Cavrona

Hi everyone,

Today I am 6 days post op. I feel great.

The only complaint I have is my drains. I still have to much fluid draining, so Dr. So was unable to remove them before I left. However, I want them in as long as I need them. I am going to have my regular family Dr. remove them when Dr. So says its time. The problem is one pulls on the stitch and causes a weird uncomfortable burning sensation. There's really no way to fix that but it will go away when they come out. By the way, there is no other seeping from anywhere. My incision line is nice and clean and not bleeding or seeping.

I took the pain meds Dr. So prescribed while I was in Mexico. Just the Supradol every 12 hours. I am only taking Tylenol now when needed. Really, beside the drain discomfort, I have had no pain. It seem so crazy. I thought this would be painful, but so far so good. I forget sometimes I had my breast lift because I just don't feel any pain. And most of my stomach is numb.

I have to wear the compression garments for the next 4 weeks day and night, and then 4 weeks during the day only. I don't like it much but I am now uncomfortable without it. I only take it off to shower, wash it, and put it back on. Showering is an event in itself. To make sure I don't have my blood pressure drop when I take off the garment, I have to lay down and elevate my feet. Then I undo the garment and lay there for about 10-15 minutes. The first day I showered I did not do this and my blood pressure dropped and broke out in a sweat and then could feel myself about to pass out. UMMM not fun! I was right on that phone calling Dr. So. He explained it was normal and to lie down and let my blood pressure go back to normal. That was a freakish experience LOL.

So this may be TMI, but I had my first BM this morning. I was worried it has been almost a week and I have been eating a normal diet. I figured when my body was ready it would happen. But I asked Dr. So before I left if I should be taking something to help or just wait. His advice was to try Metamucil or just add more fiber into my diet. I was afraid it would be painful, but it wasn't. I wasn't straining to go either. So I am super relieved about that.

I did not get my band filled before I left. I am going to come back in 6 or 8 weeks to do that if needed. So I have no restriction at this time. I do not feel hungry though. Dr. So said because they did the muscle repair, I will feel restriction from that. He said my muscle were stretched out 12-15 CM WOW...They also removed 4 pounds of skin from my stomach. I will try to get that video up later. I got to see it and WOW.... just WOW. Anyway, I my plan is to stay with my normal band eating habits because I am afraid of having no restriction and making bad choices. I have not had soda since I was banded and have no desire to go there now. I did splurge and eat half of a great hamburger while at the hotel. Anyone staying at the Lucerna, there is a lunch truck down the street behind the hotel and they have the awesomest burgers. Usually I only eat the meat patty and I get cheese on it, but I did half with the bun and lettuce and tomato. I was totally in Heaven. It had the burger patty, ham, carne asada and cheese with a spicy sauce. AMAZING.

Well, I will update more later...

I had my surgery Friday and I am staying until weds. I am comfortable moving around. Walking a bit hunched over still but that's normal and not painful. I have not had really any pain, just some discomfort where the drains are. But I am taking my pain meds twice a day for now. I don't feel drugged or loopy just normal, which is great, I can't wait for the drains to come out cause I'm just walking around the hotel holding my thing...what people must think..I was at OCC today talking with several people in the lobby, I got to see Dr. Ortiz and visit a bit. I go walking around the hotel and I sit and watch tv. Laying down is a bit difficult I have to have my sons help me by picking me up to move me to a lie down position and they have to help me up too. We asked for a lot of pillows from the hotel and we put them in the chair to make it more comfortable cause I've slept there more in a sitting position. Can't wait to get home to my recliner I dont think the plane ride is going to be difficult at all.

I just had my tummy tuck and breast reduction done on Friday. I originally expected to have a tummy tuck, lipo on my abdomen and inner and outer thighs and brazillian butt lift. But we had a change of plans and truthfully, I couldn't be happier. I have horrible anxiety issues and was very anxious on my way down. But I had planned to have this done for quite some time now. I just kept telling myself, I would go to sleep, wake up and start my road to recovery. But it has been so much better than I ever thought. Everyone at OCC has been wonderful, again :-)

My procedure went very smoothly. I was scheduled to have it done at 2 in the afternoon. I came to OCC around noon and sat in the waiting room for a little while. Then, I got called back for my blood tests and to start my IV. Then I saw Dr. Jimenez for my EKG and lung test. It was of course just like when I was here to get my band done. I then met with Dr. Castillo to go over my procedure and to do my markings. I was also happy to find that Dr. So would be assisting in my surgery as well.

I found that I have much more loose skin than I thought and I will need to have a thigh lift to help that area, lipo will not give me the results I am looking for. So instead of doing that I decided to do just the tummy tuck and breast reduction.

Dr Castillo is awesome. He is very friendly and has a nice bedside manner. I had gone to some other consults in my city where I immediately did not care for the Dr's manner. He is very personable and was very patient in discussing all of my options and the bizillion questions I had. I have been mostly asking Cindy and Linda all of my questions.

Then I was in the OR and I was so scared I started shaking. Dr sanmiguel is amazing. He gave me a shot in my IV and in a few seconds the shaking stopped and I felt more relaxed.

One of my biggest concerns was getting an epidural for the procedure. I have had 3already every time I was pregnant and the idea of them freaks me out. So I knew it was coming and he asked me to lay on my side and curl in a fetal position. I asked one of the nurses Andrea if she would hold my hand cause I'm a big baby with that stuff. She was very comforting and I couldn't help it but I know I was squeezing her poor fingers all together. I just kept saying I'm scared and I know the needle pinch is coming, I said this a few times and the he said ok it's done. I felt the small pinch of a local..did not feel any of the epidural. I was like wow...it's done? Wow!!!! Then he laid me on my back and the next thing I remember, I was waking up in my room and it was over.

I woke up very clear headed, not groggy at all. And I was not in pain. I have had some discomfort but amazingly I have not had any of the pain I thought I would. I was walking a little while after I got up, then they took my bandages off and WOW!!! My front butt is gone and I can see a nice silhouette shape in my waist and the girls are perky and not looking at the floor all the time LOL

I came back to the Lucerna and I have been walking around, still a little hunched over. A few days I think before I'll be able to straighten up. I do not like the compression garments though. I have 2. One for my tummy that goes from my lower thighs to under my breasts. And then one for my breasts. It feels like I'm wearing a super small bra. I will keep posting on my recovery

Hi Diva,

It is in a few days. I am so excited, nervous, anxious..I think I could throw up. I know its normal to be nervous but I am really just ready to have it done and be healing. I have prepared myself as much as I can, but I don't think anyone can be fully prepared for something you haven't done. My mom and my 2 oldest sons will be with me. I wanted to be surrounded by family for the first few days since I will not be at home. I will definitely be sharing my experience with everyone. I hope all goes well with your procedure. I look forward to hearing about your experience too

I am staying at the Lucerna. I am bringing a laptop with lots of movies, my Ipod, a few books, a few games, like Scrabble and Yahtzee. My mom and 2 sons are coming. They will be there to help me and keep me company. I am doing a TT, Lipo and butt lift. Not a full lower body lift. My saggy skin is just in the front, but since losing weight, I lost my butt. I'd like a little bit of it back LOL

I am going Sept 2nd to have my tummy tuck with Dr Castillo at OCC. I am very nervous, scared and excited. I have been banded since 2/2008.(by Dr. Ortiz, Of course) And I hate the way my tummy hangs. It wont tuck in nicely to anything. LOL. I am so glad to be going back to OCC. There is no place I would rather go. I did several consults where I live but I really prefer to go back. My mom and 2 of my sons will be going to help me, and I am planning to stay for a week. I would appreciate advice from any one on the forum who has had PS and would share their experience. What were things you needed or used that you didn't know before your surgery?

Congrats, Thats Awesome

Hi there,

Today is my 3 year bandiversary. I have had a long and interesting journey.

I have not reached my original goal weight of 135 yet, The closest I have gotten is 138. I have gone from 226 pounds to 146 today. My clothes sizes have gone from 28 or a 3X to a size 8-10 pants and a medium top. Most times I feel good about that, sometimes I feel I should be doing better.

At my best times, my weight loss has been any where from 1 -3 pounds a week. sometimes I seem to lose and gain the same few pounds week after week, depending on how my life is going.

I look at food totally different now. Its not fat free or carb free. Its definitely all about protein, I try look at fiber too. I add extra fiber by using splenda with fiber in my tea, and on my oatmeal..I eat alot of chicken, tuna and drink flavored waters. I love crystal light and I also love the vita coco coconut water (those are a bit pricey though)

I have a gym membership but don't make it as much as I should. When I get there I do well, but I let life get in the way alot.

I know that having a very drama filled life before made food my best friend. There is so much emotional issues that tie into the overeating for me. But I have a great support system with my husband and my mom who both say I look great but I don't see myself how they do. My honey thinks I am fine and don't need to lose any more but I still see a fat person in the mirror. After being overweight my whole life I have self image/self confidence issues. Losing weight alone isn't always the answer, I have needed counseling as well. I think I still need it.

The band has been one of the best things I could have ever done. My doctor says all of my blood test are perfect now. No borderline diabetes, no high cholesterol, everything looks great. I am healthier now then I was my young adult life. I have more energy I do not get winded doing housework, or walking up stairs. I can play with my kids.

I read here frequently but don't post much. I see everyone here works hard and has many of the same struggles and issues I have had.

But its all about making the right food choices and getting more exercise. There is no magic pill or lazy way to lose weight. Its about finding the balance that works for you. Even if your weight loss is slow...it is still weight loss.

So many of you are doing so great, congrats to all of us..Keep up the good work

Oh, I forgot to add that I have only had 3 fills done. The first six weeks after the band, and the second a few months after that to adjust it a bit. The last one was done April of 2010. I still have great restriction. My band seems to always be tight in the morning, lunch is the meal eaten the easiest because night time eating, the band does not like well. It's got a mind of it's own LOL

So a real moment for me...I just paid for my procedure! It's exciting, but it is really sinking in now. This is the best decision i've ever made and i'm super excited, but i'm also very aware of how hard it is going to be. I know this may sound corny, but I feel like I am losing a major part of myself. Food is such a major part of my life - sometimes as soon as I am done eating I start thinking about what i'm going to eat next - it's such a part of me and is what I think about probably 75 percent of my day.

But seeing everyone on here and your success makes me so excited for the future. Thank you all soooo much for that I can't tell you how important that is!! Pre-op is gonna be tough b/c for 5 days of it I am at a conference with 13 students who don't know what is going on and won't understand why i'm drinking shakes.

I'm excited, but WOW that was a large amount to drop! Didn't even put that big of a down payment on my house!

Looking forward to the "other side"! I leave for San Diego in 20 days!!!!

I'm so excited for you..I rememeber when I made my decision to go, and when I got the cashier's check I thought, holy crap, I've never spent this much on anything. You're investing in yourself..it is so worth it. Dr. Ortiz and his entire staff are absolutely wonderful. I read on the forum much more than I post, there is so much great information and people here for support. You'll do great!!

...So I told my coworker bout mine up coming lap band op.on oct 7th. Well I wld never suspect such low n dumb replay from a guy who's in the med profesion for the last 20+ years. #1 lab band will take 10 years of your life idk where he got that from ("good thing that his smoking makes him young" btw I'm smoke free for a few days now and wld never go back to it!!)#2 I told him that mine op is in Tj Mex....I better not post what he said to that smh but I'm sure you can imagine. All I wanted to say to him was...good thing that stupidity can't fly cuz otherwise he be up in the sky like bunch of balloons.

when I told my co-worker I was getting the band, she said I could save my money if I had some willpower! OMG!!! After that I told no one but my mom and husband who were unbelievably supportive. Now she says I look great and that she needs to get back to her diet. What she doesn't understand is that while the band helps, there is still alot of willpower involved. I have good days and bad days. I do great when I'm working with my band and sometimes I know I make bad choices in food...I still battle the emotional eater that I am but I wouldn't change my band for anything. I love that I got it and I am soooooo glad I went to Dr. Ortiz. The entire staff is awesome!!!!! Best of luck on your new journey, and congrats on quitting the smoking habit. > > >

Christi

Hi Painter,

I have joined Wieght Watchers with my dad and sister for the accountability of wieghing in every week. I never felt that I ate so much I needed to count the points though. And I do like the support and food ideas I get from the meetings. At first I was losing 1 to 2 pounds a week. Then for about 6 weeks I gained and lost and gained and lost. I was so frustrated. Then I realized I was eating as much as my sister who does not have a band. OMG!!

I get my fills done here in Las Vegas, so I scheduled another fill and spoke with the doctor here. His suggestion was to try to stay at 1000 calories a day or under, cut carbs, and excercise. The first week (also with my fill, I'm at 2.6 cc) I lost 5.6 pounds. The second week, I lost 2.6 pounds. Thursday will be the 3rd week, so I am hoping that I loose another 2 pounds or so. I feel much more motivated.

I have lost 40 pounds since my surgery in Feb. I started at 226 and am down to 186. I am constantly thinking that I should have lost more by now, But my husband reminds me that even though I could be losing wieght faster, I am losing it at a rate that is comfortable for me. I would do better if I excercised more, but I have a very demanding job, 3 kids and very lttle time. My mom just bought me a treadmill for my Bday So hopefully that will make it easier to work in the excercise. I take it a day at a time, and since the fill, I actually don't feel hungry hardly ever, so that helps

I think everyone has to find what works for them, whatever that is. There is a lot of great advice, support, and ideas here as well.

Slow wieght loss, is still wieght loss. Good Luck and I hope the carb cutting works for you as well.

Christi

Well since my love Dr. Romero is taking a break from the OCC and I don't have a lot of time to travel this month I am going to break down and go the Las Vegas branch of Fill Centers USA for my 3rd fill next week... I filled out the online form (easy) and spoke with Judy when I booked the appt. yesterday who was really helpful. I really wanted something sooner but she said Jun 21st was the earliest that they had available.

I want a good fill but I am thinking I won't get too much because I guess I will have to tell the new doctor that when I had 2.3 ccs in my band I couldn't keep anything down. Of course in retrospect I think I just ate too fast on that first meal and then the swelling from 3 PB episodes meant that nothing would stay down and that scared me into thinking I was too tight so I had .3 taken out for a total of 2.0 ccs now.

3days after that fill I ate one cracker, one piece of cheese and one peice of ham from my son's lunchable and was so full I almost PB's (I guess I was still swollen from the PB episodes, but I was happy that I couldn't eat more than that, lol) fast forward 3 weeks and now I am able to eat 4-8 oz of steak and chicken without feeling very full so I am having to stop myself since the band isn't doing it for me anymore. I can even eat bread now with 2.0ccs which I couldn't do at 1.6ccs, (that makes no sense to me but whatever, lol) I am still losing but I think it's from the exercise I have been diligent about keeping up with. July 4th is only 3 weeks away so I don't think I'll make my goal of 14 more lbs but I would be happy to be at 180 by then, that's still 3 lbs a week so we shall see!

This fill isn't going to be under fluro which concerns me especially since I am expecting it to be a smaller fill... but they do offer a free unfill for 72hrs after your fill so if it is too much I can get it fixed quickly! I guess they just base it off of how you feel when drinking water so we will see how that works out for me, I know many of you have had great results with fills not under fluro so I hope I will be just as lucky.

I am going to turn this into a poll if you guys don't mind, what do you think I should tell the new fill doc?

Hi Michelle,

I have seen Dr Riccardi at the fills centers here in Las Vegas. I have had 2 fills done, one with floroscopy and one without. He was great. i am such a worry wort and freak out super easy, but they were so wonderful, my experience with them has been very positive. I would suggest you be honest. This is your health you're talking about, and you don't want to hurt yourself. You are doing great so far. =D> =D> =D>

Good Luck Christi

Hi Ladies,

Just doing some research before being banded on June 10th.

What type of protein/meat have you found is easiest to eat and digest? I like fish, chicken, turkey, beef. I have heard that beef is hard to digest, has anyone had any problems with beef? Or are avoiding it?

What about rice, if you chew it really well...can you have it?

Thanks for sharing....Cathy

I eat lots of chicken...the grilled chicken breast fron Carl's Jr is super moist and I buy canned chicken from wal-mart that is also moist enough to tolerate well. I make chicken salad and add a little shredded low fat mozzarella or feta cheese for extra protein. I also have not had any problems with rice, but everyone is different. Chicken also seems to be easier to chew than beef, but my husband has made beef roast in the crockpot that simmered all day and it just melted in my mouth...but I just seem to prefer chicken..Hope that helps

In 4 more lbs I'll be 199! I havent seen the 100's for quite some time. I can barely stand it. So far on the post-op diet I have been consistantly losing weight. I hope it stays this way until my first fill on June 6th. Im surprised at how good I feel just 9 days post-op. Its amazing. Im already wearing jeans I couldnt wear 2 weeks ago. Its so stinking exciting!! My goal is to be 175-180lbs by October 5th as its my 31st birthday. YAAHOOOOO FOR THE BAND!

Oh..... Im almost at a healthy BMI. Chunky still, but healthy!

=D> =D> =D>

Congratulations, I just hit there a little over a week ago...I was so excited to be under 200..Keep it up

Well, we ll know that the lap band is a tool ......and helps control our portion sizes. Has anyone returned to a failed diet from the past and has found that they can suceed now that they have this tool in place?

Monet

I have joined wieght watchers with my dad and my sister ( niether one of them have had surgery, but the weight loss struggle runs in the family) I have steadily lost 2 pounds a week, one week I gained 1 pound, and the very next week lost 3 pounds. I like the accountability each week at weigh in. I have had more emotional issues than I ever thought I would. I have cried over food many times, and have eaten too much and pb'd more than I should. The mental hunger has been extremely difficult for me. My stomach is full but my mind says one more bite....but having lots of family support has been very helpful. I truly believe that having a support group is so important to your success. I read here so much more than I post and the information here is great. I love reading about everyone's success and I have read lots of advice here. I am also very picky about a lot of my food, right now I do like shredded wheat in the morning I eat about 10 - 12 mini wheats (about 1/4 cup) with 1/4 cup of 2% milk. I have either chicken salad made with canned fat free chicken or a grilled chicken breast from Carl's Jr for lunch. I'm currently still hooked on those and usually a little bit of whatever the family is having for dinner. I have made a great vegetable lasagna using zucchini in place of the pasta and we use mostly chicken or pork tenderloin at dinner. I also make sure that I take a multivitamin every morning. I have good restriction from my last fill. So I eat about 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time. I drink lots of water and crystal light and have been making back to the gym three times a week. I finally got under 200 pounds...it has been 5 years since I have been under 200 pounds. >

Just interested in other bandsters banded on February 2008. We all have different experiences.... and thats what makes us special. Tell your progress in 3 areas or less.

1. weight loss

2. how many fills

3. your tips for success

I was banded 2/4/08 By Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez

1. 29 pounds, for some reason I feel like I'm stuck here...I've been + or - 2 pounds around this weight for two weeks now

2. 2 fills 1.4 on 3/14/08 and up to 2.5 on 3/28/08 I feel that I have good restriction.

3. No tips yet...I definatley have that emotional eating problem which would explain the + or - wieght I can't get away from.

I do try to choose foods high in protien..I eat lots of chicken...the charbroiled chicken breast from Carl's Jr is my fav right now.( I get it all by itself with a fork and knife, the cashier must think I'm strange) And I drink lots of water and Crystal Light and take my daily vitamin.

I try to get to the gym three to four times a week, but with my crazy life lately, I haven't been there in the last two weeks.

So my new short term goal is getting back to the gym.

I was wondering how all your surgeries went on Feb 8, 10 and 11th. Please do post your experiences when you come back. I am excited for you all! I am having mine of 2-27... I'm a bit nervous, a bit scared but really excited!!!!!! I booked my surgery date with Carolyn and my flight just a few hours ago.

I would love to read all about your experiences!

Anyone else having their surgery on the 27th?

I had my surgery on the 4th. My experience with the clinic was wonderful. Everyone was extremely nice and conforting. I was so nervous, scared, and excited as well, and after they had the IV in and I was in my room, I wanted to cry and freak out. ( I have major anxiety problems) I was doing my best to hold it together, but Dr Acosta came in and could see I was really upset. He talked to me and had the nurses give me something to help me relax more. He stayed in my room for a while and then checked on me frequently until it was my turn to have surgery. The anestiaologist(sorry..bad spelling) also came in to see me, and they both talked with me to help me relax. The nurses held my hand and told me everything would be fine. One was Carmen and I didn't get the name of the other, but they were both very sweet and comforting. Dr Ortiz came in and chatted with me also. Then, it was my turn and they took me in the operating room and the next thing I know, I was back in my bed in my room and I was all done. Everyone there is so nice and attentive, I honestly think that had I been in the US, I would not have been treated as well as I was there. On the second day, I was having pain in my left chest area, I called Dr Martinez at about 5 in the morning.

He seemed instantly awake and attentive. He had me come in to the clinic at 9 to see Dr. Romero. He was also incredably wonderful. He listened to make sure my lungs were clear and took a look at my band under floroscopy to make sure it was fine. I got to see my band in place and when I drank the barium drink, I could see it go right through my band.. It was cool to see. The pain I was experiencing is from the gas still. so, lots of walking and breathing excersises. After that I was leavng to fly home. I still have some pain in the upper left chest shoulder area, not as bad as before though. Still doing breathing excersises and walk, walk, walk. I'm am very glad that I chose Dr. Ortiz and OCC to do my surgery. The entire staff there is wonderful. My mom went with me and was also very impressed with how well I was treated.

The staff at the Lucerna hotel is also very nice and helpful. The hotel itself is beautiful. The room was comfortable, we were on the 6th floor overlooking the pool and had a small patio that we went out on in the morning and evening time. It was in all a great experience, and I'm glad I did it.

Hi all. I have been reading posts for almost a year trying to get the timing right to do my surgery. I finally figured I just need to take the leap..I could wait forever if I don't. I'm scheduled for surgery March 10th...Anyone else going around then?. I'm scared and excited and nervous....I can't wait to begin a new chapter of my life. All of the information here has been so helpfull..I have had so many questions answered by reading your posts...I just noticed the question on coffee...when you are on a pre op diet, can u drink coffee...with cream or splena or nonfat flavored cream....does anyone know? I am a coffeeaholic...

Small tip. Ask for a room facing the back/swimming pool of the hotel. If you face the front, you'll hear traffic noise all day, plus a Ceramic Tile shop across the street blares music all day.

Hi there, I see you're from Las Vegas too....I have been looking into doing the surgery and everything I read on Dr. Ortiz has been wonderful so far, everyone sharing thier experiences has givin me a lot of insight and makes me feel confident that I am making the right decision.