islandmom

Hello all, I have my first fill appointment on Wed. 4/19 with Dr. Maese and I am really nervous! Has anyone gone to him for fills that would let me know what to expect? Thanks in advance!

I received my 3rs fill 6/12. I am now at 2.9 cc's in a 4cc band. At first it seemed ok during the liquids and mushy stage after the fill. Since I have been eating "regular" food everything I put in my mouth gets stuck in my chest. I chew and chew and chew and chew. Still gets stuck. Nothing has come back up, it finally goes down, but for like 15-30 minutes it hurts. Could I be too tight?

Leatha, I am glad things worked out for you and thank you for sharing your experience. I have not had any trouble with Dr. Maese and I really quite like him and the fact that he is VERY experienced and knowledgeable about the band and fills etc. You have reiterated that for me with your posts. Thanks again and I hope you are still doing well! Kristi

I was banded 3/3 and have lost a total of 28lbs. I have felt pretty good and have has 2 fills to date. The first fill (1.6 cc's) was ok. A little restricted at first, but that went away pretty quickly. The last fill I had (1 cc) has made it a little tougher restriction wise. I have really been able to feel it and actually has my first PB experience this past week. Not fun, but not horrible either. I did feel much better afterwards. I am still learning what I can and cannot tolerate. People have noticed my loss and let me tell you that there is nothing better than to have someone say that you are looking good and that they can tell a huge difference. Everyone in my office knows about my surgery as I am the 3rd person there to have lapband surgery and the 6th overall to have WLS. So the support at home and at work is awesome! I am so glad I did this and would do it again in a heartbeat! I hope all of you March bandsters are doing well! Keep it up and good luck! Kristi

I just went back to Dr. Maese on 5/8 for my 2nd fill. Everything went fine again no problems at all and he said all the original fill was still there and he put in an additional 1 cc. I like the fact that it is 15 minutes from where I work in Dallas and I can go after work and be in and out of there in 15-20 minutes. I am now at 2.6 cc's in a 4 cc band and am feeling way more restriction than the first fill. It has settled down a bit, but still really tight.

I have 1.6 cc's in mine and I feel some restriction.

I got my first fill on Wed and did not have a local and it was quick and painless. No problems. I think I would rather them just stick me once and be done with it. Got 1.6 cc's and drank the barium and had no problem. 15 minutes max! Kristi

Hey Sam, I had my 1st fill on Wed. and it went fine. It was actually very quick! He got my port on the first try and filled me to 1.6cc's. And I can tell you I feel it! And the floro was cool! and the barium was not that bad at all. If you have ever had to drink maloxx than you will be fine! I drank it by the case when I was pregnant!!! He gave me a still pic from the floro and sent me on my way. The only odd thing to me was that he wanted to see me back in 3 weeks. But whatever! So the anxiety is now over and done with and I feel good. I fell like I am really official now (hehe). Don't sweat it. It really is no big deal. Kristi

Well I did it! I got my first fill yesterday afternoon! I was so nervous! :nervous Once I finally found a parking space (good grief :mad: ) I was ready to go! Even after I checked in and the receptionist forgot about me and let 3 people that had appointments after me go ahead of me because she forgot to have me fill out some paper work for my "new" chart!:tired So 30 minutes later I was in and anxious (sweaty palms and all)! :nervous After I made it through to "the inside" it went swiftly! Dr. Maese found my port quicky and on the first try and he gave me a 1.6cc fill in my empty 4cc band!:eek: I said to him that it seemed like alot and he said yes, it's 1/3 of what it will hold! Oh my!! Then it was off to do the fluro! I stood there and swallowed my barium and watched it go right down and through!! Too cool! He then told me everything looked good, gave me a picture of my fluro and that he would see me in 3 weeks. Excuse me :Banane56: ....isn't that a little soon???? So I am now on liquids for the next 2 days :cry but am ready to get on with it! So all in all it was a good experience and we will see how it goes!!! Wish me luck! Kristi/Keller TX

Well I did it! I got my first fill this afternoon! I was so nervous! :nervous Once I finally found a parking space (good grief ) I was ready to go! Even after I checked in and the receptionist forgot about me and let 3 people that had appointments after me go ahead of me because she forgot to have me fill out some paper work for my "new" chart!:tired So 30 minutes later I was in and anxious (sweaty palms and all)! :nervous After I made it through to "the inside" it went swiftly! Dr. Maese found my port quicky and on the first try and he gave me a 1.6cc fill in my empty 4cc band! I said to him that it seemed like alot and he said yes, it's 1/3 of what it will hold! Oh my!! Then it was off to do the fluro! I stood there and swallowed my barium and watched it go right down and through!! Too cool! He then told me everything looked good, gave me a picture of my fluro and that he would see me in 3 weeks. Excuse me ....isn't that a little soon???? So I am now on liquids for the next 2 days :cry but am ready to get on with it! So all in all it was a good experience and we will see how it goes!!! Wish me luck! Kristi :clap2:

Thanks, Susan. I really does feel like getting promoted to the next level! Even after my slimfast dinner I still feel a little giddy! I am going to take it slow....want it to go in and go down, not come back up! Thanks again for the support! Kristi

Thank you for your responses. I am nervous!!! Just ready to get the "first" one over with! My appointment is at 4pm....should I eat or just do liquids tomorrow? Thanks, Kristi

Dr. Maese in Dallas does fills for Mexico patients.

Hi Christi, I was wondering if you could PM me and let me know who the Dr. is, because I too was banded in Mexico on 3/3 and I have my first fill appointment on 4/19 with a Dr. in Dallas. I don't think you are being overly sensitive considering the amount of money it costs and the fact that you (we) don't have the luxury of ongoing care from the Dr. that did your surgery. The Dr. should give you his full attention when you are there and taking into consideration that you had your surgery in Mexico and may have further concerns and/or questions. I would find another doc or give this one another chance and stand up for yourself and demand his full attention. I am sorry you were made to feel unimportant and it is not right! Hope it all works out for you in the future. Kristi/Keller TX

Hi, I had some of the same problems. If you move around it will help! I was banded on 3/3 and am now 4wks out and feel normal again, so I guess I am saying that this to will pass (no pun intended)! Good Luck to you! Kristi/Keller, TX

Sam, They did give me post op instructions about diet, exercise and activites. The nutritionist and dr's are very informative and you will get a packet to bring home with you! Kristi

Sam, I feel great! Very little discomfort now. Never really had any bad discomfort. About the worst thing was a little gas stuck in my left shoulder, but it is amazing what a hubby massage followed by a Ben-Gay patch can do for you!

April, I am so happy to see that you made up your mind. Congrats to both of you! I had my surgery on 3/3 at Bajanor and am doing well! I am down 15lbs so far and go for my first fill on 4/19! Good luck to you both and if you have amy questions just PM me and let me know! Kristi

67% Dixie and proud Texan!

Good luck and HAPPY BIRTHDAY and HAPPY BANDDAY! Let us know how it goes and how you did!

Hello all, I am going to be banded on 3/3/06! :clap2: I am now trying to arrange a fill doctor for after care that will treat people that had surgery in Mexico! If anyone has any info that they will share, that would be awesome! I am so excited and ready to start my new life! Thanks, IslandMom (Kristi):help:

Hi, I had my gall bladder out 2 yrs ago (Lap) and I was just banded on 3/3 and I am going back to work on Monday. I can honestly say that the gall bladder surgery was much worse than the band. I was out for 2 wks after that one and still would have liked to have more time. The pain was worse with gall bladder and lasted awhile. Right now I can say that the only "soreness" I have is where the port is located. I was off pain meds with the band after 2 days and it was like a week with my gall bladder.

Everything will be fine LB ((BIG HUG)). I was nervous all the time before mine, but I had it on 3/3 and everything went fine. Just take it minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day and before you know it you will be on the other side! Sorry about your monthly visit.....I got rid of mine in Sept. of '05!!!!!!!(read: HEAR THE ANGELS SING!!!!!) I guess like they say: This to shall pass! Best of luck to ya!

I am not a big fan of veggies, either. Sorry to say, I am glad there are others out there like me. I feel just the same about them as Cashley. I was just banded on 3/3 and the veggie issue is one of main concerns. I am going to try my best. You know they say your taste buds change every several years. Maybe there is hope for me! Stay strong!

Janelle, I chose the inamed band because it is easier to find after care here in tx