determination

Happy Thanksgiving! One of the things I love about this forum, is all of the discussions of so many experiences. I too have not yet had my surgery. There are so many questions to ask and I think I have better write these down so that I don't forget to ask the many Doctors. I am 55yrs old and 5' 4'. I imagine that my suggested weight will probably also be around 160-170lbs. To all of you younger gals. You are so lucky to have this chance now and to not have to wait till you are my age. No matter our ages we all seem to have the same desires, challenges and goals. Here is to all of us, to weight loss and a healthier and newer you.

Congratulations on doing so well on this holiday. I am having my surgery on Dec. 15th, I will be challenged by Christmas.

Hello Everyone, As I am reading these blogs, I keep seeing PB, and LBL. I understand LB, but what is LBL & PB? None the less, I really enjoy reading all of this information. And thank you Dolittle for list of advice. I am not getting banded until the 15th of Dec., so I am trying to educate myself as much as possible before the big event. Anne

Hi, I live in Enterprise, OR. I have been searching for a place to get a fill also. Dr. Ortiz's office sent me a list of doctors that he recommends. One of them is in Richland, WA. His number one on my list is Eugene, OR. (too far to go) I was searching some more when I was on my lunch hour and found an "USA Fill Center" in Meredian, Idaho. I know OCC approves those, because Dr. O has a recording on there. Anne P.S. Let me know where you decide to go.

Good Morning, Lisa I hope you remain on this site for awhile even though you are maintaining. The tidbits and encouragement you give are so helpful. Your example of perseverance helps to strengthen us, (I think I speak for most of us). I am so excited to get this done and move on to the new beginning. Thank you for sharing some of your personal surgeries with us. Those are also in my future plans. For me it is just one step at a time. Do you receive more information when you have your surgery? I read that we might want to measure our food to see what the exact amount should be. But as of today, I do not know what that amount is. Again thank you. Anne

Hi Louise, Well I would rather go shopping, hanging around the pool maybe will happen later. Okay, now for the "whatever you want to call it news". I am old enough to be your mother. I hope you're not discouraged by this. I have a great sense of humor. I also have a great time with my daughter and daughter in law. My co-worker is laughing at me right now because I have been trying to think of ways to describe myself. By the way, she is 13 yrs. younger than me. I tried to post a picture of myself last night, but it kept saying that my pictures were too big. Well, I'll see you there. I fly in the 14th at 10:36am and leave at 4:26pm on the 17th. Anne

Hi Louise, What time are you flying in? My flight is suppose to land at 10:36am. Can't wait. I leave to come home on the 17th. Anne

Okay, I am like ckiki. What is PHAZYME? It is like everyone has this lingo that I have no clue what they are talking about. Curious minds would like to know. Anne

It sounds like you are doing great! I have been making my flight plans today. I wish the waiting wasn't so long. I am so ready right now. Another question that I have, is the $500 deposit deducted or included in the total fee. Or is the $500 added to the figure? Glad to know there is another northwest person! From what I read there are several of us. I am definitely looking forward to the health benefits. I do realize that I can't worry about what my sisters say, I am doing this for me and I feel that where I am going is the top of the line. Anne

Hi there Louisem, I am glad to finally hear of someone else having surgery on Dec. 15th. I am flying in, are you? Are you coming by yourself? I am. I also feel that this is the best time to get this done. Christmas is usually at my house and with the busyness I won't have to worry about eating, instead I will be able to enjoy waiting on everyone. I love my kids and family and I will take joy in that this Christmas. The lapband is a huge Christmas gift from my husband and myself. He is my biggest supporter. He knows how much I have struggled with my weight. I hope we meet up. Anne

One more question answered. Thank you Jazzy Jude. I have read some of your other blogs. Very informative. Anne

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I have been asking a gillion questions on a different topic sight, and I am probably driving everyone crazy. Did everyone spend a night in the hospital? How many nights in the motel room? If someone goes with me (which my husband can't) do they go to the hospital with me for the pre-op and surgery? Are they then stuck there or how do they get back to the motel room? I have been thinking of seeing if two of my grandchildren would want to go with me. Would it be safe? The oldest is 15 and the other 14, they are very cautious good kids. I am so not sure. I am thinking that it would probably be better for me to fly down by myself. Is there any problem in that? I am going to look into those protein bullets. I will definitely have to order online. I do not live close to any shopping areas. Even the closest Wal-mart is 75 miles away. Anne

Well, I remember a few more questions that I have right after I posted the other blog. How do the doctors decide on what size of band you get? I've notice on several of the different topics that I have read, that many seem to have different sizes. Does it depend on your size? Anne

I sometimes wonder if scheduling before Christmas was such a good idea. I won't have a problem, but I am worried about the family. I definitely do not want the attention on me. Well, I now have have 24 days left. I sure like getting my ducks in a row. I have been going through catalogs today trying to find something that would qualify as loose. I have never been one to have sweat pants, I look hideous in them. So on goes my search. I have been contemplating flying down for my first fill. I figured it would probably be cheaper than having my first fill with a doctor in the states. If I understand it right, the price includes a couple fills. I hope that I have interpreted that right. I love to fly and what better excuse than to get a fill. But like you said Lisa, that would be the only one. Making sure that everything was as it should be. I am also thinking on doing the 7 day pre-op diet. It just sounds easier. I hate to plan food. Oops, that could be a future problem. I am so interested in how everyone is losing their weight. I really appreciate anyone who is willing to share. On the downside. My sisters have told me that they do not approve or support what I am doing. I am trying to figure out where I made the mistake of letting them think that I needed there approval? Did anyone else have family that expressed their opinions so bluntly?

Hi Lisa, Thank you for responding. You are doing great! I plan to follow in your footsteps. There are several questions that I have. Do you fly back to Tijuana to have your fills? Dr. Ortiz's office did give me some recomendations for Doctors in Oregon and Washington. But for me, either way is going to be quite a distance to travel. The closest one that was on the list was a doctor in Richland, WA. For me, the one that was highly recommended was a doctor in Eugene. That is 7 1/2 hours away. Also, are you able to wear normal clothes on your way home or did you have to purchase something loose fitting? I appreciate all and any information that you can give me. Thanks again.

I am new to all of this. I am scheduled for December 15th, 2008. I have really enjoyed reading all of your posts, tips and encouragements. I do not personally know of anyone that has had the Lap Band Surgery. The few people that I have told are freaked out when I say "Tijuana". Luckily, I have total support from my husband and a very close friend. I will be looking to you guys for my support group. Right now I am at 269lbs. and have not started my pre-op diet. Do any of you personally know of anyone that has maintained their goal weight? Probably like all of you, I have tried about every diet out there. Thus, my sign in "Determination". I am looking forward to following your success stories. I live in a very rural, high altitude (cold), beautiful place. Enterprise, Oregon