Christina40

Hey! I just wanted to share this with everyone briefly - my last fill was on 8/22 - my fill doctor increased my band from 2.0cc to 2.4cc. I did wonderful in the office and for the first 2.5 weeks - but approaching the 3rd week anniversary - the band became very tight. I had to return to liquids after failing at solids & mushies - it lasted for about 5 days. I kept my hydration going and stuck with it - after reading some similar issues on the forum - I felt it would pass. As of yesterday evening - amazingly enough the band loosen a bit and I am back to solids! Whew! I almost threw in the towel and had some of the saline removed (or unfilled). This being the first year of life with the lapband - I can only imagine - patience and perseverance is factor! I am continually growing with each day and retraining my brain on healthy choices and what really is enough to consume. It seems the tongue always wants more! Thanks for listening! :embaressed_smile: Christina

Thanks! It's so nice to know that you aren't on an island! Take Care! Christina:thumbup:

Thanks Gina! Looks like you are doing great - Congrats!

Hey All! I got to get this off my chest - I was banded on 5/27/08 and lost 36lbs so far - doing well after my recent fill! But.....I have a long time girlfriend that I decided to share this journey with who is behaving very badly! She has asked how much I have lost and I told her and I advised I have 54 more pounds to go. Her reaction was terrible - she told me I was crazy (nuts - was her term) that I would look awful - etc etc. I am 5'2" - before banding I weighed 215 lbs - my goal is 125 lbs - which puts me at a normal BMI and it was my previous weight 8 years ago and I looked good with an average build. I am not quite understanding why she is reacting so badly......I thought of all my friends she would be happy for me. She too has been challenged with weight issues and lost a ton of weight 2 years ago and looks beautiful - why doesn't she want the same for me? This makes me sad - not sure if our friendship will survive.... Thanks for letting me vent! Christina

It's all very strange - since I have written this original post - more & more of my girlfriends have gotten strange! You gotta hear this - I took my car in to the Toyota shop for repair - a friend of mine husband works there - she asked my other girlfriend why was I visiting her husband at work!??? What the heck!? So weird ....I agree with you all - life is too short to be involved with other people's insecurities ..... I am feeling great - I deserve this change in my life and I am working hard to keep it going! Thanks!

Thank you - I really appreciate the support! It means a great deal - I learn something new everyday on this forum - we are all blessed that we have a place to go for help & support!

Thank you all! I think people in general have the wrong impression about making the choice to have gastric surgery - it's deeply personal and it connected to who we are and what we want for ourselves (good health, confidence, energy - the list is long!) - when your "friends" stomp all over it - it hurts your feelings! I really appreciate the support and motivation! Hugs, Christina

Hello! PB: "productive burp" -- a term applied to a wide variety of often painful experiences ranging from mild discomfort or pressure behind the breastplate (golf ball) to more extreme experiences which involved the production of large quantities of saliva (sliming) and sometimes vomiting. Thanks!

I have the Allergan band - it's the 4cc band - I currently have 2cc of saline solution on my first fill 7/14 - next fill scheduled for 8/15.

My surgeon and my Fillcenter doctor both state the same thing - to remain effective your band needs to be adjusted for you. (Fillcenter USA has a "Lifestyle Guide" that provided a plethora of info about entire journey of life with the Lapband - especially about fills - and when adjustments are in order.) Considering it is tool for you to assist with control - therefore, I am not understanding your doctor's resistance to using the tool. You have come too far for such an attitude - you are an adult and this is a lifestyle change - why wait to begin using the band? Honestly, I would seek a new fill doctor - visiting your doctor should be an open session to discuss any of concerns or questions. I wish you luck - my apologies you are going through this type of aftercare. Good Luck, Christina

Welcome to Bandland - it's a great journey and even greater tool! Best wishes to you both! Christina

Thank you both Music Mom & Fort Bend Band! I will check them both out and see which works best for me! I definitely need an accurate scale - mine is about 4 to 5 pounds lighter than the doctors! Thanks again!:thumbup:

Hey! I received my first fill yesterday - it went well - regretfully I needed to do under flouroscopy because my port appears to be slightly tilted. But it was no problem other than the additional cost :tongue_smilie:! My doctor performed the fill without numbing the area - it was a quick poke and I didn't feel anything. (I would suggest skipping the Lidocaine and just going for it!) Quick question for the community - does anyone have a suggestion for a scale? My scale seems to change weights as I am standing on it - 3 to 5 pounds! Thanks! Christina

Thanks Music Mom - I will check out the website! :thumbup:

Hi - I wish I had an answer for the way you are feeling but I too have those thoughts - almost afraid of what the other me will be like - if different at all. But since my banding in May 2008 - I can tell you the benefits outweigh the fears - I do not snore anymore, my energy is high (I don't recognize myself) and I am beginning to socialize without thoughts of my weight first. Good Luck next week - you will do great! Christina

Hello All! I am new to Lapbandtalk.com - I was recently banded in Juarez MX by Dr. Jose Rodriguez - so far so good! I am in Stage 3 purees/mushy food as of today 6/11/08 - taking it nice and slow. Including my pre-op diet a week before my surgery until today I have lost 25lbs! My energy is skyrocketing and I can hardly believe what a difference I feel! I have purchased several resource books that I have found to be useful - "The Lapband for Life" by Dr. Ortiz, "Before & After" by Susan Maria Leach and "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies". (lots of recipes and helpful hints) I am thrilled to find this helpful forum for support! Christina:wink_smile: