luv2bingo07

Hello all and thanks to everyone who replied to my introduction post. I have been mulling through all kinds of questions that will probably be answered on my journey to being banded, but thought I would go ahead and ask a few now. First is: From all the research I have done, I have read that one of the liquids you should not drink is milkshakes. One, because they have too much sugar, and two, they are heavier to go down to and through the stomach. Is this true? Maybe you water them down or something? Second is: I have read also that you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day or more to not get dehydrated. Well, water is filling so how is that possible? lol Third: Probably the biggest question on my mind is can you drink milk? Nonfat of course. I Looooovvvvveee milk, and I reaaaallyyy do not want to give it up completely. Fourth: When it comes to mushy foods, I was thinking of a mushy type of food that my mom would feed us when we were little and that was mashed bananas and cottage cheese. lol Would that be too much or ok? Finally? Through my research I read that after having a Lap Band placed, then the vitamin needs can be met my just simple taking a disolved or crushed Flintstone vitamin once a day and you are good to go. Ok, I think I covered everything. Thanks to everyone who reads and replies to this message in advance. Judy p.s. Just in case anyone is curious, I am 6'1, and weigh 396 lbs.

Hi all, I would really like to know if any one on these boards have gotten financed totally for their LBS by one of the Mexican finance companies? Not by CC or refinancing their homes, etc. I need an uplift to my stressing about it. I am waiting to hear back from Citerra Financial(Geramin) on getting financed for surgery with Dr. Ortiz with a co-signer. My credit is horrible, but my co-signer's is good, so I hope they take into consideration the income. I emailed Lori from Dr. Ortiz office and she said if anyone can get you financed then Geramin can, but then she said most of the time. Not very comforting...ya know? I am so ready for this surgery and have learned so much about Dr. Ortiz and Lap banding. I just want to be good to go! :rose: Thanks to all who reply, Judy

Hi Sufina and Portland neighbor! Congrats on your upcoming banding with Dr. Ortiz. You will have a wonderful time and if you went to his lapbandforum.com you will find many people have the same date as you and you can look forward to meeting great people and possibly friends. I was told before my banding(just had my one year bandiversary 5/21), that when I thought I had to load up on eating because I didn't think I was going to be able to eat like I used to after banding is totally wrong. You will be able to eat all or most foods that you know and love again but much less or not at all if they are unhealthy choices. You just have to listen to your band and the restriction you have and know what is good for you and know the difference between head hunger and real hunger. I lost 90lbs(not updated here), in my year of banding. I could have lost more, but only had two fills(with Dr. F), and made some bad choices in eating. I am very happy where I am right now and look forward to the continued shrinking me after a third fill soon. I so badly want to go back to TJ and have a fill, but financially that isn't going to happen yet. Good luck and have fun! Peace, Judy

Hi all, I am 6'1. weigh about 385. I believe that alot of that weight is alot of swelling from lymphedema in my legs and feet, starting at the waist, but mostly in my legs and feet. Has anyone had this condition that was dramatically changed due to being banded and dropping poundage over a somewhat short period of time? I would love it if it did. I know when I was diagnosed diabetic, alot of my swelling went down, but it is very finicky and went back to normal after I didn't stay with the better eating part, by leaving out sweets and high carbs. Thanks for any replies. Peace, Judy

I had my surgery done in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. He told me my swelling would greatly improve or even go away after and during my weight loss and eating better. So far he is right! Not sure if it is a combination of weight loss(75lbs so far), eating better and less and the colder temps now. I am feeling so much better and lighter and of course, when my swelling is way down like it has been, that is a big part of it. :confused: Peace, Judy

Hey all, I am freaked out right now because in the last couple of weeks I have been losing ALOT of hair! I mean handfuls and throughout the day they drop here and there. What could be going on here? I think I am getting enough Protein every day and I drink at least a whole bottle of Vitamin Water every day. I don't get it and it's really freaking me out! More like getting depressing because the balding is showing right about my temples. :eek: Maybe a suggestion of some Vitamins or minerals I am missing and what kind to take if any? I hope someone out there can help me understand what might be going on and how to resolve it. My surgery was way back in MAY and now losing all my hair. :faint: Peace soon, Judy<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--fontc--><!--/fontc--> <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15617--> -------------------- <!--sizeo:3--><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->Highest Weight Ever! - 396lbs 6'1" <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Before Pre-op Diet<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> - 375lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Banding Date <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 5/21/07 - Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez - 352lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->First Fill - 7/21/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->- 3.2cc<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Post-op weight as of 9/3/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 309bs<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#2F4F4F--><!--/coloro-->Current weight loss - 66lbs gone!<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->

HI Maureen, Mine started coming out in wads in the shower about a week or more ago and hasn't let up much. I put my hair back over the weekend and noticed the very bare spots above my temples on the sides. Really bummed me out. I guess it does have something to do with the surgery and happens months later. Very weird. Had many surgeries and this has never happened before. Good luck with your hair too my friend. They all are saying it does grow back and sometimes better than ever. ; ) Peace, Judy

Hi all, I recently got my surgical reports faxed from OCC and saw that a Sliding hiatal hernia was found. I didn't know what that was until I researched it and found a pic of it. Prior to surgery, I was taking Prevacid for GERD. Haven't taken anymore since surgery which is great! I didn't see anything about the hernia needing or was repaired, but there was alot of medical terms in the report that even I couldn't figure out...LOL Now, since I have dropped weight, I have a bulging lump in the middle of my chest that is tender and achy at times and sometimes I have some reflux or heartburn, but not alot and short lived usually. Was this hernia repaired and/or could it have reoccured and caused that lump? I haven't taken anything at all for the heartburn I have occasionally. Just don't want to. I know that usually Dr. Ortiz repairs hiatal hernias, but not sure if this one needed repair or was repaired. Not even sure if that is what it is, but it's the only thing I can come up with ya know. Thanks for any replies in advance! Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15454--> -------------------- <!--sizeo:3--><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->Highest Weight Ever! - 396lbs 6'1" <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Before Pre-op Diet<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> - 375lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Banding Date <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 5/21/07 - Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez - 352lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->First Fill - 7/21/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->- 3.2cc<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Post-op weight as of 8/4/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 315bs<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#2F4F4F--><!--/coloro-->Current weight loss - 60lbs gone!<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--><!--/sizec--> <!-- THE POST -->

Update on Dr. appt. about my lump in chest. Turns out that since my weight loss, I WAS feeling the low end of the sternum which is mostly cartilage and soft tissue. When I would push on it and messing with it, I was making it inflamed and made it tender and sore. He offered an anti-inflammatory and I said I was happy to kick the naproxen after many years and I didn't want it. He said then you should just stop pushing on it and irritating it and should be fine. Ok...lol I was stressed all day because of work and this appt. I was thinking the worse possible news I would get from this. I was stressed over something at work and had a sharp pain in my chest. That just about put me over the edge..lol My BP was great, but I had a slight fever. I have been struggling with nasty constipation lately, but will soon get relief. I know TMI...tee hee Thanks for your help and concerns. Peace, Judy

Hi, I thought I would put my vote in as well. I only weigh myself once a month. I have read so many posts that people get so stressed, or frustrated about not losing or being plateued or whatever, that I decided after the first month or so after surgery that I won't touch the scale until the first week of every month. I have only been on twice a month once and it was good news, but there will be that time that I will get disgusted if I see gain or no loss. I noticed on the poll results that most people weigh everyday. Not a good thing. It should be taken in stride and when you feel good and clothes are fitting looser, then that is a good reason to get on the scale. Hey, I felt more stressed when I was on the pre-op diet and had to lose 36 lbs, but only lost 22 which was a great accomplishment. Good luck to all and enjoy the lighter side! Peace, Judy

Hi , I have been wanting to post about this for awhile. Since I have dropped a good amount of weight(60lbs), my knees, legs and hips hurt alot more than usual. It seems so strange that doctors tell you before that your weight is wearing on your joints, so if you lost some weight, you would feel better. Yeah right! What the heck is going on here?! I have lost 60 lbs, and my knees(especially my right knee), has been more painful and popping and cracking more than ever. I have osteoarthritis in my hip too. I refuse to take those joint supplements because firstly, they take weeks to take affect, and secondly, they are expensive, and thirdly, it's just another pill to take and I am fed up with that. I am happy now that I don't need to take my Prevacid for GERD, and my naproxen for the arthritis(been on it for years and it just makes me swell), even though it helped before with the pain. Don't want to take it also because it can hurt the lining of my stomach and possibly the band. Stiffness in my knees are worse than ever too. Before I got serious about my weight and to get the band, I was told by my ortho doc that the next step on my right knee is arthroscopy. Hey, if it helps then I am all for it, but with the excess weight I was carrying, he wasn't too gung ho about it. Don't blame him because I wasn't very strong or sturdy then. That would be rough. So, I was wondering if anyone else has had to get other surgeries done after they lost weight enough to handle it? Thanks all for any replies. Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15455-->

Thanks for your reply jmcambra. I walk alot and have enough energy to do alot of things that I normally would poop out on. I also take in as Protein as I can every day to keep up my muscles and I read that you need that for your muscle to keep them from weakening. I am afraid to get too exerted because with my fibromyalgia, etc., I would probably suffer alot. I take pain meds every day, but sometimes not enough. I know also that no pain, no gain(muscle), so maybe if I pushed myself more a little every day, I would strengthen my muscles and joints to where it would be more of a benefit. Not sure about that, but will consider it. Peace, Judy

Thanks for the pat on the back about my weight loss. Yours is great too! Every pound makes a difference. I think I lost mine too fast because my arms are batwings and I have some sagging skin on my butt and thighs...lol Need to get serious about toning up, but with the pains I deal with later, I put it off. No pain, no gain right? LOL You are doing great with your crunch exercises. Congrats! :clap2: I would like to do some exercise like that, but my body wouldn't allow it. I have been PMing with WABB and I see my GP on thursday about the lump in my chest. Really a weird thing and not sure if it has always been there or if it just appeared after I lost weight. I will keep you posted. I think I have lost more up to now because I have more to lose? Not sure, but I really need another fill very soon. With a VG band, the normal first fill is 4cc and I only got 3.2cc. So, that didn't last more than a week or so. :rofl: Well, take care and I will keep you posted about my journey. Please feel free to keep me posted too. Peace, Judy

A sliding hiatal hernia was identified at this time. we proceeded to dissect diagphragmatic peritoneum at the level of the gastric angle of His uncovering left pillar, then proceeded to open pars flacida identifying right pillar ang its union with the left pillar, hiatus closure was performed utilizing two interrupted sutures(Ethibon 2-0). Under direct vision a retro gastric tunnel was created. Introduction of Greenstein instrument and exposure of the angle of His performed. The Lap-Band was pass in a retro-gastric fashion using the specified instrument...etc. The rest is about placing the band. Hope this explains some. Judy

Hey Julie, Long time no see! Way to go on your continued succesful weight loss! I am doing pretty good myself, but need another fill. Only had one so far. Still have a bad habit of grazing. But try to eat healthy. Have a question for ya. How do you eat? Are you at your sweet spot now? Ok, more than one question...lol I have the VG band and I was only able to get 3.2cc instead of the usual 4cc on the first fill. I knew after about a week or so that I needed more restriction. But I did have some at different times during the early part of the day. Right now and all through the solid food phase, I have not eaten any or very little hamburger. Don't like it anymore. It doesn't chew down enough, so why bother. yuck! Good to see ya again and able to pick your brain...lol I am so in awe of your success! Can you tell. Take care, Judy

Well, I can tell you one thing. I refuse to give up my Starbucks or any expresso drink. I have cut wayyyyyyyyyy back on Starbucks though, because of the high fat and/or calories. But when I do have it, it is always only a tall mocha light frappucino, or a tall nonfat, 2 pump mocha with whip sometimes. Usually only on the weekends though. But only once or twice and sometimes not at all. During the week I just have a nonfat, sugar free mocha at java man by my work. They are the ONLY ones that have sugar free mochas and Starbucks has NEVER had sugar free mochas. Something needs to change there. ya think? LOL Mocha my days! Judy

Please ignore my ticker...haven't updated it lately. Thanks! Judy

Hi Maureen, How are you? I am doing good. I got my first fill with a local doctor last Saturday, the 21st. The norm for a first fill in a VG band is 4cc, but I only could handle 3.2cc. I sooo definitely have restriction. It is so nice too. I know my limits but unfortunately found out that I junk food goes down and chews down easily. :eek: I can't gulp more than 3 or 4 sips of water or juice or I feel it backs up in my throat...lol It has been hard though to figure out meals and such, but I am doing ok with it. My clothes are definitely looser. I have lost 33lbs since surgery, and 56 total since pre-op diet. I have a long way to go, but I will get there. Keep in touch and good luck with your weight loss! Peace, Judy

Congrats on your fill and weight loss! :clap2:How are you doing? I have lost between 47 to 49 lbs since pre-op. On my ticker(if I actually get it done), it will show 45 lost because on my b-day, I lost 45lbs by my 45th b-day and I have been trying to do that for years. :whoo: I was excited of course. :cool: Take care and good luck on your journey! Peace, Judy p.s. I was supposed to have my fill on the 7th, but had to reschedule because of finances.

Hi Denise, In answer to your question about why people choose to go to Mexico for surgery, for me, many reasons. First, insurance won't cover anything related to weight loss. Second, many US surgeons are not as highly experienced with Lap Band surgeries. Don't get me wrong...I know many people have had much success with their surgeries here. I am very happy for them as many of them had insurance to cover it. But, I also know that some are self pay too. I had started the process for surgery here in Portland a couple years ago, and the crap I had to put up with...not to mention the cost was enough to not want to have surgery anywhere in Oregon at all. So, here I was two years later and wanting to finally get this done. I was sooo ready to change my life and get healthy. Well, after researching on this forum and obesityhelp.com, among other websites, I realized that Mexico was the way to go. Not only for surgery, but for a nice mini vacation. I researched several Mexican surgeons' sites. Dr. Ortiz was THE most experienced and qualified for this surgery as he has trained many of the US surgeons and still does. He has performed over 4500 lap band surgeries and he and his staff are wonderful all the way around. Again, I have heard of other Mexican surgeons, but I constantly ran into Dr. Ortiz name and talked to his patient coordinator several times. That was it for me. I knew and felt with all my heart and body that this is where I need to go. I, of course, made sure that I had a doctor for aftercare here and she is not too far from me. She is very reasonable for fills even though she doesn't have flouroscopy. Dr. Ortiz even recommends her to patients from here. I really hope this clears some things up for you. I am very happy with my decision and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Good luck on your journey with your band. Peace, Judy

Hi, I wouldn't think any medication should be a problem for getting the band. I take elavil for Fibromyalgia and still take it. Of course, I also take Lortab, but have to crush them before taking them. The elavil is very small, so once I am allowed solid foods, I will take it whole. Hope this helps. Judy

Hello, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz on May 21st. He and his staff were wonderful and caring. No worries at all. I arrived the day before surgery and it was a Sunday. I did ALOT of walking that day. Had lunch out at a really neat authentic Mexican restaurant called La Casa de Mole across from the hotel. Ordered room service for dinner(like a last meal). Everyone takes US dollars all over Tijuana. I did ALOT of walking right after being released and taken back to the hotel. Went walking and shopping to a mall. I never had any gas pains...was able to poot it out or burp here and there. lol Probably because of all the walking. There will be others having surgery the same day as you and you all will be walking the floor afterwards and during the night...especially if you have some gas pain problems. The nurses will be right there when you need them and will bring you popsicles and whatever you need. You will do great! Good luck and have fun with it! Peace, Judy p.s. you might want to check out the forum for Dr. Ortiz patients. it's Lap Band Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

It's going ok with me for now. I really hate that hungry feeling though, but I deal with it and keep drinking. So sorry you are having pain when you sip a shake. How thick is the shake? It shouldn't hurt drinking anything unless it is too thick or chunky, which I am sure is not the case in your situation. I would call your doctor, because I have been having creamy Soups, liquid yogurt and the shakes since 6 days post-op and no problems so far. I admit I jumped the gun, but never had a problem and I really am glad. Take care and keep in touch my band sis across the country. Peace, Judy

I am getting to the point where I cannot take the feeling of starving anymore. Also, starting to regret this surgery. People are barbequing for the holiday, and I sit here trying to figure out what to drink, and not eat! I know it will get better, but I am trying not to fall apart and cry because I am so HUNGRY! I am being good though so far I think. I know that alot of people have gotten to this point and can't take it anymore and eat something that they suffer for dearly. I refuse to throw up or PB, but I am soooooo hungry! Sometimes I think that maybe the reason why I am so hungry is that my pouch has healed enough to try the next step of food. Then I realize, NO! my stomach is still swollen. I am not healed yet. ARGH!!! Thanks for letting me cry on my computer keyboard since I don't have a shoulder to cry on. Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_12161--> <!-- THE POST -->

I am so sorry that I missed your post on your not doing well since your surgery. Probably has alot to do with your gall bladder and band surgery being a week apart. That is alot of anesthesia and incisions to deal with. I wouldn't think you would be allowed to make it back to work yet. You will need at least another week to feel more ready to face the working world. Not sure what you do, but please be careful and take it easy. You did have two major surgeries and your body needs double time to heal. Take care my friend and band sis. Judy