JenniferA

I eat wayyyyyy less than I did pre=band almost 1 year ago. I have ONLY lost 30 lbs. This really depresses me. You would think that reading all of these great stories, I would be inspired. One website I go on to shows before and after photos. Everyone there looks great. Which bums me out even more....................and out comes the ice cream sandwiches.................LOL

HELP!!!!

Chrissy....I'll see you Friday at 10am!

CLEO,

Hi, this is Jennifer. I met you in TJ when you were there with your girlfriend. I think you were having the surgery and she was there supporting you............or vice versa. Do you remember me????

I am sooooooo depressed. In a few weeks I will be celebrating my 1 year Bandiversary. I have only lost 30 lbs. I just don't know what to do. The more I think about it, the more I eat junk. Cuz you know, junk goes down with ease.

My 20 year reunion is in August. I just knew after a year, I would have been 100 lbs down. Well, not so lucky. What the hell are all these big losers doing different from me???? I'm besides myself....................................my big fat self.......................LOL

Jen

Yes Michelle,

Tis I...............................the one you met way back when. Damnit, I should have never got that unfill. I can't lose a thing. Besides my hair of course...............LOL

How are you??? Have you been losing????

Talk to you soon,

Jen

Jen,

You're funny!

Are you by any chance the gal I met on July 25th at the clinic that was getting the unfill?

I'm the one that was there for preop with my friend Anne.

Keep up the good sense of humor ladies.

I'm getting worried about my hair now and my gravity pulling.....b--bs.

Michele

Chelly,

I'm right there with you ......................... damnit. I can't seem to lose a freakin pound. I, on the other hand, got an unfill and now I can eat quite a bit. I think I need to go back in and get just a smidgen put back in. What the hell..........................................is that how you spell "smidgen"?????

I had lost a few pounds last week by drinking a shit load of water and walking at night with my friends. You'd think that was enough to motivate me. Hell no. I hated every minute of it.

I keep noticing my hair falling out too. My long blonde hair...........UGH. Chelly and I could start a new forum................"Fat, Bald and Miserable". Good thing I have nice tits...............LOL

Jen

Rid,

Too bad about the rescheduling. That stinks. Let me tell you though.......don't for once think you will have to say goodbye to any of your favorite foods. Bread and tortillas have been the only thing that give me trouble. I still eat Chines food, Mexican food, lots of salad. French fries in moderation and eat them realllllyyyyy slow. Anyways, just wanted to share. I laugh when I read people posting about their "Last Meal" That is soooooo not true. You can still eat Ding Dongs and Potato Chips. Trust me....I know.

good luck.

Jen

Well, I just got home from my monthly Bunco group. 2 of the women have been going to weigth watchers and one of them has lost 30 lbs and the other 25. That killed me. I have been holding stead at 14 lbs. since June 18. I wish I had never told anyone I was getting it done either.

Jen

Kel, I'm in Murrieta. Where are you???? We must live close to eachother cuz I'm an hour and a half away too.

Jennifer

Chelly,

Thank you so much for your quick and detailed response, it is really appreciated. Based on what you are describing, I don't believe I have hit my "sweet spot" but I am willing to keep going for fills until it is right. Fortunately for me, I live in CA and only 1 1/2 hours from Dr Ortiz's officc.

As far as head hunger.... that is of course an issue as food is definately a freind. But I keep working on it and do my best to just eat 3 meals a day and maybe one snack. That way I am sure not to listen to the dreaded head hunger.

Again thanks for the great posts we all love it

Kel

chrissydolphin, I am sooooo jealous. I am not losing at all. What are you eating on a regular day??? I might have 1 pancake for breakfast, 2 pieces of pizza for lunch, a popsicle for snack and a chicken breast for dinner with mashed potatoes. I can't lose a freakin lb. Normally I would eat 3 pancakes, 5 pieces of pizza, 3 or 4 popsicles during the day and add a few dinner rolls with dinner and a second helping of potatoes for dinner.

What is your best advice for me. I am dying here not losing weight.

Jen

I am sorry for asking a possible dumb question. how do I know if I have a vg band or a regular band. I had surgery on May 25th and I had a fill on July 27th they put in 1.8cc and I notice restriction that I did not have before my first fill. Some days are harder to eat then others some days I feel like I can eat all day the next day I can not eat at all. I sm losing weight ok The week before the surgery I weighed 253 then the day of the surgery I weighed 244 yesterday I weighed 226 so I think I am on the right track please let me know and I am sorry for the dumbuestion

I am soooooooo discouraged right now. I have been in a major holding pattern for 1 month now. I was 246 when I went on my pre-surgery protein shake diet. I was 242 when I had my surgery. I went down to 228 the 2 weeks after my surgery. When I began eating solids and realized that I had NO restriction, I put on all of my pre-surgery weight. Then I had a fill on June 16 or 18th (?) and was wayyyyy too tight. Couldn't hold down anything for a month. DID NOT LOSE 1 LB. IN THIS PERIOD. Why you ask??? Well because ice cream shakes and smoothies stayed down fine. So, I went in for an UNFILL approx. 1 month ago and I have went back up to 235 and haven't budged.

How the heck are you all losing weight???? I eat like a bird......several times a day. I am soooooo at my wits end right now. HELP.

Jen

Well, I went in this week and had an UNFILL. The mucus problem immediately went away. I am sooooooo happy that I can drive around town without a barf bag on my lap.

Jen

Just wondering.......when you list your fill dates and cc's at the bottom of your posts........does that mean that you get 2.6 added to what you already have???? Or does that mean "what you have in your right now".

I just wanted to share with you all an explaination for what could be happening to my band that was posted to me in another forum by a bariatric surgeon from the USA. The doc said that sometimes with the VG band it takes up to 3cc's just to PRIME it and often this not done in surgery because most surgeons prefer the band to heal in place before any fluid is added. He said he sees it happen all the time..... whew! I wish there was more information out there on the VG band. Even the Inamed website is lacking in information. If any of you know a website where I can educate myself further about my VG band ... please share! I can't tell you all the relief I felt in reading that my fills could have went into priming my band because I was seriously about to freak out thinking my band was leaking. I have good restriction this morning and am following the liquid diet recommendation after a fill; however, I do know from past fills that it does take about 3 days to find out if the restriction is true restriction or swelling. I'll keep you all posted. BTW ... scales went from 215 to 211 in one day post fill... ... i know I'm obsessed.

I went in for my first fill on June 15 (surgery date May 2) and they filled me wayyyyy too tight. I was puking up every bite I ate. Of course, I could get in 3 or 4 bites, but then race to the restroom to puke. I did this every day. We even took a trip to South Dakota for the 4th of July. I called it the "Regergitation Vacation" cuz I puked in every truck stop along the way. Even had to pull of the side of a VERY busy highway in the Rocky Mountains to hurl up my milk. And that was all I had for breakfast that morning.....milk.

Whhheeeewwww, luckiy for me, I just live an hour from TJ and I called the office on Tues. morning and they told me to come right in. I was there within 2 hours and had 1/2 my fill removed. That scared me though......half.....I still wanted restriction. So, for the whole rest of the day I was drinking liquids and eating big sticks. Then the next day I ate a yogurt for breakfast (after a really long sweaty walk, which I had never taken since the surgery) then I ate a Taco Supreme from Taco Bell for lunch. And for dinner I made homemade Taquitos and could only eat 1. NO PUKING.....yeah. But I could feel myself filling up......so I didn't want to push it. Then, while watching TV at night I ate a Fudgesicle and a Drum Stick.

Wouldn't you know it........I was down 2 lbs this morning from yesterday. All that puking, you would have thought that I would have lost weight......nope, not a lb. I stayed at 235 for over a month. This morning I was 232.8 Who knew that all I needed was a little food and a good walk?????

So, Chelley, I ask you this.......have you added a walk to your routine??? I went to the gym this morning and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I was sweating bullets cuz I did some running too. Hopefully, this will help me to keep that scale dropping.

Jennifer

Karen,

I was banded on May 2. The only thing that I haven't been able to eat is bread or tortillas. Everything else seems to be fine. Granted, everything else.....really means...... a few bites of everything else. A few bites and you're full. You can feel the food backing up in your throat. You'll realize that when you go to a restuarant with your family.....you can't order your own plate. Just nibble off of everyone elses. And here's another tip.....when they tell you to "Chew to Goo" that doesn't mean put a big bite of enchilada in your mouth and chew chew chew and swallow all of that big ole bite at once. You need to chew really good and kind of pool your food like a chipmunk and swallow a tiny bit at a time....wait a few seconds and swallow a tiny bit more. Otherwise, just put really small amouts on your fork and eat really slowly.

And the part about not drinking right after eating, be really careful with this. I have times when I feel the food is going down fine....maybe I've had 5 or 6 bites and I try to swig some soda, or even tea. I feel like a human bottle rocket. I must race to the nearest toilet and puke. So, when being seated at a restuarant, always sit close to the restroom. I usually puke twice during our trips to restuarants. Quite embarrassing when the restroom is full of people.

Best of luck. I'm 14 lbs down and counting.

Jennifer

I am "only" a 35.1 BMI, and Dr. Ortiz's pre-op directions only say that you need to go on a pre-op diet if you are 300> lbs. I haven't been dieting...and I"m getting banded in 8 days! Do you think I should??? I"ve just been eating normal, and enjoying some things before I won't be able to anymore.

Karen MT from Kentucky

2B Banded in TJ by Ortiz 7/25/06

Does anyone else have this trouble??? Ever since having my first fill a month ago, I have had some serious mucus coming up. It first feels like a burp coming up and then my mouth fills up with nasty mucus. Once this starts, I need to be by a toilet or trash can because it continues for about 20 more burps.

Please tell me this is common...........yes/no???

Here is my 2 cents on the whole Mexico thing. Yes, it can be a bit scarey. But it sounds like you are flying in and then having Dr. Ortiz's office pick you up and take you straight to the clinic. That shouldn't be any trouble at all.

I, on the other hand, only live a bit over an hour from the border. Therefore, I drove across. Have you ever driven in New York City??? Well, it compares to that. Cars are cutting across, darting out in front of you, and double parked in the middle of the street. There are several death defying traffic circles to drive through on the way to the Hotel. But don't worry, Momma Ortiz is a pro, I'm sure.

Last week I drove down for my first fill. I went alone this time. That was a bit scarey. Sitting at the border to get back into the US was the worst. People are approaching your car from all sides begging for money. I just kept looking straight ahead. Then they would stand right in front of my car to get my attention. I felt like a royal bitch not giving anyone anything.

Good luck.

Jennifer

Good luck Julie. I was banded on May 2 and will be going in on May 14 for my first fill. So, as you're being wisked off to your hotel in the morning, I'll be in the waiting room. Maybe they will let me pop my head into your room to say HI. When I had my surgery, we left the hospital by 10 am the next morning. My appt. is for 9:30. I have long blonde hair and freckles. And do I need to add, that I'm gonna be the fat one??? LOL.

That has always been a part of how I describe myself to people. I am very involved in the soccer community here in town. Being on the Board and also in charge of the referees, there's been so many times when I had to meet someone at a park or school. I would say "I'll be the tall blonde with the huge rearend". It got a laugh out of people. Hopefully, soon, I won't be calling myself that anymore.

Jennifer

Just scheduled my surgery for June 13th. It is such a huge relief! I've been researching and trying to get insurance to pay for the last six months. I'm so ready!

Julie

So, please share with us Stacy........how much have you lost???? When was your surgery??? Like on Valentines Day, right????

Jen

Hi Jennifer,

Yep...I am the one from Vegas. Glad you went ahead with the surgery and glad to hear that you are doing well. I was soooooo hungry too post op. Since you can still eat large quantites right now, the key is to make better food choices. I was still pigging out... but instead of pigging out on McDonalds, I was eating A LOT of grilled salmon, tuna salad and chili. The band has really helped me mentally. Food no longer controls me. Of course, I have an occasional treat (like chocolate)...but then I feel guilty and eat well for a few days to make up for it. You will get there, you will find what works for you. I just learned this week that if I don't drink enough water, the weight doesn't come off and I was getting food stuck alot. It is soooo hard to do sometimes, but you have to get 64-100 ounces in a day. This is crucial to our success. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I am in no way an expert, but sometimes it's nice to have someone to get advice from. Take care and I hope to hear from you soon...

Stacy

Hi Stacy. Are you the girl from Vegas??? Well, I had my surgery exactly one week after I met you. So far so good. I was down 16 lbs last week. But I have discovered that I can pretty much eat anything right now.......and in great abundance too. So I have put on about 6 lbs in the past week. I can't wait to get in and get my first fill. Then, no more pigging out.

Nice talking to you.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I am one of the girls you met that day. I was getting my second fill. I hope you had a great consultation with Dr. Ortiz and have chosen to have the surgery. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have now lost 33 pounds and finally weigh under 200 (199.8 lol). The best part is all of my "aches and pains" have gone away. I would love to hear how you are doing, please keep in touch!!!!

Stacy

I would agree that the gas-x strips really didn't help. Just keep trying to make yourself burp. It worked for me. Also, be prepared for LEFT shoulder pain the weeks following surgery. I have done research on this pain and it is pretty common. And it hurts like hell. But only lasts for like an hour at a time. I haven't found anything to soothe this pain either.

Good luck. I was banded 2 weeks ago tomorrow and am down 14 lbs. And I've began eating solids already with no problems. Although, I only eat soft stuff like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. And also, lots of chicken stars soup. Last night I had a bowl of ice cream with a bit of choc. sauce.....OMG I had the shits from hell.......oooopppsss sorry to be so rude but I don't know how to spell diarea.....is that right???

JA

Hi Laura,

Well, I did a NO-NO yesterday and ate a piece of Lasagna. I did what you told me "Chew to goo" and I ate the whole piece with no problems. No pain, no burping, nothing. So I ate another piece today. Nothing. I wonder if this things working.........<tap tap is this thing on?> LOL

Jen

OMG, I do remember that Bug's episode.=) It sounds like you were feeling pretty good by that point....wheeee...stick to stretchy comfy pants. Talk to ya soon, Laura

I drove down on a Monday afternoon to check out the facility and meet Dr. Ortiz. I was scheduled for the following Monday. So, no, there isn't a long wait at all. He does up to 6 surgeries a day, I believe.

Jen

After learning about the lap band surgery, I jumped on board and scheduled mine for June 8th. However I had not yet heard about Dr. Ortiz and now I"m having second thoughts about having my done here in Calif. for twice the price.

Since I'm a single parent with a handicapped 15 yr old, I had to do a lot of planning and scheduling to make arrangements for his caretaking. I really would like to change my surgery to Dr. Ortiz and am wondering how quickly it can be done.

Is there a long waiting period??

Thanks...Cindy

Well, Karen and Marc, sounds like we are all ships passing......I went in on Tues. May 2. Since, Monday was "Labor Day" in Mexico, they postponed us a day. Which was fine, I got to have a final goodbye with 2 ding dongs and a diet coke.

While doing all my "same day" lab work.....I passed out.....yep.....and that "sweet" man that works in the lab caught me as I was falling backwards. I didn't go all the way out though, just the room went hazy, then dark, then hot like an oven. He was so nice and layed me back and put my feet up.

I arrived at 8:00 on Tues., was done with all the labwork and stuff by 10:00, and was in my room and cozy in my bed by 11:00. Hey, how about the fancy nylons we got to wear??? My husband wants me to own a pair of those things......LOL. My legs are so damn fat though, I could barely pull those suckers up. But how about that bed......wasn't that bed soft and mushy??? They must know how fat people like a mushy bed!!! Then came the "must wonderful pills in the world" pills that they plopped under my tongue. After about a minute, I let some saliva run under my tongue and I swallowed......Whoaaaaaa the adreneline rush damn near knocked my nylons off......LOL. I sent my husband home around 1:30, since the kids needed him to be home by 3:00 when they got home from school. I took a nice nap until about 2:30 when another "sweet" gentleman came into get me. And we made that walk........"Fat girl walking" I wanted to say. But I knew his English was limited and I just thought it would be the waste of a good line.

Speaking of lines.....does anyone remember the Bugs Bunny episode when the mad scientist sends bugs down the river and says "Nighty night little Rab-bit"???? When I was laying on the operating table, and Dr. Martinez looked over me and said "Just breath deep and I will see you after surgery". I attempted to say, Nighty night litttt.................---------------zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (gone) No wonder I'm not a stand up comedian.......I don't know when and where to deliver the punchline.

Well, I'm 9 days past banding and I feel well. Besides the harsh left shoulder pain that hits me every so often. I am down 12 lbs. Back into my tight jeans.....which I have discovered, makes that sharp shoulder pain reappear when I wear them too long. Looks like I'm gonna stick to wearing my workout pants for a bit longer.......hell this is the most action those pants have seen. Maybe some day.....I'll workout in them.

Nice sharing.......happy starving!!!!

Jen

Hi Karen,

I had the simular experience also. When I came home and had quiet time I started getting anxious and cried hoping that I had made the right decision. I called mama and she calmed me down. This must be a mood swing we bandster have. Well its great that I have found this group and enjoy reading everyones experiences. To all bandsters lets keep up your chat and CHIN up high!

Thanks for the advice. I have already been banded. I went in on May 2. So far so good. I have been having severe left shoulder pain. It's not constant, but comes and goes when I least expect it. This is apparently due to pressure on my diaphram due to swelling. I have discovered that I get it the worst when I wear my jeans. Maybe the pressure pushing my stomach upwards.....(these are my tight jeans by the way that I haven't been into in months) When I take the jeans off....the pain subsides.

Jen

Hi Jen,

I just had surgery on 5 May and I wore regular clothing the next day. Regular underwire bra, blouse and nice soft yoga pants. I would not recommend blue jeans, but something with a soft waist.

I have a question for the women out there. Were you allowed to wear a bra after your surgery. I mean, right after, like on the way back to the hotel. I need to pack some appropriate shirts if I am to be FREE!!! LOL

Jen

Hi Laura,

Are you in Lake Elsinore??? I am in Murrieta and getting banded on May 2. Did you already have it done??? Tell me how great it is.

Jennifer

The instructions say clear liquids for first week. Does that mean anything clear?

I am confused between the difference between the 2nd and 3rd week...

Are you not supposed to add protein until the 3rd week?

Thanks, Laura

I went in for a consultation on Monday, April 24 and met 4 of the nicest women. I was with my mother sitting in the waiting room, when my mother asked the question......"So, have you all had the surgery?" Oh wow, what a question. I was shocked to find out that all of the women sitting there had been banded.

I would love to speak with them again. I only know them as Single Mom from Vegas that was banded on mid Feb. Then there was Temecula lady who loved her diet cokes. Also, a gal from Washington who was there supporting a friend. And finally, the pregnant lady that went from a size 20 to a zero.

Hope to hear from you soo.

Jennifer