MikeyLikesIt

Hi, everyone. It's been a hot minute since I've posted here and thought I'd reach out to everyone that's had surgery in the past or is anticipating approval and whoever is just doing research. I had surgery in 2007 with Dr. Ortiz. The clinic and the staff overall was excellent. No complaints. They really do care about your time with them down from the consult over the phone down to Dr. Ortizs' sweet mother transporting everyone to and from, ha!

Anyway I had surgery in August of 2007 have since them I've lost 97 lbs. I'm so close to reaching my 100 lb mark. I am hoping I'll reach it in the next couple weeks. I will post more later but just wanted to let everyone out there know who is having restriction problems not to ever give up, please! I am one of those people that took 7 fills, YES 7 fills for me to find restriction. At first I thought I had restriction at the 5th fill and that wasn't the case. At my 6th fill I lost 30 lbs within 2 months and with my last fill which was my 7th I've lost another 20 lbs within 3 weeks! Seriously that just tells everyone how much I needed it. So like I said I will post more later but just wanted to give you all an update where I stand and to get the word out there to please not give up if you haven't lost weight like you thought you were.

This lap band surgery is no joke, I don't care how much people that are on a roll of losing weight say it is, it's not EASY by any means. It's a complete life change and many who say they are ready for it might have a different picture of how life will be after the band and not realize it's super hard and doesn't come easy. With that said please be patient and know with time we all adjust and get use to the fact that we do have a little friend in our tummy that will help us through this journey AKA our band/weight loss! At one point in these past couple years I thought I was a complete failure and worthless for not losing more weight but I now have come to the conclusion everyone has different points where we "get it" and when we come to live with having this tool inside us to help us slowly but surely.

For those of us who are self pay and not thru our insurance remember although fills do cost money that fills are always an option when we aren't losing weight! We always have that option of getting another adjustment (fill)...don't ever forget that! I will be posting before and after pics soon! I wanna see all yours. Be good and keep me posted. It would really be nice to hear from those who had surgery with me on 08/27/07!!!!

Be good and don't ever give up. I'm here for you all.

Thanks for all your support, guys!

I had my surgery in 2007, August 27th to be exact in Tijuana. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez performed my surgery. I had surgery with 5 women that day and am wondering if any of them are still here in the forum and to see how they have been doing 1 year later? I myself have been good and bad, I'll explain.

I lost a lot of my required pre op weight before surgery and have kept that OFF and have also lost some since my band, that's my true success. Since my surgery I've had major issues with finding any kind of restriction which really sucks because I'm 1 year out. I've had 6 fills in my VG band and am now up to 7.2 cc's. I do have restriction right now and am finally seeing results. It only took a year but hey all I have is time. The band is very tricky and is so different with everyone so I can't blame anyone for what's happened. This band has taught me so many things and has brought out a better person in me. It's made me face my issues with food and has helped me in more ways than one. Portion control is the biggest factor especially when you aren't having any restriction. We all had this surgery for a reason...we love to eat and have trouble saying "that's enough" so just because you have the band in you doesn't mean you'll stop eating large portions just because it's in you. I truly believe once the band is in you each bander reaches a point where you "finally get it" and understand your body and your band COMPLETELY.

Immediately after having the surgery a friend of mine who had been banded in 2006 told me to be patient and that with her it took her 8 months to understand her body and eating habits once she got banded. I remember thinking she was CRAZY. Well yeah here I am 1 year out of surgery with her same advice, lol. Like I said each person reaches that point at different times. Some reach it on surgery day, some reach it while over the toilet disposing a donut they THOUGHT they could trick the band in eating, others like me just took more time to realize how to utilize the tool we've been given. It took me a long time to get restriction but I will tell you this much I NEVER GAVE UP and happily didn't gain any of my pre op weight back ( 40 lbs. ) and have kept it all off over this long journey. Don't get it twisted people, my journey is far from over and will probably never end. I've had food issues since I've been in the 8th grade and plan on having them for awhile because just like I didn't gain 400 lbs overnight I sure as hell ain't gonna lose 400 lbs over night either, with our without the band. It takes lots of time, patience and drive to be successful out of surgery.

I hope this post helps anyone out there who is having trouble with restriction, anyone feeling like giving up or anyone that might realize they NEED another fill. I wish everyone nothing but the best and am here for people that have questions because believe me support is KEY. I love my band and love what's its taught me and how it CONTINUES to teach me to treat my body with more care. If it wasn't for the band I'd probably still be at 415 lbs. For those who have had an "easier" journey than us banders with restriction issues I am grateful it's been that for you because restriction or no restriction ALL of our journeys are individual whether we lose weight immediately or not that's for sure. I have friends who have had LESS issues than me and have lost so much weight it's crazy BUT believe me they are my inspiration and remind me to NEVER GIVE UP!

Wow! You look and probably feel great. What a great accomplishment. Congrats on your success.

Hey everyone. Most of you from what I am reading probably don't remember me. I joined this forum nearly a year ago when I had my consult at OCC. At consult I was told I had to lose 50lbs before I was able to get banded. It took me 3 months but I did it and in August of 2007 I got banded my Dr. Ortiz which I might add is the best thing to ever happen my life 28 year old life! Has it been easy? NO. Has it been a struggle? YES. Does this forum help out? YES and NO. Yes as far as hard questions being answered quickly by experienced bandsters. No meaning I personally prefer face to face support vs. online assistant with this struggle we call weight loss.

My struggle with this weight loss journey is that being 8 months out I am barely starting to lose weight. Yes I said 8 months! Since my 1st fill I have had no restriction what so ever until now. Some of you probably fine this hard to believe but everything I say is true. And trust me before anyone tries to shoot me down because they think I'm talking smack on the band let me say it loud and clear that I am not shooting the band yet encouraging everyone out there thinking about it to do it and see it work for you in ways that it might now work for others, or should I say as fast as others. I don't regret getting the band but just never realized how the band is so picky. I've met several people since my surgery that have gotten banded and come to realize restriction with this band comes and goes like night and day. Like I was saying since my 1st fill in late September I haven't had any restriction what so ever. Up until my 5th fill last Tuesday which brings me to 7.22 cc's in my VG band I finally have restriction and am already starting to drops those nasty LB's. The band so far has helped me keep off ALL MY pre op weight loss which is totally awesome! It's helped me not gain any of that back, nor gain extra. I am very thankful for this band and am confident it will assist me in getting to my goal which is not a "skinny" life but a more healthier one. Like I mentioned I have had 5 fills and have been threw so many stages with this tricky band. I've gone thru the whole "I'm going to conquer the world", "Oh my god why did I get this damn band", "Why in the hell did I tell certain people", "I hate this band!!!", "I haven't lost any weight I'm so depressed" phase!!!!!!!! I do believe everyone struggles with weight for all types of reasons. I truly believe it had to take me 8 months to finally get the hang of this thing for me to go thru the motions I HAD TO GO THRU. My journey is mine, not anyone's else's. I'm fat for a reason, unmotivated for a reason and am learning day to day why I was the way I was. I hope anyone reading this is just honest with people you come across on your band journey. If you can eat awhole lot and have the band why not be honest to others about it? Don't hide that this band isn't perfect, because it's not. I'm not perfect, why would I expect the band to be?

As I mentioned earlier the support that has gotten thru to me the most is face to face people to people contact. I encourage everyone out there to start a thread on locals in your area for monthly meet ups. That's what I've done and have had great results. I live in Orange County, California and have had a group of bandsters I meet up with about once a month if not every other month. We meet up, talk about our struggles and have learned we can all be honest about what works and doesn't work with our bands. It's so nice to have people know exactly what I'm going thru. Right after surgery I met a woman who had been banded and told me once it took her almost 8 months to get a hang of this band issue and that once you do it gets a lot easier once you learn how to completely work what you got. I listened to her advice and never thought I'd be posting this post and look I'm here nearly 9 months out of surgery telling you all my struggle. I encourage you all to find support in your area with other bandsters who can help each other when it comes to struggles and accomplishments.

Fills to me have been my biggest struggle. The gym has always been a part of my journey but with my head trips I always felt since I went to the gym I can eat more, LOL. There goes another issue that I must deal with, and I am...dealing with it! I've met several people and all have met that sweet spots at different times. I have a friend who is at 2.2 cc's and is very tight! I have another band friend who is at 10 cc's and barely has restriction!!! It so varies across the board. My surgeon has discussed this issue with me a couple of times and just reminds me everyone's stomach is so different, from the shape to the way the saline grips in between the band and how it can shift over time. I've learned to deal with what works for me. I'm dealing with emotional reasons why I would want to over eat and realize everyone should confront reasons why obesity rules our life. Don't just get the band and expect for you to have restriction from day 1. On the other hand that can sound very ignorant to those who do have restriction from day 1. I am grateful to those who have had an "easier" time and I am grateful as well to be able to get more fills when I had no restriction. I am very thankful to have had gotten the band am will continue to see my support buddies and help everyone out. At the beginning and up until today I have seen more inches fall off than anything. If I really analyzed the 15 lbs. I've lost since surgery last year I would kill myself mentally but rather I look forward to tomorrow and another day I can start again. Get into the gym, go for fills if needed and go to support meetings and realize if your having trouble with the band or a set back that you are NOT ALONE.

Another thing I do see on this forum is that once a few months have passed since people get their band they stop posting on here. I am guilty of that myself and now that I am back on track I will keep everyone updated and help anyone that needs it. It's nice to hear from old friends on here and at anytime am willing to assist anyone with questions they have. I wish everyone the best and look forward into anyone's stories/journeys/struggles whether good or bad! Be good to yourself.

- Mike

So as you guys know who keep up with this forum I had my surgery on 08/27/07, 6 weeks ago yesterday. Yesterday on my 6 week mark I had my first fill with Dr. Acosta at OCC. He gave me 1.8 cc's and the fill was painless and quite interesting to watch on the monitor. Like most I was scarred I had a slip but he quickly assured me there was no slippage. I left with no pain and was out of there within 30 minutes. I had no restriction what so ever before this fill and am dying to feel some restriction after my 3 day liquid phase due to the fill. So I'll be back on the boards to let ya know how my restriction feels on Thursday, maybe Friday. Wish me luck. Hope you all are doing good. Also...keep us UPATED people!

My fill is on Oct 6th and I am in bandster hell right now. I can eat (and do eat) anything. I am really discouraged. My old habits are all back, same old cravings and head hunger. I'm hoping this fill will turn things around for me, I've gained 2 pounds back since going on solids. I also thought it would be easier to not have drinks with my meals, but it's difficult for me. I hate feeling like I am choking down pasty food. So I've been pretty much living the same way I did before surgery and that makes me sad. Hopefully things will turn around for me, or else I just wasted a whole lot of money! I'm in need of some serious encouragement. My husband isn't much help, all he can say when I try to talk to him about it is how much money he spent on my surgery. I'm really sad when I think about my band, so I try not to. At first I was so excited and dreamt of all the things I would do when I was thinner, now I try not to think about that.

Thanks,

Lauren

Thanks for posting this. We all need to hear bandsters experiences and trials! I'm in the same boat and can't wait for my 1st fill in about a week or so!! Good luck.

Mikey,

Just wanted to say hi...I didn't talk to you much on the 27t or 28th...just to smile in passing as we were doing our walking around the clinic. I wanted to say that your friend was the best she checked on us too. Tammy was in the end room and I was next to her and your friend stopped and and talked to us before and just after our surgery. Please tell her thank you for us for checking in and sharing her weight loss story.

I am glad that you are doing so well with the diet and surviving that heatwave.

Dayna

Hey there Dayna. My friend Lili says hello and says she sends you well wishes! She said she totally remembers you and your friend. How are you doing so far? I've started on solids and can't wait for my 1st fill because this no restriction feeling ain't cool but I'm dealing with it 1 day at a time...how is Tammy doing? Have you guys scheduled your 1st fill? Mine is October 8th...can't wait!!! Keep me updated!

[Hi!

I found out about Dr. Ortiz on August 10 and had surgery on August 29! No worries, you will be fine. 2nd guessing yourself is totally normal - not as much for the procedure, but because it will require us to change the way we view food. I feel great, except that at the moment I am hungry all the time and can pretty much eat anything I want until I get filled in four long weeks!!!

One word of advice: Do not take that last meal mentality as I did! Frankly, I am 3 weeks post-op and can eat just about anything - so the surgery doesn't necessarily define the end of eating as you know it (YET! I hope that filling my band will help get some restriction) If I had known, I would have probably been far more compliant on my pre-op diet!

Best of success

Danielle

Danielle....I'm so right there with you. I cannot wait until my October 8th fill. October 8th will mark my 6 week mark since surgery. I need to buckle down and drink more protein shakes. It's so discouraging having this no restriction feeling and need to slap myself and get back to my goal which is a healthy life change. Just because we CAN eat it doesn't mean we should and I am guilty as you are of doing that. I need to start dedicating more time to this forum because I believe by coming on here everyday helps me focus on why I got the band, ya know? Keep me updated and good luck with everything!!

MIKEY,

I'm so sorry! I forgot to send you well wishes for your surgery!!!! I hope all went well.

Welcome to BANDLAND!! >

Donna

THANKS DONNA!!!!!!

>

Hey Mikey,

checking in to see how you are doing

Keep us posted on your progress!!

I'm doing considerably well on liquids. I really do believe the pre op liquid diet for me was nothing but a preparation for what I'm going thru right now. If I hadn't gone thru that pre op liquid diet I'd probably be in agony right now but I'm use to it and taking 1 day at a time. Other than liquids it's going well. Oh wait...this So Cal heat wave is kiling me, LOL!

Be good....

It almost sounds like a birthday -- but it's my banding day - yay!! I am at the Lucerna - they were so fantastic, they gave me a suite for my husband, son and me -- TWO bathrooms, 2 rooms (my hubby and I might actually get some sleep tonight!) and facing the pool....at no extra charge! I didn't even ask - just asked if they had a rollaway bed!

The day was great - Dr. Miranda was lovely - we were kidding around about our various "bad" habits (clearly, mine are worse than hers!!) Dr. Jimenez was a doll - Josefa, my nurse, was able to get at my very difficult veins effortlessly to draw blood -- and the whole pre-op prep was painless and great! I got to meet Sue (Sueca) who made me feel much easier about tomorrow, and another girl from OK who was very reassuring as well -- both look GREAT, although I don't know how much they've lost, but very inspirational!! And last but definitely not least, I met a bandster "partner" and her boyfriend on the van to the OCC - She's from NC and we bonded quickly over our common "issues" with food and fears about surgery and beyond! I hope that we can keep in touch afterward and be partners in post-banding process. There are 4 others that I will meet tomorrow.

After the tests, Mrs. Ortiz drove a couple of us to the hotel - she was actually really charming - maybe she's shy with men because I'd heard mixed reports? But anyhow, she was telling us how her son (that's our DOC!!) is such a laid back fellow - and how he kids around with her because she's so petite, and he pretends to hug at his height, and then "realizes" that she's way down there and lowers himself to hug her...anyhow, you get the picture - she was chatty, says she loves her job because it allows her to socialize. I think that's great!

Anyhow, tomorrow's the day!! I noticed that Mikey posted a successful outcome -- YEA Mikey! And I was looking for you in the hotel, thinking you were around still, but couldn't find someone who looked like your picture! You've probably changed so much already since you lost so much weight before the surgery!

Ok, I am rambling - I am nervous, terrified, excited, can't wait for 6 months from now, and look forward to the journey!

Best, Danielle

Hey Danielle. I'm really glad to hear everything worked out for you...the surgery, the hotel, the healing. Feeling blue I think just comes with all this change we are going thru....we are literally changing a huge part of our life and I know I can say is even though I thought about it a lot I don't think it hits you until you come out of surgery. I know when I woke up in my room right after coming out of the OR I was like "OMG, I got banded". The friends I did tell ask so many questions that now when I hear myself explaining the band I am barely realizing I'm talking about myself..a bandster. It's weird but you'll get thru it, trust! I got back to Lucerna on the 28th and was in my room for most of the day...resting drinking liquids, sleeping and didn't head out until the evening for a walk. Well I just wanted to get back at you and let you know all is well. By the way, I live in the city where your husband family lives! Crazy huh? Well, have a safe trip back home with your family and I will continue to look forward to your posts and updates. Good luck to you and everyone else on here!!!! =D>

Hey Mikey,

Thanks so much for writing and letting us know you are good to go and on your way to a great weight loss journey. Aren't they all just wonderful there?! It is great to know that people like them do exist and you feel at ease that all will be well.

Take care and keep in touch. Any questions? Ask away anyday!

Peace,

Judy

Thanks, friend! I will keep you all updated. Please do the same!! >

Hi Mikey,

I am so excited for you! You will have a great experience! Keep in touch ok? We are all rootin' got ya!

Best wishes on your banding journey!

Peace,

Judy

So it's done! I finally got banded. It's 9 pm here. I believe I was banded around 2 or 3 pm...can't remember right now. I am in discomfort as I should be but nothing drastic. Everyone here at OCC has been so nice....man, it's good to know people like this exist!!!!

I'll keep you updated just wanted to let you know so far so good. Be good, all.

Mikey,

I was just banded 6 days ago. Just think positive. There is nothing really to be nervous about. It's a great journey that we are all beginning. I haven't been hungry at all. It's so weird because I don't think that I have ever said that. Have a great trip and let us know how you are doing.

Dawn

Thank you for all your support. I'll keep you all updated! 24 hours away!

Okay so it's a sure thing: I will be banded Wed. August 29! Good news (for me!) is that there are 6 of us that day!! Anybody else there that day? I'd love to know so we can share our journey down there! =D>

Danielle

Awesome!

Mikey...49 pounds. AWESOME dude, I'm sure you already feel great. Just think what 1 year from now will feel like. Surgery...no big deal. 20 minutes and your back again...just enjoy the white stockings!!!

I know..............man I'm so excited...2 more days!!! I'm actually starting to like this liquid diet....LOL. The option of food comes down to no decision time and well it happens and that's the end of my food worries. If it could always be that easy. I can't wait. Dr. Miranda called me yesterday to check on my weight loss and felt so relieved after I talked to her!

I can't believe the time has finally come. Thanks for all the support you guys...it helps a lot.

....that my surgery date might need to be changed from Tuesday, 8/28 to Wednesday, 8/29!

It sounds like a small deal, but it's taking me 10 hours to get there to do this! On 8/30 (would be morning after surgery if I left), I would need to leave first thing in the morning to get to Orange, CA by noon. That leaves very little margin for error in terms of post-op troubleshooting and my rest.

So in the spirit of not rushing to eat and handling my feelings instead, here

So I have less than 1 week to go before I get banded. I arrive in Tijuana with one of my best friends on Sunday. It's exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I'm sure you guys know how I feel. Can't wait!

Hey Ya'll...This forum has been awesome, I just wanna say. (After I finally figured out how to use it LOL ) Only 11 days until my surgery. I started my preop diet today and I don't mind tellin ya'll that I feel like I am going to starve to death...Plus I had to completely give up smoking, which surprisingly isn't bothering me as much as I thought it would. I still haven't heard if anyone out there will be going to TJ on the 2nd and 3rd of August.. the thought of going by myself is a little more daunting than I had thought it would be. I am so scared that this tool won't work for me. I have yo-yo'd for, well, seems like most of my life. I can get it off, but keeping it off is another matter. I don't know...I guess everybody has probably had the same doubts.

July 23, 2007 Pre-op diet 238.5 lbs.

Hola La Guera!

Mr. Morenito here, lol. I think you have the same fear we all have which is keeping it off which I think the band will help us with....greatly. Have you ever been to Tijuana? Don't worry...you'll be fine. I've heard of tons of patients going solo...they treat you good at OCC it seems, like royalty, lol. No seriously though I have heard nothing but good things have visited OCC twice and well it's very nice, clean, and super friendly. Trust-trust!!!!

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

Hi Judy!

Trust me I was pissed off for about 5 minutes when I was called to lose more BUT then got over it quickly and moved forward. I'm grateful OCC is so concerned about every little issue, which is cool. You also had a mini journey as far as pre op diets are concerned. Congrats on the pre op weight loss and also congrats on losing your 45lbs. by your 45th bday! Very cool. I hope you celebrated. =D>

I went from July 18th, 07 to now with a surgery date set for Monday August 27th, 07!!! I can't wait!

Mikey, your surgery date gets closer and closer. I have thought about you and hope all is well. My last fill has been the one...it's like I am dropping weight daily...I am so excited now and extremely pleased that I had the surgery. When I weighed myself this morning I was 320, a number I haven't seen in many, many years. The best thing...I am buying pants at Costco and Sam's Club!!! Before surgery I wore a 50 pant at my waist. Today I am sliding out of a 42, and a 40 I usually have room.

My scale showed me that I am less than 100 lbs from my goal weight of 225 which I am really excited about. My total weight loss is 84 lbs to date. Nothing wrong with that. My current goal is 300 by August and more than 120 lbs off by my 1 year surgery anniversary. I think I will beat that....I'll keep you posted.

Your thinking is on the right track...keep positive, keep focused, keep working towards your goals.

The best to you. Happy July 4th!!!

Michael

Thanks, Michael! I'm hoping you had a chance to read my latest post. I will keep everyone updated with my story and hope you continue to do the same cuz it really does help, a lot!

Hi Mike my name is Sharon and I am new to this group but I have been reading a lot of posts. I do not weigh 350 pounds I am way under but I am at 255 right now I have lost 15 pounds on my own from diet and exercise. Man you have to exercise the fat will not leave by just eating certain foods you have to work your butt off and it will all be good in the end. My Dr. told me that ther heavier a person is will be more successful in the lapband and lose weight at a different speed if your willing to work at it. I am 53 years old and gained my weight during my son's illness he was terminally ill as a child and passed away just 2 months shy of his 22nd BD and let me tell you I went from 123 pounds to where I am at today and it caused me to become type 2 diabetic, HBP, DJD and well when your heavy like us your quality of life is down the tubes that is how I see it. I look into the mirror and say out loud Sahron what did you do to yourself and how are we going to fix this. I ate out of grief, food beccame my frind and then my enemy. I watch what I eat. I drink slim fast optima twice per day and then a light meal and I drink my water or crystal light. I exercise at home twice per day and walk and it all is paying off. I don't know your age but when your in your 50's it is harder but it will pay off. I know you will do well as so will I. Luck to you my new forum frined and to your buddy, having the buddy system is a great help.

Sharon

sharrroc@aol.com

Hi Sharon....I just turned 28 and am trying to tackle my 1 and only enemy I've ever had in my life....FAT!!!! I remember my mom always telling me when I was in my early 20's that once I hit 30 the weight is going to be that much harder to lose...in other words certain things in life just seem to get harder with age and I do believe weight loss is at the top of the list. Having her always saying that I always had it embedded in my head for me to get a jump start at a healthier life. I thank her for that and also thank you for your advice and WISDOM. Much respect.

To Apple Blossom, Hi it's Pam, I did get banded on 7/18 and yes my experience was very good also. I don't know whatever happened to Mikey, he was not there and he quit posting on here as well. Hope he is OK. Pam

Hi, guys! I'm here. See my new post.