Search the Community

I had my first fill this afternoon by Jessie at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery and was in and out the door in 10 minutes...that included taking my shoes off, weighing-in and getting the fill! (My doctor does not have his patients do the barium/fluoroscope unless absolutely necessary. I don't know if that is trpical of most doctors or not). Amazingly, I did NOT feel a thing! She was done before I even knew she had done the procedure! (I was staring at the ceiling as she instructed me to do, reading the chart overhead.) The person who did my fill is one of the best in the US and wrote the book: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0595311148/qid=1130296666/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-8191535-1545448?v=glance&s=books]Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Achieving Permanent Weight Loss with Minimally Invasive Surgery[/ame] by Jessie H. Ahroni Ph.D. A. R. N. P. After filling me up with 1.5 cc she had me move to her office and drink about 5 ounces of Water before I could leave. I tolerated it well but could definitely tell there was a difference. My restriction has been pretty good so should be even better now! I pb'd this morning for the first time. I was running late so woofed down a few bites of scrambled Egg Beaters...wrong move! Took me 15 minutes to recover (burp..pb...burp...pb...burp) then off to the dentist I went...and of course I was now running late for my appointment...to have even more fun for the day...pb-ing and the dentist!!!! I could only eat a half cup of food for dinner tonight (I've been able to eat quite a bit more then that previously) and I felt satisfied so hopefully will start dropping pounds again. After a 27 pound loss, I went up a couple of pounds...eating too much soft food like cream Soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes (I know not the best idea!) and yogurt. I was eating meat and veges too but usually had one or two of the mushies with my meal. I can eat a cup of popcorn...no problem but bread is a no, no. I'm sure learning as I go. What a journey it is!!! I love it!

Congrats, I'm soooo proud everything went great for you. I came home to my 9 month 10 month old granddaughter and lifted her after about day 3. Have someone if you can put them in your lap but I know if your by yourself that makes it impossible. Just be careful you don't want to pull anything loose. I didn't have any staples or stitches on the outside just glue but you do on the inside. I wan't hungry but everyone is different. It will pass. I'm so happy for you. This time next year you'll be skinny minny. Hugs, Sherri Jo

I’m having the sleeve and hernia repair done this Friday 10/1! I wasn’t nervous until probably a few days ago. The 3 week liquid diet has kept me pre-occupied with misery. Lol. I know it’s for the right reason, I’m just over the same flavors for so many days. Well, and I’d like to chew again. I’m in Wisconsin.

LOL, yes and it is better than indulging and waddling out of the room. High Five! Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I am not a smoker so I can't help you on that but good luck. As for being put under it is really no big deal. I do understand being nervous, I was as well my first time. Mine were all done through an IV. They administered the drug and honestly I tried to pay attention as to how long it would take. I wondered if I would go "out" when they were wheeling me into surgery, would I hear them talking, or would it be before.... How long would I stay awake. It sounds like I am a nut, it is just something that I do each time. For the band surgery I was talking to the nurse, blinked and that was it. That was the last thing I remember. Next thing you know I am waking up in recovery. I think it was about 10 seconds, if that, after giving me the drug. If you get real nervous, just tell them. They will give you something to calm your nerves. Don't worry, you will be fine!! Good luck, Wendy

I went to Dr. Kuri and he is wonderful. I have a 9.75/10 cm band. It has a max fill of 4CC. It was used in the US at the time I had my band placed. I haven't had much trouble finding a fill doctor here. Just some places won't see me, but the good ones will with a surgical report. I went to a quack recently but I needed help. I have found a different doctor and going to see next week to make sure every thing is ok. If I still feel like unsure I'll be making a trip to Mexico to see Dr. Kuri.

Wow... I can't believe it's finally here!! I just went out and bought myself some new slippers, new nighty w/ a matching robe and I'm packed as if I'm going on a mini vacation! I'm only staying over night.. LOL Oh well.. Whata you gonna do. Yesterday I came down w/ severe stomach ache, and bloating... may have been from the protein drinks.. or I have some kinda virus.... I feel better today!! I should be fine for tomorrow. I'm really not that hungry. Thank god... Hopefully i'll stay that way for a while. I really want to say that i'm really thankful for this forum. I've met many great people... an I appreciate all the support that I've gotten. I sure learned alot!!! I guess this is it for the bloggin.... I will repost on Thursday, when I get home. Thanks again for everyones support.

Hi, I am 50 year old gal, who started this journey at 265 pounds at 5ft7in. I am now at 172 pounds and look much better/thinner. In a size 10-12 now.. very happy with the loss. Took my time, went slow and feel alot better in most ways.. No more sleep apnea, high blood pressure, borderline diabetic..all gone. Was doing pretty good, but over course of last few months, I found myself eliminating foods that I could tolerate. First, it was like... Oh I cant have red sauces anymore, its giving me the acid reflux, then it was some of the fresh fruits.. acid reflux... then it was almost any kind of spice.. now I have boxed myself in to having pain every time I eat. the reflux was treated with carafate, a liquid like pink chalk that tastes like yucky puke to me! Trying prilosec, but not working so far. My Doc thinks I may be obstructed?? I have to go in to see him. I am hoping my band has not slipped. I have read alot of info, some say that if its slipped it can repair itself in a matter of months by deflating the band all together and letting your stomach rest... IDK... I hope its that simple. I do not wish to have another surgery! Hope that is not the case. No matter what, I would not change it, I really feel so much better about myself. My confidence is much higher, and self esteem. If anyone has that terrible pain when they eat, and to me it feels like chest pain/ yeah just like a heart attack (I imagine) only it only happens when I eat food. Now its so bad I can barely tolerate smoothies and liquids.. I hope the help I need comes very soon. I know all will turn out well, my positive outlook on life wont allow any other thoughts. So, just sharing so if anyone out there has similar problems they know they are not alone. Just sayin.... Work with your band peoples... It works miracles for you! :smile2:

Oooo Skinny Fingers!! Keep up the good work!! Someday maybe I will get to wear the ring I was actually married in, again. I love my 10 yr anniversary ring - but gee, the first band has serious sentimental value. Congrats!!

I had my surgery on 8/28/06. I know that I don’t and won’t have any restriction until my first fill. But right now I am eating just as I normally would pre-surgery, which is NOT healthy eating at ALL. And Ive gained back the 10 lbs I lost in the liquid phase. I’ve had no vomiting or uncomfortable feelings at all. (Which I kind of wish I had so that I could stop eating) <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> How much of a difference does a filled band make verses an unfilled band? I understand that its not a cake walk but it has to be easier than this or I would have just dieted without the band to lose weight. It certainly would have been cheaper. I’m really starting to wonder if they even put a band in there, lol. <o:p> </o:p> I am really disappointed in myself but am mainly curious to know if this eating like this now could cause some type of problem when I actually get the fill. Am I setting myself up for failure? <o:p> </o:p> I guess what I am really asking is, how many of you pigged out when you found that solid foods were okay? And was it easier when your band was filled? Am I abnormal? I’m really depressed about this, no more’Yay, happy I’m going to lose weight’ feeling. :help:

Thanks for posting! Good to have a timeline for information for the newbies. We often get questions like "How is the lapband 10-20 years out?)....well, this just shows that because the procedure is still fairly "new", there probably aren't a LOT of studies available, and you will most likely not find anyone who has had the band for that extended period. The "oldest" band I have met is the girl who works with my surgeon. She has had hers for 7 years and was one of the first to get it when it was released in the U.S.

Hi everyone! I was banded on 2/19 and everything went smoothly. The thing is, I was prepared to experience problems drinking, and I haven't. I can still gulp down water( I know this because I awoke thirsty in the night and guzzled water before I remembered my band!) I am also experiencing pain in the port incision( which my nurses said is larger than normal,) I also have bruising around the incision. I tried to go to work yesterday but it was too uncomfortable. I'm on liquids for three weeks and the store bought broth is disgusting to me. Has anyone made their own? I tried it and it was delicious but it sent me right to the bathroom. Any advice/thoughts are appreciated!

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Hi everyone, I'm from Atlantic City and I'm getting sleeved on 6/24/13. I'm so excited. I'm stating my two week pre o diet on Monday 6/10. Got everything I need I'm starting at 272. Staying focused I want to see how this works. Pray for a sister y'all. I wish everyone the best of luck and a speedy recovery, keep in contact with me. I love this forum. I'm new at this and every question I thought to ask, someone asked it and I love it

1. To be able to go to weddings and funerals without trying to hide from people I haven't seen in years. 2. When I hear that someone has died, to react appropriately to the situation, and not with, "Oh shit! How do I get out of going to this?" 3. To willingly have my picture taken, and to stop saying to people who've taken my picture, "Don't you dare post that on the internet!" 4. To shop for clothes in real stores, and not just online. 5. To wear clothes that aren't fat lady clothes. 6. To feel good! 7. Cute shoes. 8. It's too late for me to ever expect to wear swimsuits in public, but maybe in my own backyard swimming pool? 9. To be able to sit in a booth, comfortably. 10. To be able to be seated in any chair in the room.

There are so many things that I am looking forward to! 1 -Weighing less than my husband! 2 -Feeling good about myself in a pair of shorts 3 - Buying jeans in a size 10.... I am aiming for that one to happen by summer! My journey begins January 6th!

You know how people who were one thing, and then reformed themselves all of a sudden become fanatical about that thing they used to be? Ex smokers are one of the best examples, policing the ranks of those who continue to smoke, evangelizing them to save them from that particular sin. They are especially known for their zeal. I sort of felt that way today. After my post op check up (which went very well), I drove up to visit my parents and help my Dad with a few chores around the house. While we were working, my Mom declared that we needed to go to the store to get some things she had been wanting for a while. Now "we" translates and "Dad and I". As for the store, she did not care, as long as it had everything she wanted on her list. It was that discussion that led to the circumstances where I found myself a short while later. We wound up in the mecca for fat people. There were more fat people there than at the Golden Corral on 10% off day. Yes. I am talking about Walmart. I hate going to Walmart. I don't like having to walk for what seems like miles just to discover they really don't have what I want. What's even worse sometimes IS finding what I want. Then I have to stand in line to check out - a line that stretches into the hazy distance like people lined up waiting for Judgment Day. And today was even worse. We were at a Walmart in a popular vacation spot for people from a very large city whose initials are N.Y.C. So it was fat people with an attitude. I also made the mistake of texting Mrs. LittleBill to tell her I was at Walmart, thinking she would at least sympathize. I received an LOL and a list of stuff to look for. So now I had two missions. We had to park so far away from the building that all we could see was the top, peeking over the horizon. I am pretty sure we were in a different zip code. The parking lot was solid with vehicles. In the distance I could see people dodging back and forth between the city drivers zooming around looking for the best spot. I said to Dad, "Maybe today isn't such a good day to try and go in there." He turned to me and said, "It's not worth my life to come home empty handed! We're going in!" We eventually made it to the door. I grabbed a cart, and waded into the mêlée, calling out to Dad that we could split up and cover more territory more quickly. It was like a cross between bumper cars and the demolition derby. People were smacking into one another left and right, coming out of the ends of the aisles like they had been fired out of a cannon. Baleful glares and insincere apologies were exchanged with abandon. And in all of this, there was a huge number of human juggernauts, cruising through slowly, yet unstoppable. They drew my attention with fascination. Like the ex smoker described above, I looked from person to person, thinking: "You need bariatric surgery. You need bariatric surgery. You REALLY need bariatric surgery! I can't believe I used to look like that! Did I really look like that!?! This place is a GOLD MINE for my surgeon!" It was actually kind of weird. On one hand, I felt something of a kinship with these people while on the other hand I was repulsed. I think a lot of the latter had to do with attitude though. I really get impatient with rude people. In one sense it was something of an NSV for me. I am still fat, but I am not the land yacht I used to be, and to a degree, I felt a whole lot slimmer as I negotiated the killing fields of the retail environment. It was also something of a wake up call, to learn that I do not perceive myself in the same way that I used to. I am going to have to work on that one for a while. It kind of snuck up on me and grabbed me by the throat. But at least I made it out of there alive.

When I was 19 I had a breast reduction. And I loved my new size (full c). But then I had kids and gained weight and my breasts have grown up to a D (maybe even DD). One of the things I'm looking forward to about losing weight is hopefully getting my boobs back down to the size they were after my reduction 10 years ago. So, I'm wondering what the outcome has been for all of you ladies who have lost weight. How much did you weigh and what was your cup size before surgery? How quickly did your breasts start to shrink? And what weight and cup size are you now? Thanks in advance ladies! Oh, and for the guys that snuck in here to read the "Ladies Only" question about boobs (and we know you're in here ) .... shame on you.

I just had it done for the first time 10 days ago. I'm 45 and noticed the frown lines between my eyebrows always made me look mad, and the wrinkles on my forehead really bothered me. So I took the plunge, and I have to say overall that I like it. I also had around my eyes done and am not so keen on that, I think when I smile it doesn't look the same...a little droopy perhaps. I don't know, nobody else notices but me. I like the fact that I can still move my eyebrows and still frown ever so slightly, and the wrinkles are not totally gone, because at 45 you're going to have some wrinkles! But I don't look mad anymore and look more relaxed. So, yes I like it, it does help and I can still move my forehead, but alot depends on your physician and how they inject. I don't think I'll get my eyes done anymore. My doc said the results are more "iffy" around the eye area and I don't think it made alot of difference for me. If you decide to have it done, communicate with your doctor your intentions on the outcome so they know what you expect afterwards. It takes up to 2 weeks to see the results. I'm not going to judge your decision, it's your face. You have to be happy with it. After 4-6 months, it's pretty much gone anyway.

I had TWO drains from hell. Both were to drain Fluid build-up from two different areas around the new stomach. AND, I had them in for 10 days pre-op. They were both attached to "bulbs" hanging from tubes. I had to monitor the fluid they drained into the bulbs to make sure there was no blood. I emptied them both twice a day. I had trouble sleeping with them at first (roll over and they don't roll with you) but then I just taped them to my stomach. My surgeon is a Nazi though.