AudricIan

I feel your pain. I went to Mexico and it was 8500 (December 07 price)with Dr. Ortiz, no one went with me and I drove myself home 2 days later (about 3 hours from mexico border). You will be there with a group of people and you will all stay at the hotel together (separate rooms of course). I hardly felt like I was there alone. I do not know much about Dr. Raumbaut but I know there is one in Mexico that you should avoid all together, really high failure rate. I would do a search on LBT with Dr. Raumbaut's name to see if there are any complaints. If you have a fill center close then you should be okay and if your primary MD is training to be a fill center you will be even better off! Good luck to you and your journey....I probably wouldn't waste my time with your insurance, they are not going to budge.

Denise, I did have a slight unfill, however, it just kept getting tighter and tighter. I am sure that I was dehydrated as when you do not get enough liquids the band gets tighter. It was a cycle, not enough water, tighter band, too tight to drink, band gets tighter and tighter. I have not had any reflux since the band was loosened. I have gained about 2 lbs back over the past month but honestly I am okay with that. Me at 129 lbs was kind of scary LOL! We did use a huber needle and accessing my port was very easy since it is just under the skin, there is no fat around it at all. I am thankful for a true friend who rushed over on her day off and took care of me. I did find out that my local fill center now has Fluoro which is exciting, the fill center is only 1 mile from my house. I know the warning signs now, any reflux and I will be scheduling an unfill. Sooverit, speaking of cheeseburgers, I had one today and OMG did it taste good!!!! Probably gained another pound back, I may have to go get .1 -.2 cc's put back in because I can eat anything and don't have to chew it to shreds first. Still some restriction and decent I feel full for 4-5 hours. I officially love my band again!

Denise and other LBT'ers, Well, today was a very scary day for me. All night long I had reflux, really bad, I would wake up choking. It has been going on for a few days. No other problems though, but I know that my band is still too tight. I can only eat 2-4 oz. of food per day. Since I was banded in Mexico, it's not like I could just load up the kids and run down to Dr. Ortiz without an appointment. I had been trying to get in at the fill center to get some taken out but, they are only open in my area on Thursday and I knew that I could not wait until Thursday, I may choke to death in my sleep. So I thought of going to the ER. Then I thought about the horror stories of people waiting in the ER. I could just see me with my two young kids, dad is at work all day today. They want to run you through a million tests and then maybe they can find someone to help you with your band issues. Since I am not a doctor, they probably wouldn't even listen to me when I am telling them what they need to do. Then I called my friend who is a home health nurse/former ER nurse. She rushed over I did the unthinkable and let her take some fill out of my band. She only took about .4 cc's out but WOW do I feel better. (She used the correct needle for anyone who is reading this....don't freak out). It was super fast and very easy for her to do, my port is popping out of my abdomen since I have lost so much weight. I am able to drink an entire bottle of water now without gagging. I haven't drank an entire bottle of water in about 5 months. My fears of band slippage are gone, I was still a little too tight. Today is the first time that I thought to myself "what have I done to my body". I thought if I could take this band out myself I would. I don't suggest anyone do what I had to do today. It worked for me, I still have some restriction and hopefully tonight I can rest without fears of choking on reflux. :thumbup: Has anyone else suffered from bad reflux from being too tight? Relieved, Nicole

I can't wait to use this one. I think getting food stuck is right up there with the feeling of....child labor or maybe facial waxing. I pb almost everday at lunch time...wonder if I can do this in the bathroom at the office? Sticking your finger down your throat to help gag it up is not only gross, it is also not good on the band. I will let you all know when I use this fancy new move! LOL

I have had my band for about 6 months. Everything has been smooth for me, post op was a breeze, losing weight has been rather easy. However, the last two days I have had this dull aching pain over the entire left side of my abdomen. I am so worried about my port because it is tender all around the port. Could this be hormones? I am about 1 week from my TOM. Could the port have flipped? Do you experience pain when the port flips? Maybe it is just gas...I don't feel like I need to pass any gas though. The ache goes alll the way around to my back. Could it be my gallbladder? I really can't go down to TJ to see my doctor right now, it takes an entire day for me to do that. Has anyone ever had an aching pain on the left side of their abdomen for several days? I am praying that it is just gas.....:confused2::confused2::confused2: I was self pay so if I go to my regular physician complaining of side pain I wonder if insurance will cover it. I really hope I didn't get an infection somehow, 6 months from surgery I would think I am past all of that. Errosion maybe????

I forgot that I started this thread. Let me tell you all what happened to my side pain. I was overfilled and I kept PB'ing. So to help with my hunger, I began drinking a lot of milk and instant breakfast. Everytime I would drink the milk, my side would start to hurt, really bad. So, I cut out the milk for a few days and the pain went away. Then, I drank a milkshake and the pain came right back. So, it must be something to do with the milk, or lactose. I just quit drinking so much milk and I feel a lot better.

I would love to go crazy and eat a huge Cheeseburger in like 5 minutes...sadly, with the right restriction, you will not be able to scarf down that cheeseburger. However, I can promise you that after 5-6 bites of that big juicy cheeseburger, you will feel like you splurged and ate the entire thing!!! You will be so full that you will not wan to eat another cheeseburger for a year. Common misconsception is that you will be starving and not be able to eat anything. With the right restriction, you will not be starving and you will be able to eat...just not as much:scared2:. As for me, long time no chat. I have some great updates, one: I no longer work from home, back in the office....which means no LBT :cool2: during the day...okay, that one was not so great. Two: I am 1 lb below my goal weight. I weigh in at 129 in the morning:lol::w00t::tt2:. Three: I have blown my dream to be a size 7....I am now a size 5:thumbs_up::thumbs_up:. I can't believe that I am now one of those skinny chicks that you envy so much. I go to a dept store and instead of worrying if the size 16 is going to fit me, I can't seem to find a size 5 that is small enough in the butt and legs. I actually got a new pair of slacks that are a 4P....the P means petite!!!! My hubby acutally tells me I am too skinny, I don't think there is such a thing. My confidence is through the roof! With my new found confidence, I have been promoted to supervise all of my fellow Nurses! That explains why I no longer work from home. So, to anyone who doubts the band, like I did, just hang in there, get those fills and watch it work! I did it in 8 months, over 50lbs lost!

Armywife, Wow, I must have put that comment in a while ago! I am now 140.8 (as of this morning) My husband is calling me anorexic (no clue how to spell that word). I have been pb'ing and sliming quite a bit since the second fill. I finally got the courage up to call and schedule a slight unfill and low and behold, I was able to eat that day! Maybe I was just freaking myself out or maybe the last 2-3 lbs I have lost made the difference. Either way, I am happy I can eat again and I am still losing. I was going through some old paperwork the other day and I ran across my military records. When I enlisted I was 18 and I weighed 139 lbs. I am now 30 and I weigh 140 lbs. I just can't believe it. I want to go run a marathon and shop til I drop! My goal was 130 lbs or a size 7 pants. I am now a size 8 pant (in the waist) my legs and butt are more like a size 6. This is actually working for me, now if I could only get my butt to the gym and tone up:bored:. I hope your journey goes as smoothly as mine has. Don't slack with your follow up care and if you ever get to the point where you are too "tight", don't wait 4 months like me to call your doctor. Everyone on here has given such good advice and so many people have gone through what you have so far and what you will in the future. Trust your gut and trust LBT! Take care.

This all sounds true to me. You have to look at it like this, it has taken 10 years to figure out how to "install" the band and figure out how to take care of the band once installed. The first people to have it done and the first doctor's to perform the surgery had no idea what they were getting into. Now, we have all the research and studies to help our surgeons do the job correctly and for us to take care of our bands. Do you think the first 100 people who had the band knew how often to get a fill or an unfill, do you think they knew what the pain in their shoulder or chest was? No way, it was all new and no research had been done. In essence, Europe and other countires were the "guinea" pigs. I have faith in my surgeon but, there are not too many people on here that have had the band 5 + years. This doctor in the video may only do RNY so of course he is going to "knock" the band and try and scare people from getting the band, he is losing business.

I forgot to add that I am 30 now, I went to a rated 'R" movie over the weekend with my 15 year old niece. When I went to buy the tickets I actually was carded, not kidding! What a confidence boost.

Do it! I chopped mine off, about 12 inches shorter than it was. I too went dark as my natural color is a "dirty blonde". I have gotten so many comments. Everyone says my eyes look stunning, big and blue. With my long hair no one ever noticed my big baby blues. Now they POP! I love my short hair too.

*When you go to dinner with your family of 4 and only order two meals. One for dad and one for yourself and two young children. Then, ask the server for a to go box for what you couldn't finish. *When your first "meal" of the day is at 6pm, it's called dinner *When your 5 year old gets done eating and he starts patting his chest and saying "I need to let my food digest" (that is my code for "it's stuck") *When shopping at costco or Sam's Club (for groceries) isn't fun anymore:sad: *When you shop at Costco or Sam's Club and buy a pair of pants that you can't try on and they fit! *When your annual 4th of July BBQ sounds more intimidating than fun. The menu this year is surf and turf, Ribeye, T-bone, salmon, lobster, shrimp, potato salad, green salad and banana pudding for desert. I think I will only be eating the banana pudding *When every two weeks you have to get a SMALLER sized pair of pants *When you have to go in the office (I work from home 99% of the time now) people you used to talk to everyday think you are a visitor *When you have to go in the office and the night before you are shopping for dress clothes because your old stuff doesn't fit *When two bites of rice fill you up and even make you slime:drool: *When you go to the beach in a BIKINI, yeah baby!!!!:tt2: *When your little boy tells you you are skinny and not fat:tt1: I can go on and on. I love this thread!!!!

LMAO! So true!

Hi All, Well, I am like 14 lbs from my goal. I can't believe it! I am just shy of 7 months post op. I remember going to an info seminar in Orange County and the doctor saying "if you have a lower BMI it will take you longer to lose the excess weight". I have proved him wrong. I am still at 2 fills and there is no chance I will be getting another one soon. I also PB 2 weeks out of the month. If anything I need a slight unfill. I have noticed that my hair is "shedding" a lot more now. I think this is normal but not too sure. I started taking a multi vitamin to see if that helps. Anyway, enough of my drama. I feel pretty good and I am glad to almost be at goal! Hope everyone is doing well. Nicky

I am 6 months since banding and lost 33 lbs. About 20 lbs to go until my goal. The before (green shirt) was taken June of '07 and the second one was June '08 in the black tank top. [ATTACH]13985[/ATTACH]

It sounds like your blood sugar is low. Try some gatorade, that will help with the "shakes". If you cannot have protein shakes why don't you try a slim fast. I like the taste better than a protein shake. May Carnation instant breakfast???? It will get you through this hard time at least.

I guess it depends on what type of surgery you are having. The lapband surgery has an easy recovery, you will be able to take care of the cats at least. If you are having a back surgery carpal tunnel release or knee replacement, you will probably have to wait a while before you get your band. However, you can probably get both of your surgeries before your partner gets his, you have all summer.

Liquids only for a while. Give your fill a few days after going on liquids. If you have the problem still, definately get a slight unfill. I had the same problem after my 2nd fill and I did not get an unfill like Away and Denise recommended. I should have taken their advice, it would have been a lot easier on me. It took nearly 3 months and 20lbs for my band to losen up enough so i can eat 2 small meals a day. It was very stressful and caused a lot of worries for me. If it doesn't get better don't hesitate to get a slight unfill.

I know 8 glasses of Water sounds so intimidating. When you think glass of water you probably think a big tall glass. One glass of water is equal to one cup or 8 oz. So if you drink one bottle of water (16 oz) that will equal two glasses of water. I look at it like 4 bottles of water rather than 8 glasses, it makes it a little easier and it doesn't seem like so much. The reason you need to wait 30 minutes after you eat to drink is because you want to food to sit in your "pouch" to give you the full feeling. If you drink while you eat it will "wash" the food through the band and you will be able to eat way more than you need. That defeats the purpose of the band all together. If you are really tight you will find that even a sip of water will make you PB if you have food in your pouch. Eat small bites and very slowly. It takes a lot longer to eat but, you will get the full feeling. Once you feel full stop eating or remove the plate from in front of you so you are not tempted to "pick". Then wait 30 minutes and have a bottle of water. Does that make sense? Good luck to you.

I went to Dr. Ortiz also. I am almost 6 months since my surgery and I feel great. My experience was great and post op recovery went almost too well, I didn't even think I had a band and my stoma wasn't swollen or anything. I didn't need pain meds either. While I was still at the clinic, one of the nice nursing assistants came by and patted my back and rubbed it to help with the gas pain. That pain subsided rather fast. The day after my surgery when I checked into the hotel, I got a cab and went shopping for about 2 hours. I felt great! I feel even better now as I am only 20 lbs from my goal weight....yea BABY! I drive to TJ for fills as I am only 2 hrs away. I have only had 2 fills and that is all I have needed. This second fill is still kind of tight. I forsee maybe one more fill in my future and that will probably be when I am closer to my goal weight just for maintenance. We may be moving to Chicago soon so I will probably start using fill center for aftercare at that point. Good luck to you!

I just updated my ticker.....my BMI is now NORMAL!!!!! I feel so great, I will never be obese again. I LOVE MY BAND!!!!:eek::sleep:

Mmmm, cheesbruger sounds good! I can't have one either, the bread doesn't work for me and the ground beef seems to cause a slime or PB, usually both. I eat way less than my 5 year old and I share a plate with my 18month old, he can usually out eat me also! I can't believe how much I used to eat and I thought I was starving at every meal! It is amazing how little food we need to function now. I don't feel deprived or tired, I am full of energy! I am so excited to be only 1 lb away from 149lbs! That sounds so "skinny" to me, I can't believe I am going to be that weight again soon. I haven't been that weight in nearly 10 years! GO ME! I save a lot when we go out to eat now, just a salad and soup and I am happy.

My port area has always been kind of tender also. I would think that is normal as it does protrude a little bit. Since I have lost 30 lbs I can really feel my port, it is like a rock under my skin, kind of creepy. My side pain has subsided for the most part, I really think I am just slightly constipated, I don't drink enough liquids and can't eat that much so I certainly do not go to the bathroom everyday like I did pre band. You may be a bit tight if you can't get solids down and you are eting mushies to avoid the discomfort...I have been there!!!! I toughed it out and I am now able to eat solids in very small portions. If I lived closer to my doctor I would have definately got a slight unfill. Didn't want to do the 5 hour round trip. If you live closer to your doctor you should get an unfill, don't be embarrassed, you have to eat something or you will starve and it is not your fault your band is too tight. Good luck

That is a scary story. My pain is not excurciating, just an aching pain that increases with pressure. If I push right in the middle of my abdomen the pain increases on the left side around my port. I have not went number 2 in about 4 days so that could be some of the problem. I sat back and thought about changes in my diet and I realized I have been drinking A lot of milk which I normally avoid. Milk makes me gassy. So, I am going to lay off the milk and try a few stool softners to see if it passes. I do feel better today and my hubby said I was rather gassy lastnight in bed....I know TMI. I really hope it is just a mix of lactose intolerance and gas pains. I will give it a few days, I am not in horrible pain, just slightly uncomfortable. My 1 yr old son did have a staph infection about 2 weeks ago, it just appeared on his buttocks one day. It was not MRSA thank god and it has resolved after 2 weeks of medication and "bleach water" baths. I was very careful when handling him and wore latex gloves for every diaper change. I bleached the entire house and all of our clothes. We did not share any untensils or cups for a few weeks. Thank you for your input, it is much appreciated.

I think refried beans with salsa would be great for mushy stage, it has protein and fiber which are both really important. The fat grams would be the least of my worries because you won't be able to eat that much anyway. One thing that I have noticed (not immediately after surgery, since my second fill only) is that heart burn is a lot more common and worse with any kind of spicy foods. I NEVER had heart burn before the band, not even when I was pregnant. This is probably caused because the food "settles" almost under your left breast which is higher up near your esophagus. I can feel the food where it sits and it seems like it is my throat sometimes. Another experience I am having is that spicy food is almost too spicy for my pallet anymore. My hubby thinks it is because I don't eat as much or as many different foods as I used to and I am just not used to spicy anymore. I used to LOVE green chiles, jalapeno's, green chile pork, hot salsa etc. Now I can barely handle medium salsa and forget green chile pork! Everyone is different but I think fat free refried beans will work just fine for mushies. Also you can chicken tortilla soup either campbell's or wolfgang puck's and run them through a food processor or blender, they are not that spicy but I am sure you can add some spice to them. That was what I ate everyday for about 2 months and I still eat them for lunch. Good luck with your journey!