BabyGotBack

I also have a lot of info on Dr. Ortiz on my journal. If you go there, I have all his references, etc. Hope this helps!Audree

Hey LaJuanna! If you want a lot more info on Dr. Ortiz, go to my journal link. I asked everyone I could on this site how their experience was, along with a lot of info they sent me, and put all the info I got in my journal. I also bought his book Lap Band for Life on Amazon.com for like $19 I think he has done over 4000 surgeries. Everyone has been so nice by phone and internet. My friend also was banded by Dr. Ortiz last year and she had zero complications. She recommends him highly and she is the type of person who is EXTREMELY careful about everything. She has a family doctor out there, who she says she trusts with her life. Her family doctor assisted Dr. Ortiz in her surgery. His website is ObesityControlCenter.com He does all his fills under fluro. I think it is like $150 a fill or something like that. I am also a major journaler, so my whole lap band experience will be there! Hope that helps!!! Audree

Hi Kathy! I am going to be banded on Jan. 5. I am on day 2 of pre op. Are you required to do a pre op? I didn't see a counselor since I am a self pay. I have done a lot of reasearch and read Dr. Ortiz's book Lap Band for Life. I know I love to eat and eat large quantities. I love to celebrate with food. I didn't realize how much my life revolves around food until it is time to go out and do something fun, and my thoughts,since I am on pre op, turn straight to the food I can't eat. I don't eat to medicate any deep issues. I have been yo yo dieting since I was 12 and my step dad started commenting about my weight around puberty also. I was not over weight, but my head started thinking I was so the diets began!!! I am not telling my daughters about the lapband surgery. I have tried so hard to be a positive role model and give them healthy concepts of food. I dont' want them to think they will need a lapband too one day. They are all healthy and naturally thin girls. They eat when hungry and stop whe full. Sometimes they eat a lot and sometimes they pick at there food. They are all very active also. Welcome to the group and have a Happy New Year!!! Audree

DeckedOut: Oh man, I hope tomorrow isn't worse! Today is better than yesterday though. I did add 1/2 cup of soymilk extra to my 1 cup shake and added veggies to my lunch. That helped a lot. Wow, I haven't seen 160's in a long time. That was a good place for me. I can't wait! So it took you 5 months to lose 30 pounds or so and have 30 to go? It seems like a year is a reasonable goal to lose all your weight don't you think? Dr. C said on a post that I should expect to lose it in 2 years. Your stats are almost identical to mine. The other lower bmi bandsters I have read have also lost it within a year. I guess it is better to give conservative advice than to have people think they are failures because they don't lose it all fast. Even if it took 2 years to lose 50 pounds, it would be worth it! Audree

How is everyone doing today? Where is Sunshine2? I haven't heard from her in a few days? Audree

:faint: I haven't exercised today yet...... I am going to bring my elyptical in, it may to heavy for me to bring upstairs to my room where I want to put it. I also have some dancing dvds that are great exercising workouts. My second day is going much better than yesterday. Thanks for asking.:biggrin1: I ate some stirfry green beans and corn with my Lean Cuisine and that filled me up better. I think I will take a side of veggies if I feel I need it and for me pre menstrual hunger is major hunger!!!! I get soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry the week before my period. I hear peoples bands swell during this time so it will help me not over eat like I ususally do during this time. How are you doing today?

SylviaT: I think the stuck feeling is the same as the golf ball people talk about. I may be wrong since I am not yet banded and am just going on what I have read. I found this info from the bandsters group and thought it had some great advice. Question: "Hi Everyone, I hope someone can help me who has experienced what I'm currently going through. I had a slight .1 cc fill last friday and ever since I have been coughing up flem and bits of my food at nighttime. I try not to eat after 6:30p. Not to sound gross, but it is mostly flem and liquid. When I get up from bed and walk around, I am totally normal and fine. Do you think it is because of the slight fill or do you think it is a slippage or Hiatal hernia? I had a hiatal hernia repaired last year due to the band. Please let me know if anyone has experienced this." Answer: "That sounds like reflux. Whether it's from your recent fill or a hernia or change in eating, I can't say. But what I do know is it is not something to be ignored. Some things to consider: -Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating -Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime -Rinse your pouch with a glass of water an hour before bedtime -Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: o Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods o Chocolate o Caffeine o Alcohol o Some fruits and vegetables Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers o Peppermint -Use baking soda toothpaste instead o Carbonated drinks -Eat slowly and do not eat big meals -If you smoke, quit smoking -Reduce stress -Exercise promotes digestion -Raise the head of your bed (not just using extra pillows which can actually worsen reflux) -Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist -Take estrogen containing medications in the morning -Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime -Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring -Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications -See your health care provider Try some of these changes and if you don't get relief, I would suggest a visit back to your fill person." I hadn't thought of rinsing my pouch at night by drinking water. I haven't even read them, so I wanted to post them here! Audree

I feel so much better today. I had my shake about 11 am. I think having it too early left me too hungry. I took a Green T to curb my appetite. It also takes the edge off. Breakfast, 11 am: Protein shake; 1 scoop vanilla protein 90 cal., 1 1/2 cups soy milk 150 cal, 1 small banana 70 calories, 2 splenda packets, cinnamon, and crushed ice. total calories= 310 calories 1 Green T Lunch, 2:15pm: Lean Cuisine; chicken and rice, with side of apple crisp 340 calories plus a side of green bean and corn stir fry 150 calories Dinner: Lean Cuisine swedish meatballs, 280 calories and 7g of fat plus a side of green beans and corn Snack: (I just could not help it and had a foodgasm) a small handful of cashews and almonds:rolleyes: 170 calories 1 kelloggs k20 protein water: 50 calories Daily calories: 1450 calories I can tell I am getting hungry. My stomach has that black hole feeling. I also weighed in this morning and weighed in at 186!!!! I was 190 yesterday! I did pee and (you know) a lot yesterday and did dance for 2 hours last night. So, I feel better. I don't have a headache. I feel happy and content. It is almost time for dinner and I am starving. I am full now and feel I overeat today. WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE BETTER: I could have done without the extra 1/2 cup milk, could have used 1/2 banana, I could have drank my water which I didn't and see I was a lot hungrier, I could have had smaller serving of corn and green beans, and could have pushed the nuts away. THIS PREMENSTRUAL HUNGER KILLS!!!!! Tomorrow will be a better day. I can tell that not taking my Green T in the afternoon, my appetite was in FULL effect!!! The kellogg water is helping also. Too bad they are so expensive. I will have to be on the lookout for sales!!!

I feel so much better today. I had my shake about 11 am. I think having it too early left me too hungry. I took a Green T to curb my appetite. It also takes the edge off. Breakfast, 11 am: Protein shake; 1 scoop vanilla protein 90 cal., 1 1/2 cups soy milk 150 cal, 1 small banana 70 calories, 2 splenda packets, cinnamon, and crushed ice. total calories= 310 calories 1 Green T Lunch, 2:15pm: Lean Cuisine; chicken and rice, with side of apple crisp 340 calories plus a side of green bean and corn stir fry 150 calories Dinner: Lean Cuisine swedish meatballs, 280 calories and 7g of fat plus a side of green beans and corn Snack: (I just could not help it and had a foodgasm) a small handful of cashews and almonds:rolleyes: 170 calories 1 kelloggs k20 protein water: 50 calories Daily calories: 1450 calories I can tell I am getting hungry. My stomach has that black hole feeling. I also weighed in this morning and weighed in at 186!!!! I was 190 yesterday! I did pee and (you know) a lot yesterday and did dance for 2 hours last night. So, I feel better. I don't have a headache. I feel happy and content. It is almost time for dinner and I am starving. I am full now and feel I overeat today. WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE BETTER: I could have done without the extra 1/2 cup milk, could have used 1/2 banana, I could have drank my water which I didn't and see I was a lot hungrier, I could have had smaller serving of corn and green beans, and could have pushed the nuts away. THIS PREMENSTRUAL HUNGER KILLS!!!!! Tomorrow will be a better day. I can tell that not taking my Green T in the afternoon, my appetite was in FULL effect!!! The kellogg water is helping also. Too bad they are so expensive. I will have to be on the lookout for sales!!!

SylviaT, pbing is a "productive burp". Some people find that if they eat to fast, don't chew well, take too big bites, or eat too much, the food comes back up since it won't get past the stoma. It is not vomitting, but there is a pain in the chest, most people say it feels like a golf ball. Then, something calle "sliming" might occur. Where thick saliva may keep on coming out of the mouth to help the food back up. Then the food just comes back up intact, the way you swallowed it. I read somewhere that it helps just to bend over in front of the toilet and just let it come out. You are not supposed to drink anything during this time and also have to go on liquids for a day or so? I am not banded yet, but I read a tremendous amount. I am on these boards for a couple hours a day. I also search the internet for info and post what i find here. I also bought Dr. ORtiz's book Lap Band for Life and have read it 2 times. I also read some people may get nauseous during this time, some peope say it is a pain in the chest, not in the lower stomach. I hope this helped!! If you are already banded, you are very lucky you don't know what a pb is since that probably means you haven't had one!!:nervous Audree

Hi SylviaT! Not too many people are familiar with the compression garment. I used one like you are describing for my c-sections. I used a full body one after my full tummy tuck. It made me feel more comfortable, I felt like it kept my insides more secure. It is also supposed to help with swelling. I am going to ask Dr. Ortiz for one! Audree

Thanks! Does anyone else have any cool ideas?

I am sure it has been asked a million times, but I am having trouble finding the list. I would like to know what you think was the most important things: 1. to take for surgery 2. To have at home waiting for you when you come back from surgery 3. Things that just made life easier as you went on your band journey Thanks,Audree :clap2:

Thanks Dr. C for coming over to our group to answer this question!!! It is great having a medical opinion! Audree

Welcome SylviaT!! Sorry to hear about your leg. 3rd time will hopefully be the one to get you to the sweet spot I hear about! Congrats on the 35 pounds Audree

Hi LaJuanna! I will be having my surgery next Friday with Dr. Ortiz in TJ. He is one of the best. His book is excellent also, Lap Band For Life. He charges $8500 and it covers being driven to and from, and accomodations for three nights at a five start Hotel called the Lucerna. Audree

Thanks everybody for your support!!! It made a world of a difference coming here and venting my feelings to people I knew who would understand me 100%. We did go out, my attitude was good, I had energy for some reason, I am usually noding off in the evening. You know what really helped? I drank one of those Kellogs Protein waters. They have 5 grms of protein whey and it really did hit the spot. I was really surprised!!! It says on the package it is supposed to be used in between meals to help keep you stay on track and curb your appetite. It tastes good. It is a little thicker than Water, like a water smoothie!! Bandiva: Thanks! Knowing you went to the same doctor a few weeks before me make me feel better since you are doing so well. Audree

I just wanted to check in! I went out last night and had a great time. Coming here and venting helped a lot. You know what helped me out TREMENDOUSLY? I drank one of those Kelloggs' Protein waters. They have 5 grms of whey protein in it, and it actually took my hunger away!!!! I was reading the package and it says that it is for in between meals to curb your appetite!! I will definitely be buying more! Today is day 2 of my pre op. I am about to go and make my protein shake. I am using a vanilla one from SportPharma I bought at Sams Club, but I went back and they don't have it anymore. Can anyone suggest one they bought at Target, Walmart or somewhere else?? Thanks,Audree

Welcome Denise!! I am going to be banded next week! I get really excited when I hear someone is banded and it goes so well. Check out the January thread for support or the Lower BMI thread. They have made a huge difference for me with the support they have given!! Audree:clap2:

feel really desperate right now. I can't explain how I feel, I am trying to sort it our as I feel it. My husband wants to take me out dancing. I don't want to go. He wants to go out and celebrate my banding next week. He is being careful to eat before we go, not in front of me and is not going to eat at the restaurant where the dancing is. I feel like if I can't eat, it's not worth going. Today is day 1 of my pre op and I am not going to blow it. My husband won't let me either. Why do I feel this way? Like if I can't eat, it's not worth going out and having a good time with my husband????? It makes me realize how food centered everything is. My mom also wants to go out to eat breakfast with my daughters and I. I told her I couldn't eat because I am doing my pre op diet. She said "what does that mean, you can't go out and eat with me ever again?" I told her that just because I can't eat, doesn't mean she and my daughters couldn't and that soon, I could eat something lite or soup. I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry, like my stomach is a black hole. I know I am going to go through some emotions and it makes me feel better coming here and talking about it. I want to have fun, my husband wants to go have fun. Why am I mourning the food part of it? I think I screwed up and opened up my appetite by overeating and eating what ever I wanted. My first pre op diet wasn't like this. I didn't feel like this. I am also in that first week before my period, and I feel extra funky and hungry because of that. :help: Well, at least I will definitely get my exercise in today. We are going salsa and merengue dancing. It takes a lot of energy to do that. I am feeling better venting. I was venting to my husband too, but he just doesn't understand how I feel. He is trying to be very supportive and is really excited about my surgery for me. He listens, but he doesn't understand. I can tell he feels sorry for me. Man, I think I need those Quick Slim 30. My stomach aches. Has anyone else felt like this???????? I am also posting this on my journal. I want to document my journey through this whole process. It made me feel better posting and venting to people who understand what I am going through. I am going to go out with my husband, and have a great time! I am not going to let food keep me from being young and going out dancing with the man I love. I don't want him to see me this way. I need to get myself together, stop being a victim, poor me, poor me and get a grip!!! It's time to go!!!!

feel really desperate right now. I can't explain how I feel, I am trying to sort it our as I feel it. My husband wants to take me out dancing. I don't want to go. He wants to go out and celebrate my banding next week. He is being careful to eat before we go, not in front of me and is not going to eat at the restaurant where the dancing is. I feel like if I can't eat, it's not worth going. Today is day 1 of my pre op and I am not going to blow it. My husband won't let me either. Why do I feel this way? Like if I can't eat, it's not worth going out and having a good time with my husband????? It makes me realize how food centered everything is. My mom also wants to go out to eat breakfast with my daughters and I. I told her I couldn't eat because I am doing my pre op diet. She said "what does that mean, you can't go out and eat with me ever again?" I told her that just because I can't eat, doesn't mean she and my daughters couldn't and that soon, I could eat something lite or soup. I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry, like my stomach is a black hole. I know I am going to go through some emotions and it makes me feel better coming here and talking about it. I want to have fun, my husband wants to go have fun. Why am I mourning the food part of it? I think I screwed up and opened up my appetite by overeating and eating what ever I wanted. My first pre op diet wasn't like this. I didn't feel like this. I am also in that first week before my period, and I feel extra funky and hungry because of that. :help: Well, at least I will definitely get my exercise in today. We are going salsa and merengue dancing. It takes a lot of energy to do that. I am feeling better venting. I was venting to my husband too, but he just doesn't understand how I feel. He is trying to be very supportive and is really excited about my surgery for me. He listens, but he doesn't understand. I can tell he feels sorry for me. Man, I think I need those Quick Slim 30. My stomach aches. Has anyone else felt like this???????? I am also posting this on my journal. I want to document my journey through this whole process. It made me feel better posting and venting to people who understand what I am going through. I am going to go out with my husband, and have a great time! I am not going to let food keep me from being young and going out dancing with the man I love. I don't want him to see me this way. I need to get myself together, stop being a victim, poor me, poor me and get a grip!!! It's time to go!!!!

Thanks Deckout! I am trying to keep my eye on the prize and I am just realizing different feelings I have about food and how everything we do centers around food. My husband wants to take me out dancing and all I can think about is that I can't eat!!! Audree

I feel really desperate right now. I can't explain how I feel, I am trying to sort it our as I feel it. My husband wants to take me out dancing. I don't want to go. He wants to go out and celebrate my banding next week. He is being careful to eat before we go, not in front of me and is not going to eat at the restaurant where the dancing is. I feel like if I can't eat, it's not worth going. Today is day 1 of my pre op and I am not going to blow it. My husband won't let me either. Why do I feel this way? Like if I can't eat, it's not worth going out and having a good time with my husband????? It makes me realize how food centered everything is. My mom also wants to go out to eat breakfast with my daughters and I. I told her I couldn't eat because I am doing my pre op diet. She said "what does that mean, you can't go out and eat with me ever again?" I told her that just because I can't eat, doesn't mean she and my daughters couldn't and that soon, I could eat something lite or soup. I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry, like my stomach is a black hole. I know I am going to go through some emotions and it makes me feel better coming here and talking about it. I want to have fun, my husband wants to go have fun. Why am I mourning the food part of it? I think I screwed up and opened up my appetite by overeating and eating what ever I wanted. My first pre op diet wasn't like this. I didn't feel like this. I am also in that first week before my period, and I feel extra funky and hungry because of that. :help: Well, at least I will definitely get my exercise in today. We are going salsa and merengue dancing. It takes a lot of energy to do that. I am feeling better venting. I was venting to my husband too, but he just doesn't understand how I feel. He is trying to be very supportive and is really excited about my surgery for me. He listens, but he doesn't understand. I can tell he feels sorry for me. Man, I think I need those Quick Slim 30. My stomach aches. Has anyone else felt like this???????? Audree

I read on another post to get rid of gas to kneel on the floor and bend in half, like in a worshipful position, face to ground. They said the air would come right out!!!! Audree

Supergenius, we sure sound a lot alike!!! I am a diet and exercise freak also!! I had even wanted to become a personal trainer during my one year of working out with one prior to my tummy tuck. I have done every diet known to man, but just can't get the maintenance part.... I think I may follow the 6 week body makeover. I had really good results with it. When I dig it up out of my closet, I will post how it goes. I was STARVING today. I had to take my two appetite suppresants because I was very uncomfortable and felt like my ribs were being sucked in. Does anyone else get that feeling when they are REALLY hungry? It is a feeling like my actual ribs are being imploded and being pulled in from the inside!!! That is the feeling I get when my body is really hungry and not head hunger. I ate my Lean Cuisine for dinner, 280 calories and I made a side of mushrooms stir fry because I felt SOOOOOOOOOOOO hungry!!!!! I am very satisfied now and the appetite suppresant kicked in.It is a very natural one. The main ingredient is green tea, so it does not have any weird side effects. Day 1 down, 6 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WWWWWWWOOOOOOHHHHHOOOOO Audree