clg8579

Well, I sure screwed up. I did a ton of research on the procedure but neglected to research a local aftercare facility or doctor. Had surgery in Mexico on Thursday and now have a slight problem with port incision that needs some attention. Does anyone know of a doctor in Michigan (preferrably Grand Rapids or Holland) that will perform aftercare on someone who had the surgery done in Mexico? Thank you Chris

Ok, here's a new one for me. Banded in Mexico 5/26 and everything has pretty much been fine. Went to a local doctor for my first fill 5 weeks later. He had a really difficult time getting the saline needle into the port. He pushed and pushed for all he was worth until he FINALLY got it in. (I was actually bruised). He told me even though the ultrasound didn't show it he thought my port was tipped. Went back to him a week later because the fill didn't take and he was able to get the needle in right away. He explained he should be able to feel the top of the port, similar to the shape of a dime, but all he was feeling was an edge. I personally haven't felt anything. The other day I leaned against my cupboard right in the port area. Since then I have been able to feel the port. All I have to do is run my hand over my stomach and I can feel it (I don't have to push at all). But all I can feel is on the left side of the port - certainly not a dime shape. There isn't any pain. I've lost some weight (28.5lbs) put don't really think that's why all of a sudden I can feel it. The question is this - If something is not right I would feel much better going to my original surgeon in TJ to have him look at it. However, I paid a lot of $ to this local doctor and he wouldn't charge anything to fix it (except hospital costs if necessary). I'm just not as comfortable with him. Has anyone had their port flip or get tipped? How does it get fixed? Is it expensive? Sorry for the long post - thanks for the advice. Chris

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! It's one of the greatest feelings, and just think, the next step is ALL of your clothes are 18's!!!! Great job! Chris

Hi Karen, I decided to see Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills for aftercare. It's been a little "different" experience. I had my first fill ( 1.5 cc) but it didn't really take as I have no restriction. I contacted Dr. Pleatman and he agreed to see me the next week. Unfortunately, I couldn't get in so I see him Monday, hopefully, for an additional fill. If the 2nd one doesn't take I plan on getting the rest of the fills I'll need in Mexico. Keep your fingers crossed

I never thought doing some house cleaning could be so much fun! I was banded on 5/26 and according to my doctor's scale, am down 16.5lbs. Today I decided it was time to go through my closets and see what fit and what needed to be given away. I have two large walk in closets in my house: one in my bedroom and one upstairs that is filled with bags of clothes that do not fit. The closet in my bedroom has one rack of suits that I wear all the time, one rack of blouses I wear all the time and one rack of suits that don't fit but will soon. The last suit I bought (about 6-8 weeks ago) was an 18W (it was little big but not too much). I ended up touching EVERY piece of clothing in my house today and can you believe it - I was able to fit into some 14W's!!!!! Talk about fun!!! I got rid of 3/4's of the suits off the rack that fit; moved over 3/4's of suits from the rack that almost fit to the side that now fit AND brought 3 suits down from UPSTAIRS and put them on the rack that fits!! I went through EVERYTHING: summer clothes, sweaters, suits, you name it. I ended up with 5 1/2 super big garbage bags of clothes to give to Goodwill. I feel so great! This is what the band is doing for me. I had my bad week/ week and 1/2 immediately after I went off liquids after being banded and got depressed. Then I asked some of the veterans who were very close to goal what they were doing and you know what they said? They were doing exactly what their doctors had told them to do! Eat Protein, drink lots of Water, moderate exercise, small bites, stop eating after 20 minutes, control the quality, and it was working! I decided right then and there that was what I was going to do. I didn't spend all this money, time and energy to not follow the directions my doctor told me, and that I was going to be successful in this weight loss journey. I haven't started my exercise yet but I plan on starting walking on my treadmill tomorrow. I can't wait to get on the scale Monday (the only day I weight myself). Just knowing that if I work at this (like I've done before), with the help of a little band, I'll be able to clean out my closets MANY more times in the future! Thanks for listening. Chris

Isn't it funny how everyone is different? I think it was all of his answers to my questions that bothered me the most about my fill experience. Well, besides the fact that he couldn't get the saline needle into the port. How often can I be filled? Every 6 weeks but sometimes sooner. If you can eat bread and steak you need a fill How long will it take for the fills to kick in? Immediately! You will feel restriction right away and will not be able to eat as much as you are right now. I've read it can take up to a couple of weeks? Don't believe everything you read. How long on liquids after a fill? You are not on liquids at all. Start eating normal foods right away. (But then when I got out of his office, his nurse told me to stay on liquids for the remainder of the day. I said, he said I didn't have to and she said you really should. ?????) I sent him an email last night and told him my concerns and he said for me to come in and see him again next week. He only put in 1.5 cc so I think I'll go in next week and see what happens. I'll be careful though. It's such a nerve racking but exciting thing trying to get this right. Chris

La madam, Did you get filled more frequently in the beginning? I had my first fill yesterday of 1.5cc. I haven't really noticed too much different - really the only difference is having to eat slower. My dr told me sometimes the first fill doesn't take too well and I may have to have another fill fairly quickly. Huh? Made me wish I had gone to Mexico for my first fill instead of a local dr. Another question - I have read that you should not eat for more than 15 - 20 mins. But what if you are still hungry? Should you stop or should you eat more until you feel a little full? Tonight all I fixed for dinner was a tuna steak - not sure how big but it was good sized. I stopped eating after 20 mins but was still hungry and I'm sure I could have eaten the whole steak. Thanks for any comments. Chris

Thanks for the advice about Dr Baker. All of my healthcare professionals are part of MMPC but because I had surgery done in Mexico they will not provide aftercare. My bad - I just assumed they would which is why I didn't seek out aftercare before surgery. I am planning on using Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills. Thanks again. Chris

Lisa, I asked myself very similar questions to the ones you are asking yourself right now. Here's how I finally made my decision after I had done my research: I am 5'4 1/2" and weighted 219.5 day before surgery. Definitely an emotional eater. I have lost significant amounts of weight 3 times in my life but have gained it all back and then some. I'm the type of person who has to exercise and diet to lose any weight. The last time I was fast walking 4 miles a day just so I could continue to lose, and then I STILL gained it back. I chose the lapband because I'm willing to do the work (just not 4-5 miles a day) by eating right and exercising BUT with the lapband, I shouldn't ever gain it back unless I do something stupid. Do on my own and probably gain back? Do lapband, work at it and not gain back? I had surgery 5/26, lost 14.5lbs right away, gained 1 back when I went to solids. I haven't eaten the best but have not gained anything back. Monday I start the rest of my life. Good luck to you. Chris

The stockings are strong support hose to help stop blood clots. You'll put them on before surgery. I was able to take mine off the next day. No big deal. Good luck! Chris

HOORAY!!! I never even thought of checking with UHC to see if they would cover fills and aftercare!! They don't cover the surgery in Michigan. Thank you for (possibly) making my whole weekend!!! Chris

Hi, I am scheduled for my first fill on Thursday with Dr. Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills. I live in Grand Rapids and could not find anyone to provide aftercare because I had surgery done in Mexico. I have heard many good things about Dr. Pleatman. I can't remember how much he charges per fill but I know he charges $2,000 for 2 years of aftercare no matter how many fills you have. I have had to send him an email about a problem I thought I was having and he responded RIGHT away. Good luck with your search and please let me know if you find anyone else. Chris

Be happy Tink and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What an exciting time of your life. I am 5'41/2" and weighted 219.5 day before surgery. Down 13.5lbs so far (haven't eatten the best and no exercise yet). I start walking on Monday and get first fill on Thursday. Can not wait!!! Welcome to the next phase of your life my friend! Chris

I was banded May 26th, lost 14.5lbs (I swear just by blinking) Went on solid foods and gained 1lb. Then the week before my period got here and I ate the refrigerator ( I hate when that happens). Guess what? I haven't gained anything back! First off, when have you ever lost that much weight in such a short time and KEPT it off? I surely never did. First fill is scheduled for next week and I can't wait - more restriction please. Keep the faith and we'll get there! Chris

HOLY SMOKES - down 57lbs in 2 1/2 months????? Who cares if anybody notices - you must!! I want to be just like you!!!!!! Right now I am praying to the weight loss gods (please let me be like her) I am 4 weeks postop and down 13.5 lbs, which actually I was thrilled with. I am WAY impressed and THRILLED with your success!!! You go girl!!!

Dreamweaver, No, haven't asked Dr. Pleatman's office but I have asked on various boards and everyone told me he does not do fluro. I know what you mean - I want restriction too! (eager little beaver's aren't we?) Same day flight huh? That's a great idea - very long day though. I can't remember how much he charges per fill but he will provide all aftercare (no matter how many fills) for two years for $2,000. I know Dr. Ortiz's office doesn't charge for the fills but you pay $100 for the fluro, hotel cost if you stay overnight, transportation costs and air fare. Pretty close when all together I think. I'm planning on calling Pleatman's office on Monday and asking about amount of fill on the first visit - that will probably help me decide. I'll keep you posted. If I don't end up going to TJ, give Dr Ortiz a hug for me (if you tell him it's from Chris Gaiser he'll get a kick out of it - apparantly right after surgery I was crying and grabbed him around the neck and hugged him). Amazing what you'll do when you're drugged Chris

Hello all, Banded on May 26th by Dr. Ortiz and first fill scheduled 6/29 by Dr. Pleatman. I don't know why but I'm having a tough time with this first fill idea. Mexico (7 hour flight) or Bloomfield Hills (2 hour drive)? Originally, I just planned on flying to Mexico every time because Dr. Ortiz told me they tend to be more aggressive then US doctors. I don't want to have to keep going for numerous fills because a doctor is being too conservative! But, I figured I needed (somewhat) local care. Unfortunately, Dr. Pleatman does not use fluoro (sp), which is bugging me. It's getting really close and I need to make up my mind about this. I have a 10.0cm band. Does anyone know what the "normal" amount of fill should be for the first time? Maybe I should call Pleatman's office and ask what they normally do the first time? Thanks for your help! Chris

This is wild that this subject come up because I just asked my doctor about this on Tuesday. My first 3 days are horrible (bloating, pain, more bloating, more pain). Tylenol does nothing. Preband I would take mega motrin all day long. Doctor said no advil, perhaps birth control pills or hysterectomy. Huh???? I just wanted pain drugs! Anyway, could someone please tell me what hydrocodone is and what nuvaring is? I'm trying to get prepared for this next week (oh joy). Thanks Chris

I lost 14.5 in the first two weeks and only once since then. I am 4 weeks postop now.

Dreamweaver, I wondered if I saw you in his office! I had surgery performed by Dr. Ortiz on May 26th, and I agree, the experience was fine and Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez are WONDERFUL! Very responsive, very kind! I'm not sure if I will be going back for fills as I too, live in Michigan and it was such a long trip. I have a fill appt set up for next week with Dr. Pleatman but I truly just can't decide. Any opinions? Chris

Ok, this is making me nervous. Newly banded and haven't pbed yet but first fill is next week. Would you recommend avoiding driving after a fill? Chris

Dr. P. uses a sonogram to locate the port and that aids in not getting stuck or missing the port when getting fills. Thank you T, even knowing this little bit helps. Since Dr. Pleatman didn't do my surgery I was wondering how he did this. Not a big needle fan and I guess I am getting a little nervous. Chris

I am still nervous. Is such a reaction the norm? The tears? These feeling of failure tinged with cautious optimism? I had to laugh (with you) when you asked the above. I was as calm and cool about this surgery as I could get. I only told 2 people (didn't even tell my husband) and went to Mexico by myself. Was fine. Immediately after surgery Dr. Ortiz came in and asked me why I was crying. I don't remember any of this but he said I grabbed him around the neck and hugged him! Apparently, I needed a hug Crying is my way of reliving stress and I guess I let it build up. Be very optimistic - we are all excited for you!

Just plan on taking it easy. I am 23 days post op and my port area still feels sore. I even tried wearing nylons yet beause it seems like my port incision is right at that line. Best of everything to you! Chris

"DeLarla - I give up with you. Phooey on the whole thing. " DeLarla, NO WAY you are giving up! You are my inspiration!!! You are already down 67lbs and you look FABULOUS in the latest picture I saw of you! You're one of my rocks and if you need another one feel free to get in touch with me. I'll throw away my box of Cheezit's if you'll throw away a box/bag of your's Hang in there with me please! Chris