Stacie

Stacie,

If you have a slipped band - you have to stop being mad at yourself - you have a broken tool and its not working right. Heavy emotions don't help - but I know someone who lost her band and what she did was pretend she still had it. She changed her view - and until you get yours fixed you may want to try to do the same.

Eat bandster style, good for you foods like you know you should have. If you can get all the food out of your house that is a weak point for you.

We're here for you - and would love to help. I hope you can get it fixed soon!

Lisa

I did try it is very hard. Under so much stress makes it all the worse. IM in the middle of a long distance move. I love salad and I have really tried to turn to it alot. minus lots of bad stuff plus good stuff..lol.....

IM under a ton of stress right now AND I HATE using excuses......But as a person addicted to food , its always were I turn. Even eating grillef meat, sticking to veggies, etc. There are so many temptations hard to let go.

My dr has said he thinks its best I go to a sleeve surgery. I think he is right. I tore my stomach tissue up so bad vomitting. I know I will have tons of problems with the tummy because of the damage I have done. So the more its taken care of now the better in my eyes...But surgery still scares me. The first surgery I ever had on my life was the band. I have never even been hospitalized for anything serious.

My down fall is candy now. So I try to avoid it. But just he extra 3/4 oz of food is really what I think is causing the gain. More then bad choices.

Thanks for writing back....

I had a band slip about 7 months ago. Im ok...Even got a fill a few months after......But in Jan. I was Florida getting ready for a cruise and boom...slipped again....Now IM nto allowed fills anymore and require surgery. IM a self pay so IM trying to wait it out till I can figure out how to pay for it.

I had an emergancy unfill in Florida...I did pretty good on the cruise... In fact with all the food around I was proud how well I did....But as the days an weeks have gone by and my stress of a state to state move and Family problems have come up....I have found I cant make or do what I should all the time. I have gained very slowly. I have gained back about 30 of hte 80 I lost. And IM at wits end with being mad at myself for it.

Ah thanks Teri. It's so funny to me how the length of the clear liquids stage varies from doctor to doctor. Even my mother, a former RN who worked the post-op floor of a hospital, was surprised to hear I had to stay on clear liquids for two weeks.

I doubt I will make it through two weeks of clear liquids. I think I am doing well despite still having some port discomfort. I will probably sneak in a thicker liquid now and then to see how I do.

Someone should sticky a recipe section on here!! Is there something like that on this forum, and I've just missed it? Post-op lapbanders can be really creative with their meals, I bet!

Hot tea is also a great sub... and you can add splenda or your choice...Most dr want caffine free though. I bought an awesome Blueberry tea. it was almost like a treat and I could have it all I want. I also got vanilla almond, strawberry passion, white peach, ....I bought anout 7 kinds Celestial makes many Caf free....And totally worth the price. Try one or 2 of those ...may help the crave a little. Tea is very filling like water and we all know how sick of water we get...OMgooooodness....8 glasses a day....UGH.....plus protien shakes 3 a day for that 60g of protien needed to help the healing of your band. Hang tough....I did 3 wks after plus 10 days before. I ate alot of SF bomb pops and tropical sf popsicles....lol...the bomb pop are the best if you can find them. I know Kroger and walmart nab market carry them.

I'm starting to think my doctor also takes the extreme approach-

Pre-op: 1 week of nothing but protein shakes and plain salad

Post-op:

1st TWO weeks- clear liquids (broth, jello, popsicles)

3rd week- thick liquids (stuff you can suck through a straw)

4th week- full solids

TWO weeks of clear liquids seems like more torture than most people have had to endure!

LOL....well I was Liquids 10 days before surgery and 21 days after....So I was about out of my mind after 4 weeks,,,,then I was able to go straw diet 21 days....So IM doing a little of my own thing after reading A LOT of lap band diet after surgery sights ....All state regular food by the 5th week most say before that.

I'm three days post-op. It's WAY too early to be sick of chicken broth, I know. But the mere thought of drinking another cup of broth makes me sick to my stomach! My poor mom made the soup from scratch, I hope I didn't hurt her feelings when I said the thought of eating it makes me nauseous! I tried to substitute a popsicle for dinner, but that didn't last long, and I started feeling nauseous from not eating. Right now I'm drinking the broth, telling myself "it tastes great!!" like it did the first day post op. Not sure how I am going to survive two weeks of this!!

Here's what's on the menu-

chicken broth (homemade even!)

french onion soup broth (no onions)

japanese soup broth (tastes kinda like soy sauce soup)

fruit popsicles

Jello

Is this really all there is to eat? Ideas anyone? Tomorrow I am going to the store to drain a can of vegetable soup and make broth out of that, but even that only sounds temporarily delicious.

Any ideas or just plain comfort and support would be appreciated!

On a side note... I had a dream I won a fried chicken sandwich in a contest. The thing looked absolutely wonderful and all I could do was stare at it and say, "I can't eat that!" Later my husband came home (he had taken the kids out to dinner) smelling like fried chicken. Sure enough, he'd had chicken fried steak for dinner. Ugh!

OK...Whip cream is NOT ALL bad...with your jello add just a tad..can is better for a treat. Have a 4 oz glass of FF milk with SF choclate syrup, Cottage Cheese with a good flavored yogurt mixed in it , you can make instant potato's runny enough to count as soup....Cheese soup is OK too. What are you clear liquids or just liquids and Strained liquids? Beef broth is a nice Change. I did Veggie broth with potato flakes and a little dab of butter. Or teaspoon of sour cream...ALSO on the health section or organic section you can find broth hehe....its s secret...NOT if I know about it. I found Mushroom broth a little bit of it went a long way in my beef or chicken broth...It is strong...to much makes it yuckie. But just enough was soooo nice for a little change. Also Atkins advantage shakes are perfect for protien too..and only 1 carb and not the worst thing you ahve ever tasted..lol...I also found a great water mix in ..SF...its NEW it is a daily allowance of multi vitamins. (strawberry tangerine flavor..its awesome....

I am considering the lap-band. What is the real life experience on this procedure? I need to lose at least 80lbs to be where I need to be. Has anyone has done this recently? I am so afraid of the bypass because of the rapid weight loss and the major work required on the organs. Has anyone had a good experience and seen good results? For example in six months or so?

Thanks,

I was scared to do gastric Bypass too. But after seeing my Dr.s rate of happy people I actually considered it where at first I was totally against it. But she would not do it on me because of my hieght to wieght ratio. So I was Banded Feb 5th. If you are looking to have it done in the states she is awesome and so is her Hospital, staff and support groups. If you are looking to go to TJ. These ladies love Dr. Ortiz. They talk of him is the highest of grade only. He must me As wonderful as my Dr. K If you are looking in the states you can email me direct.. Sweetbbwnky@aol.com.....

If I could be happy eating protein drinks all day, I wouldn't be getting a LAP BAND, lol. NASTY stuff. Why can't they make one that tastes like filet mignon?

My understanding was the Pre op was to prepare you for your weeks ahead and to make the liver small and soft enough to move. Thus the low carb diet and liquids. Carbs make you liver VERY hard so hard it can crack when being moved . So my Dr told me NO Slim fast and No high carb shakes. BUT The Atkins Advantage 1 carb is not that bad. I use the Chocolate. AND everyother day I go to ISOPURE ready made from GNC. Your body can only process 30 g of protien ever 3 to 4 hrs. So anything over that is a waist. IM 3 wks post op now and still on liquid and now some soft foods. The ISOPURE is about $4. But half the bottle is all you use at once and you only need 1 full bottle a day . Shakes are only about 15 g and they run about $4 a 4 pk. So truly not as expensive as it feels like..lol. AND GNC runs BYGOF specials on ISOPURE a lot. Also whole foods makes a pretty good Protien drink at the deli counter if you have one. Just for a Change up.

no complaints here! the doc and his staff are AWESOME! =D>

i'll be honest, i have never been to mexico and was scared to go. i am a nurse by profession, and did loads of research...my insurance wouldn't cover the procedure and the doc here in texas offered to do it "discounted" at $14,500. Dr. Ortiz charged $8,500. and it felt like a steal! the facility was so much cleaner than any hospital i have ever worked in. they made me put on surgical shoe covers just to walk to the area to give blood for labs! dr. ortiz actually takes phone calls on his personal cell phone if you need to talk to him. after surgery i had a drop in blood pressure that made me almost pass out. well, in addition to starting an iv and doing everything medically necessary, the most precious Mexican nurse stood before me and physically fanned me (with a folder i had on my bed) for a full 10 minutes. talk about "extras"! try getting treatment like that in the States. needless to say, i have 2 nurse friends making plans to do the trip...

I SENT A PERSON YOUR WAY FROM A GROUP BECAUSE HER INSURANCE WONT PAY AND SHE NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SURGERY IN MEXICO...HEHE

OK after ALOT of time, money and reasearch this is my Favorite place to buy from...And they are always trying to bring out new stuff

They carry everything from Chocolate, Marshmellows and NOW carmel DIPS/ salad dressing/ BBQ,cocktail and pasta sauce/ jellies&Jams/ fruit,pancake and chocolate syrups,

and ketchup (but I like the one carb ketchup in the stores) I think it is Hunts. >

If you call there 1 800 number they will tell you if there is a store near you who carries there product ..They are way friendly folks

WALDENFARMS.COM =D>

I havent tried everything BUT IM getting there...BUT read there customers feedback...

I do know Kroger , Hyvee and Whole Foods carries SOME of there products

I have yet to find a store close to Orlando though. I travel ALOT. Kansas(grew up), Kentucky(home), Florida and Colorado are my main travels AND these are the places I have found to be most often in stock.

I ADORE THE CHOCOLATE SYRUP......MMMMM.

OK I HAVE GONE ON LONG ENOUGH.....Just go look for a place near you. You can do a search, The shipping is kinda high BUT they do pack it well. AND you wont be sorry if you have to order online from them instead of having a store close. I promise this .......

The dressing actually clings to the lettace...lol...strage things we notice...

funny (well, kind of) story...

about a month before my surgery date, i found out that my cousin had had lapband a couple of months prior. she hadn't told anyone, but did it, here in Arizona. She told me when I told her about my surgery. She told me her doctor's name, her insurance paid for most of it and my family gave me SUCH a hard time about going to Mexico.

Fast forward to the hour before my surgery - I was talking with Dr. Ortiz and told him that my cousin had had the surgery in the states. He asked if I remembered the doctor's name. When I told him, he admitted that he had TRAINED that doctor. Why would I have paid more for a less experienced doctor? My whole experience with the OCC has been fabulous. First fill tomorrow! Whoo hoo!

And, no, Stacie, you are not intruding! We love the company. Tell us all about your experience here in the states! Plus, for having surgery in the states, I think what you paid is VERY reasonable. I was quoted 24k and 32k.

And that was the extra 2000.00 for a BMI over 50. She is 14,500.00 for someone less. She is a Perfectionist at her work. The hospital was so gourgeous I was sad I didnt have to stay. Lap Band is an Out P. Gastic Y stay 1 or 2 days.

They where so nice and caring. By the time I had my surgery they all knew my name and greeted me upon entering ther huge glass doors into the luxury entrance which looks like a 5 star hotel. LOL...They are so supportive and and the support groups are amazing. The open floor meetings are great we trade clothing chat up our new nad old problems an being happy. The Dr is always there for the nutrition and to explain the surgery in detail to the new people interested. Your follow up visits are with the DR not just a nurse saying OH your fine. Wanda K is straight forward NO BULL. She tells it like it is and the way it will be and what she is doing is giving you a tool you have to make it work. I had 5 insitions my surgery was Feb 5 2 of them you can not even see anymore and the large one Id perfect it will be gone soon. She and the other Dr are amazing and her staff is full of the sweetest people I have ran across in this journey to find the best place. Now Kentucky has several Dr. who do this also AND a couple of strickly Bariatric center. I have been told they are great. I have a friend who did gastric bypass 2 yrs ago and she paid 22,000.00....AND SHE ADORES HER DR TOO> She is a pharmacy tech (in one of the Hospitals here) she sees the problem surgery folks fighting infection from bad surguries. LOL>.SHE knows who to go to and who not. If anyone is interested in staying US she is the best I found and I searched for over a year.

Anyway, Dr Ortiz sounds awesome too....I wonder if he trained Dr K..lol....never know

Well, if insurance doesn't cover the procedure in the U.S. it is definately cheaper to have it done in TJ -by at least 20,000 dollars. Secondly Dr. Ortiz has been performing the procedure and is more skilled than most American doctors, so much so that he has trained some to do it. As far as being in this forum, this is the forum associated with Dr Ortiz's clinic -hence why mostly his patients on here.

IM sorry I just found this site by doing a search I had no idea it was for a certain Dr. ...Didnt mean to intrude upon anything. My lapband was 16,500.00 in the US and that includes all follow up visit , phsyc. if needed, a support group at the hospital once a month and she gives you points for everything you do within the hospital If you get up and speak, you sttend the food or discussions or got to group meetings. And then lets you use those points toward fills. Which is only 150.00 I didnt think that was bad. Did I pay A lot? Is the flying to TJ ok? How expensive is the flight and fill and hotel stay ( I saw there is a hotel that caters to the Hospitals Lapband Folks?

If I am intruding please let me know IM a more then curious person sometimes..lol...Its just me. Stacie

:-? Ok, either my doctor is a total nutcase, or I havent read his instructions enough times..I went back again today, and reread them, just to make sure. I was banded on Jan 5th. I had water right after getting into my room. The next day they brought me a full liquid gastric bypass meal. I also had pain PILLS, which is what he orders. My meal which consisted of broth, Cream of Wheat (yup), milk, apple juice. I ask are you sure??? His instructions were full liquids after getting home, which was oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, creamed soups, anything l could suck through a straw. I added liquids to my cereals, but, was able to tolerate them fine. I ate pudding, and jello, from night one at home. The second week was blended items. Nothing bigger than 3mm. I did fine with blended soups and such. Now, this weekend I was able to eat solids. Now, I know the things I have chosen are not the best items, but, all of a sudden I was able to eat again, without any restriction. His moto is not what you eat, but, how you eat it. I have no restriction at all, right now, and have to be very careful of this. My first fill is the second week of Feb, and I really dont want to gain back anything. I know the first one may not be restricted either. So, is my doc totally off?? Or did anyone else have this diet? OH, and no pre surgery diet changes, either..thanks geri

I actually think My Dr. is a little extreme I was on a 10 day pre op liquid , then Post op we do 21 days liquids , then 21 days thick liquids and soft foods. I think it is more to hold us off till our first fill in my opinion...lol...But I had an awesome Dr and Hospital

I just wondered about the whole TJ thing. So many people on here seem to be using the same Dr and traveling to TJ. :-h

I was banded Feb 5th. IM 37 yrs old. 5'0 and 392.pds . Im a pretty active person actually

So far truly IM not real happy with it or myself. My Doctor and staff where AWESOME people and have an awesome place . Im from Louisville KY. But my family is on Kansas and that is where I had my surgery at MISH. Overland Park KS

10 day liquid Pre OP .... Sucked. But I made it

3 day clear afer surgery

21 day Straw, cottage cheese , yogurt NOW

then will be 21 days of liquids thicker.

Then real food. I am suppose to get a fill wk 6 .

BUT I crave food. I want food. Even though I feel full or actually like a rock in my tummy

I feel bad for this, down on myself for it.

I hurt (prolly cause I do to much), I can't sleep, Im tired, I think one of my legs has not come out of the Surgery yet. LOL.

When I wake or I am woke up by the pain. It feels like someone is sticking 1000 needles in my thigh/leg. It was both at first but the other side has stopped.

This was the first surgery I have ever had in my life. maybe that has something to do with it. Maybe its Depression. I feel maybe going under brought bad memories an trauma back to my mind. i was Widowed at age 30 yrs old. And it is like it is fresh in my mind all over again.

Anyone know anything about this? Can it be , is it common? Do you know who I can find to help with this?

I'm headed to the GNC outlet today and hoping to score some Isopure RTD protein drinks. Judging by the pictures, they seem to be clear. Are these OK for the clear liquid portion of the post operative diet?

Boost for diabetics (can't remember the extact name) tastes GREAT for pre-op dieting. I bought it at the grocery store. It's heavy in calories but it filled me up for a meal. Shelf stable.

Boost is not ok for your PRE OP....Because this time is to soften the Liver and it is really high in carbs

The ISOPURE is great stuff and I was told perfect pre op and post op BUT remember your body can only use 30 gms of protien every 3 to 4 hrs. SO drinking the whole bottle at once is kind of a waist for your protien I drink half early and half evening

I am getting my band on March 8th and would like to ask what are some things to stock up on now for right before and after the surgery? I think I will do better if I just have almost everything I need here at home. Any ideas?

I found the Adkins Advantage chocolate to be the best. I tried about 12 differant kinds. I didn like Edge, Slim Fast has to much sugar, optima yuck...Anything at GNC was awful. Powder mixes ewww.....

I also stuck to minute maid light cherry limeade it is not carbonated no sugar really and it taste awesome. I did A lot of Beef broth it helps becaus eit has the Salt and flavoe. Chicken is not as satisfying in my opinion.

My Dr required 10 days liquids before surgery . Most dont require that long. Im on the 21 Days now.

I have started veg. broth with a little potato flakes THIN, I also made blended up chili..lol.. It was good too. Today I made tuna and mayo in the blender and added it to Cottage Cheese. Ny Dr said for the 21 daYs Anything like cottage cheese, yogurt and anything that you could get threw a straw is a go. Sugar free popsicles and Bomb pops are Awesome. Also bryers makes a Sugar free blue box ice cream items CARB Smart ALL are cood even the Ice Cream Bars.

I would appreciate it if someone would post a few menus. What to eat for breakfast and how much, lunch and dinner. I joined fill centers usa and they recommend only 1/4 cup of food each meal. Is that correct? I was eating more than that, now I have really cut down. Also post the names of the liquid vitamins and minerals and what type of protein drink to supplement since no one, not even fat people can live on 1/4 cup of food 3x daily. Thank you . elaine

I tried a Liquid Multi Vitamins from GNC ..It wasnt to bad...THEN all day it was in my pores my mouth. I could even smell it threw the breathing threw my nose...UGH...Anyone else have an idea

If you have problems...Suck n a peppermint (sugerfree if you perfer) Do not chew it up. It is a natural digetive. And has NEVER failed me in teh 6 yrs I have used it.

I am a newbie and I had my Surgery Feb. 5th

I had my surgery Feb 5th. I had to do 10 days clear liquids before. Then 3 after. Now im on the 21 days. I have tried some things. That wow...did not work... Real Mash potatoes get me they are like a rock...

I have gotten where I like the Atkins Advantage BUT IM sick of them. LOL....

But for those looking for something. I found a little thing I do like

I bought Vegtable Broth and I use instant pototo flakes make it soupy...it is very good. And doesnt seem to bother. I even tonight made blender chili and it didnt bother me either BUT was not the prettiest stuff.lol.

I got vegitarian Beans , tomato sauce and a can of sizzlin chili....and blended it smooth...and you can soke a cracker or 2....they get soggy easy...Its kind of a treat....Compared to what anyone still in the 21 days has eatin. LOL... :-h