tootsie_lou

Good job, Sarah! Happy Birthday!! Diana

Go on, Girl!! You're doin' awesome!!

Hey Jennifer! So you went for your first fill-- how is it going? (Your picture looks just like my college room mate, way back when. You didn't go to Ferris State in MI, did you? ) I hope all is well--Diana

Hey Dana! How did it go with your fill? I'm still totally with the liquids, but the first day is the one that completely kills me. It surely points out to me where my problem times of the day are. Also, the "liquid thing" helps me to get in more water. Hope you are well! Diana

Fabi--Please don't be scared. Like the Darlene said, after it is all over you'll be wondering why you were worried. You HAVE to do this--so you will be FABI-ULOUS!! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself ) Many are praying for you! Diana

Hey Dana! I'm in on this with you--just what I need. :lb16: Hope your fill goes smoothly! :good3: Diana

Hi'ya Jazzy Jude! Do you have to warm up the water? A few posts back talked about lemon juice in warm water. Do you know if it matters? I have also know folks that drink warm apple cider (not sure if it is supposed to pasteurized or not) that also works the same way that the lemon/water is supposed to.

Hey Lindsay-- Thanks for your input. Try to relax--no one is drinking a 50 gallon drum of the stuff, OK? Celsius is loaded with good for you ingredients such as Green Tea with EGCG, Ginger, Calcium, Chromium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It's not a flavored coffee. As far as "stimulants", my rear end is prone to be "sofa-shaped", so just shy of a boot in the rear, this works for me--haha.

Hey guys--I got this in an email. It's a little lengthy, but I was laughing until I had tears in my eyes "Dear Diary, For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress. ________________________________ MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week! ________________________________ TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air--then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me. _______________________________ WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too. ______________________________ THURSDAY: Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the rest-room. She sent another skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank. _______________________________ FRIDAY: I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the daggone barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director? ________________________________ SATURDAY: Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel. ________________________________ SUNDAY: I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!" (Sorry-there was a little "flowery" language)

I hear you on that--I told my daughter that I don't think I could get any more exhausted on that trip back from the west coast, even if I flew back flapping my own arms!

Tibbie-- First of all, you are freakin' hilarious! My teenage daughter and I were banded on a Thursday, traveled back to So. FLA on Saturday (late), made it to church on Sunday, and we were both back to school and work Monday. Hang in there. I know everybody is different, but it is possible. This is an exciting time--good luck to you!! Diana

Hey TG! First of all--CONGRATULATIONS, honey!! You're almost there! I responded to some of the items your mom posted, most notable in that my daughter (age 14) didn't have to do the pre-op diet like I did. I think that led to her contacting Dr Miranda about whether you had to or not. I will tell you that getting the lap-band was one of the best decisions that we have ever made. Good luck as you start this experience! We had the lap-band surgery on a Thursday, were up and out shopping in TJ on Friday, and back to work and school on the following Monday. Not completely healed mind you, but able to be out and about doing normal stuff. I know that everybody is different, but know that it is possible. I'm sorry that I can't really address your IV question with an answer that will seem help much. I have absolutely no problems with needles (I work in a hospital and have drawn blood on people and have had my own blood drawn by those wanting to practice), but my daughter is fierce afraid. She did get the IV despite her fears. Don't hesitate to let them know how you feel about it. Trust me, it is normal to be apprehensive. Our minds and bodies are wired to reject pain of any sort. The staff at OCC are real pro's and I know you will do great. (If it's any help, in my 24 years of experience, guys tend to be bigger weenies about it--and the tougher they look the weenier they are-haha!) I am so glad for you that you have such tremendous support. Please know how fortunate you are. So many folks have faced an uphill battle by those close to them who couldn't see the value in all of this. You are truly loved. All our best to you!! Diana (and Alyssa)

Hi'ya Dana-- Who knew something so soft and sweet could be so full of hurt? Now I just admire them from afar

Hey Ramona-- Could I ask you -- did you stay the extra time because you just decided to, or did something happen to extend your stay? Diana

There is truly something to be said for heading into this adventure with others who not only know the struggle, but who go through it with you. The process of getting the lap-band in Mexico really gears you up. Beyond making the decision-- the anticipation, excitement and commitment that go with making travel arrangements, getting time off from work, and financial commitment -- really make it a sentinel event in your life. Going through it with others creates a sister-/brother-hood that is truly amazing. This is evidenced here on this forum. Our best to the most recent "magnificent seven"! Diana

Hey Dianna-- Good luck with your recent fill. Everyone feels for you, girl. There is nothing worse than having all this hope in the lap-band process and seeing the results stall. Please keep us updated. Diana

You guys--please be careful down there. Geraldo was just on TV talking about (and reporting from) Mexico saying that areas there are dangerous. He didn't mention TJ, but be careful just the same. Diana

Hey Jenelle-- I feel for you, girl. I had my second fill and completely planned on liquids for the first 3 days afterwards. The day after the fill, my coworker brought a muffin from Starbucks to work for me. She does not know about me having the lap-band and I didn't want to hurt her feelings by not accepting the muffin from her (plus it looked and smelled delicious!). After literally one bite I was in such pain I had tears in my eyes. I made an excuse about saving the rest for later. Remained on liquids for rest of the time and have been doing good since then. I think your decision to head back to the liquids is spot on. Good luck to you! Diana

I've gone to the lady in St Petersburg, FL (Kathy Gonzalez) and she was terrific! In addition, she gave a packet of information that was incredible. I think it is assembled/provided by Fill Centers USA. She did use flouro and asked me a lot of questions. We will definitely be going to her again. Fill Centers USA has also called me every month since my fill to see how I am doing. The downside was the 8-hr round trip to St Pete from Ft Lauderdale.

Hey Lindsay-- Thanks for your input. You didn't quote the exact posts, so it is hard to know what "diet myths" you were referring to. As to minimizing carbs in the diet, there are many folks here who have lost considerable amounts of weight by doing just that. "Carbohydrate sensitivity" is a real entity for some. In addition, many folks here are very knowlegible about nutrition and have generously shared that knowledge with the rest of us. Please be kind. I hope I didn't read anything into your post--people here are very serious about making positive healthy changes in their lives. Any and all input is appreciated. Diana

We were told no ab work for 3 months post op--of which I was a perfectly compliant patient--(haha).

Hey Trav! A lady on another thread was posting regarding her husband and his weight gain with the band. It looks like he went to the doctor for his surgery that you just went to for your fill. They do not seem too happy with him. You mention in your post there is another doctor in your area that you couldn't get into see right away. She might be interested in that person's name, if you are willing. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?s=&a...ost&p=65441 Just puttin' it out there. Thanks--Diana

This sounds like the doctor that TRAV just posted that he went to for a fill recently. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?s=&a...ost&p=65376 Good luck to you--this sounds beyond frustrating.

Folks seem to be checking out other hotels. Did something bad happen at the Lucerna? We stayed there twice and thought everything/everyone was very nice.

Hello luvleelayd204! First of all WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME! You have hit the jackpot of lap-band information here. As was previously stated, many folks on here are super-smart on the band and how it works. Also, if you feel comfortable, there is an area to ask the doctors questions at the bottom of the main page. Know that everyone here is rooting for you to be successful in your lap-band journey! Diana