birdbrainzz

Has anyone had a fill done by a radiologist? I saw my surgeon today and he suggested this. I had my surgery on April 22, 2009 and have lost 30 pounds. I am at 7.5 cc's in my 10 cc band, and after not losing any weight in the past 12-weeks, today at my weigh-in I had gained one pound. My surgeon said the radiologist will empty my band completely and then completely re-fill it. Then, I will drink some liquid while the radiologist slowly removes the saline from the band. I guess it will be a good way to ensure the band has not slipped and is still working correctly. Just wondering if anyone else has had this done. Thanks everyone!!

That must be it...thank so much. I searched the forum for "radiology", but Floruo looks like what I need to look for. Thanks again!

Don't be depressed: I had to have three fills before I felt the slightest bit of restriction. It will work, trust me.

I just had my second fill on Monday; am now at 6.5 cc's in my 10 cc band. STILL absolutely NO restriction whatsoever. I had lost 17 pounds in my first four weeks post-surgery, but have gained back 3.5 pounds. I can eat whatever and whenever I want...I always feel hungry, just like before. I'm thinking I'm one of those unfortunate people who will need to be almost completely filled before feeling any kind of restriction. It's just very frustrating because I read how so many of you are at full capacity at around 5 cc's. I really want to feel that restriction...I guess I'm in lap band Hell I've heard so much about. I've stepped up my exercise and eat healthy foods (no fast food, pastries, etc.). I've just been very depressed and wonder if there are others out there in the same predicament...:redface:

So, I had my very first fill yesterday. It went fine and completely 100% pain-free. He put 4 cc's in my 10 cc band, and I had really high hopes that I would have some restriction. But, that is not the case. I feel absolutely NO restriction whatsoever. My doctor said I should come back in six weeks for an additional fill, but I really don't want to wait that long! I really want to feel some restriction to help me with my appetite. How soon do you think I can get another fill?? Any suggestions would be great!

I'm having my first fill tomorrow and can't wait...I've been starving! I've been the same weight for a week, and just want to lose a few pounds soon. I'll let you know.

Yes, please let me know how you like the cappuccino Nectar. I love the cappucino AchievOne, so I wonder if they're similar in taste.

Not sure if anyone has tried "Nectar" protein powder, but I decided to give it a try. It comes in many fruit flavors and honestly, it's a nice change because I'm getting sick of chocolate, vanilla, etc. I got "Fuzzy Navel", I mixed it with water and it tasted like a watered-down orange juice, but it was delicious! It has 23 g. of protein per scoop, and you can mix it with water, milk, or juice. It really is whey protein that actually tastes great!!

Hi Kitty, nope, no milky aftertaste with this. And I know exactly what you mean about that gross taste. I make myself drink the shakes because they're high in protein, but I almost gag on them. And I purchase my products at www.bjsbariatrics.com. I like them because they let you mix and match a case of AchievOne, rather than having to buy an entire case of the same flavor.

Wow, those are great ideas. Thanks All!

Does anyone have some good ideas for the mushies stage? I was banded 4/22 and had my first post-op today. My DR said I can start doing mushies in the next few days, and I want to have something to look forward to!! :ohmy:

Get it removed. It's a simple surgery and when you lose a lot of weight, chances are you'll have problems down the road. I did. It was from drastic dieting and now I don't have to worry about it.

My client is coming to town tomorrow and is taking me and my entire department out to lunch. We're going to PF Chang's. Since I've never been there, I looked at their menu to see what my choices are. I was just banded seven days ago. I feel fabulous, and have had no nausea, vomiting, gas, nothing. I have already started to slowly incorporate solid foods (eggs, soft cheese, soups with noodles, etc.). My question is this: when did you feel comfortable eating lettuce or fish? I'm thinking if I take really, really small bites and chew 30 times (at least), I can order the lettuce wraps or the mahi-mahi with no sauce. PLEASE HELP with any suggestions. Thanks everyone!!

Wow, I would hate to wait three weeks for some eggs! My DR said soft solid foods were okay at 7 days...thank God cuz' I'm hungry!!! My first thought was that I just shouldn't go, but it's MY client... I still might bow out. I am seeing my DR tomorrow morning, and he might tell me not to go...we'll have to wait and see. Thanks again!! Love this chat-room...:drool:

Thanks guys. I'll stick with the egg drop soup and maybe the stir-fry spinach...pretty bland.

OMG, I FEEL AMAZING!!! I have little to no pain, no nausea, constipation, gas, nothing. Prior to having my surgery, I was so well eduated, by the time I got home the day after surgery, I knew exactly what and how much food I could eat. I don't even need to use my pain meds...I've been out for walks and I feel like I've already lost 10 pounds (I'm sure I haven't)! Anyway, for people who are having problems, hang in there. I'm sending positive thoughts your way...

It's funny, I'm reading these replies and I had absolutely no problems with my insurance. Dr. Wetter's assistant said it would take 4-6 weeks before I received an approval, and they called me back 3 days later saying it went through no problem. However, when I was living up in Washington, I tried to have the surgery and my insurance flat-out refused. So, it just depends on your carrier.

Dr. Wetter is doing my surgery on April 22. I've met with him several times, and think he's fabulous. Good luck!!

I have a surgery date of April 22, and my pre-op is this Friday, April 3. When I first met with my surgeon last month, he said I should try to lose 10% of my weight prior to the surgery. That's 24 pounds in 30-days! If I could lose 24 pounds, I wouldn't need surgery!!! However, I have cut out all fast food, pastries, etc., and have been eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish. This morning I got on my scale and I've actually gained a few pounds. I started crying because I literally cannot lose weight. Do surgeons normally give you an actual pre-op diet to follow? I'm just concerned he might cancel my surgery because I've gained weight. I'm pretty scared because I've been waiting two years for this, and I don't want to wait any longer. Anybody have any advice??:thumbdown:

I have a hard time drinking plain water, but have been addicted to club soda/seltzer water for 20+ years, and drink about 1-litre a day. I spoke with my surgeon because I know carbonated beverages is a no-no. However, he said I can still drink my soda water, but have to wait at least one hour after eating. Does anyone else drink carbonated beverages? If so, how is it working for you? (My surgery date is April 22.) Thanks!

Thanks Amy. I've cut out ALL carbs and am drinking a TON of water. Today my ankles were so swollen, I've never had this before. Could be from being overweight, or I'm retaining water...not sure. But I hope my DR gives me an actual "pre-op" diet, since my surgery is April 22. But I really appreciate your help. I love knowing that I'm not alone!

Okay, I'll be seeing him on Friday. I'm hoping he will have an actual diet for me to follow. I'll let you know. Thanks for your reply...I feel much better.

I live in the Bay Area and I'm having my surgery April 22. I really love how everyone in this chat-room is so positive about their experience. I'm not nervous, I just want to start my new life now! This is my first time here, so I'll be talking to you all soon! :tongue_smilie:

I'm going to Dr. Albert Wetter, who works out of El Camino Hospital in Mt. View. He did gastric sleeve surgery on my best friend, and about 90% of the people at the support groups I go to thinks he is amazing. He is very nice, and I feel 100% comfortable going to him. Good luck to your sister!