Vera

prove it...

Why I mention the plunger springing back when trying to pull (aspirate) the saline back out, it would drive my doctor here in Calif. nuts. He didn’t band me and had never seen this before. He knew he was in the port and was scared to give me too much saline or over fill me. I in turn would have restriction for a few days, and then over time it was gone. Finally after coning to my senses we decided to go for the flouro leak check. That’s when we saw the kink but didn’t see the leak. It wasn’t till I was in Mexico that Dr. Sanchez decided to go in and in the fold of that kink was a tiny hole, thus explains some restriction, very slow leak. And the saline would go in pass the kink then couldn’t come back out Then the rest of the story…repair with the sleeve on the tubing which didn’t work (should have replaced the entire tubing). He rebanded me because he didn’t want to see me again and even though I love Dr. Sanchez I didn’t want to go back to Mexico again (unless it’s for PS). Waiting for your results…

I'm so sorry, how's Shachi talking it?

Hi Bright I’m just reading this for the first time and wished I’d seen this thread earlier. I’m glad you got the flouro done. From what you said There is no restriction, the barium just flowed through. Could you see the port and tubing? you said you saw the actual band, It should be close to the top of the stomach and band is probably fine! If you could see the tubing did you follow it from the port to the band to see any bends or kinks? I wish you could have had an omniplaque fill/leak check while you were there. Doing this type of fill you can follow omniplaque solution up the tubing under x-ray and see were the leak is. When that so called doctor gave you the fill last month you said he tried to remove the fill after putting some in, did anything come out? Did the plunger spring back? Did any pinkish/yellow fluid come back? Lots of little details are coming back to me, don't be scared just tring to analyze. Lots of HUGs

Its 3 years and I made it to goal! The last time I weighed 156 was when I was 26 years old. Shortly after that I broke my foot (last bone on the side of my foot, before pinky toe) and gained 20 pounds. Struggled with that for about 2 years then my sister died and I gained more. I averaged about 190 for 7 years except the time I broke my arm and went up to 210 I was 30 years old at the time. Flash forward to 37 when I gave birth to my gorgeous girl Roxanne at 245, she was only 8 lbs and 3 oz… Sure I lost some baby fat but never got below 220. Then at 42 I had my boy Hunter at a grand weight of 270, his birth weight was less than Roxanne’s…. So after trying, dieting, exercising…I was stuck a 244 for years. 244 might not be much for some but I was devastated and miserable. It didn’t take me long to decide on the band, I did about 2 months of research, knew the insurance battle would be hard and long, so I pulled out money on some low interest credit, which I did pay off within a year. Pick Dr. Sanchez based on his experience and flew to Monterrey Mexico. On 8/14/03 I was banded and it changed my life. I’ve had some issues and was re-banded on 3/31/05. My weight just didn’t melt away; there was some mental and physical work. It’s just a tool and I had to make some changes to how I looked at food and myself. When I would weigh myself, I didn’t seem to be losing many pounds, but my clothes seem a lot looser. I would lose fat and gain muscle tone for the longest time, the last 20 pounds have been the hardest and longest to loooose. It’s been a trying 3 years but well worth it. The main things I noticed… I feel full! I never felt full before having my band unless it was Thanksgiving. Yes I get hungry and have cravings, but try to choose Protein first and something Michelle (LaMadam) taught me “stay away from the carbs”. If I have potatoes in the morning, I’ll want them all day. I haven’t had a mid-night snack in years, basically because I wouldn’t be able to sleep comfortably if I did. I drink more water; I still don’t care for Water but know how important it is. And I try to have some warm tea or a cup Soup before meals. Energy! I can water ski! Throw a frisbee! Even do cartwheels! On the emotional side, people have treated me different, not sure how to deal with it. For instance, I never felt welcome around my sister and brother in law; it was like I was below them and looked down at. They didn’t talk to me much. Now it’s like I’m accepted and they’re proud to be around me. People who have never had to deal with weight don’t know the damage they can cause. I try my best to always smile and be friendly to those who seem to be struggling weather it be weight, disability or mental issues. I deal with “skinny” people if I have to but they seem to treat me different now. Why couldn’t I get the respect when I was fat? I haven’t been on any boards much lately, due to my family keeps me real busy, my job has had more demands and my free time has become very precious as I just turned 47 and feel alive again. Thanks for all the support I have received through out the years; I have made some wonderful friends here. This pic is for Christina…. Ms. August checking in.

Thanks for all the congratulations, I feel proud to be an inspiration to so many! Jewels, it was good speaking with you, by now you should be home and recovering. Congratulations to you, and welcome to the new journey. Leatha, Kathy, Wheeler, Goanna, Susan, Donna…note that you can’t see my inner thighs, these are actually very good pics, I’m sorry I remarked about my thighs, I think we all have that self conscious body image about something….and do you believe in control top bathing suit bottoms….I am sucking up my gut as much as possible, that’s not a tan, I’m turning blue! Kabeerah, Children are so worth it, when I was pregnant with Hunter I swore I was eating for 5. You’ll get there. Paula…Super model??? Roxanne’s in a size 3/5 teens and size 6 shoe. I had the big girl talk with her Sunday, It went smoother then I thought. Pam that’s the “Kool-Aid” Birthday party pic “I got a Batman” Carol, we had a nice chat yesterday, thanks for calling. I bet your legs and tummy look awsome! I know it may take a year for all the sweeling to go down and I can’t wait to see you. Let plan a get together soon. I miss you too. Dianne, thanks for thinking my skin is nice??? Macadamia oil and lots of Aloe Susan, the only before pic is on page 9 of the “before and after” thread. Thanks again

I SO missed you sweetcheeks! Sending you lots of slobbering kisses Now if I only had the nerve...

She's my drama queen! Mandy, She is such a joy in person, what a charmer! I can't help but LOVE her so much and I miss her as well. It's just not the same without her

Nobodies ever really ready for children! I had my first at 37 and my son was planned (ovulation Go Boy Go) at 42. Yes it's work, but i so truly love them. Only you can decide. God will help you and bless you

Septic would make your yard greener...someone dumped something, a bucket from washing the floor, clorox type stuff. cleaning stuff? just my guess. When I had septic back-up(without knowing I had septic, therefor Not treating it with bactria) I had a lush green swamp Thought I had a natural spring... Dose it stink? So Sorry about the cats

I'm in shock. Sending prayers for his family and dear friends. Every time I smell Honeysuckle, I will think of him.

Thanks for the compliments! I resized that last pic, but I still hate my thighs.

WOW! doesn't it feel great! Margo your beautiful, what a difference. So happy for you

Hi Jewel!I met Dr. Foster back in 2003, she's very nice. My Doctor now is McKeen of Good Sam. (was banded by Dr. Sanchez, Monterrey Mexico) there's a great group in San Jose...being summer there is less activity...meetings and such. But I would love to meet up with you. I'm off Dunne in Holiday Estates on Anderson lake. PM me otherwise I'll be thinking of you on Monday!

Congratulations Jewel and take it slow It's all about healing now. lots of gas, shoulder pain, port pain...things may not hit for a few days or you'll be lucky and sail... sip your water and protein drinks and walk alot!

It's just so wonderful

Sam. So happy for you! You are exactly me in the before shot, thanks for sharing and congratulations

my boy....

crazy kids

Yosemite last week

I'm so sorry to hear of your Cancer and can only wish you the best. My sister went through chemo, It did make her heave alot, but she was able to hold small amounts of yougart and jello down for the few days after treetment. She always craved a steak and potatoe 3 days later, that was a good sign. I've heard apple sauce is comforting on the tummy as well. She didn't have a band so I don't have advice, just know I'll be thinking of you!

How I agree with this, I now am 3 years out like most of you and just want to keep my band for life.I’m just reading all of this for the first time, Ladies I’m feeling for all of you, Leatha makes sense, and you all do. I take prevacid almost daily due to heartburn and I’m not very restricted at all, 1.3 in the 9.75 band. I’ve only have had 1 fill with this band and don’t want any more. The only way I see maintaining my weight is watching what I eat. Hoping the best for all of you!

Hello Sweetheart I think about you all the time. So glad your feeling better.

I'm so happy for all of you, husbands too. Children are true joy God Bless and stay healthy

Last week I had 114 just south of San Jose Ca. Even the water in the lake was too hot to soak in...