tmckee

Your story is almost identical to mine. I was banded in July and have had two fills. The last one in October was probably too much because I get sick most of the time when I try to eat. I now have a whole new relationship with food....it scares me! There is no consistency in when or what is going to make me sick. Bread and meat won't go down but cookies and chips do. I'm 5'6" and have lost 46 lbs. too. The band does not make me feel full, it makes me feel sick and often have to induce vomiting for relief. This is not what I expected but since the scale is finally moving, I guess I shouldn't complain. I'm hungry alot and eat sugar free popcicles all the time. Slim Fast, soup and (surprisingly) salad, are all tolerated. Trust me when I tell you that I feel your pain....literally. I'm hoping that, in time, the band will relax a little and I won't get sick as often. Good Luck to you! 46 pounds is not bad....

I think everyone is different in what they can tolerate in their diet. The only really good piece of advise I can pass along pertains to the excess gas in your stomach. I swear by Gas X strips. They were lifesavers after my surgery! tmckee

That was exactly the type of useful information I was looking for. Thank you! I have been bad about drinking water. I will start today and get my water down! tmckee

I think Dr. Miranda's term was "nothing that you can't sip through a straw". I'm not sure cream of wheat is in that category but, if you can tolerate it, it's probably not bad. I ate a ton of sugar free popsicles (tropical flavors are great!) and sugar free jello.

The doc did use fluoro and initially had overfilled. He took out a couple cc's and I could see on the screen just a small amount of liquid passing through. I'm hoping that the band will relax a little on it's own. I'm so happy to see the scale finally move in the right direction that I'm willing to accept this for awhile.

Hi All. I was banded 7/03/07 by Dr. Ortiz. My first fill was 8/17/07 of 2.5cc. I felt no restriction and lost no weight. I had a second fill on 10/08/07 of .9cc for a total of 3.4 cc. Now I can't really eat much at all. I get very ill and often I have to self induce vomiting to get relief. A cup of coffee barely goes down. Does this mean I might need to be unfilled a little? I have lost a few pounds since my second fill so I'm really reluctant to be 'unfilled'. I chew my food very slow and to a pulp. Do any of you veterans out there have any suggestions for me? Thanks for any advice you can give. T. McKee

I'm curious to know how you were diagnosed with infection. I had my first fill on Aug. 17. In the past week or so I've been experiencing pain at my port site and wondered if it could be infection. You're the first person to post this topic. I'd like to know how many others experience pain at port site.

Yes, it was Dr. Vitello. Very nice guy and the procedure was very quick and easy.

I got a recommendation from this site for a fill doctor in the Chicago area. I had my first fill with him on Aug. 17th and he was great. Very reasonable cost and he uses flouro. If anyone in this area would like his information, let me know and I'll pass it along. TMckee

Quitting smoking will be the hardest part of any of this. I went solo in July. Not that I needed anybody but the hotel room is for two and it's gorgeous. I'm sure I could have found someone who wanted a cheap 3 day vacation in TJ. You'll feel good enough after surgery to get a little shopping in or site seeing. Best wishes. Don't be nervous. The OCC has this down to a science and you will be well cared for.

I had a margarita the day of my surgery. Also have had white wine (it's a clear liquid) since. No adverse effects. I asked about it at the OCC and they told me that alcohol isn't the problem...it's the empty calories. I'm still under 500 cals a day so I figure I can work in a glass of wine.

I was banded on July 3rd and I'm down more than 15 lbs. in about 10 days. However, I think Dr. Miranda did me a mis-service by telling me I wouldn't be hungry. I beg to differ. Those roaring sounds are not lions, they are indeed, my stomach demanding food! I've cheated a tiny bit with string cheese (low fat of course) and an egg. No negative results. For you veterans out there - have any of you eaten real food before the 3 weeks? If so, did you have any negative consequences? I figure that that what don't kill me will make me stronger. Just kiddin' but 3 weeks of liquid is just not natural! Not that I'm going to go off the deep end but, really, can't we eat something! Veteran banders please reply! Help!

Hi Macy, What is it, specifically, that you are afraid of? The surgery, as we have all agreed, is a breeze. No pain, little discomfort and up and at 'em immediately afterward. I was banded July 3rd and I have not thrown up once. There's bloating from the surgery for a short while (I swear by Gas-X strips) but I have not been sick. There is a company called Fill Centers of US that have sites all over the country. Unfortunately for me they don't have any in Wisconsin. Also, you could check with doctors who specialize in bariatrics and see if they are willing to do fills. I haven't had one yet but I've read that it's important that they use x-ray or floroscopy rather than doing them 'blind'. It's normal to be afraid of the unknown. But, as you can tell by all the testimonials, this is pretty simple stuff. You're worth it!

Hi Darlene. I came from Milwaukee, Wisconsin so it was about a 5 hour trip. I haven't found a fill center in Wisconsin yet so I'll probably go back to Dr. Ortiz for at least the first one. My biggest fear was going to Mexico too. I had a completely false negative impression of what Tijuana would be like. As it turns out, it is a nice city and there is nothing to be concerned about. I only told my husband but he had to blab to a friend of his... If you have someone who wants a nice three day vacation for the cost of airfare, take them up on it. I wished I would have taken a friend. The hotel is reserved for two people so there's no cost there. 'Just a thought. Good Luck. Terry M

The information Clynn gave is identical to my experience. I'm 51 and wish that I had this option a long time ago. I, too, tried the Weight Watchers, Nutri-Systems, Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, low fat-low cal, etc... I traveled from Milwaukee, WI and had absolutely no problems. The clinic makes sure you are well taken care of from the time you land in San Diego until you get back on your plane. Ask your Mom and Grandma to consider this: the cost of obesity far outweighs the cost of this surgery. You are probably headed for diabetes, joint and back problems, and other health issues related to obesity. You are well worth this nominal investment. Maybe you could offer to get a job to pay them back? This isn't a vanity issue. This is your long term health and the lapband is the best options we have to battle obesity today. Good Luck! TMcKee

Hi Darlene, Your story is almost identical to mine. The yo-yo diets, losing just to gain back plus 'interest'. I eat pretty healthfully, just way too much. I'm 5' 6". I was 226 before pre-op diet. Weighed in at 221 the day before surgery. I'm pretty fearless so I wasn't really worried about the surgery. As it turns out, there is no need to be. It really is a pretty simple procedure...only took the doc about 20 minutes! (He's drop dead gorgeous by the way...so is Dr. Martinez. They could not be any nicer!) I wouldn't say Mrs. O is cold. She's obviously very wealthy, impeccably dressed, classy lady. She is reserved, but I found her to be very kind and helpful. Let me know what other specific questions you have and I will be happy to answer them. 4 days post op and I feel GREAT! Terry M

Hi Darlene, I just got banded on July 3rd. I did extensive research and Dr. Ortiz is the 'go to' guy for this. He's done more than any other doctors that I could locate. The OCC takes care of everything. Hotel is beautiful, trip and surgery was a breeze. I'm already down 7 lbs. but I'm sure that's mostly water. Anyway, be sure to take Gas-X strips with you. They are life savers! I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have.