mandyfsc

So I've read about it and heard people swear by it. But I still have no idea what it actually is!! Anyone wanna fill me in??

http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/58rosenow58/DSCN1816-1.jpg

It's been hard work but it all worth it I went to OCC and saw Dr So he is the best and then when I

got on the scales today I'm under 200 lbs I don't think thathas been the case since high school

Dr. So said I was doing a great job and there's no need in add anything to my band as long as i'm still looseing

which I am not as fast but still dropping

I just had to take a picture of the scale and share it

Thanks to all of you for your help in getting me there

Janet

Congrats!! I am soooo happy for you! And only 99% jealous! haha! I'm at 205 and can just envision the 199 and can't wait. It feels so close and yet so far! Congrats again, you are an inspiration!

Hey Stormy, I'm putting off my 1st fill too. (Money reasons) but that just means I have to work even harder to get to my goal on my own! So I feel you pain. I started using www.myfitnesspal.com and I LOVE it. I track my food intake as well as all my exercise. I always keep it at 1200 but add in extra for the exercise I do. I try to burn 300 calories per workout and therefore on those days I eat 1500.

But after reading what I have, I'm wondering if I should eat more.... hmmm....

Anyone heard of calorie cycling? It's basically the idea of eating the same amount of calories weekly but changing the amount daily so that your body never gets used to it. I'm going to try that starting Monday. I'll let you know how it goes.

I completely agree with Lindsay! Healed quickly but had heartburn, gas, and shoulder pain. Now only gas.

I had my surgery 01/15 and haven't had a fill yet. I don't have any restriction whatsoever but have no problem keeping to my 1200 calories daily so I feel fine. Wondering what I'll feel like after my 1st fill though...

Thanks for all the great info, Angie! I've considered this for a while and read a lot about it. And although I agree that our bodies were created to process foods on their own and clean out our systems our foods have also changed significantly since we were originally created. Hormones, toxins, and fake food colorings OH MY! I think sometimes our bodies can use a little boost to do its job. So as long as not overdone- I think it can be helpful.

I had seen these from time to time and would LOVE the extra motivation. Unlike some people on here, I have been overweight my whole life- recently obese- but was never considered thin. So I'd LOVE to see a visual of what I'd look like when I hit goal weight. Even if it's not free, could anyone make a recommendation? I've invested this much, why not a few more bucks, right?? I just want to make sure it's a good one. Any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!

B!!! OMGoodness I love love love that bread! It is the best ever and sooo soo easy to eat. Although with the restriction I have, which is a GOD sent, I can have one slice which is 1/2 of the bun! I love this band! I had sloppy joes the other night. Yummo!

I just tried those Arnold's Sandwich Thins too! They are fantastic- I have the multigrain and love love love them! I made turkey burgers last night. Used the laughing cow cheese and the Sandwich thins and it is a perfect filling, wholesome meal! Yummy!

Thanks for the recipe--I'm going to try that. I've been eating tuna mixed with a little bit of light mayo, but it's not all that great. The cheese sounds much better. I envy your willpower and self-control. I was banded 1-7-10 and I'm struggling not to gain a bunch of what I lost before my Feb 22 fill.

Where do you live? You might try Fill Centers, the link is on the OCC home page. I live in Oregon and will be going to Dr. Ortiz for my first fill, only because I'm accompanying my daughter Janelle when she gets banded on Feb 22nd. After that, I'll be going to Dr. Fitzpatrick in Eugene, Oregon, who is highly recommended on this forum and other lapband forums, even though she doesn't use fluro.

Thanks, Jill! I'm in Charlotte, NC. I have no problem doing a little road trip for a fill but it would have to be somewhere in my area. I'd LOVE to go back to Dr Ortiz, but with plane tickets being so high, it will be a struggle. But I've been looking into doctors in my area and they all charge high initial fees or additional fees for flouro, so it may end up being about the same to go back to Dr Ortiz. We'll see.... I'm going to see if I can keep up my will power for a while longer and save up some money and go to the OCC instead. Who knows, maybe I'll be one of those crazy bandsters who makes it without a fill! Ha!

Thanks for posting this Mandy. You reminded me of another post i have to start regarding the uses of Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges as a sub for mayo and cream Cheese. I have been meaning to get to it but I have been too busy enjoying sandwiches spread with laughing cow light wedges on Oroweat Sandwich Thins

Hahaha! Too funny!

I just started on solids and am really keeping track of everything that I eat and I track it all on www.myfitnesspal.com. It's awesome. Anyway, here is my new snack. A pouch of Bumblebee Tuna with a triangle of Laughing Cow cheese mashed together. It's awesome. 115 calories and 19grams of protein. I like my tuna with mayo and this is a great way to give it a kick without adding lots of calories.

I don't have any restriction right now but I have lots of willpower and self control. I'm looking forward to getting my 1st fill to see if I get restriction but I'm still eating right, exercising and losing so I'm not in a big hurry. PLUS, I haven't found a fill doctor yet.... Any suggestions???

Here is the link for Cheesecake Factory Nutrional Information (AKA what they do not want you to know):

http://calorielab.com/news/2007/07/28/calorie-pusher-comes-to-town-the-cheesecake-factory-hits-rochester/

Wow, Bogiesmom, that wasn't very nice. Ignorance is bliss.... haha!

But seriously, I glanced at a few items that I used to get often and it really wasn't a surprise. Obviously fried = bad. Pasta = bad. There are a few good options on there. But it's the same school of thought for everything- especially us- portion control! I love the Chicken Madiera. I think it was around 1400 calories... spread it over 3 meals and it's 466 each. It's something we should all be doing anyway. But I'll be the 1st to admit that I would have no problem eating half of it in the restaurant and then the other half late at night before bed. Bad Mandy, Bad!

I'm 13 days post-op. So hopefully when I do start eating again and there is a real food option I'll be able to make those decisions better than I was previously.

Journal everything. It has helped me a lot. Try www.myfitnesspal.com I LOVE their website. I put my food in there everyday. I'm still on only liquids but it's shocking how many extra calories you can get just from liquids. So I'm trying to get in the habit of doing it now.

I stayed at the Marriot and it was beautiful. (Nicer than most hotels in the US) You will love it!

Thanks for starting this vote. I have been trying to decide if I'm going back to OCC or to a doc. here in the states. Would love to see some info. on how many fills people are getting when they go back to OCC. I was told I would only need 2 or 3 for life at OCC.

I heard that also. Why only 2 or 3 if we go to the OCC? If that's the case, it's- hands down- a smarter idea. But why? I am really struggling trying to figure out who to use for my fills. Any suggestions in the Charlotte area? I'd even be willing to make a road trip for a good doctor. I just can't see myself driving to the OCC! And flights get costly.... any suggestions? Anyone have a fill doctor they LOVE??

I am beginning to worry about my fills. I would love to go back to Tijuana and see Dr. Ortiz but it's just such a long and costly trip for me. I've researched Fill Centers USA and they seem very expensive- even without fluoro! Does anyone have any suggestions?? ANY would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Breakfast- Chicken broth

Lunch- Chicken Broth

Snack- Sugar-free fudgsicle (the highlight of my day)

Dinner- Veggie & Beef broth mixed- I'm just crazy like that

DAY 6 POST OP- I am DETERMINED to follow the post-op diet to a "T"!

Hi guys, well I just got back to the Marriot after having my surgery yesterday. I thought I'd tell you my story from start to finish so you know what to expect.

First, let me say, I am doing this entire journey on my own. None of my family or friends know of this decision. That may change later, but for now, it is my secret. Therefore, this story is from the single girl's perspective. OK, now back to the story...

I had stayed on the pre-op diet until the day of my flight and lost 10 pounds total. I flew out of Charlotte, NC and decided to take a direct flight to San Diego because I hate lay overs. So as I waited at the airport, I got a Southwest Chicken Cobb salad from Chili's and it was wonderful. Then I waited for my long flight to take off. I was scheduled to land at 8:41 but we got in significantly early- at 8:00. Shocker, right?? Anyway, obviously this meant that the driver was not there to pick me up yet. It wasn't his fault, so I just waited. But it was getting late and I was tried. It was 8:00 here but I'm still on EST time, so it was 11:00 to me. Anyway, the driver (I forgot his name, I'm sorry) was so nice. He was there right at 8:40 like he was scheduled to be. And then we were off to the Marriot.

This hotel was beautiful. The staff is more than willing to bend over backward for whatever you need than anywhere else I've stayed in the US. They were great and the room was lovely. Carolyn (my coordinator) told me I could have one more meal before 12:00 but no more food or drink after that. So I went down to the hotel restaurant and had a very lovely meal. It was grilled chicken with a black sauce over mashed sweet potatoes and mushrooms. It was super yummy and was a perfect "last meal."

Then I headed up to bed. The driver was scheduled to pick me up at 7:00 so I set the alarm and wake up call and my phone (yes, a little overkill) for 5:30. Now- I like to snooze. Every morning I snooze at least 3-5 times. But Friday morning, I popped out of bed with excitement. I took a long relaxing shower, did my hair and makeup, and even put some lotion on. I wanted to do all I could to just feel relaxed and ready. I put on my most comfortable pajamas and headed to the lobby. Now, since I came alone and would be staying the next night at the OCC, I checked out of my room. So I completed checkout with all my luggage and waiting for the van. When the van arrived, I realized I was not the only one on this journey. A nice woman named Christine and her husband were also headed there for Christine's surgery. It was nice to finally meet someone that I could tell about my own personal decision.

So off we go to the Center. When we got there, there were 4-5 lovely ladies waiting in the waiting room and we quickly realized they had had their surgery the day before and were now leaving. Several of them are members on this board. So then we waited. First, we had to sign a couple releases. Then I had my IV put in. I was a bit nervous about this because the most I've ever had is a finger prick. It hurt a little, but then you get used to it.

Then I saw Dr. Juarez. He had me do a lung test, blood pressure test, and heart test. All were A-OK. Then I saw the nutritionist. She was super sweet. She weighed and measured me. 5'4'' 220lbs. And she told me my goal weight should be around 160 although I'd like to get down to 130... baby steps. She basically just reaffirmed what we should all already know about our post op diet. She also stressed the fact that is is very important to follow it to the T. She says most people that go on to the next step early may not notice any problems digesting but overall, their success level is a bit lower because they are stretching out their band. After spending Over $7000 for this life changing experience, I will be a fool not to follow it exactly. So I will do my best.

Then I was prepped for surgery. I put a gown and silly paper panties on. Then a very nice lady who kept trying to tell me how much she loved my eyes put on my stockings. She was so so cute. Then one of the nurses gave me several drugs through my IV. She gave me a pain killer, a anti-nausea, and one other thing...hmm... Then she put a pill under my tongue and said "this is like 1 tequila, 2 tequila." Hahaha! I definitely laughed.

Then after I was very woozy, Dr Ortiz came in. I'll be honest, I wish I had seen him before I was all loopy, but it was fine. We briefly chatted, he told me what to expect, and then I was off in a wheelchair to the surgery. Here's what I remember from that. They wheeled me in and I laid down on the bed. They pushed my arms across and that's it. I remember nothing else except waking up again in my room in my bed. I was very disoriented and woozy and in pain. The nice lady that helped me with my stalkings came in and took those off and helped me get dressed back in my pajamas. She gave me a popsicle and told me to rest. And I did. Oh I did.

Later on a new nurse came in and started giving bottle water along with ice cubes and popsicles. Before bed we also got some chicken broth. I have certainly been feeling lots of pain that goes in and out. I brought Gas-X with me and have been using that and it certainly helps. I'm really not in too much pain unless I am getting up or down. Walking around certainly helps to move the gas but sometimes you just need to lay all the way down. Before leaving the hospital they gave me pain killers to last the next couple days. I also brought some liquid Tylenol with me if I need it.

So here I am, back in the hotel just relaxing. I've taken a shower and will lay down for a nap soon. Overall, this has been a wonderful experience and I hope it helps anyone who it concerned about the procedure. I hope I brought you some peace of mind.

-Mandy