okiechick

I am having my band on the 29th of August and have been experiencing all kinds of fears and being very scared. I am from the se part of Oklahoma, 54 years old and a teacher. I need someone who is going through this or is fixing to go through the band.

Sunshine2: I got an appointment for this Wednesday at 3:00. I am excited again.

Hey Sunshine2: Thanks for the quick reply. I am definitely going to call this Monday. Tried today, but forgot they close at noon. I can definitely eat more than one cup of solid Protein and I am hungry between meals. I am also confused about the Protein drinks. I have found a Protein Drink that is fanastic. It is called "Bolthouse Farms", Mocha Cappuccino with whey protein. It does not have any sugar added, 178 calories per 8 ozs, and is low fat. I am confused when I can have the protein drinks. I have a protein drink for Breakfast (slimfast optima), because I do not have time to eat during the week day. Because of the calories of the drink I am afraid to drink very much. Glad to hear your fill is doing better. You really sound like you are on top of everything. Hope you have a great weekend. Pam

Hi Sunshine2" Hope your 13th adjustment is doing better for you. I have a question for you. I had my first fill on the 29th of August, which is a week and 4 days ago. I feel like I can eat anything again. Do I have to wait a whole month for another fill? Can I go back next week, which will be a little over two weeks. Thanks Pam

I have been thinking about you. I hope you got it resolved about the looseness. You sound like you are really intuned to your band. Sometimes, I can't even tell it's there. I don't think I could afford to have my band filled that often. $400. a fill is going to eat my lunch. I am following your advice about eating the Protein first and no liquids during the meal. I think I have been doing something wrong with my eating and I will tell you to see if I am right. I have been getting hungry or not feeling the restriction after eating my lunch here at school. My lunch consisted mostly of Soups. The soups are quicker to go through and therefore you do not feel the restrictions? Therefore, I will feel the hunger quicker? Today, I ate my protein first (two chicken drumsticks) and then my oven baked potatoes with onions. I feel very full and I have waited 30 to 40 minutes before my lunch and after lunch to drink anything. Thanks for your advice. Pam

Hi Sunshine2: I need help with head hunger... I believe that is one of my problems. I shouldn't be hungry between meals, but I am. I am hungry when I least expect it, but I shouldn't be. I crave certain foods with a passion, but don't know why. Could this be head hunger? Help! Pam

Hi Sunshine2: Thanks you sooo much for all the information about Dr. Kirk and you were right. I really enjoyed his personality and his bed side manner. When he ask me if I had any concerns. I told him about my conversation with you on the internet. I did not know your actual name, but he knew right off when I told you had been recently had our 12th fill and he knew who you were. He did not give me your name so there was no confidentiality broken. I informed him about all the good things you had to say about him. I go back the end of October and now I do not dread it now. I can definitely tell I had a fill, but it isn't too bad. I haven't had any nausea or throwing up. Hope you are having a good week. Pam

Hi Ladies: I had my first fill with Dr. Kirk yesterday in Owasso. He was wonderful and very good at what he does. He explained everything he was going to do. He charges $200.00 and the hospital charges another $200.00. He informed me that he does lots of Mexico patients. He is the only Dr. I found in Oklahoma that takes Mexico patients that didn't cost a fortune. He also has a great bed side manners and loves to joke. Hope this helps.

Insurance company: Health Choice State: Ok State Insurance, paid by state Banded? Yes, August 29, 2008, but had to pay all expense out of pocket. Policy in insurance that states no coverage that pays for any cost due to diet, surgery, and morbid obesity surgery. (nice insurance uah?)

Sunshine2: How do I know when I get to that "sweet spot"? I know it will be different for everyone, but how do you know that you have found the perfect spot in the banding process. I have struggled the last couple of night with craving hunger, and have eat more than I probably should. I do not get to eat much in the day time, but I am able to drink lots of sugar-free flavored Water. At least 60 to 80 ozs a day. I think I am doing good with the fluids. Its the regular food I have trouble with. I can't wait to meet Dr. Kirk. The office people seem very nice also. Thanks so much Sunshine2. Pam

Sorry for no answering sooner. I have been busy at school and its homecoming week. I really appreciate your advice and encouragement. The last couple of nights I have had the worse hunger cravings. I am can't wait for the first fill. You have relieved the stress about Dr. Kirk. Thanks.

I hear you girl! My grown children did not want me to do it either. However, I ended up doing it for myself. I feel good and do not regret it either. You have to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages. I am so glad that I had the banding, and now my boys are okay with it. They were just scared of the unknown. As far as the b/f, you do it for your self. I have the same feeling about looking at myself in the mirror, because I am fat, although I am only three inches taller than you, but I weigh the same. I am also older, and I wished I had done it when I was younger. I will be thinking about your and you are in my prayers.

Hi Pat: Good to hear from you. This time of the year does create a hectic time. My husband was caught in Karina on his truck and he has caught in the first and second one this year, but Ike he barely got out in time. He owns his own truck and drives mostly Florida and the lower states to Houston. We have been caught in several of the hurricanes, but Katrina has been the most severe and scariest. I was very worried about him. I am doing good and am finally getting to eat regular food. I am needing a fill, because I am very hungry, but it is manageable right. I have went from 230 lbs to 216 as of this morning. I am walking 3 1/2 miles everyday or every other day. Weather and schedule allowing for everyday. I am feeling good and having no problems to speak of. My first fill is the 29th of September and I can't wait. Have you gotten yours schedule yet? Where are you at in the process? Looking forward to hearing from you. Pam

Thanks Sunshine2: I don't dread going now, in fact I look forward to it. Glad he got some type of new medication to help with the bee sting. lol. I am a big baby when it come to pain. Where did you get your fill done? Just wondering. As I said, I went to Mexico and they really impressed me with the doctors, nurses, and facilities. The place was so clean that you could almost eat off of the floor. It was a great experience. I will definitely let you know how it went on the 29th. I am losing some, but not very much at this time. I know that will change after a while. Pam

Sunshine2: Can't tell you how much I appreciate the information you are giving me. I will difinitely follow your advice. Sometimes I feel like my questions are just stupid, but thanks to people like you who help those like me. It is a great help. Now, I am really excited about going. I was really dreading someone poking around the port site, because it is still sore somwhat. Does it take a long time for the tenderness to go away? As far as feeling hungry, I can handle that 4th fill. I wasn't hungry when it was first done, but it has only gotten worse recently. Oh, well, I have to work at it too, the band can't do all the work. lol... I just finished my 1 1/2 mile walk and I feel good. I am glad I got in this walking routine. It makes me feel better most of the time. Now, I get to eat something. Thanks again. You are a great help! Pam

Sunshine2: From the looks of all the information at the bottom of your forum, you have done excellent. I congratulate you on a job well done. Can you please tell me what is the process of a fill? I am completely in the dark. My port site is still alittle sore, but looks good. I cannot see the port, therefore, how do they fill it? Do they go through the skin with a needle, or what? I do like being in the dark and not be really for the procedure. Really glad to know that he has a bed side manner and is funny. That helps relieve a lot of anxiety. I am at the three week stage, and I feel like I can eat anything, and my appetite has really picked up. There are times when I think I can eat a horse. lol... My appointment is the 29th of September at 1:00 and I can't wait. Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it lots. Hope you are having a good day. Pam

Sunshine2: Thanks so much for the reply. I have an appointment with Dr. Kirk on the 29th. He definitely takes Mexico patients and his fee is $200.00 and the hospital charges another $200.00 for the use of thier facility. The office ladies were very nice in answering my questions and at this point I was happy to get an appointment.:tt1: Pam

Hi Tootie: My name is Pam and I am from se oklahoma. I live in the town of Tushka, which is close to Atoka, OK. I had my banding on the 29th of August andI am doing well. I did not have my banding in the ok, but in Mexico. Had a wonderful experience and am doing well. I am scheduled for my first fill on the 29th of September with a doctor in Owasso, Ok.

Testing ticker <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w4iFdb7/blk-weight.png"></a>

Hey everyone: Just wanted to touch bases. I am doing good, but I have felt hungry today. I have gratudated to full liquids and hope that helps. I have scheduled my first fill for the 15th of October. I can't wait. I know the band is not working at first and the first six week are for healing. However, I did find that the list of doctors that I was given, very few of the doctors wants to deal with patients who went to Mexico. :teeth_smile: They really want to charge a lot of money before they let you in their clinic :shades_smile:. Finally I found one who will accept me, but it will cost me 400. for the fills each time.:thumbs_up: There are times when I feel really good and times when I feel not so good. But I know that is expected. The ups and downs of life.... However, I know that I can get on line and know that there are you all that knows what it all like.....:biggrin: THANKS EVERYONE:thumbup::thumbs_up::thumbup:

Hi Girls: I am one week and one day banded which was on the 29th. I believe I am doing well. I was on Clear Liquids for the first week and now I am on full liquids for a week. Then it is on to the mushies. I feel good and then some days not so good, but never bad. I have my first fill on the 15th of October and I can't wait. I am ready to start losing weight. I have lost 7 lbs, but I know that is extra. I consider everything before the first fill extra lost, because after the fill is when it really starts. I am one of those what went to Mexico and really was impressed with their facility. The hospital, doctors, and nurses were really great and warm. The hospital was so clean and that was really noticeable. They really took good care of me and my husband. They even brought my husband something to eat on the first two days, because he stayed with me. :teeth_smile: I love reading the forum, because you are all inspiring. I may not post much, but I do read a lot. It seems like we are all going through the same thing and my heart goes out to all. Keep in their and keep posting, because you are helping someone and you may not even know it.:shades_smile:

Hey For Billy: Glad to hear from you. I have been given the names and numbers of several doctors in the OKC and Tulsa areas. I haven't chosen one yet. As for the fill there at the hospital. We did not have a choice. They make that choice in surgery. Sometimes the band will not fit and they have to add the fill to get it to stay put. As for the size and kind I did not know what kind or size until after I was out of surgery. I think they make that decision onced they see the size of the stomach. I am doing good today and have lost 7 lbs already. Please feel free to ask me anything you want to. If I can help alievate any fears I will try. Pam

Hi For Billy: I am back from Juarez and I got my band. It was a good experience and I was impressed with the facilities and the doctors. I am feeling pretty good, except for gas and soreness. But that is to be expected. I went in on Friday and got there about 9:30 a.m., and as soon as you get to the hosptial they start right away. First with x-ray, then give them your money and sign papers, up to your room, start the IV, cartogram, paperwork, and wait to take you in to surgery. I went to surgery at 3:00. My hubby and I stayed until Sunday, Dr. Rod would not let us leave until then. My flight was to leave Saturda, but we got it changed. My band is a 10cc band with a maximum 4cc. They put 1 1/2 cc in during sergery, so I have some fill now. I can tell its there when I eat, because I get full very fast. I have to be on a clear liquid for a week and then full liquid. It's not bad so far and I have already lost 5 lbs. Please keep me informed on your journey and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Are you going by your self or do you have someone going with you. In the group that was done that day (8 of us) there was one gentlemen and he did great. Hope to hear form you soon.

just trying to see if the weight ticker works. <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wLp7iRV/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wLp7iRV/blk-weight.png"></a>

Hi Everyone: Well I did it and it is over. This is my fourth day and I believe I am doing good. I do not regret going to Juarez, Mexico. The facility was great and so were the doctors and nurses. :laugh::thumbup: My surgery went well and I was up and walking around the halls in about 2 hours post op. The only pain that I can really say that bothered me is the port site and the gas that seem to float everywhere. However, the pain in manageable and it is not too bad. The band is a 10. cc band with a 4cc minimum. They have already put 1 1/2 cc in during surgery. I wondered if I would feel the band before, but I can't tell its there until I eat. I can eat only very little before I feel full and that is where I stop. :cool2: I really do appreciate all of you thinking about me the last couple of days, but the real works starts now. :thumbup: