CanGirl

I don't think that there would be any reason to do both. Choose one or the other. I went with plication because there was nowhere here in Ontario where I could get fills if I had lap-band surgery in Mexico. Having said that, I am two months out and down 17 pounds. I lost 12 pounds in a about 3 weeks and have only lost 5 pounds since. They say that I would have such restriction that you could only consume half a cup of food at a sitting. I have not found that to be true for me. I certainly do eat less but you have to be very committed to making the right choices and not eating mindlessly. I've been stressed with work, moving, and an up-coming law-suit so it has been difficult to stay focused. It is not a magic pill and the OCC doesn't claim it is. From what I've heard, when a lap-band is properly filled, a person can have an easier time preventing themselves from over-eating than with plication. Think about it and make your choice based on your lifestyle and research. I think this can be a great life-changing experience-if you are willing to commit. I am saying this more to myself than to you. I look forward to taking my own advice when my life is a little more settled.

Best of luck

S

I had a difficult time tolerating anything except gatorade in the beginning weeks. I have not had perfect eating habits but I have discovered greek yogurt and I love it. Very high in protein, low in calories and is great with raspberries (I buy then frozen) and sweetener. I have been having a lot of pain from reflux and I need to have something in my stomach when that happens. The yogurt helps a lot. I like to eat it before I go to bed.

It's strange. Today I was struggling with wanting to eat more than my stomach can handle. I had a bit of discomfort. It's a real learning curve to know that perfect amount of food to satisfy my physical hunger and also my emotional hunger.

Best of Luck.

I am a month out and down 15 pounds. I'm happy so far. I have heard of many people saying that they are eating 500-700 calories a day but I can't do that. I am having 1100-1300 a day. I am losing weight so I can't complain. I don't think the fewer calories is always better.

Good luck

S

I heard of this complication after I came home from having my plication at the OCC. I know that there was a doctor here in Canada who had a patient with this complication, however, I believe the doctor had very little experience performing the procedure. I know that none of Dr. Ortiz's patients have had this problem and he has performed several hundred plications already. I am not an expert but I believe that Dr. Ortiz's suturing technique is designed to ensure that this complication does not happen. Contact the OCC and I am sure they will be happy to explain it to you.

I had my surgery on March 9th and have lost 15 pounds post-surgery. I am quite happy with the results so far.

Sarah

I had my plication on March 9th. I did have gas pain but that was pain in my shoulders and I haven't had any gas pain after the first week.

I also had gall-bladder issues since I was 14 and had my gall-bladder out 4 years ago at the age of 30. So, gall-bladder pain is often (but not always) triggered by something you ate. Often something fatty. Though when my gall-bladder was at it's worst, before I had it removed, it was chronic and very painful. It usually starts out as a weaker pain behind your right ribs and then intensifies until you think it couldn't get any worse, and then gradually lessens and the attack ends. It often means a trip to the ER because the pain can be so debilitating. It can take 12 hours and the area is often tender to the touch after for a couple of days. I am not sure if this is what you are experiencing or not.

Now, I have been having some discomfort since my plication under my right breast area in the same generally area as my gall-bladder. It is worse when my stomach is empty. It is a strange sensation (which I could compare to a 'gas like" feeling). I have had some nausea as well. This morning I had this sensation and also sick to my stomach and had to take a couple of gravol. I have been thinking that the pain might be reflux. I had a similar pain before (though not quite the same) and my doctor said I had GERD and gave me some acid reducers.

You should get it checked out but it might be reflux caused by the procedure. This is what I think it is for me but I will talk to my doctor again when I see him.

Good luck. So for I have lost 15 pounds in 4 1/2 weeks. I have seen a lot of unhappy people with the plication too. I hope you have a good experience.

Sarah

Try not to worry too much. I am only a few weeks out of surgery but I lost 8 pounds for the first week and then didn't lose anymore for almost 2 weeks. Your body is adjusting. I figure I lost a lot of water the first week due to dehydration (I was very dehydrated) and then the next couple of weeks I had more fluids and then the 8 pounds was true weight loss. It has to work so don't fret. In a couple of weeks you will likely see some weight loss again.

I am on day 24 and I am down 12 pounds but like I said I didn't lose anything after the first week for almost another 2 weeks.

Best of luck

Sarah

Congratulations! That is wonderful news. I'm sure the surgery will help you during pregnancy and after when you lose the baby weight. What a blessing. Best of luck.

Sarah

I had the plication surgery a few weeks ago and had about 65 pounds to loose but I don't think there is a weight restriction. I saw Dr. Ortiz interview patients who had the procedure who certainly had 100+ pounds to loose. We are now considering it for my brother. He is on the wait list here in Canada for Gastric Bypass and could have the procedure paid by the government in the next year but the Possible complications are daunting. He has well over 150 pounds to loose. Best of luck. I am happy so far and am looking forward to the future. Hope you are too.

Take care.

Sarah

Yes, totally normal. My stomach was a little angry too for a while.

congrats. I am two weeks out of surgery today and I am so happy to hear the success stories. Can I ask a question. How did you cope with the 3 weeks of liquid diet. Did you have a hard time with dairy. It seems that everything that I am allowed to have makes me want to be sick. I can't do the drinkable yogurt or shakes. I have cheated a little bit because all that I can stomach is gatorade, or sorbet. I can barely eat any of the cream soups. How was it for you. Again, congratulations. I lost 8 pounds before surgery and about 11 since.....so I am looking forward to being down 60 pounds before the end of summer.

Hi,

Glad to know that I am not the only one who had some trouble with the initial days of recovery. I had a barium swallow also because I had a lot of pain and difficulty swallowing any liquids. It's now been 11 days since my surgery and I wish that I could say that soups and proteins shakes were working for me but honestly, I can hardly stomach any of it. It all makes me feel like I wanna be sick. Any suggestions. Right now the only thing that sits well is gatorade.

Sarah

Hi Everyone,

How horrible to have that side effect to surgery run in your family. And you're right, walking is the best cure for gas, and for a few weeks after surgery I had gas. Thank god for Gas-X, and learning that warm liquids are better than cold.

The post surgery eating plan(hate it when I call it a diet, reminds me of what I am not doing anymore.constantly going on or about to start a diet), the 3 weeks of liquid was not bad. After the initial clear liquids, yon go to drinkable yogart and protein shakes and cream soup. Those wil taste like the best stuff you've ever eaten. And three weeks is such a short time, compared to a lifetime of not losing weight. Very short term and not bad at all, even tho it sounds not all that great, II didn't really get hungry, although I have others tell me they did .................cream soup.suggest Campbell's Soup Gardennay Variety, the Wild Mushroom is delish! If you have any questions, and want to email me directly, it's

ktbaillargeon@gmail.com, I'll answer any question I can. Cheers, katie

I have noticed a lot of Canadians going to Mexico too. I hope your procedure goes really well today. I am heading down next month for the Plication. I'm from Stratford Ontario or as some people have started calling it....(Justin)Bieber Town. Let me know how it goes. I would love to know about your experience. I am flying out of T.O. and thankfully have no layovers. You can email me at canoe24@hotmail.com if you have a chance.

Take care,

Sarah

Thanks Kari,

You have made me feel quite a bit better about my decision. I am looking forward to a new beginning.

Hi, I'm Sarah and today I scheduled a Plication surgery for the beginning of March. Now I am really nervous. I need to have my mind set at ease.

1) Is the procedure really reversible? I have heard opposing opinions on the subject.

2) I have about 60 pounds to lose. My BMI is 32. Is this a suitable surgery for me? Is there anyone else out there with a slightly lower BMI who has had the surgery? What were your results??

3) Can anybody tell me how this process has affected them emotionally? I have this fear that because I have an emotional and physical addiction to food that I will be sad when I can't eat much anymore.

I am looking forward to the health benefits of weight loss as I am only 35 and on cholesterol medication. My father first had a heart attack at age 39 and died of a heart attack at 54 and he was a health guru. He put my lifestyle to shame. My Mother and Brother both have diabetes and cardiovascular problems so I want to make this change now....while I still can.

I'd love to hear anything anybody who has had the procedure has to say. What was your experience at OCC?

Thanks,

Sarah