BandDiva

Syntha 6 Powders are the BEST! I have tried them all! Cookies and Cream is my fav. I dont have these all the time because they are a little higher in calorie. But, it is so wonderful! Muscle Milk Light premades are my fav. Chocolate Milk flavor is by far my fav. I also us the Muscle Milk Light powder, it is the lowest in calorie like 90. I have to have a protein shake everyday!

Carrie! This is exactly what I am doing. lol I am the same way, High protein and lots of water or my weight doesnt budge. I am talking atleast 80 grams of protein a day. I am also going back to counting my calories

Definitely a learning experience.

Hey Shiney! Are you doing your vitamins, fiber & chromium? It will get better with your fills.

It is frustrating. I am having a fill on this Saturday. Somedays I can eat too much. I feel like I need a little tweak myself! Cant wait to hear!

I will tell you this, I stopped my protein shakes because people on here said once you start eating you dont need the empty calories of a shake. Let me tell you, I have felt like CRAP for a week! My normal routine was to have one in the mornings to make sure I start my day with PROTEIN. Even after my morning coffe, and I am NOT hungry but I would still have a shake. I decided I would do what everyone said to do, elimate my protein shakes. Everything that was happening to me during the liquid phase has happened AGAIN doing it this way. Headaches (extreme), dizzyness & nausea. I tried everything, more water, less gatorade, more gatorade and it wasnt until I increased my protein the symptoms stopped--per Dr. Miranda. (after we tried vitamins, water, gatorade etc.) So, I thought now that I am eating normal (what I think is normal) maybe dont need the extra protein. WRONG!!!! I found I do need it or I feel like total crap. So, I am going back to having my shakes even if I am NOT hungry. Some of what we do now is to stay healthy and not pass out since we are eating smaller portions. I eat many times when I am not hungry because I know I need something to sustain myself through the day. (I dont pig out) I think everyone will be different and you have to learn what your body requires.

The fact that you can't find anything negative should speak volumes!!! Dr. Ortiz as well as the ENTIRE staff are top notch. I am more than thankful I chose the OCC. The patient care coordinators can give you a list of Dr's in your area to do your fills. The Dr. I chose is Dr. Jay in Dallas. When I first saw him and told him Dr. O did my surgery, he knew exactly who he was and had nothing bad to say. Dr. Ortiz had good things to say about him as well. I feel very safe here at home with Dr. Jay. I go for a fill every 3 months & If I dont need a fill I still have the peace of mind knowing my band is still in the proper place etc. Also, if you talk to people banded in the states, many of them are in surgery for an hour or longer. Dr. Ortiz did my surgery in 19 minutes & he repaired my hiatel hernia! From what I have heard, recovery time is better when you aren't under for too long. I believe this is another reason we heal so well. I was shopping the morning after my surgery.

Stormy-- If we are talking about the same person, she didnt do it herself but a paramedic (friend) of hers did. He obviously had practice with needles. He got it in the first stick and she was relieved. Again, you might be talking about someone else who personally did it. Not sure. Regardless, I dont think I would ever do it. My husband has volunteered though! haha I think I will keep seeing Dr. Jay for my fills!

I never knew I had one, but I did and Dr. Ortiz repaired it in surgery. I dont think you have anything to worry about. I had gone to the ER twice thinking I was having heart pain. They always sent me home with nothing wrong with me. I am so thankful that Dr. O repaired it, no more pain!

LOL!! I got em honest, Grandma was BIG chested!

What fun! You look great!! Yes, Anthony is a gorgeous young man. Looks like he gets his looks from your side of the family!

Sabrina! LOL "Stripper boobs". That has been my fear, to end up with a caved in chest and grapefruits. Have you seen Tori Spelling? YUCK!! I had a reduction in 98, went from a GGG to a D. It was awesome! They did the lift too, and my insurance paid for everything. I had indentions from my bra strap, sited back pain. A friend of mine had a boob job last year by a Dr. in Tulsa Oklahoma. Her's are gorgeous! If I ever have to have one, I might consider him!

Here are some facts from www.mylapbandsurgery.com I am certain both bands are fine. Inamed vs Realize Banding Written by Administrator Monday, 14 July 2008 There are new bands coming into the market of the Bariatric Industry. Johnson & Johnson has come out with what's called the "Realize Band". The cost is unclear. But we have gathered some information that we thought might be helpful to you readers and researchers that are considering getting Bariatric Surgery. Differences between REALIZE and ALLERGAN bands: Clinical outcomes (slip rate, erosion rate, weight loss, etc) are very similar between the two bands. The Allergan band is the original band (Allergan bought the Inamed band company which bought Bioenterics company - these are the old names of the same band) Surgically, there are subtle differences such as: **The Allergan band comes in many sizes, REALIZE band has ONLY one size. Allergan has two port sizes; REALIZE is ONE SIZE PORT. Allergan ports are stitched to the muscle fascia (the tough white stuff on the outside of the muscle); REALIZE port has neat technology that attaches itself to the muscle fascia and may have slightly less port pain the first few days after surgery. The REALIZE ports have a neat tool that places the port and secures it with a handheld instrument making it really easy on the surgeon. Allergan band tubing has little arrows printed on it pointing the surgeon to the tab end of the tubing which is a nice feature in the operating room. Allergan ports are smaller around (circumference) and taller - perhaps EASIER to palpate for FILLS! REALIZE ports are bigger around and less prominent. Think small stack of silver dollars versus taller stack of quarters to create the mental image. Allergan tubing is closer to the septum (the area that you aim for with the needle for adjustments/fills) and perhaps more susceptible to needle sticks requiring port replacement. REALIZE ports have the septum farther away from the tubing - the tubing is a little more protected. Both bands are now easier to unbuckle in the event a surgeon has to reposition the band. The REALIZE band comes with a instrument that helps to pass the band around the upper stomach. The Allergan AP bands have "pillows" in the inflatable portion of the inner balloon that prevents balloon-to-balloon contact. The REALIZE band does have balloon-to-balloon contact. Some people think that this contact may cause issues years later long-term . Because studies have **NOT BEEN DONE LONG-TERM** The data is not available for the Realize Band because this product is still very much a new to determined if there are any problems that might occur. MYLBS has always made it known that they use the "Inamed" Brand ONLY. Until there is long-term case studies done in part for the Realize band MYBLS Won't use this product for their clients.

Thanks! You look great too!!! It is not easy, weight loss is going slow. BUT, everyone I know always says something. I currently have no pants (except jeans) that fit. lol Feeling it in your clothes is always a good feeling!

Carrie, you are a Rockstar! I am going to start the 5 day test Monday. I am scheduled for a fill on next saturday!

Stormy, Sorry you are going through this. Love your Mom (and your sister). Even though it may be hard because you don't understand the actions of your sister, it takes less energy to show kindness and love then hatred. I am a firm believer in doing what benefits me and my health. Think about your frame of mind and what you need. Keep focused and don't allow stupidity to make you sick sweetie!

Good Job! So proud of you! Keep up the great work on the last 15!!

Did I hear something about a 'Rita in Texas? Denise I am so happy and proud of you! Love you Big! Love You too C! Bandsisters for life!

YAY!! Congrats Robbyn! Can't wait till you move to Dallas! You will love Dr. Jay (if you want a local fill doc). I am jumping with joy for you! So glad it was smoothe sailing!

Robbyn!!!!!!!! ((BIG HUGS)) > YAY!!!!!! This is the best thing I have seen and heard all day. So happy for you!!!! We will kick this weight & do it together! Can't wait till you move here! YES, I want to join your walking buddies too! Just have to make sure it is not on a day I work with my trainer.

OMG! That is crazy. Yep, that is their address. My Dr. is Doctor Tri Nguyen. He is incredible. And I have never waited longer than 5 minutes to see him. So sweet and very supportive of my decision with Lapband. 972.566.6000

Robbyn, Once you get here, call me. My Primary Care Doctor is in the same building as my Fill Dr. Medical City Hospital, which is not far from Frisco. I reccomend both of them! Let's not give up sweetie!!

I feel an ache if I eat too much. It's probably swollen. However, you can also just bend or twist a certain way and it also gets irritated. I had one of those before that took my breath. Just go easy for a few days, if it doesnt get better soon. I would call the OCC.

String cheese or sugar free pudding. That is pretty much all I snack on. Oh wait, my hubby got me a bag of dried fruit at costco. It has apples, apricots, and peaches. I had a couple pieces last night and it was very satisfying! Good luck!

You look amazing!!!! You are an inspiration~ so proud of you!! =D>