Donna34

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 am genuinely glad you had such a pleasant experience. It's a shame that your mind is so small that it does not have room for more than one opinion. And clearly the only opinion that is allowed to exist must be yours.

Is it possible for two people to eat the same meal and for one to say it's delicious and the other to say it's too spicy? Is one of them wrong? And if you were the one who found it too spicy, would it make any difference that the cook was really busy and didn't have time to measure the spices? Or that the other ingredients were really top notch so the spiciness should be overlooked?

This forum is titled "Newly Banded? Tell Your Experience." I told MINE. You could have simply told yours. But here you are - not simply telling your experience, but telling me that my experience is wrong, or there are so many excuses and explanations for it. (And using a psuedonym to make the attack.)

Normally I would suggest that we simply agree to disagree and go on with our lives, but it appears imperative to you that only you be right.

I stated my opinions and stand by them. I respect your opinion and the fact that they are different then mine. I regret that I have neither the time, the patience nor the desire to debate them with you any further. Shoo!

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

********update*********

Well, its been a week (yesterday) since my fill. I defintley have restriction at 3.85cc in the 4cc band. Not a whole lot, but enough for now. I think I could use a lttle more, but, I am eating a lot less with this fill, for sure.!!! I can still eat a lot, if I eat slow and chew well, but, I am learning to work with what I do have. I've lost 4 pounds since, and I will take it!! It's great to start loosing again. Just being able to eat less is a huge benefit for me. It's a slow road, but one that's worth the traveling. Stops along the road here and there that hold ya up, but, I don't mind being a turtle, as long as I finish. heheheh,

Teri

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

That could be...LOL I got on the scale this morning and was banded May 21st. Since the pre-op diet my scale says I have lost 35 lbs. Yeah! Happy, happy, joy, joy! LOL

But, sometimes I wonder if I am losing too fast. Not quite on solids yet, so that will probably change.

Thanks,

Judy

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?

Hey all,

I finally had to post this. I am always cold....almost to freezing. Might be a good thing in hot weather, but really getting concerned. Has anyone else experienced this? Am I deficient in some vitamin or something that regulates my body temp? It is going to be hot here this week and I don't like hot, but I don't want my body to be suffering the wrong way...ya know?

Thanks for any help and suggestions.

Peace,

Judy

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

I am really getting concerned because my weight is slowing creeping back up. Is this normal?

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

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

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

Hi Donna,

I am so excited for my experience that I will of course share also. Reading yours was a total inspiration of everything I have read on this forum.

I was wondering if you are going to have your first fill around the time I have my surgery. It would be great to meet you and maybe go shopping also. My surgery is scheduled for May 21st, but arriving on May 20th.

Best of luck with continued success with your band.

Peace,

Judy

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

Hi Donna :-h

I'm so glad your experience was a good one. Keep me posted on your progress.

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

I want to buy a 4" Hueber needle, you will see why after you read this. Here is my emergency room experience: First of all, be sure to get a LapBand wallet card from your doc that has an x-ray of what the LapBand looks like in case you have to visit an emergency room. Also, keep handy the toll free phone number 877-LAP-BAND which will locate the nearest bariatric doctor to you 24/7. I accidentally swallowed a piece of shrimp shell that got stuck. I have never thrown up so loudly and violently in all my life (mostly dry heaves). It was painful, loud, and scary. I thought I was going to die. Put it this way, my husband is as tough as nails, but when he saw how violently I was throwing-up, he literally cried. This went on for thirty minutes before I went to the nearest emergency room which was an hour's drive away (it was on the weekend, after hours, of course). The emergency room docs had never even heard of a LapBand before, much less seen one. The x-ray on my wallet card helped immensely; however they only had a 2" Hueber needle so they could not unfill me (requires a 4" Hueber needle). After about three or four hours of periodic, violent vomiting, the shrimp shell finally passed on its own, but if it had not, I would have needed to know where the nearest bariatric facility was that had a 4" Hueber needle (877-LAP-BAND). A few days later, my doctor's office called the emergency room to request that they keep 4" Hueber needles in stock because he has several LapBand patients in the area, but the emergency room refused, saying that I was the only LapBand patient they had ever seen, so they could not justify keeping 4" Hueber needles in stock. I asked my doc if he would sell me a 4" Hueber needle in case of emergencies, and he refused because of liability. Does anyone know where I may purchase a 4" Hueber needle?

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

Hey, great JOB all of you! I'm so glad you are all doing so well! =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> I've lost 20 lbs. counting pre-op diet. I'm on week 3 post-op. Can't wait for that first fill, and I'm SO hoping I don't gain any, or very much back BEFORE I get that fill.

Hang in there losers!

Donna

I couldn't say enough good things about my trip to TJ, or the care I received there. The clinic was SO NICE, and SO CLEAN. It was nicer than most US hospitals,( at least the ones I've been in) and that is NO LIE. (check out the pics on his website) The nurses, and doctors were all so nice, and helpful. How many hospitals have you stayed in where the nurses give you a back massage after surgery?

The hotel they put you in (Hotel Lucerna) is GORGEOUS, very nice, and they have some very GOOD restaurants in it. Try out the Italian restaurant. Olive Garden can't hold a candle to them! The hotel staff were also very nice. They treat you like royalty while you are there.

Everyone EVERYWHERE goes out of their way to make you comfortable. Dr. Ortiz was so NICE, and SO CUTE! He is very friendly, and is very laid back when he talks to you. He also has a great sense of humor!

But make no mistake, he is VERY professional, and he does this because he GENUINELY wants to HELP people! He makes sure you don't have any questions before you go into this. Dr. Martinez is great too, I was kinda groggy when I talked to him, so I don't remember a WHOLE LOT, but I do remember him asking if I had any questions at all.

The surgery was nothing! I went in the OR, and 45 minutes later, I was back in my room with my hubby. An hour later I was up and walking. No problems! The nurses checked in on me all night, brought me popsicles, and bottled water. The next morning, after I had my hot chicken broth, my nurse walked me out, and gave me a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek! They are SO sweet!

That day me and my hubby went shopping on Revolution Ave. Walked a lot, shopped a lot! Felt fine. Went back to the hotel, and ordered room service (tortilla soup for me), watched TV, and relaxed before our flight the next day.

Since I've been home I've felt great! Got a little tired of soups, but that's OK! My incisions are healed and it's only been 2 weeks! They look great. I don't think they will even be that noticeable after they are completely healed. I have to look real hard to see 2 of them now!

I've talked to Dr. Ortiz, and Dr. Miranda since I have been home, and they were VERY helpful. I don't think you could find a better doctor ANYWHERE, but that's just me!

If you go to Dr. Ortiz you WILL be in GOOD hands, and your surgery trip will seem more like a vacation than a surgery. I loved it!

Donna Sparks

I'm two weeks away from my surgery (2 weeks tomorrow!) and I'm having second thoughts because I feel like I'm being so selfish for doing this, and taking $8500 from my family. I tell myself all the reasons why I'm actually doing it for them too (better health, more energy, etc...) but I still feel guilty. Then comes the shame part of not having ever been able to keep the weight off on my own. If I only I were___________. Fill in the blank...stronger, more disciplined, blessed with a better metabolism. The fat person's mantra that always ends in with thoughts that if I were any of those fill-in-the-blanks, I'd be a better person, more lovable, more worthy, blah blah blah.

Anyone else feel this way before surgery? After?

Heather, I know exactly how you feel. I thought MAN, that is a lot of money we could go to Disney World a couple of times with that, or you name it! But then I thought about what kind of mother I am. I don't want to take the kids to the pool, because I wouldn't be SEEN in public in a swimsuit. I don't really want to take them to the park. I have no energy to PLAY with them, and end up sitting on the bench! I'm missing out on SO much, and they are paying for it too.

They would LOVE for me to be out there playing with them, even MORE than I wish I could! So, it benefits them A LOT. And who wouldn't give 8500 to have their mother around longer?? My hubby benefits, because he get's to have his skinny wife back, and even though he has NEVER said a thing about my weight, I KNOW he would like that! And, me. I get so depressed about my weight that I blow a fuse at the drop of a hat. I'm irritable a lot of the time, and short with the kids and my hubby. That will change too, and they WILL notice it. That makes their life better too.

They wouldn't be mad if you had a heart attack and had to go to the hospital to get it fixed. You have the disease called "obesity." So what do you do? Go to the doctor and get it fixed! It benefits EVERYONE.

I also worried about, what if something happens to me in the OR, and I never see my kids again??? Dr. Ortiz has never had a mortality, and as he says, "he plans to keep it that way." You are in GREAT hands, so try to relax!

Donna

I know how you are feeling. I am just now starting the whole process...referral appointment, seminar and etc. I have a 15 (almost 16) year old daughter who also suffers from obesoty and she is not eligible for surgery until she is 18 and then insurance will cover. My insurance will cover me now (my doctor is sure because of my weight and problems with my knees, hips and etc from weight bearing) Anyway....I talked with my daughter and explained everything to her and she is upset. She doesn't want to be heavy either and there is nothing that I can do for her but she wants me to be healthier. I just feel guilty and like I am 'abandoning her'. I bought the nutrisystem for her to try. I have lost in the past with phen phen and I have tried about everything on the market and haven't been able to maintain and now I haven't lost anything. No matter how hard I try. I have gained so much and now it hurts to be on my feet and standing for to long. I just feel like I can't 'justify' doing this for myself and hurting her.

She COULD have the surgery now, in MX if you were willing or able to pay for it. If not, don't feel guilty anyway. Just think of it, as you are being the "guinea pig" so to speak. If it works for you, (which we are sure it will) then you know it will work for her. She will benefit from you being smaller, AND so will you. It will be a learning experience for her too. She will see what YOU had to do, and will know what SHE needs to do when the time comes. You are older, and have battled with this longer than she has, and are having health problems related to your weight. She should realize that it is a priority for you. Besides looks like you have done what you could for her as far as checking with Ins, etc. Tell her to just be THANKFUL that insurance will cover it when she's older. Most of us can't get insurance coverage AT ALL.

Hang in there, it will all work out!

Donna