prival66

Okay, So I had my band 12/4...lost 20 pounds. A total of 40 since Nov. WoooHooo! Started to eat more...went to get a fill last Thursday. The night of my fill, I felt too much pressure in my chest so doc took out .1cc. Now I have 1.5cc in my 9.75cc band. I felt better. Fast forward----I am swallowing water fine, getting my 60+ ounces. Have my protein drink for breakfast fine no problem. But I am not getting hunger pangs...I am eating lunch (protein first, veg, super small carb) like we are supposed to and dinner is the same. My doc said no more than a cup of food total per meal...Okay, no problem I can't even eat that much, BUT...I do not feel hunger and so when I eat I measure it out and eat slow and chew wait a little then repeat. I have never PB'd or Slimed...what does happen to me is that I get a weird feeling in my throat like there is something in there (a ball or I dunno how to explain it), like every time I swallow there's something in my throat that just won't go down and I feel pressure in my chest again. Not always just sometimes and it lasts a long time. I am new to this and just am not sure what the HHH? If I wait to eat until I am hungry I wouldn't ever eat...because since surgery I do not feel hunger pangs...and I would starve. I want to make sure I am getting my nutrition so I want to eat, but I am confused. I have read some people only eat four or five bites and that's it...how do you get nutrition??? I have read others who eat a cup of food, I cannot do this. I don't know that I am understanding my new pouch...If I can only eat 8 or 10 bites of food how do I get my veggies and fruits and fiber in????? And why does my throat feel so weird????? Is this restriction and should I cut my bites down to less??? AGGGGGGHHHHH! Someone please help! Chris

Hey there Mariposa...I still have a ways to go with my WL. but I am researching PS so I can start saving $$$ again. I had my lapband in Monterrey (self pay). I live in South Padre so I am really close to Mexico...Are you close to the border? and how many PS did you research before choosing your doc? Was he recommended by someone? Just wondering. Hope you're looking and feeling Great! Thanks Chris

<p>Yippee!! I am home...I had my surgery on Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico in the most beautiful and clean hospital I have ever seen. Marble floors/walls. Hardwood floors in every room and a private room with a sofa so my husband could stay with me...this and the hotel were included in the cost of my surgery...(9500.00) self pay</p> <p>My husband and I took the luxury bus to Monterrey on Sunday since we only live 45 minutes from the border of Matamoros.</p> <p>I made a friend the very first day...Carlie from Ok. Instant bond! She's my lapband BFF.</p> <p>I had all my pre-op testing on Monday am, met with all of the surgeons (who were all handsome!) and nutritional specialists Monday pm, then off to surgery Tuesday at 10 am.</p> <p>I had a small hiatal hernia that needed fixing, but other than that, no complications. Just pressure from gas and some soreness especially around the port sight.</p> <p>On Monday in between doctor visits we went to the beautiful Horsetail Falls. Gorgeous and worth the short trip to get there. $60.00 round trip for a taxi, but he waits for you to take you back to the hotel.</p> <p>Tuesday was surgery and I stayed in the hospital until about 1 pm Wed.</p> <p>On Wednesday after resting at the hotel from surgery, we went on the river boat tour downtown (very little strain). The hotel shuttle took us.</p> <p>On Thursday (2 days out) We went to the Garcia Caves ($60.00 roundtrip and he waits to take you back to the hotel...and we actually took the UP/DOWN stairs tour with everyone else. It was not easy...We just walked slowly and stopped to rest and laughed about how crazy we probably were and that we probably wouldn't have been able to do that on a good day before surgery! </p> <p>Oh yeah and on the way back to the hotel our taxi was rear ended by a drunk guy in a truck who got aggressive with the "Mexican Police" (which you just don't do!) and him and his other drunk friend got arrested and carted off to jail! There were like 5 cop cars and an ambulance there in a matter of minutes. (I have never been so glad to speak Spanish in my whole life!) Our taxi driver was so nice, he called the hotel so I could let them know what happened and the hotel staff called the doctor so he could come check us out at the hotel to make sure we were okay...We just felt our guts bounce back and forth with the impact. The hotel called us back to let us know that the doctors were waiting for us at the hotel...All FOUR Doctors were there...They came to our rooms to check us out and gave us the okay...Dr. Rumbaut said "You weren't supposed to be in a car crash!" (I survived the surgery only to get in a wreck in Mexico!) It's funny now...did I mention it was my husband's birthday? He now calls it the "Mexico Fiasco". Overall, I had a great time and took advantage of whatever sightseeing I could get in. And I made a great friend (Carlie)</p> <p>I am glad to be home now and rest...I really feel pretty good, I have some bloating from gas and soreness but nothing major.</p> <p>I am on full liquids, but mostly just do the 2 protein shakes a day to get my 48 grams, a little bit of cream of chicken, Yoplait light and water throughout the day. I am open for recipes of things I can puree that are low carb, low fat, zero sugar if you have any ideas...</p> <p>I am grateful to God that I have an awesomely supportive husband, and supportive family. I am thankful that I had a great experience despite the "Fiasco". I am happy with my doctors and stay in the hospital and hotel. If you are looking for an economic self pay with an awesome surgeon this is it.</p> <p>Well, I can’t say it was boring! <img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/clap2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Clap2" smilieid="217" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Hey there! Congrats and good luck! The hotel you'll be staying in is very nice...it's close to an HEB so you can buy water, c-lite, and yogurt. If I were you I would take a pill crusher...You won't be able to pass those pills. I was lucky someone had one I borrrowed. Also if you go to the Sanborn's, they have chicken broth. It's listed as consume de pollo. I had my last meal there just because I wanted to feel normal at a table with others. I squeezed lime juice in mine mmmmm tasty! Everyone at the hotel is really nice. Oh yeah, make sure you buy a calling card at HEB! The cashiers have them up front. We bought on for 100 pesos that had like 60 minutes or so...also if you use it at the hotel you have to tell them to open the line. If you are having your surgeries at San Jose Hospital, you will not be dissappointed! It is immaculate. Good Luck to you both. Let me know how it goes! Happy New Year!!!

Hello there. I was wondering if you all were still there? I live in South Padre and just had my lapband done in Monterrey on December 4th. Is there a local support group nearby? I have lots of ??. I am starting my 4th week and have lost 32 lbs so far. I am not hungry and have not really eaten whatever I was allowed. I have been drinking lots and lots of water and am making sure I take my protein and vitamins everyday. Just wondering if anyone else felt the same? Hope to hear from a local bandster.

Thanks for asking...doing okay. I had some tuna today...I think it was too much. I am feeling a little nauseated. I hate that feeling. I probably ate too fast too. It was the small can and my coordinator recommended a lot of mayo. (for now) I must still have some swelling that is causing restriction. I don't have an appetite, I just ate to eat, and cause it was lunch time. I am faithful to my protein though and my water. I do feel a little low on energy, but it was surgery, and I did go right back to work. I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a pediatric clinic...so no time to rest. I have people pick the kids up for me since no lifting. Well, have a Merry Christmas! Chris

Glad to hear you're doing better. I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut (speaks fluent English) and the total cost including 3 days in the hotel was $9500.00. It depends too on if there have been any previous surgeries that would create scar tissue.

Hello everyone...I was banded on 12/4 and have no regrets, just a mountain of questions. I have just finished my second week (full diet) and have not been hungry. I drink 2 Protein shakes a day and drink about 60 oz. of Water. I have not even wanted crystal light. I probably ate 4 oz of cream Soup a handful of times just because. Okay, so I was terrified of starting the mushies. Afraid of food. I started with mashed potatoes and did fine. Although, I am still not hungry or even craving food. It seems that I am pretty happy with water and protein. I had lost 18 lbs pre surgery and have lost 8 more lbs since. I wonder if it is too much too soon? Any opinions? I'm a little nervous, So here goes... 1. has anyone else felt like this? not being hungry? 2. I burp a lot...a lot. I think it's that I may be drinking too fast, not sure. anyone? 3. I have some challenges in the bathroom arena...I have only gone twice since I've been home. I am hydrated and walk a lot. I am not uncomfortable though. I have taken Malox...but nope. anyone else? 4. I still feel like I have an anxiety toward food. I have been extremely disciplined in following the doctors schedule for introducing full, then mushie textures and although mashed potatoes went down well, I'm nervous about trying anything else. 5. Oh yeah, don't mean to sound dumb, but what is PB? Beuhller? Please help, I need your experience.:help: Thanks Chris

Hi, I just read your thread about your hernia. I had my surgery on 12/4/07 and the doctor found my hernia and repaired it during the same surgery. Mine was 3cm. I have not had any problems, probably just a little more swollen and sore. Other than that, my surgeon said it was not big deal...he's done over 4500 surgeries. Hope that helps. Chris