magpel

Cool. Maybe there will be another group of us, who were unable to attend this first meetup that will be able to meetup. I can do Seattle. I just need a few days notice. A saturday morning perhaps?

Is Seattle a great middle point for everyone to meet? I think it would be really fun to meet down at the market, have tea/coffee - lunch or whatever, and then shop the great fresh fish and produce. What does everyone think? PS - Looks like you guys had a great time! I'm sorry to have missed it! Peace, maggie [link=http://www.phenforum.com/phentramin] [image noborder]http://www.phenforum.com/glitters/style3/40.gif[/image] [/link]

Great post, Michelle! I also never feel much 'restriction' but also try and remember that the proper portion should be enough. I found the differnce for me is now I eat until I'm no longer hungry, which is the proper portion - but I never have that FULL feeling, which is a much larger portion. An important revelation for me was discovering the difference between not being hungry anylonger and being full. Being full is overeating for me. My goal at every meal is to eat until I'm no longer feeling hunry. Every time I do that, I eat the right portion - it's so great! The few times I've slipped up, I've had that FULL feeling - I knew I ate TO much!! I also try and portion out meals at least 3 days out. I cook for myself, my husband and two small children. After the meal, I divide all the food for lunches, next night dinner meal. It usually works out great! I also snack usually once a day about 4 out of the 7 day week. It's usually a bag of dried fruit from http://www.brothersallnatural.com/index_default.htm We order these fruit snacks in bulk since both my kids love them, and they are really a great healthy snack for at home, on the go, on while working. I always have a bag or two in my car in case I start to get really hungry. Tonite I'm making a great garlic pork/veggie stir fry. We'll have leftover for a few nights - so good! I'll skip the rice, and still have a great meal. I'm so glad I'm glad I'm over the plataeu, and loosing weight again - it really does boost your spirits to know the scale is going down. Good Luck to us all! Peace, Maggie

That's crazy Karen! What a waste of money. I suspect she had issues going on that were deeper and she was not ready to loose the weight. We can only hope when she's ready, she'll decide to take care of herself and live a long healthy life.

That's so crazy! I know there is the time when you have hit a low and stop loosing weight - I've hit that, and it's had to stay motivated. I found myself looking back at snacks - I'm such a salty girl. I quickly realized that while I didn't gain any weight, I didn't loose any, either. SO, I took action and posted for motivation, even had the luck of meeting with another gal from this group (holla LISA!) and got a good talking to, got more information - pep talk,e tc. Knowing that I was not the only one going through it, that it was normal, and that things will work out, and the weight will start to come off again. I went back to the OCC to get a fill and have them check me out, make sure everything was still in place - my fill was great, they were super informative, and really helped me know that things will pick up again. Sure enough, I'm down another few pounds, and feeling better again. I tell myself every day - The Band and I are a team. If I stop working with the band, It will stop working with me. There's no other way to get the weight off! I HATE working out - but I get to the gym 3 days a week (most weeks) and when I don't get there, I spend my days chasing 2 small children, so that's a little bit of a workout too. Anyway - we should all be smart enought to know that anything from a drive thru is not for us - OK, salads are good if you watch the dressing, etc. But really - bringing a McGriddle to the Clinic is an insult - I wish they would have pointed it out to her while she was eating it. Sometimes that's the crack in the head people need to know they are not helping themselves. Good Luck to us all!! Peace, Maggie

OK, I've not uploaded pictures - so here goes. The one of my family was in December - I had Sugery in Feb. The other is from this afternoon - took it in the yard. I know it's only face, but I can't seem to get a body shot - I will get one while out tonite. OK - I dont know how to add pics - can someone help me? I want to add them off my computer. Thanks..

You're doing great, and look GREAT, too!! I'm going to have to post a pic of before and after, too. I'm actually getting some mommy out time tonite - I'll even manage to get some lip gloss on! I'll post later tonite a before and after. I have not really noticed much difference, so it will be interesting to see it myself. I also hit a HUGE plateau - for about 5 weeks or so I didn't loose anything. I just got back from TJ/OCC and had the check me out, get a little fill and even got my teeth Zoomed! Stay tuned to see the difference! I'm excited! Peace, Maggie UPDATE: how sad it is that i've been looking for a 'before' pciture of myself, and can't find a good one. i never realized how much i stayed out of the pictures, even with my kids - it's mostly all my husband. i dont think it ever occured to me to take a picture before my surgery. i'm going to find the best one i can. then tonite i'm goign to take a body shot and work off that one to use for my furture weight loss.

Hey guys, I was just told by the doctors at the OCC that chili was not a good choice for eating, since it's not a solid protien. I was told if you really wanted to eat something like that you should first eat a little solid protien as the 'first layer' so to speak. Thought'd I'd pass this message along. Peace, Maggie

I'm back! While I'm still not sure why I was thowing up, but I'm happy to say everything with my port and band looks good. I got a fill while I was there. I'm hoping it's a good fill. I know sometimes if takes a while for the fill to settle in. I've eaten a bit less, more soft things over the last few days, and will go back to regular food in a day or two. I just want to make sure everything is good and settled before I eat more solid foods. I did learn that while eating your protien first is best, not all protien is good first. We are big tofu eaters at our home, and I was told if I want to eat tofu, I need to eat another protien first - have it act as the first layer, so to speak, and then eat some of my beloved tofu. The tofu doesn't hold in the belly, and you won't feel full. Same goes for other protiens like beans, ground meats, etc. While I was there I also got the Zoom teeth whitening! Love it! :-) I hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for all your words and support. Much Peace, Maggie

Yippie! I was able to get in on the 4th! I arrive in San Diego just before 10am. Getting picked up and taken right to the clinic. I'm also getting my teeth whitened and cleaned! I will be in Mexico for 2 nights - heading back on the 6th. Let's get together for some chat and tea!! You can email me directly at maggie at peloquin dot us You can also find me at the hotel under maggie peloquin. I'm so looking forward to some shopping, too. Let's have fun while we are there! Peace, Maggie

I just booked a trip to see Dr. Ortiz for tomorrow morning! I'm hoping everythign is going to be smooth - and that my band has not slipped. I'm super excited to have him talk with me and ease my concerns. OH, also get my teeth cleaned and whitened :-)

Hey Cali, THanks for your post! I'm trying to get in to see Dr. Ortiz this weekend. I'm sure it's a huge peice of mind thing - I am hoping everything is fine, but would feel much more comfortable knowing I was there in case things were not fine and my band had slipped or something. I'd be a wreck if I had to then fly out to see him, ya know. It sounds like we are going through the same thing. I'm sure there is an explanation and I'm looking to Dr. Ortiz to explain and settle me a bit. That is worth the money it costs to fly down there. I'd lvoe to meet! On a side note - I'm in Newcastle, WA - not OR. I live between Bellevue and Renton :-) Let me know if you are free early in the week - I work Mon/Tues/Wed - but my schedule is super flexible (I work for myself - massage therapist) Mornings are usually better - most clients I have are in the afternoon. Talk to you soon. Peace, Maggie

Hi WA bandsters! Is there anyone out there who can't make this meeting interested in trying to make on in the next few weeks in the Belleuve/Redmond area? I'm free on Mon/Tues/Wed. Mornings are best for me. We can meet for tea/coffee and a local starbucks or something. I'd really love to connect with some others who are going through life with the band. Let's get together and SUPPORT each other. Much Peace, Maggie

Hey Lisa, I just sent you an email - I can totally meet you at Bellesquare. I'll have one of my kids with me - maybe we can take him to the boat upstairs and he can play while we talk? Check your messages - and let me know. Peace, Maggie

Thanks for your email - I do go to the ladies in Arlington - I love them. I jsut think I would like Dr. Ortiz to check out band placement, etc. It would be cheaper to stay here and go local, but I think I'd really like the Dr. to take a look - I'm sure they ladies at Arlington would be great for the Floro - it's my sixth sense that tells me if something has slipped, I'll be in the comfort of Dr. Ortiz' office :-) I'd love to know abotu the group meeting local. I know there's one that meets in Pt. Orchard or somethign, but that's a few hours from my house - I am hoping to meet some bandsters a bit closer - espcially with gas prices :-) Peac,e M

I'm going to call the center in the morning (thursday) and see if they can get me in on Friday for a fill - so I might be seeing you guys, too. I'd stay in Mexico, at least one night. Is anyone taking the bus? Or wanna share a cab if I can get an appointment? The flight I'm looking at gets me in just before noon on the 4th. Otherwise, we should have some tea together :-) I still need to book ticket and hotels - where are you staying in San Diego? Maybe I'll book a day there, too. :-) Peace, Maggie

Hi all! I've been out of the loop for the last few months - my laptop was freaking out - Anyhow - I'm struggeling and I think I'm in need of some inspiration and guidance. Here's what's going on - I was banded on 2/15/08. The first 3 months were going great - I lost 30lbs post op, and was feeling great. I've gotten a few fills, with one unfil. Currently I've got about 1.4cc in my band. I think I've only lost a few lbs in the 6 weeks. I'm stuggeling with eating. I was thowing up a lot for a few weeks - I could not even drink a protien shake in the morning. I don't really ever feel full, but I am still trying to be mindful of what I'm eating. Yes, I sure could eat better, but compared to what I was eating, I'm eating really well. I think I may need another fill, but am uncertain of since I had been thowing up so much. Of course now I wonder if my band has slipped, etc. I am eager to get this resolved so I can get back to loosing the weight. I've been getting my fills locally, and now wonder if I should fly back to Dr. Ortiz and ahve him just double check everything - make sure it's all good and in place. I've spent a lot of time thinking lately, and I'm not totally at the point where I feel like I'm failing, but I'm close. I fear once I get to that point I will thow in the towel and give up. I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Finally - if there is anyone out there in the Seattle area that would like to get together and inspire each other, please let me know. I'd Love that! Much Peace and Luck to you all, Maggie

I would not have thought about some of these - upping my protein - I'm going to do that starting today. I'm goign to cut back a bit on the carbs, too. Thanks for posting! Peace, Maggie

Thanks everyone!! I got on the scale this morning and I was down a few more pounds - so strange. I weighed myself yesterday, too. I'm happy with a few more pounds gone, but I'm going to get back on track and look for the sunshine every morning. I really appreciate your replies and thank you very much. Much Peace and Good Luck to Us All! Maggie

Hi everyone. I was banded on 2.15.08, and since then I've lost 26lbs (yippie)!! In the last 10 days I have not lost anything and am now feeling like a looser - and getting discouraged. For some reason, when I loose weight every week, I feel so good about myself, and it really helps me keep going, doing what I"m supposed to be doing and eating ALL the right things and not eating much. I'm slipping a little and need some support. I've had one fill - 1.6cc's. I noticed about 4 days into it that I was having a hard time drinking liquids, so I had .6cc's removed. I felt great. I was able to eat my small meals, drink lots of water, etc. I never really felt 'full' when I was done with my small meal, but I was no longer hungry, so I was following that cue. Now I'm having a harder time following that cue, so I think it might be time for a little bit of a fill....just a guess. Since my fill/unfill I've lost 11lbs. My fill was on March 31st. The unfill was about 5 days later. But for the last 10 days I've stayed the same. Do you think I need a fill? I could use some words of encouragement, and some inspiration. I'm not making great choices the last week, and I know I should be. I never expected to get so down on myself when I didn't see the scale going down every week. While I still can't eat as much as I used to, I am eating a bit more and not making great choices. Thanks for reading and anything you can contribute - personal experiences, words of wisdom, support, inspiration, etc. Much Peace and Good Luck to Us All! Maggie

I was banded on 2/15/08. I've had one fill, and one unfill. I think I'm going to get another fill in a few weeks. While I'm still loosing weight, I think I need just a little bit more of a fill to get that sweet spot. I have not really lost anything in the last 10 days - I'm anxious to keep up the 3lbs per week weight loss. I'm very happy with my weight loss. It's funny - I've lost more weight in the last few months with the band than I have ever before - yet I still wish I would loss it a bit faster - haha, you always want more, right? Anyway - below are my current stats. Good Luck to us all! Peace, Maggie

I'll chime in here, too. Everyone has already said it - and it's true. Everything is a chance and there is always risk in everything we do. The Lap Band is NOT 100% - I htink the only thing that is, is doing weight loss natural. I was banded on 2/15. I got my first fill almost 4 weeks ago. Since being banded I've lost 26lbs. Along with the Band, I've made a whole lifestyle change. My whole family has made this change. We watch what goes in our mouths, how much goes in our mouths and when it goes in our mouths. It is possible to eat to much helathy stuff, too. We make sure to eat 3 proper meals a day, a snack and lots of water. I admit I have trouble eating 3 meals. I'm really never that hungry. I also never get that 'full' feeling a lot of people get. Since I don't get that 'full' feeling, I make 100% sure that I don't eat to much - sometimes I have to make sure to eat enough - that's so crazy!! I'm exercising a few days a week, along with chasing my tot and 1yr old around everywhere. The band is working for me, but I am also working for my band. When we both do our part, I see the results. I imagine if I stopped doing my part, the band would stop doing it's part, too. I chose to get my fill locally, and they will check my band through Floro a few times a year to make sure everything still looks good. Unless I have other problems, they don't think it needs to be looked at more often. I'm happy with this. Good Luck to us all! Peace, Maggie

I had my first fill just over 3 weeks ago - 1.6 in a 4cc band. 5 days later I had .6cc removed - it became hard just to keep liquids down. I don't really feel any restriction right now, but I don't find myself eating much, either. So I'm not sure if I"m going to get a bit more of a fill or not. While I am really watching what I eat, I think it might be better to have that 'full' feeling instead of just controlling my portions. --- Does that make sense? I eat on a small plate, and eat food better for me, but I never really get that full feeling everyone talks about. I don't let myself eat until I feel full, either. I got my fill locally. I've lost about 10lbs since my fill. I think that's a good amount - they say 1-2lbs per week is a good amount to loose. What does everything else think? SO it's been almost 3lbs a week that I'm loosing. I've been banded now for just over 2 months and have lost 25lbs since being banded. I'm very happy with it. I'm so looking forward to loosing another 50!! Good Luck to us ALL! Peace, Maggie

Boy how time flies! I had my first fill 3 weeks ago, and an unfill 5 days later. Boy let me tell you this is certainly an experience!! I've experienced the 'slimming' and vomit on more than a few occassions. This certainly is a process. Anyway - I LOVE the ladies at the Arlington Pharmacy (in WA State)!! They are so kind and understanding. My band size is the 4/9.5 or something like that. Which I guess means I can be filled up to 4ccs. They filled me with 1.6ccs. About 5 days later I realized I wasn't really eating anything, so they did an unfil - .6ccs. Now I'm good. I don't usually ever feel hungry, so I need to remind myself to eat and since the fill I'm loosing about 3lbs a week. I'm so happy! This is a great new start for me, and I'm loving it so much. I cry sometimes because I'm so happy. While I still have about 50lbs to go, I know now that it's possible - and it's really happening. I'm looking forward to summer this year for the first time in so long! Good Luck to us all!! Much Peace, Maggie

Boy how time flies! I had my first fill 3 weeks ago, and an unfill 5 days later. Boy let me tell you this is certainly an experience!! Anyway - I LOVE the ladies at the Arlington Pharmacy!! They are so kind and understanding. My band size is the 4/9.5 or something like that. Which I guess means I can be filled up to 4ccs. They filled me with 1.6ccs. About 5 days later I realized I wasn't really eating anything, so they did an unfil - .6ccs. Now I'm good. I don't usually ever feel hungry, so I need to remind myself to eat and since the fill I'm loosing about 3lbs a week. I'm so happy! This is a great new start for me, and I'm loving it so much. I cry sometimes because I'm so happy. While I still have about 50lbs to go, I know now that it's possible - and it's really happening. I'm looking forward to summer this year for the first time in so long! Good Luck to us all!! Much Peace, Maggie