Monica

Are there any physical symptoms of band slippage or erosion? I had my first fill without flouro a week ago and everything seems to be just fine. He hit the port right away and I really didnt feel a thing. I got 1.6 cc in a 4 cc band and seem to have pretty good restriction, not huge but I'd rather take it slow. I am wondering if I should have my second fill under fluoro just to check everything out though?? Monica

Hi! Congrats on the 20 pounds!! WOW! I was banded on March 2nd and lost 15 lbs. during the liquid stage. When I started solids I gained back 2.5 pounds and stayed there for 2 weeks. I just got my first fill 2 days ago and I already have lost the 2.5 I gained when I started solids. Im sure the body holds on to what it can after only having liquids for 3 weeks!!! I haven't been hungry since my fill! We'll see if it lasts! Monica Dr. Ortiz 185/169/130 Banded March 2, 2005 Down 16 so far!!!

I was banded on March 2nd by Dr. Ortiz. The experience was great. I loved everyone I dealt with and the facilities were excellent! I had a very smooth recovery and my scars are excellent. Its only a month out and the only one I can find is the port scar and that's just about an inch long very faint pink line!! Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez will take as much time as you need to talk and they are both available on their cell phones at all times. It is very important to do research and feel comfortable on who you are using. I found Dr. Ortiz's book "Lap-Band for Life" helpful also, both before and after the surgery. Monica

Hi! I lost 15 ponds in the 3 weeks following surgery, but then I started solids and uh-oh!!!! I have gained back 2.5 pounds and am really discouraged. I can eat just like before the band.....I go for a fill on Wednesday and am really keeping my fingers crossed for some restriction! I get bummed when I read on other peoples posts that some take 3-4 fills to feel anything! I am really hoping for enough restriction to lose 2-3 per week. I am exercizing 4-5 days per week also, but am pretty bad about my Water intake. monica

Nykee, Have you tried drinking Crystal Light? The orange and the lemonade flavors are really good!! I don't like drinking plain Water either so this has really helped me. I also drink iced tea (mostly for the caffeine . That is fantastic that you have lost 40 pounds!!!! I lost 15 my first 3 weeks out of surgery, and now the last 2 weeks on solids, I have gained 2.5 back!!!! I too am anxiously awaiting my first fill next Wednesday! Best of luck, and try the Crystal Light! Monica

Hi Eileen, I started back with crunches/weights/light cardio at about 2 1/2 weeks out. Everything went fine, but I did notice that a few positions while doing crunches caused some soreness at the port site so I stopped and switched positions. I think your body will tell you if it doesn't like what you're doing! Other than that the exercize felt great and I think it helped get that bloated feeling out of my tummy. Good Luck! Monica Banded 3/2/2005 185 at surgery, now 171 Down 14!!!!

Hello, I was banded on March 2nd and have had a really good experience so far! I lost 15 pounds during the liquid stage and then on day 21 when I started solids that was it!! I actually gained a pound this weekend. I am really not hungry during the a.m. and then the afternoon and evenings I'm starving! I am eating slowly, chewing, not drinking during or an hour after meals, but I swear I can eat the same amount as before!! I was wondering how everyone else handled this situation? What about experiences after the first fill? I was hoping I wouldn't have to travel so soon back to TJ, but I don't want to stop my weight loss, I was so excited about those first 15!!!!!! Any support is greatly appreciated!! Monica

Thanks Paula, Thanks for the feedback, I really am looking forward to that first fill!! I noticed that you used Dr. Spiegel. I read here that he is doing fills on Mexican patients. Does he do his fills under fluoroscopy? Have you had good luck with your fills? I sure would prefer to travel from Austin to Houston instead of TJ!! Monica

Hey Jonathan, I'm in Austin! We've IM'd before, I am JB1744 on aol. How did your first fill go? I'm hoping for some more restriction, because now I can eat like before!!! Monica

Hi Rhonda, Im sure you are so excited about your pending surgery!! I was in your position last week, and had my band placed by Dr. Ortiz Wed (5 days ago). It went much smoother than I expected, although the day of, and the day after surgery are quite a blur!! I travelled back to Texas on Friday, and everything was smooth. I am also travelling with family next week so I was worried about that also. I feel really good other than some slight pain around the port area, especially if I strain or move funny. I haven't really had any hunger to speak of , just a few rumbles that seem to go away with liquid intake!! I do have to say I am looking forward to getting out of the Clear liquids stage on Wed. so I can feel like I'm getting some more nutrients. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll be happy to answer them! Monica Surgery 3/2/05 -8 lbs.

Fidget, Hi! I just read your introduction and wanted to let you know that I just had my surgery in TJ on Wednesday (Dr. Ortiz). It is now Saturday and I'm feeling surprisingly well!! The surgery was much easier than I expected! The only pain I feel now is a bit at the port site. I've only felt a few twinges of hunger, but not too much to speak of! Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them!! Monica

Roxanna, Hello! I read your introduction about your upcoming surgery with Dr. Ortiz and wanted to share my experience with you. I just had the surgery on Wednesday, today is Sat. and I'm feeling really good! Everyone at Dr. Ortiz's practice made me feel very comfortable and they explained everything in detail. The day of surgery is a bit of a blur, but I was very comfortable the whole time. It has all gone much smoother than I expected! Now I just have to get through the liquid stage, but so far so good. I've been drinking hot tea, apple juice, chicken broth, Jello, and popsicles. I've had a few twinges of hunger, but really nothing to speak of!! Please email me if you have any questions at all! I know I really enjoyed talking with people that had just had it done before I went! jb1744@aol.com Monica

Hi Rachel! Your title said 11 days on! Does that mean you just got your band 11 days ago?? I think my dr. says liquids for 3 weeks!! YUK. I'm glad to hear you're doing so well. Any words of wisdom for someone getting their band in a week? Thanks, Monica

Hi! Congratulations on your weight loss!! It must seem like a miracle after only 2 months!! I am scheduled to get me band next Wednesday!! I am so excited to join you! Have you had a pleasant experience? Anything you can remember about your first 2 weeks? I am sure that the 150 will come before you know it! Sincerely, Monica

Hi! I am also going to Dr. Ortiz, my surgery is scheduled for March 2!! I will be going back to Texas on the day you go in for surgery! I have also learned a ton from reading through all the threads here! I am trying to figure out how to post an introduction? Best of luck, I think I know exactly how you fell right now!! Keep in Touch! Monica