Zoe

I've been cleaning out my closets and basement, and remembered that Oprah mentioned a charity that gives clothes to low-income women who are going on job interviews and starting work. Check out this web site: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/ Dress for Success has branches in a lot of cities; the web site will tell you where. They desperately need large-size clothing. I'm packing up some suits this weekend for donation to the Chicago south-side branch, and will let you know if I find out more info.

. . . by that I mean BY a beginner, for other beginners. I had my first fill today. I found other descriptive posts very helpful in answering my questions and allaying my fears, so I thought I'd post a little step-by-step guide of my own, in case it helps any other readers who wonder what a fill involves and feels like. First of all, I should mention that I was banded in Mexico and am getting aftercare in the US. This was made relatively easy because (1) I live in a big city, and (2) one of my surgeon's former students has a large, well-established Lap-Band practice here, and this doctor agreed to do my fills for a fraction of what he usually charges other docs' patients ($250 vs. $1000). My surgeon, Dr. Rumbaut, had told me that I'd probably want a fill after six weeks; no matter what, he said, I shouldn't get one any earlier, and I may not need one until later. The day after my six-week anniversary I started feeling hungrier, and was able to pack away more food than before. I figured I should at least get checked out. My appointment was at 2 pm today. I arrived at Dr. Horgan's posh Michigan Avenue office 15 minutes early, completed a new-patient info form and a questionnaire about obesity-related health problems and whether I'd noticed a change since banding, and just after 2 pm I was shown to an examination room where an assistant, Michelle, weighed me on a body-composition scale (photo #2 below) and took my pulse and blood pressure. I was asked to change into a giant hospital gown. (I should mention that both the gowns and many of the waiting room chairs are sized to accommodate very large people. Someone was thinking ahead.) I asked Michelle if I could take pictures, and after an initial hesitation she said yes, and suggested that I ask for a duplicate copy of my fluoroscope image. She then led me to the room holding the machine (photo #1). In a few minutes Dr. Horgan and a male technician came in and briefly explained the procedure. I should mention that, except for the gown replacing my blouse, I was wearing all my clothes. Dr. H asked me to lower my trousers so that he could get access to the port, which in my case is a few inches above my left hipbone. He guided me into position in front of the fluoro machine. I remained standing the entire time, and never actually touched the equipment. To my disappointment I realized that I would not be facing the image of my belly, which (weirdo that I am) I was kind of looking forward to. So far, easy as could be, no discomfort of any kind. Next, Dr. H sprayed a "freezing agent" near my port; I forgot to ask what it was. The freezing agent really did feel cold, and it looked as if a half-dollar-size spot on my belly had been in the back of a refrigerator that needed defrosting, little ice crystals and all! Still no discomfort. He asked me to take a swig of a thick white barium drink. It wasn't as bad as I expected (the technician joked that Starbucks was selling it, but that's pushing it) -- just a little chalky, with a slight vanilla scent and taste. The barium makes its way down the esophagus to the stomach (and, later, beyond) and allows the technician to see a rough outline of the patient's insides. At this point I noticed Dr. H preparing a big hypodermic needle. Yikes! After adjusting my position, he aimed right for the port. I won't lie -- I definitely felt it. I know many other bandsters don't even notice the needle go in, but not me. However, it wasn't bad, and I think if I hadn't expected the entire procedure to be a total breeze, it probably wouldn't have bothered me at all. Unfortunately I couldn't take a picture of the needle going into my belly, because I had to hold my arms straight down at my side -- and I sure didn't want to ask the doc to drop that giant needle and pick up my camera! I think it was at this point that I took another swig of the barium drink so they could monitor the response of the band and my body. That needle was definitely in, and the doc injected some saline. I blithely thought I'd get 1.5 cc, since that seems to be average, and so far I'm your average bandster. Nope! First I was injected with 1.4 cc, then as the two guys watched the fluoro, Dr. Horgan said, "Oh, that's too much. Let's take out .2." So he did. So here I am with 1.2 cc of saline in my Inamed band, which Dr. H said should give me good restriction. I did get a copy of my fluoroscope picture (#3). Hey, I've had less flattering photos! By the way, the small bit highlighted by the ink rectangle in the left image is my band, and the dark hairy-looking bit is the barium drifting through my stomach. I had to ask. Well, I'm on liquids for 48 hours, then onto the real bandster eating routine. Dr. Horgan said I should lose two pounds a week. When I said I didn't mind losing more slowly, he was adamant, and said if I didn't lose those two pounds every week I should give him a call. He wants me to see him in another two months -- sooner if I have trouble. And in case this initial fill is too tight or too loose, I can have it readjusted for free as long as I do so within a week. One last thing I can't resist adding: Dr. H asked me why I had surgery in Mexico. "Financial concerns," I said. "What kind?" he asked. I was taken aback. "Well, it's a lot cheaper in Mexico," I shrugged. He didn't have a response to that! Good luck to everyone getting their first fill -- it's not bad, and the whole thing, including paperwork and tests, took about 45 minutes.

Here's a straight-up challenge that can be an extension of Christina's boot camp. Are you up for losing 20 lbs. by the 4th of July, via food changes, exercise, supernatural intervention, or any combination of the above? No frills, no nothing -- just commit yourself. If you don't hit the full 20 but are losing weight, you'll still be ahead of the game. Recently banded rabbits may lose 20 by March 1; members of the turtle society may lose 5 by July 4. We're not competing against each other, just against ourselves. So, for us number nerds, let's see how close we can get to 20 in 26. (My dream is to lose 20 by July 4 and be at goal by next Dec. 31.) Any takers? Please sign in. This isn't an alternative to boot camp (which I joined just today), but an extra motivator.

Had to see this thread after staying away from LBT for months. . . I'm fluent in Spanish, speak Portuguese (Brazilian/Yankee accent, K@t, in case you're wondering!) but not fluently, read French and Italian but speak both badly with terrible accents; in French I sound like Saddam Hussein doing an Inspector Clouseau impersonation. I used to read Hebrew (biblical, not modern) but that has disappeared along with about half of my brain in the past 25 years... oh, I forgot, I used to speak German pretty well but now I can't remember anything except a few phrases related to food and sex. So I can ask for a raspberry puff pastry and say "You have enjoyable thighs" but I probably couldn't get directions for the nearest bathroom. This post isn't meant to be show-offy; I'm no genius, I just like languages, and I've got semi-Rain Man wiring for them. Now if only I could remember, in any language, where I left my car keys. . .

I agree with Alexandra. I love my two-layer parka, and I don't want to replace it even though it's too big for me now! FYI, it's a size 1x and it fit me perfectly when I weighed 230 (@ 5'9"). I suggest ordering a size down from whatever the sizing chart tells you to order, unless you like a really loose fit.

Crystal, I haven't been around much recently, but I had to read your thread. I'm so glad you're back with family and friends who love you, and away from the hated Taterterra. I hope you'll be able to relax into a comfortable life and finally get some answers from the docs. Sending good thoughts your way.

I'm sorry to hear of your two losses, Megan. But you have a special place of honor in dogdom. I hope you and Rocky have many happy adventures together.

A counterrecommendation from a sugar fiend: Make a commitment to stay away from sugar for two whole hours. Then see if you can make it through the entire day. Damn, I really didn't mean to offer advice, just support. Can you and Cheri make room for a lapsed bandster on that bench? I think I have "Band Fatigue" -- after a year and a half, I'm bored with the band rules, even though I know they work. A scoop or more of ice cream every day, on the other hand, does NOT work. My problem lies not in the band but in myself. Just wanted you to know you're not alone. And, by the way, Whoyah, 40 lbs. gone in seven months is a real achievement!

What a relief to hear that you don't have erosion. I hope your esophagus recovers completely so that you can get on with bandster life. Sending good thoughts your way . . .

Consider it done! One size 11 up the backside for the insensitive doc.

Kelly, I'm late to this thread, and I'm very sorry to hear that you had to have your band removed. It sounds as if you had no choice, given the horrible symptoms you suffered. If only your doctor were more supportive of your choice to fly solo. Your attitude is an inspiration, and I'm certain you'll be able to control your weight. Please let us know how you're doing. All the tales of erosion and slippage from experienced, careful bandsters makes me realize that I should have an endoscopy this year. Jonathan, your post is a good reminder that slippage can take many forms.

I agree with NJ! Looks like ole Mary has some major mammary issues. You could tell her, "In case you haven't noticed, I've lost weight in other parts of my body, too, and I'm feeling pretty good about it." Or something that gets across the message "I don't make fun of your nonexistent tits, so leave my girls alone!"

Congratulations! Every day will get a little easier; just don't ask too much of yourself during this first banded week. Welcome to Bandland!

chocolate? Did someone say chocolate? Where? (sniffing the ground like a manic bloodhound) I'm worse than ever after banding. . . I love dark bittersweet chocolate, but at least I can stop after a few pieces (as long as I'm in manacles). Good chocolate ice cream is my real demon. Aaaargh! Off-topic: Jenna, welcome to the 5'9" club! That's one way to get a lower BMI -- get taller.

I'm a happy Rumbaut patient. Just make sure you line up your aftercare arrangements (assuming you aren't going back to Monterrey/Tijuana for fills and check-ups) before you select the Mexican option. As you've probably read elsewhere, not all US doctors accept other surgeons' patients.

Excellent post, Kare! So many of us forget just how lucky we are... just by drawing the lucky card of being born in the economically developed part of the world. Thanks for the reminder.

I had a massive (cantaloupe-sized) cyst removed, along with one ovary and the attached fallopian tube, years before being banded. Actually, I think my obesity prevented me from identifying the problem early on; I assumed the newish protrusion was just a symptom of uneven weight gain. I'm sorry to tell you that you won't lose much permanent weight if your cyst is the size of mine or smaller. This surgery was done before I got my band, so I don't have any band-related tales to report. But last year, one year post-band, I had a hysterectomy. The band did not get in the way at all, and in fact the surgeon reported that my recovery would be easier than with the first surgery since I was nearly 70 pounds lighter this time around. I lost about 6-8 pounds in the first weeks after I left the hospital, due not to the weight of the fibroids (etc.) that left my body but to my lack of appetite. That little side effect didn't last long, though. Good luck to you. The surgery is no fun -- band placement is a lot easier on the body -- but you'll feel much better without that grapefruit pressing on your internal organs.

Dog threads get me every time! If the boxer adoption doesn't go through and you don't want to keep him, you might PM Christina (I'll Succeed), who had a beautiful boxer boy and may have some suggestions. If you change your mind about keeping the lab mix, please PM me to let me know what state you're in (geographical, not emotional!) and I'll send you the info for a local Labrador rescue contact. Most breed rescue groups keep the dogs in loving foster homes until they find their permanent guardians. You are a special person for saving these two big guys!

Sorry I was gone for several days... happy belated birthday! Let the party continue all month!

Try fat-free Fudgsicles. Mind you, this falls under "Do as I say, not as I do." I am an ice cream fanatic and have to make up for my (many) indulgences with exercise.

Bom dia, K@t -- you might also try http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/costmain.html -- nothing in Portugal, though. Boa sorte!

Excellent idea, D! Ever since my highway PB disaster, I keep a little plastic sealable tub next to me in the car. . . but your lovely PB bags can go anywhere, discreetly.

... right as it happens! I'm eating lunch at my desk and having not just the usual simple slime but what I can only call a multiple PB, which is not anything you want for Valentine's Day. I ran to close my office door and made it just in time. I thought I was already the queen of badly timed slime (see earlier posts on pulling over on eight-lane interstates), but this is a new low. Culprit? Ravioli. I took small, well-chewed bites, I swear! Oops, gotta grab that mug again. . .

Heather, that banana and the dancing dot in your signature look like they're smiling while doing the nasty! Does that qualify for an award?

I'm fine now, thanks. And grateful that I'm not in a cube, for so many reasons! I hope the thread's heading is blatant enough to scare the weak of stomach away from reading this stuff. . . maybe I should start a poll on worst PB experiences.