Vickie

Ouch- I thought we could eat crackers- why did this happen? Now I can hear that "digestive gurgling sound" and some burping Let me get this strait--You were banded March 2008 and you threw up crackers? What? You didn't chew them with a little bit of water? I never had that problem. I was banded in Dec 09 and of course I didn't try anything like that until the later part of Jan. I didn't have any problem and I can eat bread in tiny bites with water. That’s supposed to be a NOT. But let me tell you my horror story that happened yesterday and today … Feb. 25 I had my second fill. I followed the rules I fasted no food for 12 hours before my appointment time, only drinking water. He puts in 2.25 because I have been complaining that the 1 cc. that he put in on Feb. 2. was not effective. I could eat lobster and steak (small amounts) cut and chewed properly. He was hesitant to put 2.25 CCs but I was able to drink 12 ounces of water after the 2.25 fill and I gulped the water strait down being a little on the smug side. He said Vickie you call me if there is a problem. I arrogantly (but in a teasing way) told him that I would be making an appointment for another cc in 6 weeks. After a few hours, I got home and the wrath of God descended upon me for being such an egotistical bitch. I threw up water all afternoon, all night, and the following morning Feb. 26th. I don’t know how I had that much water and mucus in my system. I called him early in the morning and told him I was going to have to eat crow for all the smart assed attitude I had and would he please take out a little bit of the distilled water. Well he told me to come right in—but things got even worse until they got better. He took at the entire fill and hit a blood vessel in the process. Blood squirted in his face, running down my back. I looked at the water removal and it had blood in it, not much but it was definitely colored, traces of blood. He tells me that my band has been traumatized and needs to heal and threatens to leave it empty so I plead with him no at least put what I had back in which was 1 cc so he put back 1,25 ccs. So now I'm back with no restriction and a very sore bruised band. I wished I had just gone back to TJ where I had the band done in the first place. At least they use x-ray and you can see what is going on. I feel so stupid for not doing that and wasting money that I don't have to spear. Sorry to be rambling on and on.

I was originally going to have my lap band done in Oct. with you guys but it didn't happen-- so I got mine done Dec. 9. The first fill I got was Feb. 2rd and I got no restriction so I went in on the 25 of Feb. and I fussed at him a little so now I have a total 2.25 ccs and I feel them tonight or should I say early morning. I hope I don't have to go back in today and beg him to take some out. You know pride can hurt so we'll see if I can save face.

oh and don't forget your birth certificate and ID. I don't think you have to have a passport until June.

Do you have a coordinator? I think ORTIZ'S COORDINATOR IS Carol Williams or simular. I went to TJ in December used Dr Cordova but I'm sure Ortiz is wonderful as well. They picked me up, they knew who I was and drove me strait to the beautiful hospital and action started immediately. I wanted to spend two nights because I'm old and a bleeder. I did absolutely beautifully. I don't know if you could do this in 24 hours and be back home. I would recommend at least 48 hours because your health is more important than a few hours. I suppose your direct pay as I was--I know this cost money but remember your health is important. I loved the hospital and the whole experience. Bring your own pillow, wash cloth, they have none and no nail polish on toes or fingers. Good Luck and God Bless Vickie

Now Debi, You know I've got to be so proud and jealous of you. Monday morning I going strait to the phone to make an appointment for another fill.:thumbup:

I'm in the same boat with Auggie and Debi, in fact I've gained 4 pounds. It is really discouraging. With my disabilities it's hard for me to excersise. I'm suppose to swim but last time I tried my hand froze to the car door and I said no thank you and went back into the house as soon as I could. I'll wait until March to hit the pool again. I know where were my gloves?

Maybe you should have it exrayed or whatever to make sure everything is where it is suppose to be.

Are you going back to TJ for your fills? I lucked out and found a person to do my fills here in Wasilla. No horror story he knew exactly what he was doing with one try and it was over. Wishing you luck Vickie

I wouldn't let this go very long. I used Dulcolax a suppositry and I think they make a stool softner. I know this is a common problem with bansters.

I had my surgery around 1 PM and was on a morphine drip the rest of the day and night and then the next day they took me off of it and made me walk and walk to keep from getting gas so it worked. All I can say is get to walking girl and take that pain medication. I f that doesn't work call the doctor and keep calling tell he does something.

My first fill kicked in today. I had it done Monday afternoon and this is Wednesday evening so it took 48 hours for it to register and Thank God I can't eat but a few bites of chicken salad or I feel like there is something going to come back up. I was so worried that I was going to have to call and tell him that the fill was a waste of time and money. I haven't been able to swim because I was chilled all day yesterday and it is dangerously and brutally cold. Okay, I know, I have a tread mill.

Yes, I agree with by Band_Groupie. One should not have to go through torture to get your band filled. My fill person had me hold my legs up in the air while I was lieing down. This helped him see the port and he was right on target with only one try and the pain was quick and easy. I lucked out there.

I had my first fill on the 2rd of Feb. and I can't tell any difference. I was hoping I would. I think he put in 1cc. I guess I should ask him because this sucks.

I got my first fill today and like Joanne said, it wasn't that bad at all. The only problem is that I don't feel any different as far as restriction. I'm a little disappointed. I'll give it a few days and see if there is any difference.

Hi Joanne: I appreciate your comments that you submit. They are all in agreement with my doctors papers and it's good to read them again from someone who is going through the same thing I'm going through. I hope my fill is as easy as your's was and that it helps me with this challenge.

You have lost 60 POUNDS that's a miracle!!!!! Since June 2008. I bet people don't recognize you. I have lost 17 as of today and people tell me something is different. I don't like the part where you tell us that your still hungary. My regular doctor told me I would still be hungary but to stay away from SUGAR and booze and I would lose. Maybe you should have your band checked but 60 Pounds is a miracle.

Sounds like your on the right road, I'm 58 and just recently had the band. It is a wonderful tool. Stay away from sugar.

My first fill will be Feb. 2, 2009, I'm a little apprehensive but not nearly as scared as I was on the plane going down for the surgery. I having my fill here at home. The doctor told me yesterday absolutely no sugar and no wine. Those things go strait to your fat cells and will keep you from losing weight. I will try to stay clean.

I haven't had a fill yet and I was banded on the 9th of Dec. I hate to hear that it will take 4-6 fills to start reaching some restriction. That sucks.

Debi-- Six Pounds? That's good. When were you banded? I was banded on the 9th of Dec. I've lost 15 or 16 pounds. We're in a healing process right now so I'm thinking these pounds are an extra bonus. I'm thinking we're suppose to wait 8 weeks before a fill but it looks like many of the December bandsters "Holiday Hotties" have already gotten their first fill. I'll probably wait until the 10 of February or so. Good Luck, Vickie

I drank sparkingly apple juice last night, mixed it with water and all was well. Today, I thought I'd just take a swig of strait sparkingly apple juice----It was a very bubbling experience, not recommended. My papers told me no carbination of any kind but......I had to try it., Now I know why. I've lost 15 pounds since Dec. 9th and I feel so blessed. I guess I'll get a fill in February but I don't feel completely healed yet. How did you guys decide when it was a good time to have a fill done? Warm Regards, Vickie Banded Dec. 9, 2008 Mexico

It's good to see your face Florida Pete. It looks like your doing great losing the weight. Wonderful

Thanks for the suggestions--I'm sure I'm not drinking enough water. Otherwise, it's good to see everyone is doing great. Aren't we glad we did this:thumbup:

I was banded Dec.9, 2008 Now that I'm eating solids I've become constipated. I am going to try Dulcolax suppositories to see if this helps. I hope this doesn't become a habit. Anybody else having this problem? Wonderful topic.:thumbup:

I was banded 12/09/2008 and I still can't sleep on my left side so I guess we're all different.