innertube

I can so relate, I to went thru some personal experiences and food has always been my comfort. Keep your head up, you can always go the sleeve route you will ask yourself why I didn't do it sooner, I WAs scared Of change,.the what ifs, I haven't been on lapbandtalk for over a year, your post sounded just like me. I had to let you know. check into the Sleeve I encourage you,.it will be worth every move,.and you will not have all these worries. Its a 360 change from the band, wish I knew about it before I got banded.

I just wanted to give a bit of encouragement to all of the banders, as a previous bandie myself, I read all the affects of the band good and bad, all the Liquids, throwing up, fear of slippage, constant reflux, back and forth with fills, unfills, tight to tight, measuring each bite, and soooooooooooo much more. Don't get me wrong the band works, I lost 100lbs, however; there is a major downside, they slip, they cause constant problems, I was soooooooooooo desperate to lose the weight and keep it of I refused to tell them Dr,.how sick I really was,.finally after months and months of throwing up, and not bring able to even swallow my own spit, the Dr sent me to have UGI, I was horrified when he told me I have to have it removed, it had slipped so bad it was affecting my nearby organs, ie: esophagus, intestines, and bowels. Even though dr explained the severity of the situation I was trying to figure out when I could have it replaced or fixed, Dr, explained there was so much damage to my stomach that it was not possible, all I could do is cry, I had lost all this weight, 100 lbs,followed every rule given to me survived all the side affects, that's when he suggested and advised me about the gastric sleeve, I was all ears, I was expecting the band to be removed and the sleeve to be completed I was to happy, however; that's not how it works,.due to the damage of the band I had to wait 5 months to have the sleeve. I had my surgery March 25 2011, the surgery is short and sweet and Way way less painful than the band, and the best part is the portion of the stomach that is removed is that it contains the hormone that tells u your hungry, that in itself was great news. Done of the same rules apply for the sleeve as it did with band, ie: liquids, for 3 to 4 Weeks, to let your new tiny stomach adjust, then full liquids, etc, as time goes by you're able to eat as anyone and everyone without gaging, throwing up, fear of the BAND!!!! Yes, you eat very little, but its very liberating to be ale to eat what u like,in small portions. Its been over a year and Im the happiest I've ever been, I still am losing not intentional, its just a natural response to eating in very small portions, and I eat all the foods I liked before, ive also made lifestyle changesthis does not come without my own effort, I don't drink during any meal, that was a hard one, I don't drink soda, I still have a burger, but of course I only eat 1/4 of it, or 1/4 of hot dog, or a 1/2 slice of pizza, but let me tell you its the best few bites Of my favorite food, all while still losing weight,.and enjoying life... 150 lbs from 321.

I tried to post last night I thought it worked. Lol I was banded in 2008 it was a great moment in my life, I lost 100 +lbs. I followed the rules to the T.... I did the fills and unfills. Yes, traumatic, but I did it. Still happy I was not a hepher. In 2010 I started to have problems, couldn't swallow my own spit, after a fill, them another unfill, the I vot serious reflux, to the point of ER. Finally at the end of 2010 it was time to have the band removed sure to a serious slippage anda mass of other problems, to no fault of my own or the Dr. he was one of the best banders. In the end my personal belief the band should only be temporary max 2 to 3 not only due to my experience, but thru the exp of a multitude of others. Since then in March 2011 I had a revision gastric sleeve, one of the best decisions i've ever made, no more fills, unfills, side affects, posdible slippage, throwing up, reflux, meds, for reflux trips to the Dr, etc. a year 1/2 later I'm down to 150. A total weight loss done my journey began of 171. I've never never had 1.single issue writhe the sleeve. I'm n a size 6 and happy I got the band object out. And to add, the removal of the band was quite traumatic that was only supposed to be a45 minute surgery, but due to the slippage and the erosion it caused in other organs it was over a 2 hr surgery. Dr zane from kaiser made a enlightening statement to me that day, that as long as bands are being installed he will stay in business removing and revising nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo matter who or what Dr inserts them, the band should only be a temp fix. Check into getting a revsion. The gastric sleeve. How this helps.....

I have seriously considered getting my band removed. I have also considered getting roux en y. I see a march 2008 bandster converted. I feel like the band was a huge mistake. I can curb my sweet tooth. I hate fills and were traumatic for me...I would most times swell shut and can not tolorate my own spit, so maybe converting to another procedure would be better.

Wow! That's great too.. ! Congratulations.....

I have been working harder on this, cause I will be seeing my husband in 5 weeks, and he doesn't know of all the new changes I have made.... I am so excited.....

I am doing my own BODY MAKEOVER<! Just wish I could do the 10 years and younger show.... lol... It would be easier... I have been tanning everyday so I have gone from LILLY white to a medium tan, and I have a chemical peel appt, as well as Laser hair removal, and a Body wrap, and a custom hair appt., totally changing that, currently bleach blonde "going honey natural" and a teeth whitning.... ... This stuff is expensive, but I haven't seen my husband in 8 months... and since my life has always been about how BIG I was I figured I would treat my self.. Good luck......... and way to go on your loss......

Gosh, that's FANTASTIC! Nice work!

I'm down 37 lbs since getting banded on March 6. I've not been eating vary carefully - I'm satisfied by my rate of weight loss. And for me, because it's going to be such a long process because of my high start weight, I'm happy to take it easy at first.

Whew! it's been forever since I have been on here. Missed all of the March bandsters..... I have been so busy....

How is everyone doing? I am so excited:lol: about the success of my band, it's so much better than I thought.

I had a fill April 26th on my Bday..., didn't hurt at all, but I will say that is very different than the surgery, that's a whole different ball game....

As of last week "saturday" I have lost 51lbs :thumbup:since my surgery 2 months ago, and I have gone from a 18/20 lane byrant to a (14) anywhere... .... Yippie!!! :smile: of course I didn't do it with the band alone, at first I started walking for an hour a day then I joined my local YMCA and have been working out at the gym 6 days week for 1.5 hours day, most importantly I have cut out white carbs.... thanks to some good advice... How's everyone else doing?

Hey, balloon girl! Is that you Rhonda? How are you doing? We sure missed you when you and Marty left. Wish I could've said good-bye. I was sleeping. Hailey told me you left early. I loved my balloon! I've spoken with Michelle and she says you're doing well. Glad to hear it. I found some cream Soup recipes online for next week. I'm dying to have something other than Clear liquids. I'm starting with a creme of broccoli cheese Soup. I tried to send you and the others some pictures, but it keeps coming back MAILER DEMON. Don't know what's going on with that. BTW, it's me, Karen.

Hi, girl! great to hear from you. Sounds like your doing great., Me too... I had such a great time, and it was so nice meeting all of you.. Yea., I am enjoying the creamy soup stage.. hmmm. Potato soup.., etc... baked potato soup.,... Well, keep in touch... I'm sure we will all be going for fills around the same time. Do you plan on going to Dr. A for your fills?

Dr. Aceves

Mexicali, Mexico

I am thinking I may have to be a self pay and came across the lapband surgery for $6,500 with Dr Kelly in Mexico and was hoping I could here some reviews from some of you guys out there. The site I went to was mylapbandsurgery.com . I am totally nervous about the whole surgery in Mexico idea but it is waaayyy more affordable than here in the States. Please help to make me feel better about the whole surgery in Mexico idea. Thanks for any and all help. :thumbup:

What sort of research did you do on him?

I would highly suggest you do research before you use this DR. do your reasearch.He is cheap for a reason..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did and I chose not to use this Dr. Do your research... Go to wasabubblebutt thread on how to search for a mexican dr. it is vital to your health and extreamly important.......................................!!!!! Please!!!

I had my surgery on 3/7/08 and I have lost 10 lbs and I am feeling great..

If you want more information pm me.

Dr. Aceves MD

Mexicali, Mexico

I was on main floor. I heard about the balloons though from some of the other girls. I think we met your friend that went with you the day before we left, we were all weighing ourselves before we left.

:confused:Also, i have a question for everyone. Isnt "clear liquids" liquids that we can see through? Such as broth, Jello, clear Protein drinks, tea? this is all i've had since procedure. today i had 2 nibbles of some tilapia and licked a spoon that had a cream Soup on it, only because today i woke up feeling really weak. Which after reading what everyone else is eating, i understand why i have no energy.

But even after the clear liquid phase, and we go into the liquid phase, i thought we still couldnt have meats liquified. that at that time we could add Protein shakes, liquified Soups but not meat. but i see others are pureeing chicken. Maybe i'm just paranoid that the wrong food is gonna do something to ruin this.

my daughter is counting down with me to when i can have a protein shake.

HI, well Dr. A and most dr.s will tell you not to have any meat until your 31st day. Your really not supposed too.. but did you get the packet Yolanda gave us with the diet plan? pm and I will help you there so much you need to know.. I will give you my number>

I'm also going with DR. ACEVES. My surgery is this Friday. 3/7/08. My aunt went with him and had a great experience. She had is done about 8 months ago and she looks great.

HI, I had surgery 3/7/08, with Dr. Aceves wonderful experience,,... Did I meet you? I went looking for everyone who had surgery same day... :eek::grouphug:

Saturday was no fun at all. pains from the gas and a sore throat from the tube, and damn breathing exercises- breathing exercises with a sore throat equals coughing which hurt like hell. i gave up on the breathing execises, but throat seemed so dry and i gave myself a panic attack, felt like i couldnt breath, the nurse came in, gave me a pain pill and held my hand, then i just broke down, like a baby, i just wanted to go home. after i had a nap i was fine.

back home today, i see pizza and left over jack in the box (everyone's habits need to change). the staff from the kitchen at the hospital gave us the recipe for the chicken broth, it was really good! so i came home and made that. everyone else is having a delicious chicken Soup and i am having delicious broth.

work is going to be a bit challenging, since i dont want anyone to know. i am going to take my broth in a cup and warm up and when its time for lunch, i'm still going to order like usual than stir it around on my plate. thats the plan so far anyway. eventually i can let the chef in on my secret somewhat and he'll make my lunch.

Hope everyone else is doing well! For those i didnt get to drop in on saturday, i hope you understand after reading the above.

Hi, girl I was there looking for you, I had my surgery same day. I had such a great time.... I gave everyone a balloon... Where were u? How are you doing? I have lost 7.8 lbs.. and feeling wonderful...

I am scheduled the 19th for my surgery. I'm worried because I just did my class with the dietician a couple of days ago and she stated that if you eat too much fat before surgery there could be too much fat around you liver and the surgery would not be completed. Now, I only have a week to go and was not put on any preop diet. I can be very good from now until then but I'm afraid that it could be too late as I didn't have much prep time for this thing. I'm also self pay. I don't want to pay $16500 to find out that the procedure wasnt' done as I can't afford to do it again. Any suggestions or thoughts would be helpful.:cool2:

Basically, you need to think Atkins diet, plus at least 60 to 70 grams of protien, whey chocolate is really good., I used 2% milk., or you could use 1%, cut out all carbs.,

ie: low fat yogurt, protien drinks, protien bars, lean meats, fish, grilled chicken only.. keep your fat and carbs to a minimum.... again think Atkins... I did this for 7 days before surgery...thanks to some advise and I am doing great, I had surgery on 3/7 and so far I am doing awesome and I have lost 7.8 lbs..

Hope this helps, good luck. and don't worry its not as bad as you think.... :huh2:

Banded 3/7/08. Wow you guys sound like you did just great! I had to stay the night at the hospital due to nausea - I had a real hard time with the surgery itself. Then I had dry heaves, oh boy. The gas was not a problem, just all the meds used. I was discharged on Sat. and now I am fine. Since leaving the hospital I have only used Tylenol every now and then.

I have a question: One of my incisions (the big one), feels like it may have "popped". The incisions are covered with tape and the others have apparent dried blood. The one I'm sorta worried about appears skin colored aboved the actual cut, then blood, and yes clear stuff, but dry now. I don't want to be hysterical - but wondered If I should just let it heal or call the doc. Thanks everyone. We are on our way!

KW

Banded 3/7/08

Hi, congrats!!! Oh! I had a great time, it was not as bad as I thought.. after surgery I went to my room, and was ready for a shower and I went walking through the hospital and I met so many woman that had there surgery the same day, and others getting ready for surgery. I really had the easiest recovery, I feel blessed and very lucky I was in such good hands, the staff at Almater Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico they treated me "us" like royality, they put us in the Hosptial Suites with "Plasma tv" leather couch, refrig, etc.. HUGE room fit for a queen and all of the staff was sooo nice and was there when you needed them and even when you didn't they would check on you, even the Dr Aceves made it a point to come and see how I was doing., I met all the Dr's on the team..

I did have fun with it though too.... I felt like a teenager again, walking around in my pj's to all the other girls rooms... I made silly balloons with there names on them, and put a BIG smiley face on it, this was our OLD stomachs!!!!!:cool2: Tried not to make everyone laugh, cause it would make our stomachs tense..., heee. my friend came with me and she is a class clown.....

Ok, as far as the big scar at the top, yea the big one is the sorest one, and it takes more time to heal, as far as it popping I assume you feel the "bump" or it looks a little "bulgy" that's normal, that is supposed to be your port, but you can shower and use a clean washcloth and pat it only, with Water and antibacterial soap but dont' soak in the Water or don't let the water soak your tape, it sounds same as mine, but I am not a Dr., so if you feel like you need to call go ahead., but it sounds just like mine...

You sound like your doing great, keep up the good work.,,

I have lost 7.8 lbs since my surgery friday 3/7/08, I just need to figure out how to change it on my ticker.....

Have a blessed day!:huh2:

Hi, All March Bandsters..... I am not ashamed to put my face out there girl...... I am proud of my band, Banded friday!!! yeAAAAA,Me!!!!! ..

Here's me and my baby girl Tayller.......

Dr. Aceves

Mexicali, Mexico.....

3/7/08 surgery date..

I HAVE to post this recipe bc it is sooo sooo sooo delicious. Even though I can't eat chicken much anymore, this is so moist with the sauce, you shouldn't have a prob.

Trust me, you will love this and so will your whole family. You can even take the final product and use it as a stuffing for burritto's, etc for the family. (of course I can't eat tortilla, but my DH loves it).

4 chicken breasts

1 jar of salsa

1 cup of frozen corn (or you can use canned corn)

1 can kidney Beans

Put all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook for 10-12 hours on low. Falls apart and is so delicous. I sprinkle a little cheese on top when I serve it.

Also, if you are looking for a quicker meal, you can put all ingredients into a pressure cooker and it is done in 20 minutes. YUMMY.

How soon could I eat this., I assume when I go to solids in 30 days. right?

Hi all March bandsters, Wow, what an amazing experience.

I was banded on friday, and I am home and feeling great on sunday. I met so many people at Hospital Almater, were awesome., wow... Sergio, my first nurse, christopher my 2nd nurse, and of course DR.ACEVES.,awesome surgeon and so professional, but yet so down to earth... Wow., I have never been treated so good, I wanted to stay... ha.lol, but I have kids.... I have so much more to say and I will later right now I need to relax more.

I plan going to work in the morning. OH, and I must say hi! to a few people that I met while I was there , they were having the surgery "lapband: Hi., Cindy, Kathy, Karen, Haily, Barbara, Shirly, did we have fun or what girls, felt like a slumber party ha:lol:.... oh, don't pop those balloons "stomachs":tt2: I gave you.... So, glad you all were there to share this new beginning... with me.and me with you...

Good luck all of you. I can't wait to hear from you...........

I had all my day before stuff done and now im so excited! didn't think i would need that sleeping pill the doc gave me, but now i'm starting to think i will be too excited to sleep.

funny thing happened while getting tests done at the hospital though. the nurse (male) first had me put the gown on w/ the opening in the front, i got to leave my pants on, then for the next test he said to put the gown on w/ the opening in the back. so i started to, and he was like, "no, wait til i leave the room" it was hilarious.

well i'm going to go have my "last supper" lol then sushi of course before going to bed!

Well, how are you so far, I just "woke" up from a sleepless night..... I am excited..... I hope to see ya there........

:crying:

hey innuertube... congrats on being so close. it's completely natural to be nervous. the night before my surgery (3/3), i was up till 5am. and the morning of surgery, fleeting thoughts of not showing up at the hospital did cross my mind. waking up from surgery was awful, as was most of that day. my surgery was at noon. i woke up around 3, tried unsuccessfully to walk around 6, went back to sleep and woke up around 9p. by then, i felt exponentially better and was able to walk the halls a bit. by wednesday morning, i was sore but feeling pretty good. it can only get better from here.

good luck with your surgery!

Thank you so much.. Wow! you just had surgery. I plan on going back to work on monday, I sit down most of the time, but I have a very relaxed job so I am not concerned about that, just hoping all goes well. I have read so many different thread with so many different results, and I think that has something to do with me getting nervous, I have read the good and the bad experiences, and I am praying that mine is all good. I am taking a huge step to make changes in my life, and I hope that my story is a success.

And thank you so much for sharing your story with me, it means alot. Good luck in your future.

oh, i am so excited for you. Are you ready for the surgery? You have 2 days to go.

Oh yes! I am ready, I have done all the correct research and have decided on Dr. Aceves and feel like he is the perfect choice.

I have prepared everthing, except I haven't been nervous until the past few days. I am not scared, just reading different threads and I see the ups and downs and I just hope I am one of the ones who has a successful lapband.

Hi March Bandsters..... I'm sure those of you who are banded already felt this way before this big day. Nervous, excited, mixed emotions.........

My surgery is in two days............ Friday March 7th Yea..!Dr. Aceves.

Is someone out there to show me some love,:thumbdown: "lol" encouragment:thumbup:........ any words of extra advise.

I'm ready, but since I have not informed my "family" other than one of my friends, this is where I come to read success stories, so you guys are my family for now.

Looking forward to hearing from ya.

TODAY, March 4, is my Lap Band Day. Today a new chapter in my life begins. A day that will change me for the better. The day I get HEALTHY!!

Sometimes, I amaze myself of how brave I am. I quit smoking cold turkey 3 years ago and now I am undergoing surgery. If you know me, you know I am a chicken, but I am slowly learning that I am not. I am a strong & confident woman who knows what she wants and is being proactive.

This strength comes from within and from my family. I thank my husband, first of all because of his job we have the insurance that we have and it's covering it 100%. So thank you Honey!!! Also due to my weight, I have been unhappy with myself and it's putting a burden on my marriage. Slowly I am liking myself again. I also need to thank these boards for all your support. You guys inspire me, to be better. Thank you.

So, wish me luck, my surgery is in the afternoon. I AM SUPER EXCITED!!!

TALK TO YOU SOON,

Good luck, and congrats. I look forward to hearing back from you. I go on friday for my surgery. Soooo. wish my luck.

My procedure is the 7th as well. Dr. Aceves is my doctor. I'm so excited! Even my daughter is counting down with me, she's happy for me.

Best wishes to you and your DH, hope to see you on here with a great success story!

Hi, me too. I am having surgery with Dr. A same day, in Mexicali. I am sooo excited. My daughter has been counting down the days with me too. I have been "nesting" cleaning out the kitchen cabinets, refrigirator, etc..... I hope to meet you there.. I am supposed to be at he hospital at 11:00am:rolleyes2:

Congrats....!!! Hi, I am schedualed for surgery 3/7/08 with Dr. A. I feel pretty prepared, but is there anything you can tell me that I might not know. Like my surgery is friday, stay in hospital friday night, saturday night, go home sunday and back to work on Monday. I'm in the "transportation business" so I sit "most" of the time. so,......

Congrats, Good luck, make sure you come back let me know how you are doing.

I think I have OCD trying to prepare for this, single mom, and all.

I got a list for the babysitter, dogsitter, housesitter, and I already took care of my grocery list for the next few weeks. In addition, my brain is only on the surgery.

I come this board to see what everyone is talking about, even though I know I have things to do ya know?

Ok, I only :thumbs_up:5 days till surgery and I am so excited I feel like a kid. I know if I am feeling this way, so is everyone else who is waiting "impatiently" I can't concentrate on anything else.

I shared this story with someone else, at first I was embarrassed to share with others, but I think some of you could appreciate this one.

Ok! I found out my surgery date, so I did what I call the "yippie surgery dance" in the near birthday suite., and my (8) year old daughter said" (Mom your legs are clapping) :lol:and for a moment I was mordified, "out of the mouths of babes" I told her well Ms. Thing not for long and I did the "yippy surgery dance" again. Glad there wasnt a video camera around.

I am tired of my "legs clapping" :crying:even on there own, so I am ready for this new change in my life. :laugh:

Are any of you counting down the days like me.