Jessi

I'm not hungry... I just had a nice slim fast and plenty of water but it's like my stomach is so hungry that it's wrenching in pain. I'm only 4 days away before I can finally get off this liquid diet and eating normal food. Any suggestions?

Vent all you want! Taht's what we're here for. > I'm still fairly new so I haven't had a chance to experience that frustration but it's good to hear these stories so when it does happen, I know I'm not alone.

I've died and gone to heaven!!! I'm having soup for the first time since I was banded and after being on a liquid diet for 12 days, soup is just WONDERFUL! I'm in love. I just had to share this new profound love I found today.

Did you have a physical evaluation after your accident and prior to getting banded? If so, that will be used in your case for the car accident. If not, then that's a toughie. I would still tell your doctor just in case and also if it came up in court later, it'll make you look bad. I would also talk to your attorney. But as far as medical decisions, I would tell your doctor just to be on the safe side. Maybe you can just go to Dr. Ortiz and ask him. Tell him what kind of shots you're getting and would that in any way hurt you with the band. My heart goes out to you. I hope you feel better soon! :lb4:

Okay folks, I'm trying my dangest to get my 10,000 steps a day and I'm lucky if I hit 6,000. I walked my son to the grocery store and back and walked everywhere but still can't reach my mark... am I the only one here with that problem?? :lb12:

I know, my hubby keeps telling me... but it's a good start and am okay as long as I keep losing at least 1 or 2 lbs a week. I'm hoping to be at my goal by christmas...

July 3rd?? Yes I think they split it because it's $100 for each trip they make out and if there are other people, they split it... Let me see if Jamie and Lena are also in... if it's the 4 of us, it's only $25 for the van!!! Wahoo... I know it's $100 for the machine they use for our fills, the fills itself is free, then the van is $100... so that means only $125 if we can all get it coordinated! :-)

Paula, I am sorry to hear about your frustration and I know that Dr. Ortiz's office will be more than glad to meet with you. I've only gotten banded last week but I was constantly reminded that this is a tool not a miracle. They did also say that if you eat too much that it can cause your band to expand. Maybe with all this stress it just messed with your inside. I know when I'm stressing, I turn to food right away.... I'll eat even if I'm full... but if we do that, it'll make our tool not work. We are all here for you if you need to vent. Instead of reaching for food next time, just get on line and start typing up a storm. Maybe let your family know you need some support and to not bring unhealthy food around just until you get past this funk. I know my hubby has been eating his junky loving food at work but eating like a good boy around me to help me not jump into my old habits. Just please know we are all here for you and hope you can turn to us. Please let us know how your appointment goes with the doctor.

AWESOME!!! YOU ROCK!

Hi Audrey!! I don't think I got to meet you in person, but you're right, we had an awesome group. Hearing from all of us, we're all kicking ass. =D> Congratulations on your progress. Let's all keep in touch and let us know how our progress goes. Jamie, Lena and I were talking about getting fills at the same time so we can split the cost of the van and keep in touch. Let us know if you want to do the same.

Kimra, you lost 47 lbs since May 16th!? That's awesome. You're such an inspiration! >

GaGirl77 is that you Jamie??? The belly ring gave it away! lol... I remember when I got my ring in several years ago it ook a week and a half for the soreness to go away.... Hang in there. :-) Maybe should've done the shots they were offering beforehand huh? Anyways, AWESOME job about your weight loss!! I'm dying for Sunday to come because that is when we can add creamy soup in!!! Someone suggested getting the soup I love and just put it through the blender until it's completely liquid.... Anything other than broth is exciting now. lol

Name and Location: Jessi from DC Age: 28 Gender: F Band Date: May 22 2008 Height: 5'9" Highest weight: 211 Current Weight: 197.5 Goal Weight: 145

I just got banded on the 22nd and would LOVE for a band camp!! =D> I noticed on the list of things you needed for the camp and saw you wanted to have a spa come to talk about skin care. I would be more than glad to do that part. I am a consultant for BeautiControl and I talk about Skincare products and how to reduce stress, and care for our body. I'll be more than glad to do that! Let me know if that interests you all. I live in DC so none of the choices are close to me, but I am hoping it's Vegas. I think it'd be fun to go to Vegas!!!

Someone mentioned early on about stocking up on snacks?? We are not supposed to eat any solid food for 21 days... but we sure can drink. I found drinking water really helped with the gas... Make sure you have plenty of water and get up occasionally to go to the restroom even if you don't have to go just to walk. This helps releve the gas pains. We had a 6 hour drive to Phoenix to pick up our son and then a 5 hour direct flight to DC. Trust me, WALKING helps. Good luck!

Hey Lena!! Yeah, if you click on my ticker, it'll take you straight to the site.... go down a bit and create your own. :-) It's a neat little way to keep track. AWESOME job on losing 11 lbs. =D> I did respond to your e mail. Did you get it? I haven't really been e mailing people because as soon as I got back it got crazy. My husband's grandfather passed away, then my hearing dog died in a horrible fire. It's just been a bit sad around here. :lb12: My glue is sticking to me like... well like glue! lol.... I'm enjoying every taste of that yogurt. lol... I let it roll around in my mouth before swallowing it. lol.... saturday can't wait to have my proteien shake, then sunday it's creamy soup baby!!! By the way, there's a cool site that tells you about your fills/adjustments, and then also some nice receipe for what you can have. It's http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm Also it lists that you can have jello in the liquid phase.... do you know if that's really allowed? Well girl, talk to you soon!!!

*laugh* Just need the patience and drive and of course the help of family, friends, this board and the doctors. I think I called Dr. Miranda a zillion times with questions.

I'm back home a week later and 14 pounds lighter. I LOVED it and didn't want to leave. When I arrived on the 21st, it was quite busy since they were checking in those getting banded that day then I went in for blood work and other tests. Each doctor took their time to answer all my questions. I then went to Revolution Drive to do some serious shopping and have one last pig out. There was this awesome mexican cafe there that their food was to die for. Even had myself a good desert. Yum... Next morning I woke up before the alarm yanking my hubby out of bed excited to go. When I got there, I was the first to get checked in. The room was AMAZING. It had a soft candle going in the back and gentle music playing... and what made me just fall in love was there was a phone in my room allowing me to make unlimited phone calls to the US and Canada for FREE!! =D> I called my family to tell them I was okay and was able to check in on my 2 year old son. They came to walk me through the proceedure. I told them I was deaf and without my hearing aides I would not hear. The doctor asked me certain signs to use when I wake up. He went the extra mile there. =D> They wheeled me out and I was in the operating room.. They gave me the sleeping gas and waved nitey nite to me and I was OUT! When I woke up in my room, my husband was there concerned... I couldn't believe it. I felt great. The nurse came in to make me walk the hallways then returned me to my room and gave me a 5 minute back rub. AHHHH I was in heaven. I had a juice pak to drink and that took me a long time to drink. Next day I got released and went back to shop since it forced me to walk. Met up with Jamie and Lena who were also banded with me that day. The men drank beer and god knows what and we girls drank flavored water and chicken broth. :-) A week went by and I was not hungry one bit... I did wait until the 7th day for my yogurt even tho they say you can at day 4 but suggest 7. I'm glad I did because it's paying off. BUT MAN I LOVE having flavor after all this time!! I'm enjoying my fat free mixed berry liquid yogurt! This clinic rocks and I look forward to my journey with you all. >

Thanks guys. > If it wasn't for you all on this board, I would not have done this. =D>

I was banded last wednesday and in one week I lost 14 lbs! I am jumping up and down in joy. I was not hungry at all this past week and did enjoy my drinks and soup believe it or not... This thing is amazing!

Awesome, I'll see you there. I'll be your support if you'll be mine. :-) My name is Jessi so see you there. I'm leaving in a couple of hours now. >

I'm leaving tonight to fly to Arizona and drop my son off with grandma. Then we drive 5 1/2 hours to San Diego to be picked up. I'm so excited!!! Anyone out on this board getting banded on the 22nd?

Anyone else getting banded on the 22nd? I'm getting so excited and want to see who else is coming. :-)

To be honest, it shows that she cares. She's just worried about you and doesn't want anything to happen. I would be comforted a bit by that. My mom had a cow when I told her where it was. TJ is not the most cleanest place and there are horror stories about surgeries there... just not from Dr. Ortiz's office. I asked the doctor's office for some reference and the best one I got was the Yorks in Florida. I asked them if they wouldn't mind talking to my mom.... well she called and it went from "Are you out of your freaking mind?" to "You have my blessings, it sounds wonderful!" So maybe your girlfriend needs to talk to someone who's been there and gone through it. This board is awesome, but sometimes it helps when you actually talks to someone. Just know she cares for you and just wants you safe and sound. :-)

I watched this with my husband. It's amazing how fast it is. Thanks for letting us know about it!