Reneemarie

I got my "full" diet back officially as of July 30. I did a bit of a mushy stage that was not in my instructions from Dr. Miranda. I struggle with food. I feel that scrambled eggs, peanut butter, runny oatmeal and the like saved me from tossing in the towel and eating way off plan before I got to the solid stage. I'm not proud of myself, but that's what I did.

The band obviuosly doesn't cure my addiction. I didn't expect it to. I also struggle with an all or nothing mind set when I diet.

Right now, I am really concerned about the next 2 1/2 weeks until my fill. I feel like I am one of the few who has an appetitie that is equal to my pre op appetite. I feel compelled to eat lots of foods I've missed that are not healthy. I know I don't need them but the urge is there. I am already questioning whether or not I will be successful, but I am still optimistic.

I know the band is there and I know it is in place. I was shopping last week and got tomato soup at Target's food court. It came with a bread stick....a very soft bread stick that I did not resist. I got a piece stuck and learned the feeling........... PAINFUL. Sliming....it was more like foaming from the mouth and nose along with the mucus in my throat. It was an awful experience, that's for sure. I almost did it again this evening and I realized the coincidence. I need to really pay attention when carrying on conversation while eating. I tend to swallow quickly if I want to talk and that's what triggered the bread episode and the near episode tonight.

In getting to the point, my appetite is in full swing. I haven't found anything I can't eat. I chew well and things go right down. I am hungry. Yes I have huge head hunger but I also have real hunger when my stomach growls.

I find very few messages refering to this period and the struggle. I feel so alone. I wonder if I am alone or people don't talk about it. My will power needs practice and I already have a 2 pound gain since switching to solids. I am afraid of this pattern. Can anyone else share their experience with this period between full foods with no fill up to their first fill?

Thank you!

Judy

Apple Blossom,

I am right there with you. I can and have eaten all kinds of food, I was so discourged I called Dr. Ortiz Thursday evening, He chewed me out and reminded me of why I am to be on liquids for 3 weeks. I do not want my band to slip, and I have spent way to much money on this to just blow it off. I'm back to just protien shakes and soup. I have maintained the same weight I was when I returned home. I can hardly wait to get filled. My tummy is still sore where the port is so I know I still need to heal on the inside. We can do this! hang in there.

Renee

Hi everybody,

I'm not nervous yet, mostly excited and ready to go. I'm packed and just waiting till 6am. I hope I can get some sleep tonite but I never sleep much before a trip. My sister Debra and I will be arriving at the airport around 9:30 and heading over to do the pre-op test. They said we needed to be there before noon. Good Luck to everyone this week! I'll keep you in my prayers. Look for me when you get there. Renee Burns and Debra Shipman. I have silver hair---you can't miss me. LOL

Hey Halo....Me and my sister are coming for our first fill on July 24th....arriving on the 23rd, fill on the 24th, departing the eve of the 24th...maybe we'll see you there?! Are you staying @ the Lucerna?

My sister and i will be flying in on the 23rd for surgery on the 24th. Maybe we will all meet up around there.

OK everyone, I was never a big poster... but belive me this site has been watched like a hawk by me. ITs been long. Well here it is. I am a 32.5 BMI, I am 5 5 weigh about 197.. not 200.. of course that matters. I AM SICK AND IM TIRED!! I am ready to do this. I really need support and advice. I was planning to go to Dr ortiz.. who came highly recmd and a woman in my office had it done by him ( SHE LOOKS FANTASTIC BTW>>> AND just had a baby too while banded.. she is skinny minnie!) ANyways, My Uncle who lives in the Middle East is a Surgeon there and he gave a major hook up to my cousin from the states. BANDED FOR ONLY 2000USD. Contrary to what everyone thinks.. ( maybe not you guys) Surgery overseas is not a hole in the wall place.. and the band there was used before the States. well. long story short.. I whined my way into hooking me up too!!! So I am leaveing next wed to do it!!! Now Iam so nervous. WHY COULDNT I JUST LOSE THIS THE REAL WAY!! DId you guys feel that too?

1. i will be there for 25 days.. do you guys think thats enough time to heal?

I will be flying back on a 13 hour flight dont forget? Maybe healing about 2 weeks prior.

2. I plan on taking CRYSTAL LIGHT WITH me there and jello packs? What else should I take?

3 When I come back to the States where in AZ should I go for a filll. and how long after ?

4. WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITh ME!! ( should I take my vicodine?)

5. AM i going to feel this weird object inside of me?

Im getting so nervous and just want some advice and maybe pep talks.

I had a c-section.. is the pain as bad as that. GOD THAT WAS MISERBLE!!

OK- should I back out?

Hi, I was planning on going to India to have my surgery. Probally would still be going there if my sister would have been able to get the money to have her's done but I didn't want to go by myself. At least you know someone there. I'm going to Dr. Ortiz because he has a great credintails and I can be back home in 4 days as opposed to 2 weeks. Good luck and stay focused on why you want this. My BMI is about the same as yours and I totally understand being tired of fighting this battle and always coming out worse off than when I started. Keep in touch and let me know what you decide.

Renee

Hi my name is Bri and i am 17 years old and 305lbs. I have been overweight all my life (have tried weight watchers nutrisystem and other diets but am not really seeing results) and am so sick of not being a "normal teenager". I have been researching this surgery for awhile and have recently expressed my opinion about getting it to my mom and grandma. They arnt in any hurry to look at my research or attempt to find solutions with drs and such. They are also concerned about the cost of the surgery and if it would benefit me. If i were to get the surgery in TJ Mexico...how much would it cost? What would I have to do? How much weight could i lose? ( my grandma isnt convinced about the weight loss bc some of the other teens didnt look like they lost alot to her???) and is it really safe to travel the long distance (i live in illinois) to get the surgery???

PLEASE HELP I WANT BANDED SOOOOOO BADLY!!!

-Bri-

Bri, I hop you can have the surgery. I am not as big as you are but I do remember how I felt as a teenager and as an adult being over weight. I am being banded July 23 by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I have done lots of research on him and several others in Mexico and India. My insurance will not cover it and doctors here say I'm not fat enough even with all the health problems I have now. I understand that Dr. Ortiz has wrote a book " Banded for Life" I think. I would recomend you read it and show it to your Mom. You can problaly ask the public libary to get it for you. Write back and let us know how you are.

Renee