PatU

Destiny, I applaud you for taking the time to research this procedure. I'm sorry to admit my own husband of 19 years didn't have a clue until he read the brochure while I was in surgery. I'm approaching my 6 month mark and have lost almost 40 pounds. I have a thyroid condition but am very satisfied so far and would do it again in a heartbeat. Even if it takes me another year to get to my goal, I feel I have added years to my life by getting extra weight off. As mentioned before, complications do happen. Two of the five ladies who had their bands placed the same day as I did have already either had it removed or are in the process of having it adjusted due to slippage. However, I have not had any trouble other than my band was too tight for about 5 weeks. Now, I'm in a perfect spot where I can eat pretty much anything (smaller quantities) I want but am never hungry. Good luck! PatU

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 1998 and have been on Synthroid to help the hypothyroidism since then. My inability to lose weight with virtually no metabolism was the main reason I got the band. I have lost 35 pounds since August, something that would have not been possible before. Not that losing weight for anyone is easy, but with the added thyroid disease, it's just that much harder. I'm not a doctor but it's helped me finally feel I am on the right path. PatU

I suffered with an overfilled band for 5 weeks. I was excited that the weight was dropping off but frustrated that I could barely drink any liquid, especially during the New Years weekend. I had 3.6cc in a 4cc band. Now, I have 2.8cc and it feels great! I still have some restriction but no hunger or pain. I was PBing like crazy when I was overfilled. Not even an issue now. Good luck! PatU

Get over it. You are not taking the "easy" way out. Living with the band is still about diet and exercise. You just now have a fighting chance to keep the weight off once you've lost it. Be proud of the fact that you are taking a positive step and ignore the naysayers . . . they will always be around. I still have co-workers who think I should not enter a company wellness (read: weight-loss) contest because I have the band and they consider it cheating. Screw 'em. They don't know the struggle overweight people live with everyday to lose weight. I have every right to get my BMI to a normal level, no matter how I do it. I watched the same Oprah episode and I was actually happy to see that I already eat many of the items that were on those shelves. I even thought about entering the contest and wrote an essay but will probably not go any further. I just felt better getting my goals down on paper. Everyone has second thoughts before the surgery. But, a few months down the road, you'll wonder why! Make the decision for you and your health. PatU

I can definitely relate to a reluctant husband and I also wrote a letter to explain my decision (I still have not told my parents or children about the band though). His response was a surprise because he is not very romantic or demonstrative. : ) What I wrote to Steve: You like numbers . . . check these babies out: Doug: 210 Pat: 215 Jon: 220 I should not be in the middle. I should be around 130. But, as you well know, I have not seen that since before the boys were born. I have been fighting this weight issue for over 15 years. I am tired. I have tried everything that I can think of to lose this weight and keep it off. Over the last six months, I have lost and regained the same two pounds a hundred times. How can you possibly understand the frustration I feel every time I step on the scale? You can't. This lap band is only a tool. I will still have to diet forever but at least I might have a chance to keep it off. I don't do this lightly and have been thinking about it over a year. It might seem like a drastic measure to you but it's a last resort to me. I don't like the way I look. I am starting to feel older than my years. I especially don't like it when the boys call me fat since I know that's how they see me. I get really emotional when I talk about this because it is so fucking unfair. I hope you understand why I feel I need to do this and can support me. If you can't, I understand. I have to do this for my health. I don't really know what else to say. Genetics dealt me a shitty hand and now I have to take a gamble. Are you in or out? Pat Steve's response: I do think I can somewhat understand what you feel and why you want to have this procedure. I am not hesitant about the money, your health is much more important. My concern is that you have a good qualified surgeon and the proper facilities for doing this safely. I trust you have done your research on fully this. I can understand that you don't want to tell anyone about this plan and possibly receive a negative reaction. However, should anything go wrong (always a possibility) I don't think you should be alone, so I will try my best to accompany you on this trip. We can talk more about specifics when I get home, but you've made up your mind and so you do have my support on this. I love you. See you when I get home.

You know, there is photo gallery for those of us who need visual aids . . . ; ) PatU

Dr. Ortiz is a great doctor. I was banded at his center in August 2006. You both should have a good experience because even the staff at the Hotel Lucerne is very helpful with newly banded patients and families. I felt totally at ease in Tijuana despite what people my say. My husband and I felt very confortable walking around after my surgery. I found recovery very fast and we even stayed an extra day in San Diego. I was a little tired but not too sore. It'll be here before you know it! PatU

I'm sure it was just your body's way of letting go of all the pre-op stress. I don't cry that often either but do recall having a good one once I got back home. I don't think it was over the loss of food, just the fact that I made it through! PatU

I had horrible gas the third day out too and made the mistake of having apple juice on the plane. I thought I was gonna die trying to hold it in. However, the engine noise was so loud I doubt anyone would have noticed anyway. I actually had more trouble with other bathroom issues than gas that day. I was so ready to get home. The discomfort only lasts a couple of days. I also get similar gas pains after a fill and sometimes after certain foods. You soon learn what your body has issues with. You'll be good to go very soon. PatU

Faybie: I have exactly the opposite problem . . . I'm big in a family full of thin people. They constantly talk about diets, their weight and exercise. They just can't understand why I can't lose weight permanently. None of them have ever weighed over 200 lbs. I've done it three times! The hardest thing is being compared to my thin, twin sister. She never had children so she has a much easier time (I had twins). The only family member that really understands is my birth mother who has struggled just like me. PatU

Hi, Faybie: Why haven't you told your mom about the band? My mom has given up trying to give me clothes. : ) PatU

As I watch a program on obesity on Discovery Health, I know the reason I committed to the surgery . . . my life! I have thyroid disease and have been struggling for 20 years with weight issues. I've lost weight on phen-fen and medically supervised diets only to gain it back. With no thyroid, I have no metabolism to burn calories. I can't tell you how much better I feel since the band has limited my intake. Before the band, I was always hungry eventhough I didn't physically need the calories. I finally found something that works! I am four months out and 31 pounds lighter. I still have 50 pounds or so to make my goal but I am happy I spent the money (self-pay). I feel better everyday and would not hesistate to do it all over again. Recovery was very easy for me. As mentioned before, the band does change your life. You can cheat the band by eatting high calorie foods. However, once you start losing weight, you will try really hard to make your band happy. I had to give up beer. That was really hard for me. But, I discovered wine. I have really cut back on my alcohol but I refuse to give it up completely. You can still eat and drink most anything, just in small quantites. Once you get fills, you may also have to adjust the time of day you can eat certain foods. I'm pretty tight but can still eat most foods in the evening. It is a big decision and only you can make it. The best thing is it is reversible. Good luck! PatU

I still love eating out and have actually started to enjoy cooking again. I do miss the fact I can't eat all the pizza I want at a sitting since it's my favorite food but otherwise I just have smaller portions. I also thought I'd really miss beer but have discovered wine. I don't miss soda and have only had one carbonated beverage to date (Champagne today to Celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday). I made Stollen for Christmas brunch and didn't have a bite. I just saved for an evening when my band was loose. I think you'll find that you enjoy food even more because the band makes you slow down and savor. I am always the last one to finish. PatU

I hope all the ABCers had a successful holiday. I am glad this one is over. Even though my daughter was born on Christmas (21 today), I find this day extremely stressful and depressing. Every year, I try to make it less so but I'm still ready for the 26th. This is my first Christmas with the band. I was a little worried because our family does a morning brunch and I typically can't eat solids until afternoon. My parents and kids still don't know I have the band so I was drinking tons of coffee in hopes of relaxing the band. It worked! I was able to eat a biscuit and hash brown casserole without incident. I almost told my family today but decided against it. When I walked in, my mom was talking about the lap band. Apparently, she had read an article in our local paper about a teenager having the surgery. Of course, this would have been a perfect segway, but I really couldn't tell what her opinion of the procedure was from her tone. So, I let it drop. But, during the meal, Mom brought it up again and I asked what she thought of the article. She said, "It should only be a last resort." Well, at least I knew where she stood. I doubt she would have thought I need to resort to that since I've only been struggling for 20 years and didn't weigh 300+ pounds as the girl in the story. No, 85 extra pounds wouldn't have been enough. Diet and exercise was all I would need. Blah, blah. Sigh. I really wanted shout out I had the band but just couldn't. My teenage boys thought it was dumb and wondered why people get fat in the first place. I felt my face get flush but no one noticed. Maybe someday I will share my secret. Maybe not. So far, my kids or parents haven't even noticed my weight loss of 29 pounds. But, I can! Merry Christmas to me. PatU

After seeing yet another fat photo of myself and unable to lose a pound after six months of really trying with slimfast and exercise, I decided I was gonna get the band. I figured it was my only hope with thyroid disease. Tomorrow is my four month bandivesary and have lost 25 pounds. It is slow but I am not complaining. After years of struggling, I have finally found something that works. I still have not told my kids or parents about it though. No one has really mentioned the weight loss since I have a history of fluctuation anyway. When, and if, they do ask, I will simply say "diet and exercise". It's the truth! PatU

Carol: Wow, I'm impressed! It sounds like you have everything under control. I had my first two PB incidents this week after having my band for about four months. Fortunately, the first one was at home last Saturday. I took a nap and didn't know the band tightens back up like in the morning. It only took two cheeze-its and they came back up with a vengence! The second time was Tuesday where I had a bite of chicken at lunch. Again, it came right up. I've been very good to do Soup and mushies the rest of the week with no problems. I think reason for the tight restriction was Water weight from my period. I am learning but it is a challenge everyday. One never knows how the band will react. Congrats on your victory and I'm sure you were proud of your future chef. PatU

Hi, HQ: I've had a very similar experience with my band. I used to love chocolate myself but had to switch to vanilla Protein shakes. The chocolate became too sweet and not at all desirable. I have been able to enjoy little Hersey's miniatures lately though. It doesn't take much to satisfy my sweet tooth these days! PatU

As of today 12.15.06 Dr. Ortiz 08.21.06 Started 216 Now 191 Down 25 lbs Total Fill 3.6cc in 4cc Band PatU

Alexandra, Glad to hear your husband is doing better. I thought you might enjoy a little levity during this stressful time. I was eating dinner with my teenage twin boys tonight when a commercial for the Lap-band came on TV. They have only recently started here in Little Rock and I keep waiting for them to say "Hey Mom, why don't you get one?". Obviously, they don't know I already have one . . . I already get enough shit from them about everything else. : ) Anyway, they misheard the narration and one boy said "I didn't know you could lose weight getting a lap dance?" I thought I was gonna spit out my soup! I just rolled my eyes but they thought they were very clever. I thought to myself that I'm sure there wouldn't be any heavy men if that were the case. Hang in there. I've only had my band 3+ months compared to your 3+ years. It is hard to stay focused from time to time so cut yourself a little slack. Tomorrow is another day. PatU

I just got my second fill today because I had absolutely no restriction and was gaining. My first fill was 1.5cc which must have completely evaporated. So, the doc filled it up to 3.6cc. He took it up to 4cc at first but the fluoro showed nothing going through at all. Not a good sign so he backed it off a bit. I can definitely feel restriction now! So far, Water and Soup are staying down fine but do have gas like I did when I first got the band. Am trying mylicon to see if it helps. I'm hoping I can handle this much fill so the scale number will start coming down again. I would really love to drop ten by the new year. PatU

I struggle with getting enough liquid in me too (unless it's wine, then no problem whatsoever). I do notice that if I am not hydrated enough, I get muscle cramps when I work out so it is important. Since getting the band, I have been making myself drink flavored Water. I drink 16oz. of Propel Fitness water from Gatorade. It's not overly sweet and only has 20 calories. I get a 24 bottle case from Sam's. It comes bundled with three flavors - mixed berry, mango and mandarine orange. If I get that down, I refill the bottle with water from our water cooler. I also have been trying to drink another bottle - usually Fruit 2.0 - at home. That's another 16oz but I sometimes can't get all of that down. It's really hard if you have a job where you are using your hands for other things (like typing) and really have to make an effort to take a sip! I keep the bottle in my line of vision so it "reminds" me to take a drink. PatU

Just looking at your signature, it appears you have already lost over 10 pounds. You must be doing something right! I completely understand how hard it is consume fewer calories before your first fill. But, I have to tell you that even after that first one, you still may not feel the restriction to make a real difference. I understand it can take a few fills. I got my first fill two weeks ago today (1.5cc) but can still eat just about anything I want. I have noticed a slight restriction this week and am getting fuller faster. Why it took two weeks, I'll never know. I have seen similiar comments on this forum though. The scale is finally starting to move downward after a month of status quo. Talk about feeling discouraged. As for exercise, that is the hardest part! Eventhough I go to the gym twice a week for cardio, I have been getting on the floor and doing some stretching. It probably doesn't burn many calories but it does get my mind off food. Even if you only do a few sit-ups, you did something good for yourself. I'm still stuggling with mindless eating when I'm bored. It's all I can do not to go into the kitchen and grab a handful of crackers when I am not hungry in the least. Old habits die hard. Hang in there. You'll be thin before you know it! PatU

I tried the liver/gallbladder cleanse last fall using the recipe from this site: http://home.bluegrass.net/~jclark/liver_cleanse.htm I was having gallbladder pain (at least that's what I thought it was) and wanted to try something natural before I went to the doctor. After a few hours in the bathroom the following day, I felt really great and energized. It wasn't too unpleasant but don't plan any outtings the next day, if you catch my drift. : ) I'm not sure if it cured my gallbladder because the doctor said it was fine and he started me on Pepicid for reflux. I took that for a few months and have not had any pain since. This was all pre-banding but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work since it's all liquid. PatU

I love beer myself but have not had one since my birthday (08.12.06). I knew going in that I couldn't drink beer and it was almost a deal breaker for me. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it but have actually started drinking wine or frozen drinks instead. It wasn't easy giving it up but I was drinking way too much (hense the weight gain) so it probably isn't all bad. I guess you have to ask yourself which is more important . . . beer or getting healthy! I am happy to say I can even watch friends having beers without crying or craving a cold one. As long as I have something in my hand, I'm good. : ) PatU

Hi, Diane! Small world! I just read your message and wish you best. I still don't have much restriction either but am trying to watch what I eat this week. I had a little too much wine over the weekend and didn't lose much - maybe a pound - but it was my own fault. I don't drink during the week so maybe I'll make some progress. I don't care how much you weigh, a pound is a pound! Hang in there. Good luck! PatU in Arkansas