Rhonda Gabriel

That is so great that you have lost so much so quick. I had my lap-band done on June 6, 2007 and have lost around 70 lbs. I still have about 40 pounds to go to reach my goal weight. I have only had two fills and need a nother but can't afford one at this time. As far as willpowwer, it goes out the door with peanut M&m's. As far as other food, I'm okay. I just try to limit what I eat, trying to stick to Slimfast and Special K protein water. Any suggestions? I'd appreciate your advise or anyone's advice.

Rhonda Gabriel

I just want it to share with everyone my milestone. I finally left that plateau stage and reach over 70lbs in 5 months. I am only 15lbs away from goal, and i know that those will be the hardest lbs. I am really proud of myself since i had three fills and never had good restriction. I had to use more will power than the band to reach my goal. I will admit that i am a bit obsessed with what i eat and how much, however i eat whatever i want whenever i want which i think it help me get out of my plateau stage.

anyhow, thank you all for the support.

Doug,

This was the best decision I've ever made about weight loss. I would do it over again. It is just a matter of figuring out what you can and cannot eat. I just get really frustrated at times and need to vent. It is just really great to feel good and look better than I have in years. I'm looking forward to getting down to a skinny size.

:-?

I am in the process of talking myself into this Lap Band procedure. I am somewhat disheartend by some of the problems you folks have gone through....Are these problems that occur to everybody and the big question would you re-consider having this procedure done?

I too am a teacher and sometimes, I feel like I can't eat anything. I seem to be able to eat the bad stuff-M&M's ice ream, chocolate. When I try to eat resal good food, I get sick. I drink a SlimFast in the AM because if I try to eat anything, I get sick! For lunch, I can eat a protein bar. Dinner, that's a challenge. Sometimes, soup and sometimes nothing. It gets so frustrating.

This is a very interesting topic - thank you for bringing it up! I, too, am feeling extremely tight/restricted recently... after having my fill almost a month ago, so I didn't go near as long as you did before I noticed more restriction, but still very odd. I got my fill in August on the 20th, and I felt restriction, but I could eat small amounts of food if I chewed very very well. A few weeks ago, I began having problems eating much of anything at all, and I was lucky to get down 600-700 calories per day. The other night, I tried chicken noodle soup, and it got stuck and I have never experienced so much pain in my life. I was in tears and actually began having a panic attack. After about 45 minutes of this... and sliming to go along with the panic attack, I threw up all of the chicken noodle soup I had eaten (maybe 5-8 bites). I definitely felt better, but its not good to only eat 600-700 calories per day. I can understand your frustration completely!

I definitely agree with everyone here about the stress factor playing a huge role. I began having issues when school started back. I am in my last year of a masters degree program - so I have 40 hours of my normal job, 24 hours per week in my field placement (doing individual therapy), 15 hours of class, about 10 hours of reading/outside class work and the other non-important stuff like sleeping and eating SO, I am extremely stressed out as this is my third year of school all year round. I need to start meditating on a regular basis again like I was doing last year. I found that meditation (along with very relaxing music), art therapy type activities, exercising, writing and reading my favorite books were the most helpful things to get me to relax a bit. Just some suggestions for all of you. Oh, and if you are interested in some EXTREMELY relaxing music look up 'brainwave symphony' by Dr. Jeffery Thompson. There are several different CDs - Dr. Thompson developed a technique for embedding brainwave audio processes into musical soundtracks. After listening for a few minutes, your own brainwaves naturally lock onto these audio pulses and help you to relax/meditate/sleep/whatever soundwave is on the CD is intended for. I.E. Delta waves help you fall asleep and relax. SO... I suggest these CDs and you can purchase them at barnes and noble or on amazon.

You look fantastic!!! I too ahve lost 70 pounds, but I don't look like you!!! You look so skinny. I am 5'2" and have lost close to 70 pounds but could never fit into a size 10. What is your secret?

Glad that things went so well, I waited to tell my parents until about 2 weeks ago because I was so afraid they would judge me or think I took the easy way out (lol like the lap band is easy) and when I finally got the nerve to to tell them while they were helping us move into our new house and I was shocked that they were totally ok with it... I had lost 70lbs in 7 months since the last time they saw me at Christmas so they kind of figured something was up. I had also taped the Oprah show so I let them watch that to help them understand the band, the OCC and going to TJ further!

Sadly like Cathy and others have said there are going to be those people who will never understand and will become jealous of your success... Just ignore them and focus on getting the results you want, that's the best revenge!!

You lok great!!!! Keep up the good work.

That is great, Shelby! She sounds like a genuine person!

Will,

I know exactly how you feel. I too am a school teacher and I don't make the best choices of food at school when I get stressed. The only thing I found I can eat consistently is peanut M&m's, and that's not a good choice. I can't afford another fill at this time because I am currently the only one working in my home. I have a daughter in college and worry about how to pay for her school and my husband has been out on disability since July 16th. I have lost close to 70 pounds since my surgery in June 2007 and want to keep on losing. I workout at Curves and recently aquired a Bio-Force workout station, so I can workout to my heart's content. I tried to eat some solid food, mashed potatoes nut they just come back up now.

What is a two year checkup?

I understand what you are experiencing Tracy. I had my second fill on July 22, and have experienced only 5 days without having an episode. My weight has gone up because I eat poor choice foods in order to have energy to do normal work. I called the fill center, and they suggest an un-fill, but at $280 a pop, I'm not willing to spend it JUST to have to pay another $280 to get a fill in another month or two.

My condition is almost identical to you, and I think Evette's thought about stress is part of my issue. Teaching school began in early August, which is when the condition increased. My stress is not incredible, it's normal stress from a normal job (if you've ever taught, you know what I mean). But I will sit at a table, eat one spoonful of anything non-liquid, and after 30 seconds, I walk calmly to the restroom, knowing what is about to happen. There isnt enough matter inside to cause a blockage, or distress... just a spoonful. If it just sits on the band, there is restriction, which is what we want. Mine deal with an ability to burp away whatever gases are in the lower pouch, and are not getting through for some reason. It is painful, and it is embarassing. There are certain foods that are helpful - cool foods, such as ice cream (I know it's bad, but it is wonderful to sit, and NOT have to go to the restroom) and a few soups.

My energy level has dropped to beyond lethargic, and I have to drink most of my energy (energy drinks such as vitamin water, etc) and milkshakes DO make me feel better.

I do not know a solution at this point but to bear it out. Something has to give. If I go for an unfill, I probably wont go back for a fill for a long time, and I will destroy the progress that I've made so far. A day at a time has been my motto since day 1 of the banding process, and I will continue looking at this.... a day at a time.

Evette... awesome picture again... : )

Wiil,

I know exactly how you feel. I too am a school teacher and I don't make the best choices of food at school when I get stressed. The only thing I found I can eat consistently is peanut M&m's, and that's not a good choice. I can't afford another fill at this time because I am currently the only one working in my home. I have a daughter in college and worry about how to pay for her school and my husband has been out on disability since July 16th. I have lost close to 70 pounds since my surgery in June 2007 and want to keep on losing. I workout at Curves and recently aquired a Bio-Force workout station, so I can workout to my heart's content. I tried to eat some solid food, mashed potatoes nut they just come back up now.

I understand what you are experiencing Tracy. I had my second fill on July 22, and have experienced only 5 days without having an episode. My weight has gone up because I eat poor choice foods in order to have energy to do normal work. I called the fill center, and they suggest an un-fill, but at $280 a pop, I'm not willing to spend it JUST to have to pay another $280 to get a fill in another month or two.

My condition is almost identical to you, and I think Evette's thought about stress is part of my issue. Teaching school began in early August, which is when the condition increased. My stress is not incredible, it's normal stress from a normal job (if you've ever taught, you know what I mean). But I will sit at a table, eat one spoonful of anything non-liquid, and after 30 seconds, I walk calmly to the restroom, knowing what is about to happen. There isnt enough matter inside to cause a blockage, or distress... just a spoonful. If it just sits on the band, there is restriction, which is what we want. Mine deal with an ability to burp away whatever gases are in the lower pouch, and are not getting through for some reason. It is painful, and it is embarassing. There are certain foods that are helpful - cool foods, such as ice cream (I know it's bad, but it is wonderful to sit, and NOT have to go to the restroom) and a few soups.

My energy level has dropped to beyond lethargic, and I have to drink most of my energy (energy drinks such as vitamin water, etc) and milkshakes DO make me feel better.

I do not know a solution at this point but to bear it out. Something has to give. If I go for an unfill, I probably wont go back for a fill for a long time, and I will destroy the progress that I've made so far. A day at a time has been my motto since day 1 of the banding process, and I will continue looking at this.... a day at a time.

Evette... awesome picture again... : )

I appreciate any suggestions. It's been since June 2007 when I had my surgery. Let me ask a question, Are the fills free at the OCC?

Some people go back to liquid diet. You might try the pre op diet until you can get another fill.

And if there is someone that doesn't like my suggestion, please remember it is only a suggestion

Hey guys,

I have very little retriction but can't afford a fill at this time. What do I need to do? I am trying to eat 1000 calories or less a day, but I get soooo hungry. HELP!!!!!!! I have gained 9 lbs back since the summer began.

Hey Georgia girls-

I'm mrsg301 aka Rhonda. Got my band in June 2007 and have lost 70 or so pounds so far. Need some encouragment now because I keep fluctuating betwee. 65 and 70 pounds. Someone get back to me, plese!!!

Hi, SupremeMom. I'm MochaMama aka Dee Dee. I see you are around the corner from me. I am in D'ville, GA near the mall. I just filled out my paperwork that was emailed to me today. I am very excited about the possibilities. It seems that it has helped you. Would you email me when you get a free moment. I guess I want to ask some ????sss mainly about the facility. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I have tried to eat Chili but I can't. I would love to eat it though.

I don't think so. I was told if you can't drink it, don't eat it. I think it would be more of a mushy food.

I was banded on June 5, 2007 and have lost between 70-75 pounds. It fluctuates alot because I eat more at times than others. I too need to have another fill, I 've had two with the last one in January 2008. I am stuck at 165 and the scale won't budge.

I was banded November 2, 2007, I've lost 25 pounds since then, but that is not enough I drink protein shakes and stopped snacking after 8pm. I feel too embarrassed to go to doctor to get my 3rd fill because I've haven't lost anymore weight and I'm stuck at 220 lbs. I need help, some days I can eat more than others and the mornings are always the hardest time to eat because my fill be real tight. Is anyone experiencing the same thing as me.

Don't beat yourself up, just get back on the wagon. You know you have a lot of support from all of us. We're each others cheerleaders. I had my last fill after Christmas and I'm doing okay. So far since my surgery in June 2007, I have lost 67 pounds, but I stll need to lose about 40 more. After the first couple of months, the weight loss slowed down and I got discouraged but every pound I lose now, I know will stay off. Bad food choices happen to all of us, you just get back on the right track and start again. Good luck and I know that you will do well. Think good thoughts >

Rhonda Gabriel

Banded June 6, 2007

Starting Weight:235-yuck my highest ever

February 2008: 168

Pounds gone forever: 67

Hi,

I am having my second fill in 6 1/2 months this Sat. 2/9. I feel so disgusted that I let my weight stall for so long. I gained 7lbs and lost 5, then gained 2 more, etc. I made it through the holidays without gaining alot more, which I should be happy about, but nonetheless, I have made some bad food choices and have gotten back to some bad eating habits. I am confident that with this fill, I start over and have to make better food choices and possibly not be able to eat some of the foods I have eaten in the past months since my first fill. This has to work for me. I am determined!

I have been beating on myself the last few months for not doing things(fills and eating), right for my band and my weight. But, I am thankful that I have not gained alot more back than I could have.

Just needed some encouragement and hopefully no scolding(which I deserve because I know better than to eat around the band), to support me as I get a slow start back to the right ways of weight loss with the band.

Thanks all in advance.

Peace,

Judy

I totally agree with you Christopher. You are not hungry the first week or so. It's been 7 months since I had my surgery and sometimes, I forget to eat because I'm not hungry. I too learned to love Chicken Broth.

Rhonda Gabriel

Down 56 pounds since June 5,2007

Don't worry about the liquid only diet afterwards. You will not want to eat anything. Truly, you are not going to feel any hunger pains at all. I ate (drank) chicken broth and really that was enough. It really filled me up.

I actually got used to eating it. It is not that bad.

You can do it!!

You are so right Clynn. Usually the people on the site have problems and are venting about them. I personally had some restriction prblems after my 1st fill but it is good now. I had my second fill on 1/5/2008 and feel great. I feel that this is the best thing I ever did for myself even with the slight problems I've had. So far since my banding in June 2007, I have lost 56 pounds! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

I cannot tell your more than I told Lexi without a specific question. Keep in mind this is a support forum so people will post here mostly when they are having problems. Those without problems are out there living their lives.

I too have a problem with not drinking during my meal. I do it but I really have to watch it or I'll be in the bathroom really quick. I have realized that my food can't be steaming hot or I'll drink more than needed.

But to date since my surgery on June 5, 2007, I have lost 56 pounds!!!! Only 44 to go!!

Rhonda Gabriel

Dear TAJ

This is my biggest problem......I had surgery on Dec 7th and am doing okay, but I am having a real problem waiting for my water until after dinner. Dr. miranda told me I can have some ice chips during dinner and I do that when I am desperate. I also put a timer on for 30 minutes and sit and watch the clock until I can have something to drink! I feel like a little kid! Other than that things are going really well and I made it through the holidays, but am fighting hunger a lot because I need my fill. Hang in there.

Donna

LaurenLeigh,

Don't get discouraged, you have come too far to throw it all away. We Georgia girls need to stick together. You know you can always email me if you need to.

Rhonda Gabriel

Hi guys, I haven't been on here in a while because I've been pretty discouraged with my band. I had my first fill on Oct 6 and since then my weight loss has dwindled down to about a pound a month. I can't afford to get another fill until Feb, so I had just kind of put the whole thing out of my mind until then. Well, suddenly two days ago I guess my band tightened, and suddenly I can hardly eat anything without pb-ing every time! Everything is getting stuck! Can a band just tighten up on it's own like this all of a sudden three months after a fill?

*history* My fill was an aggressive 2.4cc's in a 4cc band, the first month I lost about 14 pounds, and I've lost just 2 pounds since then.

So I know the problem is that I am not used to chewing well, because up until now I haven't had to. I'm eating the same type foods as I have since the fill as well. For two months I have been telling my husband how I need a fill, and now he is asking me how can I need a fill if I am constantly running to the bathroom to choke up my food? I really don't have an answer for him! I guess I just need to adjust my chewing and see how things go?

I could really use some advice!

Thanks,

Lauren :-?

Had my 2nd fill done 1/5/08. Darlene is wonderful!

Rhonda Gabriel

I used the one in Roswell also. I have to say after reading stories of people getting stuck several times before finding the port, I didn't mind paying the extra for the Fluro. She is excellent and the two fills I had there she hit the port the first try each time

Hey everybody,

I had my second fill on January 5,2008 and so far I have lost 56 pounds since my surgery on June 5,2007. I am feeling really great. Darlene in the Roswell office of the fill center is wonderful!!!!

Rhonda Gabriel

Starting weight-235

Current weight-179

1st fill-1.8

2nd fill-1.0

I have used the one in Atlanta and was very pleased with it. The only problem I have is that you have to have a flouroscope every fill and the cost will be $280.00 for your second and beyond fills. I have had one fill so far since I had surgery in June 2007. I need another one but can't afford the $280.00 at this tme.

Rhonda Gabriel

It would be great to hear from people who have gotten their fills at one of the Fill Centers (click here for site). There is one about an hour from me so I was considering going there for aftercare. If you have used that one (Roswell, GA) or another one, please share your experiences.

Good luck on your surgery!!! I was banded in June 07 and have lost 51 pounds so far. It is the best thing that I have ever done. Keep in touch and tell me how you do.

Rhonda Gabriel

I'm scheduled for surgery on the 12th. I'm very nervous about having the surgery, but very excited my future looking and feeling better. I've read that being nervous is normal, but it isn't a good feeling.

I really think I need a fill because I don't feel much restriction. I ate two bowls of chili the other night and felt fine. The only thing I have a problem with is bread. How can I tell if I need another fill?

Rhonda

So it has been a year since i was banded by dr ortiz in TJ. First, this was the best decision i have ever made for myself and i am so much healthier than i have been in at least 20 yrs. i have gone from a women's size 20-22 to a size 12-14 (12's are very tight but i can still get them on) i now shop in the regular misses department and no long visit the fat shops. my goal was to lose 50 lbs the first year and i actually lost 56 lbs. i have 44 lbs to go over the next year and i have no doubt that i will hit that goal. this is all the positive part... now i want to tell you the down side as a single person....if you are single you will get this - otherwise you might think i am crazy and whiney but i would like to tell it all for those of you that are looking for the miracle answer.

my self esteem is actually worse now than as a fat person... i am now very self contious when i walk into a room. for a woman who has hid behind layers of fat for 20 yrs this is terrifiying feeling... i wonder why are they looking - men and women alike.. am i dressed ok? do i have something on my face? etc... even though i am now classified as average size i still see myself as a size 20-22 when i look in the mirror. i dont see what others see and i dont understand when people come up and tell me i am beautiful... hello are they looking at me? the worst part of all is the male attention.. i dont know who is real and who wants to know me or who just wants a peice of a$$. i used to walk in a room and own it as a big girl... after all everyone likes the big girl, she has personality to make up for her size. now i have no confidence and i am shy and intimidated by attention. i know this is just the adjustment period and i will get used to it and learn how to handle it but for now it is depressing and scarey. this weekend i had planned on taking pictures and posting them but honestly i was too depressed to want to get in front of a camera. i will post pictures over the next couple of weeks because i know how insperational they are and motivating for everyone that is just wanting to lose wt and be healthy.

again, i am so glad i made the decision to have the surgery and i love my band, but remember just because the outside starts to look healthy and normal doesnt mean that the inside will automatically follow.. it is alot of hard mental work to be healthy inside and out.

kym

I too see myself as fat still!!!! I was banded June 6, 2007 and have lost 47 pounds so far and still have 53 more to go. I can now wear clothes that I bought when I lost weight 5 years ago, but I still see myself as fat. I am now working out at CURVES, a early Christmas gift from my husband. I don't accept compliments well and I still can't picture me as a smaller person even though I wear smaller clothes. Just stick in ther and maybe we will get better at accepting how we look. Best of luck in losing your last 44 pounds.

Rhonda

Is anyone going for a fill in Atlanta soon? I had a fill in August, but I think I need another one. Does anyone know the cost for the fill?

Rhonda

Going for my first fill tomorrow. I will let you all know how it goes.

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I hope your fill goes well.