Donna34

Hi Beth! I've heard of Waterloo. I'm thinking it's about 90 miles from me. I'm not sure. I live in West Branch, just east of Iowa City. When we moved here, and I saw all the college chicks, and jocks jogging ALL OVER the place,(all 40,000 I think!) I thought, OMGosh! I'm the fattest person in IOWA!! LOL This has GOT to be the healthiest state on the planet. People ride bikes, walk, or jog everywhere. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is based on health, and fitness. That's a GOOD thing, but I'll be glad when I get some of the weight off, so I won't be embarrassed to get out there! LOL I had checked into a fill doctor in Waterloo, that does fills for MX patients. Dr. Glascock? But, I decided on a doctor in Chicago, and I wasn't dissappointed. He did a GREAT job. If you're ever interested, I'll give you his info. I had my surgery on April 3 of this year, so I'm still a newbie myself. I got my FIRST fill last Friday, and it was GREAT. I definitely have restriction now. I'm eating 1/3 or less of what I normally ate, so it IS working. Nice to meet you! Oh, there are several other Iowans on here to! Dolittle, NinnyEd, kellie, me, and I KNOW I'm leaving some out...I'll let you know later! :-? LOL Talk to you soon! Donna

LOL...you did better than me! I started with mashed potatoes, and gravy, and ended up eating two small slices of pizza to top it off. Funny thing was, I chewed it so many times, my jaw was too tired to chew anything else the rest of the day. So, I still lost weight! I would avoid CHICKEN or steak, at all cost! I've talked to so many people who have had trouble with chicken, and have had a few stuck experiences myself. Other than that, I think it really doesn't matter. If you have stayed on your liquid diet the entire time, you should be OK. Just WHATEVER you eat, chew it, and chew it, and when you think you have chewed it enough, chew it some more! LOL Donna

BSN... I think you hit the nail on the head. Of all the doctors I researched, and believe me I DID A LOT, it just seemed that Dr. Ortiz came out on top EVERY time. I felt that I had such a good experience, I just want to help others feel that same amazing feeling, of knowing they chose one of the best surgeons possible. Could there be room for improvement in the process? Probably, but that can be said of all of the clinics/hospitals out there. I was given all kinds of information before surgery, through e-mails, and paperwork, that described every step of the process. I felt comfortable and at ease the entire time. Other people may go there, and maybe NOT feel so at ease, but I think that is probably a rare occurrence. I had never even been on a PLANE, let alone been out of the country before I went there, so maybe my experience was a little more thrilling than most. All in all, I feel I got the best care I could have received, and when I got to see my band, and port, and how everything was working last Friday, I felt even better! Donna

Hey there Judy! I take Wellbutrin SR. It says specifically not to chew or crush since it is a sustained release formula. I take it twice a day, and it makes me nervous EVERYTIME. It's not a small pill. So far, I guess it has been OK. They told me at the OCC that it would be fine to continue it. I also take a Trazadone at bedtime, but it's not very big, so I don't worry about it. I live just a little east of, Iowa City. We just moved here 6 months ago actually. I was born and raised in Tennessee. My hubby is a manager for Procter & Gamble, so we transferred to Iowa, for one assignment. Probably go back to TN after it's over. My kids are small, so I'd like to get this moving stuff over with while they are little. Plus, all my family and friends are in TN, so I miss them. It's a good 9-10 hour drive from here. I noticed there was an Iowagal on here. I'd like to meet her. Maybe we could get together, and walk, or something. Talk to you soon! Donna

I haven't PB'ed yet, but I have been at the point where I wished I COULD just to get past the pain! Getting food stuck HURTS. ( You will most likely get food stuck at some point. It's SO hard to break the "stuffing your face" syndrome. I did fine right after surgery, but as I got more comfortable with the band, I guess my bites got bigger, and I chewed less. One thing I can tell you...BE CAREFUL WITH CHICKEN. It almost ALWAYS gets stuck with me. I think if I put it in a blender, and sucked it through a straw it would still get stuck. It just doesn't agree with me! I've heard lot's of other people say they have trouble with it too, so just be careful. One thing that helps me A LOT...if I get something stuck, I start walking. I think it kinda helps it to go down. Whatever you do...DO NOT TAKE A DRINK! It will FEEL like it will HELP to wash it down, but NO WAY! IT hurts TWICE as bad, and you will most likely PB. You'll figure these things out as they happen. Just remember, this is a new thing for your body, and old habits die hard. Don't panic if something get's stuck, take long deep breaths, and try to walk as much as possible. I had gotten past all that until my fill last Friday, now I'm having to learn it all over again! LOL Hope this helps! Donna

I'm sure this will pass, (pun not intended.) You would probably feel it if it got stuck, so if you're not feeling MISERABLE right now, I'd say it's already gone through. Last night I did feel as if one of my pills got stuck, and it's a scary feeling. I worried all night about that HIGH concentration of meds being in my small pouch, and possibly causing irritation. I'm fine today though. I think we tend to REALLY worry a lot in the beginning. I know I did, it's getting a LITTLE better now though! Good Luck! Donna

Yeah, Revolution Ave. can definitely be "agressive!" LOL It's fun, but it can be frustrating just trying to get down the STREET. That's AWFUL about the fake gold! I bought a few silver bracelets, and things, but I paid very little for them. Like 3 dollars each, so I guess if it's just silver plated, it won't matter that much! LOL Did you try the tortilla soup from the hotel restaurant? I thought it was great, but then again, after not having anything but water, popsicles, and chicken broth, I could be mistaken! LOL Donna

Hey Ashlee!!!! So good to see you on here! I'm sure you'll find someone soon who will be there then. If not, you'll meet them when you get there! You are gonna have a BLAST! Talk to you soon! Donna

I was NOT saying that you were WRONG or that I was RIGHT. I was simply supplying information for people to see some of the reasons things may have been so horrible for you. It IS OK for me to tell what it was like when I was there ISN'T IT? I have neither the time nor the patience to debate with you either, however I didn't "SHOO" you off. That was real mature. ALmost as mature as the Private Message you sent calling me names! Thanks a lot. Nonetheless, I wish you the best in your weight loss efforts! Despite our experiences we are all here for the same reason. Donna

The reason for no mushies is... Your stomach has to heal, and with that the band has to "settle" in place. During these first 3-4 weeks, the band is creating a small groove in your stomach, in which it settles in place, and is LESS LIKELY to slip. Also the band is sutured in place with three or 4 small stitches. You need to have ONLY liquids, so that everything goes through the band EASILY. Any kind of soft, or mushy food will STILL put a little pressure on that area, and is just not good for healing purposes. Dr. Ortiz has told us that "most" people who have had slipped bands ate solid foods BEFORE the 3-4 weeks were over. Personally, I paid too much for my band to risk slippage before I even got started! I went to solids after the 4th week, and chewed my food a MILLION times, and everything was fine. I did get food stuck a few times after that, (cottage cheese!!!!) and I know that if that had happened earlier than 4 weeks out, I would have been REALLY panicked! Also, your stomach is still swollen from surgery, and you are more likely to get something stuck, and rip out the sutures. Not worth it! Donna

Hi Teri, It's good to see you are still chugging along! You really look small in your picture. You were not real heavy when you got banded were you? Of course, I don't know your height, and that makes a BIG difference, but I'll be SO happy to get back to 185, and that's where you started! LOL I'm 5'7" so at about 150, I look skinny. Can't wait to get back there! I just had my first fill, and I got 1.2cc's. I had restriction when I left, and now that it's that TOM, I'm REALLY restricted. I'm just thinking that maybe since you were smaller than most to begin with maybe that is why it has taken more fill for you?? The stomach get's smaller, the more you lose, so it would make sense that your stomach wouldn't be as big as someone who weighs 250 to begin with. I think you've done great, even though it's been a frustrating road for you. I'm sure you will get to the weight you desire in time! Good Luck! Donna

Ladies, this part is SOOOO hard. I know exactly how you feel! But this too shall pass! And it will be SO WORTH IT. You know that already, but those words fall flat when your STARVING huh? Just hang in there. You'll be back to solids before you know it, and then you can EAT again. It will be so worth knowing that you let everything heal like it needed too. Experiment with those soups as much as possible in the meantime! Good Luck! Donna

I would put money on it, that's the reason you're cold then! Sounds like you are doing GREAT! I've only lost 25 so far. I was so scared I was going to gain some in between the solid food stage, and my first fill. Got my first fill last Friday night. 1.2cc's and I can tell, I've got some restriction! I'm excited now! Donna

I started out being secretive, then I just HAD to tell my mother-in-law, because I was SOOOO excited. BIG mistake. She got blazing mad at me, for going and having surgery, and not telling her. Oh well. I told my parents, and my hubby accompanied me, so it's not that big a secret anymore. On the other hand, we recently moved to another state, so nobody KNOWS back home, and I intend to keep it that way. If they ask how I lost so much weight, I'll just tell the truth. "I'm not eating as much!" Donna

I'm not attacking you, but I do have some observations. OK, you had to wait at the airport... I waited a bit too. I wasn't freaked out, or upset, stuff happens. Did you see the traffic there? The driver told us he makes as many as 8 trips a day to the airport, so I guess he is going to be late on occassion. Yes, one of us had to step outside the van and hit the "go" button. No big deal. Dr. Miranda- You were offended because her information was "too simple?" How "could" you make the instructions any more complex? It's not rocket science. Eat from the 4 food groups, and eat the protein first. There's not a whole lot to explain there. So what if you use some cheesy visual aids? Take into consideration they also have much YOUNGER patients as well as older. She asked if I had any questions, and was happy to answer any. She also answered my e-mail questions in a timely manner. I thought she was very professional. The Clinic- You checked out another hospital while there to see if it was as nice as the OCC. You had already CHOSEN the OCC, and paid for the surgery. Why go looking elsewhere at this point? I thought the OCC was very nice, and was better than MOST hospitals here in the US. It was very clean, and felt very safe. The other Hotels in the area could be 5-star resorts, and (in my opinion) wouldn't be as nice as the OCC, simply because they do not have the "best" surgeon-Dr. Ortiz. I don't think many Dr's can say they have done more than 4,500 lap band surgeries. The equipment was "state of the art." I thought my room there was very nice. Also, you mentioned that they had given you some sore throat strips, because the intubation sometimes makes your throat sore. I find that strange, since they don't intubate you there at the OCC. They use an entirely new procedure where they place an inflatable neck piece around your neck. It holds your head in such a way that your airways are completely clear, no need for intubation. But who knows, maybe it didn't work for you, and they had to intubate you. I'm not calling you a liar. Mrs. Ortiz- Okay, first of all you said, that you yourself was not a very personable person. I had no trouble talking to Mrs. Ortiz at all. She was very friendy and talkative. She is also a VERY busy woman. She is in constant contact with the OCC to make sure she has everyone delivered to the appropriate locations. All 5 of us thought she was very nice, and actually fun to be around. She joked around with us, and we all had a great time with her. What a bummer you had to get up so early! We all had to get up early too. They have surgeries to do on at least 5 patients a DAY. The whole morning is spent prepping you for surgery, and allowing you to meet the staff. Besides, WHO can sleep the night before a SURGERY? I was excited, and was THRILLED to be at The OCC, so I could talk to my "band sisters" and we could see who was going 1st, 2nd, etc. We had a blast! But then, maybe it wasn't that enjoyable for you because you said you are not a very personable person. The Hotel- OK, you bought a "package" for having lap band surgery. Now, I don't know what kind of paperwork you received, but mine didn't say.... Lap Band- $5,500 Anesthesia -$800 Hotel Room - $74.00 Doctor Ortiz's expertise from doing over 4500 surgeries- PRICELESS (which it SHOULD have said) I didn't get a detailed description of where the money was going. I paid it in good faith that I was going to come home banded, and begin loosing weight. It was going to cost me $8,500. PERIOD That is STILL less than HALF of what I would have paid in the US. So, they asked you to leave your room for ONE night, while you were in The OCC? They didn't kick you out on the street. One of my friends had to leave her room, for the one night because she was there alone. It was for the protection of her belongings, (since nobody was in the room) and so the hotel could use that room if necessary. (part of their "deal" with OCC, so they can get a discounted rate and charge you less) They still have your reservations made for the FOLLOWING night, so it's not like they are just taking your room away. I also thought Claudia was very helpful! So we do agree on that. I thought the entire staff was pleasant, and very helpful. Once again, I'm not attacking you. I'm just pointing out observations I made about your trip. I forgot some of the other complaints you had, I'll have to read it again. I will have to say, that I feel that all in all, these were VERY minor for what you will be receiving in the end. A new you, a new lease on life, and hopefully a happier life in general. Good Luck to you! Donna

All in all.... Would you say your experience was good, or bad?

How much weight have you lost? When I lose just a little bit of weight, I notice that I'm FREEZING all the time. I'm freezing right NOW as a matter of fact. Less insulation???? LOL How's everything else, since surgery? Donna

Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you! Hope your surgery went well, I'm sure it was great! Hope you are having a BLAST. Make sure you do lot's of SHOPPING, and try to walk a lot. Really helps alleviate the gas pains! Talk to you soon! Donna

This is completely normal. A LOT of people gain weight after the post-op diet. You can suddenly eat food again, and a lot of people feel no restriction from the band at this point. After your first fill, the loosing will start again. I know my cousin gained 20 pounds between her surgery, and first fill. Luckily, I have held off all the weight I lost pre-op, and post-op, but it hasn't been easy. I just REALLY didn't want to have to RE-lose it. I get my first fill this Friday! Hang in there! Donna

Nobody knows??

OK, I've been banded for 5 weeks now. I really don't have any restriction, which is normal, but I have gotten some food stuck from time to time. I haven't PB'ed, but have come really close once. It was VERY painful, and I was at the point that I knew if I took one more bite, it was gonna be HORRIBLY PAINFUL, and I would most likely PB. Is this what "feeling full" will feel like after I get a fill?? I know it is probably a little different, but I'm really wondering. Most of the time, when I have gotten something stuck, it was because I was in a hurry, and didn't chew enough, or maybe just FORGOT, to chew it good enough, and swallowed it too soon. Either way, it was BAD painful until it passed through the stoma. So, for those of you who have been through this, what should I expect after my first fill? Thanks, Donna

Judy, I am so sorry I didn't see this post until now!!! I've been so busy! I WISH I WAS GOING BACK TO TJ FOR MY FILL!! I think that is the BEST choice. Unfortunately at this time I won't be able to do so. My daughter is in Kindergarten, and this is a VERY busy time of the year, since they go on a LOT of field trips, and I go too! Plus, I don't have anyone to keep them while I'm away. My hubby has been working so many hours! So, I found a local fill doctor, and will be getting my first fill May 25th. Wish I could've been there to meet you! You will LOVE your experience there. I had a BALL. I'm SO glad I did it there instead of here in the US. You will be too, once you see how great the care is there! It's FABULOUS. You will meet lot's of people there though. Your band buddies will be with you a lot. My band sisters were in the hotel rooms next to, and across from my room! Of course I didn't know that until just before we went home! DUH! But we had a BLAST in the clinic, the day of surgery, and day after! Plus, the morning after surgery, when you come out, there will be a whole new gang in the lobby waiting, and all nervous about their surgery, and you will be telling them it's NO BIG DEAL. You'll do fine! It was funny, while we were waiting all the post surgery patients were coming out, and telling us how great it was. One girl even showed me her incisions! The next morning all of us were doing the same thing! So you get to be on both sides of the fence! LOL Still, would have loved to have met you! Keep in touch, and let me know how it went. Good Luck, Donna

I'm thinking of going to him. He is closest to home for me. Any comments about him, good or bad? Also how SOON did you get your first fill? I'm almost 6 weeks out. Thanks, Donna

Thanks! I loved it, and of COURSE I will keep you posted! I'll keep EVERYBODY posted! LOL Gonna shout it to the WORLD! Donna

That is RIDICULOUS that your ER acted that way. It's even WORSE that they wouldn't agree to stock a few 4" Hubers! I would think there could be a lawsuit in there somewhere! LOL I think you can order Huber needles on the internet, but I'm not sure. If not, check with your local pharmacy, and see if they can help you. Do you happen to have any relatives in the medical field? Check with them. My cousin is an RN, and says she can get em'. If all else fails, avoid shrimp! Just kidding! Hope you can find one soon! Sorry to hear about your experience! Donna