1jmk

Stormy, you did really well in your video. And, you didn't reveal too much. I've seen some pole dancers that made me blush, and it takes a lot to make me turn red! Anyway, I thought you were graceful and beautiful as you went through your moves. You looked like you were having a great time, and I just loved how you expressed yourself, physically. Keep believing in yourself. It looks really good on you! (1jmk) Janet

I'm so happy to hear you're back in Calgary, and that all went well. I thought about you quite a bit while you were away, and I'm just so glad to hear that it all worked out for you. That is such a huge step that you took, and I bet you feel so good about yourself for having done it. I may go that route, myself, down the road. May I contact you about your experience, then? I really appreciated talking with you before you left, and I could use some guidance from someone whose been through it, should I go that route ome day. Take care, and I wish you the very best of recoveries! - (1jmk) Janet.

OMG! You look like a fairy princess! You are so gorgeous! And, what a beautiful dress! You should be SO proud of yourself, and of all you've done. You are truly a success, and I'm so happy to have seen your results. Congratulations on the new you. You look great!! (1jmk)

Hi Elissa, I also was a self-pay and was looking for the best doctor to do the job. On the referral of my Bariatric surgeon up here, I made the decision to have Dr. Ortiz do the surgery, and I was so pleased with whole experience. When I was down there for my surgery, the OCC, itself, was spotless, and I was so impressed with the decor and the staff who took such good care of me throughout my stay. Dr. Ortiz, himself, is very down-to-earth, and took the time with me, right before my surgery, to answer any questions I had regarding the procedure. As no one was available to go with me, I was alone on my journey down there (from Canada). From the time I stepped off the plane in San Diego and met the shuttle driver (who would take me back and forth to the OCC), I felt very much cared for and was treated with the upmost of respect. I was pleasantly surprised at the feeling of warmth I encountered when I first entered the OCC rooms, especially the operating room. Dr. Ortiz and his staff are caring, professional and definitely up to International medical standards. I would definitely recommend Dr. Ortiz, his staff and facility to anyone who is considering having a lap band procedure. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me or post any of your questions on the OCC site. Hope this helps. (1jmk)

Hi AngelaAnn, It sounds like you're doing all the right things. The only thing you haven't mentioned is whether you're journalling your feelings or not. I found that when I sit down and write what I'm feeling...ESPECIALLY when I'm feeling afraid, angry, frustrated, etc....I'm finally able to disipate these feelings and make better decisions about whether or not to eat, what I eat, etc. There are some days that I end up journalling a bunch of times throughout the day, but I figure if it helps me stay in touch with what's going on with myself, then so be it. The only other thing I might suggest is that you may want to add some "Senacot" (sp?) to your diet. Senacot (sp?) will help soften things up down there (if you get the Senacot with a stool softener), and will definitely help with the gas at night. I also took some Prevacid, which is an antacid of sorts, but the Senocot provided the most relief for me. Anyway, hang in there and don't give up, whatever you do. You are SO worth it!! (1jmk)

Hi VancouverGurl, Good for you for finding the courage to go down there and get banded! I also know how nerve-racking it can be, but I was fortunate to have the OCC shuttle pick me up at the airport and take me right to the OCC. Just remember that you're making this change for the better, and that what you feel (the fear) is temporary. Many people have gone down this same path and even though you may feel alone, right now, you're really never alone with you're banded! I've met so many really excellent people through this website, who have felt what you've felt and are ready to give you whatever moral support you need...if you just remember to reach out and let us know how you're doing. In the meantime, good luck with the surgery and I wish you the very best in the days ahead! (1jmk)

These are very exciting and they really do work. Also, his recipes (some of them) are really good. Thanks for posting this! (1jmk)

Way to go, Kristi! I am so excited and happy for you! I've been sitting at anywhere between 201 and 204, but do you think I can crack the 200 lb. mark? NOT!! What a place to plateau! It's almost like I have to make more of decision whether I really want to go forward into the 1's or not (yah, right). Anyway, I'm taking my little doggies for a nice long walk this afternoon, and will hope to be finally joining you in the A.M. Congrats again on your most exciting news! (1jmk)

Hi Alia, Welcome to the fold! Good for you for getting a ticker, picture, etc. and making a decision to go forward. Don't worry about feeling emotional about the weight issue. I think I balled my eyes out a bunch of times before I finally found the courage to "write it like it is". Anyway, good luck with your journey and with your decision to change for the better! (1jmk)

Good luck, my fellow bandster! You, and your family, continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you the very best of care when your down in Tijuana! Please remember when you feel afraid that you have a wonderful circle of people who love and adore you, and that you're never alone on your journey down there! Take care of yourself and let me know how it goes. I'm here for you, bandit! Lots of Love (and MUCHO HUGS), 1jmk (Janet)

Hi Tara, I also saw "The Doctors" TV program with Dr. Ortiz. I'm glad he was able to get on the program, but it would have been nice if they would have let him talk more. What he did say was right on the money, but I would have liked it if he would have expanded more on the future health implications associated with being obese at such a young age. Also, if they both could have elaborated more on the importance of looking at it as physical tool, rather than concentrating on the social stigma effects, I think it would have been helpful. Either way, I think Dr. Ortiz did an awesome job throughout the show. I'm so glad he's taking the time to educate the public, and I'll always be grateful to him for doing my own surgery earlier this year! - (1jmk) Janet

Hi Suzanna, I, too, have a 4cc band, and from what I've read (and the few other people I've talked to) they say that 2.5 cc's in a 4cc band may be too much. I have 1.8 cc's in my 4 cc band, and I'm doing O.K, but I've heard that anything over 2 cc's is getting into the "too tight" zone. Just keep an eye on it, but if the sliming and pbing keep happening, you may want to consider getting an "un-fill." Tighter is not necessarily better, and in your case, you may be risking band slippage, as well as ill health. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. - (1jmk) Janet

Thank you for all your wonderful ideas. Since I've never ordered clothing over the "net," I thought I should ask before I order from somewhere that isn't on the up and up. I'll give these a try. Thanks again! (1jmk) Janet.

Has anyone out there ordered clothing over the Internet? I'd like to buy some new clothes, but I'm not sure which plus size retailers are O.K. to order through. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. - (1jmk) Janet

Thank you all for all your great posts! There is so much (still) to learn about my band, and I really appreciated everything that everyone had to offer. This is such a great website, and I'm grateful to you all! Thanks again. - (1jmk) Janet.

Hi Kali, Splenda is an artificial sweetener that's actually made from sugar, and manitol is just another form of sugar (wood sugar, to be exact). I've used Spenda for quite some time now, and I actually prefer it to other artificial sweeteners. As with most things, too much of anything is never a good thing. Just remember that with only a small amount of food per meal, you'll want to get as many nutrients into your body as possible. If you're eating a lot of items with sugar in them (or ones that are made from sugar), not only could your health/nutrition suffer, but you may not lose a whole lot of weight over the long haul. A bite or two may help to relieve your craving, but I wouldn't go over board on this. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. - (1jmk) Janet.

That is so funny! I know just what you mean! Hang in there! - (1jmk) Janet.

Hi Vancouver WA, I SO know what you're going through. I went through something similar, and the only things that worked for me was walking, taking a stool softener (like Senocot) and adding fibre back into my diet (I took a tsp. a day of Benefibre in whatever liquid I was drinking). The combination of these things and taking Tylenol for the pain were the only things that gave me any kind of relief. If I were you though, I'd touch base with your doctor back at the OCC (or wherever you had your surgery). They've gone through it hundreds of times, and they know how your surgery went, if there were any complications, your BMI, co-morbidities, etc. It may be well worth a phone call (or email). In the meantime, just know that you're not alone and there are many, many people who have gone through (and survived) just what you're going through. Hang in there, Vancouver WA! - (1jmk) Janet.

Hi all, I was just wondering how many cc's and fills you had before you reached your sweet spot? I presently have a 4 cc capacity band, and so far I have had a total of 1.8 cc's of saline injected. I'm sure I haven't hit my sweet spot yet, but I'd be interested to hear how many fills it took before you hit your sweet spot. Thanks.

What great pictures! You look so much better, and so much happier!! What a great change in just three months. Keep up the great work! - (1jmk) Janet

Hi Kali, I also like to buy clothes and jewelry to celebrate, but then I also enjoy buying books of interest, music (sheet music and CD's) and getting a massage. A manicure/pedicure are also up there on my celebration list, along with planning a weekend getaway to the U.S. with a girlfriend (we tend to shop until we drop), buying some studio time (and doing some recording) as well as going to a spa up in the mountains for a day. Anything that makes you feel happy, relaxed and/or rejuvinated gets my celebration vote!! - (1jmk) Janet. P.S. A friend of mine used to take $10.00 and deposit it into a special account each time she lost a pound. At the end of her weight loss journey, she used the money to buy herself a new wardrobe, which I thought was really quite exciting!

Hi there, I'm so glad you posted this! I was just thinking earlier today that I must be burning something by doing all this painting and cleaning (my house needs it badly), so it was great to read that I'm burning at least some calories by doing these things. I, also, prefer to walk around a mall (mostly in the winter), and during the summer -- I love just walking around the neighborhood or finding a new park to explore. Thanks for the encouragement, and all your wonderful ideas!! - (1jmk) Janet.

Congratulations! Good for you for taking action on your decision to get banded. It's a big decision you've just made, and if you're like a lot of us -- it'll take awhile before you're completely comfortable with the idea, and the reality, of being banded. Please just know that you're not alone, and there are lots of people who care, and have also gone down, the same path you're presently taking. There's going to be times when you're full of doubt and then times when you feel confident about everything. That's O.K. and that's life. Just know that in the long run, it'll all work out. It always does. Take care of yourself and give yourself time to heal. Congrats, again! - (1jmk) Janet.

Hi there, That is such wonderful news! I know how frustrating it can be (without restriction), and I couldn't be happier for you. I agree that the challenge will now be for you to get all your vitamins/minerals in. You may get very familiar with your blender, again! Anyway, have a great weekend, Skinny Kittycat!!!! - (1jmk) Janet