BEBBLY

Oh Please don't do the RNY. I have heard so many horror stories. I was banded on Aug 7th and have since lost 22 lbs. One of the main reasons I chose to do the band instead of surgery was the fact that it is reversable! My thought was you never know how your body will react to the belt or the procedure and I took comfort in knowing that if something goes wrong I can take it out and move on. But with the RNY there is no turning back and so much can go wrong. Please do more research and if your doctor will not listen to your wish then perhaps it is time to look for another doctor. Good Luck Mary

Hi Denny, I had the procedure done in Mexico on Aug 7, 2003. I can only tell you about my experience and let you decide. I went to dr. verboonen. He is fabulous, knowledgeable, professional, kind and most importantly very good at what he does. He has done the band for close to 900 people. I was very hesitant at the beginning to go to Mexico, so I took my parents with me and we had decided that if anything at all seemed the least bit out of the ordinary, we would leave. By the way my father is a doctor so he knows what to look for. When we got there, we were treated so kindly and Dr. Verboonen -who has a team of 5 other doctors, explained the whole procedure to us and then took us to the hospital. Everything from start to finish was handled very professionaly. I have since gone back for my first fill. I am very happy with my decision to use Dr. Verboonen. So much so that I am planning on taking both my sisters and my causin to him. Good Luck, Mary

When I got my fill in Sept, I was told that I would experience some pain for a few weeks. It is very important for me to chew and take small bites, which I have been doing. All is well as long as I eat Soups or soft foods but if I take a bite of a tuna sandwhich then forget it. Tomatoes seem to be the worst. So I contacted the doctor and again I was told it is ok to have pain for 2-3 weeks post fill. I have started my 4th week and although the pain has gotten better, I think twice before putting anything in my mouth. I guess I miss the freedom of being able to eat what I desire without pain. It could be that my fill is too much. My band can take 9cc total and the doctor gave me 5cc fill. Only time will tell. Thanks for your concern, Mary

I found that it helps if I drink warm Water before I begin to eat. This will relax your stomach and allow the food to move down smoothly. It works for me, you may want to try it next time. Mary

Hi Shannon, My name is Mary & I was banded Aug 7,2003. There are a lot of emotional ups & downs... at least for me. I was not 100lbs. over weight to begin with but still needed to drop a good 50lbs. I have since lost 22lbs. which is a good start. I got a fill Sept 8th. And since then I have pain everytime I eat. It makes me sad that I have to go through so much pain. And earlier today while talking to someone else I realized this is it for the rest of my life, I will have pain for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. It made me sad but the alternative is worse. So with the good comes hard emotional times which is something I never thought possible before having the procedure. All I could think of was how great it would be to fit into my smaller clothes. But never thought of the fear that goes through my mind everytime I take a bite! Good luck with your paper, Mary

Hi Everyone, I had my first fill on Sat Sept 20th. I got 5cc and my band can fit 9cc. I get a sharp pain in my back and chest when I eat or drink. Is this normal? How long is it going to stay like this? Mary

Hi Everyone, I called Judy when I first began researching this procedure. Yes she is very comforting on the phone, however when I asked about the physicians and their education things began to change. I was given the name of Dr. De La Garza and the fact that he attended Harvard Medical School. Well I call Harvard and they had never heard of him. So I asked Judy again and this time she said "Oh he was a student there not a professor and his full name is Dr. De La Garza Leal. So I called Harvard again, and noone by that name has ever set foot in Harvard - as a student or professor or anything! This really concerned me and to top things off, Judy started having an attitude about my research. I had a bad feeling about them and decided to use dr. verboonen. OH MY GOD HE IS GREAT!!!!! The service, the knowledge, the friendliness. Everything was so good. I just got my first fill on Saturday. Dr. Verboonen is a sweetheart and I would recommend him hands down! Mary

Dear Soon2bskinny I am going for my first fill this Saturday Sept 20th. I noticed that you are in Chatsworth. Why don't you drive to TJ and have it done there. I called a doctor yesterday in Bellflower and boy they were so rude and made such a big deal out of injecting salt Water into my port. First they wanted me to go for a consultation $150, then set up a time for the 10 minute procedure and go back a second time (mind you it is an 1 1/2 hour drive) and pay another $300 for the fill. My surgeon was in TJ and they charge $150. So I decided to make a weekend out of it. So I am leaving Friday, spend the night, have the fill Saturday and drive back. I 'll be more than happy to give you his information. If you're going to spend $800 at least make it a little getaway as well. Mary:cool:

Hi Everyone, I need help. First week I lost 7lbs. second week 4, 3rd week ZERO!!!!! I am trying hard not to get depressed but losing the fight. I am eating ok, nothing that I feel guilty about. I have been listening to my body and as soon as I feel satisfied I stop (mainly because I hate to throw up). I eat more than 1/2 cup so I don't know if that's the problem or not. Has anyone else experienced this? For the women out there, do you notice a difference when you have your menstral cycle? I can use all the support I can get. Mary:(

Thank you. I know I shouldn't panic but I am eating more now than I was right after getting banded. Even though I am eating about 1/3 or 1/4 th of what I use to eat. I think my worry is that I will fail once again. You're right it is impossible for me not to weigh myself every week. I use to weigh in everyday and I learned to wait 7 days. I guess now I have to learn to wait 30! Thanks for your help. I read these feedbacks over and over again. They give me lots of strength during down times. Mary:)

Hi Alexandra, I was on liquids for the first 4 days. Then I started on mushy foods for about a week and after that it was solids. These are the instructions given by the maker of the band. The second week I would get full on only 1/2 cup but I guess that was because my stomach was still swollen. I eat very small pieces and chew the heck out of my food but I can pretty much eat anything (although I have not tried beef). Still I am eating about 1/3 or 1/4 of the food I use to eat before the band. I don't know why the scale stopped, I'm just trying not to let it get me depressed. I figure I didn't gain the weight over night so I shouldn't expect to lose it over night either. When did you have the procedure and how long are you supposed to be on mushy food? Mary

Thank you I feel better. I had tried so many diets and failed that as soon as I saw the scale stop I thought "oh no now what am I going to do if this doesn't work either?" Thanks for your first statement about "little restriction if any" I thought there was something wrong with me because I could eat more than 1 cup (not chewed) of food. I was worried that may be my band has slipped or ripped and that is why I don't feel fool after 1/2 cup of food. Wow you have made me feel alot better. Thanks again:D

Hi Victoria, I am 11 days post-op. I too hate to throw up. I had read so many times that you throw up if you try to over eat that I think I under eat just to make sure that it doesn't happen to me. The trick is to stop eating when you are not hungrey any more, not to continue until you are bursting at the seems (which is what I used to do). You learn to listen to your body and stop just when the hunger is gone. I am sure you will do just fine... it's just nerves. Good Luck Mary

Mushy foods are the best, especially chowder yum:D I have not tried chilis because of the bean I'm afraid it's too soon but in 2-3 weeks it's definitly on my list

I also self-payed for the procedure. As I mentioned my father is a doctor and the manufacture of the band recommends moving back to solids after 3 days. This is not something that I did on my own. Trust me I would not want to go through another surgery! After telling my surgeon about the manufactures recommendation he said they normally recommend 2 weeks of liquid 2 weeks of mushy food to those that have more than 100 lbs. to lose to give them the greatest amount of loss in the first month to keep them motivated. But since I do not have 100 lbs. to lose and have already lost 7 lbs. in less than one week, I am doing just fine. You should always do what is right for you. Some people can do 2 months of just juice without a problem. Great! I just don't understand if someone can do juice for long periods of time without a problem then why get banded? Mary

Hi Michelle, I had clear broth for 2 days but got tired of it. Last night for instance I had 3 table spoons of rice (well cooked) with yougurt. And right now I am having tuna with crackers. This morning for Breakfast I had a 1/2 cup of cheerios with 1/2 cup milk. But I chew, chew, chew, because I hate to throw up so I am very careful that nothing gets stuck. For at least the first 4 days to be safe just have Clear Liquids. Trust me you won't be hungry so it's not hard to do. After that a good rule to follow is if you can eat it with a straw then its ok. As I mentioned before every "body" is different. I am doing well with more solid foods, you may or may not and may need to take more time before progressing to solids. You have to just take it easy and allow your stomach to heal. Let me know if there is anything else. Mary P.S. I LOVE Taco Bell, I am looking forward to next week to try some, I am afraid that Beans may be too heavy to digest.

Hi Michelle, I got banded last week Thursday. I never had a pre-op diet, if I could go on a liquid diet I wouldn't need the band. As a matter a fact my last meal was on Wedesday (the day before), I had Mexican food! I think your doctor wants you to lose weight before then and accredit him or the band for the loss. Be careful you need to have your strength for the procedure and recovery. Because after the surgery you will need to follow a liquid diet for a few days. My doctor had asked me to stay on liquids for 2 weeks and I just could not do it. I was getting headaches and I was dizzy all the time. My body needs solids. 4 days after the procedure I had one scrambled egg and immediately felt well. When I recieved information from MidBand (this is the company that makes the French band which is the best with the least complications-I got the package because my father is a doctor and they only send it to doctors) in their package I read that the patient is "encouraged" to go back to normal eating habits on the 3rd day, just remember to chew, chew, chew. Good Luck Mary:)

Hi Everyone, Well I did it....on August 7th. The surgery only took 15 minutes but the recovery is on going. I have been on liquids since last Thursday but last night I almost past out because I am not getting enough calories with juice. Here's how my diet is supposed to work this week: 800 calories a day. 2oz of juice every 2 hours. Well if I drink 7 times in one day which would cover 14 hours then that would equal 28 fl oz. I don't know of any juice that would give me 800 calories for 28 oz!! I think that is the reason I feel queezy. I am sort of frustrated that the nutritionist (whom I will email next) would tell me to eat 800 calories with just juice. Any recommendations are welcome. Last night I almost past out so my fiance made a one scrambled egg. I tell you it has never tasted soooooo good. I was full, immediately felt good and satisfied. I think doctors tell you to get on liquids for 2 or 3 weeks to give you a drop in weight and keep you up beat. I read in the MidBand book and the patient is supposed to go back to regular food on the fourth day... but you have to chew, chew, chew. Anyone have any experience with this? If I don't eat sufficient amount of food I get very very bad headaches and feel nausiated. So the juice thing is not working all that well. Mary:think

Hi Gang, Well I am leaving for Mexico this afternoon to get banded tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my God I am so nervous. My only doubt is will I ever enjoy eating again or will I forever feel deprived? Please talk some sense into me. I was talking to my causin (who is 100% supportive & wants to get the same procedure after me) she said I should give the doctor a $2000 tip for performing this and setting me free. Does anyone feel deprived? The coordinator said the feeling is the one you have after having a full course meal. You don't want to eat anymore so there is no torture of being hungry but not being able to eat. I guess I have cold feet. Any encouragement would be welcomed. Mary:straight

You can also squeez a lime in your drink. That will take care of the carbonation. Mary:cool:

Hi Amy, WOW 42lbs. That's 42lbs. ahead of last year. As long as the scale is moving in the right direction, relax and enjoy the ride down!!!! You're going to look great for Christmas!!! Mary

Thank you. I kept thinking about trying yet another diet but any way I look at it I know that I will probably lose some weight and then gain even more back. It is a vicious cycle. I remember once I didn't eat bread, rice, or potatoes for a whole year and yes I lost 27lbs. but when I incorporated those things in my daily life again, I gained the weight back within 4 months and then some. I guess I am looking to lose weight without suffering all the time from one failed diet to another. Yoyo dieting is one of the worst things you can do to your body. And I don't think I could handle it emotionally any more. I guess I will take one big breath and just dive in. I will post my results when I get back. Just think next week this time I may already be banded!!! Mary

My surgery is scheduled for Thursday August 7th, and of course I was up at 4 a.m. thinking about it. I have read all the posts and find that most people have more than 100lbs. to lose. I am 60lbs. over weight and with the history of heart problems and diabetes in the family, I was able to find a doctor to preform the procedure. I am soooooooooo nervous. Eventhough I have tried all weightloss methods known to mankind, a part of me still feels like I failed. Did anyone else feel this way before surgery? But I know if I don't take control now, I have no problem topping 250lbs. in the next year. So what's a girl to do? My father is a physician and he will accompany me to the hospital so there is some comfort. I guess my biggest concern is enjoying food again. Is that possible or do you always feel deprived because you can't finish your plate or your hamburger? I'd like to hear from those that really enjoyed food pre-op, and how they feel about it now.