Morsaille

My port incision stood up for about a month post-op. I was just sure it was my port and that something had gone wrong. When I went in for my first fill I was SHOCKED to learn that my port wasn't even close to the port incision! I was sure I had been feeling it all along. ...scar tissue... The real port was almost 6 inches lower! In my case, the popped-up port and pregnancy stomach was just swelling and went away with time and lots of Water. Glad you aren't hurting much. Brenda

Starramy - how are you feeling? Congrats on the band! I hope you are one of the lucky ones who gets to dodge the gas pains. I didn't have them, but hear they are the worst part of the post-op experience. Get lots of fluids, rest, and whatever you do... DON'T BEND! LittleBird - It sounds like you and the Queen will be able to meet up in MX if you are lucky. The number I have for Kitty Carmichael: 360.435.5365 <- looks like the same # the Queen has. Fill Management Northwest 540 West Avenue Arlington, WA 98223 Fax: 360.474.1394 Apparently they only have 2" needles so can give you a fill if you can feel your port. You may be able since you are smaller BMI. Hope you can find local maintenance that you feel good about. If you decide that you want a first fill done under fluoroscope, call Dr. Neal. www.pacsurgical.com 360.412.3120

Welcome Jennie Lynn!!! I think that this IS the group... Woo Hoo, you found us! Got a subject to discuss? We are W-I-D-E open! The cobwebs are starting to form in the rafters. How much have you lost? What was your starting weight/BMI? Who is your doc? How many fills? What foods are taboo? Now that we have been banded six months I have just started to notice REAL changes. I am loving it! My clothes are looser, my energy is better, and I think I saw a hint of neck/collarbone yesterday! I am considering another fill since my no-no foods (melted cheese and hamburger meat) no longer pose a threat and I can eat anything I want after 4 pm. That just isn't going to work for me. Hope to hear from you soon!

My Dad never wore underpants, he wore "skivvies". It may be a little military, but it IS gender neutral. I get to call 'em all panties because the girls outnumber the guys. It will really mess me up if our next is a boy because we will be tied 2 and 2. Tell Rob he can sleep on the couch as long as he wears a pair of panties... Or better yet... Make the bedroom a panty-free zone.

Thanks Ladies for the Kudos, I will pass them along to the little lady who did all the work though. Isn't the pride just the best part? I love it when she brags and shows my Mom or Sis her dry panties! Andy, Tyler and Danny sound like they have been hard working little angels. I love the underwear wars! Soren is solo, but is curious about bras. Luckily that battle is a long way off! She wears panties, Daddy wears "panties", Mommy wears panties and a BRA. she is a little bit intrigued and has tried it on more than once. We got a little panty/tank set and she is a happy camper. I love LBT! It is "Life Support" not just band support. You all are so special and each of you is worth your pre-op weight in gold!! Brenda

I haven't been diving since my banding, but I imagine the pressure would reduce the volume of air pockets in your abdomen. Would it even effect the saline? I wouldn't think it a big issue unless you decide to dine down under. Let's brainstorm away. I think I remember reading that Wheetsin is a diver too...

That is GREAT! I am so glad the boys are finally getting it! I haven't written on this thread in a very long time, but thought I should update my endeavors with my little girl. It all started when we ran out of diapers... My DH had been getting bad about just popping her in a diaper because he didn't want to worry about her. I was worried she was going to be in diapers forever. ...We ran out of diapers and I just refused to buy anymore. She had panties! She loves panties! So, I set up the potty in her bedroom, kissed her goodnight, and hoped for the best. I had a blanket, sheet and spare pillow stacked just outside of her room. She woke up DRY!!! Then to top it off, she woke up dry from her nap AND the next morning!! She has had two accidents, minor ones, at home. The other day, DH decided to take her out. He was nervous because it was his first time diaperless. When he got home, he was beaming! He told me about how Soren had gotten his attention in the store, saying "PEE!" and trying to stand up in the cart. He told me how they had run to the restroom and how she had been so proud of herself. I love it when she stops mid-activity, says "Poo" and heads for the toilet. I am going to Graduate her this week.

I was told by the Wish Center that they do not accept patients banded outside of the country. I was only supposed to do two weeks of pre-op diet, but started early because I was nervous and excited. Dr. Cheblis is really pretty nice (and affordable), but he does blind fills and had a hard time accessing my port. Long story short. I left with a "phantom" fill. The 1cc I believed I had never made it into the band. I was DRY a month later, with no leaks. Kitty Carmichael, ARNP is in Arlington. She is the most affordable, but can only do your fills if you can feel your port. She has short needles and does fills blind as well. I get filled with Dr. Neal in Olympia. Fluoroscopy rocks!

Glad this works for you. I read the title and got defensive. Sorry. Pre-op, I met with the nutritionist to see if there was something that I could be doing better to lose weight. She had me keep a food journal and after reviewing it, told me to eat MORE. she emphasized Breakfast because I was a big breakfast dodger. I followed her instructions...exactly. I bought the recommended foods and cooked in a non-stick skillet, I got my water every day. I felt like a water balloon, but I followed instructions. Two months later I had gained almost 20 pounds! 17.4! I know that initially some may gain while leaving 'starvation mode', but 17.4 pounds? Shee-oot! I think insurance should have payed for the band after that, but no such luck. At least I am losing now.

Hey Zoe! (((HUGS))) You KNOW I am an apple, but guess what? My neck is starting to show a little more! And two days ago I looked down in the car. Not only was my stomach not brushing against the steering wheel, but there was a good two inches - maybe three between me and it. It will go away. My pictures say so, and we all hate our pictures enough to know that they don't lie!

We just did this a couple months ago with my Mom's dog who was one of my "rescue babies" five years ago. She only slept, and did that with a pained expression. She sat to drink and only ate out of hand on the couch. Her skin condition must have been painful as was her constant ear infection. She had always hated the vet, so when we went in for the first shot, I took her to the car until she was asleep. The first shot is sedative, the second stops the heart. When I took the little sleeping bundle back in, the vet commented that her color was horrible, (her breathing was labored and her tongue was grayish) that we were doing the right thing. My Mom had her doubts, but it made it easier for her knowing that everyone supported her decision. I don't envy you yours. Hugs, Brenda

:doh: Did we have to stink up the WELCOME thread? Good Job guys, BANDED! :thumb: Glad everything went OK and am selfishly gratified to have you back here and typing up a storm!! Big Hugs! Now get to typing! :) :party:

Thought it would be nice to find out about local bandster bonding. I am in Bremerton but am willing to travel to Tacoma or Olympia on occasion. Even if we just got together for coffee (or tea)... Structured support groups are nice, but are they FUN? Please chime in and share what you do to stay connected.

Do you get "blind" fills? I went in for my second fill to a new cheaper doc who does not use fluoroscopy (blind). He supposedly gave me a 1cc fill. I had no restriction so I scheduled another fill for a month later with my fluoro doc. The band was dry! Apparently he was in the port to pull my old fill, but never made it back in to give the new saline. $200 well spent. I paid $350 for my next fill and found some restriction at last.

I was really worried about this too and thought I was crazy for asking the question. Thanks for being weird with me. I haven' been sick yet, but getting an anti-nausea drug on hand sounds like good advice. I love keeping ginger root close, but not too sure if ginger alone would be up to the task of a full-blown stomach flu...

I would have to chuck it... Melted cheese is impossible for me to swallow. I don't allow myself cheese anymore. Sorry you got a tainted tray. Maybe you could fondue? Still fattening though, sorry.

My doc said 6 weeks or until your scabs are GONE. I didn't and softened one of my scabs so that the scar over one of my small incisions is quite wide. Some people say that they used waterproof bandages, others are real sticklers for the 6 week mark.

Golf balls hurt! Sometimes I get a sensation in my throat in the morning, but a warm drink (coffee, tea) makes it dissipate. I am pretty sure it is saliva/foam from a night spent swallowing. Not sure if what you are talking about is the same thing, but others have this sensation in addition to their restriction. Or so I have read.

Hey Liz- I am in Bremerton! I was banded in MX and paid $8950 and would do it again. It included everything but airfare and prescription. My tickets were under $300 and the pain meds were $10, but liquid Tylenol would be as effective. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or are interested in a local band bud. Lots of luck on your journey! Brenda

You could mix the oatmeal AND aloe... Shake some uncooked oatmeal into a blender and add boiling water. Blend it, but remember it will thicken as it cools. When it gets cool, stir in some aloe gel. Or put the gel on after soaking off the oatmeal paste/mask. Good luck and sorry about your chemical burns. I had a similar reaction to hotel bar soap once, ouchies.

Dr. Fox and Dr. Neal both do fills for MX bandsters. I get my fills in Olympia with Dr. Neal, they are $350 with fluoro. Dr. Fox does not yet have fluoroscopy and charges $402 for first-timers and $250 (Maybe it was $225) for subsequent fills. Hope this helps a little, still WOW-ing that you are having to consider such a journey...

My stats are the same Currently 275

I am sure that those with reflux have not done anything to invite it... By all rights I should have it. I eat later than 7pm, I still enjoy spiciness, and I have a relatively high stress level.

Has anyone seen "So I Married an Axe Murderer"? I have that conversation in my head...you know the one... "He'll cry himself to sleep tonight on his tiny little pilla"

Maybe it is an argument for a genetic pre-disposition to obesity? Your skull doesn't just grow or shrink, it just IS. If you were "meant" to be big and you aren't, it would follow that your head would be disproportionate, right? What hairstyle could we shoot for? My head is HUGE already.