VegasGrace

Dr. Rojas is in LA and does fills. He is also part of the Fill-Centers-USA network of docs.

Yes, I did. Even made a Last Will and Testament. hahahah Even gave instructions to family if they get a call saying I've died...step by step on what they should do. It's normal to feel apprehensive....shows you are not taking this lightly. Good luck tomorrow and we'll talk with you soon about your experience in surgery.

I just don't know. Is what I experienced worse than those who ate meat and veggies or fried foods? Like you, pasteries were my favorite foods...honey buns, muffins, chocolate cakes by little debbie, etc. For me, I was able to still eat those but only 1 bite. It took discipline to eat one bite and give the rest to my kids...but I did it. Now, I have a box of little debbies in the kitchen and I have only had one out of it. Preband I would have eaten the entire box in a day.

Well, I can answer that...but you will not like my answer. As a migraine sufferer for 20 years and unresponsive to treatment, years ago I found a published study and went to my neurologist begging for the medication used in that control group. Years later, the FDA approved it for migraine treatment. Since then, my migraines have completely ceased. But when I was banded and then achieved restriction, they came back with a vengence. See when you eat less...it's like dieting. And the body can't stand dieting as it thinks you are trying to kill it. So I went thru withdrawal symptoms from soda, sugar, etc. But now, a year later and on maintenance, my body has stablized and no more migraines. I don't even get headaches! I'm sure others will reply with their experiences.

Hi, sorry about the problem you are having with your doctor. You can get a fill just about anywhere in the US....many doctors do them and there is also a group of doctors that belong to fillcenters, a place that does adjustments. What state are you located and maybe someone can referr you to someone.

My doctor asked me today, "How did you do it?" He knows all the ins and outs of banding and patient care but as he was congratulating me on my success he wanted to know how I did things so he could share them with other patients. I was banded by Dr. Daniel Huacuz, 2 visits for adjustments, then 2 visits for maintenance adjustments from Fill Centers. From a size 22 to a size 4/6. No problems, no issues like slipped band, leaks, port flipping, pouch stretching (and this is the one he sees the most). My response was "I let the band do it's job". I added that I didn't diet, as diets don't work. I began with small steps of changing my life and lifestyle. My eating habits changed the most. I didn't deprive myself of anything, ate what I wanted when I wanted. But the fact was, I didn't want. I did not once want an entire pizza, like preband. I didn't once want a box of pasteries, like preband. I didn't want combo meals at drive thru, like preband. I had those things, but only a few bites til I was full and satisfied. And I now have a love of cooking, baking, preping foods rather than just nuke a frozen dinner. Thru the course of the past year, there was a time when I heavily relied on the band. It had to tell me 'when' or what not to eat. Then as the months passed, I conciously made the decision. And for those times I ate too much, the band was my backup. Now that I'm on maintenance, it's mostly me and my choices...but it's nice knowing the band will always be there if I need it. He told me something disturbing...that I will never be able to fully judge my portions. He went on to describe how it's embedded in our culture, that even if I did good for a while, even years...how overeating could creap back up on me. Portion control, as in what I decide before I sit down to eat...that will be key for me. He said I should eat like a 9 year old... leave food on the plate. Not exactly sure about that yet, but I'm sure I will discover it over the coming months. Eventhough my last adjustment was January, sometimes over the past few weeks I can't even hold down liquids. I thought it was the restriction kicking in...but after 3 months? Well, my doctor told me today it was stress related. And that I did notice as when my teenagers give me a difficult time, I spew like a warm Dr. Pepper. Now, instead of having my "stop" for eating, I have an added plus of when I get really restricted...that is my "stop" for stress. When that happens I know to take a break, to take it easy....calgon take me away! Who knew! So, thanks to everyone on the boards. You guys are a wealth of information and experiences. Thanks for getting me thru my weightloss! And for all you newbies, welcome to the board! Feel free to post any questions or concerns. You may encounter some negative feedback from time to time. Just remember that sometimes it's not you, it's them and where they are coming from. But I'm sure they wouldn't post it unless they genuinely wanted to help you. Keep your chin up! I'll stop in from time to time and I wish you all, every one of you, the best! Grace

It will stop and soon. You'll notice pain turn into discomfort and then that to nothing. If you are in pain you should take meds.... use 'em up! Some perspective, I have had children, gallstones, tummytuck...and today- dental work that consisted of sawing my bridge then pulling a tooth. The band was a breeze compared to the dentist! Hang in there and soon you will know it's all worth it.

I'm 38, haven't had a real friend since the 8th grade. Retired from the military (who has time for friends...and move so much) And haven't had a date in 10 years. You didn't mention if you had a hubby, but if you do.... ensure he is your best friend. Lean on those at church, or scrabble groups. My twin, the queen of extroverts tells me to say at least 5 words to every person that speaks to me. She had me practice at the check out, at the gas station. I'm a 'yes/no' - nouns and verbs...no need for prepositions, adj or adverbs! So, you have me if you ever want to talk.

I'll help with that!

They have this sort of thing on eBay. I tried to disable it going to options but do not see "box labelled 'Show Your Reputation Level'". Anyone see that box?

I agree with Weetsin, normal means what you can tolerate. No more mushie or liquids only. But that doesn't mean if you find candy is tolerated to eat tons of it! :rolleyes2: 20 pounds lost? Way to go!

I did a search and after looking at dozens of pages couldn't find what I was looking for. Port pain. Sore and sometimes feels like a gall stones...the same kind of pain. Before I go to my doctor only to spend a small fortune to find out it's nothing or nothing can be done....I thought I'd ask everyone on Lapbandtalk. I use a heating pad and lie down and that seems to do the trick. But it's everyday almost now. I just had an unfill so I could stop loosing weight. Any ideas?

Thought I'd take a peek in this thread as I have no insurance and went into this knowing that if I had any complications I'd get the band removed. I can get that done for free at the VA. But I cannot afford revison surgery or anything else. Just started having pain around my port area and have posted inquiring if anyone else has it and what it may be. Gaining the weight back is a concern for me if I have to end up getting my band removed. Seems many gain 5/10/15 pounds soon after but can get a handle on it. Thanks for the thread and everyone's posts.

I saw that this morning... no clue. So I will watch this thread, too.

Hey, thanks for that. I liken the pain to gallstones as I had them 10 years ago and had my gallbladder removed...and yes, it was on the right side. You know how we automatically cup something that hurts...like if you have a toothache, your hand comes up to hold it. Or if your side hurts, you put your hand there.... When it hurts, my hand naturally goes to the site of the pain...and it's the actual bump - the port. Thanks again for your post, hate it for you but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with this mysterious pain.

One year bandaversary is coming up.... anyone gonna do anything to mark the day?

Oh, it happened once about an hour or so after drinking milk. I used to be lactose intolerant before I was banded...now...nothing can move me except sugar. Do you think it's milk related? But it happened yesterday while I was cooking supper....3 hours after a meal. pizza and salad. One other time I can remember I had chicken salad.

OMGoodness! Did she just stick the needle in for the adjustment w/o anesthesia! Hope I just missed it. I'd die w/o it. And for a 3rd fill, don't you think they'd hope for restriction? I didn't see her do what my doc does.... keep the needle in, sit up, drink. Then he will adjust if necessary. Then lie back down and take the needle out. So glad you posted this video.... like patients, doctors are so different.

I just got lucky....plain and simple. I was told it was in the genes...but my twin who had bypass had to have surgery on her thighs/stomach/arms. Perhaps it was the yo-yoing, too. I would be 250 something, go on a diet and go down to 200 then back up, then another diet...down and up. Then Atkins down to 136, then back up to over 200..... because I wasn't at a constant 256 for years...this may be why I don't have loose skin. Don't get me wrong, mine is a tad loose but not even noticable...except my arms. I had a tummy tuck back 10 years ago during one of my yo-yos (swore it was the last time I was going to be heavy...but...) Everyone should exercise as the benefit is tremendous. But I don't. I don't even think I will for my arms...I know I should though. But me and exercise are like oil and Water....we just don't mix.

Don't worry..but I know it's hard not to. Many go thru the same thing you are and we've all found what works for us. I passed my goal weight and about 10 pounds later started worrying. I increased my calories and ate freqently but the pounds kept dropping. But it was slow weightloss and it's not going to hurt anything. When you go on maintenance it does take time to find the right balance between the band and you. Just like achieving restriction takes a few fills, likewise maintenance may take a few unfills. Congrats on your weightloss!

Yes, I might can help. I too have gone thru life stressors and turned to food for comfort. Luckily, my band prevented me from overeating and I just slimed everything up. But now that I'm on maintenance, I do have to be careful and not turn to food. But this is a process and a life long one at that. Don't beat yourself up over this. Allow yourself time to mourn and then get back on track. Utilize all the advice of exercising, walking, doing something other than eating...but if you do eat...don't sweat it. Take care of yourself and stay close to your doctor during times such as these.

Thanks for the post. Your experience will help someone else. Keep us posted!

I've found Dr. Huacuz very skilled and informed. Don't know much about the business aspects of his practice such as marketing but we shouldn't get caught up in bells and whistles....medicine is practiced.... and Dr. Huacuz is wonderful and out of hundreds of patients, maybe 1-2 have had issues...but those weren't directly related to his work.

Water exercises, the inversion table - not really an exercise but feels so good, pilates.... these are the only things I have found that don't hurt.

I don't have a problem with loose skin except my arms. They are a little...flabby isn't the word...just the loose skin under/behind them. My doc said arm exercises would cause the muscle to enlarge and thereby pulling the skin tighter. Toning, not bulk was advised.