Jamie

Okay to answer all of your questions. No, no, yes, yes, yes, no, maybe....... Just joking. To be honest. No I do not drink enough water or liquids. I am a teacher and keep bottles of water in my room but I forget to drink them. I get so involved with my students that I don't think, "go drink water". I also follow the rules to not drink when eating and wait an hour after. Do I always eat right, no. But, I do try to eat my proteins first and my portions are very low no matter what I am eating. And yes I do need to exercise more. That is one reason why I was looking for a support group. I need motivation and someone to work out with and I do not have that. But, thanks for all your replies and encouragement. And reminding me of some tips. I am still looking for the 10 rules, so if anyone finds those let me know where to look. Thanks.

I was banded over two years ago. I initally lost 40 pounds in the first couple of months, but I have not lost any weight in over a year. I would like to join a support group so I have people to talk to. I totally feel like I wasted all that money. Please let me know if you know of a support group in this area. Thank you.

Wow Barb! I wish I had the results you do. You look great I hope I start seeing more weight loss soon. Thanks for the inspiration to be better. Your gal Jamie

Thank you to everyone who wrote on this topic. I have had all the same feelings and anxiety that many of you have had. I was banded on June 6th and just had my first fill on Monday July 28th. After the surgery I lost 10 pounds and then nothing. I have not gained but I have not lost for weeks. After this fill I do not feel as though I am eating less than before the fill. I have been wondering if I made it slip or what is going on. So,,,, thank you to all of you for being so honest and helping me to realize that this is somewhat normal. Good luck to all and I hope we all start feeling satisfied soon. -Jamie

I am trying to schedule my fill for July 28th I am driving as I only live 2 hours away. Anyone want to ride along? Oh yeah I get to eat tomorrow. YEAH!!!!!!!

Hi Barb. I totally feel the same way you do. I was wondering why I could drink so much. I am glad we are kind of in the same situation. It was great to hear from you and the other ladies from the 6th. Jamie:)

Thank you everyone for your info and advice. It is really helpful to have people to turn to who know and understand what I am going through.

I have had my WII Fit for a over a month and really like it. I can work out for 45 min or more with out getting bored. when I have worked out doing other things I would look at the clock and say things like "It has only been 10 minutes?" I have only been doing a few things nothing too physical or for too long because it has only been a week since I was banded, but I cannot wait till I can work out and really sweat like I was before my band. I also love that it tracks my weight and BMI.

For you veterans out there I have some questions..... After we are on solid foods will we forever have to crush up pills to take them? Or is it okay to swallow pills whole? When is peanut butter okay? In the creamy food stage or solid? And when is milk okay? I am 7 days post-op and wondering when I can have these? Thanks for the help. Jamie

In the EAS from Target there are 120 cal, 2g fat, 3g carb, 1g sugar, and 23g protein. Sorry I did not respond sooner I do not have internet at home and so I check it every other day or so. Hope this helps. Jamie

I arrived on Thursday and went straight to the clinic (11:00). I did not get out of there until 2:30 so I was starving. The next day I went for surgery and did not have it until about 2:00 (again starving). The sucky part was that two people got there on Friday had their preops done that day and thier surgery done that day before me!!!!! I was a little disappointed in that because I made sure to get there early for my preops, but I guess it does not matter to them. So, long story short I would say do it all in one day it will save you hours of sitting at the clinic. Hope this helps. - Jamie

I just was banded on the 6th. I had gas but did not use any of the pills or strips. I would plan to have loose dresses and shirts because you are bloated for awhile. The hardest thing is the liquid diet. I am trying to stay on the clear liquids for the whole week, but it is difficult. Popsicles are my friend right now. Also, if you like chocolate the EAS chocolate whey protein from Target is delicious when you blend it with ice. I swear it tastes like a chocolate milkshake (this is what I used preop and I lost all of my 5%). Make sure you have a bag with wheels or someone to help with your luggage because bending over and lifting heavy items makes you feel like you are tearing your port away from your stomach. Also, I have found it more comfortable to sit up and sleep rather than lie flat because my stomach does not stretch as much. If there is anything else you want to know, let me know. Also, I used my atm card down there and now I have all these international fees from my bank so try to bring all cash. If you are going to shop I would bring at least 200. - Jamie

I contacted Lori to ask about my paperwork and she gave me these emails. I hope they are helpful. -Jamie

You can reach Melissa at melissa@obesitycontrolcenter.com or Rene at rene@obesitycontrolcenter.com

I was banded on the 6th too and I have a question? How long before you have a BM? I know it is gross but I am curious. Thanks. Jamie

Happy Birthday Doctor Ortiz!!! Thank you for being so supportive today! Jamie Van Hill =D>

Where did you get EAS advantage from?

How long after being banded before we are allowed in water or swimming? I want to be able to take my niece and nephew to swim lessons. Thanks.

I was wondering if anyone has tried Muscle Milk Light powder from GNC. It has 25g protein and is 150 calories. My brother-in-law used it to help with weight loss, but I was wondering if anyone with the band has tried it? Thanks for any help.

I am getting banded on the 6th. I will be arriving around noon on the 5th. I hope we can all meet up. Jamie

I am getting banded on the 6th too. I just posted a topic to find other June 6th banders and then found this. I will be arriving on the 5th (I am driving) with my mom and husband.

I am a teacher too and I am getting banded a week after you. I would love for you to update us on your experience as I am sure I will get more nervous right before. I am not really thinking about it yet, I am trying to get past the last few days of school.

Thanks for your entry. It is the most detailed I have read and has really helped ease my anxiety. I was wondering what you packed to wear in the hospital and out around TJ? Also, is Lucerna a better hotel than Camino? Thanks for any other additional information.

I am getting banded on June 6th and I am looking to see if anyone else is getting it done on the same day? It would be nice to connect to someone. Thanks. Jamie >