PAMMIE

Hi,

I was just banded on the 5th by Dr. Ortiz and I have been doing pretty good except for a REALLY sore port site. The incision sites seem to be feeling fine, only mild soreness but the port site is a whole different story. A few questions related to this......

Is this normal?

Is there any special care advised such as medicated creams or lotions?

How long will it take for this to feel better?

Thanks so much for the input, I really appreciate it.

John

MY PORT IS ALSO A BIT SORE BUT EVERYDAY JUST SEEMS TO GET BETTER AND BETTER. BANDED AUG 17

EVERY MORNING AND EVENING I PUT A LITTLE NEOSPORIN ON THE INCISIONS, JUST BECAUSE.

Actually she told me one beer at the ballpark 6 months from now would be possible. On tap and after it had set for awhile

Tom

WOO HOO!!! SEE YOU AT THE GAME TOM!!!

As far as I've heard (someone will correct me if im wrong i hope) was that to stay away completely from beer because of the carbonation but liquor should not have any effects on you other than the added calories/carbs/fat or whatever is in it.

I dont like beer anyway so this works in my favor

I do look forward to the day when I can have a vodka and cranberry juice or something...of course in moderation

I'm not too sure about when you can drink liquor though, i would assume when you go to full solids if not before as its a clear liquid.

I HAD WHITE WINE THE DAY AFTER SURGERY

DR MIRANDA SAID I COULD TRY A BEER, OFF TAP IN 6 MONTHS AND SEE HOW IT GOES

Good question! I too would like to know this.

What is a slipped Band, and what causes it?

There are two types of slippage; anterior and posterior. This refers to whether the front or back side of the stomach slips. There is something else called concentric pouch dilation, but this is not the same as slippage. Slippage or prolapse is when the stomach slides up through the Band, making the pouch bigger. If this happens the Band usually becomes too tight, and patients experience symptoms of reflux (heartburn) as well as nausea and vomiting. This is because the amount of stomach being

I think we said 5pm somewhere back there. Does that still work for everyone? Sunday, Oct 8th at 5? I will be there, and might bring my aunt, who is very seriously considering surgery in the next month, maybe even by then...

Maybe we should get a head count, just to let the restaurant know.

I'm in, so I'll be one and two...

Becki

I'M IN, I'LL CHECK WITH SANDY TO SEE IF SHE'D LIKE TO GO. WE'LL JUST BE GETTING BACK FROM MX AFTER OUR FIRST FILL

I am getting my band on the 14th in Little Rock, I am curious about the cost in Mexico?

WHAT DR ARE YOU USING IN AR? I'VE GOT A FRIEND LOOKING INTO GETTING BANDED BY A LOCAL DR. THERE

COST: $8.500 PLUS YOUR AIRFARE

Hello,

I was banded the first time on August 11, 2006. I had a GREAT recovery; didn't even feel like I had surgery. But, on the third day (Aug. 14), I made the terrible mistake of eating a tiny piece of chicken. I immediately started to feel sick. Luckily, I live in the area and was able to go see the doctor the next day. He checked my band, and yes, it had slipped. I had to go in and had a second surgery ASAP on August 15. PLEASE follow doctor's orders! I know food is very tempting, but you need to realize how much you can loose if you do this. I could've lost my band, even worse, my LIFE!

I am doing great now; following doctor's orders. Now, after what I experienced, I am SUPER scared of eating solids. Yesterday was my first day eating solids. I ate about one tablespoon of baked salmon, and one tablespoon (or less) of mashed potatoes. I am okay so far. I went back to liquids today, though. I will give it another shot tomorrow again. Hope this helps someone else into not trying to make the same mistake I did - you'll be sorry. I don't want anyone to go through what I went through.

I want to thank all of Dr. Ortiz's staff for being so supportive and kind to me. Que Dios los bendiga! God bless you!

Thank you for reading this.

SO THERE REALLY ISSSSSSSSSS A CHICKEN GAL LOL

I WAS BANDED AUG 17 AND WAS TOLD THE STORY. I THOUGHT MAYBE THEY WERE JUST TRYING TO SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF US, WHICH IT DID LOL

GLAD EVERYTHINGS GOOD NOW

Just know that it might not be easy, but you can make it a little easier, and you will get through, even if at times you don't think you can. And it will be worth it!!

Good luck!!

Becki

IT'S READY NOT HARD, LIKE I'M STAVED. IT'S MORE BORING I THOUGHT. JUST TO MUNCH, CRUNCH ON ANYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE

Thanks Hayley,

Since this is place for support, it seems there are not a lot of true success stories on here, just success in progress. It is nice to hear how well it works.

Becki

HAYLEY,

YOU INSPIRE ME!!!

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Hi all,

5 days post-op and I am regretting this. (I know it's a phase though). I have been in mild-medium pain since surgery and since yesterday starving. Since Dr. M said we could do "real" liquids on day 4 if we HAD to, I had a couple slim fast shakes, popsicles, etc. Today was worse and my stomach was freaking out, seriously hungry. I had a bowl of creamy potato soup that I strained so that it was only liquid no chunks at all. Is this awful? It did make me feel better but I am still unhappy!! Has anyone else done this? Did I mess up my band? I hope Dr M does not read this! I feel physically fine though no weird stomach issues. I keep reading that it gets easier but I am miserable!

Karen

KAREN, I'M SURE YOUR FINE. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELAX!!!

I HAD MADE POTATO SOUP WITH ONIONS, CELERY, BACON, ETC. I THOUGHT OK I'LL BLEND IT AND DRINK IT. WELL I HAD BASICLY FLAVORED MASHED POTATOES AFTER I WAS DONE. I EAT IT AND ENJOYED EVERY BITE!!! IT HELD ME OVER FOR SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO EAT, EAT

YOUR DOING GREAT, TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME.

jeez everyone had 10k cash laying around for a lap band,i guess i will be the first to finance it.will let everyone know how it goes.

I DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE OUT A LOAN NOR TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF "HOUSEHOLD FUNDS". THIS IS SOMETHING I WANTED TO PAY FOR FOR MEEEEE. I WORKED EXTRA HERE AND THERE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAD ALL BUT ABOUT A THOUSAND WHEN MY STEP MOM SHOWED UP WITH A 10K CHECK LOL WISH THAT WOULD HAPPEN EVERY WEEK

So, will someone correct me if I'm wrong. Doesn't Dr. Ortiz's office pick you up from the airport for a fill, for free? When I flew in, there was one girl with us that was just there for a fill...but she went back on her own. They may not make a special trip for you, but I'd imagine if they are there, you could ride along, surely. And...what is the $130 charge all about?

Karen MT

SURELY FOR A CHARGE?

AFTER THINKING ABOUT IT FOR A BIT, YOU'RE RIGHT. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIDING IN A VAN WITH PEROPLE HAVING SURGERY OR PEOPLE GOING IN FOR A FILL? SAME PLACE, SAME DISTANCE. SURELY PEOPLE BANDED THE PREVIOUS DAY ARE GOING BACK TO THE AIRPORT LIKE WE ALL DID

DOES THAT MEAN IF I'M GOING IN FOR A FILL AND NO ONE ELSE IS WITH ME, I RIDE IN THE VAN WITH THE DRIVER AND MYSELF? (LOL WOO HOO!!! LOL HE DID KEEP ME LAUGHING) WE DON'T WAIT FOR PEOPLE COMING IN FOR SURGERY SINCE "I" PAID FOR THE VAN RIDE?

IF I FLY IN AND NEED A RIDE TO THE CLINIC, THEN TO THE HOTEL FOR A NIGHTS STAY, THEN BACK AGAIN TO THE AIRPORT WITH THE DRIVER THE NEXT DAY, DO I GO BACK TO THE AIRPORT WITH PERSONS THAT WERE JUST BANDED? WAIT FOR THEM?

I COULD SEE IF THE DRIVER NEEDED TO TAKE THE FILL PERSON BACK TO THE AIRPORT AT A LATER TIME THAT AFTERNOON AS THAT WOULD BE AN EXTRA TRIP WITHOUT SURGERY PATIENTS AND THAT A ONE WAY CHARGE WOULD BE IN ORDER

I'M SORRY, THIS JUST ISN'T COMPUTING, HELP ME OUT HERE

day 26, no smokes, can ya tell yet?

Why, yes.... yes, I am.

Seriously, when I checked out of the clinic, I was handed a card that looks like I'm an employee of OCC-- has my picture on the front along with my surgery date, and my incorrect surgery weight. On the back of the card it has a picture of a lap band on a stomach with the paragraph "This Person has an INAMED Adjustable Gastric Band implanted around the stomach to assist in weight loss. Caution should be taken when prescribing potentially ulcerogenic medications or performing any gastric or abdominal procedures. Restauranteer: Please note this patient should be authorized to order from the kids menu, sampler or only appetizers." It also has the Doc's phone number and email address.

This is in addition to the other card I referred to that identifies my band as the VG band.

OK OK LOL WE ALL GOT THE CARD, JUST NOT OUR PICTURES TAKEN

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!!

Thanks for all the great soup ideas. I can't wait. Tomorrow is day 10 yippee!!!! I will be going to the grocery store to get all the soups that were suggested. Thanks for checking them out for me ahead of time.

Becki

TOMORROW IS DAY 21 FOR SANDY AND I AND YA KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS......... WOO HOO!!! LOL

Hi! I was banded on 9-1-06, everything went well but now I have this huge red rash on my chest and upper abdomen. It is awful!! I think it could be an allergic reaction from the betadine used to scrub my surgery site. Has anyone had this happen to you?

okiegirl

______________________________

banded 9-1-06

highest - 222

pre-surgery-210

today-207

Goal-145

NO, BUT I WANTED TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Ya I am so glad that we will all get to meet I can't wait will see all of you at southcenter on October 8th. Is there a specific place at southcenter? How about Bahama Breeze it is right at the 405/5 corner of the southcenter mall

THEIR DRINKS ARE FAB!!!

I hope this isn't just the end of the story. I hope this is the beginning of a brand new life where I can enjoy 99% of all life has to offer. And for that other 1%? When you have that delicious Diet Pepsi, think of me, would ya?

LOL

GLAD EVERYTHING WENT SO WELL FOR YOU!!!

(OK WHAT'S UP WITH TAKING JAMES PICTURE? JAMES, ARE YOU A PRETTY BOY? LOL)

This is just a friendly note and can be ignored if you wish, but I wanted to let you in on a little hint when it comes to e-mails, instant messaging and message boards:

ALL CAPS IS THE SAME THING AS YELLING!

I even find myself reading these messages in a loud voice in my head.

So please, for the sake of your reading audience, turn off the Caps Lock button.

A HABIT I'VE HAD FOR YEARS.

I'VE RAN A MESSAGE BOARD FOR 5 YEARS NOW, MEMBERS KNOW, IT'S JUST MY TYPING

Mysterymachine,

Your post ruined my day. That is, if I have to wait three months to go snowboarding. I am going to research this and let you know. The stomach and band are on the inside and shouldn't be too effected by adominal muscles, the sutures surely won't take that long to heal completely. I'll be on the internet all night trying to find these things out

Tom

WOO HOO!!! CAN'T WAIT TO HIT THE SLOPES!!! (MAYBE IT'LL BE EASIER TO GET MY HAPPY BUTT UP AFTER FALLING LOL)

Ask if this is okay with Lori and company, but I really found that top ramen flavor packets helped "mix it up" between the awful chicken and beef broth. Different flavors, at least. And if you serve it good and hot, it really helped me.

Not sure what they say about it, but worth checking into.

Also, when you get to the tomato soup stage, you HAVE to try the Campbells Select Gold Label Tomato Basic and Garlic soup. It really is the BEST!

IN THE DELI DEPARTMENT AT SAFEWAY'S, THEY HAVE A SAFEWAY BRAND TOMATO BASIL SOUP, IN A CLEAR PLASTIC "BUCKET" THAT'S TO DIE FOR!!! IT'S ALMOST LIKE A SAUCE MORE THEN A SOUP, AND VERY TASTE!!!

The only place i ever feel anything is the port site - sometimes the incision feels itchy - other times the port site hurts a little - usually after tossing and turning alot at night which I do alot! - and if i eat too much my port site hurts and aches a little. Also, sometimes when I exercise and pressure or whatever is pushing on the port site it may get a little sore or tender.

THANKS!!!

I GET SLIGHT PAINS IN MY PORT SITE FROM TIME TO TIME AND LAUGHING, OH GOD LOL DON'T GET ME LAUGHING LOL. I CAN FEEL SOMETHING IN THERE BUT I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S THE PORT ITSELF OR SCAR TISSUE BUILDING UP. IT'S STILL TO SORE JUST TO GRAB THE SUCKER VERY HARD AND SEE IF I CAN FEEL IT'S SHAPE

Hi Pammie,

Can I join you gals on the 10th of October? How are you feeling?

EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO PUT A FACE BEHIND THE SCREEN NAMES

Yes, I survived a trip to TJ by myself!!!

It was actually very easy and I was never scared or felt endangered or anything. My parents were freaking out from Kansas and kept calling me, even before I left my apartment, but I was fine!

Took the trolley to San Ysidro and a bus to the edge of the border crossing. Walked through the border and hopped in a cab to the doctor's office.

Spoke with Dr. Ortiz and the nutritionist and took a tour of the office. Dr. Ortiz is very very nice and knowledgable, and the clinic itself is spotlessly clean and beautiful, if small. 6 recovery rooms, one surgical room, two computers with high speed internet to keep in touch with your family back home during your short stay.

The nutritionist weighed me and said I needed to lose 16 lbs before surgery in order to shrink my liver, so that's not bad .

After that they called a taxi for me and I went back to the border crossing. After seeing the insane line to cross back to the US I decided to hop in one of the border crossing vans. That took us to Otay Mesa, where we got out and waited in a much shorter line (about 10 minutes or so) and then got back in the van on the other side. We were then driven to the San Ysidro trolley station where I hopped on and was taken back to my car.

All in all, not a bad trip!

Round Trip Trolley: $5.00

Taxi to Dr. Ortiz: $5.00

Taxi to border: $5.00

Border crossing van $10.00

Weight Loss Surgery: Priceless

LITTLEROO,

DID YOU END UP MAKING A DATE?

Does anyone else experience slight pains or almost a crampy feeling around their band site? Not all the time, but periodically.

THIS MAY JUST SOUND STUPID BUT HERE GOES LOL

WHERE IS "MY BAND SITE"?