gellergirl

Hi im looking everywhere to see where you are located in reference to your fill info (initial amt paid then reduced amount thereafter) - im in southern cal! many thanks ie where are you getting your fills?

Hi - bandded! I was searching this site for exactly the same information...and you just saved me registering with fill band USA just to find out their prices - i too go to tj (Dr Kuri) but its such a hassle and he has been turning me away due to inflammation and i just WANT A FILL! very frustrated! ...and no responses to your post since June. i will keep looking for info and let you know if i find anything!

i just responded to another bander with segment below who referred me to the website below... Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test ...thank you, i came looking to see if anyone else has the same problem and your web site is exactly what im looking for...i am already on prilosac once a day and my doctor said 4 days liquids, 4 days mushies, 4 days lapband foods and come back and i could have a tight fill. i went in there feeling wide open and thought i had lost my fill (apparatus problems?) but turns out i only had .08 as had a unfill for a gallbadder op and had esophagus inflammation and have EVIDENTLY STRETCHED IT TO TWICE ITS SIZE! my surgery will be three years old in dec, have lost 70 pounds, gained back 14 just now with open pouch but whatever the case ive been PACKING THE POUCH for years now if i am honest. I havent been able to have a fill 3 times in a row with many months inbetween because i cant get the inflammation down as my food disorder is still so rampant that i find it impossible (so far) to keep to fluids etc for long. SHAME! And i want to lose my 14 plus another 30 - 40 so i can get a tummy tuck not counting the fact that i dont want to lose the band! so...any feedback is welcome! Teresa ...now i hear this from you all above. ONly thing i can add is my doctor said the band, catheter and port were fine, i just had to get the inflammation down and reaquaint myself with my fill! ie begin again like a newbie (fluids, mushies etc) and get inflamation down and SEE WHAT BEING FULL FEELS LIKE AGAIN! Then she will give me a proper fill. I have been on fluids now for 4 days (this is a miracle!) and when i had a big pull on the straw of my daughters smoothie (have to make her one too) - very THICK (unlike mine), i ACTUALLY FELT FILL UP TO THE BRIM! Same now with a thick tomato Soup, thinned down pea soup (you can tell im looking for substance!!!!) final point being, if only i can remember to stop (and virtually have to...), then i can get on track again... ANY COMMENTS!!!!!

...thank you, i came looking to see if anyone else has the same problem and your web site is exactly what im looking for...i am already on prilosac once a day and my doctor said 4 days liquids, 4 days mushies, 4 days Lap Band foods and come back and i could have a tight fill. i went in there feeling wide open and thought i had lost my fill (apparatus problems?) but turns out i only had .08 as had a unfill for a gallbadder op and had esophagus inflammation and have EVIDENTLY STRETCHED IT TO TWICE ITS SIZE! surgery will be three years old in dec, have lost 70 pounds, gained back 14 just now with open pouch but whatever the case ive been PACKING THE POUCH for years now if i am honest. I havent been able to have a fill 3 times in a row with many months inbetween because i cant get the inflammation down as my food disorder is still so rampant that i find it impossible (so far) to keep to fluids etc for long. SHAME! And i want to lose my 14 plus another 30 - 40 so i can get a tummy tuck not counting the fact that i dont want to lose the band! so...any feedback is welcome! Teresa

Hi - I just went to the doctor today to find out what the problem is - just as you said upper right quandrant just under the ribs, called my doc in Mexico and he said sounds like gallbladder and my doctor here in CA is sending me for an ultrasound - what a ripoff! Said very symptomatic with gastric surgery etc as the change in diet to high Protein, high fat, low carb stresses the GB! Oy! So now I have to eat high protein, low fat, low carb - what to eat? Let you know what happens...

This is exactly what I was looking for! I searched using the word 'tight' and you all answered my questions...I can't get anything down until about 11am, have my biggest and virtually ONLY meal for lunch and light and soft for dinner...THEN nothing after 7pm AT THE LATEST! ...because I go to sleep about 10pm and if I eat anything late, I am up all night with my food backing up! ...even just one bite! My biggest issue is water! I have the most trouble drinking. I use the evenings to drink as it is the only time I am open enough and empty enough to get my Fluid in - AND I am soo thirsty by then! I am 13 months from my banddate and had only two fills as of last March so I definately do not need a fill but wouldn't want to unfill and lose what restriction I do have! I just wanted to see if I was 'normal' or not and looks like this is the way it is...and I am down 50 pounds but not losing lately...so I guess I will step up the exercise! Thank you all for contributing! You are all greatly appreciated!

:clap2: Hi! I've been off the list since June as I was caught up in summertime with my 6 year old...and I've found my sweet spot, losing effortlessly JUST LIKE EVERYONE SAID I WOULD and today, finally, I weighed in at 198.8! I AM SO EXCITED! I haven't been in the hundreds in years and years - and I tell you it feels GOOD! Banded in Dec of 05 so it has been slow but the time has flown by and I am so happy! Just want to pass on my good news!!!! 45lbs lost!

New job last week so lost some computer time...will be shopping for fiber tablets today and did fitday which say 1200c a day so here is yesterday! 05/19/06 My goal is KEEP IT SIMPLE! ...AND DON'T GRAZE! Breakfast: coffee with creamer, protein bar Snack: Protein shake Lunch: One slice pizza (topping only), 2 chicken wings Dinner: Lean Cuisine Total: 891 calories Carb - 53 Protein - 70 Fiber - 2

Monday, 8.14.06 Thank you, Maryb, yes I am now using fitday.com and good luck and best wishes to your daughter - how exciting for her! TSk, I am frustrated! I thought I had actually done well today but went over 1200 a day - what are we all trying for? ...a 1000?! Now that I am actually seeing the calories - it is amazing how little adds up! Breakfast - coffee with creamer 78c, Protein drink 100c Lunch - 1.5c Salad with protein and dressing 125c, sunflower seeds 185c Snack - Protein Bar 195c Dinner - 1.5c Chicken Salad 626c Snack - 2 Cookies, no sugar 63c Total: 1369 Protein 99 Carbs 45 Fat 90 Fiber 7(?) The protein bar, chicken salad and sunflower seeds blew it...I don't know what I'm doing anymore. Pre-band I was low carb, high protein but now the carbs are out of control and I am focusing on getting in the protein but too much fat and carbs so now I have to focus most on the calories, is that right? And not enough fiber - maryb what is the fiber choice? A candy drop or a powder like benefiber...and oatmeal, I was avoiding...should I reintroduce as I once used it for its slow-burning, low glycemic aspects but left it because of high carb as... the protein bars are too high in calorie - it seems! Begin again tomorrow!

5.14.06 Mothers Day Breakfast: coffee and creamer and a power bar Lunch: Brunch at Sister's Mojito Chinese chicken salad cheese pie fruit carmal popcorn with nuts cheesecake Comes to a whopping... TOTAL OF 1868 Total Fat: 92 grams 45% Total Carb: 181 grams 36% Protein: 68 grams 13% Alcohol: 15 grams 6% Tough day to admit (but I knew what I was doing!) and obviously wide open - I enjoyed myself and will begin again tomorrow...

Hello everyone - I would like to be accountable for my food and this thread has been incredible...I've been at a plateau for about a month and would like to break the cycle. Tricia - I'm about to jump in having read the whole thread and appreciate your input specifically as your diet has put my food intake in perspective! (Also looked at your webpage and enjoyed it very much - you are an inspiration!) Question: when you say chicken salad - 1 cup, are you talking about chicken salad that you buy at the deli section in the supermarket? I have been buying traditional and chicken curry (salad) but not sure how to count the calories... Today, 5.13.05 (Saturday) Breakfast: 12 oz tea with non-dairy creamer power bar Lunch: 1 cup bean Soup with meat (homemade) Snack: bite-size snicker bar, bite-size chocolate covered peanuts 12 oz coffee with non-diary creamer Dinner: 2 cups spinach salad with bacon, cheese, mushroom, onions w/ ff salad dress and a big dollop of Bob's blue cheese Misc - grazing: Couple of bites of oatmeal (as served to child) Chex Mix (as handed out to child) 3 small bottles of Water Total: 1273 Fat 73 Carbs 91 Protein 66 Obviously, eating the kid's food and the sugar pick-me-up is not helping... No exercise today as it is the weekend, but normally go to Contours for Women 3 x a week... I am trying to be high protein, low carb but it didn't happen today - dreading my sister's brunch for mother's day tomorrow!!!! Thank you in advance for all your input - this is fun and helpful!

Hi! I was feeling alone until I came across this thread! Do I count at 24 pounds down since Dec 05, that's 6 pounds a month Am going in for an unfill as I see now that I am too tight and not losing because I am not eating enough or the right foods... Have been feeling sorry for myself but figured that is was better to lose slow in order for the body to catch up with the loss! (ie I initially was excited by my breasts, upper arms and thighs beginning to hang limply but now I'm worried that they'll never go back into shape!)

oh my gosh! Shanna - gellergirl here from your march visit to dr kuri! i can't believe it - a little inflammation turned into a slipped band! i could see how much you were suffering though and am just happy that you are not in pain anymore - it seemed to be too much and thank goodness it has been resolved! That's the blessing! Please give yourself a chance to heal before worrying about how you are going to manage - i'm sure you will do well! you look beautiful (and were an inspiration to me), i hope you are proud of yourself! all the best!

Thanks everyone...i have been searching everywhere for post-fill advice and knew deep down that i was pushing the band too hard. when will i ever be able to chew and eat slowly! how many times do i have to suffer before i learn!!!! i will hit the liquids and mushies and hopefully everything will settle down and meanwhile will remember to take small bites and take my time (doesn't help that i seem to be starving all the time...) more soon!

Thank you for including pictures - you are greatly appreciated! I have your exact body and am anticipating doing the same...now I know what to expect! FABULOUS!

More, More, More! This is incredibly helpful...just had 2nd fill and restriction REALLY setting in and scared me into a tizzy...ie trying all types of foods, quantities to test the band and completely out of control (and PBing my head off, or starving myself) ...lost any idea of what NORMAL is...the previous messages and what they ate gave me the prespective I was looking for! Many thanks

Hi! Sheree A - Had my surgery done by Dr Kuri 12-10-06 and going down for my second fill tomorrow! Have only good things to say - ask me any questions and let me put you at ease! (I live in Long Beach...)

Hi! Long Beach, Ca - banded by Dr. Kuri 12/10/05

Hello - gellergirl here. I was banded by Dr Kuri 10.12.06 and am very happy with my experience and as I live in so calif plan to go back to him for my fills etc. I wasn't worried about Mexico as I had a friend who had been banded six months eariler so I had a good reference, also I went to their Christmas party and met about 60 other "Kuri bandsters" and the Doc and his team before my surgery and was able to talk to LOTS of people about their experience as well as their thoughts on Dr Kuri and Mexico and only got positive feedback! I feel confident that he has my back! And, fingers cross, have had no complications (only on week 5!). When I was worried, I also was patched right to him and also, have been 'checked' on consistantly in a surprisingly frequent manner... I have been all over the net looking for negitive feedback as I have been worried about erosion and slippage but haven't seen anything though I know anything is possible... I hope you feel confident as I was pleasantly surprised at how professional and safe the whole trip was Mexico aside - so here is one woman's opinion - I say go for it! I'm glad I did!

Hi I have been in a whole bunch of lap band websites but find that no one talks about the pain and struggle - the cheating, testing the boundaries of this band too soon... I have to say I didn't have the fear factor that held everyone back hence I was pb'ing by my 2nd week. I'm on day 28 and I can't wait to be six weeks out and try normal food! I am on mushies and eating carbs and gaining...I lost 13 pounds and have gained back 2! Started exercising seriously taking hour walks but can't wait to have that first fill AS I AM STILL OVEREATING! I'm on one Protein drink in the am (found one with 51g protein), than Soup for lunch and dinner. I found these Soups at vons but they are all high in calorie and high in carbs! I am despairing over not getting to eat properly ie protein...I've had refried Beans with cheese, chili with beans...um, soup. Really big on soup. Wasn't keen on blending things...avocado... Have been drinking coffee as I started school and just CANNOT COPE WITHOUT - but including loads of milk. I can eat A LOT. I do get full and not eating as much as before but expected much more restriction. For instance, I had a huge cup of tomato soup then half a carton of cottage cheese...and I was stuffed so I really didn't listen to when I was actually full and over ate but on the other hand was it really that much? I have been assured that I do have restriction and I have to learn to slow down, not wolf my food, take small bites etc...........AAAAARRGGGGGGGGHHH!!!! For instance, I woke up hungry and made two soft boiled eggs, then proceeded to eat them too fast and BOOM, pain in chest, having to lean over the counter, tried jumping up and down - waving arms around, anything to shift the lump in my esophagus, and if you haven't already DON'T DRINK TO TRY AND GET IT DOWN! Because those are the times when it all comes right back up THRU THE NOSE... I have not read musch about people experiencing these difficulties with restraint. I know I'm not the only one having difficulties controlling myself WHEN I HAVE BEEN COMPULSIVE ALL MY LIFE! I really needed to be counseled on all this before hand. I get it nooowwww. I have a little baby spoon and take tiny little bites and chew, chew, chew to remind me to slow down. Of course, my only worry is have I done any damage during this healing period for I honestly had a hard time controlling myself...we will see after my first fluoroscope fill. I have not been Dr Kuri's ideal patient... Today I went to a restaurant for the first time and ordered veg soup and a bowl of chili. Had a hard time with the veg but ate it all of course, then ate all the chili no problem, only I was sooooo full. I could have just order the chili and been fine. Having to down size is difficult...AM I THE ONLY ONE!? Been drinking the Water and decaf green tea, also got some liquid cranberry concentrate to put in my water as the green tea and cranberry help to break down the fat molecules - I need all the help I can GET! Please note many capitals in email as I am a bit wound up about the whole thing - just want to be able to eat healthy with enough restriction to moderate my compulsive overeating that I couldn't control in the first place! I realize it may take many fills to get to a point where I have some help... I really wanted to share honestly my pitfalls to support anyone going through the same thing - with the fear of having screwed up the band at such an early stage, ugh... Hopefully I am on the right track now! Thank you for all your contributions!

Hi - I have been testing the band also (see complusive overeater) and wrote that I felt alone and thought no one was admitting the pain and struggle but I received a ton of responses and feel much better with the advice and encouragement...and it has helped me to remember I have CHOICES and can try something different rather then force my old ways on the band. (results disasterous!)...but it is early days so hang in there! Funny, I just went out and bought a scale yesterday because I was feeling like I wasn't losing and wanted to monitor my weight gain/loss - replacing one obsession with another! Better be careful with that as wellllll! Hope you are feeling better!

A hundred million thank yous! I really needed to hear I wasn't alone out there. Everyday gets easier and I realize NOW the depth of the learning experience I am going through...all of your words support me and I am ever grateful! Change is inevitable; progress is optional!

Hey everyone! Day 21, on mushy foods - fell waaaay off track during Christmas and worried that I had done some damage BUT was reasured that I, at the most, had caused some inflamation...but today (after being good for 3 days plus) had kinda pins and needles in my stomach area (solar plexus), a few sharp little pains (level 2 out of 10) that went away, and this evening have a dull ache. Have had two Protein shakes, sucked on a potato chip, 40 oz plus Water...I should be doing fine - babying the pouch, but it is complaining!?!! Should I move back into paranoia, and freak out that I really did something but no reflux, no pb, no vomiting - just a dull ache... Any feedback anyone?! I promise I have been good but am scared again! PS even tho I am two hours away from my doc in TJ (who I love), don't want to call him unless really necessary as he will say come on down and we all know logistically it doesn't matter where the doctor is - it's a pain to get there! Thank you in advance!

Hi - I was banded 12/10/05, going on day 23 and on mushy foods finally! I had a terrible time sticking to liquids and pushed it only to have had my first pb etc...have now settled down with my eating and am amazed how easy this all is once I could incorporate some regular food. Happy with Protein shakes all day (with Water in between) and having lovely Soups for dinner. Today, I had soft boiled eggs (2) for Breakfast as an experiment and they were great! I can alternatively eat a lot and then other times just a cup...I am looking forward to my first fill as I am very compulsive and need the restriction! My port site has been the most painful part of the whole process, but now I can pull myself out of bed without it hurting! Have been walking fine but went for a bike ride today and it pulled on the port so won't try again for a while. Best of luck to everyone and aren't we proud!

Oh my gosh, you all put me at ease...just posted in food section about overeating and wrong food intake at just end of week three (christmas holiday!) Absolutely freaking that I had done damage ie slippage etc and I had totally blown the band...ugh! Realize now swelling is gone, still restricted enough to pb and have terrible bouts of hic-cups but have gone back to Protein drinks and mushy Soup... Obviously, I need a fill! Will be a good girl now as this bout of paranoia and worry was enough to make me PULL BACK! Thanking you from the edge! PS Love this site and all who contribute!