Tres Chic

My understanding is that TLBC began to use a different procedure early this year, which resulted in some of us having ports that tend to flip. (They aren't doing them that way now). But as long as your fills can be done, there is no need to fix the port, and just because it sticks out doesn't necessarily mean its flipped. I've talked to the clinic about mine (which IS flipped) and they said they'd gladly fix it if I continue to have difficulty getting fills. Hope everyone is well... I haven't been online in ages.

Sue: The hair loss thing is usually a result of not enough protein. I had a problem with that too; then I added 2 protein shakes a day and it's made a world of difference. My other problem was with leg and foot cramps... I got back on my vitamins and that's cleared up too. Good luck.

Ah, I remember it well.... That first day of being on Full Fluids!!! Enjoy, Mr. Yoda--It's like a banquet!

Sun: I totally understand what you're saying about body image. Do you think it's because this band thing is so easy and we just can't believe it works so well? I have not felt like I'm on a diet since this journey began, so my mind is always telling me I'm fat.

Bad breath: Up your protein and you'll soon notice the BAD breath will go away.... I could give you the long winded reason for why this happens but the bottom line is you're not getting enough protein.

Hey Susie: Pick me, Pick me... I have advice! As long as you're able to eat, I would give yourself about 10 days for the fill to relax a little. In the meantime, to make sure you're getting enough protein, I recommend you throw a protein shake into your daily routine (and vitamins of course). I've kinda just been through what you're experiencing. I was ready to go for a small defill, until I noticed the needle on the scale going down... fast. That brought me back to the reality that I'm in this to lose the weight. But, so as not to be completely irresponsible I added a protein shake to my day (1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at noon). The scale is still moving in the right direction and I seem to be managing with some different food choices, smaller bites, and chew, chew (not in a train kinda way). Good luck. Keep us posted.

Words to live by, Andrew!

No... I was banded at the clinic. I would have been happy to do it at Scarborough Grace because I live in Unionville. Someone on one of the boards said that when you get fills at the hospital, it's a long wait. Maybe YODA can tell me if this has been her experience.

Sun: GREAT PICTURE... your hips aren't too big, your PANTS ARE!!! Way to go!! Did you find out why your not feeling very restricted all of a sudden? Does your Doctor use saline or omnipaque for the fills? I feel really restricted most of the time since the 3rd fill. The odd day rolls around when I can eat more, but I can't say that I've been able to over-eat since this fill.

I agree with everyone who said that upping the protein is REALLY important as you get more restriction. I often split my protein shakes .. 1/2 at breakfast and 1/2 at lunch.

Liz: I'm ready to clarify this band size thing. Mine is called a MID-Band (not to be confused with mid-sized band). The MID stands for "Medical Innovation Developpement (it's from France and that's how they spell "Development"...go figure!). It holds 10 cc of saline. At my 1st fill I got 5 cc and at the 2nd and 3rd fills I got another 1.5 cc each time, for a grand total of 8 cc. Does that info help at all?

Ms. Yoda: Do the 'Yoda's' get a family-plan rate on this surgery? That was a great recipe for 'crushed pills' incidently. I do something along the same lines. I put the crushed meds in a little spice bottle and knock them back in one shot like Tequila.

Hey Susan: Who was your doctor at Scarborough Grace?

Mine's called a 10 cc mid-sized band. I've had 3 fills and am up to 8 cc's. I didn't lose any weight between the 1st and 2nd fills, but have lost 10 lbs in the past 10 days since the 3rd fill.

The 3rd fill seems to be the charm. I didn't lose weight with either the 1st or 2nd and was pretty discouraged (while making loan payments on the $16,000 surgery). Anyway, since the 3rd fill, I've lost 10 lbs in 10 days. I'm also following the protein shakes during the day (to avoid any unpleasant eating experiences at work). By the way, anyone who isn't taking the multivitamin and calcium chew, I highly recommend it. I wasn't at first, and when I started dropping weight quickly I began having the most HORRENDOUS leg and foot cramps. Someone told me to start the vitamins and the cramps stopped immediately.

Sun: It sounds like you're eventually going to tell your extended family about your surgery, and if you can help someone else because of your success, that's great. I made a conscious decision not to tell, but I don't have to sit and eat with my extended family on a regular basis. If I did, I could NEVER pull this secret off. I eat WAY too slowly and WAY too little for people with any intelligence not to catch on. I also had the added issue of being self-pay ($16,000) that I REALLY didn't want to discuss.

Congratulations Sun!!! I know these milestones are really exciting. How many times did you jump off and on the scale to make sure it was right??!!

It also depends on your BMI... The higher your BMI the more calories you can consume and safely lose weight. When I get weighed at the clinic the scale does a printout that says how many calories I can consume to MAINTAIN my current weight, which of course is not my goal. The nurse then recommends reducing that by at least 200-400. So, if my maintenance calories are 1467 I need to eat less than 1200 to lose. I try to eat 800 cals. per day. It's not easy and I may need a small defill.

Yes... what the others said! Of course you should first make sure to check with a pharmacist or physician to ensure the pills are crushable

Hi Inner: I can see how you have a moral dilemma on your hands. I'm sure you feel you want to give your friend's daughter the benefit of your experience. I'm not sure what I'd do in your situation.

I couldn't do the "Whey" Protein either.... yuck

I'm at my sweet spot, or very close... I'm actually considering a very small defill (1/4 cc). I'm eating 600-700 cals. per day, and that's all I can get down.

Keep trying to crush them... it will get easier. I find the most efficient way is to crush them and put them in a small glass with some strong tasting juice (grape or pineapple works for me). If you REALLY can't do it, and the pills aren't too large, cut them up into a few tiny pieces.

Donna: Glad to hear you're doing so well, so quickly. I had an excellent surgery experience too. Most of the consultants at TLBC are bandsters so you can always count on them for good advice.

I've kept my surgery to myself too (well, except for my 10,000 closest friends on these message boards!!) Anyway, I chose to keep it a secret because people can be very judgmental when they don't understand something. I think even I might have been judgmental before I researched this procedure to death before going under the knife. I've been on some diet or another for the past 20 years, so no one really pays that much attention when I'm eating differently anymore.