Liz Bennet

I was banded Sept 2007, and it went well. I was underfilled the first time, overfilled 2nd time (flew back after a week), and then got it just right, and haven't been back since. All was going well: I am 5'8'' and went from 225lbs to 170, and have maintained. Would like to lose 20 more pounds, but don't know if I can be that disciplined, and am happy that I can wear "regular" clothes again, so if I don't lose any more but maintain between 165lbs and 170lbs, I won't stress out. Question though: Recently my port site is sticking out a bit, and I have had several bouts of major bloating and gassy feeling on my left side. Not necessarily constipated, but do has a level of discomfort, definite visible bloating. I feel that it does have something to do with the lapband. My restriction is still just about right. There is the sensation of having a ball of something stuck on my left side . And the port is hard and sticking out a bit more. I have had this three times, it does go away, but is uncomfortable and since I am so bloated my stomach sticks out, I feel I am losing groundl Has this happed to you?

I have lost a total of 40 lbs--have had 2 fills--1st one 1.2 cc's--little or no restriction, 2nd fill 2.0--too much restriction, so one week later had an unfill to 1.6cc. Now I have restriction in the morning, but around 4:00pm I can (and often do) eat more than I should. Seems most of my weight loss has been when I am forced to do liquids for the pre-op, post-op or around the fill procedures. I had hoped to be down another 10lbs by now, but at least I haven't gained weight, except a little at Xmas, which I dropped pretty quickly. I have 35 more pounds to lose to my goal weight of 150lbs or 45 for my dream weight of 140lbs or 50 more for my former younger days weight of 135 from ages 15-38. The truth for me about the band is that it isn't a magic wand, you still have to work at losing weight---but it sure does help!!!! Even if I never lose another pound, I sure look alot better than I did at 225!!

I am also from the Sacramento area & had surgery in Mexico. Starting weight 225/183/150. First fill was after 9 weeks (1.2cc---little or no restriction) My fill #2 (2.0cc in a 4.0 band 2 months later) experience is the same as yours. I am waiting to hear back from doctor re: an eventual loosening. I really don't want to fly back down there anytime soon, but will need to eat at some point!! I have lost some weight since the fill ( my 4 "extra" Christmas pounds and an additional 3 lbs in one week) but was surprised by a slight gain this AM---even tho' I probably didn't even get in 400 calories yesterday. I can hang in there for awhile, although my stomach is also a bit sore, I gurgle, burp, choke & slime alot---which, along with not being able to eat and drink in front of anyone, has cut into my social interaction considerably. Also am not sharing the fact that I had surgery with anyone but my husband, so have no good explanation as to why I am eating nothing other than just "dieting" which always gets people started on the "But you have to eat SOMETHING to be healthy"! Hot liquid protein meals are the only thing I can tolerate, and not until around noon. All I want is to be able to eat very small portions of real food 3 times a day. Will this happen with this fill eventually?

I had my second fill on 1/7/08, and have been worried it is too tight. Can't do much of anything in the AM--even water and a blood pressure pill is tough. Also slime almost everything until around 5 PM, then I can eat small amounts. By then I think I might be eating a total of too many calories (just a little bit at a time) when I can finally get something down in the evening. I really don't want an unfill, but am worried that I will never be able to have a breakfast or lunch in public again!!! But after reading several posts about tight fills tonight, it does seem that it loosens after awhile, & although the fill doctor told me I could eat solids after 24hrs, and it has been 5 days after my fill, I think I will go back on liquids for awhile. Seems like that works for people. Also not bad for weight loss! Has this worked for anyone? Did you loosen up after a week or so?

I was also not eligible---59 years old, and at 5'8", 225lbs didn't have the BMI even if I wasn't "too old". Went to Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, paid $8500, including hotel and transportation from San Diego airport. Was a very positive experience, can't imagine any better care. Look into it! Well worth it---am down 40lbs and although I did gain over the holidays, will have second fill this week & expect to get back on track.

I am in Sacramento--could you e-mail me your list of fill drs? Thanks! E mail: scotties4me@hotmail.com. Really appreciate it--my diet doctor says he can do it, but I am unsure as to his experience.

I just got banded 10 days ago, and so far only my husband, my hairdresser and a client who is very discrete and unconnected with other friends knows. I will be going to dinner with a couple we are very close with tomorrow, and at this stage, of course, I am unable to eat anything, so I am going to see how the "I'm on a diet of just clear liquids" goes over. She hasn't seen me for a few weeks & I have lost over 25 lbs, so it will be interesting to see if she notices... I guess I want people to think I am strong enough to lose the weight without "help". Feel like we get judged and labeled enough just being overweight & it would be nice to feel accomplished without people saying "Oh, you know she had surgery". They don't realize that there is still a lot of work and discipline involved---they don't call it bandster hell for nothing. Good Luck & I am sure you will find your own path as to who you tell or not.

Thanks, Lynne. I appreciate your taking the time to give me the benefit of your experience. It does seem that everyone says they would do it all over again, so how horrible can it be? I suppose people who have not been successful or are miserable don't go on these boards as much, but the sheer number of people getting lap band should speak to the success of the procedure. I look forward to no longer being the fattest person in the room (it would be too much trouble to go out and find fatter friends!) Thanks again for your support!

Thanks so much for responding. I do think that I am going to go through with the banding. I had started back with my diet Dr. last week anyway, and am following a protein fast program. Have already lost 10 lbs in 6 days--have to lose 11lbs before the surgery, so I am already there--although I am going to Monterey this week, and will have to "eat"--basically for the last time normally for the rest of my life. The following week is the week before my surgery & I will be back on the liquid diet for a week. Already, the knowledge that I am getting this done has pretty much started to change my habits. I am working on chewing (I realize I really never chewed much--surprised I haven't choked to death by now!) and my "cheats" have been with a solid protein like a piece of steak or chicken. So I can see how the banding will be a good tool. Thank you for your support and information, and best of luck to you in your ongoing journey!

I am reading these posts and freaking out! I am scheduled for 9/6 in TJ. I need to know if I am ruining my life by doing this. My impression when talking to my weight loss Dr. and reading about lap band surgery was that, after all the post-op dietary restrictions, that I would be able to lose weight, then maintain that loss by eating small portions of "normal", healthy foods. Chewing slowly and thoroughly as required would change my "fast gulp--more is better" eating style. Eating just a small amount and feeling full would re-train me. I thought I could go out to dinner, avoid certain foods, but fake it that I was just a reformed fatty. But now I hear about sliming, PBs, golf balls in your chest, always looking for the nearest bathroom. It sounds like this surgery makes you a freak! I am definitely overweight, look like a parody of my former self---am 5'8" 225lbs--so maybe not quite as heavy as some--but really determined to find a solution to manage my weight for the rest of my life. I can sacrifice, but can I slime...? I don't want to go out with other couples and have clear soup as my special treat and hope I don't embarress myself by running, burping and gagging to the bathroom! My question---will I ever taste a taco or piece of pizza again (don't mind having just one and chewing it for 10 minutes) Can I go out to a fine restaurant and be fun and charming and appear to be eating normally, albeit, sparingly? And, most of all---it sounds like everybody is really hungry when they are not throwing up or PBing. Tell me what is good--and tell me fast before I pay my next installment and head to TJ.

Hi--just joined. I am 59 and made a quickie decision to go for it. I will have surgery in Mexico in less than 3 weeks. 59 looks old on paper, but I only feel old because I am overweight which is keeping me from doing all sorts of things--tennis (more because I can't fit into any outfits than because I am unable to play) skiing (same reason as previously mentioned) visiting old friends who would be shocked to see me, going places with my husband. Leaving my house...etc, etc. Didn't want to hit the big 6-0 and continue life as usual. Have not been a great dieter, but find that just knowing I am doing the surgery has made me stick to my current diet. At 63, you will have many years ahead--why not make them "new life" years?