karenlynn79

Hey, I am in Stockton! I have a stomach bug now but haven't been outside for like 3 days because of the heat and smoke. I can only imagine how bad the smoke is up in the Sac area. Stinks!!!! I want to move to San Diego and get out of this valley!

Speaking of unrealistic people; about a year ago I went down for something, probably an unfill when I was trying to get pregnant. There was this lady in the back radiating negative energy, literally. Later Francisco (driver) told me that she'd been banded only a few weeks before. She didn't lose weight in 2 weeks op and so DEMANDED a fill. Not sure if she got one. THEN 2 weeks after that concluded that the band does not work (after 4 weeks and obviously no fill) and was back that day to have it REMOVED!!!! WHAT!? Crazy! It did not take this lady 4 weeks to pack on the pounds and that's all the time she was willing to wait to lose it???? I was shocked.....

Southwest Taco Salad with Iceberg, Romaine, Tomatoes, Wendy’s Chili, Cheddar Cheese That sounds so good!!! Unfortunately I am one of those who cannot eat lettuce at all! Which stinks because I LOVE salad so much! If I could have a one day band break I'd probably have salad over anything else!

Thanks everyone again! I've lost at least another 8 or 10 lbs since that pic. Banded4life I can't see that Encare link but I'll look into it. My Dr. actually refused to give me depo after I'd been on it for 4 years due to the bone loss! Scary.

So true! Also now in other countries, many in Europe, portion sizes are still the "old" way. Why do Americans have to do everything big and fast!!??

Thanks Michelle for posting that! I am doing nearly the exact thing as you, down to those little round containers!!! Just found them recently. I have been cutting up strawberries or hard boiled egg whites to put in them. I am not getting as much protein as you so I might supplement more... Do you know how many grams of fiber you get? I've been trying to do 20-25 a day. I am losing between 1-3 pounds per week now so I am happy, though I was banded a year and a half ago and have had some ups and downs and a baby along the way..... Thanks again! Karen

Make sure to get enough protein AND fiber! I supplement with both. You might be hitting a plateau. Michelle just posted an article abou plateaus.

Yes Erin everyone is right. I kept putting mine off and then didn't get one for 3 months! Big mistake!

Thanks Michelle! I have printed this for future reference.....

Michelle you look so great! I love that you keep such meticulous records. I keep wishing I did. I haven't really written anything down and taken pics but I know I should!

Way to go!!!! I love old navy. My "tight pants" are now a little loose even when just out of the laundry. I cannot wait to get into some 14's!

Just don't focus on "messing up". I used to get really upset at myself and then let it spiral to more overeating... Forget, it's over and one with. I have a candy bar (like 3 musketeers or york pattie) every week. It really keeps me from eating chocolate other days because I look forward to having one a week.

Nicolek, thanks for bringing back NSVs! I have had a few: Had to get rid of LOTS of clothes that will never ever fit me again! Very exciting. Wearing my clothes from last spring (some are getting a little baggy already...) Can zip up a small size 16 pants that I never have been able to...Hopefully will be wearing them in the next 2 weeks comfortably. And this IS a scale victory- but I am now at 199!!! Yea I have been waiting for that for so long! Can't even remember the last time.... For the first time eating small bites of fruits and loving it! Not missing all of my old favorites anymore (pizza and chinese food). Karen

Yes that is what Dr. Romero tells you for the first fill. Not sure about specifically what. I know I had thinned out creamy soups and mochas, etc... Email Dr. Miranda maybe?

I don't find it spicy and I am sensitive to spices. Also, it's a dollar!

A Wendy's small chili has: 190 calories 6 g fat 14 g protein And they are so good and filling! Normally I don't like meat and have trouble getting enough, but I am living off this! Great for when you have a good fill, because it's been stewing so it's really soft...

Hi Ashley! Congrats on your upcoming band date, I am SO glad I did it. I see you have a little guy! Cool, my daughter is 3 months old. Kids are the best! Hope to see you around here more! Karen

As someone who has been on this forum for 2 years I have to say that this is the first time that people are being nasty and negative on a regular basis. I typically just roll my eyes at people who think that because it's online, it's ok to say whatever they want, but now I feel like I need to comment. I feel that you guys who attack each other (on all sides) are disrespecting Dr. Ortiz and the OCC, who are amazing people and have changed most of our lives for the better. Please just stop. I know that I personally have not posted some things for fear of being attacked. Of course it's ok to speak one's mind, BUT it has to be done respectfully for both the other people on here and those who are considering being banded. This is not a random site, it's Dr. Ortiz's, and I think we all need to keep in mind that his reputation and the OCC's rep is also affected by what goes on here in this public forum.... This place should feel safe for everyone and should be a supportive place. Karen

Same for me Kim. I try to limit it to like 2 reasonable snacks in the evening. Or I will go upstairs and do laundry or watch TV in bed so as not to be near the kitchen!

Amazing!!!

You look wonderful! And much happier.....

Kim, That is so odd to me. Every person is different, that is why we all have good restriction at different levels. I have great restriction at only 2 ccs, and I know lots of people have 3 or more... How can he tell you AHEAD of time how much you'll get and at what time increments? Sounds very fishy. If I were you I'd email Dr Romero or Acosta and see what they think. Your body tells you when you need a fill and how much, not this guy's apparent precognition! Also "dissolving" I think he means leaking? And some people do a little and I think most don't...weird. Karen

Kim, I've also had that happen to me with bread, salad and pizza (my favorite things!!). Now I don't even try. I would KILL for a salad with big croutons and carrots etc.. but it's just not worth it.... When I get really stuck I do make myself throw it up to get unstuck. Otherwise it'll hurt for half a day. Luckily I know what will make this happen OR if I am just not paying attention and I take a big bite of something.....It's a learning process and I kind of think we never stop learning.... Karen

Definitely some great comebacks!!! I always think of good ones later, but I'd probably never say anything. I knew you guys would understand! Thanks for making me smile!

I am in awe of those of you who tell coworkers, strangers, etc. about your band. My husband is the only one who knows (and I've been banded for a while) and I don't feel like I want to tell others. Today I had to meet with a medical lady regarding a life insurance policy and of course, they have to know every detail of your life. This woman was AT LEAST 60 lbs overweight. She lectured me for like 2 minutes about how diet and exercise are the real way to do it and some people just think that there is a magic cure that will take it off and that people don't like exercise. I was stunned! I just said I love the band and I love to exercise too... I was totally speechless. My husband said I should have asked her if diet and exercise works for her.... Anyway kudos to those of you who battle with people with attitudes like this! Karen