bshahn569

I just had my 3rd fill...and am now up to 4 1/2 cc...I had 1 1/2 put in the this last fill and the difference is awful. I cannot drink or eat anything cold, as the pain in my chest is horrible. I also am finding I can't eat anything mushy, as it seems to get stuck, between my throat and my stomach. When I drink something to try and get it down, the pain is like having an elephant sitting on my chest. I had this last fill last Thursday and have not been able to eat anything since...I am thinking I will have to go and get some taken out. I see others that have 7 cc and say they have no restriction...whew, what a difference I am experiencing. So for me restriction is painful.

I was banded in Las Vegas, NV on 2/24/2010 by Dr. Umbach of Blossom Bariatrics and received two fills from him to total 3 cc in my band. I then moved back to Indiana and trying to find a doctor to do fills was frustrating, but found one in Louisville, KY that would take me on as a patient. I just had a fill on Thurs. 5/6/2010 of 1.5 cc and am wanting to know if I had too much added. Since having the fill, it is painful to eat cottage cheese or anything of that consistancy...the pain is in the center of my chest where my band is. What should I do? Do I drink liquids or should I have some taken out? How long should I wait to make a decision? Help...I just don't know what to do. I have found that if I drink something hot, that it helps to sooth the pain/tightness (like an elephant sitting on my chest), as long as I take small sips. My last question is..Is this normal? and how long should this last? So that's about 5 questions...any and all help anyone can give would be soooo appreciated. Thanks in advance. Sharon

I had my surgery on 2/24/2010....as of about one minute ago when I weighed...I have lost 33.5 lbs....which is right on key according to what my doctor wants me to loose...about 2 lbs per week...slow and steady. My first fill was 1 cc Second fill was 2 cc Third fill was 1.5 cc (that was done yesterday)...3/5/2010 I think 1.5 was about .5 too much as I am having some difficulty. I am feeling pressure at my banding site. I am having trouble swallowing pills and some foods. I now find I have to take much smaller bites and wait between bites, so slowing down my eating. I find, I have to take sips of water while eating, to get the food down. I don't exercise as much as I should and am doing my best to amp up my motivation. I am using a stationery bike, a treadmill, and an elipital..so hopefully the weight will start coming off once I start using what I have available to me.

I'm with you..I love my shakes. My doctor's office manager had lap band and has a list of about 60 different recipes for them...everyone I have tried so far is almost better than the last one. They range from White Chocolat Cheesecake, to Peaches & Cream, Mango Lime Margarita, Carmel Frappuccino, Iced Mexican coffee, Banana Split Shake, Root Beer Float, Dreamy Orange Creamsicle, Anti Stress smoothie, Peanut Butter Banana Blend, and so many more. I normally put ice in them and eat them with a spoon.

I quit smoking 10 years ago. I had "tried to quit" several times before...couldn't understand why I just couldn't do it. Then one day I said to myself.... I am no longer going to TRY to quit, I AM GOING TO QUIT!! Made all the difference in the world. It truly is mind over matter. My mantra was "I am a non-smoker and non-smokers don't smoke" and would repeat that over and over until the urge would lesson. Now, my mantra is " I am not trying to change, I have changed and I deserve to be thin" I also now believe it in my head. My life began anew the day of my surgery..it is my beginning for ME.

I am one week since surgery. My Dr's office gave me a list of recipes to use with the shakes. Make use of the blender, add 1/2 to 1 cup of ice, add sugar-free jello (dry) or sugar-free pudding (dry), to add different flavors, use instant coffee to add a different flavor, add sugar free chocolate syrup or sugar free carmel sauce, or add yogurt, with different juices. Make an orange julius or lemon lush, or mocha coffee flavor...but use the blender, skim milk, and ice...it makes all the difference in the world. Wal-Mart sell Whey protein for $12.00 for a 2 lb tub in chocolate/vanilla/strawberry flavors...I love my shakes!!

I bought my shakes at Wal-Mart...it is whey Protein I think it is by Body Fortress...it has 52g of protein and tastes so good!! Chocolate/Vanilla/Strawberry flavors in a 2 lb size. I was told to drink them SLOWLY otherwise you would get diarrhea...so take at least 1/2 hour to drink them, up to 1 hour. Put in a banana, or 2 TBL of Peanut Butter into the chocolate, along with skim milk and about 3/4 cup of ice cubes...best smoothy !! I forgot to add...the price was only $12.00 versus $30.00 that I paid at the doctor's office.

I had my surgery done on 2/24/2010...one week and one day past. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and also live part time in southern Indiana, but the surgery was done in Nevada. My surgeon was Thomas Umbach with the Blossom Bariatrics in Henderson, Nevada Surgery was done at the Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. I have to say, I am not impressed with the hospital, nor some of the staff members, it left a lot to be desired!! I personally would not recommend this hospital to any one. I have Humana Insurance and they paid for everything. I did have all the documentation that was necessary for their approval. I cannot say enough good things about Humana...they even called to see how I am doing..WHEN IS THE LAST TIME AN INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED YOU TO SEE HOW YOU WERE FEELING??!! I am still in awe of it. I am 61 years young and 5'5" tall My starting weight the day of surgery was 257 lbs. and today I weigh 246 and my goal is 130...so 116 lbs to go. I had to have this surgery to save my knees, hips, and ankles. I want to get off all my medications and off the V-PAP breathing machine. I want to walk without PAIN. I told my daughter and she is supportive, I have also told only 2 friends and they are supportive. My husband is not really supportive, he is afraid that it will change how he eats...I keep telling him, for the first time, I put me first and it is not about him...time will tell. My major concern is getting the "right fill" and being able to have a "normal" life while still loosing weight. I realize I didn't get this way overnight, but sure would like to loose it overnight. I am not "trying" to loose weight....I "am going to" loose weight!!!

Dr. Thomas Umbaugh of Blossom Bariatrics in Henderson...they are off Sunset, near Stephanie