Windy143

I was wondering if any of you have had your band slip or if you know what some of the signs are. My band is not working the way that people say it should. My eating is restricted to very small bites and eating vey slowly, but I do not get that full feeling. I always beleived that you have a small stomach up top that acts like an hour glass and food slowly goes to the bottom stomach. My band seems to hurt if food is backed up. I have to eat a bite and wait for it to go through before I can eat another bite. I've had 2 fills and am currently at 2cc. I got my surgery in May and have lost no weight yet. I am frustrated but not giving up hope. Windy

I just got my surgical report e-mailed to me the same day I requested it. Try contacting Rene@obesitycontrolcenter.com. She is the one that sent it. Good Luck

Sheryl, I am a newbie and just hit my 22 day mark on Friday. I can't tell you how happy I am to eat food again. The last 3 weeks was the worst and extremely harder then some people shared. I was hungry on day 2 and it took every inch of willpower I had to not eat. I actually chewed up food and spit it out a few times just to satisy my urge to chew. I came to this forum a lot for support and everyone is great. All I can say is that I survived and I made it. Everyone here has told me that it is normal to have doubts so I have decided to take each day 1 at a time. I'm not going to be the type of person to loose a lot of weight quickly, but I signed on for the long term. If it takes 2 years, then I am ok with that. It took me 35 years to form these bad habits and I know it will take time to change them. The band just helps make it possible. As for eating, I have to slow way down and I can't eat a lot early in the day. I get satisfied much quicker and eat less than usual but I have been eating bad food the last three days because I felt so deprived over the last weeks. I don't have a lot of restriction so I am looking forward to getting my fill. Dr. Otiz and Martinez are wonderful beyong explanation. I own a medical marketing company and I have never seen such service from any Dr, Hospital or clinic in my life. My mother came with me and she kept shaking her head in amazment. At one point, Dr. Ortiz was in the waiting room with me drinking Hot tea and His fantastic mother was talking with another group that was getting ready to check out. We all just hung out together like a family and no one wanted to leave. I felt comfortable and relaxed. 4 hours later, I was done with surgery and was being given a tour of the clinic by one of the orderlies. You just don't get that kind of service in the states. My mom ended up taking Dr. Ortiz's surgical hat as a souvenier. She has a crush!!!! I found a fill Dr not to far from me but I really think I'd rather spend the money going to Dr. Ortiz. I live in Portland, Or. Anyway, good luck to you and feel free to e-mail if you need help during the starvation stage. Heeeee Heeeee Windy 5'2" 192 May 20th 187 June 14th 140 Goal

Thank you everyone for your advice and encouragement. I called Dr. Martinez and he was wonderful as usual and aswered a lot of my questions. He suggested I take advil for the bloating and breathing difficulty and it worked with in 1 hour. Whew!!! I am feeling much better. As for food, we are having an unusaully hot Memorial weekend and the thought of eating broth is not the funnest idea. I've been eating a lot of jello, juice and popcycles but I just don't feel like I am getting enough nutrition. My body is starving even with suppliments. I start on protien shakes tomarrow so hopefully that will help. Any suggestions for powder or a good tasteing meal replacement drink. I'll probably mix with juice and fruit. My port is already healing and the swelling is going down. I guess the secret is being patient. My feelings in my body are just so new and different that I question everything. It is a brand new me and it will take time to get to know myself. As for being stuffed after 1 cracker..... I can't wait for that feeling. All I know right now is hunger and stomach rumbles. Thanks again, Windy I have lost 5 lbs already. Wooo Hoooo!

I just returned last night from TJ and was banded on Friday. I have to say that everyone was so on target regarding the service and accomodations during the surgery. It was one of the best experiences ever. My mom was also impressed, especially with Dr. Ortiz (Can you say Hottie) I felt great after the operation and was up and walking with in 1 hour. I went shopping in TJ on Saturday and am back at work today. It is an amazing process. Question #1 I can use some advice and encouragement right now. I'm missing food a lot and think about it all the time. My cravings are monsterous. I had some great broths in Mexico that were satisfying but they also made me bloated. I never really have the full feeling just bloated and uncomfortable. Water and Gatorade also make me feel bloated. Will this go away soon? Question #2 I have this large lump under my port incision. It gets bigger after I eat. The only way I can explain it is when I was pregnant and my daughter would put her foot through my side and I could feel it and hold it. It doesn't hurt but it feels wierd. Every once in a while, I have a sharp pain in that area like a pin prick but not often. Any ideas? I left a message for Dr. Ortiz but no responce yet. Question #3 I'm still having some difficulty with my breathing. I have to conciously fill up my lungs and take deep breaths every once in awhile. I also feel like I have to burp but can't. I know I have so many more questions but this is a good start. Thanks for any support you can give. I have gone on Lapbandtalks.com but I feel more at home here. Windy 192 and 5'1" size 16 Goal is 140 size 8

Jenna, You are the 1st person I've heard talk about the loss associated to not eating. My question is on will power and cravings. How did you do the 4 weeks of liquids? Did you want to cheat or were you just not hungry? I am getting banded this Friday and am eating like it is my last supper. My friend got gastric bypass and was eating regular food with in 1 week but just a lot less. I'm worried about all the restrictions. Any suggestions or insight you can give me regarding the first 6 weeks would be a great help. It sounds like it really depends on your attitude and willingness to let go.

Thank you for all the information Shell. You are a great help. I also wanted to ask about carbonated beverages. I read in another posting that you shouldn't drink them. Is that true? What happenes if you do? That will be a hard habit to break. Windy

Hello Beannie, I am right there with you. I am being banded on May 20th and arriving on the 19th so we might run into each other at the Hotel. I also appreciate any advice people can give me on what to expect and what I should bring. My mom is coming with me and wondering if she'll be going with me to my pre op appointments or staying at the hotel. I'm starting to get a little anxious but mostly excited. PS, what is pbing.