crazycoolbutterfly

CONGRATULATIONS Wonderful outcome and thank you for sharing!!

Hi y'all, it's been a while since I've been on here and in TJ. Was wondering, how is traveling back and forth between Mexico and California? Is it still pretty safe? Any complaints? Or recommendations? I need to schedule an appointment to see how my band is doing and check up on fills? How about pricing? Have there been any changes on fills? When I signed up for this, back in 2008, fills were free. Only during Fluro, would there be a fee, I think about $75. Have things changed? I will probably spend two days out there, so any advice on hotel info in TJ? Are they still using Lucerna? How about rates? Thanks for you input.

:lb13: Congrats Girl!!! You are doing Awesome!

Well good for you Ms JazzyJude! I'm glad things went well and you are feeling it! You know, I was going to head to TJ this past week, but my plans changed so I'm thinking within the next 2-3 weeks. I am so glad you are so detailed with your posts. Thanks for an awesome post and sharing your experience. I may try Mexicoach and the cab next time. I never thought about it, is it cheaper than using OCC drivers? I know the rates have increased but I'm not sure about comparison. It also puts my anxiety at ease, since there have been posted questions in regard to recent problematic activities in TJ. Here's to the "sweet spot"! Take care

=D> TOTALLY AWESOME!!! =D> Love it! your pix are like looking at an extreme makeover show, or a dyi magazine... good for you!

Well first of all your fill is determined by your fill doctor. Normally they will ask you what you have been eating and how often. It's best to have a food diary, or a good memory, when you go speak with your fill doctor. Also, if you are not having time to go to the gym, simply walk around the block of your neighborhood. 15 minutes of walking is better than nothing, trust me, I've been there! Please know that if you only stand in your living room, or wherever in your home, and do jumping jacks or run in place, for a few minutes it is also just as good as going to the gym. Even if you walk to the mailbox 10 times, you just did a 15-20 minute workout! If you start out slowly exercising, you will more likely enjoy it more than seeing it as a chore or a necessity of the day. See it's pretty simple if you really want to get your "workout" in. I know when I first started I would just walk around in my back yard, along the fence line. Just because I wasn't ready to go to the gym and face all those "gym junkies" LOL Now as far as nutrition, several things: ~Eat proteins, veggies, and starches in that order ~Try eating 6 times a day, instead of the 3x ~Count your calories (use sparkpeople.com, or calorie counter.com, or fitday.com) ~Drink your 64 oz of water, or other low-cal, sugar free liquids, DAILY ~Do not stress about the food intake if you are working out consistently! As a matter of fact, you will be alittle more hungry because you are now refueling your body for the next workout and not eating out of boredom or emotions. Example: Wake up at 7am, drink 8 oz of water 8am have 1 : small yogurt, or oatmeal, or protein shake, or 6 oz glass of chocolate milk, OR egg AND half a piece of toast, or mini-muffin 9am 8 oz water 10am have 1: 4oz fruit cup, or small apple, or small pear, or small banana And 1-2 tsp of peanut butter, or cottage cheese, or protein bar 11am 8 oz water 12noon 2-3 oz of lean protein such as fish with 2-3oz of veggies (or a medium green-salad) 1pm 8 oz water 2pm have 1: 6 oz of chocolate milk, or protein shake, or protein bar, 1-2 tsp peanut butter & 1/2 piece of toast (you can have jelly/jam too) 3pm have 1: 8 oz water or 6 oz cup of juice or v-8 4pm 2-3 oz of lean protein such as fish with 2-3 oz of veggies (or a medium green-salad 5pm 8 oz water 6pm have 1: 3 oz low-cal ice cream, 3 oz cup of sugar-free pudding, or jello 7pm 8 oz water 8pm have 1: 6 oz milk, protein shake, protein bar, 1-2 tsp peanut butter & 1/2 piece of toast w/jelly or jam 9pm 8 oz water 10 pm probably bed time :-) * you can always substitute a low-cal, sugar free drink INSTEAD of water, but I prefer water Did you notice that it seems like you are eating CONSTANTLY? But when you calculate the calories, its somewhere between 1000-1200... and if you exercises, technically you should be adding a few more, but that's up to you and your body. You don't have to follow a schedule if you don't want to, but it's a good way of learning to listen to your body. You don't want to wait to hear hunger growls or feel hunger pangs to eat, because then you end up eating ANYTHING in sight. Also, if you plan a little ahead of time your body will get used to what to expect and so will you. Alright, well hope this helps you out. What I have learned during this process, is that if you try something for at least a week or two, you will learn to like it or not. But you will alway learn to listen to your body, which is MOST important.

Aaaawwww, nursing....brings back memories! Well, to answer your question, no. I had the lap band after nursing my youngest. However, I will say that you won't be able to lift your children right after surgery, especially your older one. Although the lapband is normally done laserscopic, it is a major surgery and therefore you will have lifting restrictions as well as exercises restrictions. As for breastfeeding, I would naturally assume that your milk may slow down a bit, just because you won't be eating as much. Now, on the other hand, if you were like me that milked more than enough with or without eating, you won't have that problem. I would suggest in that aspect to pump your milk and have some one feed your baby, if possible. If it isn't possible, then sit on the bed and prop a pillow up for your baby to lay close to you and then nurse. Or you could lie on your side, your right side because your left will be in pain due to the port, and nurse your baby that way. In case you do have a slower milk due to eating changes, try pumping even when your child is NOT hungry to bring in your milk for the next feeding. Hope this helps your situation. Take care and best of luck for you!

Glad you liked the hotel! It's also closer to the OCC than Lucerna is, right? Well off hotel topic, but I was wondering since you just went out there how is the "air" in TJ? Meaning, how is the atmosphere? I know many people on the forum have been concerned with the news of drug wars and etc... Did you have trouble in and out of Mexico? Did you take the OCC van or did you walk over and take a cab? Just wondering...thanks ahead for your input!

:lb10:

To blunt or not to blunt? That is the question! HAHAHA LOL !!! Frankly SoCalKid I've personally never had a problem with your posts. I too agree with Jnlebean, you take what you want from this forum and leave the rest. It's a matter of opinion, it's a matter of advice, it's a matter of fact according to the individual person's experience. That's pretty much it, nothing more and nothing less. Some people sometimes forget that and take it personally or feel offended. And frankly, that's their problem. Not yours. According to webster.com ADVICE is a "recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct"; and, BLUNT is "being straight to the point". Personally, I rather have straight to the point recommendations from an experienced perspective, instead of BS! And at MY discretion, I will decipher and accept or reject. Now that's my opinion, take or leave it. I won't be offended. Been there, done that! =D> Also, CONGRATS on your weightloss and new views of "before, during, and after-weight-loss" life. Please continue to post your advice, it is worth while. And I must agree LIFE IS GOOD !!! =D>

DITTO!!!! OMG THAT IS TOOOOO FUNNY!!! I TOTALLY loved it!.... I needed that laugh, had a rough workout today and was like, I totatlly need to skip Wed, but I will just take it easy on Wed...

No. Everything went smoothly, no surprises, no additional costs, no problems~ thank GOD

=D> Congrats! It feels great when FINALLY the scale moves after weeks of nothing! Good for you

Good for you! Congrats on your continued success. I'm glad to hear you have done so well and continue to look at this journey in a postive perspective! Thanks for sharing and best wishes!

Congrats on your weightloss, you are doing great! As for lean cuisines, smart ones, nutrisystem, or other weight/portion controlled entrees, I absolutely love them. And yes, I can eat a whole one. I eat slowly, small bites and take my time and really enjoy them. Which in turn, I feel satisfied and without hunger for at least 2-3 hours. I know a few are a little high on sodium, or carbs, but the good thing it is portion controlled. Therefore, if you use the smart ones (weightwatchers) and you follow your points (which are technically your calorie intake including your fats, carbs, etc) with additional fruit and veggies - you should be ok. Of course, don't forget your water intake. Carbs are not always bad, there are good carbs called complex carbs which is usually whole grains and wheat. Simple carbs are usually white flours/starches that are bad for you. So just depends on what carbs you intake. I normally try to cook all of my food, but what I like to do, is when I have one portion controlled entree, I eat it entirely. Then after an 1 hour drink water/other fluids, and then 1-2 hours later have small fruit/veggies. That way I get my fruits/veggies, I can not eat both the entree and the veggies/fruit at the same time.

Aaawwww, don't be discouraged. Chin up sweetie Yes, the band is frustrating at times. It reminds us : slow down and chew properly eating junk food is NOT an option losing weight is still a struggle no matter what "tool" we use there are no miracle cures for weight loss there is a light at the end of the tunnel eating healthier is a part of life, not temporary exercise is a part of life, not temporary the body is amazing However, the only regret that most of us have is NOT doing it sooner. There are struggles, frustrations, temptations, and worries BUT it (the band) is proven that weight loss is factual and weight GAIN is rare. I have noticed in my situation, that it takes professional teamwork for me. Working with my primary care physician, my fill doctor, my dietitian, and my personal coaches has helped given me motivation, determination, and success. If you feel you need a fill, seek professional help be it your fill doctor, dietitian or surgeon. Also, if you feel you are eating more than what you should, take a calorie count intake. You may be on target because you are exercising and therefore, you may need additional calorie intake. For example, I weigh 199, hence my recommended calorie intake is 1800 calories per day because I exercise 4 times a week for an 1 hour or more. If you would like to see what calories you are recommended to take, go to this link Calorie Count OR Sparkpeople

Well, Congrats on your WONDERFUL weight loss!!! Happy Band anniversary and finally, sorry to hear about your issues. I hope that all goes well for you during your unfill and that your band did not slip. I'm sure it's a temp issue and you will be able to resolve this issue with the right medical professional.

First of all, CONGRATS on your weightloss so far! You are doing great! Now, as for your question, I would have to say that you are addressing a most important part of adjusting after surgery. In the beginning, I had to REALLY understand that it is OK to have options with SO much food that was left after my few bites. For example, throw away left overs, or give it to someone else, or have the waiter take away, or have it for later (rarely). I've always felt it to be such a waste of money to throw away food, I guess that's why I always ate my kids leftovers, or made sure I got the most "bang" for my buck at a buffet. Anyway, struggling to understand that a few tiny bites will carry you through 3 or more hours without being hungry is VERY difficult. (Since I used to be able to eat a double cheeseburger with fries and a large drink, and then a slice of apple pie for dessert.) That being said, I began eating in a different way. I began to see how much LESS food I would be able to eat instead of how much MORE food I can eat. For example, if four bites of chicken and 2 of veggies make the signals go off for fullness (running nose, quick sneeze, hiccup, or long sigh) I will stop eating right then and there. I may even walk away from the table. I serve myself in a salad plate/dessert plate rather than a dinner plate. Instead of using a bowl for oatmeal or soup, I use a small coffee cup/mug. While eating out, I ALWAYS share a meal with someone or order a small appetizer such as a soup or sampler. Yes, I eat protiens first, veggies next, and rarely have a small pinch of anything else. And anytime, I "think" I'm hungry I recall what I have eaten, what time, and how much water intake I have had so far. Most of the time, we "think" we are hungry, but we are really THIRSTY. So, sure enough, I drink water, crystal light, or whatever low cal drink and BAM, I'm "full" again. Therefore, I noticed that I drink much more than I eat. I aim for my 64oz of water daily, and I usually exceed it because I workout and find myself wanting fluids rather than solids. Normally for breakfast I have a protien shake, or a small glass of chocolate milk. It's because I'm usually very tight in the morning that solids are not an option. In times, when I have had a rushed day and know that I haven't eaten enough by that evening, OR have an active workout and due to tightness solids are not an option, I have a protien shake. Be it a EAS, Optifast, or half of a small Smoothie King low cal smoothie- I make sure it is at least 15 grams of protien, low cal, low sugar, and 8 oz. Having a protien shake in the evening has been known to help your body overnight. Well, hope that this helps. I used to get REALLY frustrated that I just sat down to eat and ALAS I was full within a few tiny bites!!! Then, while making the above adjustments, I began to think WOW this is AMAZING, I did this surgery for this exact reason! To stop myself from overeating when I KNOW that I have had enough, but still push it to the limit. Now, when I eat my few bites and I'm done. I take a look around me. It took me 20-30 minutes to get that small portion of food to go down, and here are other people eating twice if not three times as much as I am and they are done in 15 minutes or less. No wonder I gained weight, I never took the time to really enjoy my food and realize that when enough is enough.

I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles, but the ladies are right. You are doing great by seeking out help to assure your husband that he has made a good choice, he just needs to get more information from a caring doctor to help him succeed in his journey. You may also try calling Dr. Spiegel, I've heard great things about him and he accepts patients from other surgeons. Dr. speigel Houston: Phone : (713) 960-0003 YORKTOWN PLAZA 5373 West Alabama Suite 121 Houston, Texas 77056 (one block from the Galleria) In the Woodlands: WOODRIDGE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER 27828 I-45 NORTH CONROE, TX 77385 RESEARCH EXIT OFF I-45 http://www.swspecialists.com/ You can also click on this link below and go directly to his website Surgical Weightloss Specialists Dr. Spiegel in Houston TX

:lb14: I finally reached ONDERLAND! @ 199!!!! OK, technically the scale read 203, but I was wearing jeans, tshirt, and we are supposed to take 3-5 pounds off for clothing right? So, although you may disagree, I consider it a technicality and will unofficially celebrate my entrance into onderland. :lb16: :lb2: I hope, real soon, that I can step on the scale and have it actually read 199, then I can deduct 3-5 pounds off that weight and would be OFFICIAL at that point. Until then, I will enjoy my sweet success, because this time last year I stepped on the scale and it read 273, aaagggghhhhh! I can't believe that this amazing contraption called, lap-band, has helped me become successful in losing weight and making sure I keep it off! It's amazing! I am more than halfway through my weight-loss journey!!!! I'm crying, not full fledge, but tears are streaming because I was so scared of getting it because you just never know the risks of surgery, foreign objects, etc... but I only wish I could have done it sooner! BUT, that's OK. I've done it!!! I have really done it! WOW!!!! I'm really going to start taking some more photos, I think that they really tell the story and unfortunately I was never keen to taking photos after I gained so much weight. BUT, as of today, photos here I come!!!! I should go out and buy some memory cards for my camera! :yes3: :drinks: Tonight I will drink (for the first time, in who know HOW long??) a small toast to myself, to the lap-band, to everyone here on the board, and to success!!! And I will dance the night away and celebrate unofficially with my friends and my dear loving husband! Thanks for listening, you all are such great supporters, listeners, and voices!!! Thank you, THANK YOU! :lb21: