jrg1979

I had some pain like yall are describing that turned out to be a bladder infection. PCP said it could have been a result of too much Protein. I laid off the protein supplements and took my antibiotics as prescribed and have not had any more trouble

He said everything looked ok. Went ahead and got a small fill (.2) and said liquids for 3 days. Still seems a little sore. I guess maybe I just irritated the area.

I have been needing a fill for several months, but have put it off because I needed the $150 for Christmas - not myself. I will be the first to admit my eating has been out of control. I have even drank a few dr. peppers - yes the real fully sugared Dr. Peppers (after quitting for 10 months). At Christmas I really over did the eating with Turkey and Dressing, etc. Now my stomach feels very sore on the inside. Kinda like when you do situps and your muscles are sore. And my chest has also felt full, but that could be phlem from a cold). Do you think I could have done some permenant damage (ie slipped band, stretched pouch) or do you think it is just sore from eating more than usual. I have not had any reflux or spitting in the night I have heard of.

Going to Dr. Tomorrow, but any input is appreciated.

I would suggest you go to Dallas. I live half way between Tyler and Dallas and find that Dallas doctors always seem to work better for me, no matter what the issue. It always seems to me that Tyler doctors are "behind times". I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas. I was a cash pay, so I cannot say how they are with insurance approval, but i really like Dr. Barker and his staff. I have a friend that used Dr. Benavides in Dallas as well. Keep looking. Surely you'll find the Dr. that is right for you. If the dr. you are seeing is not willing to help you now - run. You definatley want a Dr. that is willing to work with you should any problems occur.

Isopure? (I think you get it at GNC)

My Dr. has strict instructions: Clear Liquids for 24 hrs, full liquids for 24 hrs, soft foods for 24 hrs, then back to regular diet if you feel up to it. So, to answer your question, no, I don't really feel sick after a fill, but dinner might not be much fun if you can only have liquids.

How long is the wait in Dr. Barker's office? ??

Anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on how bad they overbooked that day. They always have a good movie playing on the plasma, though, that seems to make the time go by faster.

Size Matters - RealAge Tip of the Day

I get some great tips everyday from the "you" docs. I thought this one really applied to us bandsters - where portion size is key!

Does plate size really matter when it comes to watching your weight? Or is it a silly trick your stomach probably won't fall for?

As it turns out, in this case, size does matter. Researchers found that when you dish up your meal, you're likely to clean your plate, regardless of serving size. And when you use a large serving spoon and a large plate or bowl, you're more likely to help yourself to over 50% more food than if you use smaller utensils and dishes. To avoid doubling the self-sabotage, think petite. Petite plates and petite spoons mean petite you.

It may be an optical illusion. The same amount of food that completely fills a small bowl may look lost in a large one, prompting you to spoon in -- and eat -- more. You also may find yourself more mentally satisfied if you eat from a small plate that's heaping full than from a large plate with a lonely-looking entrée in the middle of it, even though both have the same amount of food. Try using salad plates for dinner, martini glasses for ice cream, coffee cups for Cereal, and petite salad forks and dessert spoons for all your meals. It may drive you or your family a little crazy at first, but you'll get used to it. And isn't it more fun to be unique?

Indiogirl -

I always love to read your replies. I think you are the kick in the pants we all need sometimes!

I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas, Texas, and paid $9,500 for my surgery, which includes all the bloodwork/ pre-op stuff, all of the surgery (no hidden charges), and 4 free fills if you get them at the hospital. I really like Dr. Barker and his staff, but he has a VERY busy office. He also does gastric bypass and the sleeve, too.

Hi Jennifer,

I was just wondering why you only have a 4cc band? I have a 10cc band, as I found out yesterday at my 1st fill. I only need to lose about 50 lbs. Are you sure yours is only 4cc?

I asked my Dr. the same thing. He said I had a relatively small stomach, and the 4 cc band was the best fit for me. He also said that since I was considered to have "a little less to lose than others", that the 4 cc band would give me the tightest fit when filled and that would give me the best restriction. But if you have only 50 lbs. to lose, you have less than me, so go figure? Guess it is really just each doctors decision. I asked him before surgery what size band I would be getting and he told me "he wouldn't know until we got into surgery and he actually saw my stomach. But yes, I am sure I have a 4 cc band.

If you don't think overeating is your problem, it is unlikely that lapband will be a successful solution. If you have already tried counting calories and exercising, with little or no results, I dont see how lapband can help. All lapband does is help you limit the amount of food you can eat at one time. Even for those of us who are self-proclaimed over eaters who have lapband, it is still a never ending struggle. Sorry. I am sure that is probably not the answer you wanted to hear. But what do I know. If your doctor thinks it is a good idea, then maybe it is.

Apples and Wine

Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the

tree.

Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid

of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the apples

from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top

think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing.

They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is

brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.

Now Men.... Men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it's up

to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn into something

acceptable to have dinner with.

Share this with all the good apples you know.

I have a friend that was banded at Christmas and she has had 3 fills, but is not really at good restriction. In the past week, she has not been able to eat anything (or drink) because she feels so full. She called the Dr. yesterday and he told her she could have a mucus plug. I have never heard of this (other than with pregnancy), but apparently, all this allergy/sinus stuff that is going around can cause your pouch to get clogged with mucus? He has her taking Mucinex for a couple of days, and if it does not get better, he says she will need an unfill to allow the mucus to pass. Do you have problems with allergies and/or sinus? Maybe this could be happening to you?

how do you make your stuffed peppers? sounds yummy!

I usually hull out a whole jalepeno then stuff them with shredded chicken and cheese, wrap with bacon, and grill or bake until the bacon is crisp. These I had the other day, my uncle made (which is probably why they were so hot) he just made a slit in the peppers lenghtwise, and took out some (not all) of the seeds, then stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon then grilled. Very good!

The band does not keep you from eating too much? But I thought with restriction, you cannot eat as much. I don't understand.

It definately depends on what you are eating. Some foods slide right through your pouch without even a wave as they go by. On the other hand, more solid foods (which you should be eating anyway) will stick around and you will feel full sooner and longer. But even if your band does its job and you do eat the proper food, it is very easy to overeat sometimes. Head hunger plays a big part in this. You have to learn to listen to your body and determine if you really are still hungry, or if you just want 1 more bite ( and then 1 more and more after that). When this happens, you become over full, and it has to go one of two ways: either down or up. Since the band is making the path on the way down alot harder to get through, it has no choice but to come back up.

This memorial day weekend we had some stuffed jalapenos on the grill. The first one I got was delicious, but not very hot. I got a second, and this one had some heat. Instantly, after I ate the hot pepper I got hiccups. Last night, I had some sliced jalapenos on my sandwich, and low and behold, hiccups again. I cannot figure this one out. Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? How can hot peppers give me the hiccups?

Most of us find out the hard way how the band helps us not eat so much or so fast. Once you have good restriction, if you do either of those things, you will PB (productive burp) which is like throwing up, or get some food "stuck" which I hear is very painful. (Thankfully, I have not experienced that one yet. ) The band does not automatically refrain you from eating too much or eating too fast though. It still takes a concious effort.

It's kinda the same idea behind instant mashed potatoes. They end up blowing up in the stomach and stretching the pouch. It's just best to stay away.

Kary

I have never heard this about mashed potatoes. My dr. obviously discourages them because of the starch/carb. issue, but I just thought they were fattening, I didn't know they could stretch my pouch. Is this true?

Does anyone know what the difference is in a VGB (vertical gastric band) and the lapband? Obviously, the vertical band must go....vertically?, but is it basically the same concept? Does anyone know? Is the VGB adjustable? I saw an episode of "I lost it" last night on discovery health and the lady lost mega wieght with a VGB.

Freetofly,

Thanks for the explanation. If that is the case, I definately have trigger foods as well!

Freetofly,

What do you mean by "trigger food"?

Of couse the office staff is going to recommend bypass over lapband. It cost twice as much money and has less follow-up. You just decide for yourself which you think is the best option for your health, not their pocketbook.

I have not had a Dr. Pepper in 3 months to the day! I used to drink anywhere from 4 to 10 a Day!! I don't think my hair has ever been so shiny and my face has never been clearer. Also, I am finding that I sweat alot less now, which is always a good thing.

I was a beer drinker before getting banded, and now I am trying to find new non-carbonated options to drink. This weekend I bought some Boone's Farm strawberry Margarita, thinking it was apple wine like the Strawberry hill, etc. After drinking about half the bottle I felt so full like I had just ate thanksgiving dinner. Come to find out, it's first ingredient is carbonated Water as well! Ugh!

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good tasting wine that is not $20.00 a bottle or more?

We have a little Texas Winery close to where I live and they have some that is called "sweet rodeo red" that I really like (plus it is really strong, only takes like 2 glasses) but it is kinda pricey. I guess you get what you pay for.