AnotherMe

You shouldn't be worried about this now. During the liquid phase you'll never have the "full" feeling, the liquid is slowly passing thru the band... there not enough substance to make you feel full. Eventually when you get to mushies, and then to solids.. you'll want to make sure you're taking TINY bites, chewing completely, waiting 30-45 seconds before the next bite. At first you can't help but sense the feeling in your throat. But that's NOT the area you want to concentrate on, it's a slow process and you're not expected to have it figured out by the 1st week. Right now, try to concentrate on getting in your Protein and Water. Since the band is installed with no fill, you need to use this time to heal. The tightnees in your throat/chest will eventually go away. All the best, Karla

Lovely, wipe the slate clean. Don't dwell on the past couple of days. Start over on the high protein/low carb diet TODAY. I did the same diet prior to my surgery, lost 20 lbs (probably half was water) BUT I'm convinced it helped with my recovery. I had almost none of the severe gas pains you hear about, just slept laid back in a recliner for two weeks and used a heating pad two nights on a slightly sore shoulder (mild has pains). That's not to say that I was not extremely sore in the abdomen, like you would expect after this type of surgery. I took the liquid codiene every 4 hours to help me rest/sleep/recover. After 3 days I weaned myself off, and used adult liquid Tylenol when needed. Wishing you all the best from TX, Karla

I'm not sure I completely understand your question..... but, I don't believe it's healthy to feel "full" after only 4-5 bites. You need a good balance of the proper amt of calories/protein. You were only banded 11 weeks ago, that's an average of almost 2 lbs a week. You don't want to lose too fast, take my word.. loose, flabby skin will result. I have a 10 cm band (max fill capacity 4cc) and am currently filled to 3.5cc = if I eat the WRONG things I usually can't get more than 4 bites down. It takes TIME to learn to eat properly and get to a good/comfortable fill level. Try NOT to concentrate on the numbers, don't put so much pressure on yourself. All the best, Karla

Hi! this is a list that's on the Houston Area Bandsters yahoo support group I'm on (please make sure you indepently verify this info): Dr Ira Kasper 7500 Beechnut, Suite 380 Houston TX 77074 713-667-9100 approx charge $ 150.00 Dr Robert Marvin 1200 Binz, Suite 555 Houston TX 77004 713-520-1230 Dr Jason DeMattia (Martin Diagnostic Clinic) 710 Lawrence St Tomball TX 77375 866-345-5872 Dr St.Laurent (Northwest EndoSurgical) 18220 Tomball Pkwy, Suite 300 Houston TX 77070-4370 281-921-1890 approx charge $ 200 Mary Hewitt 2610 N. Alexander Dr. Suite 205 Baytown TX 77520 281-427-6363 I wish you the best, please let us know how it works out. Karla

Welcome Jude! Congratulations on your 48 lb accomplishment, you must be doing all the right things! LBT is great! Lots of information and interesting forums... I hope you stick around an join our extended family. All the best, Karla

JG, no need to be shy.. we don't bite much Welcome to LBT! I'm glad to see that after you went thru such a difficult phase with the 1st surgery you found a great/compasionate Doc and you're on the way to a healthier you! What were your symtoms? constant pain? couldn't keep fluids down? I'm glad to see it did not ruin your chance at a band. Are you in Dallas? I'm sending best wishes from Houston! Karla

Hello! Congratulations on your surgery! Since you're feeling so marvelous I think it's time to get those trainers on get movin'! Welcome, we hope to see you often! Cheers, Karla

Hi Mary, welcome to LBT! I wish you a speedy approval process You might try beginning a thread in the IL sub-forum of the USA Local Lapband Support forum. I bet there are quite a few people in your area. Or, try groups.yahoo.com and do a search on Lap Band Support - last I checked there were over 200. There's bound to be one for the greater St Louis area and they might have local support group meetings you could attend. (we do here in Houston) I was banded in Oct 2005, and I find it very helpful to be able to come to LBT and find others going through the same journey. All the best, Karla

Hi Crystal! I believe there are 3 different size bands currently used is US at this time. I have a 10 cm, manuf recommends a max fill of 4 cc saline. The 9.75 also has max fill volume of 4 cc. From what I understand, during surgery the Dr decides which one is best for you based on your stomach. Definitely ask your doc more questions, knowledge is power where our bands are concerned. You're going back next week, is it just for a PO check-up? Congratulations on your success! I bet you'll have to move that ticker down some more after you see the Dr! Karla

Hello! My recliner was my bed for a week or so after being banded... but, I planned it that way. I took GasX chewables, used a heating pad and took the liquid pain meds every 4 hours my Dr prescribed. I hear walking helps tremendously, maybe start with a short 10 minute walk and build up 5 min each time you go? If it persists, don't hesitate to call your Dr. The staff is there to help. All the best, Karla

Hello! Sorry to hear you had such a rough time. Sounds like the symptoms of a slip, but without the pain. GREAT news that so far everything looks OK. Hopefully the unfill bring any swelling down that might have caused the problem. I've also heard that sinus drainage can cause issues, you don't happen to suffer from this? Don't get discouraged, keep up the good work with your portion control. Hopefully the Doc will have good news on when he can add a small fill. Take it slow so you can gauge any problems that arise. All the best, Karla

Congratulations Lori Ann! Lucky girl, I'm so glad your insurance is covering your surgery! and envious It took me 6 mo to make my final decision, and during that time I was an LBT addict - reading and gaining knowledge! I decided to self pay, had surgery in Oct 2005 and have NO regrets. We could be twins, our stats are so similar! I'm 5'5", my highest was 255 lbs and at surgery I was 234. I'm approx 25-30 lbs from goal and plan to be there by my 2 yr anniversary in October. Wow! Next Thursday? I'm sure you're excited. I wish you all the best. Karla

Rhonda, I was banded in Oct 2005 too! I'm in Houston, nice to meet a fellow bandster I've been extremly fortunate not to have many complications, BUT I have heard that drainage leaves many people tight and causes problems with fills (often leading to having some of the fill removed) so it takes longer to get to a good restriction level. Are you completely unfilled at this point? When you go back next month will they start you off slowly? I decided I rather liked the slow climb, at each of my fills I had only .5 added at a time. I believe it helped me learn how to recognize what I could tolerate. I have a short list of foods I definitely stay away from, and others I know are sure bets if I'm away from home and have to grab something quick. Everyone here has great advice, read on and you'll be savvy before you know it! All the best, Karla

Katherine, welcome to LBT! I've been banded since Oct 2005, and even though I'm at a fairly comfortable point (25-30 lbs from goal) I still come to LBT to catch up and keep my eye on the prize. It helps me to know that others are experiencing the same issues, so I read a lot and post when I feel as though I can add something to the conversation. I too was self pay, local doc here in TX. I've been very fortunate to have few complications, and definitely no regrets. Congratulations on the loss you've had, keep up the good work! All the best, Karla

Tracey, welcome to LBT! I'm in TX so I can't say anything about that specific facility. BUT, if you're feeling at all uneasy find another Doc in your area and attend a seminar/meeting. You're in a huge metro area, I'm sure there are plenty of options. I 1st heard of Lapband in March 2005, went to a seminar but did not like the Dr. I joined a local Yahoo Lapband support group and found out about the doc I chose because people raved about him... I checked him out for myself, and was convinced. I had surgery in Oct 2005 and am approx 25-30 lbs from goal. For me, the clincher was "reversible" , "adjustable", etc. You might try to begin a thread in the MA sub-forum of USA Local Lap-Band Support . Also, try groups.yahoo.com and search "Lap Band support groups" last I searched there were 200.. one is bound to be in your area. Someone there may be able to give info on Docs. All the best, Karla

hlayne, sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Were you nauseas? throwing up? fever? Or, just general ill feeling? Was it an early morning appt? are you typically tight that time of day? I generally make sure I don't eat 2-3 hours before a fill. Do you feel restriction? Maybe the doc left you at the same fill level, especially if they're having you go back in on Monday. Hopefully it was just a fluke, I hope your appt Monday is much more successful. It's odd he won't tell you how much of a fill you're at, it's your body - you have a right to know. I don't get hung up on the numbers, but I like to keep track of my progress. All the best, Karla

Hello to my fellow single friends!! Chrispy - so much for me asking to make this thread a sticky - eh? I didn't even get a response from Mod. I finially remembered it's in the Support forum and I've been catching up on the posts. Denise - I don't know what's going on with the links lately. I think it's all the changes they've been making to the site. And, darn it, I always used the links attached to the email notices to take me directly to the thread I posted on. Girl, what's keeping you in that "hick town" you talked about? Is your family near? Great job? The name makes it sound serene, is it surrounded by Water? Or, maybe I'm totally off.. are you in same city as your Doc? What's the next largest city/town? Is it too weird to consider moving? Joan - glad to see you're still out there wining & dining the gents. Keep pecking away at those emails until you find a keeper! Keep the faith, my friends, Karla

Hi Kacee! You're right, does seem to be quite a few TX folks here! That's good for us though, lots of friends and neighbors to communicate with. I remember finding LBT from a link on Dr Spivak's website. I like the variety this forum offers, and of 'course all the wonderful people who are on the same journey. I wanted to wish you good luck with your upcoming surgery on 5/23... I bet you're getting excited, making all final preparations. Dr Spivak did my surgery in Oct 2005, and I've had slow/steady progress. I'm about 25-30 lbs from goal and plan to get there by my 2 yr anniversary in October. All the best, Karla

Sam - just banded Friday?? How are you feeling? I hope you're resting and not having too much trouble. In my opinion one of the best things about LBT is all of the Forums, even this far out I find many people I can connect with - no matter what stage we're all at. I also recommend finding a local group, Yahoo has many to chose from. I like HoustonAreaBandsters. Southernwoman - Good insight; you're on the right track. A big turning point for me was when I began to think in terms of what I CAN eat, instead of everything I can't/shouldn't. I failed so many diets in the past because I was consumed with trying to stay away from the no-no foods. With the band, I can have a limited amt of those foods and be satisfied. It takes me several hours in the grocery store when I shop, I read the nutrition labels and ingredients... I try to only buy the lowfat, low calorie, whole grain items. If I am looking for snack/lunch foods for my 10 yr old, I actually have to ask myself who will be more likely to eat it - ME or him? I've noticed myself NOT putting things in my basket because I'm much more aware. It's not bad to have a few chocolate Cookies (maybe not immediately after a fill!)... moderation is the key. I find chocolate animal crackers to be my favorite snack these days. I don't often have a full serving, but if I did - 16 crackers = 120 calories, 3 gr fat, 2 gr Protein... In my opinion, it's not a bad choice for a midafternoon snack. I hope LBT comes to be as big of a help to you both as it has to me. Karla

Hi Lauralee! Welcome to LBT I'm in Houston, we're practically neighbors! Of course, follow your Dr's recommendations... but I also had Jello, applesauce, yogurt (love the Light & Fit Dannon drinkables), V8, carnation instant Breakfast on my list. You might go to the manuf website.. Inamed is now Allergan. http://www.lapband.com/lapband/portal.do The have a News & Resources section where you can request information... they might be able to help you get any data you're looking for. I've heard they're good at responding to questions. 'Course LBT has many forums you'll find useful information. And, we're all here to help when you need it. GREAT news on getting your insurance approval in a speedy fashion. I was self pay so it took me about 6 mo to convince myself to go ahead. I would do it again. All the best, Karla

Hey there southernwoman! Happy Mother's Day and welcome to LBT! I don't profess to being perfect, and Lord knows I have hangups I don't even know about... but, I believe the best thing you can do is be honest with yourself. Looks like you know what's what with your situation. To some extent, I believe we're all on the same journey. I know I'm not a model bandster, I don't make the best food choices. I'm trying to correct that. And, while during the past 19 mo with my band I've seldom exercised... I've made up my mind to change that too! I signed up for sessions with a trainer at a neighborhood fitness center opening next month. I need help targeting specific areas, and I can't do it by myself. I've got about 25-30 lbs to go to my goal, and plan to be there by my 2 yr anniversary in October. We're here for encouragement and hopefully, after a busy day with your kids, I hope you find LBT a nice place to come to when you need to hear from others going thru the same things as you. All the best, Karla

Hi Carole! Happy Mother's Day and Welcome to LBT! I love your attitude:) I'm Karla and I'm 36 (well, in AUGUST I'll be 36) You're too funny! I guess you're thinking, no sense in being in denial ?! That made my night. I'm divorced, and have a 10 yr old son. I was banded in Oct 2005 and am down 72 lbs. I've got about 25-30 lbs more to go before I reach my goal. I plan to be there at my 2 yr anniversary in October. CONGRATULATIONS on the 52 lbs... it's nothing to sneeze at. Especially with the life interruptions you've had along the way. I have to say, that's been my biggest fear... finding a Dr who would take over my aftercare in the event I moved, etc. Initially I considered going to Mexico for the band surgery but, in the end, I chose a local Dr (self pay) for ease of traveling to fill appts and the peace of mind in being in same city in case of any complications. The good news is you survived the move! You've maintained the weght loss! And, you're on the right track with a fill appt this coming week. GREAT! I'm sure we'll see you shrinking away in no time soon. Keep the shell on, and let us know how your appt goes. Karla

Sunny, Happy Mother's Day! Welcome to LBT Sure, it's normal to question such a big decision. For me "reversible" and "adjustable" were the major selling points. Sure, there are possible complications - and I took those into account when making my decision. In the end, I decided to go ahead with the procedure rather than waiting and continuing to gain lb after lb. That was a year and a half ago and, while I'm not a model bandster, I would do it again. I've been lucky and maintained a slow/steady loss. I've got another 25-30 lbs to go before I make it to my goal weight. I plan to be there by my 2 yr anniversary in October. I live in TX, but I know there are many GA people here. You might try starting a thread in the Georgia forum under USA Local Lap-Band Support I wish you all the best, Karla

Wow! Carol... truly amazing! CONGRATULATIONS! 11 mo? Way to go! And, if I remember correctly, you own/operate a restaurant? Your will power must be legendary Do you have anything fun planned to mark the occasion? Treat yourself! I'm hammering away at my last 30 lbs to goal, I signed up for some sessions with a trainer at a neighborhood fitness center that will open next month. I'm excited about it, it's given me something to look forward to. By my 2 yr anniversary in Oct I plan to be toned and svelte! Karla

37 lbs is awesome! Congratulate yourself and keep your head up! Don't dwell on what "could" happen if you stay on this road. Try to change your outlook, set a goal to meet by the end of May (don't let your doubts get in the way). Something small, like drinking 10 glasses of Water a day.. or, set a limit on the amount of calories you consume in a day. Write it down, keep track if it. Little victories give you the encouragement to go on. You'll be losing without realizing it! When was your fill? If you feel hungry between meals, it's a sign that you might need another fill. There may be a chance some of the saline leaked out. When you go in again they'll draw out what you have now, and if it's less ask them for the Omnipaque solution. In my opinion, snacking is fine. Try to find some low in calories, put them in small snack baggies. Have one between breakfast/lunch, and one between lunch/dinner. You CAN do this. Attitude is a big part of the equation. Think about success, that way you're not swallowed up by possible failure. All the best, Karla