TexasTerry

Hello Junebies,

I have not posted in a long time - just busy with work, work, work!!! I am happy with my progress. It has been slow and fairly steady. No big problems with the Band.

I am now "Shopping the back of the Closet". Stuff I could never get rid of and now it fits again! That's a good feeling. I get around a bit better too!

Best to all of you :myscared:

Terry

I'm not in Utah either, but did attend BYU years ago. Still have an "Old" roommate living in Draper. I do miss the mountains in the fall. They were so beautiful.

I had my surgery in June and have lost about 35 lbs so far. NO problems to report.

Terry

Hey Everyone,

I have not posted in a long time. I'm going in for fill #4 this tuesday. Weight loss has stopped and I can eat normal size portions at lunch and dinner.

I've only had one PB. And I'm sure it was due to severe sinus drainage. I tried some cottage cheese and it was not going to stay down! I went to my PCP and got a Kenalog shot, some other meds and was much better in a few days. I just get this "junk" this time of year. I am hoping this year I can stay on top of it and not be sick a Christmas like I usually am.

Keep posting! It is good to read of your success!

Terry

Yes, I did the same thing. Just about a month after banding. I don't know the reason either. I went to my PCP and got a Rx for an anti-depressant. I'm still taking it now. Things seem to have somoothed out and I am doing much better.

Maybe someone here has some insight on this? Is this a common occurance?

Terry :girl_hug:

I'm only 4 months out, but seem to be averaging about 1.5 to 2 lbs. a week.

Terry

Eating late at night - snacking out.

Exercise

Terry

Any kind of cheese. It may have Protein, but it is usually loaded with calories too!

Terry

I paid $15,000 for an excellent surgeon in the US. It included visits with the surgeon, dietician, counselor and a year of free fills, a 6 month and 1 year check-up and it included 2 night stay in a nice motel since I traveled from out of town. I felt it was very worth it.

Terry

Kozy Kitten

I am curious as to who your band doc is? I've not heard about taking all the fill out just because you reach a certain fill level. (I'm pretty new at this myself and still learning lots!)

I have heard from others at my surgical center that the VG can actually be filled to 14cc. It would seem that all this band stuff is pretty new science and even the experts are still learning. We certainly know that each of us responds a little differently to the band.

Let us know what happens. I hope you the best in your band journey.

Terry

Hmmm. Only after surgery - the incisisions felt a little numb, then tingly as they started to heal and finially I wanted to scratch the h@!! out of them. Sounds like maybe a nerve was hit. Let us know what you find out. It will be interesting to know.

Terry

Mine was about 45 minutes. Just talking to the counselor. She was a very nice person. Like Alexandra said, just seeing if you are ready for the surgery. I did a very short questionaire also.

I believe that this particular counselor also moderates the after care group sessions for my surgeon. I live 4 1/2 hours away, so I have not been able to attend, but I would not hesitate to go if I were in the area.

Terry

There should be an adult around at all times during school. At least it is that way on my campus. I don't know what state you are in, but in Texas by 10 years of age a person is responsible for their actions and can be arrested. (handcuffs in the back of the squad car and all, if needed) If the principle does not want to really get involved, I would not hesitate to call the police myself. It is assault.

I've known principals that don't want to call the police because it gives their campus a bad reputation. Don't let your son get beat up because some 2-bit principal is too hung up on image.

I agree with the joint conference. Let them know you are serious and this behavior is not tolerated.

You must be vigilant about your childrens safety. Don't fully put it in someone else's hands.

Terry

From what I understand the VG band can tighten down to the same diameter as the smaller band.

Terry :confused:

Welcome Jeff from a fellow Texan!

I don't believe you will regret your decision. I just wish this could have been available years sooner. But we're on our way now.

Keepin touch and let us knkow how you are doing.

Terry :confused:

Redi,

Good questions. My surgeon seems to think (if I understood him correctly) if there are no complications that they should last indefinately. In other words - they won't wear out. The materials are not affected by body tissue or stomach acids. Seems most of the problems are slips, erosions (but the bands are intact?) or punctures by improper fills.

Any one out there have some concrete data on this?

Terry :confused:

I'm not in Utah now, (but I did live in Provo about 15 years ago).

How about mashed potatoes, Cream of Wheat, cottage cheese, blenderized Soups, refried Beans, yogurt, puddings.

I know at this stage it may not seem like REAL food yet, but you will get there soon enough. Hang in there.

Terry :confused:

I'm a lefty. Maybe it has to do with where the surgeon stands in relation to the patient ?? I've seen video where the surgeon would be positioned at the patients side and I've also seen where the surgeon is positioned between the patients legs. It is curious.

Terry :confused:

I am so sorry that you are going thru all this. I agree that if you were given a "lemon" that the doc should cover the cost.

I do wonder if the port flipped. I've heard that even with fluro, you can't tell if it's upside down as the image looks the same. Let us know what happens.

Terry :confused:

Welcome to the banded side. I bet you will be just fine. You've got your sis and all your friends here!

Terry:)

I did follow my docs eating guidelines, but I also felt revenous at 2 weeks out. I'm at fill #3 and just now starting to get restriction. I've been told it's probably because I have the VG band and it can take a little longer to hit the sweet spot.

So, it can depend on what band you have, but I think many newbies go thru this same thing.

Terry

I know it's been debated, but I think the fluro fills have been a help for me. I really think thats why I have no eating related problems. Or at least my surgeon knows what he's looking at when he does the fills under fluro. Just MHO!

I have not felt any pain either, just a little sting with the fills. I have to admit though, even with 3 fills I still am a little freaked out at the thought of being a human shishkebob. I mean that needle looks HUGE! I can't make myself watch him stick it in my gut! lol I've tried and I always have to look away. Any one else experience this?

Terry

Hello Junebies,

I've not posted in a long time. But I have continued to read and keep up. I had my 3rd fill last week on Oct. 3. I'm down about 30 lbs. NOt real fast, but according to some charts, it's about average. I do have the VG band and it's my understanding that it can take a bit longer to reach restriction with it.

On the up side, I have not had any eating related problems. NO PB, slime, golf balls, heartburn, etc. So, if it takes me a little longer and no pain I'm happy.

Everyone take care and keep your eye on the goal.

Terry

Welcome!

I'm a fairly new bandster myself. But there are many here that have lots of experience with being successful with their band. Keep asking questions and you will gets lots of support.

Terry

What is it?

Terry:)

OH NO! Lets not start bashing Dr. Smith:cry I'm with Carlene. I LOVE Dr. Smith. He really is a great guy. I've read on here that many surgeons do not want to follow up on Mexico bandsters. I don't think that makes them bad people or doctors.

Terry