ROSE

I was banded on July 14, 2006. I have lost 30 pounds (50 more to go); however 25 of the pounds were lost during the pre-op and immediate post-op period. I have had 5 fills, a total of 8cc, and I am still far from restricted. I am going to the support group (of the local bariatric surgeon I go to for follow up care)tomorrow and am fairly certain that the nurse will recommend that I have another fill. I am completely frustrated and think only about food...how not to eat it and when will I start feeling full. I know that I am an unusual case, but this is so frustrating.....I am so eager to be one of the success stories.

Chelley, I am sorry for your loss and continue to thank you for your openness, which is such a support. I am happy that your last fill gave you restriction. I am now up to 8cc's in my band and have only the mildest restriction. It seems so weird. Each time I go for a fill, I feel some degree of restriction. But within a week, the sense of restriction is either gone or greatly reduced. I know this is hard work, and I really am not looking for a miracle....but I would be happy for even a pound a week. I find myself so discouraged that I just want to not think about all this. But I know that I have come too far to give up. I am very con cerned that if I am at 8cc's now, how much further can I go? What if I never get restriction? I am frightened.

Chelley, I feel like you are living inside my skin. The last seven weeks have really been HELL. I went back to the doctor today and now have 8 cc's in my 10 cc band. I can only pray that this time is a charm. Of course I feel tight now, but I have to see what happens in the next 2 days...that is when the restriction usually leaves. The whole process has been so difficult for me, as well as my family. I have been very teary eyed and sensitive lately; not to mention ashamed. I want this to work sooo much. I told my husband to hide any left over candy from Halloween...I will scream if I see it tonight. I am praying that I will wake up tomorrow and only be able to eat spoonfuls. Chelley, I am so happy for you and hope that you have nothing but success from now on. Sheila

Chelley, I am so happy that you are losing weight and I hope that it continues. Your words are always encouraging. It really helps to hear what restriction is supposed to feel like. It confirms for me that I am simply not restricted. Despite having 7.2 cc in my band, I have no resriction. I am going to the surgeon tomorow for my fifth fill (banded July 14). I am going broke, and am so frustrated. I pray that this is the one that works.

Chelley, I am so glad that you have had success. I haven't been on line in so long, because I am trying to figure out my life. I have been attending a local support group and have been seeing a bariatric surgeon (who was trained by Dr. Ortiz). I was banded July 14 and already have had 4 fills and am up to 7.2 cc in my 10cc VG band. Thanks to the support group, I didn't beat myself up as long as you did. But sadlly, I still am not losing weight. I lost the original 26 pounds, but the scale has not moved even one pound in the past six weeks. I am getting discouraged, but after reading your post, I will probably call the doctor this week again. I think the answer is in getting the right tightness to the band. I still feel hungry and can definitely eat more than just a couple of teaspoons. When I question myself about the restriction, I remember what it was like immediately after the surgery, and I know that I am just not restricted now. This has been much more difficult than I ever thought, but I am not going to give up. Chelley, was your last fill under flouroscopy? I have had 2 with and 2 without. God luck. I hope you keep on losing. Sheila

Chelley, I am so happy to hear from you and am so sorry that you have had such a hard time. I have been filled twice since I was banded on July 14th. One fill was under fluoroscopy and one was a "blind fill" because I just couldn't afford all the money of the fluoroscopy. I haven't lost one pound in the past 3 weeks and am beginning to freak. I do not have any Pbing and have not yet learned that I do not feel full, but feel satisfied...a real difference. Like you, I hate exercise and am so tired from really long days at work. I know that the evenings I go for a 1 mile walk, I do feel better and more energized, but that means getting back in the house about 9:30 pm to start my home chores. I need to make more time for me and that is hard. Luckily, I found a bariatric surgeon who was willing to do after care for me (he was trained by Dr. Ortiz). This Thursday I will be going to my first Support Group meeting there and hope that I will get some help with getting on the right track. You are right about false expectations. I read all the testimonials about people who lost weight pretty well, and I thought I would look great by Christmas. I think I have to alter my expectations and work harder. I always wish you good luck. Keep writing. Sheila

Chelley, In case you do go on line, I wanted to write. I feel like I have always known you and have thought that my experience parallels yours. I only wish you the best and hope that somehow, you will find success. It makes me angry that we are nurses and help people all the time, but insurance isn't there to help us get the help we need. I have now been banded for two months and have lost 20 pounds (50 more to go), but haven't lost anything in the past 2 weeks. My first real plateau. I was banded 3 weeks ago, had no restriction and then back again last week to have the band checked. The band did not leak, but the doctor increased the fill from 4 cc to 5 cc. I really haven't noticed much of a difference. I think that part of my problem is that I am expecting to feel full, instead of feeling satisfied. Also, still not exercising...something I must face. Curious. I need some encouragement. I would love to hear someone's success story. Lori, are you losing weight? Sheila

Rid, I am so happy for you. You have had amazing success already. I hope you have nothing but more sucess. Keep up the good work. Sheila

Daniel, I am so sorry for all that you have been through. It is the nightmare that we all fear. Did the same surgeon put in the second band? Was it an INAMED product? Was the company who made the band willing to give you the second band for free? The band itself is expensive, even if a friend does the surgery. All we can do is send you our best wishes and pray that this time will be successful. I would love to hear from those people who have successfully lost weight. Are you really satisfied with only a few ounces of food. I had my first fill yesterday with 4 cc's in a VG band. Although I felt full sooner than usual after breakfast and lunch, I am very hungry just 2 hours after I have eaten. I made a 3egg white omelet for breakfast with feta cheese, tomato and spinach. I had half for breakfast and the other half for lunch, along with a small piece of canteloupe. And all afternoon I keep looking at the clock and cannot wait to eat supper. Is this realy what it is supposed to feel like?? Sheila

I had my first fill yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I had thought. At first the surgeon thought that the port had flipped...and I almost flipped. But he took a little more time and said that the port was not one he was familiar with...but it worked. I had wanted 5cc, which he instilled, but then nothing went through my stomache..he tried 4.5 and ultimately 4.0. I do feel a little restriction, but I had hoped for more. I was able to eat one half egg white, spinache and feta cheese omelet this morning, and brought the other half to work for lunch. The scale didn't move in the past week. I hope that the fill will help. Sheila

I was banded on July 14 and am scheduled for my first fill tomorrow. I must admit that I am very anxious...to see if it works. I also had a VG band put in, and was virtually not familiar with it. I had a BMI of 40 and am very short, so Dr. Ortiz felt it was my best option. The surgeon who is going to be providing my aftercare says that most doctors now use the VG band, but he also says that I will need 5cc's on the first fill. I am praying that I get restriction. I lost 10 pounds preop and have lost another 8 pounds, but I am really very hungry and denying myself. All I can do is pray that tomorrow's fill will help. I get angry when I think of how much this all costs. It is like the insurance company wants to punish us by not covering the procedure and after care. It is a large price we are all paying, in order to get healthy. Wish me luck tomorrow....I wish luck to all of you. Sheila

Chelley, I wanted to tell you that I found an entry regarding diet and the VG band, from a physician in San Francisco. He said that in order to lose weight, we must stay at 800 or less calories a day. The diet should be comprised of: <40 grams carb, <30 grams fat and 60 - 70 grams of protein a day. Protein seems to be the answer. Of course, he spoke of the "E" word; that we must get more aggressive. I know that wil be hard for me. As a nurse, I am always 'pooped' at the end of the day, but I know that I must get more aggressive. After my first fill, I am going to check out a local gym (just hope I don't feel too out of place). Also, on one of the INAMED sites, I read that the VG band needs 3.5 to 5.0 per fill for the average patient to feel satiety. Good luck. We are all your cheerleaders. Sheila

Jen, I went to a dietician on a weekly basis when I was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago. I know it is frustrating to eat less and not lose weight, but you are eating too many carbs. If Dr. Ortiz did your surgery, call Dr. Miranda. Otherwise try to get in touch with a dietician if you have insurance coverage. Also, Weight Watchers is always a good plan. Your body needs more protein, and you are not giving it any until late in the day. Try having carbs at only 1 meal, not 3. Also, you need fruit and vegetables. I love carbs, but they are definitely my enemy. I hope you find your way to weight loss and better health. Chelley, You should feel so good to see all the genuine caring and concern so many of us have for you. Can't change that you told others, but thanks; because your experience warned us not to tell. As far as weight loss, it is slow, but it is moving. It will come. You are right...the water and the dreaded exercise! We are all praying for your success. Sheila

Chelley, My heart is breaking for you. Also, I worry if I will have the same problem as you. I have dieted so often and lowered my metabolism through yo-yo dieting, that I wonder if this will work. I was banded on July 14th, four weeks ago today. I have lost 15 pounds (including the week of liquids pre-surgery), but have plateaued for the past week. I have been so hungry, but for the most part, I have followed the instructions. I had my first (and I pray to God, my last) p-bing today. I had 1/2 slice of bread with 2 tbspns chopped meat with onions. My first bite was of the bread because I had so much acid in my stomache. The pain was immediate and severe. I found myself pushing against my abdomen, trying to relieve myself and finally vomitted that mushy/mucus. So gross. Chelley, are you able to see a dietician? My insurance covers my seeing one, so I have. She has helped me with some ideas regarding what to eat; also to take chromium picolinate (which I think has also helped my blood sugars). I am also a nurse and I know that we are always moving, but it isn't the same as exercise. We are moving and then stop to do something. I think that exercise will help. In order to lose weight, we have to work for about 20-30 minutes in a row. I know you must be tired at the end of each day (and I can't imagine doing anything before work). I have started with walking at night and plan to look into Curves or some other organized exercise program. Also, are you drinking enough water? I find that since I am trying to drink slowly, and do not drink with meals, I am having trouble getting enough fluid in. Chelley, you have been such a support to so many of us. I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that we all wish you success. Sheila

Cindy, I think I am somewhat confused about the diet. I thought that after we went through our liquid diet, we were supposed to stay on regular foods and not depend on liquid protein. Are we permitted to eat liquid protein? Sheila

I applied for the lapband with my insurance and was turned down three different times. Each time. both my doctor and the surgeon wrote appeals. I have so many co-morbities: heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and hyperlpidemia. I have had 2 knee surgeries and am biding my time for a knee replacement. Also, 16 months ago, I lost my vision in one eye due to a 'stroke' to the eye. Still the insurance company would not cover (Aetna). I decided not to appeal via an atorney because their hourly rates are so high, and there is no guarantee that they would be successful. So I decided that I would take a loan on my pension, because I really wasn't sure if I would live to see my penion if I didn't make some change in my health status. No matter what happens, I will not regret this decision. I had to try whatever I can to help myself.

Good luck Rid. Chelley, thanks so much for all your sharing. I also did not realize the difference with the VG band, and I thought I had done so much research. I was 196 pounds prior to surgery, but I am only 4 feet, 11 inches, so my BMI was high. Also, since I am so short, (Dr. Ortiz said I am compact), I am round and the VG band was really the best for me. The first week after surgery, I thought that I had restriction because eating was literally painful. But, I think that was really gas, which took about 10 days to go away. Now, I feel like I have no restriction. Is that normal? The surgeon I saw says that it is normal to feel no restriction until after the fill, but I worry. I am on full liquids now, but force myself to stop, even though I am really still hungry. As to drinking, I find that I still must take several sips of water when I eat; however I think this is great because, in the past, I would have 3-4 glasses with a meal. As to head hunger, it is really hard. It seems that I should be eating with my husband and daughter, but I sit there with soup or jello and try to think I am satisfied, because I am thinking of the goal. Chelley, this evening I made london broil and missed real food so much, that I took a small piece, chewed it and spit it out. That is embarassing, but I don't think too abnormal. When we have patients who have swallowing disorders, sometimes speech therapy permits "recreational feeds" for the sake of chewing and flavor. While I don't want to make a habit of it, I don't want to berate myself, or anyone else, for doing what we can to make it through this very tough phase. Continued good luck and hopefully your honesty will open others to share more. Sheila

Chelley, I love reading your postings. I was banded on July 14th and am so scared about how hungry I am. It is frightening to me. I am so afraid that once I start to eat real food that I will want to eat everything. I already met with the surgeon who will do my post op fill. He described the VG band to me and said that he will give me 5cc's on the first fill. I hope that helps. I hope that this fill will help you. Your hardwork and sharing is such an encouragement. Good luck.

I was banded on the 14th and I have been starved for the past 10 days. I feel like I could take a bite out of my arm! I hear and feel loud growling. I really wasn't having a problem at first, but then it hit me! Also, I fell last week (Some klutz put their dufflebag on the floor, in front of a door. When I entered the room, I immediately tripped and fell, hard, on my stomache). I felt so hungry after that; I thought the band had slipped. I immediately called the local surgeon who is doing my follow up care and asked if I should have fluroscopy to be sure that the band is in place. He laughed and told me to wait 4 more weeks. I also feel no restriction and find that I am tired and irritable. I have only lost 12 pounds since the week before surgery...also a little disappointing. I definitely underestimated how hard it would be to get to that first fill. I know I shouldn't wish time away, but I do wish I would wake up and it would be the end of August, so I could get my first fill. Everyone is right when they say that the band is only a tool. No matter what anyone says, this is not easy.

Eve, How are you doing? Sorry that I didn't get to go to dinner with all of you that last night, but the surgery wiped me out for a couple of days...must have been the aneshesia. Thanks for showing me your incisions before I went in. It really put my mind at ease. Hope that you are doing well. Sheila

It is hard to believe that I was banded only one week ago...it seems like so much has happened. Like Chelley, I too am a diabetic and my blood sugars have been amazing. But I have been on clear liquids, so I don't know how they will be once I progress towards 'real food'. My only complaint is that I still get pain on my left abdomen, almost under my ribs. It feels like an irritated grip and can cause me to wince. Also cannot lie on my left side, so sleep is difficult. My local surgeon who is doing my follow up says that the pain is referrent from the port, but I am not sure. Has anyone else had this problem; and if so, what did you do for it? Thanks for the note from Cleo...I don't know how to personally respond. I wish you the best of luck. Having gone for the surgery is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I think you will feel the same way. Sheila

I went for a post op follow up surgery visit today. The local surgeon is the Directoe of Minimally invasive surgey at a local teaching medical center. He was very impressed by my surgery. as well as the copy of the surgical report I brought with me. Oh, and by the way, the surgeon who proctored this surgeon in the lapband surgery? Dr. Ariel Ortiz! Althought his surgeon does the procedure himself, he understood that the cost of the surgery is exorbitant in the NYC area. He was willing to do my follow up, out of respect for Dr. Ortiz.

I was banded on July 14, and have not been on line for several days. I must say that, when I went on line last night, I found your postings very disturbing, destructive and not of the nature of those of us who are truly trying to turn our lives around. To state untruths regarding Dr. Ortiz is malicious and, in fact slander; an action for which Dr. Ortiz could sue you if it affected his business one bit. It also shows that you did NOTdo your homework. I based my decision for Dr. Ortiz, not upon heresay, but rather checking with actual/REAL resoursces. For instance, check with INAMED; check with the Mexican medical licensing board; check with the International Bariatric Association. Shame on you, if you caused even one person to be anxious; especially those of us who are newly post-op and have just vested all our faith in Drs. Ortiz and Martinez. I have been a nurse for more than 30 years; have my Master's degree and am a Director of Nursing. One of my dearest friends accompanied me and was in the Operating Room with me. She is an ICU nurse in a large, teaching medical center. When we were younger, she was an OR nurse. She said that she was so impressed with both doctors skill. While I wish you luck in your own journey, I hope that you cease entering on this website, unless it can be positive and factual. Sheila

I am getting very nervous. Another day without weight loss. I wrote to Dr. Miranda about my lack of weight loss and she said that "you will have the surgery when you lose the weight." I just wrote back and asked if there is a chance that I might not have the surgery, since I have not lost the 10 pounds. Has anyone had similiar trouble? I am flying in from NJ and have made many plans...a friend to come with me, time off from work. Does anyone have any advice? Sheila

Chelley, Sorry regarding my response. I am not always sure how to post a response without including the quote. I am very happy for your 'good' news. I am glad to know that you can tell when you have restriction. Were you able to follow the diet when you had no restriction? Were you still very hungry? Thanks for sharing all your specifics. I will be going for my follow up care to a doctor who was trained by Dr. Ortiz. He has a large practice out of a local medical center (in NJ). My first appointment will be the Wednesday after surgery. After the consult, we will talk about when the first fill will be. I also plan to join their monthly support group. I was told that the fill will cost $500.00 plus the radiology fee. Not sure how much that will be or whether my insurance willcover any of it. Does anyone know how often we will need fills? Continued good luck, Sheila