIGHT LOSS for about 4 weeks. WHY am I stuck here and not seeing any results? I am so discouraged and disappointed, I don't know what to do anymore? My husband thinks we chose the wrong surgery and spent all that money for nothing! Not to mention how friends and family keep asking about my progress and I haven't really lost much post surgery!!!!! Please OCC help me! What am I doing wrong? Could this be hormonal? I cannot think of a solution anymore.

My goodness....I did not expect such a great and supportive response. A special "Thank you" goes out to all of you who so quickly replied to my post. I am so appreciative and floored that y'all care so much about total strangers here! I admit that it has been hard to get the walking in that I should be doing. The snow has been so high and plenty .... it hasn't been safe to walk anywhere. So I have made a plan to join the local "Mall Walkers" which is generally for senior citizens....but who cares?!??! Thanks again for the advice and .... does anyone know approximately how long it will LAST?

As I was writing this post - Dr. Miranda emailed back her response!!!! Apparently, every 20 lbs we lose, we can expect to plateau. She thinks this is what the problem is. GREAT! So now my questions to all of you are: 1.) How long does a plateau last? 2.) How do you overcome it, is there anything you can do to power through it? Any help would be greatly appreciated by anyone with any knowledge of how to get through this gracefully or not? Thanking you advance for the advice! Karen. ........................................................................................................................................................

I am very discouraged - I had the plication on Feb.9th. I lost about 18lbs pre surgery and another 3 lbs post op and in 2 weeks I have stayed the same. I am so frustrated and I keep thinking that I am doing something wrong. I have a 93 ml(70 cal) drinkable yogurt in the am, high protein Boost, creamed soup(low fat/low sodium) or beef/chicken broth- 2x 125 ml servings, a homemade protein shake and water - somedays I have a V8 (90 cal) when I feel like I need something else. Is this too much? Can anyone help me figure this out? I am supposed to start soft foods on March 2nd and if I am not losing now what is going to happen then! I feel like I am the only one NOT losing weight!!! I was weighing everyday when I first got home and have tapered that off to once per week now. I weighed this am and again no change!!! I sent an email to Dr. Miranda a week ago and she told me not to worry. So I tried to relax and continue on plan. Early today I sent Dr. Miranda another email early today and I have not heard back. I would really appreciate hearing from those who have recently had surgery and what kind of "Menu" they are following. Any insight would be really appreciated!!!

I have found the best blender! This blender is by far the best blender when you are in the full liquid post op stage. The Name: Montel Williams - Health Master This gem will not only blend any solid food to a creamy consistency, but it will also heat it up all in one step!!!! How great is that!!! I highly recommend this blender and purchased one in red!!! It even has a booklet with recipes to "Super Slim Me"

Did you guys call the OCC coordinators or the OCC itself to try to find a solution? One of the nurses there had the exact same thing and might be able to offer some advice. She is really helpful and nice and I just know that she would love to help both of you! Good luck and let me know how that works for you! K.

Hi Olivia! When I checked the menu out online, I learned that they had a roasted red pepper soup (creamy stage consistency)and I asked the waitress if there were any chunks in it and she told me there wasn't any. There wasn't. So I was just fine and the vitality drink was slushy so as it melted I was able to drink it slowly and nobody was the wiser. It worked out well. BEST ADVICE: Just check the restaurant out online before you go and make a wise choice and you will be fine. While in the liquid only stage order a minstrone soup and only have the broth, nothing else. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Karen.

WoW Olivia....I am so sorry that you were ill following your surgery, and I am really glad to learn that you are feeling better now. I totally agree about the desire to eat when preparing food and wanting to eat...just stay strong and you (we all) can get through it. I went out to dinner with friends last night (one and a half weeks post op)and I found with some planning I was able to handle that situation very well. I focused on the company I was keeping, checked the menu out before hand and knew I would have the soup and they had these "Vitality" drinks -I chose a virgin passion fruit and mojito drink and nursed it throughout the entire meal. My friends just thought I wasn"t hungry (I didn't tell them about the surgery). You will be amazed at the adjustments and changes that will take place for you in the upcoming weeks. I was really confused about what I could and could not ingest post op - that I found to be my biggest hurdle. Once i mastered that I believe that I can do anything. Great job on coming through, even with the complication you had. Way to cope and Congratulations on crossing over to the "Plicator" side! K.

Hi Olivia! I had the plication surgery at the OCC Feb.9 - one week ago today. Yes, the gas pains are a bit uncomfortable. Walk as much as you can and I used Gas-X Thin Strips, they really worked for me. This will pass in about 3-5 days and you will still have gas but nothing like you are experiencing now. Stay strong and try not to get discouraged, it is only temporary. Warm broth and tea helps as well. Good luck to you and Congratulations!!! You did it! Welcome to the "Plicater Side" my friend! Let me know how you are doing. Karen.

Milk of Magnesia

Hi! I had my surgery Feb.9th at the OCC. The Dr's at the OCC suggest MOM to assist with the bowel movements. Keep in mind that on a liquid diet you are not taking in anything solid, so there really isn't anything to go through the intestinal tract. I have read here that this is very common and once full liquids and then soft foods are introduced things will start to pick up again. I lost 17 lbs pre surgery without the injections, I didn't want to take anything like that being that hormones can really screw your body up when you start to play around with them. I want my body to as natural as possible, because I believe that is the healthier way to pursue this journey. That being said - good luck to you!

I also have more than 100 lbs to lose and I had the plication done at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and Dr. So on February 9th. I am learning to tolerate eating again. It's kind of like starting from scratch. I am learning to listen to my body and what it needs. The messages I am reading so far are 1.) when I feel a squeezing like sensation in the belly - I assume that it is time to have something to eat 2.) when I feel a gurgling gas-like sensation in the belly - I assume that I have had enough and I stop. I am now 7 days post op and two days ago - I was feeling a little weak from being on liquids only. Hubby and I went to the grocery store and purchased Dan-Active 93 ml bottles of drinkable yogurt with probiotics and I don't really like Ensure (it tastes too medicinal for me) so I also purchased High Protein Boost. I feel much better now and have spent the last two days at work (at a desk job of course). My starting weight was 247.8 (almost 248 Jan.3/11) and I am now 227.9 (can't believe I am down 20 lbs already). Dr. Miranda says the surgery will bring me to about 152 lbs and the rest of the weight loss will be up to me. Hope my little story helps you and YES you can have this surgery even with having to lose over 100lbs. Good luck with your decision and if I can answer anything else let me know. K.

Hi Sarah! I had a very long flight home with a 2 1/2 hr layover in Phoenix. My flight left San Diego around 12:30 (Tijuana Time) and I left Phoenix (around 5:30 Phoenix time - one hour difference between the two cities). We arrived in Detroit around 11:00pm ( 2 hours time difference between Phoenix and Detroit). So total travel time was about 7 and a half hrs. It was a very long day, but I felt wide awake, only some occasional discomfort with movement. I drank some Arizona Ice Tea (that I had purchased in San Diego before the flight) and nursed it all the way home. We picked up some G2 (low cal Gatorade in Phoenix) so I had that as well but only a few tiny sips - I really didn't want anything but hubby insisted because of the electrolytes. I also used a few Gas-X strips too, which really helped. I brought my IPOD loaded with relaxation and healing CD's and I even used that during the last leg of the trip During the layover, I walked so much, first getting from one terminal to another and then once at the gate - every 1o-15 min. I walked around to keep things moving. I wore some yoga pants for travelling and had no trouble at all. Believe me when I say you will be fine. Also, do not be afraid of Tijuana, it far exceeded my expectations and everyone, I mean everyone was wonderful. Never did I feel threatened, uncomfortable or any thing close to that. My husband and I enjoyed everything about the trip. The crossing at the Tijuana/San Diego border was so much easier than at the Windsor/Detroit border. In fact, it was a breeze. You will be better than fine! Good luck to you and let me know if you have any other questions, and of course let me know how you fare.

Hi Mtgirl and Boopsie72!!! I will probably see you at the center. Look forward to meeting you both. Are you getting excited or nervous?

I can tell you that when I originally started this journey - I wanted a lap band for the main reason that I didn't want to mess with the anatomy but I wasn't thrilled about having a foreign object and having fills/defills. I knew I needed to do something, so I kept researching. When I stumbled upon the plication procedure - it just seemed like the perfect fit for me and my busy lifestyle. It seemed to be the most natural solution. I could eat limited amounts just like the band, however I really wouldn't have to worry about band slippage and band erosion (that scared me - the complications could be devastating, not to much extremely damaging). Although the long term outcomes of plication are yet to be known - it made the decision so much simpler! I researched as much as I could via the internet, posted questions here, attended a webinar and read everything I could get my hands on. I was sold! I am having a plication done Feb.9th and the choice was simple for me. Good luck with your decision, just make sure it works for you is the best advice I can give at this point.

Out of curiousity, why was the stopover so horrible? I was looking for the opportunity to get out of the plane and move around (or as in your case run around to the next terminal). Were you just really uncomfortable, sore and tired? Now I am a little anxious about it.... Doesn't apple juice make you even more gassy? I know it does with me and I find it very sweet too. About the extra day thing....my surgery is scheduled for Feb 9 and I will be flying home on the 11th. Everyone at OCC seems to feel that I will be fine to fly, but I am very concerned about flight home. Mostly b/c of pain control issues, nausea and tolerance for liquids. Did you ask for a seat belt extender? Thank you so much for sharing your true feelings with me here...every bit of info helps. If I feel prepared in every way - I hope that things will go as smoothly as can be expected. On another note:I live near Windsor,ON (flying out of Detroit) and I think that in another post you had posted that you are from TO. Is that correct? I find it so completely amazing that so many Canadians are flying down for bariatric procedures. It is so funny that the general consensus is that we have such a great health care system here in Canada. If they only knew how terrible it really is.....

I feel bad for you that the trip was so uncomfortable. What would you have done differently to make things easier if you could? Did you have a stopover anywhere and if you did, how long was it? How soon did you fly back following the surgery/ Thanks for the "Head's UP". I will make sure to follow your suggestions you have listed here, for sure. Great pointer about telling the airline about recent surgery!!!!