Kat225

My doc has a band herself so I find her much more understanding. She didn't do my surgery but she does my fills. She was banded in Mexico as was I. It's nice to be able to talk to her about her band as well. I know she is going to get me to the proper restriction as fast as she can. So how did you make out? Did you call the doc and demand to be seen?

Hang in there girl!! I have the J&J band (10ccs) and I have 6ccs already and I am experiencing the same thing you are. I feel a little bit of restricton but not enough to really restrict me from eating larger portions and any foods. I am hoping that I will be at my sweet spot at my next fill. I'll be praying for ya!

HeatherO, WOW! your first fill was very aggressive! My doc gave me 4ccs my first fill and she told me that 4ccs at a time is the max at one fill. The next time she gave me 2cc because she was afraid I would get too tight. I think docs should give aggressive fills at first because it usually takes so much longer to get to the proper restriction with those little fills.

C-SECTION!!!!!!!!!!!! By far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would be frustrated too! The doc needs to do his job! 3-4lbs in 6 weeks is nice because any loss is great but a good healthy pace is 2-3 a week. Also your exercise is good too. How much time does he think you have. If your like me, I'm very busy! I can't wait till I get my next fill because I just might hit my sweet spot. Without restriction, it's like you've never had the surgery in the first place. You need to demand a fill from your doc. If that don't work, look for a new fill doc. Fill Centers USA are all over...

Maybe she does withdraw some saline to make sure she is in the right spot but I never watch her. And to tell you the truth, I think she did make in because i did notice tonight during dinner I was a little tighter.

Yeah I figured the saline wouldn't hurt me but at $200 a fill it sure does hurt my pockets lol! I'm glad to hear that it is probably not likely.

I am wandering if the doc can miss the port during a fill and not know it? Isn't it possible that the doc could be just injecting saline into your skin like if you are getting a shot? The reason I ask is because yesterday when I got my second fill, I noticed that the little mark where the needle went in wasn't really lined up with where I feel my port is. Plus I don't feel much more restriction. In fact it feels like nothing has changed. I have a lot of faith in my doc but everyone makes mistakes. She doesn't do fills under flouro or whatever. I just drink some Water after to make sure I'm getting fluids down and I'm done. Anyone with medical knowledge know about this???

This is absolutely true!!! I am an addictions counselor and I see addiction transfer all the time! Usually from drugs to alcohol or drugs and alcohol to food. Oprah also did a show on this for people who had WLS and then became alcoholics. Be very aware!!!

I think it's your thinking that concerns me more than your eating habits. Thinking you are superior to food is a red flag. It would be one thing if your obession with food has decreases since your not planning your day around it anymore but it sounds like you are still thinking about it a lot because you are thinking how little you can eat and get away with it. Just the mere fact that you posted with an anorexia question is an indication something feels wrong there for it probably is. I would def see someone if this goes on or goes further.

This does not sound normal to me. Usually you are tight in the first few days (from swelling, etc) and loosen as time goes on. I'm not an expert since only having one fill (getting my 2nd tomorrow) but from what i read that's how is works. Your doc is to be working for you not the other way around. Is there another doc you can go to since she seems to be all about the money??? P.S. Way to go on the weight loss despite not having restriction!!!

I know the surgeon I used in MX gave me a list of fill doc in the US that work with MX banders so I could contact one in my area and set up my after-care before I had surgery. Fill Centers USA is always an option too. They have many locations. Just check into it first. I went to MX and had a wonderful experience. PM me if you want more info...Good Luck!

There is always self pay and go to mexico. i did it and i couldn't be happier.

I can barely feel mine when I'm looking for it but I'm sure with more weight loss I will feel it more. It's still a little tender when I push on it though. But it's really no big deal. I don't feel like there is anything different in my body or anything but I had the same concern Pre-Op.

I was banded by Dr. Rod in Juarez. I was treated like a queen!!! THe hospital is amazing! You will not go wrong with this doc!!! I scheduled w/ Belite (Jessica) and she was absolutely wonderful!!! I can't vouch for Acuna or driving there....i flew then had their driver take me back and forth from the airport. No problems!!! If you want more specifics PM me...be glad to tell ya anything! Oh and I had my first fill today and my US fill doc was just going on and on about how good of a job my doc did. She had no problems finding my port or anything....

I would call your doc just to be safe but you might want to give it a few days. It sounds like your swollen and it may just need to heal some. Many people seem to be tight right after their fill but then losen up and wonder where the restriction went. It wasn't restriction it was swelling.... But always call your doc if something doesn't feel right to be sure...

Sugrbear, I live in York!

What is that and where do i get some??

I had surgery in Mexico. I went to Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez, MX. I had a terrific experience! That hospital was spectacular and the care was far better than any I've had in the states. You fly into El Paso, TX so it's not that expensive to fly. Juarez is like 15 min across the border. As for Ortiz...I've heard great things about him as well. He was not on Oprah but his patients were. He has written a book as well. Mexico has been doing the band far longer than the US so many surgeons are more experienced and have trained US doctors. As long as you do your research well in picking a doc you'll be fine going to MX. Also fills will be your responsibility so find a doc that will work with Mexico patients before getting banded. My patient facilitator emailed me a list of all the docs that work with Mexico banded people a head of time so I could set up my after-care before hand. Fills for me cost $200. It is pricey but what can you do about it if your insurance won't pay???? If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. Hope this helps...

I'm from PA too. I live in York. What part of PA are ya'll from?

It's not gas that settles in the actual shoulder...it is gas that pushes on your diaphram, that causes pain in your shoulder due to certain nerves or something like that...very normal that's why I know this. I've read many people complain about it. Luckily I didn't have this.

That's awesome that you've been able to substitute some of these things. My sister was telling me she does this too when it's taco night at her house. I may have to try it...YUM

I've been thinking about this now...I don't wanna give up gum...I love gum. It helps me when I'm craving sweets too. Man! I'm so upset about this!

Wow this is new to me. I never knew this. My doc never said I couldn't have it. I've been chewing it everyday. I never accidently swallowed gum before so I think I'll be ok.

HI we were banded the same day and I am glad to hear I'm not the only one who is hungry lol! I have to wait 6 wks before my first fill. Didn't your doc tell you when to get your first fill? It is normal to be hungry with no fills and I hear that it could take several fills until we will get a little help from our band. Right now it is us on our own to lose like before we were banded. That's why it's called HELL!!! Call your doc to see when you can get your first fill. You may have to wait a few more weeks. Keep me posted on your progress. I have lost 12lbs so far...