Kat225

How much experience has this doc had with the band???

It would make more sense to me to completely unfill you then slowly fill you with little bits at a time so you can eat and have some relief. Who cares about weight loss at this point. You will still lose weight you will just have to work harder.

Why won't your doc completely unfill you??? Your going to starve!!

Amber, maybe you need to be unfilled some. It sounds like you are too tight. Was it always like this or just since your fills??? It doesn't sound like you are eating too fast or doing anything wrong. It just seems like your too restricted or worst case would be your band slipped. How long have you had your band? Did you get it in the US or Mexico?

I saved up, used my income tax return, and borrowed from family. Spent $7,769 all together in Juarez, MX.

I had my surgery April 2nd with Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, MX. I was also treated like a Queen!!! My patient facilitor gave me a complete list of docs that will work with his patients all over the US. I have an appt. May 21st for my first fill. The truth is Mexico has more experienced docs but you can get good care in both US and MX. In response to the person who wrote about the chewed bone...all docs get chewed bones. What if I had my band in PA but then moved to Texas. I would obviously have to see a new doc so what's tthe difference??? I'm tired of people putting down MX. I was never treated so well in my life when I went there. The quality of care was excellent!! I'm tired of the US superior attitiude. US docs need to stop being snobs!

Southwest or Air Tran. Depends on where you live and where your headed.

I've had a few crackers with my chicken salad and I had no problems...I chewed really well. The only way to know is to try it. Just watch the portion because of carbs/sugar...

Shortgal, I go for my first fill on May 21st. I map quested the distance and it will probably be about an hour and 20 minutes to get there. I don't know how often I will get fills. I guess every doc is different in how they do things but I'm thinking I will get one as often as I need to...you know when I am not losing and I can eat way too much and I'm not staying full between meals & stuff. From what I hear those are the indications it's time for a fill. It seems each doc does things a different way so that will be a factor if she only gives small fills or larger ones. I also have to pay out of pocket for my fills and they are $200 each one, so I guess finances will also play a part in how often I get a fill. I'm praying I am one of those fortunate people who get restriction earlier rather than later. Right now it's too early to tell...

Yeah I just got banded April 2nd. I started eating soft foods now. Soft meat like crab, turkey lunch meat, or really tender chicken. I also eat a lot of sugar free popsickles, sugar free pudding, yogert, eggs salad, tuna salad, Soups and SF Jello. I need to eat more veggies. I've always had problems with this area. My main problem is fighting hunger in the evenings and weekends. Some is real hunger and some is head hunger. Oh and bread!! I love bread.... I have a doctor to do my fills in Fredrick, MD. I live in PA but this is the closest doc that will work with Mexico patients. BTW, I had a wonderful experience in MX. Treated like a queen. Unfortunately PA is too far to continue to travel to MX for my after care. Texas residents are much more fortunate in that way. I'm learning day by day to eat more like a banster. Not drinking when eating is difficult for me. That's when I used to take in most of my fluids before, so it's an adjustment. As for exercise, I've started walking short distances like around the block. I have to get up my endurance. I am really out of shape. I get winded easily. I don't know how I left myself get this way. It's gonna take a lot of work to get back to a healthy weight and lifestyle. I thought soda would be harder to give up than it is, but it's been four weeks since my last diet soda. I think it's because I can't drink when I eat that makes it so much easier. I used to love soda with a meal.

Shortgal, I'm glad everything is cool and we can agree to support one another. I look forward to learning from you and others on this board. I respect everyone's opinion and advice. So what has been working so far for you? What and how much are you eating?

Hastings, I like what you said about hunger not being an emergency. I know for me it always was. It's like I thought if I don't eat something I will die and the truth is No I won't. food was always a way of relieving anxiety so it did feel like an emergency at times. I hate the feeling of being hungry but your right it's not an emergency, I will be able to eat once again. I don't live in a third world country where food is limited. This really helped me! Thanks! THis will definitely be something I tell myself the next time I am hungry and want to run to the fridge before my scheduled meal time.

Shortgal, I'm sorry you took offence to my post or even misunderstood what I was saying. All I was attepting to convey is that if one of is not perfect everyday it's not because we are not trying. My post also suggested that bansters try their best to eat healthy and not to give up. I never said that a banster can not succeed without restriction, I was just saying that restriction was the tool that we all talk about, otherwise we would all continue to be on low-carb diets without a band. Of course we should all try our best to follow banster rules until we get to a proper restriction level but if we mess up it's because we are battling an addiction and it is too be expected. I also suggested that people who are struggling to attend support meetings to help with over-eating so they can deal with their food issues. I too stated that we are all different and different things will work for different people. I don't think we are saying anything different from one another and my post was not directed to you particularly. I just wanted people to be aware that food/overeating is an addiction and for those of us who truely suffer from it struggle with being in control. I was not advocating for people to not try while they were not restricted. I wanted to encourage them to hang in there and not beat themselves up for not being perfect. This is a process that is not going to happen overnight. I meant no disrespect to anyone nor do I mean any now, things on these boards are always gettting blown out of proportion. I would never say anything to offen anyone but I am entitled to an opinion like everyone else here. We are all in this together. Lets support each other through banster hell instead of against. My post was an attept to educate, not to offend. I hope this clears up any misunderstandings.

I just want to say to those of you who are in full control of your eating and can't relate to those of us who want the band to help us gain control.... I am an addictions counselor and when you are addicted to something you no longer have WILLPOWER. WILLPOWER is a joke to someone with an addiction. Ask any crack addict if they want to smoke crack and prostitute themselves out for drugs and see what they say!! For alcohol and drug addction, abstinence is key because a thousand will never be enough. With a food addiction abstinence is not an option so it is like telling an alcoholic to have one beer, it doesn't work! The band to a food addicted person is the tool they need to control their eating because they couldn't on their own. So if people are upset because they do not have restriction, that's why. I agree that some of us need to be a little more patient and not give up too quickly, but their feelings of sadness when their band is not working YET, are valid! Everyone talks about the band being a tool but if the tool is not working yet then it's like living as if you never had it. This means trying to control an addiction and it is not possible for most folks. I am only 3 wks out and my hunger is back with avengance. However, I have had no fills yet, not until 6 wks out, but I am not giving up or even complaining because I expected to go through bandster hell. I just wanted to shed some light on why people are waititng for restriction. Restriction is what makes the band effective. I do encourage those who are struggling to hang in there and try your hardest to eat healthy. Stay positive and don't let others get you down. Not everyone is the same so not everyone will lose the same way. In addition, I'm seriously considering going to some OA meetings for support with my food addiction...maybe it will help some others who are having difficulties.

I'm newly banded, just 13 days out, but I am worried about the same thing. I can eat more than I should. I think portions do matter because you don't want to stretch the pouch. Isn't that one of the reasons we can't have carbonated beverages because of the air bubbles stretching the stoma? I'm trying to be careful to keep my portions down even if it is within my calorie range. Just a thought.

Just wanted to ask everyone to keep me in your prayers tomorrow for the big day. I'm so afraid I will fail at this like I did at all my diets. I mean I guess we all failed at diets or we wouldn't need the band but I just lost confidence in myself. All the repeated attempts to lose and then failing has been internalized. All I'm asking God for is to help me regain control again. I gotta believe I can do this with the help of God and the band. Did anyone else feel like this????

Hi everyone. I am back from surgery. I went to Juarez, MX to Hospital Angeles to have my surgery performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Everything went great! I can not say enough about how well I was treated. From the minute I got off the plan in El Paso the driver was waiting for me. He was nice as he coversated with me and my BFF the whole time driving in to Juarez, which took about 20-30 min. As soon as we got to the hospital Paulina and Lepita were waiting for me. I had my xrays then got settled in my room for the EKG, blood work, and IV. As I was getting prepped the doctors all came in to introduce themselves. The anaesthesiologist was so nice. she held my hand while she was talking to me and then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. THe nurses were so gentle and caring. They treated my guest like a queen. THe male nurses that usually worked in the evening and overnight were all very attractive!!! Their English was a little shakey but it was easy to communicate with them. I barely remember anything as far as the surgery and recovery but a few hours later I was up walking with a little discomfort. Just felt a lot of pressure from the gas. Was a little uncomfortable to sleep so I got up and walked the halls. The hospital and the staff were top of the line. I was treated far better than I ever was in the US. I really have not one complaint!!!! Had my surgery April 2nd and I'm still a little sore and don't feel like doing a whole lot. Very tired from the time difference and the traveling. On top of a 5 hour flight, our flight was delayed on the runway for an hour and half coming home so we were very exhausted. I went to the drug store for some gas-x strips and then to the grocery store for some sugar free popsicles and broth. I had my 11 yr old daughter to help me with carrying everything. As far as hunger...I have some both physical and head hunger. It's going to be a challenge breaking those old habits of eating for comfort and coping, but I am feeling confident. If anyone wants info about my experience please feel free to contact me. Kat

Hi everyone. I am back from surgery. I went to Juarez, MX to Hospital Angeles to have my surgery performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Everything went great! I can not say enough about how well I was treated. From the minute I got off the plan in El Paso the driver was waiting for me. He was nice as he coversated with me and my BFF the whole time driving in to Juarez, which took about 20-30 min. As soon as we got to the hospital Paulina and Lepita were waiting for me. I had my xrays then got settled in my room for the EKG, blood work, and IV. As I was getting prepped the doctors all came in to introduce themselves. The anaesthesiologist was so nice. she held my hand while she was talking to me and then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. THe nurses were so gentle and caring. They treated my guest like a queen. THe male nurses that usually worked in the evening and overnight were all very attractive!!! Their English was a little shakey but it was easy to communicate with them. I barely remember anything as far as the surgery and recovery but a few hours later I was up walking with a little discomfort. Just felt a lot of pressure from the gas. Was a little uncomfortable to sleep so I got up and walked the halls. The hospital and the staff were top of the line. I was treated far better than I ever was in the US. I really have not one complaint!!!! Had my surgery April 2nd and I'm still a little sore and don't feel like doing a whole lot. Very tired from the time difference and the traveling. On top of a 5 hour flight, our flight was delayed on the runway for an hour and half coming home so we were very exhausted. I went to the drug store for some gas-x strips and then to the grocery store for some sugar free popsicles and broth. I had my 11 yr old daughter to help me with carrying everything. As far as hunger...I have some both physical and head hunger. It's going to be a challenge breaking those old habits of eating for comfort and coping, but I am feeling confident. If anyone wants info about my experience please feel free to contact me. Kat

Hi everyone. I am back from surgery. I went to Juarez, MX to Hospital Angeles to have my surgery performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Everything went great! I can not say enough about how well I was treated. From the minute I got off the plan in El Paso the driver was waiting for me. He was nice as he coversated with me and my BFF the whole time driving in to Juarez, which took about 20-30 min. As soon as we got to the hospital Paulina and Lepita were waiting for me. I had my xrays then got settled in my room for the EKG, blood work, and IV. As I was getting prepped the doctors all came in to introduce themselves. The anaesthesiologist was so nice. she held my hand while she was talking to me and then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. THe nurses were so gentle and caring. They treated my guest like a queen. THe male nurses that usually worked in the evening and overnight were all very attractive!!! Their English was a little shakey but it was easy to communicate with them. I barely remember anything as far as the surgery and recovery but a few hours later I was up walking with a little discomfort. Just felt a lot of pressure from the gas. Was a little uncomfortable to sleep so I got up and walked the halls. The hospital and the staff were top of the line. I was treated far better than I ever was in the US. I really have not one complaint!!!! Had my surgery April 2nd and I'm still a little sore and don't feel like doing a whole lot. Very tired from the time difference and the traveling. On top of a 5 hour flight, our flight was delayed on the runway for an hour and half coming home so we were very exhausted. I went to the drug store for some gas-x strips and then to the grocery store for some sugar free popsicles and broth. I had my 11 yr old daughter to help me with carrying everything. As far as hunger...I have some both physical and head hunger. It's going to be a challenge breaking those old habits of eating for comfort and coping, but I am feeling confident. If anyone wants info about my experience please feel free to contact me. Kat

I had my surgery the day after you and I am extremely tired too. Feeling a little guilty too. Not sure if I should be resting to feel better or walking for faster healing???

This is why I only wanted a few people to even know about me getting the surgery. I get my band tomorrow but I'm sure the people that do know will eventually annoy me too with their questions. My sister had gastric bypass a few months back and I am not looking forward to being compared to her either. It's not a competition, but she will make it one I'm sure.

April 2nd here! I'm going to Juarez, MX to get banded by the great Dr. Jose Rodriguez!! Anyone else going to MX???

What's up with sugar-free candy?? Can I have it or not???? It's supposed to have a low impact on blood sugar. If it's low carb and low cal, why not, right???

My doc just put me on new meds. Will I be able to take them after surgery? One of them comes in a capsule form so I can't cut it or crush it. Will it get stuck?:mad2:

I'm not banded yet...April 2nd. I take Nexium (capsule). Does anyone know if it comes in a liquid form??? I also will be taking Cymbalta. I haven't gotten it filled yet so I don't know what form it comes in. I'm going to MX to have my surgery so I haven't talked to my surgeon about it. Wasn't an issue until now since my doc just prescribed these. Sounds like it depends on the size of the pill and the person huh?