1jmk

Now that I have watched it a few times, I am feeling a little strange about it. Maybe I better quit looking at it. I worry that I look bad, or that I am showing too much. At one point it looked like my top was coming off. See now I am obsessing. It is like someone that shops and then regrets shopping, I am debating if I should delete it. I am a little embarrassed but in away excited too, that I can move like that. I dont know. I am going to quit looking at it. If you guys think it is showing too much, please let me know.

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

GOOD LUCK TODAY TRUDY

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)

Has anyone had there surgery in TJ by Dr Ortiz. I am a self pay person and tring to find the best doctor. Elissa

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 All,

Most of you know what I've been going through with having to get unfilled. Needless to say I've got 1.5 cc's in my band at the moment, no restriction, and 17 more days to go until I can get another fill. Plus side...heartburn/acid is completely gone...downside is I've gained six pounds. I went from 201 back up to 207. I have to stop this maddness but lately, I feel.completely.out.of.control with my eating and don't know how to get back on track. It doesn't help that I'm hungry all of the time and that gassiness is back almost as bad as post-op. It distends my belly and at night can get painful.

Anyway, I know I cannot do liquids for another 2.5 weeks so that's out. I tried the lean cuisine thing for a couple of days and realized I can't really stomach those either. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I realize that I can hold off on losing the six pounds until I get filled...I just don't want to gain anymore. I need to maintain until July 15th.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I've been feeling weak and kinda crappy lately so, instead of 5x gym I've only been going 3x for the last two weeks.

Sorry if I sound whiney but I don't know where else to turn. Any advice or easy to follow plan would be helpful?

Thank you!

So I just arrived in Tijuana today and let me tell you girls something which I`m pretty sure you`ll go thru if you haven`t had your surgery yet: in the months that lead to surgery, you`ll be excited and calm and happy BUT THEN 3 DAYS B4, its sooooooo nerve racking!!!!! Like I`m gonna have my surgery tomorow and I doubt that I`ll be able to sleep tonight! O and If you`re picking a hotel, pick the Mariotte a) its nice there are hot guys who work here

Also, DO NOT walk in Tijuana alone: I cant explain how much of a night mare it is: there are like taxis honking at you and offering you rides eventhough you dont need one and it`s next to impossible to try crossing the streets!! I`ll update you guys right after my surgery tomorow

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)

So most of you know I really try to regulate my stress to have better control over my band. One technique I use is breathing exercises. Here’s 3 good one’s from Dr. Weil.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three...-exercises.html

I do exercise 2 almost every morning.

Best,

Lisa

These are very exciting and they really do work. Also, his recipes (some of them) are really good.

Thanks for posting this!

(1jmk)

Hello all,

Well, I am very very excited this morning. I finally broke 200. I weighed in this morning at 199.6.

It has been a while since I have been in the 1's.... Yippeeeee............ :cheerleader:

Today I also get to go see a trainer at the gym so I can get my workout plan going.

I am looking forward to that as well.

I hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to share this accomplishment.

Hugs to all,

Kristi

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)

YAY! It's like I am part of the gang now! I finally got a ticker and picture~ My ticker is kind of sad, lol... but I am starting my journey. I actually am fighting back tears.. sorta emotional posting my wait to everyone... makes me kind of feel a bit naked. I wont be like this forever. I can look forward to my little frog feller moving to a smaller number... YAY!

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)

Well the day is finally here. I am about to cross over to Tijuana and go see the plastic surgen for my pre-op. I am a nervous wreck and my band is letting ne know to take it easy. I am so thight right now I couldn't even get a scrabbled egg down. OMG tomorrow is it. Can't wait till its done. I will let you all know how it goes. Wish me luck and a little prayer is very appriciated. Love u all bunches.

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)

Did anybody Dr. Ortiz on "The Doctors" tv program?

I turned on the tv and there he was! It was very good. Hopefully

you guys had your DVR's and video devices programmed.

It was on Teen Lap-Band. But there was a family of 3 that also had

done the surgery. I'm not sure they were Dr. Ortiz's patients, but the

teen was. Best of luck to her "Stephanie" and her Mom.

Tara

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

Julie:

I had my second fill 9/13/08 and I'm still struggling. Mornings are the worst for me, sometimes I can't even get my coffee down, it sits in a lump right in between and a little above my breasts. It's 11:20 a.m. here in California and I'm trying to get a Yoplait down and it's giving me problems.

At night I try and eat a small salad and some protein and I have problems with that too; sometimes it's so bad I throw it out and grab a yogurt - this puts me in tears because I am hungry and the dinner looks and smells so good. It's very frustrating, but I've decided to give it a couple more weeks to see if it relaxes a little - I hope so, I would hate to get an unfill.

I'm slimming and/or pbing at least once a day. I have 2.5 cc in my 4cc band.

Hang in there girl, I hope for both of us it gets better!

Suzanna

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

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 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

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.

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.

Hey all,

Yesterday-went to the market and found a new item in the low-carb section. Its a Splenda milk chocolate bar. It has no net carbs, but 22grams of manitol...Now, I am not a cook/baker/etc. I barely know where my kitchen is in the house if that gives you any idea. So I am kinda unfamiliar with Splenda. I have a crappy nutritionist so its not worth the bother asking her and I can't get ahold of my Dr (I was banded here in the states). So could you guys tell me if these bars are okay? They look really good... and I want chocolate soooo bad....

Thanks!

--Kali

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.

I just checked my BMI and I am at my optimum weight. All I have to do is somehow grow another 23 inches to a height of 7 feet 6. Sometimes that seems just as easy as losing weight.

That is so funny! I know just what you mean!

Hang in there!

- (1jmk) Janet.

I'm post surgical for 5 days and am so bloated, so full of gas, watery stool and mildly in pain. Boy, I sure hope this band is worth all this! Any suggestions for these problems? I'm actually afraid to go to bed. I wake up on my side and my stomach is so tight. Last night woke up PBing, didn't throw up but had the watery mouth. Walked it off but I am not getting sleep because of this. Please, please, please......any body got any ideas on help with this?

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.

First Pic-June 9th-Day before surgery http://s483.photobucket.com/albums/rr192/c...oreandafter.jpg

Sec Pic-July 10th-One month postop http://s483.photobucket.com/albums/rr192/c...urrent=bef2.jpg

Third Pic-Sept 6th-Almost 3 months postop http://s483.photobucket.com/albums/rr192/c...nt=sept6004.jpg

I can't seem to get the pics to show up on the post, MamaMichelle, help!!!

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

Okay, so I just got my first test from school this semester graded and I got an A! WOOHOO!!! I studied for weeks and am doing really well. Also I took measurements and I've lost 3 inches from my hips in just over one week! WOOHOO AGAIN!!!!

The first thought in my mind was to celebrate with food- a nice dinner or maybe dessert... But NO WAY!!! I don't even want healthy food to be treated as something special. I'm trying to change my whole attitude about food so there is no emotional eating.

So I've been thinking all day about different ways to celebrate. I just bought about 10 new outfits (I hit a sale) and it seems kinda like a waste since I'm losing the weight...

So how does everyone celebrate post WLS? I'm really interested to hear some different suggestions.

Thanks,

Kali

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!

Organized exercise is not my strong suit, but here are ways to burn calories without getting on the exercise bike!

Vacuuming – 75 – 125 calories. Give yourself a real workout. Tackle all those corners and specs of dirt.

Cooking - 40 – 50 calories

Cleaning gutters – 340 calories

Mopping floors - 112 calories. Besides burning calories, you can tone your shoulders and biceps.

Yard Work

Walk outside and you can burn even more calories. An hour of gardening burns about 256 calories. You’ll also be working on your arms, back and legs.

Raking leaves – 110 calories per hour

Lawn mowing – 150-225 calories per hour. (Nope, this doesn’t include a riding mower.) The more you push, the more calories burned.

Cleaning gutters – 340 calories per hour, firming your back arms and shoulders

Painting - 288 calories for an hour of painting, working your arms and knees.

Gutter cleaning – 320 calories per hour, working on your shoulders, upper back, arms and legs.

Shopping

Leave your pocketbook at home and go to the mall. Walk around the mall for least 30 minutes, not stopping to look into the windows.

Added Activities

Although housework and yard work do burn calories, if you want to be lose a lot of weight you need to add some form of physical activity that you do on a regular basis. Even if it’s just walking in or around your house, it’s just as good as if you were on a pricey treadmill or working out at a fitness center.

Also, keep in mind that these calories noted are based on the weight of an average-sized person. The more you weigh the more calories you’ll burn. Use an online calorie counter to determine just how many calories you can burn for your particular size.

When you burn calories caring for your house and yard you get a double bonus. Not only do you work off pounds but you can also feel good about making your home clean and organized.

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.

hey all, Just thought I would share with you that I leave tomorrow. I don't fly out until Tuesday but I drive to Omaha (2.5 hours away, for cheap tickets) stay the night there and then fly out early tues morning. I am hoping i can find a hotel with a computer to keep in touch but I am not counting on it. I am really excited but beginning to get nervous. AM I READY FOR THIS??? I think I love food too much. Will I be able to do this? I am miserable on the preop, starving!!! Does the hunger go away a little more with the post op? I sure hope so. Well just wanted to let you all know what was going on. I will talk to you on the other side!!

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.

Okay, I know this is what we demand as a bandster, but wholly cow, I can barely eat a thing.

I was able to eat an english muffin w/sausage this morning, about 5 bites of chicken at lunch and 1 chicken fajita for dinner and wow, major restriction.

I chew chew chew until it's liquid, I am so afraid of another PBing episode, so far so good.

I need to retrain my brain again to stop when I'm full....that is the hardest part of all this...a plate of food, take a few bites and want more, but can't.

Cross your fingers it stays for awhile and I can get back to being a loser!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone out there knows which prescription drugs are NOT band-friendly. I know that Ibuprofin is NOT band-friendly, but I was wondering if anyone knows of any other prescription drugs that people with lap bands should NOT take.

Thanks.

(1jmk) Janet