Isa Bella

:thumbup: I am in the process of getting all of my paperwork together for Lap Ban surgery. Everything has been completed..Psych Eval, PCP letter, appointment with Nutritionist, Surgeon visit tomorrow. I picked up my labwork from my primary care MD and my Vitamin D level is 14! I have been on replacement over the counter for 2 months...will this delay my surgery?

Hi Jillian, I was at that same level but they gave me prescription for 50,000 units 3/wk for 3 mths. Now I take 4,000 daily. This was about 6mths prior 2 me starting on my lapband journey. My levels were fine when they did labs just prior to surgery. I have read that people who are overweight tend to have low Vitamin D & that also prevents your body from absorbing Calcium.

Best of luck!

I forgot to ask my Dr's office so maybe you guys can help. Im going for my 1st fill on Aug 31st at 9am. Do I go on an empty stomache? can I have my Protein Drink b4 I go? I appreciate your help :thumbup:

Stef, congrats on the weight to this date. You are doing so good & you have not had your 1st fill yet. Dont let the scale stress you out. I know how excited you are about getting into the 180's (i cant wait) Enjoy your vacation & dont stress yourself out. Drink lots & lots of liquids and keep making the healthy choices you have been making. Best of luck and have a great vacations :thumbup:

Welcome Ryan. This is a great place to get inspired, motivate yourself & to do the same for others. We are all on the same journey and we are here for each other. Keep us posted on how your doing.

Last night was a little easier although I found some grahm crackers & had about 4. I really did not want them but they are like crack. I know that keeping myself full with liquids like Tracy does help alot but last nights battle winner was the "crack" grahm crackers) so then I went for a 2 mile with with my dogs. Every morning I begin w/a 2 mile walk wth my dogs. I love the cool, calm & peacfulness of the early morning and I always thank God for this new day, its beauty & its light & THE CHANCE TO BEGIN AGAIN :thumbup: Each day will only get easier as we grow stronger. Wishing everyone a beautiful day.

I apologize in advance for the redundant thread, but I am curious to compare my first fill experience to others. How much did you receive and what size was your band? I got 2cc's in a 10cc Allergan Band. Got to watch on the fluro machine thingy...it was wild to see the barium sit on top of the band, then flow through. After the fill, my surgeon pointed out that my opening was the same width as the underwire on my bra (which showed up on the xray). You better believe I will be carrying that image with me as I take my first bite of food! I stayed on clear liquids yesterday, pureed today, soft tomorrow & regular foods the next day. He used a freezing spray and the whole thing was super quick. Fairly painless, just felt a little pressure and felt the sensation in my chest as the saline went in (which he told me was coming). If was very strange to be standing against that machine with a big 'ole syringe poking out from my stomach (I tried not to look, but caught a glimpse anyway!). All in all, a strange, but easy, quick procedure. Next fill is in 4 weeks and it will not be with fluro. He doesn't see the need to be exposed to the radiation unless there's a reason so he only uses fluro on first fill or if there's an issue going on. I think it will be better laying down next time instead of standing...easier to avert my eyes!

Hi girlie, Glad all went well with your 1st fill. Im glad you posted this thread cuz I had been wondering about 1st fills. I get mine on Aug 31st. I spoke to the nurse today & he doesnt use flouro unless something not right. Hope you feel some good restriction. :smile2:

I experienced the same thing but also on my right side(thats where my port is) The numbess from the meds & the swelling is starting to go away but to put your mind at ease you might want to call your Dr. Keep us posted on your progress. Best of luck :smile2:

I can sooooo relate to you. I am in banster hell. I was banded JUly 19th. I have cancer and last week I had to go for my annual CT scans w/contrast(used to be every 3 mths) Im allergic to the dye so I need to take high doses of Prednisone 3 days prior to being tested. I also had to drink 3 bottles of barium. I had forgotten the ravinous hunger associated with it. I have been so hungry since Sat. I keep walking in the kitchen opening the fridge and cabinets looking for something & anything but nothing quenched my craving. All I have is healthy stuff so in a way that was good. Too much of healthy stuff also comes with alot of calories. I increased my exercise past couple of days to burn some of those extra calories and so far this evening seems 2b a little better but Evenings are usually my breaking point. I dont remember how long it usually last but hang in there. Please keep me posted as I will. We can get thru this together.

Ok...I couldn't wait to get home from work to tell you all about my day. The most embarassing band moment yet happened today :smile2: I was at work and the VP of the company came up to my desk and was talking to me. Now wait let me set this up for you...my band has been extremely fickle lately and today was a tight day so I did not eat breakfast, just a Protein Shake. Anyways he was talking (and talking and talking and talking because he doesn't have an off button). Well, I was sipping Water all morning because of just having the shake I was hungry. I took a small sip with him standing there and it "went down the wrong pipe" and I started coughing (bad enough right?). Well next thing you know, my band (definitly convinced it's a man now...sorry Bob) decides that everything must go in reverse. :scared2::eek::scared2: :eek::eek::eek: Water comes POURING out of my nose, my mouth...any open hole in my face all over me and my desk and keyboard along with some slime. Thank God I didn't get any on him. I swear it was more than a cup. MOST embarrassing band moment yet for sure! Also thankfully his aunt had the surgery so he didn't seem totally shocked. I could've just died right then and there. On a brighter note, I found this awesome shirt that hides my rolls and got lots of "you look so skinny today"'s from people and the FedEx guy said I was lookin good. Unfortunatly he is kinda old and creepy, but hey I'll still take it...although I wish it was one of the hot UPS guys instead :thumbup:.

OMG! Ive heard things like this happen but to think this was just with water? Hope you did not irritate things to much. Hey, at least your looking good girl :eek: starting to turn heads:lol:

Well, I got a call from Angela who is Dr Martins assistant. They opened up his new office which is at the same location (same floor) but right next to the old office. They did indeed know this but were not giving out his info. They have not been able to verify my insurance wth Dr Lourie. They tell me he accepts it but when I called my insurance co they do not. I will be staying with Dr Martin cuz I know he does take my insurance & he's been my Dr for 6 yrs. He had done prior hernia repair. Here is Dr. Martins new tel # 626-765-6405 Best of luck to everyone.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Im 4 wks post-op & I was really struggling yesterday. You are an inspiration. Thanks for reminding me that everyone has their ups & down and that today is a new day & we learn to make better choices along the way. You are an amazing women inside & out.

Hi everyone, I was banded on July 29....so just 2 1/2 weeks out. I am on solid food and tolerating everything I've tried. But I am sticking to my "yes" food list from the nutritionist. And according to it, I am not supposed to have bread, Pasta, or rice for a couple months. Actually I am frightened about getting something stuck when I do try those foods. Well, I walk about 2 miles a day and I've lost 20 lbs so far. I don't get my 1st fill for another 4 weeks and I am getting worried about gaining weight, because I am hungry all the time now and I don't feel any restriction at all. But, I'm limiting my portions to 1-2 ounces and trying to fill up on low-carb Protein drinks. I wish I could get a fill sooner, but apparently most doctors like to wait till 6 weeks, because it takes about that amount of time to completely heal and be ready for a fill. I've been back to work for a week now and I've been soooooo tired at the end of the day. When is this fatigue going to go away? I am taking my Vitamins and getting all my protein , so I don't think it's due to lack of nutrition. Maybe it's because I am still healing? or after affects from the anesthesia? Not sure....Well, this is a great forum, I really enjoy it. Hope everyone is doing well!

Hi Stars. Im 4wks post and been hungry for the past 2wks AND have 2 wait another 2 wks for my 1st fill. I had been able to control it and I also fill myself up with Water, tea & crystal light. YESTERDAY was a different story. I really struggled all day.:smile2: I kept walking into the kitchen and opening up the fridge and cupboards & was cool till night time. I had some chees...still hungry so then a protein bar...still hungry 2 SF popsicles I also had a headache took a darvocet & fell asleep. In the past I could stick to a diet all day & the evenings were always a struggle. Was I really hungry last night? This morning is a new day & wont let yesterday get me down. I will exercise a little more to make up for the extra calories but cant wait till I feel some restriction. *** I had to take steroids last Thursday for some CT scans cuz Im allergic to contrast dyes & they usually get me really hungry but that was 5 days ago. Hmmmm!!! like I said earlier, TODAY is a new day. Wish everyone a succesful & happy day.

I was unable to burp 1st couple of weeks after surgery then once I passed the liquied stage the burping & hiccups started. I usually get the hiccups 1st thing in the morning or whenever my stomache is quite empty & after the 1st bite or food or even 1st sip of liquids I get the hiccups. I too cant help but giggle when I let the burps come out full force (when Im alone) I was never one who burped & I find it amusing. Now when Im with compnay or in public Now thats a different matter. I for the most part can control it but then there are the surprise attacks that I have no control of and It is embarrasing. I was hoping this was a temporary thing but keep reading people who have been banded for sometime now still burp.....Oh well.

Thanks for your reply. Just courious, were you diagnosed with Fibro before or after you were banded? I'm currently on steroids and they do help about 60% or so. Doc took about a dozen tubes of blood and xrays [still no word on those.] I don't know if they were looking for Epstein-Barr.

I also have Fibromyalgia/arthritis & symptoms sound the same. I was diagnosed 4 yrs prior to getting banded. I was just banded 4wks ago. I know how frustrating it is not knowing what is wrong. I went years b4 they figured it out. Im praying that you get the answers &test results you need to make your decision. Wishing you the best. Please keep us posted. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Hi everyone! I was banded July 8th and I go for my first fill Aug. 19th. I am super excited and I can't wait. So far, I have been able to lose 18 lbs. with an empty AP 14cc band. I am so looking forward to getting my fill so I will be able to hopefully cut my portions in half. I have been working out daily and eating alot healthier...so, if I can just get my portion size down I will be doing really great. Good luck with everybody's journey! Feel free to add me as a friend to those who want a band buddy! =)

Hi Rachel, Congrats on your weight loss. Im excited for your 1st fill & let us know how it goes. I get mine on Aug 31st. I have not weighed myself at home but the inches are coming off. I was able to get into a summer dress from last year. I love this journey that were on. Keep up the great job.

Going for my first fill tomorrow Can't wait to get the party started, so to speak. I've been doing well, actually not been too hungry, but have battled my appetite a few times (and won, by the way). I found myself eating some honey roasted peanuts tonight (they were my son's and they were laying in front of me on the table) and I mindlessly grabbed a few and started eating them. Then I was like, "what the hell am I doing? I don't even WANT these!" Boy, old habits die hard. My goal for next month (until fill #2) is to stop obesessing about the scale. I have weighed myself constantly and watched the same 3 pounds bounce around for weeks. Finally over the last 3 days I dropped 3 pounds (FINALLY!). I am exercising well (added a little job to my walk) and am eating between 1000-1200 cals. per day (70-100 grams of protein). Overall, I am down 8 pounds in the 4 weeks since my surgery. I had set a goal for myself of 10 pounds each month, but I'll take 8. I feel great and have been able to wear some clothes that were too tight to wear before I started the pre-op. I am fitting into a lot of my sz. 16 pants again. Feels great. Can't wait till I can fit into my 14s...I have a LOT of those Thinking of joining my gym again and doing a class I used to do a long time ago. It's called 'power' and is awesome for strength training - uses lot's of weights. I want to add that in 3x a week in addition to walk/jogging daily. I hope my energy and optimism lasts for a long, long, time :lol:

Congrats on the NSV:thumbup: I had mentioned that I decided not to weigh myself but I wish I had measured myself. I have been fitting into clothes that were to tight also. What an awesome feeling. I want to hear how your 1st fill went.

Later today I go to the motel near the airport to park and fly out in early AM, then in 3 hrs we arrive and the surgery day is here!! I am nervous about post op pain and vomiting. I have read some good stories and some scary stories. I wonder what my story will be.

Stay positive. Make sure they give you something for the nausea & liquid meds for the pain. The gas pains can be releived with some gas-x and by walking. Will be praying you have a smooth trip & recovery. Keep us posted.

Live in Irvine, Surgery in Orange, Surgeon and support groups in Brea. Loving the 57 :-). Banded 5/26. 2 fills and doing good at that. Somedays I'm in my sweet spot, other days I'm hungry. I'm dealing though.

Hi Sandra, glad your feeling some good restriction. Today Im 4wks post-op and my 1st fill in 2 wks & cant wait. Are the support group meetings in Brea for any SWL patient or are they for the medical group where you had surgery.

so far so good.. almost in twoderville! (is that what its called? )

.6 away! wooohoo.. I hvnt been there in 5 yrs! This feels so awesome!

Congrats to everyones weight loss. Keep up the great work.

Bella~ How exciting to be so close. You can do it! Twoderville...here comes Bella:thumbup:

Leigha~ all I can say is WOW!! seen your pics of your amazing journey. What an inspiration to all of us. Today is my 4wk bandiversary & trying to be very, very patient. So looking forward to getting my 1st fill in 2 wks. Till then I make healthy choices and exercise.

1 more thing. Take measurements of yourself. Even though you might not show a weight loss you will be amazed at how many inches you will lose. You will start to notice your clothes getting looser which is a great feeling. NSV~ Im 4wks post-op today & yesterday I got into a dress that I no longer fit into. :cursing:

The Dr.'s office warned me about this but OMG ... it is so not cool. It is kinda hurtful when you are eating 1 cup or less of food at a time and you gain weight . Doesnt seem fair.

When does this madness end and whenn does the scale start going in the opposite direction? HELP !

Make wise healthy food choices and exercise, drink your 64oz of Water & drink your Protein drinks. I try to stay within 800-1000 calories a day.

Good luck & be patient. Take this time to learn new eating habits & enjoy the journey 1 day at at time.:cursing:

Sorry Sooz. Glad they found out what was causing all that pain. Hope you feel better soon.

Hello to all Cali bandsters.

Moo~ Hope your feeling better. Keep us posted:)

Emjay & Hottie~ I saw both your profiles Congrats to you both for your accomplishments. What an inspiration u2 are. Im 4wks post-op and my fill is coming up in 2 wks(cant wait) So far Ive had a good experience. Im taking it 1 day at a time but at the same time cant wait till next year. Hoping I look 1/2 as good as you both.

Dawn~ I totally can relate to your frustration. I only told my parents, sisters & 1 friend who have all been very supportive since the beginning. HOWEVER....my friend who lives few blocks away whenever she see's me always asks me how much I lost & tells me It does not looks like you have lost any weight. She told me this 1 week after surgery. The surprising thing is Her sister had it done a year ago & she knows how it works etc. I keep reminding her "Its just a tool & its a slow process" but same thing happend next time I saw her. I decided for at least a short while that I wld just text her & walk my dogs in opposite direction.

I never thought I would get excited going into a new food state but would always looks forward to what new item I could add to my menu. )

Im 4wks this coming Mon & have been doing really good. Never had much of an appetite UNTIL TODAY!! I have increased my exercise as of yesterday & may take me a couple of days for my body to adjust but Im keeping full by drinking lots of liquids. I am eating 3 meals a day with 2 Snacks. taking min 70 grms Protein and around 800/1000 cal. I do not get my 1st fill for another 2 weeks. Im hoping this hunger is just a temporary thing. Worst of all I have been craving popcorn since yesterday also. Dont know if its just the salt or what. I have the Weight Watchers 1pt individual packs but not sure If I shld even try it. IM HOLDING STRONG!! :<{

Wow! I was not aware of this. I learn something everyday. I get my 1st fill in 2 weeks. Does everyone gurgle after they start getting their fills? just curious.

I had the hernia repair same day also. The pain your feeling is due to the gas. It tends to settle in your chest shoulder area for some reason. Walking helps alot. I bought Gas-x b4 surgery cuz everyone on here was tellling me it would help & sooo glad I did. Gas-x either chewable tabs or dissolving strips work great. Take it 1 day at a time. Dont try to do to much. Your body needs to heal. It will be 4wks for me on monday & you will be feeling better very soon. Best of luck on your journeys and looking forward to getting updates from all of you.

This is a great forum & go to the chat room also. They have been very helpful.