tnm75

You're funny! Thanks for the information. I will be sure to weigh before I fly out for my own journaling. I'll be there on Friday as well... it will be my first fill. Perhaps I'll see you there! Kristy

Just wondering what the process is like. Do you get weighed? Or do I need to weigh myself before I fly out so that I have a record for my "journey"? Kristy

Start on day 7... no need to deprive yourself -- as long as you stick to creamy liquids, you should be fine. Any benefit waiting until Day 11? Uhm, I'd say no. Remember, you do not count calories during this time. Kristy

I got the Toxin as well... love eBay! Kristy

I just purchased Lisa's sister's recommendation. We'll see how it goes! Kristy

Totally having BIG issues post-op. Pre-op mine was regular and predictable... now, it sucks. Kristy

Carrie, There is a recent thread on this subject. It should be on page 1, 2 or 3. Kristy

The best advice I can give... relax and take deep breaths in. It's amazing what some extra oxygen can do! Kristy

Will I feel empowered by this choice or will I feel like I gave up on losing weight on my own? The band is not a fix all... it's a tool. You will have to put a conscience effort into changing your life style in order to be successful. Empowered! After surgery you have a port just under your skin. Will I feel it when I move? touch it? I have been banded nearly six weeks. I cannot feel my port. I have tried to "find" it, but I've had no luck! Can I still go jetskiing and tubing or will I dislodge the band? You can do anything! Much more than we can do at a high weight! Will I have a ton of flabby, hanging skin after a while? Possibly... and, most likely. What are the side effects? I haven't had "side effects." You will have to learn to listen to your body. Am I full? Is my body tolerating what I'm eating? You will have to commit to get in your nutritional requirements. How fast will I lose weight and how much? This all depends on you! I lost 20 pounds pre-op and 15 pounds post-op. When I started on solids I gained 7 pounds. I wasn't making the best food choices. However, I have finally lost that 7 pounds and I'm heading for my first fill this week. What else do I need to know?! It's a lifelong commitment. Only you can determine if now is the time for you to change your life. Like you, my weight was over 300 pounds. For me, that was enough to stir something inside of me. Although I'm still learning, this is by far the best decision that I've made for a healthier me.

Anle, There is a thread not far below this one. It has the information that you're requesting. Kristy

Go through Gloria... gloria@obesitycontrolcenter.com. She told me that I would have to wait six months between my first and second fill. However, because of traveling costs... I requested that she schedule my second fill for four weeks after my first fill. And, she did. I get my first fill this week... yay! Kristy

I talked to my coordinator... she sent me directly to Melissa. I still haven't heard back from her. I'm going to shoot off another email to her today. Kristy

Good to know. Thanks Nicole!

Like the others have said... give it time. The scale will move! Your post is exactly what I posted six weeks ago. You have swelling from major surgery, etc. I promise... if you follow the post-op outline, the scale will move! Kristy

I can eat anything right now... I've had no fills. However, I find if I eat to fast or do not chew that bread gets stuck with me. I'm pretty sure after getting one or two fills that bread and french fries will be on my NO-NO list. Kristy

I know... totally broke my budget!

You need to talk to Melissa. However, I emailed her last week and haven't heard back from her yet; melissa@obesitycontrolcenter.com. I will be there on Friday and will be asking for a receipt. Good luck! Kristy

I hear ya Kim!

Amanda, I can't believe that they charged you $200! I would freak... that is a lot of money. Let us know how it goes. I may just put down a cash deposit for incidentals rather than my credit card. Beyond the surgery cost... this life adventure is quite expensive. Uhm... surgery, three airline tickets in the span of 3 months, a treadmill, fill costs... oh, and don't forget the expensive water bottle I bought! Kristy

Go and enjoy! Since you haven't had a fill... you could probably eat your whole dinner! But, don't do that for "appearances sake." Just eat until you are comfortable. Expensive investment... we just have to remember to choose wisely. Kristy

Really... eating a meal after a fill? I thought you were on liquids after a fill for three days (72 hours). Kristy

Totally experienced the same exact thing recently! I am now trying to slow down and chew better. I haven't had my first fill and haven't felt any restriction except for a couple of things getting stuck. However, PMS-ing and my work has been super stressful the past week or so. Kristy

You will need to contact Gloria Miranda to make your appointment. She does everything! Be sure that you don't make your own hotel reservation, it must be done through her! Her email address is gloria@obesitycontrolcenter.com. She's way sweet! And, she responses in a timely fashion to your emails! You pay at the time you get your fill. For the package deal... it is $279. This includes $100 for flouro, transportation to and from the airport and one night at a hotel. You have to pay cash or check. You should be fine if you schedule your first fill six weeks post-op. That's what I did so that I could purchase my airline ticket at a decent price. Actually, I haven't even had my first fill yet (Can anyone say this coming Friday!) and I have already scheduled my second fill and purchased my airline ticket for that trip too! Kristy

Congrats! Where did you get your fill?

Michelle, I'm so happy for your mom! And, girl... you look amazing! I'm having my first fill at the OCC on January 16. I hope to see you both there! Jenelle... I'll look for you too! Kristy