robbynnoel

Yep, whenever I am in a slump and not losing (NOW), I go shopping. Seeing the smaller sizes I can wear now is such a motivator!!!

Way to go!

Sabrina:)

(((((((((((((((((((((Sabrina)))))))))))))))))))))))

You are doing fab and you look awesome. I even purchased a bathing suit today and I wore a sun dress when I went out wine to a wine tasting with my bil. For me, that is huge. I've always been smaller on top but big legs so I don't show my weight unless I'm showing my legs.

xo

Congrats Robbyn..

:lb21:

That is so Awesome!!!

You go girl...

Hugs,

Kristi

((((((((((((((((((((Kristi))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you so much for your post. Your stats and progress is amazing!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((robbynnoel))))))))))))))))))))))))

(thought for once you would like some hugs, too!!

Isn't going down is clothes size the best thing ever! Talk about motivation! Congrats and keep on shrinking!!

Red

(((((((((((((((((((((((Red))))))))))))))))))))))))))

You are so sweet. You have a photo with my favorite nurse. She was so cute. I remember the night after my surgery, she came in my room at 9 pm and I was watching TV. She gave me a sleeping pill and said "You sleep, I sleep." lol

HI!

I was just banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana on August 6, 2009.

I know I'm only 6 days post-op, but does the feeling of the band go away?

I thought it was gas - and maybe it was - but I'm pretty sure I can feel the band. It's like a mild tightness in my throat.

Thoughts? Feedback?

THANKS!

AimmeJo

((((((((((((((((((((AimmeJo)))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you. Hang in there. I was banded recently myself. I think the majority of the pain went away about a week later. I will be honest, I had a rough time with the pain when I was first banded. To the point were I really regreted my decision. I thought, "What the ....urewuo.... did I do to myself?"

I thought I'd never feel like myself. Now, just a few months later, I feel so good. Aside from not feeling physically hungry, nothing has changed with the way I feel. I was really nervous I'd feel horrible after my first fill, but I feel great .

In fact, to be totally honest, I feel so good I'd go through it all again if I could turn back time and I'd encourage anyone on the fence about the surgery to do it.

xo

I hope you begin to feel better quickly.

Robynne!

That is Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have became cloths addicted...lol I have to watch when I go shopping. I love buying new stuff!

Congrats

Carrie

((((((((((((((((Carrie)))))))))))))))

Hugs to you. I just noticed you're from Texas! I just moved to Texas myself. I'm in Dallas. Where are you? You've inspired me so much I'd love to meet you.

xo

Well I had the band put in this am and can not believe how good I feel. Everyone has been so nice and I am going back to the hotel tonight I am on my way

(((((((((((((((((((((Mamabear)))))))))))))))))))))

Welcome fellow bandito!

I'm so happy to hear you're feeling good. You're going to do awesome.

xo

Hello, I'm new here and this is my first post. I had my surgery a few weeks ago. I had the best of intentions to use this surgery to start a new life for myself and to get healthy again. Within the first week of my post op I started cheating on my liquid diet by eating a little yogurt and pudding. After the second week I began eating whatever I wanted including pizza, fries, chips, etc. I don't feel any restriction or any discomfort whatsoever. I know this is wrong and that I am risking my recovery and future success, but I've let myself get out of control and I'm devastated. I got this surgery because I have a control problem when it comes to food. I also know that the band is after all just a tool and I should have more discipline--but I don't. I've scheduled my first fill for Sep 3rd and I hope in the meantime I can figure out a way to bring myself out of this destructive situation.

I could use some words of wisdom & encouragement right now because I feel like a failure.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

(((((((((((((((((((((CatiE)))))))))))))))))))))))

Welcome to for boards. It took a bit of courage to write your post, and I'm proud of you for having the strength of mind to ask for help.

We all decided to get lapband for our reasons, but if you are anything like me, you decided to have the procedure because you had a tendoncy to over eat.

I can relate to your post, I broke several rules myself. I asked myself why and I came back to the same answer...that I was addicted to food.

It sounds pretty silly. I had a friend who sat me down and told me that the surgery would not cure mental hunger but I didn't understand what she meant until after I had the surgery myself.

I've joined a support group to help me with my mental hunger. And trust me, I need help. If you want more info, just send me a pm.

In the meantime hang in there. Don't beat yourself up. Do what you can and start to follow the rules the best you can starting now.

You came to the right place. I believe in you.

xo

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm in shock but very happy.

On the day of my surgery I wore 20w jeans, today I went to the store because the 20w's were falling off, literally, and I purchased a new pair. They were a pair of 16 regular.

Whooopppppeeeee

Hi everyone,

I don't know if it's easier to start a new thread or to keep posting on my old one, but I chose to start a new one. =)

Hi RED!! Thanks for asking how I am doing! And thanks to all of you wonderful bandsters that commented on my last post! (You guys are seriously amazing...!)

I am now 7 days post-op, and things have been good. I am in less pain than I imagined I would be in, and really, the pain is mostly gas related. Though today I am having pain above the port and its incision, but it's not terrible. I can pretty much move around without any trouble, though getting up from lying down is sometimes a pain. I haven't struggled with the clear liquids too much, asides from some hunger and reminding myself that I NEED to drink lots because I'm having such a low-caloric intake. I love chicken broth and juice, haha, so it's been nice to consume these as much as I want. I'm taking my liquids vitamins and chromium, and things are really going well. =D

The worst thing so far has been my food nightmares! I have been having terrible dreams about eating, and waking up and thinking I had actually eaten and then being in a state of panic. My Dad, who is a psychiatrist, says this is a classic happening when an addict stops their addiction. My family and I already knew that I was addicted to food, and it's pretty clear that I have an eating disorder, but not the kind where I don't eat, but where I eat TOO much. It's called binge eating, followed by more binge eating and never purging. I'm sure a lot of you have had similar experiences. And I just wanted to say that accepting the fact that I really am not in control, and that I am not just lazy or unmotivated, that I have a DISEASE, has helped me alot. Other people on the outside might just think we are copping out or lazy, but it is serious!

Starting in September, I am actually going to be going to an eating disorder treatment center in San Diego (it was a coincidence that it is near OCC) for 40 days. I won't be able to get online =( to chat and get support, but I will be in a good place, a place where I can finally start to address the psychological reasons for my over eating. The band is in place to help with actual food intake, but now I need to learn to not make food my go-to comfort thing.

I am so glad I got the band, and I know it will help me immensely. I am sort of upset by the prospect of not eating cupcakes, flour tortillas, and sandwiches ever again, but hopefully at the treatment center I will learn to make those not important to me. I am very much looking forward to full liquids and I will check in again soon!

I hope you all are all doing well!!

Much love from Tennessee,

Chloe'

(((((((((((((((Chloe))))))))))))))

Welcome new bandito. I'm so proud of you for going to a treatment center. There is an international organization that holds meetings "over the phone" 24x7 to talk about coping with food addictions and I must confess that more often than not I'm listening in when I need extra support.

I believe in you.

xo

Hi, Robyn!! I just want to say that you are an inspiration to me. Even when you feel like you've broken every lap-band rule that there is, you aren't afraid of taking responsibility for that and you get right back on the forum again. Good for you, girl!

I have my first fill scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, so your post is *definately* helpful to me. Thank you for giving me an idea of what's going to happen.

I appreciate you and your wonderfully honest (sometimes painstakingly so) posts.

((((((((((((((((((((((Luna)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you for your post. You are a sweetheart. You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow. Where are you having your fill?

After my plastic surgery and a complete un-unfill so I could get my pills down, I found a RN in Amarillo Texas to do my fills. OMG She is awsome, without floruo and found my port in one try. Not like the doctor I went to that poked me 4 times every time I went there. So I am happy, but im supper tight, we tried 1.5cc and water went right thru it so she went up to 2cc and omg I can get water down but anything else gives me a hard time even my protien shake. So I have been drinking real hot soup snd it has helped but I need to go back today and take some out. I dont want to be to tight were I cant eat again. She charges $100.00 and if you dont get enough or get to little she will take out or put in, if its within 7 days at no extra charge. If you need the info on her just PM me.

(((((((((((((((Denise)))))))))))))))))

Hugs Denise. I just had to let you know how awesome you look. You are stunning.

xo

She came to me today. She called some dr down in Las Vegas who told her it was $20,000 to get the band. I told her more about Dr Ortiz. She is very afraid. She states her blood suger is at 400. She is getting very depressed and told me that she is having bad thoughts. She is tired of being sick. I told her to contact mymedicalloans.com and apply. The worse they can do it turn her down. I would even be willing to go to the TJ with her. She wants this so bad. I feel so awful for her. I am trying to really convey that she needs to be serious about this. She can not expect a miracle. There is no guarentee that this will solve her problems. I hope I am expressing the seriousness of this decision for her. Her diabetes is bad. She says her foot has a sore on it that will not heal. I have no idea if Dr Ortiz will take her with an open sore or not. I would hate to see her get denied because of it. It is so sad. She came to my desk crying. I hope I am giving her the correct advise. I dont want her to make a mistake. All I know is that this has worked for me so far. It is almost a year. I have not lost all the weight I want. I have not been perfect. I fear my band slipping all the time. But I still dont feel like this was a mistake. I just want to guide her the right way.

((((((((((((((((((((Stormy)))))))))))))))))))))))

Sounds as if you are good friend. Hugs to you. It's obvious you care deeply for your friend and you want her to be happy. I wish I had the magic wand or words that would ease her pain and your worry for her. Hang in there.

xo

Good afternoon, all. I have my first fill in about 24 hours and I have a question that I'm hoping you more 'experienced' lap-banders can answer for me.

I know that it's unrealistic to think that I will be reaching my 'sweet spot' on the first fill. Or even on the second fill, for that matter. Maybe not on the third, either!

I have a friend who only had about 60 pounds to lose to reach her goal weight and she's only ever had two fills in the three years since she was banded.

Do you think that the heavier you are to start with, the more fills it will take before you reach your sweet spot? Have you noticed that there is a correlation between how much weight a person has to lose and how many fills it will take to reach your sweet spot?

Thoughts, anyone?

Thank you in advance!

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Luna)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you! Good luck tomorrow with your fill. xo

hey there.

I know many of you are seasoned bandsters- so I'm hoping for some help/hope

I had no idea how much of an emotional/habitual/comfort eater I was until I got banded. This has really hit me hard since the op, as now I just don't know what to do with myself, and I feel loss and sometimes even anger that I can't eat like I used to. How ungrateful of me!

It doesn't help that I am yet to have my first fill so have stalled in my weight loss for the last month.

I am wandering around the house feeling grumpy and I also have an (irrational?) fear that I will never lose weight like you all. that the band will not work for me - I know all the 'rules' and am careful not to cheat the band, but-still can't believe I will ever, ever be thin.

Sorry to be a sad-sack, I probably just need a good slap!! Anyone else have these issues ? How did you overcome?

(((((((((((((((Benjigirl))))))))))))))

I can so relate. More than I care to admit. Sending big hugs to you. After reading your post, I know now that if I would have come to the boards when I started the relapse rather than running and hiding under my rock in shame I would have pulled it together fast.

You are not a sad-sack. Not in the least. You've motivated me and shown me the importance of this board and you are also very brave to know you need help and to ask for it.

I'm very proud of you. I believe in you and we will get though this.

xo

(((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))))))))))

Today was my first fill. My surgery was over 2.5 months ago but since my husband and I did a major relocation (we moved from San Francisco to Dallas) I postponed my first fill until now.

Dana was fab and gave me info on a local fill doctor. I'm very happy.

The doctor's (Dr. Jay) nurse gave me his lapband packet for a reference, which was a great refresher. Especially since I had packed Dr. Ortiz's info away and I don't have access to the box...yikes!

The fill process was much simpler than I thought it was going to be. I was in what looked like a surgery room. I laid on a table, my stomach was X-Rayed and during the fill I drank the chaulky liquid. The liquid had no taste...like water, but the texture was chaulky.

I received 1.5 cc. I was told to do clear liquids today and begin full liquids for a week.

I was up a bit from my lowest home weigh of 224. Today I was 235 but I was weighed with boots and jeans on. Also, I will admit that I've been in what I can only call a relapse. For about 3 weeks I've broken every lap band rule possible. One after another after another after another, so all things considered, I'm pleased with 235 and I know it will only go down from there.

I'm motivated today and I'm ready to go back to the rules and really take care of the band.

BTW, I remember someone posted Dr. Ortiz gave them a Realize Band so I assumed I had one too. The doctor confirmed today I did have a "lap band" not the Johnson and Johnson Realize Band.

Onward and upward.

Robbyn,

Girl you are going to do so well after your fill! I remember getting my first fill it helped alot, I did however go back around 2-3 weeks I think for my second, just was not the restriction I needed, it will take a few fills to get there. You have been through so much and this is just what you need to get you back on track. YOU WILL DO GREAT!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Carrie

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Carrie)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm in "I've fallen and I can't get up mode" but I know I'll feel better tomorrow.

You're doing so well. I'm so proud of you. xo

(((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))

Sorry I've been so quiet. I had to wait for my first fill because I relocated from San Francisco to North Dallas (Frisco) Texas. I fell off the band wagon about 3 weeks ago and I haven't mentally been able to committ "yet" but tomorrow I'll have no choice. Hey, that's what fills are for, right?

I've gained back some but I'm not heavier than I was on my surgery date so I'm calling it a victory. My surgery was way way way back in May.

Sending love, motivation and skinny vibes to all.

xo

Hi everyone,

After seeing the dr yesterday I am mortified and depressed even more than I thought was possible.

He said I DO have to have the port reopened and will get another scar i the same place as the 5cm port scar, and another general anesthetic.

I cant talk about this yet because I am feeling like i just want this piece of rubbish taken out!

He said that i may have busted a stitch of the port which was held in place onto my abdominal wall, he said even sneezing may have done it, i was thinking last time i had a fill the million injection attempts may have done it, anyway i have to be cut open again.

I think I want it gone, ... its weird no one else here has has this happen. Do you think he stuffed up? Can I really never sneeze again? Serious? I have not exercised or done anything strenuous. I remember after the op they normally do a CT to make sure its all in place, he refused me that.

I cant fathom this yet, i will post again soon, right now im really just very upset.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Butterfly)))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you. I was thinking what you were, that the numerous attempts to access your port may have caused the problem.

I wish I had the ability to write something so profound it would take your pain and hurt away. Your situation has me stunned and without words myself. I can't even imagine how you must feel.

Hugs. Please keep us posted.

xo

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone)))))))))))))))))))

Yes...TOM is time of month. I normally gain about 6 lbs of water during that time and the rest is due to the fact I don't need my blood pressure meds in the same doses as I did in the past because of the weight I've been able to lose. A win all the way around.

((((((((((((((((((Hugs Everyone))))))))))))))))

I have a story that I've found some humor in. I used to weigh and measure for a living. In my office I had a cartoon of a scale. In the cartoon two children were standing by the scale and one is shown whispering to the other. "Don't get on it. Each time my mom does she cries."

I'm trying to stay away from the scale right now. I'm only a month from surgery and I know enough about myself to know that for me personally I could weigh myself a dozen times a day and more often than not, a bad weigh could put me into a funk all day long, and end up taking me off my program.

I weighed about 10 days ago. I weighed about 224 at the time. I wished it was more but I shrugged my shoulders and said to myself "Why did I do that?" and tried not to let the number put me into a funk.

So we went to Disneyland, I was sick, I stopped taking my blood pressure meds which included not one but two duiretics (I'm feeling great now btw) and yesterday I was laying in bed and my head was trying to convince me to step on the scale.

Now I'm a logical person. I know that even when we do our best that our bodies play tricks on us. I told myself that since I stopped taking the duiretic I would not see a loss. I'm not stupid, I've skipped (on accident) medication days in the past and I always gain about 2 lbs a day until I start to take them again but I convinced myself that it was better to hop on.

BTW I'm a food tracker, so I log every bite, lick and taste I put into my mouth. All the more reason for me to stay off the scale since I'm not taking a duiretic that I've taken for 3 years.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

I had gained 9 lbs.

9 lbs...are you kidding me?

I was instantly reminded of why for me it's best to just stay away.

I managed to get myself out of the funk I was in and I went for a mall walk to a friend. Someone has to keep the economy going. (I didn't buy anything...lol)

While we were walking I felt a pain in my stomach and I "knew" instantly. Yep...that was a TOM cramp.

Now the 9 lb gain makes sense.

I'm glad I have the band. Trust me...if I wouldn't have had the band I would have went on an eating spree and consumed my weight in food to respond to the scale. I did binge a little, but my binge added up to a 1500 calorie day. I can't believe I binged to the tune of 1500 calories...only 300 calories over what I normally consume. How weak is that?

Thank god for the band.

My Wedding Ring Fits Again!!

I haven't lost a ton of weight but I am finally below my pre-baby weight from TWO years ago and was able to wear my wedding band for the first time yesterday since July of 2007! For 2 years of my 3 year marriage I have been ring-less so my husband was eccstatic yesterday when I surprised him with it!

My next goal is to fit into all my pre-baby clothes. Even though I am below pre-pregnancy weight now my body has changed so much and my stomach is a lot more stretched out now since baby. I am hoping that at 200 I may be in a 16 again, I am getting sick of my 3 size 18 outfits!

Also, just as an FYI to everyone, I have decided to wait on getting the flouro for a while, even though I am still a little stressed about it, I am just trying to be really careful with my eating and since the scale has finally started moving again I am not going to mess with it until I have another plateau, which will give me some time to save up for the $250 cost. Thanks to everyone who responded to my previous postings...

(((((((((((((((((((((((Samantha)))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you. This is wonderful news. I'm so excited for you. You have made wonderful progress and I'm inspired by your success.

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

((((((((((((((((((Vancouver)))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm so excited for you! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Please keep us posted.

xo

Last night I was in pain and wasnt able to sleep on my left side (port side). Wonder if thats got anything to do with her trying to manipulate the port and inject me 10 times, ive never felt the port before now.

I hope its a local thing that he can fix today, i am so scared of getting another scar, its bad ebough being obese and stretchmarks and so on, but these scars are deep and psychological as well, i dont want more you know.

I havent done anything to upset the port no excercise at all, just normal gentle walking day to day. No lifting nothing. My week has been the worst one ever, a few other things as well I just hope that things start going right for me for a change.

I will let you all know what happens, but I wonder if anyone here has had to have their port moved or restitched etc? Im really worried still.

((((((((((((((((((Butterfly)))))))))))))))))

Hugs to you. I'm so sorry to hear that you are in pain and that your port has moved. I do have a friend who had to have a surgical adjustment made to her band after her first fill. I saw her a few weeks after the second surgery. She was very confident in her doctor, the choice to have surgery and the lapband...

She has always indicated to me she'd do it all again in a heart beat.

Hang in there. Please update us when you can.

xo

You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for the encouragement!

I am going to bed now, and when I wake up I will be off to the hospital!!!!

And Noelle- I will certainly be in touch Your hugs made me beam from ear to ear

Much assured,

Benjigirl

((((((((((((((((((((Benji))))))))))))))))))))

Sending you well wishes tomorrow. Oh wait, you posted at 2:30 am so that means you're at the hospital and you've probably already had your surgery.

I can't wait to get skinny together.

xo

OMG, really? *Now* I'm stressing! My surgery is tomorrow...

((((((((((((((Luna)))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. To be honest I was over speaking to be funny. A month ago, I posted a link to photos taken of me the day of the surgery (a few hours after) and the following day. I'm smiling and laughing and very happy. I even went shopping the next day.

I kind of felt as if the wind had been knocked out of me, or like what it feels like to try to catch your breath.