dianna

You know I really look up those of you who have been banded and are losing the weight! I have always been worried that this won't work for me. I understand it is a tool. It will control my QUANTITY but I will control my quality. That said, I had one fill, 1cc on August 16th. Between my first and second fill I have not lost weight and in fact gained 5 pounds back. Is that normal? I didn't really have good restriction. And of course I pushed it (meaning like I have all these years I start to feel that "okay I am good feeling" but the food tastes so good that I keep going). Thus, I gained about 5 pounds. So today I got a fill, under fluro and now I have 2.2cc in my 4 cc band. I drank some water, could feel that it didn't go right down immediately, so it felt like a good fill. So another question is, when did you all start to lose weight? Was it with your first or second fill? I know it is different for everyone, but I would really like to hear from you all!!! PLEASE What should I expect now? Should I see the scale move weekly? I know that with my first fill I was eating less, people commented. I wasn't eating 1/3 of what my pre-eating was though. I could really use your feedback about your experiences. Looking forward to hearing from you! Dianna

I don't know why I do this! I am such an addict of food. It is my vice, and out of shear boredom I give in it. How weak is that?!? I am learning everyday that food is my addiction. It is also something I must do each and everyday to live and be healthy (eating). Yet making good healthy choices are not easy. I must change my life around, and kick myself in my rather LARGE ASS, and get going!!! I am so pissed at myself. I gave in an went to Taco Time and got my fast food fix. No, I wasn't hungry - a little I could have ate something at home and that would have solved my hungry issue for me. But oh no...what do I do? Get in the car and drive to get my fix. I need a fill. And I don't care if its too tight, if something gets stuck GOOD!!! If I can't teach myself to eat food the right way, then maybe Pavlov's responce will teach me!!! Sorry for the rant....I am just frustrated! Dianna

Kim~ $1500 that is way too much! I am going to find you a flight to my hometown and get you a fill (a blind fill) for $100. She does a great job!!!! You'll love her, and yourself for saving $$$. If you book your flight like 4-6 weeks out, you can get some pretty cheap airfair. Let me know what you think! HUGS~ Dianna

1) Sugar free Popsicles. And Sugar free fudge pops. 2) Sugar free jello. 3) Pudding, but only eat it when you get past the clear liquids only stage. Hope these few thing help. Dianna

Banded in TJ, Mexico July 2nd. Lost a total of 20 lbs since (including pre/post op diet). Got my first fill locally. 1cc in a 4cc band. It was a blind fill, meaning no fluro, and it was a great experience. I'll be going back to her for sure. I started back on my exercise program this last Monday. I am working out 30minutes, three times a week, and next week I'll bump it up to four times a week. I have some restriction with my fill, but not much. I am working harding than my band is. Anyway, thats how I feel. I am pushing the plate away when I am still hungry. But I know that is good for me. I have taken pictures of my progress and need to post them. I can't really see a difference yet (since I am down only 20 lbs). But my clothes do feel looser, and that makes me happy. Anyway, I missed you all terribly. Dawnie, WillT, Kirma, LisaLisal, C1bandedbabe....and everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to hear from you! Hope you all respond and let me know how you all are doing. I'll be checking frequently now since my internet is back up and running. HUGS! Dianna

Kim~ You look ggggggrrrrreat!!!! I love seeing your pictures. You give me hope, and I am so grateful to you for that!!! Maybe I be a hottie like you next summer! hugs, Dianna

Maybe I am jumping the gun. I got my first fill....without fluro...here locally. It was a great experience!!! I could feel her get the port right off, and even felt the saline inflating. I have 1cc in my 4cc band. I had my first fill August 16th. I am eating less (I do have some restriction), but I am not eating 1/3 of what I used to eat pre-band. My weight hasn't declined, I am still at a grand total of 20 lbs. lost from my pre-op/post-op diet. I know I have only given it a few days, but it lead me to the question...HOW LONG INBETWEEN YOUR FIRST AND SECOND FILL? I was just trying to figure out how long before I should schedule my second fill. I would love to hear from you all! Sorry, I haven't been on much lately, my stupid internet provider--clearwire--went to pot and I am NOT renewing. I'll have our internet up the middle part of the week. So for now, I'll check on the forum at work...shhhhhhh. Dianna

Okay, the center in Meridian called and I had to cancel with them related to prior work obligations. They can still get me in only I will have to pay $365.00 (this includes fluro). Okay...I am cheap! I know this. There is a FNP here locally that does blind fills for $100.00 So my question is, how many of you have had fills without fluro? I know that fluro is best, but with $$$ restrictions what do I do? I need your help with this! PLEASE!!! BTW, those in/around the Boise, Idaho area...go to Dr. Ortiz website, click on fill centers. Call that number and let them know where you live. There were only so many spots open on August 16th, and August 23rd. These were the only dates that you could get in for the $165.00 (like for your first 10 fills @ $165.00) Sorry to those who emailed me....my internet is down and I haven't recieved my replacement modem. Dianna

This is a new place opening August 15th. They are charging $165.00 with fluro. I am nervous thinking maybe I should go back to OCC for my fills, but the cost of airfair is the problem. Going to Meridian I can see family and friends so for me it is worth the trip. But I am just worried with it being a new center how trained will they be? Are they Radiology Doctors that fill the band or is it just anyone they train and deem "trained" So I thought I would turn to you guys and ask...do you think it will be okay?...any suggestions? Please help! Thanks, Dianna

My husband a I were walking in front of a club (you know...a nude girl club). This guy says, "Senor, Senor...come, come inside our club...you will like." My husband said, "What? No! I am married!" Then (this is what gets me!!!!), the guy says, "she can sit outside here and I will give her free drinks!" I shook my finger at him and said, "You are so naughty!" "That is bad, bad!" (Can you tell I have 3 little boys at home, I talk with my kids a lot and then sometimes when I talk with adults I end up talking like I do with my kids.) LOL, Dianna

HOLY SMOKES! YOU ARE LOOKING GREAT!!!

I absolutely love to see progress pictures!!! YOU LOOK SOOOO GOOD! Keep it up! :D Dianna

LMAO!!!!!!!!! My family wants to know why I am gut rolling!!!!!!!!!! They think I am funny when I look at the computer and start to laugh! That is the funniest thing I have heard all day! GREAT NEWS!!! CONGRATS!!!! :P :P :P :P dianna

This IS fun!!! and I like what Will t said, soon will be our reality!!! Though I love fashion, I don't like the price tag prices. I get a little sticker shocked!!! But, I can't wait to know that I can shop in cute stores too! Cute board shorts and t-shirt with cute flip flops Jeans and a nice blouse Sexy Lingerie GAP jeans Not to feel like my head is going to pop off when I bend over to tie a shoe, etc. See more curves than fat roles....... These are just a few things I am excited for!!!!!!!! Dianna

So the fill is free, the Fluro is $100, but don't they pick you up? I also think they charge you gas money? Like $65 if I am correct? Could someone please clarify? Thanks!

Okay, I am on the creamy part of the liquid diet post-op phase. My husband...bless his heart...took the literal word CREAMY to heart. So...in his effort to be supportive he tells me somethings are off limits. Like Tomato soup is okay, but other campbells hand held drinkables that have some soggy parts in them are not. We were at the store yesturday and I was just looking, trying to mix things up, and he said I better not try them. In our post-op instructions it also said O.J. was okay but not the pulp kind. So I got some lemonade which had barely any pulp (it had been strained, but looked like some got threw), and he kindly encouraged me not to drink it. So, what I am wondering is are a few things. 1) If the band is healing in place and is loose, how does your pouch get stretched out? Meaning...the band is not tight creating a pouch yet. 2) So what if I got the Campbells drinkable soups like Clam Chowder, Chicken noodles with stars, etc...Won't those little pieces get flushed down anyway? I am just getting really board with what my creamy phase, and am looking to mix things up without bending the rules. Anyone have any suggestions? Would love to hear from you!!! Dianna

Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!!OMG....How in the heck could I forget about the GAP? Am I crazy? YES....ME TOO....next summer lets buy stock in the GAP, because with all my shopping....our stocks will be looking good! LOL hehehehehe, dianna :P

I've had three c-sections so I know I will never have that flat perfect stomach, but to me I don't care. I will be proud of my momma chub. I also can not wait to go to a store and try on clothes and have them fit. I am short, so everything is always too long...but my point is...I want to go into a store and try on a size...whatever....and have it fit. THAT WILL BE THE DAY! Oh, novelty stores....I have not really ever been in one....next summer watch out!!! You guys will all prob. get an eye full from me...posing in whatever I just bought....LOL....Maybe I pick up a second job temporarily for spending money on clothes. That will be fun!! :D Dianna

There is also a store here locally called Maurces...so cute and lots of trendy clothes. Oh I can not wait. I think I would like to wear a size 10-12. That is what I remember wearing after high school and before kids...I think that would be a good size for me and my body type. I kept all my Clavin Klein jeans...just could not part with them! So I can't wait to get back in them!!!! Dianna

I look forward to shopping in the regular sized clothes! No more 20-22W. That size is so depressing, nothing cute...I just look like a old fogey. I can't wait to shop at one of our local stores called "TriState Outfitters." There, the have cute Columbia clothing...which I seemed to always like. I want to wear cute board shorts, and cute (age appropriate) tops! Thats for summer wear. I would also like...how embarrassing...to be able to wear those cute sexy garter belts. Don't know why...just want to. Right now I am size 20-22W...just had my band done July 2nd, and the my clothes are starting to fit looser...So I am not sure what size I really am currently. I would love to hear what you all want to get your skinny little bodies in!!!!!

I had zoom whiting...it was nice...only $250. I had a gap between some front teeth and she fixed that for me. I used to grind my teeth when I was a kid and wear a night guard regularly in case I grind....but I don't anymore, my guard has no grind markings...That said. I was disappointed. Later that night one of gap fillings broke off. I asked for my money back...NO CHANCE...even though the work only latest around 4-6 hours. She is a very nice, cute lady! But I was soooo disappointed that they would not refund my $100 back. They said when I come back for my fill she would fix it at no cost. Which I am not too happy about, because I am not sure I will go back to get my fill there at the OCC or not. So, with my experience (and what my own dentist said) if you get your teeth fixed there and something goes wrong there is NO recourse action you can take. Others may have had a different experience than mine....cheaper there...YES....but we do get what we pay for. Hope this helped! Dianna

You are SOOO pretty!!! Funny, you and I have the same clothes too!! Great minds think alike!!!

Bobbi~ There is a funny cartoon I saw in the comic section...picture this....a beautiful, thin, curvy, blond bombshell in a tiny, cute bikini....she looks at herself in the mirror and sees, a FAT, FRUMPY, woman, instead of the beautiful woman she really is. Next to her is her a man....he is chubby, pot bellied, and hairy (excessively for comic relief)...posing in some Hulk Hogan Wrestle Mainia (sp?) kind of way. He interprets his reflection as some muscled, beefy, sexy, irresistible, gift to women. My point...well its simple...we do not see ourselves as we really are...but rather as we are conditioned to see ourselves. You are beautiful...size 24 or 32! Now that your are sliming way down....YOU GO GIRL....tell yourself each day, no matter if you believe it to be true or not, DO IT ANYWAY, tell yourself each day what you like about yourself in the mirror. You will...start to believe it...and then you will notice more and more things that you like about yourself and your body! This is hard for us women! This is hard for me! But we CAN make a mental change about ourselves! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! AND LOOKING OH SO GOOD! :D Dianna

Lisa~ Here is a little breakdown of who I am working on not being any longer. I would skip breakfast, lunch time would entail something nice and greasy with fries or tater tots (oh how I love them tater tots!) Dinner time...since I hate cooking...would include a quick trip to a fast food joint. I was the biggest fast food junkie in town!! And my butt and thighs proved it! LOL :D Oh, BTW, I would NEVER drink water....YUK....I would drink Pepsi...that WAS my staple drink! Then I topped the scale at 246 lbs...and I am a registered nurse (who knows better!!!!!!!!!) I grew up in a single family home, my mom bless her heart, worked at Ore-Ida frozen foods. So she would bring home damaged packages from work. I could cook ANYTHING...as long as it was microwavable....it was cooked on HIGH for 5 minutes...NO matter what it was. :D My husband still laughs about that. Now...I am determined to change my ways. I have three small children and I WILL change! I don't want them growing up with my POOR eating habits. That said...At 246 lbs...I decided to get a lap-band...I started my pre-op diet early so I could make sure I lost enough weight. I did...I lost 13 pounds by eating the right way. I was banded July 2nd, and now I am 10 days post-op. I am on the creamy soup phase of the post-op diet. I am not enjoying it, and treat myself once in a while to soft serve ice cream, a kiddie size. I have 13 days until I can eat regular food...and reading posts about how you set aside Sunday to package up your meals...well...sounded really smart!!!! :D Can you tell me what you do! Not to be a pain, but could you be specific...Do you make a week of meals or what do you do? I like the sound of meal making on Sunday and think I can incorporate my kids in helping...this makes me really excited because it would be a great time to teach them about cooking, portion size, etc...I'm sure you get the idea! I hope this post and its reply's can help others too!!! Thanks!!! Dianna

I know what it is like to feel crappy and then to have that relief feeling of feeling so much better!!!! I am so glad you are feeling better. Isn't it funny how we take our health for granted? hugs! dianna