denisem

Vix, I hope and pray your hubby supports you in this, and wanted you to know that even if he is against it once you've given him the letter, we'll still be here to support you. I couldn't get through this journey without this forum! I've asked many questions on here and have always received such wonderful insights from the members. I do believe I'm addicted to reading every post each day and am so thankful to have this as my question/answer session! Good luck to you, and keep us posted. Denise

I had my first fill on Monday of this week and it went great! I'm not really afraid of needles, but I don't like to watch them enter my body either, HA! My doctor had me lie down on a table and pull my head up as if I was about to do a situp right before he inserted the needle. I closed my eyes and then once it was in, he told me to put my head back down. Once the fill was in, he told me I would feel a slight pull as he removed the needle, and that was it. The entire process took less than 20 seconds. It really did not hurt at all, so just try imagining something wonderful and close your eyes. You'll be fine! Denise

Thanks so much for posting this, Michelle! I just had a fill on Monday and have been doing liquids up until today when I can add back in soft foods. However, I like your idea and will continue having my protein shake in the morning and also try this plan whenever I fall into a rut. You are the BOMB! Denise

I may be wrong, but I thought Type 1 diabetes was incurable?? I thought only Type 2 could be helped. However, I'm no doctor or even in the medical field, so I could very well be incorrect. Anyone know for sure???

Yes, Sept. is just around the corner. You are approaching your surgery much the way I did...reading all you can beforehand so you know what to expect. I was a member of this forum 3 months prior to my surgery. It really helps! Good luck to you on your journey! Denise

Thanks for the tip, Jena! I'll plan on trying that real soon. Sounds delicious! Denise

I just had my first fill today and my doctor put 2 cc's in my band. Yesterday I had to do an eating test to help him determine how much of a fill I needed. The test was to try and eat 6-8 ounces of cooked meat in 30 min, and stop when you felt full. I managed to eat 7.5 ounces in 24 min. I reported this result to my dr. today and he gave me his maximum fill (2 cc's) for a first timer. Now I'm on clear liquids for 24 hours, then full liquids for 24 hours, then soft foods for 24 hours and by Thursday this week I can eat regular food again. I'll hopefully feel the restriction begin soon! I'm ready to lose weight! Denise

Welcome to the group. Everyone is always willing and able to answer any questions you may have, so don't hold back! I'm addicted to this forum since I've been banded. Denise

My definition of a "sweet spot" is when you are eating what you want, have restriction, and are losing weight on a regular basis without struggling. I have yet to hit this target mind you...I just had my first fill today, so hopefully it will happen for me very soon. Denise

Alana, You did good, girl! Some people just do not know when to keep their trap shut! The sweetest revenge will be her watching your shrinking body over the next few months. Denise

I am having the same problem as you. I'm heading out this morning for my first fill and it's been 6 weeks and 4 days since my surgery (June 12). I lost 12 pounds in the first 2 weeks following surgery and haven't lost anything since then either. I'm hoping and praying that this fill today will get me started back on track of losing. My doctor did tell me when this all started that the first 6 weeks were not about weight loss, but about healing, so that has been keeping me going. Time will tell.... Denise

I have my first fill scheduled for tomorrow. I had to eat a "test" meal today. I got to choose 6-8 ounces of cooked meat (I chose grilled chicken), and eat as much as I could in 30 min. I'm supposed to report to my doctor tomorrow how much I ate in that timeframe, and that is what helps him determine how much of a fill I need. I managed to eat 7.5 ounces in 24 minutes. So, we'll see what happens now..... MamaMichelle, you are truly an inspiration to us all! I can't wait to see your new pics from this month. You are such a sweetheart, and deserve all the praise you are getting from your fellow bandsters! Denise

You really look amazing! I love it when people post before/after pics! I can't wait to be able to do it myself! Thanks so much for sharing, and keep up the great work! Denise

My husband and I are predicting that Libra will be back in the neighborhood pretty quickly! HA! She lives around the corner from me! He doesn't believe she graduated from Rice, which is a pretty prestigious school, here in Houston. Anyway, I do like Jerry and I also like Keesha. Those are my 2 votes. Denise

I haven't had a fill yet, so most food still goes down at this point. This will hopefully change on Monday (my first fill). I would have to say I miss diet coke and drinking anything with my meals. I'm with Mona-Camille on this one too! Denise

Will...you are too funny! I actually do LOL when I read your posts! I just wanted to say that I too, am addicted to this forum, and I wasn't even banded at the OCC! I just can't find the camaraderie on any other forums like we have here! Thanks to all for making this such a fun experience thus far.... Denise

Great! It's nice to see someone in their 40's hit a goal like that so quickly! Good for you! I'm hoping for good progress after my first fill on Monday. Congrats! Denise

Thanks for posting the article...now I can add more things to my grocery list. It makes it much easier to be "good" when you have so many choices. Denise

That is AWESOME! I'm sure you are doing cartwheels around the house...I know I would be! Congrats on your wonderful success. How long did it take you to reach this milestone? Denise

Cathy, I'm right there with you, girl! I was banded on 6/12 and have my first fill scheduled for Monday, 7/28....I'm literally counting down the hours until I have it done. I'm trying to stay on track and not gain any of the 12 lbs I've lost, and it's been HARD! Just know, you are not alone! I feel your pain! Denise

I would love to attend as well, although I wasn't banded at the OCC either. I'll try and make it whatever dates are chosen. I live in Texas, but if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be glad to. Denise

I love Zumba! I take it periodically at the gym with a few girlfriends, and it's a great workout and you have a blast at the same time. I've been known to burn over 700 calories in a 50-min session! Next to spinning class, that is the best bang for your buck in time/calories, for me anyway. I don't like to spend enormous amounts of time at the gym. I like to get in and get out. I highly recommend at least trying Zumba. Denise

Very cute hairstyle and color for you! You are looking like a HOT Momma these days! Congrats on your success! Denise

I'm so glad you were able to get the size fill you've desperately wanted. Let us know how it goes once you eat solids! I'm getting anxious about my first fill next Monday! Denise

Great job, Alana! 30 lbs is nothing to sneeze at! I can't wait to have my first fill so I can move off this 12 lb loss! I've been stuck there for 3 weeks now. Enough about me....good for YOU!