dreamhappy07

Hi Mikey, I have been reading your posts and I would have been devastated about being rescheduled like that. But, like you said they are looking out for your well being. I was supposed to lose 36 lbs, starting at 375, 6'1". I only lost 23 at OCC on the morning of surgery and Dr. Miranda was very happy. It does seem that you have been told to lose alot more than most of us. I didn't meet the goal weight told to me, and all went great. I totally understand the work schedule problems too. So, good luck with your delayed surgery and keep us all posted. Take care, Judy

Hey everyone, I just had my first fill today locally and it went very smoothly. She first injected the normal 4cc into my VG band and had me take sips of water to let her know how it's going down. Well, it kept sitting in my throat and little by little took some out and then I gurgled. She knew then when it let go and moved down after a sip at a time, when to stop. So, I ended up with 3.2cc. She said that was great because it showed I still had some restriction since surgery. I got the fill standing up! All I felt was the initial pinch when she stuck that needle in and then it was fine. The fill wasn't under flouro, but this doctor has a great reputation and knew what she was doing. Of course I was nervous, but all went fine. Now I have to be on clear liquids for 24hrs and then mushies for 24hrs and then solid foods. OK...starving now! LOL Peace, Judy

Hey everyone, I just had my first fill today locally and it went very smoothly. She first injected the normal 4cc into my VG band and had me take sips of water to let her know how it's going down. Well, it kept sitting in my throat and little by little took some out and then I gurgled. She knew then when it let go and moved down after a sip at a time, when to stop. So, I ended up with 3.2cc. She said that was great because it showed I still had some restriction since surgery. I got the fill standing up! All I felt was the initial pinch when she stuck that needle in and then it was fine. The fill wasn't under flouro, but this doctor has a great reputation and knew what she was doing. Of course I was nervous, but all went fine. Now I have to be on clear liquids for 24hrs and then mushies for 24hrs and then solid foods. OK...starving now! LOL Peace, Judy

Hi NinnyEd, I was banded on a Monday and came home on a Wed. evening. I took the rest of the week off just to get used to the post-op liquid diet and recupe from the surgery and trip. I could have easily went back to work the day after coming home because I have a desk job and not much moving around. I walked ALOT the day before and the day after surgery. Walked around TJ both times for probably a couple miles total. I really believe that those walks helped tremendously in preventing or greatly lessening the gas problems that most have. I have a question for you though as to your fills. I also have the VG band and am getting my first fill here locally on the 21st of July. I know the norm for a first fill in a VG band is 4cc's, but I want to go back to TJ with a friend in October to have another. Do you think that I will need one by then? Right now I have no restriction and can eat pretty much anything and everything. Thanks and congrats on your weight loss. Peace, Judy

Thanks and one more question...Did you get those things from Rene or just OCC? Did he/they send them to you by email or mail? Thanks again and good luck and keep us posted. Judy

Hi angelav, What insurance do you have and how and what did you get from Rene/OCC? I have Regence BC/BS PPO and need to have Rene send me whatever it is to send into my insurance. That money(if I would get it), would be awesome in so many ways! Good luck and God answers prayers! Judy

If anyone read my post about protein shakes causing constipation, you might know or not know the answer, but I only got one reply and it has made me stress badly. The answer was that soy protein(which is pretty much in every high protein food or shake), can cause constipation. That is something I don't need since I struggle enough with the big C usually. Now, can someone please tell me WHAT I do now? I don't want to start losing hair and so on because of not enough protein in my diet, especially after I get my fills and have restriction. I thought about the Special K protein water, but #1, it has alot of sugar, and #2, it has only 5mg of protein. What a waste of money and it is not enough protein for the daily amount I need every day. I love chicken, but after getting a fill, will I be able to eat enough to fulfill my protein intake? I hope someone could please help me, I would so appreciate it. Peace, Judy

Hi Tom, No problem about your two cents worth. It would really be a lot more than two cents if I would get a really good fill without problems at the right time. I am supposed to have my first fill without flouro on July 21st, but am really hesitant about it, but also REALLY need it because I am able to eat too much and also eating the wrong foods as a result. Not gaining weight, but keeping at level or still losing. It scares me to have a fill without flouro, but the doctor is highly recommended by Dr. Ortiz. I am also struggling to come up with the money for the fill so I would almost rather wait until October to get a good fill in TJ. Reply anytime with your two cents that is also worth so much more to me. Thanks, Judy

HEY EVERYONE! I AM NOT COMPLETELY CONVINCED, BUT I THINK THAT MY MUSCLE MILK PROTEIN SHAKES THAT I LOVE AND WAS WILLING TO DRINK FOREVER HERE AND THERE WERE CAUSING MY CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH CONSTIPATION. THE REASON WHY I AM WRITING ABOUT THIS IS BECAUSE I HAVE POSTED MORE THAN ONCE I THINK ABOUT MY STRUGGLES AND PHYSICAL PAIN FROM IT. I RAN OUT OF THEM SEVERAL DAYS AGO AND DIDN'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO GET MORE, SO I DECIDED TO JUST LAY OFF THEM FOR AWHILE. WELL, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS BACKING UP SINCE NOT DRINKING THEM. I DRINK MORE OTHER LIQUIDS LIKE WATER, VITAMIN WATER, AND JUICES LIKE BEFORE, BUT JUST MORE THAN I WAS. I FEEL PRETTY GOOD NOW, BUT AM RATHER BUMMED ABOUT, NOT ONLY POSSIBLY NOT BEING ABLE TO DRINK THEM ANYMORE, BUT WONDERING HOW I AM GOING TO GET MY PROTEIN IN EVERY DAY THAT I VERY MUCH NEED. :-? ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THIS WOULD BE REALLY APPRECIATED. PEACE, JUDY

Hello all, I want to go back to TJ for probably my second fill in or around October. I am hoping someone who has had their fill(s) in TJ can help me with some detailed information abut how to go about scheduling it. Is it the same for when you schedule a surgery? Like emailing your flight itinerary to Rene and contacting Lori with the date you want to come? Who and how do you pay for the shuttle from the airport and the hotel and fill?? I really want this trip to be as smooth as the last one before for my surgery. It was great! Thanks for any and all replies. Peace, Judy

Hello all, I want to go back to TJ for probably my second fill in or around October. I am hoping someone who has had their fill(s) in TJ can help me with some detailed information abut how to go about scheduling it. Is it the same for when you schedule a surgery? Like emailing your flight itinerary to Rene and contacting Lori with the date you want to come? Who and how do you pay for the shuttle from the airport and the hotel and fill?? I really want this trip to be as smooth as the last one before for my surgery. It was great! Thanks for any and all replies. Peace, Judy

Well, I do appreciate the exercise postings, but I still can't do that much in the way of good, healthy major exercise. I have lymphedema and this time of year I absolutely hate because my swelling is at it's worst. I do drink alot of liquids, i.e. water, juices, etc., but it doesn't help too much...some, but not enough for me to be able to wear good walking shoes yet. I do walk as much as I can. I have to walk several blocks to and from the bus stops to and from work, as well as walking up a rather steep hill when I come home, but other than walking around at work, it is all I can do. I really want to walk a farther distance soon, but for now, I do what I can do. I also have fibromyalgia, so what weight I have lost still doesn't allow alot of strong exercise without suffering later. Really sucks! Well, hopefully later this year or just pushing myself sooner, I will get going and moving alot more. Peace and congrats to all who can do there workouts. Judy

Hi Nancy, I am in NE Portland in the Mt. Tabor area. There is another gal that is a sweet friend of mine and her name on here is imworthit. She lives in Gresham and was banded a week before me. She just had her first fill today with Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick in Milwaukee. I have a fill appt. with her on the 21st. Can't go to TJ for the first fill because airfare is too high being the summer months. Three of the girls that were banded on the same day as me are going together on the 10th for their first fills. I was so bummed. I hope to go in the fall when airfare has gone down and my finances are better. If you want to have a doc for aftercare, Dr. F comes recommended by Dr. Ortiz. My friend's experience went really well with her. She has a website. It's www.gastricbands.com . My email addy is happycats2@comcast.net and I will surely put yours in my address book as well and we can keep in touch. I am so glad you are excited. I would be too. I had a great experience. Take care, Judy

Hi Nancy, Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I am sure you will have a great time. I know I did. I want to go back soooo bad it hurts! LOL Rhonda pretty much said it all. It is an awesome experience all around. My surgery was on a Monday also and I arrived on a Sunday morning. Went shopping at Revolution Ave. after eating at La Casa de Mole which is kitty corner from the Lucerna. Authentic Mexican food! YUM! I hope to go back this fall for a second fill if needed. Did I mention I want to go back sooo bad?! LOL I am in Oregon too! Where are you? Take care and good luck! Peace, Judy

Hey Kristy, Thanks for the info. I have Regence BC/BS PPO. Do you think they would do the same? What exactly do I have to do? How did you get that bill or report or whatever? Not sure what I need to send in to them. Thanks again and way to go! Judy

So sorry to be a whiner. I feel so down because of getting so ready and excited to have my fill done at the right time frame that it should be done, which is 6 to 8 weeks out from surgery. Now I may not be able to have it done until like 10 weeks or more. I am thankful I had the surgery and losing 48lbs now since pre-op. I haven't gained any back, but if the scale goes up a pound or two, it's because my swelling gets worse with the summer heat. That's why it is so not my fave season. Things will get better. It always does. I guess the depression is coming from several things at once and this was just the thing to really make me hurt more. I have never really been a food addict, so just to be clear, that's not what I mean as part of the things bringing this on. Thank you so very much for all your understanding and advice and support. Peace and hugs, > Judy

( Well, I am really depressed now and had been so excited about getting my first fill on July 7th. It was only gonna cost $180 here locally. I have to cancel now because of financial problems. Since I live with my mom and brother, I have to help out with food and cigs and such(yes, I still smoke), and I also have bills like everyone else. So, I have to be good eating wise and not gain any weight until I am able to pay that chunk of money for a fill. Don't get me wrong. Losing weight and getting a fill are very important, but my financial difficulties can't be put on hold. Anyways, I really need cheering up big time. I am so near tears lately anyways since my horrible shoulder pain scare. Weird huh? And to think I take anti-depressants every day too. LOL Peace, Judy

I love Muscle Milk. You can get an 18-pack at Costco for $23.99 or 4-packs at GNC(more flavors) for about $7.99(light), or $10.99(reg.). They are awesome and I still drink them. YUMMY! Good luck to you! It is so exciting! You will have a great experience. That is, if you are having surgery with Dr. Ortiz. If not. Best wishes to an uncomplicated and easy surgery and experience also. Peace, Judy

Thanks for the info. I don't take an MVI. I know that iron and calcium in high amounts like other things can cause constipation and other problems. I feel I get enough vitamins and minerals from my protein shakes and vitamin water for now, but am seriously considering taking something else. It could be not drinking enough water, etc., as well as my pain meds too. Peace, Judy

Hi Lori, Thanks for the suggestions. I will try the colon cleanse and MOM. It just bugs me that the usual methods go through so slowly that it seems they become ineffective compared to before banding. Also, thanks for calling me yesterday. My shoulder is much better now. I sprained it somehow from what the doctor said. I NEVER EVER want to go through that horrible pain again. My surgery was May 21st and I would not believe that a painful gas bubble would all of a sudden appear after all this time. My brother was worried it was a heart attack. I knew different of course. It started after I got done shopping. I must have lifted the 21lb box of cat litter wrong at some point and WHAM! I was dying. It felt like someone had shot a spear through my shoulder, then the pain went slowly down my arm. I got ome muscle relaxers and an ice pack. I have only taken one of the pills since. Haven't needed anymore. As for the other pain I was having at night...it has gotten better. Just a wild sleeper I guess. LOL Peace, Judy

Hello again, Once again, another icky subject, but I am sure many people need help with this. Ok...I have posted before about my bm problems. I take a syrup laxative more than I used to need too and things are still not going smoothly. I have been eating more veggies and fiber foods...still nothing moves. So, I finally realized that everything sits in my little stomach and slowly moves through the bigger one and so things are not being processed like they used to. I have been drinking enough fluids, but am so tired of not getting any results. I feel so yucky when I am constipated as I know most do, but I think I have certain nerves that are pressed on when that happens, so the feeling is more uncomfortable. Anyways, how do I make things work better and regularly? Maybe find some way to flush my system? How does one do that? But, I need to get regular somehow. I really don't want to depend on the syrup or other laxatives. :-? Thanks for any help or advice in advance. Sorry to keep posting about this subject. It's kinda embarrassing and frustrating as well. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I have to ask! When or will I ever be able to have watermelon again? I have read that certain fruits are too fibrous and can't be chewed down enough to go down smoothly. I thought about smoothies, but with watermelon? ewww!? Right now I can eat almost anything, but just small amounts sometimes. I still avoid hamburger, popcorn, rice and corn. But can eat most other foods. I really need to get more veggies and fruits into my body. Thanks for any experiences, advice, and/or suggestions. Peace, Judy

I'm a bit scared about calling the doctor because I don't want to hear something bad...ya know? I am supposed to have my first fill here in two weeks without flouro and I have no clue whatsoever where my port is because I have read posts that it probably isn't directly underneath the incision scar and I don't feel it anywhere under any of my left side tummy skin where it should me...lol

Thanks Lori. It has been more than a month since surgery and this just started a little over a week ago. Some nights it's really painful and others not so much, but it's scary anyways. I guess I am just a wild sleeper...LOL Judy

Hey all, Haven't posted in awhile, but figured I should about this latest problem I have been having. For about the past week or so, I have been waking up at night and for some reason been on my back or almost in that position. When I go to turn over(with my cat in the way), I have some HORRIFIC pain in my left side that is so bad, that it makes me unable to move right away. It almost feels like my port get stuck somewhere and is so painful that I think I can't move in fear the pain will be WAYYY worse or I will hurt myself. Well, so far, I have been able to wince through it and turn over and then all is totally fine. I usually sleep on my right side every night and eventually turn over to my left, but it's almost like I am asleep when I go to turn over and don't quite get there, so then just sleep in whatever position I am left in...LOL Is it possible for your port to move and maybe get stuck under a rib or something and that may be where the pain is. Like I said earlier, it freaks me out at first, thinking I won't be able to move through the pain, but I do and then all is ok. I am not even sore later. Hmmm. Thanks for any advice or suggestions you can give me. Peace, Judy