Infoblog

Any help is appreciated.
My son (21 and in college) is quite obese and like most of us
hasn't had any luck dieting.
I was banded in Sept of this year. He has commented on my
success and seems somewhat interested.
As you parents out there know, sometimes it's hard to give your
children advice, or even show any interest in guiding their lives
whatsoever.
I would like to hand him some success stories of banded men,
especially 100 lb loss's or more. Obviously, he would relate
better to the men than myself.
If any of you know of archive #'s or have a story yourself please
let me know and send an email to
inspirationalist2000@...
Gratefully yours,
Lorane
Dr. Ortiz
9/19/03
205/182/150

GREAT reply Martha!!! Hey there StanMan. I've not been posting for
a couple of months, but I wanted to address the psych/emotional stuff
you mentioned. About two months after banding I had a bad day and
wanted SO much to take big bites, not chew and overeat. I "needed"
to do it. Luckily, I couldn't without lots of pain or taking a
chance on wasting $10k. It will happen if you are an emotional eater
so go ahead and start working on things to "use" instead, like
writing on the group boards, journaling, listening to music,
exercising, etc.
wendy from birmingham
-33
rumbaut, 8/5/03

Dan wrote
<<HOWEVER, Mexican banks add five to six percent on to the bill as a
service charge for passing it on to the USA. Therefore it is better
if you can get the money on the card here and take a cashier's check.
And that's true for any Mexican doctor.
I do agree that it might be better/easier for some to use a cashier's
check but this is what I did. I paid the surgeon's portion of the
bill with a cashier's check from my bank. I put the hospital portion
of my bill on my Mastercard and was not charged a cent more. I think
it really depends on your credit card company. I called them ahead
of time to pre-authorize the transaction and asked if they had any
fees for using the card internationally which they did not. You may
want to call your credit card company and make sure they don't add
international fees. I didn't get charged any fee from the Mexican
bank.
Suzanne
Cleveland, OH
10-10-03 Dr. Rumbaut

Thanks for replying Gaynell. I've had one fill since my August 5th
surgery with Dr. Rumbaut. I had it done by Dr. Morton's nurse in
Nashville and it was $150. I don't only eat soft foods, but am
thinking that maybe I just eat them too much.
wendy in birmingham

I, too, was not able to join the Kuri group until I agreed to give a phone
number. The moderator changed the rules for getting into the group very
recently. The first time I tried to join, I told them I didn't want to give
a phone number. That I didn't feel a need to give them a phone number. I
JUST WANTED TO GATHER INFORMATION because I am doing research for getting
the band done. I was then sent an e-mail from the moderator that said I was
being asked for my phone number for a "very legitimate reason" and that she
would call me to explain.. Fine, I thought, I'll give them my phone number.
I wanted to see just how they were working this group and what the whole
reasoning was for the phone number bit. Well, NO ONE ever called me, but
then I got accepted to the group (two days ago).
This is all VERY strange to me. Hush-hush. BIG red flag for me. The
purpose of an on-line support group is for people to share information, get
questions answered and gain knowledge so they can make an informed decision.
I clarified yesterday with the moderator of the group that she is a patient
of Dr. Kuri's (not paid staff she says). She feels some need to "protect
his patients and future patients". In my opinion, the only thing this is
doing is HURTING Dr. Kuri's business. People that may have been considering
him for surgery (like me) are now saying no thanks. It's unfortunate that
it's not his fault, but it is what it is. Other patients of Dr. Kuri's
shouldn't have to do damage control for this group. I'm sure he is a
wonderful, caring surgeon, but if it's going to be that difficult for me to
read about other patient's experiences with him, I'll go elsewhere and chat
with people who ARE willing to talk. This surgery is a life-changing and
serious event and we need to know what we are getting ourselves into. Also,
if the group is concerned about "being solicited" by other group's patient
advocates, maybe the group ought to tell concerned members to JUST SAY NO
these folks. If someone from another group is soliciting Dr. Kuri's
patients, in my opinion, it may hurt THEIR business because some people are
going to be offended by that. I don't think it would bother me, depending
on how someone approaches me. I'm always open to new suggestions and ideas
and if I don't like it that someone is soliciting me in an unkind manner,
then I'll tell them to buzz off!
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I had to speak up. We're all seeking a
common goal here. To find a good, competent surgeon with a fair price. And
good information. It shouldn't have to be difficult to gain access to a
group.
Just my two cents for the day (o: Thanks for listening.
Suzanne

Dear Lisa:
Congrats on getting your surgery financing. Will you be starting a pre-op diet 2 weeks before your surgery? I stuck to liquids (anything that fit through a straw) mostly for the two weeks before my operation. I lost ten pounds in those two weeks and really prepared myself for "real band life after surgery" Do your liquid phase post band shopping before you take off for Tijuana and get as much of the junk food out of your house so that you can avoid the temptation--I was hungry as a horse two days post-op but I stuck to my clear liquids.
To answer your question in your last post , I have lost 27 pounds since my surgery and 37 pounds total if you count my pre-op diet weight loss. My "last meal" before surgery was tortilla soup in the hotel's restaurant and a Coke (make your last soda the real thing and not diet and think of me--I miss soda but my thighs and butt do not!). As I said before, I do give into my temptations once in a while and allow myself a treat. Don't do what a lot of people do eat everything but the food you want to eat. For example, let's say you're in the solid food phase and you really crave chocolate. Then have a couple of Hershey's kisses and your chocolate craving will usually be gone. Don't eat a cookie, then ice cream, then salty pretzels and then everything in your cabinet when all you want is some chocolate! Eat the chocolate and not the whole house lol! That would be my best advice...
Lisa, I am so happy that everything came together for you. It's a nice thought that you will write notes to your loved ones "just in case something goes wrong." I left a lot of people I love a lot of serious voice mails--they said to me "Pam, you're going to TJ for root canal surgery (remember, I told my family and friends I was having a root canal and not a lap band)..Don't worry, nothing will happen to you." Hee hee. I didn't spend a lot of time worrying that something would go wrong with my surgery. Just think of it this way... I figure that the ride to the airport in whatever city you live in and the cab ride to your hospital are statistically 100 times more dangerous than the surgery itself! :)))
You're in great hands with Dr. Kuri! Of course, I and many of your band brothers and sisters will be praying for ya. Happy new year and happy new you, Lisa.
Hugs,

Pam in Phoenix

Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ

Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

250/223/150

--- On Mon 12/29, Lisa Davenport < lisa-davenport@...

Dear Pamela,
I cannot tell you enough how much your post has comforted me. You are very patient ... and kind to have taken the time to share these thoughts with me. I know that it seems like I was "splitting hairs" in my post asking about diet tools, but you seemed to have read my mind and put my fears to rest about the "diet after" without making me feel stupid. I realize that you can sabatoge any weight loss surgery if you are determined to do so, but what I wanted reassurance of is that this thing was going to do for me what other options in the past have failed to do. When you said "you will not have to rely on phentermine or other diet drugs" that did it for me - that is what I really wanted to hear.

Stanman, one doctor told me to chew food so that it looks smaller in size than the flowerets of a broccoli. If you are unable to chew it to smaller than those little deals, then spit it out. I take normal size bites most of the time and chew them well, until they are smooth inside my mouth, and feel sort of like a baked potato feels, before you chew it up. You will notice stuff-- like-- your mouth automatically takes all the fluid and separates it apart from what you end up chewing and as it liquefies in your mouth, your tongue separates the liquids and you swallow them until everything is chewed and you finally swallow it all. As you get fills, you will be more and more conscious of taking smaller bites because larger amounts going down don't feel good, to me anyway. It is smart to begin to work on getting used to chewing your food before you get fills, and it's smart to be aware of the chunks you are eating because there will be times you just plain forget and
swallow stuff that is larger, but if you've been practicing and trying to chew more thoroughly, you will have less of those accidents. But by the time you get the fill that is the most restrictive you will be aware of the size of what goes into your mouth and how well you chew it and you won't forget to do what you need to do.(If you aren't, I promise, you soon will be and it will become very soon) However, my bites are not mini bites but I separate the food after I get it into my mouth and I let smaller bits of it get chewed and as I get those bits chewed then I move some more over and chew it and swallow it , and them move some more over , that way I'm monitoring what's going down, and how fast it's all going down, because sometimes you can't eat one bite right after another, you have to wait a minute, LOL, sometimes you have to wait more than a minute. I thought people who said that were just full of baloney before I got my last fill but , it "ain't". I don't cut
my stuff up before I put it in my mouth to pea size. I don't sip liquids, I don't take mini bites, I do chew more, but not a minute, I chew until it feels "right" to swallow. At the very beginning I counted up to 15-20 chews before I swallowed, but then I got the hang of what it felt like to chew your food instead of wolfing it down in whole chunks. Now I don't count any more. It takes me longer to eat now because I have to wait sometimes for things to not feel painful as they are going down. Like today I ate some black eyed peas, and they didn't seem to like me too much, but I liked them and had to give about every three bites a chance to go down and calm down, same was true with a baked potato. I've noticed that when I first start eating, it's harder to eat , things seem like they could possibly get stuck, or there is a small pain in my chest, so as that happens , I stop and wait to see if it's going to go down or come up. If I stop and wait a minute, it
seems like they go on down, and the pain quits. Toward the end of my meal this "painful" sensation doesn't happen. EVERYONE is different, but you will become aware of what works for you, just remember to pay attention to how it feels. Then adjust what you are doing to work with what is going to go down, i.e.. what size a bite you're trying to swallow, how fast you are eating, and how well it's chewed, and what it is you are trying to eat. I did not realize how fast I stuck a forkful of food in my mouth before and I did not realize how large of bites I took before. I was a real hog apparently. Now I eat like a lady.(or normal person) I don't stuff a big lump of food inside my jaw and look like I'm eating a golf ball, you've seen people do that , look around you , thousands of people eat like that. They have to be swallowing food whole, there's no room left in their mouth to chew. I've found I can no longer drink with my meals, I can drink before , and
after , not during, there is a big pain in my chest when I try it after each sip. So I wait. I've found that since my last fill, food will not go down and stay in the early mornings. I'll have to drink a protein drink then or just do liquids of some kind, milk, hot chocolate, even soft foods like yogurt don't want to cooperate. I just move my meal times to make breakfast meals at lunch time, and lunch time at dinner and then I eat dinner at 8. I also go to bed after ll:30 most of the time. Is this more than you wanted to know?

Martha

I am writing this as a bandster! I will not tell you where i had mine
done. I want all that are seeking to know that there is hope, there
is a tool for you/me... I searched for it and found it in the band.
Where you go to is your choice, YOU have to do the research and
know that your choice is up to you. I want to tell all that make sure
number 1, your are safe!!number two.. you are safe!!! number three
you have to be comfortable in YOUR decision!! This is a life changing
event! I wish for all... my same happiness and empowerment of taking
back MY life..........
Sincerely
Shelly

Monday, December 29, 2003, 9:00:31 PM, you wrote:
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
I try to do minibites, but don't always succeed. It is an issue that
take a long time to get used to, but you can do it. It is good you're
already trying.
t
t
t
I go by what my grandma said, chew every bite twenty times, and be
sure to put your fork or spoon down on the plate or table between each
bite. Imagine Ms Manners says that too.
In practice, I find that how long I chew depends on what it is, and I
sort of learn what each thing needs. The ones that sneak up on you
are some of the softer things.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

I was eating some KFC chicken today...without skin...and i started
trying to imagine just how small a bite will be post op...im hoping
some of you can give me an idea...
and does the size of each bite change over time, or stay about the
same?
Today I took what would normally be a regular bite of chicken for
me, and took about 8 or so mini bites, chewing each one real slow
until each bite was almost pureed and then swallowed before taking
another mini bite...
i was also trying to see if i could handle eating like that, how it
would affect me on a psych and emotional level...it was noticable
but tolerable, as long as i didnt freak out and take a huge bite,
which i finally gave in to...i guess thats where the emotional/psych
issue rears its ugly head, and something i will need to
overcome...im starting now!
Since you take such small bites, is it really realistic to chew each
bite for upto a minute? That what a local surgeon told me i should
plan on doing post op...
How small does each particle of food have to get to easily pass thru
the new stomach? I noticed some of the minibites of chicken were
grainy-er while some were greasier, and more slippier...so what im
wondering is at what particle size, do you have to chew each bite
down to, so it will pass without problems...it might just be
something i have to wait to get banded for, but any comments would
be appreciated.
Thanks,
stanman

I can't help you with the problem but please don't think you're a
dummy or acting like an idiot! One thing that might be better for
you is to "NOT" use all capital letters when posting. It's a little
more difficult to read.. Hopefully you will get a response to your
dilema!
Ardie/Fl.

Hi, I was banded by Dr Sanchez in Feb of 03. At that time I wanted
to pay with a credit card just to have a "paper trail" if you know
what I mean. I intended to pay the card off with our equity line of
credit as soon as I knew everything was o.k. Belighter wanted me to
send a 2000 dollar deposit, bank draft. I said "no way" and I ended
up paying the hospital directly for the whole 10500 dollars on my
mastercard. I did pay a 4 % fee for the transaction. I think if
you pay the finder's fee up front, the American "finder" group is
happier...but you can insist. Be your own advocate. I really do
suggest you use a surgeon that is close enough or easy enough to
access to do your follow-up. I go to Dr Lopez in TJ for physician
follow-up.....and think I may have found an American doctor to take
care of me now. I think the TJ groups are fantastic as I have met
each one and they are great...Dr Kuri, Dr Ortiz, and Dr Lopez. I
also know many patients of each and they are really happy with
them. Good luck with your physician search. Kathy from Concord Ca.

Just my two cents worth, it would be in your best interest and
anyone else's considering paying for surgery with a credit card to
get a cash advance off your credit card to avoid the high fees. My
husband borrowed against his 401k (lower interest rate, no fees,
etc.)to pay for my surgery... that's another option you may consider
or a signature loan--usually can get a cheaper rate than that of a
credit card.
Good Luck!
Karen

Dear Pamela,

I cannot tell you enough how much your post has comforted me. You are very patient ... and kind to have taken the time to share these thoughts with me. I know that it seems like I was "splitting hairs" in my post asking about diet tools, but you seemed to have read my mind and put my fears to rest about the "diet after" without making me feel stupid. I realize that you can sabatoge any weight loss surgery if you are determined to do so, but what I wanted reassurance of is that this thing was going to do for me what other options in the past have failed to do. When you said "you will not have to rely on phentermine or other diet drugs" that did it for me - that is what I really wanted to hear.

I bought the South Beach Diet book a month or so ago when I was not sure of the surgery - think I will give it a read now.

Thanks for sharing, too, about your experience with your parents. Like them, my husband and I also have a "household fund" and whatever spending money is left over we split (usually isn't much if there is any at all). We have taken turns staying at home with the kids over the years. First I did, then my husband did, now I am at home with the kids (and working partime as a technical writer). It is funny though, the one who is bringing in the money somehow feels like he/she has more of a say about the money, when in reality it should be equal. As one with 3 small children, and anyone with kids can tell you, it is hard work taking care of your kids and home. I keep telling my husband that I want a salary and then a raise. LOL. Especially since I do all the handy-"man" repairs. ( . . . Just this year, repaired the washer then the dryer, and took out the trash twice!!)

By the way, I had to move my surgery date from Monday Jan 12 to Wednesday Jan 14 since hubby will be in DC on business. Today I secured the funding for the surgery so I am excited and know that this is it. I have to book the flight tonight.

I am so glad you shared with me your decisions about who to tell and who not to tell when you had your surgery. I must be a person who is easily "guilted" because I was feeling guilty for not telling anyone. I guess mainly because there is always that very slim chance that there could be serious complications. I am thinking about writing a letter to those close to me who I am not telling, explaining what I am doing and why and leaving it sealed in envelopes to be opened ONLY in the event that there are serious complications. I know it sounds morbid, but I think it would actually give me a sense of calm before going into surgery. I am going to be alone with a bunch of strangers, entrusting my life to them, thousands of miles from home and I know I am going to wish that I had done this. AND if nothing bad happens, which I fully expect to happen, I will toss the notes when I get home. So, I am doing it for me, really. I know my husband - even though he is trying to be
supportive, does not understand this AT ALL that therefore couldn't explain it to anyone if I am not around to do it. SO, I have decided to do this to comfort me. I think if my hubby was going to be there holding my hand, then I wouldn't feel the need but I know I am going to be a little scared at the last minute ... so ... this is my plan.

You are doing great. The most important thing in this whole scheme seems to be the "learning experience" people are having. You learned about how much liquid calories were really affecting you. You said you didn't believe it before. That is what the band has done for you. You now see that and can change as needed. AND you have lost, how much, 25 or 30 pounds? That is great. It must feel good to be going down and not up. I have just been going up up up. Not for long.

Thanks to you and this group for being here for me. I hope that I can do the same for you and others.

Love,

Lisa

Pre-band (Appt with Dr. Kuri Jan 14)

240/ ? /135

Monday, December 29, 2003, 10:51:24 AM, you wrote:
P
P
P
P
P
Guess I don't have as many freckles and moles, though there are more
of those "age spots" or whatever you call them all the time. None of
the scars really stand out, though. My dermatologist noticed them and
asked, but it is his job to notice things on my skin.
P
P
P
P
Gee, a T Shirt. Hadn't thought of that. Or "Grandpa got banded in
Tijuana and all he brought me was this crummy shirt". Those could be
really nice presents, huh? I didn't fear the failure, I just didn't
want to deal with the arguments with people who hadn't done the
research I had.
P
P
P
P
P
P
I've made no secret of it since banding, but don't go telling
everybody on the street, though.
P
P
P
P
Well, this week of being too tight is about as much as I'm willing to
deal with. For me there are several reasons. First, there is no sign
of it loosening up. Second, the pain of the spasms of my crappy
esophagus is really irritating, and occasionally "teeth gritting
pain", though never "screaming pain". If I thought it would really go
away in a few more days, and I'd be past it, I'd "gut it out" (yeah,
HA HA). Second, with my wide open throat area from the UP3 surgery, I
have real problems with aspiration. I can tell I'm starting to get
bronchitis from it, and imagine Dr. Ortiz will start me on antibiotics
tomorrow for that. Third, with very minimal fluid intake I can see
(in my pee) and feel some of the effects of dehydration. Not like
going to the hospital for an IV, but knowing I need more fluid.
Yes, the warmer things are the better they go down, but not by much.
Even warm chicken broth goes very slowly, and always with some pain.
P
P
P
P
P
P
The key is to LISTEN AND DO what the doc says. Even the fill doc in
Texas, a radiologist, told me he should take some out. I did NOT
listen. Duuuuuhhhhhhh..... I'm sure that an experienced doc in TJ
won't let you get away that tight.
P
P
P
P
Yeah, could be much worse if further away. I'll leave here at 630 in
the morning and be there at 930, only six hours, counting time to go
to airport, get to TJ, etc.
P
P
P
P
P
P
I think a night at the Lucerna is wise. My first fill wasn't planned
that way, for a variety of reasons, but any future ones sure will be.
P
P
Thanks. I have a ton of pix to put up, including TJ fill, eight
months after banding pix, and so forth. Maybe today. Maybe not.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Monday, December 29, 2003, 10:02:57 AM, you wrote:
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
I'd avoid eating before the fill. Drinking is ok. When you get there
they'll put you in a changing room with a locker for your stuff and
have you put on one of those goofy hospital gowns on your naked top.
You'll get to keep your pants on. Then when they're ready, you'll go
lie down on the table and they'll pull up your top a ways so they can
get to the port. They'll betadine your port area, give you a numbing
injection, and then do the fill needle with fluoro. You probably
won't feel ANY of this. I sure didn't.
After they put some fill in they'll have you drink some barium, which
I've never found to be bad tasting, sort of like a warm, low quality
milkshake, but certainly not gross or disgusting. They'll watch it go
through, and will adjust the fill so that enough is going through.
Then they'll take the needle out and you'll be all done. Then you go
pay the 250 bucks with your credit card. Easy as pie. I was there
less than an hour, from walking in the door to leaving. All very
pleasant.
DO trust them on fill level. Do NOT ask them to be extra tight.
That'll keep you from having the troubles that I've had. They DO know
what they're doing.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Well, I feel like it is time to get a fill, but I am not sure. I have been reviewing the "How to know if you need a fill" info and some of the criteria applies, but not all. My weight loss has really slowed the last 3 weeks down to about 1/2 lb a week. Inches are still coming off, but I only measure those once a month so the reading really is not that indicative of the current amount of weight that I am losing. The main reason why I think that I am ready for a fill is that I can eat so much more now! I am not quite eating as much as pre-band- I am eating probably 2/3 of the amount that I would have eaten pre-band. I would like to be 1/2 or less of the amount that I had pre-band ideally.
I am nervous about a fill. I have read so many stories of fills that went wrong that I am really worried about it. So many of these feeling are reminiscent of how I felt after making the decision to get the band, but before it was placed. What if this fill makes me abnormal? What if I will never be able to eat normal food again? What if what I really need is to get off of my butt and start exercising- not get a fill? What if I get too much of a fill and end up with esophageal problems? What if the fill doc messes up and puts a leak in my tubing? What if my slowed weight loss is actually from all of the "bad" food that I have been eating because of the holidays?
My weight loss has been really great so far. I have lost 26.5 lb and the benefit to my overall health is tremendous. I no longer have the excruciating hip pain that I have lived with ever since my pregnancy with my 2 year old daughter. My total cholesterol has come down 25 points into the normal range. My blood pressure was always ok, but now it is running about 115/65 which is outstanding. I have more energy in general because I am finally sleeping well. Snoring has all but stopped and am not constantly changing positions because of painful hips. With this extra energy, my house is clean and decluttering has begun again, my flower and vegetable gardens are both getting weeded and prepared for planting. The garden thing is really a big deal emotionally because the weeds took over while my Mom was in the hospital and I haven't touched it since she died because it reminded me so much of her. She loved gardening so much. The most important thing of all is that I can chase my
child! Truthfully, I would be okay with this weight loss for another couple of months, but I want more!
I have called the Paris Radiology team and have set up an appointment for a fill tomorrow. As they are not band docs, I wasn't given any instructions on what I should do prior to the fill. Can I eat tomorrow? Drink? What should I wear? What should I do for a post-fill diet? Liquids for how many days before mushies?
Thanks for putting up with my ramblings..... :)
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/232.5/219 Mini Goal (less then DH)

Hi Dan:
All my scars except my port scar have virtually disappeared. The scars on my tummy easily blend with all my freckles and moles--lol...I also have a birthmark the resembles the port scar on the right side of my abdomen. And, of course, I will tell more and more people that I had my surgery as time goes on.... I think part of not telling people was my initial fear that I was going to "fail at this." Of course, this surgery has been a success but I'm not going to wear a "I got banded in TJ" t-shirt to advertise my band to the world just yet :)). [INLINE] If I were married, I would, of course, tell my husband and children before being banded and I will eventually tell my future hubby,future kiddos, several close friends, all doctors, dentists, etc. that will ever treat me, and several family members that a band dwells inside me. Other than those people, the secret is safe between me and my band (who I've affectionately named Jose).
By the way, Dan, how are you feeling? Are you finding you can get more warm liquids down instead of room temp or even cold liquids? Just curious....and I don't know how to ask this. How long do you think you can stay this tight? I'm asking this in case I get filled and I need to go back to TJ for a tweek--I usually need a week or two notice to get away to Mexico. I think it's been a week of suffering for you, right? Hypothetically, how long do you think you could have "held out" without a visit to the ER or any drama being this tight. For me, it's a breeze to find cheap tickets to San Diego in a moment's notice and it's only a 5 hour drive. I'm wondering about people from the East Coast who might have to pay more than $1500 or more to get unfilled with little flight notice. I figured that when I get my fills in TJ, I would fly in the morning and fly out in the early evening but after reading about your experience, I think a night at the Lucerna would be a wise investment for
me. I have a small esophagus and the dreaded involuntary esophageal spasms also and too much of a fill can spell out big problems for me.
Dan, good luck tomorrow. We'll all be waiting to read your TJ post. BTW, have you posted your first TJ fill photos yet?
Bansterfully yours,
Pamela in Phoenix

Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ

Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

250/223/150
--- On Mon 12/29, Dan Lester < honu@...

From: Dan Lester [mailto: honu@...]

Louise,
Your band is open to let your stomach heal. You're on a liquid diet
for the same reason. You should be following your doctor's orders
with regard to the liquid diet. You probably are not getting enough
protein and your body is reminding you that it needs the nutrition.
Drink protein drinks (you can get them in cans everywhere from the
supermarket to Trader Joe's to GNC), or very thin smoothie type
drinks (if you make them yourself you can put in lots of protein
powder). I was so hungry and weak the first week or so because I
wasn't getting in enough protein. In the beginning, I don't think you
can get enough protein, frankly. Good luck and if you continue to be
concerned, please call your doctor.
Lori A.

Just a question....when the guy you're dating at some point sees your
scars, what will you tell him? Some say they had gall bladder
surgery, but of course if they need it out later....
I just didn't tell people anything, or else said I was having "some
minor personal surgery" and let them think it was something "too
personal to talk about" like hemorrhoids, vasectomy, prostate, or
whatever. Of course I'd talk about any of those. I have told people
since the surgery.
Sunday, December 28, 2003, 9:00:32 PM, you wrote:
P
P
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Monday, December 29, 2003, 6:05:39 AM, you wrote:
g
g
Yes, he's world class, and has a band himself. Trust him completely
and do what he says. Always.
g
g
g
Too bad you didn't learn this in advance. A good example of why we
counsel people to do LOTS of research, including reading messages on
boards like this, BEFORE surgery. But that's water under the bridge,
or in your case, eggnog through the stoma.
g
g
g
OK. You goofed. Not fatal, not a big deal. Just don't do it again, and
do what you're told, starting now.
g
g
g
g
I don't know what you mean by "closed immediately". If you mean that
some people were very tight in the beginning, yes, that can happen.
I'm one of those who was VERY tight from the beginning, but that isn't
a good thing....it causes all sorts of other problems. Most people
don't get restriction until the first or later fill.
g
g
g
The weakness isn't physical unless you're hypoglycemic. In that case,
drink some gatorade or other liquid with sugar in it. You are NOT
starving to death, except in your mind. It takes a LONG time for most
of us to be able to tell mental hunger from physical hunger. Also,
everyone is weak and lacking energy after ANY surgery. You've had
major surgery, even though it might seem minor due to those little
scars on your tummy. Anesthesia has long lasting side effects.
I guarantee you that it IS possible to do what you're told, and I can
also guarantee you from personal experience that it is bad news not to
do it.
Hang in there....you'll do fine.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Hi there,
I am a first-time post here, so bear with me. I was banded 12/18 by
Dr. Rumbaut (he the BEST), and really didn't know I wouldn't have
the band closed immediately. So now I'm on this liquid diet for 2
weeks diet, then mush for 2 weeks and truly expected it to be easier
than this. I can't get full on liquids and by the 10th day...I
drank a whole quart of eggnog yesterday because I had been hungry
for 10 days and just couldn't stop once I started. Now I wonder:
have I damaged the healing of my band or DOES IT REALLY MATTER? I
know of 2 other cases in separate cities where the band was closed
immediately postop... My Dr. told me that band slippages, etc.
comes from "what you eat" not exercises, etc....I just don"t GET
IT. Every day I feel weak and lacking energy...
Hope some of you can give me your thoughts here. Thanks.
Louise H.
204/194/124 Dr. Rumbaut

Dear Lisa:
Thanks for your kind words. Your posts are always inspirational to me because I saw you evolve from someone that was unsure what to do about an unsupportive hubby to someone determine "hell and high water" to get this surgery. Lisa, you've also taught me that I'm going to let no one stand in my way when I want to do something to improve myself. I'm still a single girl but when I do get married, I will always keep money aside to buy things I want to buy, travel, whatever. I think my parents' marriage has worked out so well (they've been married 35 years) because they both worked and they had a joint checking account for common household expenses and individual accounts in their own names to spend their own money as they pleased. My mom never asked my dad's permission to buy anything for herself. I know if she would have wanted to have lap band surgery, my dad would have said no and ranted and raved to no end, she'd let him cool down and then asked him what time they would be
seeing the loan officer at the bank for a "lap band loan." She is a feisty one--Martha reminds me a lot of her. By the way, Martha it was a real pleasure chatting with you today also.
When I had my lap band surgery in Mexico, I only told my parents. They both freaked... Of course, I explained to them that I had given enough thought to do this, I had put money aside to pay for my own surgery and that I needed their moral support to keep my sanity through this weight loss journey. Now, they are thrilled at the results. I told another 30 important people in my life that I was going to Mexico to have root canal surgery under anesthesia (the only logical lie I could come up with for spending three days in TJ--I am the most pathetic liar, aren't I?) and if there were complications, to make sure I would be transported to a local hospital here in Phoenix. My little brother, my closest friends, my business associates, even the guy I'm dating have no idea that I have a band inside me and I'm keeping it that way. Of course, my circle of friends would be supportive but I do not want to "justify" my decision to get banded countless times. Many people think that
getting banded is the same as gastric bypass and you have to walk them through our "lap band logic." Besides, I don't want to have tons of people asking me to "see my surgery scars" and "how much weight have I lost today?" etc. I'll be telling my primary care physician about my band this week during my annual physical--boy, will he freak out! He's a big supporter of the RNY and had given me a health clearance to have RNY surgery--unfortunately my insurance company insisted that I didn't have any health problems to warrant them paying for the RNY. I got fed up with the insurance game and decided to private pay--one of the best decisions I will ever make in my life was to have Dr. Ortiz do my surgery in Mexico. Your decision to use Dr. Kuri is wonderful--he has many patients in the Southwest that rave endlessly about him.
Lisa, just remember to stick to your guns and keep your determination to have this surgery for yourself. Additionally, I know you are concerned about dieting with the band. Just follow the diet your doc and nutritionist will lay out for you and you'll do just fine. I am not an Atkins fanatic (I have not read the book yet--I think I'm the only person in North America who hasn't read it) but I did read the "South Beach Diet" which stresses a lot of protein and veggies and fruits too and I think it's a very realistic plan. Again, with the band you will not feel like you're another diet. You will not have to rely on phentermine or other diet drugs either. Give yourself time to lose the weight and it will come off with good eating habits and some daily exercise. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and your weight won't come off overnight...

I spend a lot of time worrying about the same things you are worrying about now before I went into surgery. Just relax--you'll do great and if you need support, you know where to find it...

I wish you the best in your lap band journey, Lisa.

Pamela in Phoenix

Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ

Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

250/223/150

Yes, it is a ton of learning. Fortunately I'd already dealt with most
of the emotional and insanity issues when I got sober thru AA almost
fourteen years ago. There is always some of that, of course, but not
as much as it could have been back then.
I just keep plugging away, trying to do the right things and stay on
the grassy side of the lawn.
Sunday, December 28, 2003, 3:43:56 PM, you wrote:
JRW
JRW
JRW
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Nope, not obsessing. Just got myself too tight thru my own stupidity
and not listening to the doc. Since he wasn't Dr. Ortiz or a band
doc, I figured I knew better than him. Yeah, right. He's done a lot
of fills, and that was my second. I'm not up to juicing anything, am
getting by for the next couple days with broth and other clear
liquids, such as gatorade and crystal lite.
Sunday, December 28, 2003, 3:26:25 PM, you wrote:
JRW
JRW
JRW
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

There are always other crutches out there....but with the band it just
isn't necessary.
dan

Amen! The band is the crutch! It's the only one you need. The beauty of this is that you can be healthy with only food, you can be safe from extra drugs and their side effects, you don't require any supplements, (except a vitamin, just for good measure). Then the benefits are all so wonderful.

Martha

Listen, the band is a tool, yes, it is a helper tool. It keeps you from getting hungry if you use it right, if you eat solid food when you are supposed to, then it tells the sensor in your stomach that you are not hungry and when you keep the right amount of fluid in your fill , then it does it's job. You don't need anything else to help you with that feeling, you don't need any pills or anything else. Then , yes , don't be fooled , you are going to have to use your head a little bit about your diet. Nobody on these lists is too stupid to do this. If I can do this , you can do this too. Don't talk yourself into thinking it's too hard for you to do. After you get your band, then follow the correct diets prescribed by your doctor, STAY on that until you have served your time and given your stomach time to unswell from being handled by the surgery. Then go get your fills, get them religiously until you get to the correct amount in there that controls the amount
you get to cram in your belly. Then , remember this is the important part, since your fill is working at this point, it's doing it's job, it's telling you when you are full and it's telling you when to stop eating, that's all it's supposed to do. You have to do the rest of the work. Now, yes, you can eat anything you want to, but now your job is to "want" to eat foods that are good for you, not junk, not sweets, not crap. You want to re-train yourself to eat meat and complex carbohydrates. That has been your downfall all along, you ate junk and too much of it. So now is your chance to have some help to learn how to eat right. This is the hard part of this band stuff and nobody wants to admit it, but that's the fact, Jack. You don't get to continue to eat crap any more. Well, you can, but you will not lose weight. You will not be healthy if you don't eat right and you get to eat so little before you are full , that you must make healthy food choices. If you
are not willing to change your diet,if you aren't willing to switch to healthy food choices, you aren't going to be a success , i.e. weight loser, with the band. But the band will sure help you a lot if you are willing to do your share. It will control how much you eat, it will control hunger, but you control what you eat. You eat right, or even close to right, and you will lose your weight. That is all there is to this. The band won't let you eat enough of the right kinds of food to gain weight, if you keep your fills where they should be, and don't wait around to get fills if you need them. Keep your fills right, eat meat and a little complex carbs, treat yourself to a goodie once a week, drink your water because it washes away the fat, and take two chewable kids vitamins daily. That's it. If you wait to get fills when you need them, it's said that you start eating too much and when you finally do go get the fill, you have a harder time readjusting to going
back to the smaller amounts, so get them when you need them.

Martha

Did I say I stopped after 3 pieces of pizza? Not if it's thin crust!

Some people think of it as sounding like Atkins, and maybe it
is as long as you keep the fat lower than Atkins would say. But
again, just eat good foods and avoid liquid calories and too much fat
and too many carbs. The band will help you do that.
That is exactly what I was asking. Glad to hear this. Actually, I liked the Atkins diet and lost more weight on that anything else. I hope you are right and I find that the appetite suppressant won't be necessary.

Thanks!

Lisa

Sunday, December 28, 2003, 11:57:31 AM, you wrote:
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
Hey, some of us never stopped after six or eight, so three isn't TOO
bad.
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
Don't think in terms of a particular brand of diet. Just think in
terms of eating healthy food, emphasis on protein, low carbs. You'll
probably find that some carbs aren't going to go past your band
anyway. Some people think of it as sounding like Atkins, and maybe it
is as long as you keep the fat lower than Atkins would say. But
again, just eat good foods and avoid liquid calories and too much fat
and too many carbs. The band will help you do that.
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
I don't think you'll find that those are necessary. I've taken that,
as well as fenphen, and know that it causes all sorts of other
problems. Yeah, it'd get past the band, and it'd work the same way,
but you don't need it.
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
Yeah, you could....but why do that if you don't need it?
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
LD
There are always other crutches out there....but with the band it just
isn't necessary.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199 Age 60

Pam and Martha,

I also enjoyed your informative and inspiring post, Pam. It brought light to some misconceptions I apparently have about the band. I too was under the impression that it was easier than it is. I don't expect it to be easy, but I guess I thought you didn't have to exercise as much self-control as you have to unbanded. That has been my problem. Stopping not after one, not two, but 3 pieces of pizza.

When I was on the Jenny Craig diet, I thought it was wonderfully healthy and balanced, but the calories were so low that I felt hungry all the time. But perhaps with the band, a diet like, say Jenny Craig, or a comparably healthful diet might be more do-able with the band? Is this what you mean by tool?

Which made me think and brings me to my next thought. If the band is a tool and we still have to work hard, how about combining some "tools" that we have used in the past like the healthy diet and the band. But what I am thinking in particular and I hope I am not going to get flamed for bringing this up - is prescription appetite suppressants, like Phentermine? Would that be over kill ?(no pun intended).

I realize that this type of medication is not an option for many of us on the list since it increases blood pressure, etc and is not the best thing for your heart. But for those who are otherwise healthy and have taken this as a doctor-prescribed method, would this be something that could enhance the band and make it easier to control?

Phentermine works for me and it doesn't work for me. That is, it does help control my apetite, but it is bad because it interferes with my sleep and makes me so irritable. I have recently "aquired" high blood pressure, which is another reason NOT to take it. So, I quit taking it. I don't really see it as an option for me, but I am scared now that getting banded might be just as difficult for me and thinking I might fall back on this again as a crutch.

I just wanted to get others thoughts on this. I know many of you have tried just about everything.

Martha, I love your posts also. Thanks for your first email about the unsupportive hubby. I think yours was the first I got and it almost made me cry with relief. I know that I have been writing novels lately on this list but you (and my new friend in Cary) are the ONLY people I have to talk to.

So, that all being said, I guess what I am asking, is not for anyone's advice or blessings about Phentermine, but to see if anyone else uses other methods while being banded - methods that failed in the past but that now work well combined with the "band tool".

Thanks,

Lisa

PS I read Dan's trick about the cold water and will remember that one.

Hey, Martha, there's nothing wrong with talking about underwear here,
especially when it is getting too big. After all, if we can talk
about pee and poop and fat and barfing and boob jobs and such, think
underwear is fair game.
dan
Sunday, December 28, 2003, 10:49:38 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/223/199

Lisa, at the hospital they gave me pain medicine via iv when I asked for it and the first few hours after surgery I seemed to be in pain and my husband asked them to give me something for it. The next day there was no pain, never has been anything that is above medium pain from soreness. I was just kidding about no nooky, you can if you feel like it but I promise you will be sore for a couple of days , so if I was you, I'd get some before I go to surgery. Get enough so you can last about three days. LOL

I was also given some pain medicine to take home with me, and I still have it, never needed it. This is nothing to be very concerned about, lots of people don't like the pain of the soreness for a few days after surgery, but just remember we all did this and we all are still here and it gets better every single day after surgery, so keep that on your mind. It's going to be better tomorrow and tomorrow, and tomorrow.

Martha

Oh, no!!! You ruined my romantic notions of Mexico.

Ok, so I know it won't be like the wedding bliss. I know I will be biting my nails... I was just tripping for a moment there.

Lol.

I do not have a high tolerance for pain, but I am also not a wimp. I would say that I am in the medium range. Had one kid all natural (my first). Had the last 2 with the epi. I like to be comfortable if you know what I mean. What do they give for the pain? Hydrocodone? Percscoset? I hope they are not stingy with this. I do not want to be stranded her in NC in a lot of pain.

Thanks for bringing me back down to earth.

Lisa

Oooops, I thought I was on privately talking to Pam but that's what I get for thinking, you guys pretend that I did not talk about my underwear. Ok?

Martha

Pam, you got your first fill two days before I got my first one. My first one didn't do anything for me. My second one which I had on Dec. 4 about then, now it is a working band! I hope you have good luck with your next fill too. You don't have as much to lose as I do, I started out heavier than you but I'm really happy with the way I feel now. I have more energy and less swelling and I don't really look "fat" any more. I am fat, I just don't think people would look at me and say "Wow, look at that fat lady!" My face is much thinner and my husband says my butt is smaller, but I did not store a whole lot of fat there , most of my fat is poking out the front. Even that is getting shrunken. Of course , there is a ways to go and I'm probably delusional to dare to say I don't look fat any more. After all I am still wearing my 3X clothes, they are very nice and loose now, but I'm still wearing them, so I'm still fat, but I don't look as fat and I don't feel as
fat. Before I had my band, I must have been sort of like a stuffed sausage, not I'm just pleasantly packed in my skin. My underwear is getting too big, my rings are getting too big, and before a very long time, my clothes will be too big to wear in public and some are now. Well, enough of me for today. I enjoyed talking with you. I'm going to the movies this afternoon, I haven't decided what to see yet. It's a choice between Mona Lisa Smile and Cheaper By the Dozen. I think I get tickets to both and just spend the whole evening.

Martha

Lisa, I don't think I would call going to Mexico under the circumstances of your next trip a "treat". LOL Although you may hope for some romance and maybe dream about your wedded bliss, you aren't going to feel like any nooky after your surgery so better get all you can before you go into the operation, 'cause , honey, you are going to be a sore mama when you come out. LOL Good luck on your journey.

Martha

Hi Martha:
Thanks for the compliment! I only post two times a month. On my bandiversary every month, I write a long, rambling collection of my "band thoughts." I promised myself that I would keep a journal of my band journey--I never started so I thought a monthly post or two would be my "journal" and my therapy. LOL
Your daily posts Martha are wonderful!! You have shed "real world light" on what it's like to live with the band. Please keep us all laughing for a long time, Martha! As I told you before, you are always a hoot and a half! Happy '04!
Bandsterfully yours,
Pamela in Phoenix

Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ

Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

250/223/150
--- On Sun 12/28, dammrancher < dammranch@...

From: dammrancher [mailto: dammranch@...]

Dan,

That is a good point about the building the muscle while loosing the fat and keeping a realistic weight goal. And congrats, you have almost lost 100 pounds, right? Sounds like you will be passing that milestone withing the next few days!! 3 pounds right?

Do you like tomato soup? If you get the condensed stuff, you can adjust the thickness. I know it is not a "protien" and can be sugary, but it also has a good for you veggie.

Take care and continue to watch the hydration.

good job.

Lisa

Thanks, Amber!! I am so excited also. She wanted to schedule it for Jan 5th and I almost dropped, but I told her (Angela) that I needed a few things to get my stuff in order. (meaning finances, don't have that kind of cash lying around).

Anyway, I was so happy and surprised that they could see me so soon.

Like you, I ate and ate during Christmas. I had fudge also. That is the kind of stuff that you can eat when you aren't even hungry. Right now, I am home and trying to de-tox from all the junk I ate and drank by drinking tons of water. Egg nog is lethal.

Don't worry, after your fill you will be back on the downward slope. That is what is so great about this surgery.

I haven't made my flight reservations or hotel yet since I just got my appointment yesterday! But I will let you know as soon as I do. I was so happy to hear that a patient of Doctor Kuri's lives a few miles from me and she is just now (talk about good timing) starting a bandsters support group in our area. Her name is Susan LaBarre and she is on Dr. Kuri's website.

Anyway, she is planning on having the first "party" get together for local bandsters at her home Jan 10. This will be a few days before my surgery so I hope to go to that and get some support.

Do most people stay at the Palacio Azteca? What do you recommend?

I look forward to going to Mexico. My husband and I went there for our wedding honeymoon and we both loved it. We keep talking about going back. So, this will be a treat for me.

Talk to you soon. I will probably post tomorrow night with my details.

Lisa

Dr. Kuri

Surgery scheduled 1/12/04

240/135

Wow, Dan, I'm sorry this has worked out this way. It sure is a good warning to not try for so much fill. I was working up to thinking maybe I would go back and get another tweak too. But , this has cost you a big bundle and not only in money and time but stress on your old body too.

I'm glad to see you are doing something to correct the situation, just sad that you had to go through all this when all you wanted was just a fill.

I think I will just go out to lunch and to a movie and eat popcorn and not worry about a tweak for my fill after all.

I think for me losing at a slower rate and being able to enjoy my food , what I can get to stay down, will be my road of choice instead of trying to lose a lot faster and struggling to get food down. I'm not saying that Dan was doing anything wrong either, he knew what he was aiming for, but just got a hair tighter than he thought and who knew that it wouldn't loosen up in a few hours anyway. You never know, and I'm sure he's calling this a "fickle bitch" right about now. Good Luck , Dan.
Martha

Pam, I just wanted to thank you for your post, it's one of the very best ones I've ever read , I wish more people would think about their experiences and share them the way you did, it's good to know what really works for some and what life is really like, instead of the standard old sayings about "would a , could a , should a ". Happy Holidays

Martha

I'm in the throes of deciding whether or not I need a fill. I think
maybe I'm cheating the band too much. Fish is the only meat I eat so
I find that I eat a lot of "softs". I'm thinking of scheduling a
fill for early February and focusing on solid food more until
then......maybe I won't need one. I'd love to hear experiences from
others on "to fill or not to fill" and "cheating the band"......
wendy from birmingham
rumbaut, 8/5/03

Great post Pamela! I'm almost 5 mos post banding and losing slowly
as well. I need to work harder, but am glad to have less chance for
loose skin. Your weight loss is great for 3 mos.
wendy in birmingham
rumbaut, 8/5/03

Best of luck Dan! Glad you have a plan.......
wendy in birmingham
rumbaut, 8/5/03

Hi All:
I've been a bandster for three months now and have experienced a few
trials and tribulations but the rewards have been worth it. Reading
your posts is a great end to my day and I never feel like "I'm at
this alone."
Like many of you out there in Lapbandia, I had trouble maintaining my
weight loss during this holiday season. I would gain a pound or two
then try dilligently to lose them only to regain those suckers again.
A lot of friends and neighbors brought me delicious treats these past
couple of weeks and of course, I've always had to try "just one--
okay, two!!" LOL Just what I deserve for not telling them I have been
banded--all this chocolate temptation!!
Right after Christmas, I started on mostly clear liquids and protein
drinks as a way to "detox" my body from all the party goodies and
I've managed to lose two pounds since Thursday night.
I have lost 27 pounds so far and I've worked very hard to do so. My
friend's wife had gastric bypass over a year ago and she has lost 150
pounds with no exercise. Of course, I feel a twinge of envy as I
exercise and eat healthy daily and have not experienced her rapid
weight loss. She'll have days when she wakes up, weighs herself and
discovered she's lost three pounds in a day! Mind you, this woman has
never seen the inside of a gym!! I will tell you all something
though... She's had seven plastic surgeries this year to correct all
her sagging skin. I've noticed that with working out, my skin is not
sagging that much and I may not need plastic surgery after my goal of
losing 100 excess pounds.
So what have a learned from my banding experience? A lot!!! I'll give
you some examples of what I THOUGHT being banded was like (before
actually being banded) and what being banded is actually like (for
me, anyways..).
I used to think that I'd be able to eat what I wanted but have a few
bites and be full. In reality, there are a lot of things that I
cannot eat now--some meats, some salads, oatmeal, breads (even
healthy ones), etc. I've learned to compromise with my band and am
experimenting with a variety of foods. For example, sirloin beef
curry goes down a lot easier than a sirloin beef steak. Cooked
spinach will never make me PB but steamed asparagus will have me
running to the bathroom!
I used to think that all the high-calories liquid calories that I
consumed pre-band weren't responsible for my weight gain.. I was
wrong!! I used to consume 400 of my daily calories from soda. Now
that I've cut out soda completely, I have noticed a difference!! Not
only have I lost weight, but my "sugar highs-and-lows" and headaches
have stopped. Before being banded, I enjoyed my favorite Starbucks'
treat--a "venti" (24-ounce) Chocolate Frappuccino 3 or 4 times a
week. I have discovered that one of those drinks has 640 calories!
Yikes! Of course, I now treat myself to something indulgent once in a
while but I make it a solid food like cheesecake and not a high-
calorie liquid. High liquid calories are the easiest way to cheat my
band so I try to be careful now...
Before being banded, I thought that the band would be "my final
weight loss solution," "my medical miracle" and all that good stuff.
Wrong, again... Our doctors are completely right when they tell us
that "the band is only a tool in your weight loss--proper exercise
and healthy eating habits are the only factors that will result in
success." My excess pounds have not "flown off." I have to work very
hard to reach goal and harder to maintain. If you keep that in
perspective and maintain a positive attitude, the band will work for
you.
As I said, my band has been quite the learning experience. Am I still
happy that I made the decision to get banded? Yes!! Would I recommend
it to anyone? Well, anyone that is significantly overweight and has
taken the time to truly educate themselves about the band, surgical
procedure, the risks, etc.
To all you newbies and pre-bandsters out there, I wish you success in
your weight loss journeys. To the semi-experienced bandsters like me,
keep up the good fight and never, never let "the bulge" win
(hee,hee). Lastly, to you the successful, experienced bandsters (I
call you the band's poster children), you are my inspiration!
Happy New Year,
Pamela in Phoenix
Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX
First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ
Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX
250/223/150

Hi Dan:
Good to hear that your restriction problems will be resolved on Tuesday. Your experience definitely taught me not to ask for a tight fill. In November, I had 2.2 cc's put in for my first fill and I was completely "shut off." I asked to be taken down to 2.0cc's but Dr. Ortiz insisted that 1.6cc's was the perfect fill for me. I told him that I wanted a lot of restriction to not eat so many solid foods. He told that I needed to eat solid foods because the band was designed to restrict the intake of solid foods.
My second fill is scheduled for next month. Again, I was going to insist on a very tight fill but after reading your continuing "fill saga," I'm going to let the doc make the final call. Yup, sometimes our doctors do know best.
If you get into another "fill dilemna" and need fill taken out, there is a doctor here in Phoenix that will do band adjustments for Dr. O's patients (our doc proctored him) for $150 (no fluoro)--Dr. Terry Simpson, www.doctorsimpson.com. You might be able to find cheap flights to Phoenix on Southwest. Still. six hundred dollars is a pretty good deal for a fluoro fill with Dr. O, flight and mini-vacation at the Lucerna--the tortilla soup there is priceless...And yummy!
I pray that you'll have no more problems until Tuesday, Dan. I hope things work out well in TJ. I'll look forward to your future posts about your continuing "fill saga." Please let us know how things turn out!

Take care!

Pamela in Phoenix

Lap-banded 9/26/2003: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill November 12, 2003: 1.6 cc's Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix,AZ

Second Fill Scheduled January 30, 2004: Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

250/223/150

Part of deciding to do it this way was because even if I had the fill
sucked out here, I'd still want to go back to Dr. Ortiz for a proper
fill.
Once again, I have NO complaints with the fill doctor in Paris, Texas,
as he recommended that I NOT get it as tight as I did. Well, it isn't
the first time my best thinking has gotten me in trouble. Maybe it
will be the last.

OK folks, here's an update. I think I'm sending this to all the same
groups I did before, and I'd request that it be forwarded to
DFWBandsters too.
For those who don't recall, I got filled in Paris, Texas, last
Tuesday. The doc recommended that it not be so tight. I said I wanted
it that way. Bad call. Since then it has been all I can do to get in
enough clear liquids to keep from getting dehydrated. I've had
esophageal spasms and pain, and had problems with aspiration, which is
always a serious problem for me due to the throat surgeries I've had
in the past. With the throat being much more open I'm much more likely
to have anything that comes up go down my trachea to my lungs, thus
leading to pneumonia and such.
Anyway, about two hours ago I phoned Dr. Ortiz. A lady, probably his
wife, answered. Sounded like they were having a party, which is
hardly surprising for a Saturday holiday weekend. Anyway, we talked
for almost twenty minutes in two phone calls (his phone cut out once).
We discussed my previous fill. He was out of town, but Dr. Martinez
had obviously filled him in on the issues with my esophagus, which is
very "lazy" and doesn't want to push things through. It also doesn't
want to push things back up, which is why I'm unable to barf when
things get stuck. All I can do is cough up the phlegm, and nothing
else. I was really pleased that he knew all of what had happened when
he wasn't even there, and that he remembered it when I called three
months later on a Saturday night.
We talked about my options locally. Based on what I've found out
myself, and heard from others locally who are banded, there just isn't
anyone here who will deal with the band. There are two local docs who
just did their first couple bands, but they've said they won't handle
Mexican patients. If I went to the ER they might suck some fill out,
but I doubt it, since I'm not critical, not completely dehydrated and
passing out, etc. Plus it would probably cost me more than a trip to
TJ.
So we finally decided I'll fly to San Diego Tuesday morning when I can
get a cheap flight. I'll fly back on Thursday afternoon. Actually
flights very cheap those days. So I bought a ticket. I left a message
for Mama Ortiz to please arrange for me to be met at airport and to be
taken back and to get me a hotel room for the two nights, presumably
at the Lucerna.
This will cost me about 600 bucks (213 ticket, 120 for shuttle both
ways, 110 for fluoro, about 160 for hotel), but at least it is on this
year's taxes, along with the band and other fill.
Part of deciding to do it this way was because even if I had the fill
sucked out here, I'd still want to go back to Dr. Ortiz for a proper
fill.
Once again, I have NO complaints with the fill doctor in Paris, Texas,
as he recommended that I NOT get it as tight as I did. Well, it isn't
the first time my best thinking has gotten me in trouble. Maybe it
will be the last.
Happy new year to all....
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/226/199

hi everyone
im new on here and ive heard so many good things about this site i
have been researching alot but now i need to narrow down the doctors
and i cant make up my mind ineed help please i need to do thsi for
the new year
thank you all for your support
love always
happy holidays

Hey Kimberly. I think I've probably gained over the holidays as
well. I've had so much sugar in the last week!!! I was banded on
August 5th and at the 19 week point had lost 33 pounds. I had a fill
at six weeks post op, but I'm thinking it's time for another. If we
drink more water and eat/drink less high calorie liquids/softs I'm
sure we'll get back on track. That, a fill and exercise.......we
can't go wrong! Just wanted to give you a little support (belated).
wendy from birmingham
rumbaut, -33

I think that if you don't have any restriction in your band, you would have a really tough time stretching your pouch, things have a large enough hole down there to pass on through, unless you are pretty swollen, but if you are on liquids, you aren't going to stretch your pouch. I worried about that so bad when I was newly banded, and it was a waste of my time. I should have been focused on future vomiting for when I got a fill. LOL.

Martha

Hi mp1266,
I had surgery the same day as you did. I feel hungry when it's almost
meal time. No one ate more food in a day than I did before surgery. I
have been liquefying soup with extra liquid in it, using protein drinks
like shape up, V8 juice is good for hunger, and I found some hot cider
mix at the grocery store that is sugar free, and only 15 cals. which is
extremely satisfying. I use it as a fluid like tea. Also, chicken
broth is very satisfying. Please be careful not to stretch your pouch
or move your band. Good luck.
Pam
Dr. Kuri
420/200

I am looking for a Dr in Upstate NY who does fills. I have no
restriction what so ever since I had the band put on in Nov 20th.
Can anyone recommend a Dr in the Upstate NY area, Buffalo, Syracuse,
Rochester
Christie

Saturday, December 27, 2003, 8:25:27 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
Yup, the details don't matter to me, either, since he clearly knew
what he was doing, perhaps better than I did as to the tightness.
d
d
d
d
d
I've always been tighter in morning, looser at night. Now I'm just
damn tight all the time. Not really worrying yet, but aware I may
need to do something.
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Sounds to me like you're plenty tight already. The exact amounts
don't matter. After all, you can't compare a cup of salad and a half
cup of ice cream.
d
d
d
d
d
d
Sounds to me like you're plenty tight right now.
d
d
No, it isn't a piddly bit. It is a nice healthy amount.
d
d
Ideal is one to two pounds a week. No one should plan on losing more
than two a week. After all, it took you a long time to put it on, and
it'll take a while to take it off.
d
d
d
Martha, you're doing wonderful. Good job.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/226/199

I don't think I wanted to be THIS tight. I wanted to be as tight as I
was on my first fill.
Saturday, December 27, 2003, 8:29:44 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
Right now it isn't quite miserable, but it isn't fun either. It is
sort of how it was when first had surgery, maybe a bit tighter. But
then I had pneumonia too, so it is hard to compare.
d
d
Uh? I don't know. A few weeks? What I'm now really committed to is
sticking to clear liquids...for quite a while. If it doesn't get
better, or gets worse, I'll arrange something to get some fill out.
d
d
I was simply at a plateau for several weeks and it seemed like a good
opportunity to get a fill. Well, maybe it wasn't. Maybe I should have
gone back the next day to get it loosened up. But that's water under
the bridge, even if it isn't food through the band. And of course I
added to the problem by being really stupid.
The doctor suggested he take a bit out of it, but I said no.....so I
can't blame him.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/226/199

Saturday, December 27, 2003, 7:32:55 AM, you wrote:
SN
SN
SN
Both, or sometimes one or sometimes the other. How's that for an
answer? For me, tightness can always be told by what you can eat or
not eat. With my present tightness I can also feel it much of the
time, undoubtedly in part because I stupidly ate stuff I shouldn't
have even tried to eat so soon after getting a tight fill.
Tight belt is a good example of the feeling, though it is up in my
chest (most of us never realize until we're banded how high our
stomachs are in our body....they're not down by our belly button)
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/226/199

What do you mean ' trickery' ????? Is a doctor that you will have operate on you, and your asking about trickery.

If you have to ask that question, don't even think about this surgery, you will put your life in his hands. Pauline T.

Dr. Sanchez

He must have been confused, as he said his brother had surgery in Monterrey by "a doctor from Venezuela", which didn't make sense to me,

Dan, you know how stories get changed around in translation , maybe we are both at the end of the line and neither one of us got it right. It doesn't matter in the long run, we got the fill and how is yours working? I am finding mine to be doing it's job. This is a learning experience in progress. I'm seeing that mine is too tight in the mornings for me to keep anything down, even soft food. Then I'm able to eat in the early afternoon and at night. I still fill my plate up like I was actually going to get to eat all of it, but the band says "one cupful" and that is it. How much can you eat at one time at a meal? I was thinking maybe one cupful was too much now, but it doesn't seem like very much food to keep a human going, and I see how important it is to eat good nutritious stuff now. I was thinking a half a cupful would be better. Would that be too little and would it be hard to adjust the fill to get that level of consumption? Or you think I should just
leave well enough alone? I tried to overstuff mine last night and was miserable for a couple of hours, won't go there again. I don't seem to vomit from overeating, but it is painful to eat too much , and you sort of wish you would vomit to get it out. It finally settled down and was ok. I have to leave off the cold beverage during meals . I used to be able to drink with my meals before this fill. (I drink with them because I control that I don't eat between meals and so if it washes the food on through my pouch, that's just too bad if I should get hungry between meals--however, I have not had any real bodily hunger , just mental hunger when the clock says it's time to eat-then my body is willing) Now, it just hurts bad if I take a sip. Then I have to just sit and stare at the other people eating until the pain stops. Then I can go on with eating. I also see that eating takes me a much longer time to get through a meal. Before I ate the whole table in ten
minutes and now I'm doing good to eat my piddly bit in a half hour. That is really different. I'm still losing weight, seems to be two pounds a week, which seems so slow to me. I guess everyone wants it to come off faster, but I'm not willing to give up any more eating than this. So I guess I'll be happy with my progress now. I think I'm doing good.

Martha

Yes, Susan, when we eat we can tell the restriction right away if we
have it otherwise food tends to go down rather smoothly. So, it's
based on how much we can eat and we know it almost immediately when
eating.
Do remember that some foods we can eat and some give us problems.
For me, chicken is a no-no. For some reason it isn't band friendly
for me.
When I talk about loose restriction is when I can eat "more" then
the 3 oz of meat and veggies - or more like normal eating and not
losing any weight for several weeks. Then I get a fill. So far I'm
lucky - only two fills since being banded in January. My fill now
has stayed the same for a little over 2 months and shows no sign of
being loose.
Hope this helps but realize it's my experience!
Ardie/Fl (visiting my children in Atlanta now)

I hear people talk about tight or loose restrictions. Can you
physically feel these restrictions, are is it based on how much food
you can eat? Does it feel like a tight belt or something like that?
Thanks; sorry if this is a dumb question ;)
SusanN
Atlanta
250s/deciding

Hi "LB",
I was banded by Dr. Sanchez and didn't have any surprises. He's an
awesome surgeon and I would recommend him highly. I personally
haven't had any problems from day one and continue to do well. His
staff was great. I don't have any complaints. I was met at the
airport (with oxygen as I was on oxygen at the time)by two of his
staff and also returned to the airport by one of his staff. He
visited me 3-4 times daily for 3 days. All went well!
Ardie/Fl.

I would like to get any information of your experiences with Dr.
Sanchez and his staff. Any trickery, etc.? Thanks in advance for
any info that is shared.

Poor Dan! At least you got through it ok. I think
I've been lucky so far. Sometimes I forget I have the
band and take a big swallow of something only to hope
and pray that I don't get it stuck! LOL
Glad you made it through ok.
Bianca

Well, I don't know how many times I've counselled folks to do what
their doctor says, to stick with liquids for three weeks if that's
what the doc says, to just do it, no matter what, and so forth.
And I'll continue to do so. I'll particularly continue to counsel
that now that I've been stupid myself.
I got a fill on Tuesday, and a very tight one, at my request. Last
night in the Phoenix airport I was tired and all of a sudden my brain
went psycho. I passed The Blue Burrito, where we'd had a good burrito
on Sunday night. And I thought that I could eat some "burrito guts" of
cheese and beans and guacamole. So I had a little. Didn't try the
tortilla. Well, you can guess the rest.
I got it all totally stuck. I'd probably had all of three tablespoons
of it. Oh how totally dumb. I spent the next ninety minutes walking
around, going into the mens room, spitting up mucus for five minutes,
walking back on the concourse for five minutes, going back in to spit
for five minutes, and so on, for the whole time.
I have no idea what several people watching me thought.....maybe they
thought I was cruising the restroom....
Anyway, I'm sure that others have had worse experiences, and I was
lucky that I got past it before it was time to board the plane. Today
I've been smart and stuck with full liquids and clear liquids. I'm
sure it'll be a while before I eat a burrito or anything else like
that again.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/226/199

The final agenda for the Seattle Bash should be out next week. In the
meantime just a reminder to finish getting your registrations into
the registration coordinator(now Julie Wasson). Cut off is January
10th, 2004. After that you will be paying more at the door. Sorry!.
The following are answers posed via email or from posts to this site.
There is no room safes, but safe deposit boxes are available at the
front desk.
There is a 3 hour site- seeing tour from the hotel. If you are
interested in this email me and I will send you the info. Cost is $39.
The hotel dining room(breakfast hours are 7:30-9;45 AM.)
The following dining establishments are within walking distance to
the hotel. Zappa's,Quizmo,Southcenter Shopping Center Food Court with
about 14 places to eat, Burger King and a small Chinese Restaurant.
For the more enegetic among us the following establishments are
nearby. Claim Jumper, Outback,Tony Roma, Cuchina- Cuchina, Stafford's
and Winters.
Jo from Silverdale is still looking for raffle prizes. Now certainly
you got a present this holiday time from your favorite relative or
friend that you wonder " What were they thinking?". This is the time
and place to give that gastly multi colored teapot or odd shape cat
statue . Even if your not sure it is a cat, were sure that there is a
bandster out there that will see the true beauty of the object and
want to have it. Email info to Jo.
In regards to the many emails asking me to make appts with their
favorite doc. Sorry, you are on your own. Please call them now to
make appt's with them. Some are here for a limited time and if you
need or want to see them-you need to call. All the docs will have
suites-so they will have an area where they can see you privately.
I'm not sure if Dr. Watkins or Montgomery is staying over. But one of
them will be available at the conference center with Jessie for
questions. I know for a fact that two of the docs have had several
patients call them for appt's.
A couple of persitent e-mailers have asked about a clothing exchange.
Unless someone wants to coordinate this, be responsible for helping
set it up, getting volunteers and responsible for clean-up I don't
see it as a possibility. No one has volunteered from the e-mailers.
The following is information that was posted 2 weeks ago about the
bash. If you are new to this site -here it goes.
Seattle Winter Bash and Splash Update/ Dr. Ortiz is coming now to the
Bash. So now is the time to register to see your favorite surgeons.
Whether it's Dr. Kuri, Ortiz, Watkins, Montgomery, Joya or just to
see your favorite Nurse Practicioner Dr. Jessie Ahroni or visit with
other Bandsters get to your computer tonite and register.
The Seattle Winter Bash and Splash Website is;
http://barbooch2.homestead.com/SeattleBandsterSplash.html
Volunteers

Walter Rose and Douglas Vanderbilt are young doctors in Chattanooga
that Inamed lists as doing the band surgery. Try them.
Tom Newport Beach CA
Dr. Ortiz 2/27/03
368/268/220

I'd recommend this surgery to anyone that needs a partner in
their weight loss journey.
Megann

I also want to thank all of you who have been with me on my journey throughout the band kingdom. You have made my path so much smoother and so much more enjoyable. I've loved all my private visitors and thank everyone for their kind thoughts and words and for sharing your loads with me. It all makes this a great trip.

Martha

Hi! I am newly banded, Dr. Kuri, Dec. 18th. I was wondering if
anyone knows of any fill doctors within a couple of hundred miles of
Chattanooga , Tennessee? I would have loved to go back to Dr. Kuri
for my fills, but don't know if I want to take the long plane ride
both ways.
Pam
Kuri
420/200

Merry Christmas to all!I don't post alot but try to keep up on all
the post and thought I'd give a quick update.
I want to thank Martha and Dan for all the great laughs in their
posts. Some days you guys are what keeps me sane.
I'd also like to say thank you to Dr. O for the wonderful support
with all my port excursions.
I'm eight weeks out from banding and down 30lbs. But of course I'm
not the normal person without complications. My body is trying to
reject my port. At four weeks I had a seroma(pocket of fluid) that
popped and got cellulitis. Took antibiotics for ten days, then my
incision decided to open and leak serous drainage. Thru all of this
Dr. O has returned or talked to me every time that I call with
questions. So this last Monday I had a Ct scan done and saw a local
surgeon. He have put me on a matinence dose of antibiotics for three
months to stop my body's reaction. He said this is common in
patients that have implants such as mesh for hernias,stents or
valves for your heart. My incision is closed back up and looks
great.I have restriction still and have no need for a fill yet. I
also know the joys of PBing even after just one bite of something. I
quit eating after this and tend to go for warm liquids. Like some is
always saying IT'S A LEARNING CURVE.
I love this new life and love they way that my clothes are changing
in fit. I'd recommend this surgery to anyone that needs a partner in
their weight loss journey.
Megann in WI
10/31/03 DR. O
325/295/175

Right. Last week when subjected to similar content sent in, I
suggested moderation of new members, and even offered to help serve as
such. However, whoever the owner/manager of it is has never responded
or done anything. Maybe s/he is on vacation or something. I'm
experienced and available to help, but can't do so without someone
else giving the permission.
dan
---------
The moderator of this site is supposed to be Sylvia, her email is
iamuneek2001@c , I don't know the rest of her address but she is also
putting together the 2004 Vegas bash, maybe she is too busy. I suppose you
could scroll through the message archive and send her a email "suggesting" a
more active role in this group. The list owner is Marni, her email is
marnivoice@.... I've never seen her post, so I don't know what her
statis is, again maybe a "wake up" email is in order.
Bill Hermes,Portland OR.5/20/03

Wednesday, December 24, 2003, 10:03:12 PM, you wrote:
d
This all makes perfect sense to me. Cold stuff makes my stoma sieze
up really tight. That's why when I'm less tight than I am now I try
to drink ice water or other cold drink before meals. That isn't just
to start filling me up, but because it makes me really tight.
That all makes sense to me, as when our other muscles and body parts
are cold they tend to shrink or "tighten up". That's why we warm up
before exercise.
d
d
d
d
d
d
Yup. You've discovered a way of using cold liquids to manage what and
how much you eat.
d
d
d
d
As noted above, I think it is your stoma, not your actual esophagus,
that is tightening up. Your esophagus and MUCH bigger than your
stoma, and doubt it could seize up enough to do that.
So, use the tool in whatever way helps you most.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Dan, see if this makes any sense and tell me what you think about it:

I start eating, take a sip of cold drink, tea, water, and then I feel like the food is not going through, but start to get the signal that I've gotten something stuck in there. I sit and wait a minute until the pain goes away, then eat food , no pain, no pain, take a sip of water , big pain again, wait , pain goes away, eat, eat eat.

Is the cold drink causing the esophagas to close up? Would that happen? If I don't take the sip , I can eat my whole meal with no problem. Can you explain this to me? Do you know what is going on down there in my guts?

Martha

Wednesday, December 24, 2003, 6:53:31 PM, you wrote:
c
c
c
c
If you have a passport, take it. There is no better ID. If you don't
have passport but have copy of your birth certificate, take it. 99.9
percent of the time your drivers license is all you need. But on the
off chance they want more, you might as well be prepared.
c
c
c
Don't know what it is now. I did liquids for two weeks, a week clear
and a week full. But he'll tell you, or Marissa will tell you.
c
c
c
c
c
c
Anything you like and can see through. Full liquids are what you can
suck thru a straw. Don't worry about calories or about protein.
You've got plenty of nutrition in storage and that will take care of
you just fine.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

--
Hi- Have you thought about calling Dr.Ortiz and asking him what his
instructions will be for you. It's most important that you talk with
a surgeon when you are not doped up, anxious or nerv