Kimberly

Ahhh, thanks so much for leading the way! So far, so good. > Just gave away all last summers clothes!

The weight loss is different for each individual depending on their starting weight etc. I have lost 23lbs since starting pre-op and 15 of that was after surgery. Just knowing my band will help me the rest of my life is comforting... I'm not in a rush and maybe my skin will bounce back better. My goal weight is about 140 give or take. Kim

Inside the Arlington Pharmacy is the fill clinic, it is called Fill Management Northwest, phone # 360-435-5365. The first fill was $150 then $125 after that. Adjustments within 10 days are $50. They have been right on hitting my port which happens to be deeper than usual according to Kitty. They are very nice. The web address is http://www.northwestfills.com/. For the most part I am doing well. I had a handful of goldfish crackers right before going in for a pedicure and as I was in the middle of my appt and trying to gracefully spit up (since they got stuck, ate too quickly), this huge uncontrollable slim came up and the paper towel was not enough. I was a mess, thank God I had layers of shirts to peel off. That experience I will learn from and not soon forget. Although I still have to laugh at trying to explain that I didn't have the flu. Still a student of the band 101, HaHa Ha!!!

The Arlington Pharmacy is where I've gone and it has been a good experience. It took 3 fills to get to my sweet spot. =D>

I have had hand and foot surgery this past fall and just went back to work a month ago after 4 1/2 months medical leave so there are other facters for me, but here is what I did and do. Physical therapy exercises, nordic track skier (since I can't ski this year) for 20 min. (I started at 2min and worked up my time), then some random floor exercises and light arm weights. Because my job is physical the therapists had me stop this regimine for 4 weeks. I am in my 5th week at work now and need to motivate myself to get started again. I have everything I need at home and a gym membership on hold since my injuries, so I don't have any excuses. Also, my 3 months of no ab work is now over today, guess I better get to it so my stomach fat doesn't sag, the fill doc said even a little ab work will help with that along with slooow weight loss. My goal is to work up to 30 min. on the skier since that was my normal time last year and with the other stretches and floor exercises it takes about an hour to do.

OOPS! I meant 2007.

Dr Ortiz started using the Johnson & Johnson band around the end of Oct. 2008. I was banded Nov.5th with the J&J and they were no longer using the Inamed bands.

Pammie is my sissy. Anyway, yes I had 3 fills to find my sweet spot. I'm not paying daily attention to my scale right now since I know I am eating alot less and feeling full. I wegh in on my day off.

If I remember right the OCC said no ab workout for 3 months. I can't remember the rest though. This has been the best thing I've done for myself, thanks Pammie!

I go to the Arlington Pharmacy. It has been a good experience there. Good Luck on your banding! =D>

Eat light the night before and eat nothing within 3 hours of your appt. After... 24 hours liquids, then 24 hours mushy and then slowly work into solid food the next 24 hours. Hope this fill works for you.

Nice job! It's encouraging to see the results of your dedication to the band. You look great and your feet thank you! Ha!=D>

Relax, enjoy your New Years Eve party, then watch your calorie intake untill you get a fill. The fill should help and if it doesn't then get an adjustment fill. My fill Dr. does adjustments within 10 days for $50. Remember, it is a journey to enjoy. I can't wait to be at my goal but I try to keep in mind that my skin needs time to shrink with me and the whole journey thing also. Cheers for all your success in 2007 and to a great 2008! =D>

I was able to eat like that also. My first fill was today so I enjoyed it while I could but am excited to get started on this part of living with the band. When I was full, I could feel a little bit of pressure on the port but not bad or anything.

No, you hold my hand! Thanks for being there with me, it was easy! Now that I got my first fill let's see me shrink! Yeah! >