AngieB2009

I hear that BG. My Dr. has 24hr availability. Which is nice to know I can call at any time and get the help I need. P.S. I don't have the supplies to do an unfill.

I understand where you are coming from. It's important for us to step out of the lapband bubble from time to time to actually see the results. You are actually loosing faster than the average bandster, so that is a huge success. Sounds to me like you are getting a tinsy bit ahead of yourself. The lapband is known for it's slow rate of loss. Hang in there and give yourself a break. You are doing great!

Good luck!

Wow, I am sorry to hear your story. I'd think your Dr would want to be compassionate towards you, and help you during this time. He released you as a patient!? Is it because you objected loudly about the situation?? I can bet the Dr who did my surgery would have fixed the punctured tubing and gave me a fill for free if he had cause the problem. Dr. Ortiz is a good man and I have witnessed him do amazing things with his patients! Anyway, sorry to hear of your troubles. Post the link to the story when it come out! I'd like to watch or read it!

The science of a fill! Mad science! Posted by AngieB, Today, 08:22 AM Admin/Owner Options Make This Entry A Draft

The science of a fill! Mad science! Posted by AngieB, Today, 08:22 AM Admin/Owner Options Make This Entry A Draft

Here is my reply to the post referenced. I voted, "In a pinch I'd do it in a heartbeat if I had all the right supplies." I voted first, then cruised the posts that followed. I was suprised to find so many people against it. My mentality is different I suppose. Thinking about the question posed, my main concern about doing it comes down to my level of discomfort. It would take some focus on my part, and if I was so tight I was unable to swallow my own spit, I'd hope to be able to pull it together enough to do the deed. I mean after all we are talking an emergency situation here. Here is an analogy, What would you do if you were short on breath and gasping for air? Setting next to you there was an ozygen tank and mask. Would you ignore it? My answer is for petes sake NO! I would put the mask on and huff the air into my lungs. Of course I am going to help myself! I agree full heartedly that safety should come first. Fill party.....hmmm I don't see myself attending one.... Doing my own fills. Now, that is another subject all together.

I voted, "In a pinch I'd do it in a heartbeat if I had all the right supplies." I voted first, then cruised the posts that followed. I was suprised to find so many people against it. My mentality is different I suppose. Thinking about the question posed, my main concern about doing it comes down to my level of discomfort. It would take some focus on my part, and if I was so tight I was unable to swallow my own spit, I'd hope to be able to pull it together enough to do the deed. I mean after all we are talking an emergency situation here. Here is an analogy, What would you do if you were short on breath and gasping for air? Setting next to you there was an ozygen tank and mask. Would you ignore it? My answer is for petes sake NO! I would put the mask on and huff the air into my lungs. Of course I am going to help myself! I agree full heartedly that safety should come first. Fill party.....hmmm I don't see myself attending one.... Doing my own fills. Now, that is another subject all together. Edit * I went in for a fill today. Since I read this topic, I payed special attention to the process. I asked questions and we even talked about this topic while I was being filled. I don't see me doing an unfill, not unless I was in a 3rd world contry. My Dr can be reached 24/7 or someone on her staff. Even if I was in a area where they knew nothing of the band, I could call my surgeon and have her walk someone through the process, or as I learned from this thread, ask for a chemo nurse. That is my update.

Glad to hear you are nearing goal! That is very impressive. Time is on your side and I am sure you will adjust to the new and improved you in no time! Way to Go!

I know, you think, ahh maybe it wouldn't be that bad. Then you really think it over and realize you would be in pain, and most likely not able to SWALLOW your own spit. Could you do an unfill under those circumstances??? Good Lord!

So I was reading on LBT and came across a thread about doing your own fill/unfill in a pinch/EMERGENCY. It was actually a poll with discussion. I voted, and then took the time to read through the posts. I have to admit it was interesting banter. I am a DIY kind’a gal in most circumstance. I have done some limited reading on the topic and have discussed this subject with my family. My husband thinks it is CRAZY as does my mother. My father and I have a slightly different perspective. During my pregnancy I administered my own shots. Although this is completely different than accessing a port, I mention this fact only to relay that I am capable of poking a large needle into my stomach. Although, I will say I have not done a 19 gauge needle in the tummy. Confidently, I do feel like I could do my own UNFILL in an emergency. That being said, I can say pretty confidently that my husband in an EMERGENCY would NOT be able to do it for me. Nope, he does not have what it takes. He can’t stand to see me in pain and it would bother him soo much. It would have to be in a situation where no one knew how to do it and I had the right equipment ect. Safety First! Also, I can forsee the situatiuon happening. Like when I visit my family in Wyoming. I would find it easier to trust myself over many of the health care providers there. Most likely I would walk someone through how to do it. I would also have to evaluate how bad off I was.....so many variables.... Here is how the question was posed. There are pages of responses. “Be honest.... Have you ever done your own fill/unfill? Even in a pinch? Scenario; it's late at night, your fill is too much, you are barfing your guts out, you can't even keep saliva down. You can't reach your doc (maybe he's not returning phone calls, perhaps he's in Mexico, etc.) and you are getting dehydrated. Many ER's don't have docs working that have a clue about a band. What do you do? Or, what have you done? BTW, this is a private poll, nobody will be able to see your response.”

So I was reading on LBT and came across a thread about doing your own fill/unfill in a pinch/EMERGENCY. It was actually a poll with discussion. I voted, and then took the time to read through the posts. I have to admit it was interesting banter. I am a DIY kind’a gal in most circumstance. I have done some limited reading on the topic and have discussed this subject with my family. My husband thinks it is CRAZY as does my mother. My father and I have a slightly different perspective. During my pregnancy I administered my own shots. Although this is completely different than accessing a port, I mention this fact only to relay that I am capable of poking a large needle into my stomach. Although, I will say I have not done a 19 gauge needle in the tummy. Confidently, I do feel like I could do my own UNFILL in an emergency. That being said, I can say pretty confidently that my husband in an EMERGENCY would NOT be able to do it for me. Nope, he does not have what it takes. He can’t stand to see me in pain and it would bother him soo much. It would have to be in a situation where no one knew how to do it and I had the right equipment ect. Safety First! Also, I can forsee the situatiuon happening. Like when I visit my family in Wyoming. I would find it easier to trust myself over many of the health care providers there. Most likely I would walk someone through how to do it. I would also have to evaluate how bad off I was.....so many variables.... Here is how the question was posed. There are pages of responses. “Be honest.... Have you ever done your own fill/unfill? Even in a pinch? Scenario; it's late at night, your fill is too much, you are barfing your guts out, you can't even keep saliva down. You can't reach your doc (maybe he's not returning phone calls, perhaps he's in Mexico, etc.) and you are getting dehydrated. Many ER's don't have docs working that have a clue about a band. What do you do? Or, what have you done? BTW, this is a private poll, nobody will be able to see your response.”

How awesome!! You are really doing well! I love reading your posts BG. Keep on dropping those lbs! You are inspiring!

If it were me, I would go in to get it checked. Not feeling the port in the same area would be cause for concern on my part. With the added sorness, it sounds like something has happened. That being said, when I lay down, my port feels lower than it does if I am upright.

Great read. I was upset yesterday at work. This gal I work with is always talking about her DIL. Each time she does, she puts a disclaimer on the end of her statement. You know, Becca is a big girl, or for a larger gal she did look nice in that outfit. It gets under my skin. I feel the urge to say to her, "have you looked in the mirror lately, you are no skinny minnie!" I manage to keep my mouth shut, but it gets hard sometimes. Write on girl...right on!

equigles5 - so far I believe the WW scale is a good purchase. It is made of good solid materials, and will weigh a person who is 400 lbs. My other scale, jumped around more. I could step in it 2 times and get a different number each time. I didn't like that. This one seems to report the same weight each time. Bonus! I would recommend this scale!

So awesome! Sounds like you are on top of the world! Restoration of health is a very good thing!

I opted to get one. Mine reads as follows; Angie Boyd ADJ Gastric Band No NG Tube w/o Endoscope UMNC on the reverse side it give my surgeons name, and number along with my ICE # which is my husband. Any info you can give the health care professionals is a plus in my book. I learned years ago, I am in charge of my health care. Not every Dr or nurse is on top of there game and I nearly lost my life due to a small oversite on their part. I don't take small things for granted now. Anyone can make a mistake or take a short cut. That is my thoughts on the matter. I wear a braclet daily. Doesn't hurt.

Vcatalina1 - I've been a slower one too. So far I am down 32 lbs. Which I am pleased about. I have found that greek yogurt has 15 gm of protein! I've switched to eating it, rather than the normal yogurt. Great idea with the cereal, I'll have to give it a try. A broken tail bone is no fun, I broke mine years ago and it sure does hurt. Good for you on leaving the smoking to the rich. Sure is an expensive habit now days. Yikes!

Okay Bunnies - Here is my update. 1. WEIGHT- 246 ya baby! 2. FILLS- I have had 3 fills. With a total of 1.6 in my band. (I have a 4cc band.) 3. RESTRICTION- Good level of restriction. I am eating a cup of food per meal. (unless I have slider foods.) I feel satisfied and have no hunger pains for hours after eating. 4. RULES-I feel like I am doing good with the bandster rules. 5. ANYTHING ELSE- Going to have some lab work done to check my Vitamin levels. Noticing more bruising so I am wondering how my Iron is? I have been taking a liquid multi Vitamin A few times a week, along with calcuim, E, and NeoCell. I have noticed some hair loss, nothing to alarming. TMI alert - I notice I poop less than I use to, and it is often harder. On the verge of to hard. Yikes! Hard to eat Fiber, and I am terrible about adding it in to my diet. Right now I have the powder and think the chewable tablets would be much better for me. (I could count them as a snack...a little humor there!) I drink coffee in the morning and then hit the vitamin Water. 60 oz a day.

Hey Sharon! You are so awesome! I read your post and got so pumped up! I love all the encouragment! Band_Groupie - I see the 250's in my REAR VIEW MIRROR! Ya baby! LOL This last fill seemed to do the trick, the scale is moving! Ya-hoo! I've been waiting to see this moment for months! Now I am doing the skinny dance!

Babs44 - Ugh a bakery.....that is a tough one! Thank goodness for restriction, otherwise I would be trying to eat all those bready/cakie items..... imaluckydog - glad those silly images could give you a laugh! Herman - I plan to keep on keepin on! Thanks for the encouragement!

For me the road to restriction has taken a while, so I have been able to eat bread and breaded foods for part of the time. Now, I don't do much bread at all. Bread is something that I don't miss. At least I haven't yet. My portion sizes have gradually gotten smaller, which has been a nice adjustment. Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach, but I feel my way through it. On the diabetic topic. I am not a diabetic, however I am sure you can have clear liquids with enough sugar to keep your levels up. You surgeon will be able to advise you on your diet.

When I am out in a social setting, I'll order soup. Soup for me does not get stuck. I have had a few "situations" while out. It happens because I get so engaged in conversation that I will swallow to soon or not pay attention to what I am chewing. Lovely right!? Ugh! I find soup is a safe, and easy choice when I am out with people I don't know well. Have fun and good luck!

Babs44 - I think having the surgery was the easiest part of the process. Changing ourselves is the hardest part. I've really had some "forced behavior modification" going on. I was a night eater for the greater portion of my life. I am thrilled to say, I stumble now and again, but because of GLORIOUS RESTRICTION I have stopped almost completely. Each of us have our own story, and process. Some of us take longer than others! Glad you are mentally in the game, so to speak. We can do this together! YES WE CAN!