pioneer1

Now I am getting scared. I will have revision surgery this summer. I was banded in 09 and lost 75# and had trouble since '10. Gained 30#back. I am allegic to codine so oxidcodone or hydrocodone is out of the question. I know my port is going to be a problem. Last time I had a fill there was so much scare tissue that it was hard to get a needle in. I look forward to starting a new but not the pain. Here's to a new start and lost weight. Good luck and keep us posted,

I was banded in 08 and lost 75# but had a fill in '10 and went on a 5 week vacation and got sick. By the time I got back and went in they did a unfill and I got better. I went back and got another small fill. That lasted a few weeks then had to go get an unfill. This went back and forth for 3 years. I moved and went to another DR. and he said that the band had slipped and suggested (also suggested by my cardio Dr) to have it removed and do a by pass. So that is what I am going to do this summer. All those years going back to the dr office (@$125) for fills and unfills(at least 6 times each) and the assistants never suggested that I should consult with the dr. The Dr is well respected but the staff failed me. (I share the blame-I just thought that they should know) I have gained 30 # back and I am so disappointed but have a positive outlook on upcoming surgery. I know now that any problems you go straight to the DR not the staff. It would have saved me years $'s and pounds.

It doesn't matter what or whether hot or cold. I am thinking it might be my cpap. I sleep with a cpap machine so maybe I am swallowing alot of air at night. I also belch when eating. Anyone use cpap and have the same problem?

HI, I haven't been on for awhile. I am having trouble and need some help. Everytime I drink, I belch. Sip, belch, sip, belch. I thought I might be swallowing air, but I don't know how to stop it.

Hi Diana, Where are you going in Oct? We will be picking up our new TT in Indiana and heading West.So far we are scheduled to go to Yellowstone, but might go up to Seattle also. Depends on weather. I have had trouble in the past with fills and being able to get fluids down properly. Mostly due to excessive mucus due to sinus problems. Not sure what to do, so I guess I will just talk with the Dr Sept 18.

Hi don, glad you are doing well. I am slow going right now. Banded Dec 18 08 and have lost 43lbs. I think I need a 4th fill, but I am going to be RV traveling Oct 1 for a month or more. Don't know if it is smart getting a fill before doing so much traveling. Keep up the good work.

Need some guidance please. I have not posted in a long time so I am not sure if this has come up. I am 8 mo post band. I had a fill in June and since then, I have a problem with liquids. Solids are rarely a problem. I struggle with any type of liquid. It doesnt want to go down easliy. I try warm and that helps some. I try sipping and if it is cold, it comes up. I burp and belch everytime I drink. I have trouble with sinus and I know it could be excess mucus plugging up the hole. I would like another fill for my appetite is getting bigger but I am afraid of not being able to get Any fluid down. When I exercise, I am able to get more water down. Anybody have any suggestions or has anyone every had problems drinking but not eating? I go back to see Ponce in 3 weeks.

Me too, When I checked the scale I had lost almost 3 lbs in one day. I knew that it was all fluids and that I might be getting too dehydrated to wait til monday. I now know the signs and will wait near the dr office after a fill to make sure that things are doing ok before I make the 90 min trek home. I am now hydrating and doing great.

Thanks, I called the Dr and he said that I should have some taken out. I went in and had some removed and now feel great. First time experiencing something like that. I know that I could have waited until Monday, but I didnt want to take the chance. Dr said I might need another fill before my nxt visit and to just call to arrange a fill. I am glad that I went in.

Hi All, I need some help and advice. I got my 3rd fill on Thursday. I felt fine when I left but I am having trouble now. I am having a hard time keeping anything down. I try to drink sips and go slow. I also am just eating mushie foods. It seems like everything is getting stuck even water. I am constantly burping or wanting to throw up or actually throwing up. I also have that stuck feeling in my throat. My question is: is my fill too tight or do I just need to be very conservative for a few days and let the swelling go down and the pouch relax? I am very uncomfortable but not real painfull. I can get some fluids down but not nearly my 64 oz. i am able to eat about 1/4 cup or so of cream of wheat. Should I call Monday and get a unfil?

Hi, haven.t been on in awhile. I am starting to get depressed. The only thing that is losing is my stocks and savings accounts. My weight is very effected by stress and the only thing on tv is how bad the ecomony is. You dont have to tell me. My husband and I are retired and it looks like we will have to go back to work but there are no jobs. I am working very hard not to graze out of stress but my portions are increasing. I have had 2 fills with my next one March 19th. Does everyone measure their food. I dont. I just wing it. I am not snacking yet. Should I eat smaller meals and have a smart snack inbetween or keep to just 3 meals and eat more to fill full? Sorry, just want to vent and get support. Thanks everyone for just being there. I read ya all the time.

I just had my second fill. I want to know how you can eat slow and still get hot foods. I am trying to eat slower, but my food gets real cold. I ate soft scrambled egg sub, this morning and by the time I had eaten (25 minutes) it was awfull and cold. Any suggestion>?

Me too, I also use the stove or micro to help me balance my time. I take part of the food and eat it first, then wait a few minutes then go back and get the rest of my meal. It is a pain, but it is helping me slow down.

Thanks everyone of some great suggestions. I am glad to see that I am not alone. I like both sites.

I like the idea of using one of the baby food dishes that hold hot water. I started to look for one on the internet and so far can only find them in England. Anybody know where i can get one?

I have another question. I have had one fill so far and I am not feeling that full. Is it better to eat a little more at a meal (eating 3 meals a day) and not snack between or is it better to eat your 1 cup and have a snack between meals. I am still learning and my weight is slowly moving down. I am afraid that I will start eating bad stuff or grazing if I don't get that full feeiling. Any suggestions?

Thanks Phyllser. Sounds great, for I also drink a jug of crystal lite in the morning. I will get some benifiber tomorrow.:huh2:

Hi Gamecock Mom, I am in Fannin Co. and I went to Gastric Band Instuite in Chattanooga/Dalton. http://gastricbandinstitute.com/index.htm Dr Ponce only does Lapbands. He is very much into post op stuff. He is Very good. I was self pay and outpatient was around 14,500 but I was hospital and that was 18,900. All is available on website. Good Luck

I am 4 weeks out and having constipation problems. Any suggestions? I am drinking my fluids. Well almost, I get between 50 and 64 oz a day in. Should I try bran cereal?

I told her that I had already cashed in some securities for the Surgery $18,800+ and that there was no more cash available and that I had done my part as required. She then asked if I could just give alittle. I said NO.

I believe that she lost her job because she signed the UPS package that contains my payment for surgery.$6100 and misplaced it. I put a stop pay on the cashiers chedk but it will take 90 days before it can be reissued. So Dr Ponce won't get paid for 3 mo. She also didnt notice that my paymt wasnt posted before I had surgery. She even asked me if I could put up more cash while they wait for the reissue. That took nerve. I am not surprise that she is gone. She sounded very nervous about her job.

I use Matrix protein shakes and with water they are only 90 calories with 24 gm of protein. I love the chocolate made into hot choco. Here is an interesting article about protein drinks. I am sure some of you have already read it. BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition - Protein Drinks 101

I have a question...I want know if I will be able eat salads with the band. I dearly love them and I hope I will be able chew chew chew salads. Also, I have only lost 6 # since banding Dec 18. Should I be losing more weight during the first month even though I have not had my first fill until Jan 13? Thanks

Judy, check with your pharmacist. When I had a colonoscopy he said that there was the same stuff that is not prescription and alot cheaper. The stuff they give you is very potient. Also magnesium citrate is great. Glad you are here... I had my knee surgery a year ago and heart surgery 2 years ago. Had constipation with both. Good luck

I was banded by Ponce on Dec 18th. I had no problem sleeping for I sleep on my back. The gas pain was my problem. It lasted for about 6 days. I walked and then put a heating pad on my shoulder and neck. I stil have a problem with neck and shoulder pain for I hve arthitis and when they straped my arm back for surgery, they stretched a little to much for my shoulder. All in all he did a great job. Did anyone ever suffer from mild depression right after surgery?