tmckee

I am in a real funk. I was banded on June 18. My last fill was Nov 6. Siince then eating is a pain. The healthy food that I should eat makes me sick and the food ( like chips and sweets) go down really easy. I can't handle meat at all and since Nov I have lost 1 pound. I have tried eating really slow. Another problem is that I am always hungary. My start weight was high and I was on the border line for the lapband proceedure. Did I select the wrong proceedure. I am so unhappy. To date I have lost 46 pounds. I tried to go to a liquid diet but the hungar is really bad. My doctor is from UCSF in San Francisco and he is really not a very nice man. Any suggestions would really help.

Sue

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....

HI,

Question 1

I'm into my 6th day after the surgery. There have been a couple of times that I had a creamy soup (the rec. portion). Is that OK? I did my surgery in the US. However, that is the only way that I felt that I ate something.

Question 2

Another question: I drank apricot juice ..and I did not feel full. However, an hour later I felt as if I had a BRICK in my stomach. Is that normal?

Question 3

I am into my 6th day. However, I feel my stomach SUPER bloated. I think it is swollen from the air the surgeon puts in to perform the surgery. Is this normal? If it is, how long will this last?

MANY THANKS!!!!!!

LIM

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

HI,

Question 1

I'm into my 6th day after the surgery. There have been a couple of times that I had a creamy soup (the rec. portion). Is that OK? I did my surgery in the US. However, that is the only way that I felt that I ate something.

Question 2

Another question: I drank apricot juice ..and I did not feel full. However, an hour later I felt as if I had a BRICK in my stomach. Is that normal?

Question 3

I am into my 6th day. However, I feel my stomach SUPER bloated. I think it is swollen from the air the surgeon puts in to perform the surgery. Is this normal? If it is, how long will this last?

MANY THANKS!!!!!!

LIM

I have had my band for three years nows and so far i found one thing that really determines the relaxation of the band: HYDRATION. One really important thing is that helps is staying hydrated drink a lot of water really really helps. Hope it works

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

Well, considering you don't even get home til day 3, I think I can stand it. I was surprised that Dr Miranda said we could fudge a little and start yogurt as early as day 4 if we were feeling well, but I don't think Im going to push it.

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.

I'd second that.

Did they use fluoroscopy during your fill? Sounds like you may be just a tiny bit too tight, especially if a liquid like coffee is barely going down. Maybe just a tiny unfill is in order.

Good luck!

~Lauren

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.

Was it Dr. Vitello? Three of us are going to Chicago within the next week or two to see him. I have never been there but the other two going have and really like him.

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

I am scheduled to have my surgery on August 3. I am flying out of Memphis TN on the 2nd and plan on getting the blood work and stuff done on the 2nd. Looks like I may have to go by myself and that makes me a little anxious. Anybody else flying solo? i'm starting my pre-op diet on Sunday and have to stop smoking by Friday. I'm nervous and excited.

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.

Well, I beg to differ with everyone else. I found the needle to be painful and asked Dr Romero to numb the area the second time and found it to be a better experience for me overall.

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!

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?

It's perfectly natural to be afraid of the unknown but don't panic! I'm just 10 days post op and feel great. The incisions are so small that most are already healed. The larger one is coming along nicely. Check with your airlines about what you can take. I planned to take jello but they come in 4 oz. sizes and I wasn't able to take them with me. Take Gas-x strips though.

You'll be a little gassey from the anesthesia. I don't know about fills in AZ. They recommend about 8 weeks after surgery for your first fill. Take your vicodine with you but keep it in the prescription container for security at the airport. You won't feel the band inside you. I did not experience any pain. Just mild discomfort for the first day. If you're not ready for this and you're in a panic state...maybe you should reconsider. You've got to want it. But the surgery itself is nothing to be afraid of. E-mail me with specific questions and I'd be happy to answer them. Best wishes to you! T McKee

hello,i am very nervous also,i am due to have my band put on in aug.very nervous,why do people throw up so much,i thought just the ones that had the other surgery did that.where do you find fills. i am from new york and am having it done in syracuse and have not found anyone that has the surgery from that area.so that makes me alittle nervous also.any help please macy

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 tmckee, I'm pretty fearless too, I was never afraid when it comes to surgery. I had a hysterectomy last March and then had to have my appendix out in Dec. Both operations went pretty well. I did get sick both times though. Doc said it was the anestethia,[spelling] but I say it was the gas they use to pump your gut up with to do the laproscopic surgery. [but what do I know?] I think the biggest fear I have is going to Mexico. I've never been there and I'll be traveling alone. I'm not telling anyone that I'm having the surgery [except my husband] I'm not one to have a bunch of people surrounding me either. Where are you from? I'm from central Pa., so it'll be a bit of a trip. It's great that you're feeling so good right after surgery!! Are you going back to Mexico for your fills? I'm not sure what I'll do, I'm still searching my area for a place. I hate the thoughts of traveling back to Mexico so often for fills. I read some other patients stories, and it seems like they pay as much for a local fill as it would cost for airfare back to Mexico!! If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks! Darlene

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

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-

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 tmckee!! I'd be greatful to hear your whole story from start to finish.... if you have the time! I read some of the other posts and it has been very helpful in making my decision to have the surgery. What was your starting weight? How tall are you? I'm 5'5" and I'm way over 200lbs. [i haven't been on the scale in over a year... too afraid!] I haven't heard anything bad about Dr. Oritz in all that I've read, only good things! I did read one post that said Mrs. O was kind of cold and didn't converse much. The rest was all good. Thanks so much for responding, I really appreciate it! Darlene

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.