Constance

Here's my look alike haha! Just kidding -- although that's how I FEEL like I look some days.

Oh, and PS, Ortiz will give a fill before 6 weeks if you tell him you are really having a tough time feeling full.

I had my first fill yesterday, which was 5 weeks out. I, too, was banded by Ortiz. Although the fill doctor I used said if you are really hungry and not restricted it is time for a fill. He said 6 weeks is the standard timeframe, but every BODY and everybody is different.

I had my first fill today. I thought the poke wouldn't hurt so much...um, wrong! But I think my port is still a little sensitive. No biggie. He put 1.5 in my 4cc band. He said he leaves the diet decisions up to patients. Meaning, no strict reccomendations on liquids or soft foods after a fill. I will stick with liquids for the evening just to play it safe.

Pebbles, big hugs! I'm so sorry. You have had a rough go of it, no doubt about it. We are here for you!

libra, it is so hot! You are gonna rock that dress, have no fear! I go for my first fill tomorrow. I'm a little nervous, to be overfilled. But also nervous I won't feel any change. I'll post how it goes.

Pebbles that is rough. My thoughts are with you and your family. BUG: Ab exercises - Ortiz asks that you wait 3 months. "Darn", I say.

andreerichards; The Tijuana docs are all priced pretty close. But please do lots of research. Go ahead and contact Huacuz or Obesity Goodbye and get their prices. Ask for references and patient emails. Or go on MexicanBandsters on Yahoo Groups and read what people are saying there. Listen, I did TONS of research and I think if you want the best in TJ, go for Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Kuri. I know everyone has their favorites but based on my research I thought Ortiz was the BEST for the money!

nesstg: You have a great attitude. So sorry for the trouble you had to go through. Sounds like this doctor will be perfect - both for baby and for possibly being re-banded. Also, nice to hear the good feedback on Ortiz. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your journey, maybe share some baby pics when he/she makes a debut, too!

Awesome Kutia! You can do it!

Hahaha! :llama:

I'm scared to set a goal for October. With no fill, I fear I won't make it

Hey guys, I sucked with my eating today. chips, chicken, cake...family picnics are the worst for me! However, my awesome husband bought me a bike today! It's like on ol' timey cruiser type - but new with gears and stuff. So hopefully we can do some bike rides and that will balance oiyt my eating. Question: (and I'm sure I could do a search for this but I'm being lazy) How long do you need to wait between fills...a few weeks? a month?

Faybie I totally felt like that too! Until, about 3 days ago. It was like I had an invisible fill removed (if that makes sense). Totally go with it. I don't think you have anything to worry about unless you have persistent PBing. I bet it will ease up a bit with time. It seems like everybody says when you lose weight and your stomach loses a little fat too which leads to less restriction.

You guys, I've sucked today and yesterday. Totally eating like before I was banded. The sad part is, I don't feel that bad about it and I'm enjoying eating! Hello!? I just paid for this! I was obsessed with getting surgery and now I'm just eating and snacking like it's no big deal! So I need a fill -- another 2 weeks will be 6 weeks. Guys, tell me the first fill will help some, please? I have the standard 4mm band. I got a little panicky imagining 4-6 months of trying to feel restriction and gaining the whole time. Ah! No!

I would put that in the "bad idea" category. Although I think it would be great if they designed a band/port system that COULD be self-filled. I suppose if you were a nurse or something and you had done fills before then you could give it a try. But it seems like you might do some damage if you missed -- like could you puncture the tubing? Or poke at your guts?

Thanks for sharing this! You have a great outlook! Please don't be a stranger. This place is so full of support and we are here for you.

Just had to give a gratuitous shout out to Dr. Ortiz. My husband was reluctant too - but the facilities Dr. Ortiz uses are immaculate. The staff is warm and comforting and the surgery is no big deal. Feel free to PM me with any questions!

I used to get this really bad. I actually had blood pressure that was too low and I needed to up my salt intake. Now, I'm about normal. If I go salt-free for too long OR if I over hydrate I will get the 'head rush' feeling. Make sure you have enough salt and you're not over hydrating. When you drink lots of water you can actually get low on electrolytes. Just be sure you keep the blood sugar balanced and throw some salt in the mix. That should help.

A few years back when I was dieting my doctor said I should be at 165. Well, really, even on the high end of normal I should be at 135. She said she would rather me shoot for a goal more within reach. Now with the band, I'm going for 135!

Also faybie, I love your hair. I just had mine cut about that length and I dig it like crazy. I wish I had a pic of your haircut when I had mine done!

Rlitt -- here is some stuff I found on the web that might help: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Many-Calories-Can-I-Have-And-Still-Lose-Weight?&id=6723

Questions: Do the Spanx bras or tops give you support? Or is it like a sports bra where you get some compression but not really lift? So the waist bands roll? Or do the waist bands on the tank roll up? Ugh, I hate that! I have some Jockey slimming underraments. They work, but they roll and pretty much you want to tear them off at the end of the day.

Faybie you are beautiful!

Faybie, you totally rock for putting that together! In other news...it is "Shark Week" for me. (time of month, i.e. just want to eat, sleep and kill) I just ate nearly and entire Tostino's pizza. You know, the little ones? Well, it wasn't that little. Where'd my lovely post-op restriction go? I am so hungry and it sucks. I was sooo thinking I didn't need a fill. But restriction is gone - for today at least.