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! >

It took awhile for the glue to come off and mine was black before it was all off too. Kinda like the glue was dirty but I didn't scrub at it, just washing gently in the shower. Eventually the glue and scabs were gone, but I too wondered while waiting. Everything is fine now and I go in for my first fill tomorrow. Yeah! Even though I am a little nervous since I hate needles.

Try other local latte stands, alot of them will do fat free sugar free drinks and they don't charge starbucks prices. Cheers!

Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do great. Remember to walk, and alot of people say gas-x strips help also. They helped me! See you on the banded side! >

Ask Carolyn to send you a copy of the detailed billing to your email address. I emailed her and got it the next day in my email. She's great! I was also having problems getting it in the regular mail, but maybe it takes a long time. I don't know. =D>

It probably was the swelling. During the first 6 weeks your body is healing and getting used to a forein object in there. I was pretty sore on the left (port) side for 11-14 days. rolling over at night, sitting up, anything using abs. I am 4weeks into this so it is alot better but I am still careful when it comes to ab activity. No working out for 3 weeks and no crunches for 3 months. The bloated or swelling should go away by 2 weeks. =D>

Don't be ashamed, we all make mistakes. The trick is to learn from our mistakes instead of beating ourselves up which then leads to more mistakes. I've had my share of food that I shouldn't have. I can't wait untill my 1st fill, hopefully on Dec 20th. The walking seems to help me but I don't know anything about the other things. Maybe try going back to the yogurt and liquids stage to ease the pressure on your tummy when things start moving. Hopefully you'll feel better soon. >

I went to Dr. Ortiz by myself for this surgery and everything went great. The driver picked me up at the SanDiego airport and even walked me to the front desk when we got to the clinic. Had pre-op and surgery that day, spent the night at the clinic, they then drove me to the nice Lucerna Hotel w/ very friendly and helpful staff both at the clinic and hotel where I stayed 2 more nights. The driver brought me back to the airport and I was on my way home. Being by myself really gave me time to heal. >

Mine was by Dr. Ortiz on Nov 5th and so far have had a great experience. Thanks and good luck on your continued success. =D>

Maybe we can get our 1st fill together. We'll see, my schedule at work is pretty hectic during the holidays so I will probably do it on one of my random days off or just tough it out till the holidays are over. I'll keep in touch.

Also, small sips very slowly and I am taking chewable vitamins.Hope this helps.