fluffycat

The shoulder pain went away finally only to be replaced by that left side stitch. Kind of in the lower back but above the waist. Not all the time either. Yesterday I went to a church dinner and ate way too much. Since I don't have any fills yet, the food kept going down. But later during digestion; my band flet like a rubber band that had been stretched out too far. The port was actually pulling against the ab muscle where it is attached. Not a good feeling but a lesson well learned.

its because the fluid will wash the food out of the pouch into the larger part of the stomach. And with no food in the pouch, you wll be hungry again in no time.

I feel the exact same way. I am supposed to be on mushies but not only am I hungry; but food cravings are driving me crazy! I have had pizza and cake even. I have got to get control over my head.

I haven't found anything on this site yet about having sex after surgery. How long should I wait after getting banded? My doctor never addressed this and I really didn't think about it--its my husband!

I was banded on May 22nd and have lost 10 pounds in 10 days--the most ever in my entire life in such a short period. Tummy still doesn't feel good though.

I am 10 days post op and that pain can be excrutiating. Its not all the time but always the same left side and can go up into the neck. Like if you breathe too deep it hurts. Is that gas?

I did not wear a bra for the first week. My doctor told me not to -- the underwires can really hurt. I wore a sport top that had some support in it. Shoulder pain is finally subsiding. No more pain meds. I can even bend over. Sleeping on my left side is difficult;can only do that a short time. Glad everyone is recovering so well.

I was banded on May 22nd in Mexico. That shoulder pain started the 1st day I went back to work which was this past Tuesday--5 days postop. It hasn't let up yet. I walk all the time. I think I walk too much. I use a hot water bottle at night and it helps. Surgery is serious business and I was naive going in but too late to change my decision. I think most of us feel that way going into the OR and then into recovery. It will all get better. I am looking forward to a new lifestyle. Glad to hear everyone's stories. This site is wonderful!

I was banded in mexico on 5/22/08. I met 3 ladies who had been banded the day before. One of them had a 14cc band and the doctor filled it during surgery with 10cc. It was explained to me that US doctors fill very little either bacuase of cautiousness or greed. But this doctor did not want the women to become discouraged by that so he filled it initially so she would be restricted and start losing weight in a relatively shorter period of time.

Well, I did it and there's no turning back now. I was looking forward to the band until they wheeled me into the OR room. OMG, I had 2 c-sections over 16 years ago and have totally forgotten that experience. The lights were so bright and then it hit me--I am going to be cut! Upon waking my throat and mouth was so dry and I couldn't cough. My abdomen was burning. If felt like such a big baby. I walked 15 minutes an hour for 5 hours. Finally PB'ed that nauseous gas up. And now its all downhill from here. I am still in Mexico and go home tomorrow. I came by myself and feel very brave and empowered. Still sore, can't bend down to pick up anything. But ok!

Me too - Jax, FL Is the fill centers in Gainesville open? Does anyone have any feedback on it? I need my first fill in a few weeks.

I just got banded and am still looking for a fill doctor on the east coast of Florida--around Jacksonville or even south Georgia. Dr. Shariat in Jax Beach was on the list from Dr. Zapata but only because he accepts Mexico patients. He is very expensive and no flouro. I presented the idea to be Gyn but no reply. why is this so difficult? It seems to me to be a great capitalist venture. What is the darn hangup in the US with health care?

Dr. Zapata gave me my band box with SN#, and also jotted down information about my statistics. I got his surgical report, xrays and all pertinent documentation. If my band goes bad, I will seek restitution from Alergen, makers of Inamed bands, because that ain't right!

Hello, I am still in Mexico and had my surgery yesterday with Dr. Zapata. He is very professional, the hospital was top notch and everything couldn't have gone more smoothy. I did my research. I was awake in the operating room and believe me it was no open air, dirty place. Equal to or better than USA. They laugh at our antiquated beliefs about Mexico. I am still sore but that is to be expected. I am very sorry for your experience--but that's your experience and not the majority of others on this site. I'll prayer for healing for you. Keep up our spirits.

I was banded on may 22nd. I went to Mexico by myself and not with the best best support from my family. I am sore and not feeling very well. I guess I was naive about surgery and what it entails. It is a serious decision. I am having some regrets thinking maybe there was another way (knowing there really isn't). Ask me in a year and I bet I have never regretted again! Looking forward to going home tomorrow with no flight delays.

Angela, I am going to mexico alone to be banded by Dr. Zapata on May 22nd. Please tell me how it goes. I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer. Sandy

I'm 53 and I don't need a pre-op diet either. I called just to verify and was told it goes by your BMI.

Congrats! Just want to know what exercises you referred to. I haven't heard about that and i am scheduled for May22nd.

Put me down for may 22nd with Dr. Miguel Zapata in Monterrey Mexico. I am excited and scared. But so ready for a change!

I'm from jacksonville but its too expensive there since I am a self pay. Who is doing it?

I am following you up on may 22nd. Please let me know your thoughts on him and how every thing went. Not that I will change my decision. I am going alone!

I am also scheduled for May 22nd in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Zapata.

Hi I am from jax too. I am planning on going to Mexico in late May. I have set up my fills with Dr. Abbas Shariat at Jax Beach. Initial evaluation with a fill is $750. Each port access fill is $400. He does not offer flouro. Anyone have a better idea?

go to mexico and save $10,000

OMG! Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is enough to make even a bandster give up beer. Now a few Buds at the game is another story! Maybe you can invent a special beer for bandsters--non carbonated. I live in Jax, Fl home an Anheiser Busch. Hmmmm....