KelliW

Wondering about this for myself. Does it require endoscopy or just an upper GI? Thanks. Kelli

I was also having problems with increased hair loss for the 1st 4 months post op. Increased my protein intake and started treatment for low thyroid and it has been much better the last 2 months. K

When I was doing my research on breast reduction, I used the site www.breasthealthonline.org quite frequently. I had my breast reduction and lift nearly 3 years ago and went from a tight J cup to a full C/D. I had a fantastic surgeon. Best decision I ever made. Kelli

Hi. I was banded just last week... August 10. When I woke up in recovery, I found out I'd also had a "huge" hiatal hernia repaired. I'm in a lot of pain and was struggling with vomiting for a few days. That of course PANICS me more than anything. Would love to hear from others who dealt with recovering from the bonus plate. I've really been struggling with the hernia component of this... The port pain's nothing relative to the pressure and spasms I'm having around my esophagus/diaphragm. I'm also finding it hard to differentiate band vs. hernia.... Thanks for any feedback/encouragement. Kelli

My surgery was 8/10 and I've been having trouble with the "golfball" since I started mushies. I started solids last week and the trouble has increased. It seems like a lot of people talk about having this problem when they're filled too much. But I haven't even had a fill yet. I'm a month out. I've been getting the golfball at least once a day. Twice today... I fought it off the first time and it passed. The second time I guess I slimed... Usually I end up with what I guess is PB-ing. I vomit up food, but it's not wretching and there's no apparent acid like illness-related vomiting. It panics me when it happens. Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks. Kelli

I had a hiatal hernia repaired during surgery. I found out during recovery and there was no additional charge. Kelli

Thanks for the encouragement! I am 3 1/2 weeks out and feeling so much better. I'm on the "mushies" diet and still trying to differentiate between band and hernia repair in learning to eat with the band. I occasionally get the "golf ball in my chest" feeling after a few bites of some foods but I am not seeing a pattern in terms of chewing, rate, amount, etc. With that said, I don't think I'll be eating eggs anytime soon... I stopped vomiting (wretching, but no food coming up) once I found a way to get the pain med/muscle relaxant down. I have had a few instances of PB-ing (I think that's what it is... the golf ball, then the food comes back up but there's no wretching) on the mushies. I may wait an additional week before starting solids. Thanks again for the encouragement. Kelli

Hi AndyLiz. I just got back from being banded 8/10. Whatever basic supplies you need (food, drinks, hair product, etc.) is available at HEB... a store right next to the hotel. On the FAA restrictions, make sure you have your prescription/med instructions with you when you return so that they don't give you a problem with your pain meds or antibiotics. Best, Kelli

So I have been on a full liquid diet for 5 days. I'm doing one more day of full liquids and then clear liquids for 3 days before surgery 8/10. Lost 2 pounds the 1st day and nothing since. Not a pound. Nothing. If a deficit of 3500 calories = a pound, I cannot imagine why I'm not losing nearly a pound a day given the previous diet. I'm not doing the "last supper" thing. I'm getting my protein (about 60 per day). I'm getting plenty of liquid (mostly flavored waters). Minimal caffeine. I'm freaking out that it's so slow. I know it's only been 5 days and I know we all lose differently but I really expected that with my high BMI (56), it would come off more quickly. It always did with low carb diets... At least my hunger is mostly "head hunger" at this point given the minimal intake. Ideas? Thanks. Kelli :faint:

Mostly protein shakes. A scoop of Designer Whey made with ice and water at least 2x/day. Minimal calories or carbs. I've also tried a scoop of Unjury in broth and in flavored water drinks. K

Hi. After some research, I'm basically sold on the procedure, but need some help narrowing down the best surgeons and facilities. I'm going to be a self-pay patient but price is not my priority. I want the best surgeon and team. I live in southern CA so am close to resources in Mexico, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles. Who would you recommend and why? I've read numerous recommendations for Dr. Ariel Ortiz, but the thought of Tijuana scares me to death. Many have said the facilities are top notch and the hotel is 5 star, but the photos don't look 5 star to me. 3 stars maybe with a big pool. I would never go anywhere near Tijuana for any purpose, so I cannot imagine having a medical procedure there. don't want to be blinded by college trips to the scummy bars on Revolucion, but quite honestly, I associate the city with filth, stench, crazy taxi drivers, poverty, panhandling, crime, preschoolers selling gum, etc. Another option would be Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, but I saw that their physicians have not done anywhere near as many Lap Bands as Dr. Ortiz. They've done tons of gastric bypass surgeries, but that is not what I want. The reviews are not as consistently glowing as those for Dr. Ortiz, but the aftercare program seems to be more structured. Ideas? Thanks. Kelli

Yep, So Cal all my life. I live in Canyon Lake (Riverside County). Totally excited (and a little nervous) re. the surgery. Off to the treadmill :Banane56: Kelli

GotGlock, Where are you having your surgery? Mine's 8/10 in Monterrey, MX. Kelli

I'm on there too... but new to it. Would be good to have some Lap Band buddies. My surgery is 8/10!! Kelli www.myspace.com/kelliwilms

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone is seeing Dr. Powell in Cardiff (San Diego County). He's the only CA doc on the fillcenterusa site and would be a much easier drive for me than Orange County or L.A. Thanks. Kelli

Thanks to all of you for your input. I am having surgery with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey on 8/10. I was feeling at peace with my decision but am becoming more nervous as the date gets closer. I start liquids next week and will be in Mexico for my 35th birthday. :faint: Kelli

Hi. Here's an early NSV in my process. I will be in MX for my 35th birthday recovering from surgery. I told one of my staff at work about the liquid diet.... she's a lovely person but 98 pounds so doesn't really "get" it. Anyway, her first comment was "Oh, we'll have to celebrate your birthday early. Do you want to order Michelle's (the best bakery in town) like a week before you guys fly out?" Normally, I would've immediately thought that I should do that and not "miss out" on anything... My NSV is that I realized I have to change my whole attitude toward food. My birthday will not be about celebrating with food. It is not about where we're going for dinner and/or birthday cake. I'll happily put a single candle in my broth and have my sweet little niece (my best friend's daughter...both are going with me to MX) make me a card with little hearts and her best "fancy" handwriting," hug me with the most unconditional love, and tell me happy birthday. Whoohoo! I can celebrate without food. Seems trivial, but I truly believe that for me, it is a NSV. Kelli

Hi. My surgery's set for 8/10 with Dr. Rumbaut. I've been on low carb for a couple weeks, but have to start the liquid diet 7 days :faint:prior to surgery in order to "shrink" my liver. So I am starting to pull together ideas for the liquid stage. Are any of you starting liquids soon? Kelli

Hi. I have scheduled my surgery with Dr. Rumbaut for 8/10 and want to start researching local fill docs now. Any recommendations in southern CA? I am willing to drive for expertise... Sbdo or Riv Counties would be closest, San Diego would work, OC, LA if I have to... THANKS. Kelli

Hi Jarquin. I am convinced of the same things for myself re. Dr. Rumbaut's reputation and the gift I'm giving myself. I'll be in Monterrey for my 35th birthday! Good luck with everything. Kelli

I'm scheduled for 8/10 with Dr. Rumbaut. Excited and a little freaked out all at the same time... Kelli

Hi. I scheduled my surgery for 8/10 with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. While I am at peace with my decision, I'm also excited, overwhelmed, ecstatic, and a little freaked out all at the same time. While it wasn't the original plan, I will actually be in Monterrey for my 35th birthday.... and Celebrate my choice to transform my life. I decided a month ago that I would proceed with a Lap-Band, but as I've done with so many things related to my health/weight over the past few... okay several... years, I planned to put it off until December. Not exactly my usual "I'll start my new healthy eating/exercise plan on Monday," but one more example of putting off what should be a priority while rationalizing that I have a business to run, the children and families with whom I work are counting on me, I need to start my dissertation and finish up my Ph.D., blah blah blah. All of those things are true. And all those things can wait. None of those things... certainly not my business or grad school...will matter if I do not take steps now to regain control of my life...not when I obsess on a daily basis that I will have a heart attack by 40 yet make no sustained attempts to improve my self-imposed plight. I started back on low carb and exercise a couple weeks ago and will begin the liquid diet in 2 weeks. I've already taken so much from this board over the past month. Thank you. :clap2: It is appalling and somewhat enigmatic to me as I tease apart my history that I have managed to lose 100 pounds, stop everything that was working, sabotage myself, and regain 125 pounds over a 3 1/2 year period. Happy birthday to me! Let the transformation begin... Kelli in southern CA

Hi MelAnne. Before you do a free nipple graft, you might want to check out more info on the boards at www.breasthealthonline.com. Fabulous group as far as info and support for patients having breast reduction. Was a great support to me when I was researching surgeons and procedures. My BR was the most tissue my surgeon had removed and lifted at that time (> 12 pounds and you can only imagine the centimeters lifted) and he didn't have to use FNG. My surgeon was fantastic...very well respected in the field... and is not a fan of the FNG. It might be worth checking out more info. Whatever you do, best of luck. It was the best decision I ever made. I wish I would've done it a decade earlier. Kelli

Thanks Sue. I hear you on the aftercare... and the differences between counseling patients and dealing with those who are out cold. Given everything I've heard about Rumbaut, the thought of working with him intrigues me somewhat, but I don't know that I want to fly anywhere for surgery when there are local options. I contacted my insurance company to figure out whether or not that will be an option. Regardless of funding, I really just want to be smart about this... How are you doing with the DS? Thanks for taking the time to write... Kelli

Hi. I don't have a band yet, but was dx with reflux-induced asthma one year ago. It preceded my most recent and serious weight gain. I coughed for 6 months straight before I was correctly diagnosed and treated so you can imagine I wasn't really up for walking... Anyway, I have been taking Protonix (reflux) for a year along with Allegra (allergies), Advair (asthma), Singulair (asthma), and Astelin (allergies/nasal spray). I've weaned off the last 3 and am still doing OK. Protonix gave me immediate relief. After meetings with my PCP and a GI doc, I saw an ENT re. allergies who explained that the reflux basically acts like a chemical burn on the lungs and that it can take 3-6 months for the lungs to heal once the reflux is under control. Best of luck to you. I know how difficult this is... Kelli