bbammom

Cindy C, your stats are amazing! I'm not thrilled about the way this is going. I see the doctor today and will decide whether or not I stay with him.

A bit of background...My family and I just moved from the state in which I had surgery. I can't believe how hard it was to transfer to a new doctor for fills! While we traveled in the air, my band tightened and I was sick for 3 weeks. I researched new doctors on line and found only three in our new city, two of which are in practice together. The two wanted me to go through nutrition and their new patient person for the total cost of $500 before a doc would see me (even though I needed an emergency unfill). The last doctor saw me after testing through the E.R. and a $200 first visit tab. He made a huge deal about not liking to take transfer pt's but when I started crying, gave me an in-office unfill of 3cc. (I'm a 10 band and was OK, maybe a bit too tight, with 10cc until the flight.) He was also pretty opinionated about my previous medical experience with my last doctor. Anyway, the new doctor only does fills in the hospital x-ray division. It seems like such a waste of time (but big money maker). When he did the unfill, he kept saying how unusual that was for him to do it in his office. My last doctor did it all the time. Does anyone else have a doctor that will not do fills in his office? Just curious! Thanks!!

It just seems like a waste of money. Or maybe I don't understand the advantage of using the flouro. Can anyone explain it to me?

Caralaisure, I guess we're both in the same boat on restriction. I'm so worried that my new doctor won't give me enough fill this week! Good luck with yours!

I have a 10cc band and I have no restriction with 7cc. I need a lot of restriction to get into my green zone. Once I was overfilled (then emptied) and then I was at 10cc and doing well until we flew from Hawaii to Vegas. They took out 3cc (putting me where I am now) and I can eat anything and everything. (I feel horrible!) I see the doc this week and hope he gives puts me at 9cc. Good luck!!

I had my surgery 11 months ago. Everything went well until I had an overfill (10.5cc in a 10cc band) in February. I ended up in the E.R. and the doc on call didn't know what to do so he emptied my band. I gained several pounds during the 5 days it took me to get to see my surgeon. Again, everything was OK, even though I was at a full fill (10cc), until we moved from Hawaii to the Mainland. Almost immediately on the flight I felt my band tighten. We traveled across country for over 2 weeks and when we arrived to our new location, it took me a week to see a new doctor. In the mean time, I was throwing up or slimming every time I ate. At night when I went to bed, I would be up within 10-20 minutes throwing up and coughing for most of the night. I hardly slept the entire 3 weeks. My new doctor took out 3cc from my band to give my body time to heal. That was 3 weeks ago and I have since gained 10 pounds! I admit that my food choices haven't been the best but even when I eat salad all day, I eat way too much. I have absolutely no restriction and can eat anything and everything I want. I hate this feeling of no control!! Even worse is how I feel in my clothes. Every time a piece of clothing felt lose, I got rid of it. Now even a 5 pound gain makes my clothes feel uncomfortable!! I keep thinking that this is part of my journey and, in reality, it's not that bad. I was heavy for over 30 years so a month isn't really that long. At the same time, I have also learned that I liked the too tight feeling and depended on it too much. I know this is only one tool in my weight loss, not the only tool! My new doctor is out of town this week and I see him Tuesday morning. He only does fills at the hospital in x-ray on Thursdays (which I've never heard of!) and I gave his assistant a heads up that I'll need a fill. I'm worried that he'll want to take it slower than I'm wanting to take. At this point, I will be happy with 9cc. If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it. Even though I have amazing family and friend support, in reality no one can really understand how I feel.

Thank you! Whoever thinks this is the "easy way out" is crazy!! Sometimes it's just as challenging as any other diet I have tried. The biggest difference for me is that it gives me hope, keeps me focused, and keeps me in check. The feeling of my port under my skin keeps me grounded!!

Thanks! You're right!! He made such a huge deal out of accepting me as a pt b/c I had surgery in another state that during my first visit, I agreed with whatever he said! Now the ball needs to be in my court. Thanks for the reminder!!

Hello August Bandsters! I was banded 8/30. I lost 50 lbs pre-op and have only lost about 12 pounds post-op. I know I should be beyond excited but I'm fighting frustration. I've had 3 fills. After the first two, I hardly felt any restriction; however, after the third, I felt some. I thought it was perfect at first, but now after 7 weeks, I'm able to eat more. I've gained 3 pounds in the last 3 weeks. I usually just stop eating when I know I should have had enough, but sometimes I don't. (I have to admit, I've been on "vacation mode" with this winter break...snacking more, even drinking some alcohol on our recent vacation.) I see my doctor tomorrow and I imagine I'll get a small fill. In the mean time, I could use some support. I'm feeling kind of alone in this process. I was very active in the local support group during the summer when I lost the bulk of the pre-op weight. Unfortunately, they meet in the morning on a weekday and I can't attend now because I'm a teacher. Anyone else out there going through some of this?

JanB23, I'm glad you're having a great vacation!! The walking and gym visits should help with not gaining weight. I actually lost a little on our mini-vacation and I think the hike was the key! The band meals sound great. Wish we had them here! Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

I had my LAP-BAND® surgery on 8/30/10. During the first ten days post-op, I lost 9 pounds and I haven't lost any weight since. For the first 2.5 weeks my body "told" me exactly when and how much to eat so I was OK with that...until now. I've been hungry for the past few days. I have an appointment to see my doctor on 10/5 but called today to see if I could get in earlier. He's out of the office next week and, even though they offered for me to see another doctor, I decided to wait and stick with my surgeon. During my pre-op process, the nutritionist had me on a "one cup" diet, eating one cup of food every 2-3 hours. No liquids 30 mins before or after. I'm thinking about just going back to that again until my appointment. Has anyone ever had this experience? Any advice/support would be greatly appreciated!!

Aloha, again, everyone!! It's been eight weeks since surgery and one week since my second fill and I feel wonderful! Since last Tuesday, I've lost 7.2 pounds and have the awesome feeling of being in CONTROL! My family and I spent last weekend at a hotel on the beach and I was amazed how good I was with eating and exercising. With this last fill, it's so easy...well, at least the eating part is easy. One morning we went to a breakfast buffet and I was totally fine with scrambled eggs, a piece of de-greased bacon (I know, not the best choice), and a little fruit. I didn't even care that I didn't get my money's worth! :thumbup: During our mini vacation, we walked, walked, walked. The best was our hike up Diamond Head and then a 3 mile walk that evening! It was the most I've exercised since surgery!! Here's a hint...one thing that really helps when we go out to dinner is that I carry a little insulated bag in my car with one cup lidded containers, a mini scale, and a 1/4 measuring cup. When we go out, I pack the leftovers in the containers right away. It really makes eating out and packing lunch the next day much easier. I hope you are all well. I'm looking forward to your updates!! Aloha!

JanB23, I've been thinking about you and hoping that everything is OK. Hopefully, you're enjoying your vacation! During the time before my last fill, I wasn't making the best eating choices either. It's easy to slip back into bad habits but I am much better about getting back on track. What is a "band meal?" Read on for my fill news...

Aloha All! Today is 7 weeks and one day since my surgery. Two weeks ago I had my first fill of 1.5 ml. Nothing! I was so bummed!! Today I had another fill and he added another 1 ml. Unless it was my imagination (or wishful thinking), I felt a difference within 5 minutes. Actually, it was as soon as I stood up after drinking the cup of Water. I'm hoping that we've found my "sweet spot!" Best of all, it didn't hurt at all!! The second fill was much better than the first. It helps me if I lift my legs a bit when he's putting the needle in the port. Up until today, I could eat anything and everything! I was getting so discouraged but, with the help of this website and a book I'm reading (can't remember the name but I'll post it later), I've tried to stay positive. This morning I was UP 5 pounds from the week after surgery. I wasn't surprised...I've been eating way too much for this point of my journey...about 1200-1300 calories. My doctor was great today and didn't even mention it! I went back to the gym last week and attended a circuit training class twice. During the second class, my band area hurt a bit but not too bad. It felt sore when I did a plank exercise. So, I told the trainer and stopped. I've also increased my walking distance and I'm really happy about that! I hope you are all well and staying positive. I'll be sure to post the title of the book I'm reading. It's really good! I wish I had found it BEFORE surgery!!

jingleboob - You sound just like me!! Except, I actually gained 5 pounds from the first week after surgery to today, 7 weeks past surgery. Read on for my story...

JanB23, Oh, I am sorry you're having such a rough time!! I'm glad that the surgeon is not concerned but I imagine you'll be happy to have the next appointment. Read on for my experience today...

How's everyone doing?

Kaylee5682, Many thanks! I might try to make it to the Moanalua meeting next week. I'll check first to make sure anyone is welcome. I'll ask my doctor on Tuesday as well. We went to Ruby Tuesday's last night and I asked about ordering a kid's meal. She confirmed that they do need a card from the doctor so I could order from the kid's menu. My doctor said they would give me one so I'll try to do that Tuesday. Have you gotten one yet? Our server said it's pretty common. Have a good week!!