Neicy

Wonderful news Penni! I am so glad things went well.

Don't you love how it feels! I'm so happy for you Lisa, strut those jeans!

Hi Ya'll I have an ignorant question for you more experienced bandsters. I'm not quite sure where my port is, and I have an appointment to get a fill on the 23rd of this month. I've read that it should be the largest incision, but my largest incision is about 2 inches below the waist and off a ways from the other smaller ones. I asked one of the nurses at the hospital where it was and she indicated an incision just inside my ribcage. There is a hard mass under both of these and I just can't tell which is the port. I could e-mail Dr. Rumbaut, but I figured I'd throw this out there first in case there is some "trick" to locating the rascal by feel!

Kelly, I can't believe your post. Girl, you are my hero! I have been following your progress and thinking if I could only do as well as you have, I'd be so happy! I think we need to be chilling out about the rush to thinness. We are all on our way, and making progress at our own individual rates. You will be a perfect mentor in your support group. Kudos to you for thinking of others. Maybe I have a "slacker" mentality, but I think all you guys are doing great. Enjoy life today, don't wait to feel good about yourself. You're on your way.

Lisa, I say he's being sweet cause he KNOWS I'm not cooking, and he wants to know where we're going out! What a man!

Birdee, we started out at about the same weight, I don't think you're doing too bad. I was told that I would lose a bit slower than some one heavier, when you get closer to goal it goes sloooww! Lisa, my husband does the same thing to me! The girls at work all laugh because you can set the clock by his call. You know they're just trying to be sweet! Worst thing for us though!

Yeah, I kinda like having you here, you know stuff!

I had surgery with Dr. Rumbaut. I had an alltogether positive experience with him. From my research, he has the most experience placing bands within my traveling preference. The hospital where he practices is one of the best I've ever seen. I got excellent care after surgery, Dr. Diaz, his assistant, came to the hotel at 1:00 am to bring me medication when I was nauseaus and sat with me until he was sure I was better, I think that's extraordinary. I've never had an American doctor do that! They wouldn't even bother to return a call in the states. I must admit that I was scared to go to Mexico, but I was very impressed with everything I experienced. I've only had one occasion to contact him since I've returned. It wasn't actually a band issue. I had a question regarding the chest x-ray I had for pre-op, I asked him to look at something that my doctor here at home was making an issue over. They got back with me right away and answered my questions. I originally began to look to Mexico for cost reasons, because I had to self pay, but I found him to be an exceptionally caring and skilled surgeon. I'm starting to sound like an ad for him, but I can't think of anything negative to say. Ther are others on this board who have been to him, I'd like to hear their stories too.

Kathy, I can relate to what you're saying. I am tighter in the mornings too. After noon and evenings I can eat anything, except bread without a problem. I have noticed that I am beginning to be able to eat more and more, so I am going for a fill! I lost all my weight when I was on liquids and mushy food, not an ounce since solids. I would not do it if I were still losing. Like Donali said, I don't want to lose too fast, I got this band so I could get healthier.

Thank goodness for this board. There is certainly a wide range of results to consider. It's obviously up to the individual. I do hope you feel better soon Sissy.

Whoa! You need to have a talk with him. How about a little "bedside manner"? Sometimes these Docs get arrogant and forget that their not God! Maybe he needs to know that you expect some info, and that you're entitled to know what he's done even if it takes him an extra minute.

Yeah Penni, I hope that good looker takes great care with you. I could tell by his letter that he is a caring and considerate person. Take comfort in knowing that he has those qualities along with his adorable face!

Did your Dr. do the fill under fluoroscope or did he have you take a drink? I'm so sorry you're having this pain. I would definitely call him (or her). Sounds like you might be too restricted, although I am no expert, as I am going on Friday for my first fill. Hope you feel better.

Thanks for the info, Laserjock. My port is about 3.5 to 4 inches below my ribs on the left. I had an upper GI taken for the fill doc and I could see the tubing extending laterally to the area.

Anne, sorry to hear about the leak. I know that you have suspected for some time that something wasn't quite right. I hope it can be easily remedied. Hang tough, it will get better.

I just want to say that I was considering the band for a couple of years before I got it. I was really scared that I would never be able to eat socially (and look "normal") or that I would not be able to enjoy eating if I got banded. Just yesterday I was telling my husband how wonderful the band was because I eat so much less, yet I never feel deprived like I did when I was "dieting". And I do enjoy my food, if I want something special, like key lime pie (yum!), I have a piece, instead of several! A few bites of food will bring satisfaction now. I am so happy with my band, I just love it. I used to feel so badly about myself after I would binge (all the time). Now that is one negative emotion that I don't miss!

Shelly, you can be proud of yourself, you look fabulous! I love it when I get to see before and after pics, I get inspired.

Hi Blossom, I've been to Denton, stayed there overnight on my way to Colorado. Big metropolis! You'll find lots of nice people here and I really love that they share their experience and speak their mind on the issues that matter. Good luck, hope all goes smoothe as silk for you.

I would imagine that a person's anatomy would factor into placement. When I had my hysterectomy, the surgeon did a tummy tuck. He sutured the abdominal muscles together below the navel and did some liposuction and excess skin removal. Ever since, I have looked so much fatter above the waist! I'm kind of built like a 55 gallon drum with 42DDD boobs! My quess is that it was easier to put the port in a spot where there was a little less fat. You have lost a pretty good bit of weight since you've been banded, you can't be eating that much. I lost most of my weight in the first month after banding while I was on liquids and mushys. I was concerned about losing too fast, but the loss has come to a halt since the last three weeks. I'm sure a fill will help get me on track.

Penny, it sounds like you are in excellent hands with Dr. Hunky! That's the kind of Dr. you want when you're faced with difficult decisions. He is very reassuring and I hope he is 100% correct in his educated diagnosing. My prayers are with you. Lisa, I am so glad to read that you have decided to see a gastroenteroligist. (is that spelled right?!) You had an infection of long duration, and it probably requires long duration anti-biotics to resolve it. I hope the Dr.s take a personal interest in your case, and do what it takes to get you healthy and your band back in full working order. Best wishes your way. Oh yeah, I love to drink. It is my remedy of choice when stress comes a knockin'. I really watch myself though, because my dad was an alcoholic, and I don't want to go there. I strive for moderation, and it has worked thus far.

Hi everybody, Thanks for all the response to my post. I just got back from a little vacation, and I was glad to check in with my "band buddies. " I've been prodding around my abdomen and I have determined that the port is definitely the one below my waist. I have alot of upper body fat and large breasts, so maybe he thought there was more room down lower! lol It doesn't bother me there, I was just fretting a bit about where it was since I am scheduled for my first fill on Friday this week. I am ready for this fill, as I have been "scarfing down" for the past few days. Of course I am eating much less than pre-band, but it feels like alot after becoming accustomed to eating so lightly. And yes, I loved Dr. Rumbaut, I researched carefully before choosing him and I just think he's the best on this continent. Kudos to Rumbaut!

I wish I could go back to Dr. Rumbaut for the fills, But it's not cost effective! I have a follow up surgeon nearby who's pretty experienced, has done my daughter and she hasn't had any problem. I guess I am a natural worrier. What if he can't find it? What if he misses? How will he know just where to stick if he didn't place it? I'm sure they prod around alot and have experience feeling for the darn thing, so I'm gonna let him do the worrying! Is your port easily palpable?

Kim, I get a similar feeling of the food getting stuck. I regard this as "I'm finished eating!". It just hits in one bite with no warning! It is the strangest thing. And I think Leatha is right on the money about feeling full. I believe it is a thing of the past, but I can live without it, as long as I don't have a gnawing hunger. I haven't had that since I've been banded. Thank you Lord for that!

I sending best wishes your way, Hope the surgery goes real well and you're feeling great in no time. Don't forget to post Dr. Billy's pic. You'll have us all traveling to CA for follow-up!

Leatha, That really is an awesome post. All you guys give such good advise, I just get so much out of reading these threads. I think I'll tow the line tomorrow, and start my morning with an Atkins shake and a smile on my face for the blessings I enjoy and thank God for my band. Some days are easy and some days just try to whip you. Hang tough and be kind to yourself.