MissBS

Hi. I'm from Albuquerque. Thanks for the warning. I called one here in town - El Camino Imaging Center - and they want $473.00 for a fill. After I came to, I told them no thanks. I got my surgery done in Houston Texas, and it is cheaper for me to fly down there and take a cab to and from the surgery center than it would be for me to get it done there. Where are you from?? Good luck to you. Becky

I've always drank the Atkins Advantage shakes. I think they are good. I like the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. I'm sure there are some people who don't like them, but you might give em a try. Good luck!!! Becky

I had pain for a few months just like you are describing. I think it was all from the gas put in at surgery. I know that seems like a long time, but that's what I was told by my surgeon. It finally got better, but I still feel that same exact pain every once in awhile. I felt NO restriction after surgery or after my first or second fill. Losing 15 pounds without restriction is great - you will lose more once you get good restriction. PBing stands for productive burp. Once you get restriction, some foods just don't go down - seems to be different for everyone. I cannot eat plain chicken or turkey (baked without anything on it), white pasta, and bread. If you take a bite of something that isn't small enough, or chewed enough, or if you don't wait inbetween bites, food can get stuck. When I PB it feels like I need to burp. The food that won't go down, comes back up... with a lot of saliva. It is not really like throwing up... the food never makes it into my stomach. You just have to spit it out. Sometimes it lasts a minute or two and sometimes it lasts longer. Not too big a deal if I am home... not so great if out in public, but you learn how to deal with it. I have days where my band is tighter than other days... and on those days I have to be careful. I know this is kinda gross... but.... I was not very good about practicing taking tiny bites, chewing lots, and eating slowly before I got restriction - didn't need to. I should have!!!! Now that I have good restriction, I HAVE to do those things. I think it would've been easier if I had practiced before. Anyway.... that is my story and I'm sticking to it :thumbup: Good luck to you. Take care!!! Becky

I'm sure you've thought of this, or been told, but don't forget to research aftercare and fills in your planning. Sometimes it is hard to find a doctor who will treat/fill you if they didn't do the surgery. If you are close enough to go back to Mexico for your aftercare, or if you have doctors nearby who will treat you, then it isn't a problem. Also, wherever you decide to have your surgery, see if aftercare and fills are included in the cost. I was self pay and paid $12,900, which included the surgery, aftercare, and fills for 2 years. Good luck to you!!! Becky

I lost LOTS of hair, but not until about 4 months post op. The suggestions I got were - make sure you are getting enough protein, make sure you are drinking all the water you are supposed to, and take Biotin. I was doing all these things and still lost a lot. It has gotten better now, and I think I have new hair coming in. Not sure if anything really helps - but just my opinion. Good luck to you. Becky

Have you discussed this with your surgeon?? I would think his/her opinion might help you with your decision.

Yes....let us know what you can have and maybe we can help. And I sure do agree with Shelley - keep busy!! Go to the movie, for a walk, window shopping, read a good book.... I spent a lot of time on here. Computer time seems to go by faster than real time. I read lots on LBT and had many of my questions answered and concerns addressed - helped me be more prepared and comfortable when I finally had my surgery. It's not easy, but you can do it. Good luck!!! Becky

I say no unfill!!!! Go have fun, focus on other things - not food, and walk a lot. Who knows.. you might even come home with a little weight loss. I've flown several times since being banded and have had no problems. Just spent a week in Las Vegas - also known for the "all you can eat" buffets, etc. I didn't lose any... but I didn't gain any either. I don't think my doctor would unfill me for an eating vacation even if I asked. Good luck and have fun on your vacation!!! Becky

Hi. I didn't have any restriciton after my first or second fill either. The third fill made a BIG difference for me. It is hard to eat what you should until you get that restriction. Hang in there. Becky

I've also had coffee since the liquids stage. I drink regular - one or two cups in the morning. No problems with it. OK with my doctor and I NEED it!! Take care. Becky

My doctor does all fills under fluroscopy.. but he hasn't given me large fills. I had 2 cc's put in during the surgery, but only 1.8 came out when I went in for my first fill. 1st fill was 1.3... 2nd was 1.5.... and the 3rd was 1.3 cc's. Had no restriction after surgery, first fill, or second fill. Third fill - LOTS of restriction. Your fills and body do have to adjust after each fill. What might be just right on fill day - might not be days or weeks later. But as we all know.... every doctor is different. Good luck with your fill!! Take care. Becky

If all you can keep down is liquids, I would say call your surgeon's office. It sounds to me like you are too tight. Good luck!! Becky

Hi. Of course I don't know what is best for you. If your BMI is under 40, you don't have any co-morbidities, AND your insurance says they won't cover it.... I might say that you should go ahead and pay for your surgery IF you can. If you think you have a chance of getting them to pay for it, and it wouldn't take too long to find out, you might want to give it a try. I was self pay and boy was it easy and quick. I had my initial consultation on 8/13/08 and my surgery was then scheduled for 9/12/08 (actually had it done on 9/19). I just had to have an EKG and some blood work done and then I was ready. I'm not saying the fast way is always the best, but it was the best for me. I'm not a good hoop jumper. I have issues with insurance companies.... but that is a whole other story . If you decide to pay for your surgery yourself, make sure the place you choose has a good follow-up plan included in the price you pay (visits, fills, etc). I went through True Results in Houston and I am so happy with the treatment that I have received. I do wish you good luck. Do what you think is best for you. Becky

Of course you need to follow your doctor's instructions, but for the first few weeks on the post op diet, I didn't worry too much about protein and exact amounts of foods, or even liquids for that matter. You need to drink enough to keep from becoming dehydrated and just focus on healing. You will have plenty of time once your body heals to get all of your protein, and other nutrients in. Just my opinion - I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV. Good luck to you!!!! Becky

Hi. I'm sorry you are having so many problems on your pre-op diet. I hope it gets better for you. For those not on their pre-op diet yet, not everyone has problems - I didn't (certainly not saying it was easy or that I loved it:). I had to have a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and then lean meat and vegetables for dinner. Never had to have bullets or shots. I didn't have headaches or any issues down south. I still have to have a protein shake every day for breakfast (doctor's orders). I've used Atkins Advantage shakes since I started my pre-op diet. I think they are good, although I'm sure not everyone would agree. Again, Lighterload - your surgery is coming up soon - I wish you all the luck in the world. It sounds like you are staying focused on why you are doing this. Keep up the good work and take good care of yourself!!!! Becky

You do need to check with your surgeon. I was self pay too and didn't have to do much before my surgery. I had my initial consulatation on August 13, 2008 and my surgery was scheduled for September 12, 2008 (but had it done on Sept. 19th). All I had to do was have blood work done and an EKG. They did all of that at my surgeon's office. I was put on a 3 week pre-op diet and had my surgery. It was quick and easy!! You will be banded before you know it. Good luck to you!!! Becky

I have lost quite a bit of hair in the last couple of months. I get my protein in daily and take biotin.... but not sure if it has helped. Luckily, I had thick hair to begin with. One of the ladies at my surgeon's office did tell me that getting all of my water in each day might help too... who knows?? It does seem to be getting a little bit better. I'm just hoping that my shedding season is almost over. Becky

Hi Pan. Welcome to LBT. This site is a great place to find information and support. I have made some very good friends here and love hearing other's stories. Many of my questions have been answered here and my concerns addressed. Keep coming here, reading, and asking. I was banded the day after you were (Sept. 19th). I sure do know what you mean about plateaus - they are annoying!! I have been on one for over two weeks now. I am just trying to stay focused and know that eventually I will step down from this plateau. I'm glad you found this site and hope that you find it as helpful as I have. Take good care of yourself and keep in touch. Becky

Hi macaulie and welcome to LBT!! Congratulations on your decision to get the lapband. A lot of your post sounds like my story - tried and failed on every diet you can think of. I also do not have any plans of becoming a super model - just want to be healthier and live a longer and better life. I have a 4 year old granddaughter that I spend my days with. Keeping up with her has gotten easier and funner now that I have lost some weight. Now.... about those relatives who think you are taking the easy way out.... boy are they wrong!!!!! Getting the band, changing your lifestyle and old eating habits, exercising more, and staying focused.... none of it is easy - but it sure is worth it. As long as you are happy with your decision - that's all that matters. It's nice that your husband supports you. I'm sure he loves you very much and wants you to be happier and healthier too. I wish you all the luck in the world. Keep coming here, reading, and asking questions. This is a wonderful place to learn and make friends. Lots of support here. Take care. Becky

Hi Bella. I am in the same exact place that you are. My band is very moody also. Some days I can eat anything... and I think I need a small fill. Then the next day, I have trouble eating anything - my band is tight... PBing....and I know I don't need a fill. I do take tiny bites, chew lots, and wait between bites. On the days that my band is loose, it is hard to keep my portions at what they should be. Having a moody band makes it hard to plan, eat, and keep track of what you are eating. I like having the restriciton, but wish it was more consistant. I just keep thinking that I'm still learning and take it one day at a time. I know my post is no help to you, but just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I will be watching the replies you get. Good luck to you!!! Becky

I've never heard of a doctor giving a fill 2 weeks after surgery. Like Restless said - this is your time for healing. It is hard, but you can do it. Just focus on healing and trying to eat what you should, and not what you could. It will get better. Good luck to you!! Becky

When I first got banded, I was taking a blood pressure pill that was not to be crushed or broken. I talked to my PCP and she prescribed another medication that is very small and I never had a problem with it. 6 months after getting my band, I was taken off of my BP meds alltogether!!! So before crushing or breaking, make sure that the pill will have the same results - I googled mine and found out it wasn't supposed to be crushed or broken. Some meds are horrible tasting - if you can take something else that doesn't have to be crushed and mixed with water, it might make your day a tiny bit better. So as usual.... the advice that I have is.... check with your doctor. Take care!!! Becky

Ben, I love reading your posts and I am very sorry to read about what you are having to deal with right now. You are not the first person that I have met on here who had their spouse leave them after surgery. You do have lots of support here!! I hope that things turn out ok. Stay focused on taking care of yourself. Good luck to you!!! Becky

Could just be too tight. If you are taking tiny bites, chewing them up good, and waiting between bites, and this is happening all the time, I agree with Restless... call your doctor. Maybe all you need is a slight unfill, but sounds like you need something to help you out. Get it checked out. Good luck to you!!! Take care!! Becky

Oh boy can I relate!!! I was banded just about the same time you were (mine was Sept. 19, 2008). After my last fill (3rd) on December 19th, I have REAL SERIOUS restriction. When you say you vomited.... did you PB (just the chewed up chicken) or was it for reals throwing up (stomach acid, etc.)? I hate to be gross, but just wondering. I cannot eat chicken or turkey if it is just boiled, baked, or grilled. I have tried it on several occasions and PB'd every time... even with tiny bites and chewing, chewing, chewing). Seems to be better (most days) in soup.... but I still have to be careful. Baked fish can do the same thing. My band is very moody and some days I can tolerate things..... next day maybe not. It makes planning, eating, and tracking very challenging!! But, I do love my band. Not sure if this rambling post helps you, but you are not alone. Good luck to you. Becky