Apprehensive

I am currently scheduled for surgery in December, with a BMI of 29.3.

I was wondering if there are a lot of people getting the band with a BMI near 30, and how the results compare to higher BMI's.

Does anyone have any information they can give me?

Hello,

Your question brings up many stipulations. First, we would have to know what your ideal BMI would be. But from my experience...I went in to surgery with a BMI of 41.7. I was greatly overweight. For the most part, people with higher BMI's will lose weight faster than a person with a lower BMI at first. It also depends on what type of diet you chose for yourself after surgery and the amount of exercize you do. I have lost a bit over 60 lbs now. I have greatly changed my eating habits and have increased the exercize. I could increase the exercize more now. I have learned the rules of the band. Eat slowly...eat proteins first, the veggies, then carbs. I often find that I have no room for carbs. Also, I find that I can not eat more than approximately 3 ounces of protein for each meal. Dr. Ortiz was great spending time with me prior to the surgery and I was able to find answers to questions I had at that time. Plus..you will see that there are many good people on this site with some very valuable information.

I hope my input helps. I know I am very happy with the results I have had. I was also very impressed with Dr. Ortiz, his knowledge, professional staff and just the entire experience I had. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted as to your success.

My Best,

Appy

Hi all, just a quick note to share with you. I have now lost 75lbs. 55lbs to go and 25lbs to hit Dr Miranda's weight she set on my surgery date. I can't shout any louder he neighbors will call the cops. On second thought call em WOO HOO!!!!!! TC all RCR

FANTASTIC!

Your post gives me hope of reaching my goal. I have slowed down a bit losing weight, but after reading this post, I will keep on keeping on.

Thanks for the great post!

I am being banded next week (9/30) and am reading that the port can be uncomfortable.

1) Should I consider the belly button port - is that more comfie?

2) If not, I also considered asking fora right side port since I skeep on my left side. Is that possible? Thoughts?

Hello,

I was banded back in March of this year and at first, the port area was "tender" but nothing too painful. Like another post I read, the only time I really can feel the port, is when I deliberately touch it. I notice since I have lost some weight, the port seems to protrude moreso. Nothing that noticable. I think I am just more aware of it. Like the doctor told me, after the surgery and recovery time, the only time any one will really notice the port, is during intimate contact. I believe this to be true, in my case anyway.

As far as pain...I have never really had much pain from the port site. No more than I expected to have. It was somewhat uncomfortable at first, but I was able to sleep on my left side, where the port is located. So, you will have time to speak with the surgeon prior to your surgery with any questions you may have about this issue.

Best of Luck with your surgery...you will probably be very glad you went with this decision...I know I am.

Who has crossed at the San Diego border? I want to go to the OCC and get things checked out. Hubby thinks crossing the border is to risky. How has the border been...? Anyone had any problems?

Kim

Good Morning from Mexico,

Hope this is not too late to be helpful, but I am here at The Camino Real motel in Tijuana Mexico right now. I came down yesterday for my second fill and could not believe how easy it was this time to cross the boarder from San Diego. This is my third time here and each time seemed to be easier than the last. As far as safety...I have had absolutely NO issues at all. My Spanish is not the best but I can make my needs and wants known. Even if you speak little or even no Spanish, it seems to be so tourist friendly, there are many who can guide you and help you find what you are looking for.

So as to your question about the safety of crossing from San Diego, there are no problems in that department at all. If you are still considering this trip, safety is not an issue. Good Luck and have fun on your trip.

Apprehensive

Im so excited im leaving tuesday morning for tijuana, Wednesday is my surgery!! Im nervous, excited, and beside myself. Im ready for my life change, the new me will soon be here. hehe

Congrats on your decision to have this surgery done. I am so happy I have done mine. Only wish I would have done it sooner. I am doing much better than before the sugery.

This site also has a number of nice people who can answer questions you may have and are there for support. I found that very helpful.

Good Luck with your surgery...you are in the best hands. The great doctors and all the great staff will treat you like family.

Let us know how things go.

Congrats Again,

Apprehensive

i know this is on here somewhere but what did people use for the scars and how long after surgery did they start using it. Thanks Dwayne

Hello Dwayne,

Well, supposedly Vitamin E ointment which you can buy over the counter at about any drug store works the best. I have never used this myself but from those whom I know have used this, it seems as if they liked the results.

Appy

I went to work out today and stopped by a friend's place to visit. She asked if I would like to join her for lunch. I thanked her for the invite but told her that I wasn't ready for restaurants since I was just banded less than a week ago. While she understood she was a bit hurt and really didn't see why I couldn't muster up the willpower to go. I know she didn't mean anything by it.

After leaving I equated the discussion as a recovering alcoholic being asked to go to the bar right after a six week stint in rehab. A bit insane.

Does anyone have similar situations and advice to avoid these experiences? I know I will have office luncheons where I will be expected to participate in the impromptu "pizza parties".

Paul

Hello,

So many changes have or will occur when a person begins this lapband life. I too am not too comfortable telling people at work or for that matter, telling anyone what I had to do in order to lose weight. I feel, that by me telling people that I am dieting, which is true to some extent, they don't need to know each and every part of my chosen way to lose weight. I find that some people will try to push a bit to have me taste or eat something different. With my polite, yet firm..NO THANKS..I get though situations with little or no problems. I also find that good friends and even just people at work who really care...understand and refrain from pushing too hard.

Some people ask for my diet secrets because they see the weight coming off. I tell them everything except about the band. Some things I feel are too personal to tell anyone except a chosen few. I tell them to eat 1/3rd of what they normally eat and they will usually see results. That puts them in the same ballpark, but playing a different game. So...you are not alone when you have these inpromptu pizza parties. Some things are to be left up to the person that is at the helm.

Very good post

Thanks

Appy

I thought I'd post my experience as the fill topic seems to keep coming up in different threads.

I was told at the OCC that 3-4 fills in a lifetime was the norm. Of course, I thought I'd beat the norm and that I'd have perfect restriction after surgery. Not a chance.

After the swelling went down, there was no restriction at all. My surgery-day weight was 201. I dropped down to about 195 prior to my first fill. When I got my first fill, I was given 5 cc - which I thought was fabulous. But again, once the swelling went down, there really wasn't much restriction. I did manage to lose another pound or two before my next fill.

At this point, I decided to stay local and went to a doctor a few cities over. He didn't use barium, but did have me drink water during the fill to see how it felt going down. I was given another 3 ccs during this fill. This fill allowed me to experience restriction but it only lasted about a month. When I realized that I could eat large / regular-sized / pre-band meals, I decided to go in and get another fill.

So I went back in and the doctor added another cc. This was good, but only for a few days. Luckily, my doctor will allow you to come back in within 2 weeks to add more or take some out if the fill isn't just right. So I decided to take advantage of it and went back in for another cc. I did the water test and thought it was fine. This brought me up to 10 cc. When I got out in the parking lot, I tried drinking water in my car and I started sliming - this was the first time I actually experienced that, even though I thought I knew all about being stuck, PB-ing, etc. I wanted to keep the fill, knowing that each fill that I've had has loosened up within about a week. But, I knew better. I went back to my doctor later that hour and they took out about .3 cc.

The restriction was great, and lasted for a month. I considered going back in and getting another fill at this point, but right now, I think I am losing at a nice pace. I am actually losing steadily now - at least so far. I figure that if I'm still loosing, there is no need to get another fill.

I also noticed that because of my aggressive restriction-chase, I had grown accustomed to being pretty tight and was babying my band quite a bit, relying on sliders and protein drinks. Now that I'm following the rules (protein first!), things seem to be easier. I'm not hungry in between meals and am not feeling ravenous during meal times. I am able to eat larger portions in the evening, but that doesn't mean I do. I can feel quite satisfied with smaller amounts.

So, hopefully I can get a bit more mileage out of this fill.

. . . and hopefully this post will help someone.

Very well put. I totally agree with you about following the rules. I admit, it is easy to learn which sliders are easy to allow you to work around the band. I have done that a few times. Like you say, if you follow the rules, protein first, then the other foods...you will continue to lose weight, and have a healthful diet. I find that when I don't eat the protein first, then I am really hungry earlier than I usually am when I do eat the protein first. It is easy to follow the rules, but it is easy to let it "slide" from time to time. With some willpower, we all are better off.

Thanks for the pertinent information.

Appy

I am heading down for my second fill 3rd week in July, It is not easy to spend the night there because I have 3 kids and a husband who can not take off of work right now as he is starting a new job on the 6th of July. I had 5cc put in about 2 weeks ago and I have no restriction at all. I can get to the occ by 9:30 am for one of the first fill appts and hang out there all day, then catch a plane out at like 9pm. I should be able to have a small breakfast and late lunch at OCC.

Do you think that will be good enough? Or do I have to stay the night? Any advice would be appreciated. I keep going back and forth and I am driving myself crazy!

Hello,

When I went for my first fill, I chose to stay overnight, just in case...??? Dr. So told me when I went for the first fill, he usually has people refrain from eating immediately after the first fill, but then after that...he said it could be done. Then he threw me a curve and said that since I had done so well (I guess I answered his questions to his liking) he said I could eat small meals while I was there...beginning immediately. So, I did. No problems. I have not be one to challenge the band though. Now, I don't feel like I have enough restriction and will be making plans to go back for another. I am not sure when. As for your question...since you have already had the first one, you should be OK with your plan to have the second fill, hang out during the day and then catch your plane back home. That should be enough time to let you know if you have a good fill.

Regardless of your decision...GOOD LUCK and keep us posted as to how the second fill goes. Sometimes I wonder if I should even try for a second.

My Best

Appy

Hi,

I just got my second fill and I'm up to 8.0cc's. I'm having a lot of pain eating. It's almost like I feel pain in my upper back when the food is going down. I know I'm too tight. I'm going back to

the OCC on Tuesday to get some taken out. I can't live like this and I'm freaked out to try to eat anything solid. When you do have good restriction do you feel any pain at all or do you just get full really quickly?

Thanks!

Heidi

Hi Heidi,

Your discomfort seems to be a bit much. I have only had one fill (4.0cc's) and I don't feel that much restriction...sometimes, I think I might need to have another fill. I guess it is the time of day for me regarding when the restriction is sometimes not as great as others. With you having pain in the back, I would think that it is a sign of an overfill. Glad you are going back to have it checked out. I do know, that a few days, maybe longer...after a fill, you feel more restriction. Dr. Ortiz has a video about fills and what to expect. Have you seen those? Check them out and maybe they will answer some questions you have.

Good Luck with your journey back to OCC. Let us know what was decided when you return.

Appy

It's now been 72 hours since I got my band. When can I expect a bowel movement. Also, is it normal to feel so bloated?

Yes, after surgery...your body is adjusting to the many different things. Especially your new diet. It is important to have a bowel movement. As a rule, if a person does not have a BM in 72 hours or more, it would be a good idea to use some Milk of Magnesia. Just remember that the results of BM's are not going to be as they were in the past due to your new eating habits.

The MOM should do the job for you. Also..drink plenty of fluids.

The bloated feeling is probably gas. I had quite a bit of gas for a while after surgery. Gas-X helped me get though that part. Well, I hope this bit of information helped. If you don't get results from the Milk of Mag, it would be wise to see your doctor.

i don't care if i weigh 200 lbs and can fit in a size 4.

but can someone explain to me how i'm losing inches off my waist and not really losing weight..

i've gotten down to 198 ... and lost 4 inches off my waist.

im super excited about that and it's kept me going to the gym even on the weekends.

i wrap my stomach with plastic wrap and rip it off after im done with cardio.

my stomach looks alot less bloated but the scale isnt showing me any progress.

can someone explain what is going on here. i contemplated the idea of maybe im gaining muscle...just wanted a second opinion. thanx.

You have it right. You are gaining muscle and since muscle weighs more than fat (mass vs. volume)you may appear to be losing weight but in reality you are not, you are just turning that unwanted fat in to muscle. You are at such a good point right now...KEEP GOING.

I can't wait until I can say what you have said.

Ok so my 21 day liquid diet is over in a couple days! Do I eat normal solid food, not mushy? Also, I know some say you still feel a restriction and some say they could eat everything in sight. Do I stay on a calorie counter and if so, what amount do I stick to? Any other advice for us coming off the liquid diet?? Thanks

You Made It!!!

Congrats for being off of that post-0p diet! I was infomred to chew chew chew...and to take small bites. It seemed to easy so I became careless a couple of times and then I found out why they tell you to chew chew and chew...take small bites and eat slowly. I learned the hard way. For me the very first meal was confusing. I had this "uncomfortable feeling" not stuck, not PBing, just not a good feeling. People on this site pointed me in the right direction...start with softer foods, and gradually work your way up to the real solid foods. I can eat almost anything except bread. I have just had my first fill on the 18th of this month. I won't even try bread now and that is one of my favorites. Some people can eat bread but I am not one of them. So...to make this shorter (I do ramble), set your own pace by learning with each meal. Ask questions from some of these seasoned bandsters and you will find the way that works best for you. Oh...one more thing. I watch my calorie intake as well. I have a weakness for ice cream so I don't even keep it in the house.

Good Luck,

Appy

I had my lap band surgery about a month ago. I did pretty good during the post-op liquid phase. I felt great, more and more energy each day. I was hungry but I felt completely in control of my hunger and easily told myself that I wasn't going to eat. I try to drink water whenever I feel hungry since I know that being dehydrated will make you think you're hungry but actually you need the water.

So since I've been off of the liquid phase I had a couple of days of feeling restriction when I ate. I could only eat 1/4 of a bowl of oatmeal. I had a corn tortilla soft taco and couldn't finish it at all. I thought that was pretty cool. But, as time went on I wasn't feeling any restriction at all. I've been on vacation for the past several days and have not always been making the best choices.

I just need a little encouragement and support that I can get through all of this. My first fill is scheduled for June 2nd so I don't have long to go until that is done. I am just not feeling the energy and satisfaction of being on top of my game at the moment.

I really hope that once I get my first fill that I will feel some restriction and that will truly motivate me to keep on keeping on. I know this will not be easy and its only a tool to help us with the overall process.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to hearing from any of you about your experiences. It really helps to read about other's journeys and how things went for them.

Debbie

Hi DebbieB,

On May 18th, I had my first fill. I was wondering about how much restriction I should feel before going for the first fill. When I was there actually receiving the fill, the Doctor showed me the feeling you get with different amounts. That is why I decided on 4cc's. Some people go for more but I was content with 4cc's.

There were days before my first fill when I could feel restriction but then other days I did not have much restriction at all. Now, I have plenty for restriction. The doctor told me that the "usual" successful fill is usually between 5 and 8cc's or something close to that. He then added that there have been patients that went for over a year with no fills and lost weight very well. I guess it is just how and what your body wants and needs.

If you become discouraged, and believe me, so many of us have been in the same boat...just get online and vent. There are so many nice people on here to make suggestions, share ideas and just be there to listen.

Well, hope my note helps some. If you have any questions...just ask. I am still so glad I did this surgery...and after the first fill, I am even more determined to get this weight off for good. Hang in there DebbieB....it does get better.

Best of Luck,

Appy

I am going into surgery tomorrow morning. I have been on the pre-op liquid diet and don't know how I will make it another 2-3 weeks on liquids Every day I am surrounded by beautiful and spectacular food that I may never be able to enjoy again. I was wondering if most of you get over that feeling, or if it just continues on. I also was concerned about vomitting. Im not prone to it now, but I don't want to be among co-workers and vomit because I ate a small piece of something. Having last minute second thoughts I guess, but in the end I do know that the band will me regain and maintain a healthier lifestyle. However I STILL WANT TO EAT!!!

Congrats on your decision!

I too wondered how in the world, I would be able to handle the diet after the surgery. I think I even related it to like having a long LONG colonoscopy. I quickly realized that it was easier than I ever imagined. I did miss food, but not like before the surgery. I think you will find yourself being able to eat the foods you enjoy and find that you just don't eat as much (after the post-op diet). I miss bread, but not enough to make me wish I did not have this surgery. I think about the only thing I can not eat is white bread..but if I toast whole wheat bread and chew...and chew...and chew...I can eat that. I have been banded since March 18th and have only had 3 or 4 episodes of PBing as they say. I think I was to blame for most if not all of them for either eating too fast or not chewing enough. YOu will learn quickly on what works best for you.

The post-op diet was like a major reward to me just to get off of the liquids. Creamy soups were like a major treat for me. I think maybe we all had our second thoughts. So..hang in there and you will probably be so happy with the results, it will make it all worth it. I just returned from TJ after my first fill and it was a breeze.

Congrats Again,

Appy

Hello,

Well, I just had my first fill about 4 hours ago. As of now, I am sitting at the Lucerna Motel, wishing I did not have to do the liquid diet....oh well. The good doctor told me that 6 to 8 weeks after surgery is about normal for the first fill. It has been about 8 weeks for me. He then went on to say that the most important reason for coming back to OCC for the first fill is so they can see that the band is in place and is working properly. I received 4cc after the doctor tried other amounts. He tried from 3cc to 6cc but we both agreed that 4cc would be good for me at this time.

As far as the second fill...the doctor told me that IF a patient wants and needs the second fill it is usually done approximately 2 to 3 months after the first fill. He did inform me that some people want to get as much as they can as soon as they can. Some don't really know what the right amount is and this is where the doctor comes in to help decide on what is best for the patient. He said that fills depend on what the patient needs. From what I gathered, there is no real set time for a fill after your first one.

On your first fill, have a bunch of questions written down to ask. He is very willing to answer any and all questions you may have. Right now I am going to chill tonight..then go shopping and find something wonderful to eat tomorrow. With permission from the doctor that is.

So...good luck, be sure to ask numerous questions and you will then see what works best for you.

Good Luck!

Appy Good Luck on the first fill. Please let me know how it goes. I get my first fill on June 4. Have you had any PBing? I have had 1 hard one and 1 easy one. I still feel good and have not lost my resolve. TC Kevin (RCR)

Hello Kevin,

I too have had a few PBing episodes. Actually there have been three. The first was just white foamy junk, no food but I had to leave the dining area and go outside. The second one was my fault...I just ate too fast. The third one was a bit confusing to me because I thought I was following the rules of chewing and eating slowly. None of these were very intense but they got my attention.

I will let you know what the fill is like. I suspect it will be one of these...try and see type things.

Thank you for the good wishes and please keep me posted as to your success. Looks like you have done pretty well too.

Thanks Again,

Appy

Hey there, sounds like all is going well with you - I'm impressed by your progress! I've lost 25#, hit a set point and am trying not to be discouraged. Had my first fill 5/1, took 3cc. I can feel restriction when I eat too big a bite, don't chew enough, or eat too fast - but if I take it easy I can still eat just about anything so am contemplating second fill - Dr So said to wait two months (sigh!!) (but that gives me time to shop for decent airfare from NC.) He said most folks take 2 or 3 fills. They don't weigh you at OCC when you go in for a fill so don't sweat that, hubby came with me and he was able to watch the process, I was in and out in under 30 minutes. They do say no solids 24 hrs after fill - One of these days I am going to go to San Diego and be able to EAT!!!

Hello Karenci,

Thanks for the information. I see you are doing quite well too. I know what you mean about going to San Diego and being able to eat....from what I hear, this fill (first one) is the only one where you can not have no solid foods for a while....I want so bad to be able to have some of the Mexican foods I enjoy so well.

Glad to hear from you. I often wonder about how you are doing with this new lapband. I leave tomorrow morning but this time we are staying at the Lucerna. We are also going to stay one extra day just to make sure this works properly and to be able to have some R&R while we are down there.

Please keep in touch and let me know how your success is panning out.

Thanks Again!

Concept

BMI or Body Mass Index, a ratio of weight to height, has long been considered one of the best measures for assessing overall health risk.Getting your BMI into a healthy range used to be considered a top health priority. However, recent research shows that there is a new sheriff in town: your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Studies now indicate that WHtR is a much better measure than BMI for assessing obesity and cardiovascular risk. Read on to find out why, and whether your WHtR is in a healthy range.

Nutritional Facts and Figures

The Research

In a recent study presented in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism, the WHtR was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality. On the other hand, BMI was not always positively associated with cardiovascular risk. The results of this study discourage the use of BMI as a measure of health risk and encourage the use of WHtR.

BMI Flaws

BMI provides a guide to the relationship between a person's height and weight. However, having a high BMI is not always a telltale sign that one will be at greater risk for disease. For instance, many thin people who have low or normal BMI's still have heart attacks or die from strokes and many people who have high BMI's are in good cardiovascular shape (as the study above indicated). BMI does not take into account an individual's frame, gender, or the amount of muscle mass versus fat mass. For example, two people can have the same BMI, even if one is much more muscular and carrying far less abdominal fat than the other; this is because BMI does not account for differences in fat distribution.

WHR

The WHtR is calculated by dividing waist size by height, and takes gender into account. As an example, a male with a 32 inch waist who is 5'10" (70 inches) would divide 32 by 70, to get a WHtR of 45.7 percent. The WHtR is thought to give a more accurate assessment of health since the most dangerous place to carry weight is in the abdomen. Fat in the abdomen, which is associated with a larger waist, is metabolically active and produces various hormones that can cause harmful effects, such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and altered lipid (blood fat) levels.

Many athletes, both male and female, who often have a higher percentage of muscle and a lower percentage of body fat, have relatively high BMIs but their WHtRs are within a healthy range. This also holds true for women who have a "pear" rather than an "apple" shape.

The following chart helps you determine if your WHtR falls in a healthy range (these ratios are percentages):

WOMEN

• Ratio less than 35: Abnormally Slim to Underweight

• Ratio 35 to 42: Extremely Slim

• Ratio 42 to 46: Slender and Healthy

• Ratio 46 to 49: Healthy and Attractive

• Ratio 49 to 54: Overweight

• Ratio 54 to 58: Seriously Overweight

• Ratio over 58: Highly Obese.

MEN

• Ratio less than 35: Abnormally Slim to Underweight

• Ratio 35 to 43: Extremely slim

• Ratio 43 to 46: Slender and Healthy

• Ratio 46 to 53: Healthy, Normal, Attractive Weight

• Ratio 53 to 58: Overweight

• Ratio 58 to 63: Extremely Overweight/Obese

• Ratio over 63: Highly Obese

Alyse's Advice

New research shows that the WHtR, not BMI, is the most accurate assessment tool for health risk. People with the most weight around their waists are at greatest risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, since you can't change your height, you should take special care to keep your weight and in particular, abdominal girth in a healthy range by eating nutritiously and exercising regularly.

1. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Apr;95(4):1777-85. Epub 2010 Feb 3. The predictive value of different measures of obesity for incident cardiovascular events and mortality. Schneider HJ, Friedrich N, Klotsche J, Pieper L, Nauck M, John U, Dörr M, Felix S, Lehnert H, Pittrow D, Silber S, Völzke H, Stalla GK, Wallaschofski H, Wittchen HU.

Los Angeles nutritionist Alyse Levine MS, RD, founder of NutritionBite. Visit her profile on LIVESTRONG.COM.

Source

Very interesting post. It does make sense but I wonder how many U.S. doctors will lean towards using this scale instead of the BMI scale. I think this is great that more and more people are paying attention to the overweight problem and different studies being done, just like this one.

Thanks for putting this in your post. Very good information for everyone.

My Best

Apprehensive

I am scheduled for Surgery May 20...anyone else for the 20th? I am so excited, doing my pre op diet and doing very well with it!

I have 4 family members who have been banded...each and everyone of them look great. My sister is a year into the band, is now

at her goal weight and doing great.

Three cousins have had theirs for 3 years...all are healthy and doing well. I am so excited to join my "banded family"

Congrats on your decision to join the banded group. You have a great, in family information guide already set up for you. Glad to hear you are excited about doing this. Like many others on this site, I have to say that this was a very important step that I took and I am so glad I did this surgery.

Keep us posted as to your success!

Best of Luck!

Greetings to all,

I am scheduled for my first fill on the 18th of May. It will have been about 8 weeks since surgery. I have had days when it seems I can eat almost anything, but other days I have to be very careful. I guess I just want to know how different bansters knew when it was time for a fill. I do want to go to OCC in order to make sure everything is in the right place and doing what it is intended to do...but fill? I guess the doctor will be able to tell me after telling him about the foods I eat and the amount of weight loss. I realize everyone is different, but I really don't know if I need a fill. I would like to lose weight faster...but then again, I want to do this right.

If anyone has any information and/or suggestions, I would really appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks to everyone who has given me advice and encouragement in the past. Hope all is going well for all of you!

All My Best

Apprehenisve

What I have learned since being banded...

1.--The band is a tool, like a hammer, if your don't use it right it won't work...

2.--I cut meat up very small.

3.--Barbeque sause can be your friend.

4.--Use a baby fork so you can't shovel food in fast.

5.--Carry a zip lock baggie in your car or purse for those emergency PBing episodes.

6.--If you follow the rules, you will succeed!!!!

7.--If you ignore the rules and think the band is a majic tool and you will automatically going to lose weight your cheating yourself.

8.--Be careful of those that want to shuve food in your face...Grandma's etc

9.--You can make a meal out of veggies and be satisfied.

10.-Your body can live off of wayyyy less food than you ever dreamed of...

11.-Get a dog, its a excuse to walk...or a necessity...

12.-You look at your life in a different way as you lose weight. The future begins to look brighter!

13.-As you lose weight, you do more, you feel lighter, your self esteem improves, you feel more sexy...

14.-I usually know where all the bathrooms are in a public place, just incase!

15.-I reread Dr. Ortiz's book over and over. Keeps the inspiration going.

16.-I know I can't eat a whole meal until later in the evening. Band is tight in the AM...

17.-Crystal lite is one of my staples in life. Plain water is nasty!

18.-Its ok to lose slowly, I didn't gain this weight over night...

19.-Try not to make, "taking that one last bite" a habit...Constant PBing may cause a slipped band...

20.-I have made new friendship from this site, honest non biased, true reply's...My band has opened up relationships, helped my life, my self esteem...I am sure there is more that I have learned..Please add to this list...

Kim

Great Post! You have written down the rules to live by after being banded. Then what jhawkchick75 wrote is a goal that hopefully I will soon be able to say. I have tightened my belt to the point of needing to buy a new one so that is my next purhcase.

I especially like the number 18. You are so right about not gaining the weight over night.

Thanks for the special post!

Well I just got home. Was banded on 05/07/10 I'm feeling pretty good was a really cramped plane ride but I'm excited to see my kids and start my journey. Meet a lot of other while out there thanks for the support yall and good luck.

Toni

Hi MyNewBeginning,

Well, the hardest part is over. Now the post-op diet then you will be on your way to a new YOU. I am going to OCC for my first fill on the 18th of May...HEY...that is only 5 days. I have few reservations about going for the fill. I just wonder if I really need one or if I just think I need one. I guess the doctors there will be the judge. My main reason going back to OCC is to have the doctor that put this in, see that it is where it should be. I am losing weight, but wish I could lose it faster...(don't we all) but I am very happy with the results so far.

So...keep the postitive attitude and use this site when you become a bit overloaded with questions, thoughts or just needing to vent. There are some great people on here that are very helpful.

CONGRATS!!

Good Afternoon robbynnoel,

Right off the bat, I see that you have had some fantastic results. For me, I am so new at this...I have had this...well, almost HIGH when I get up in the morning. I have so much more energy, less desire to eat...and I am seeing some results. I wish the weight would drop off quickly but I know that is not reasonable. This tells me I am still in the "new toy mode". It is fun, exciting, and challenging to be recently banded. So right now, I don't find my motivation changing that much at all.

Looking at this from your point of view, I think I can relate to what you are saying. The fear part is a good likeness of the feeling. I have had many things happen in my life that when (what ever it was) was within reach...I had this terrible feeling that I just might not make my goal. After working with this for many years, I realized that my feelings were fear as well. Fear of failure. I had to do some deep digging to admit that. Now that I do know what my problem is (was), I don't have the feelings as often. Wanting to stay in a "comfort zone" is so common. Even for people who seemingly do not have the problem with bad "vibes" etc. Finding a comfort zone and wanting to stay there is just part of life. Some people like the easy ways...but those who take on the tougher routes, tougher schedules, tougher challenges are the ones who succeed at a higher level.

This is just my opinion...but I think I have been where you are talking about. Recently, when I had to admit I needed some assistance to lose weight or pay for it with other health issues, I had this brief feeling of the "what if's". So I tried to turn in around to the "what if I don't do this"? Looking at different things through a different perspective made a whole world of difference to me. Sure hope this does't sound like a bunch of prattle, but I thought you are having such great success and have been such a great role model for so many people on this site...I just had to send you a pat on the back and a big thank you for bringing up this "make me think" type subject.

My Best

Apprehensive (no longer)

oh ok. I just typed in lapband forums and this is what I got. I didnt realize it was for a specific clinic:) Can anybody answer a few questions?

Is the airfare thats included only from San Francisco?

How do you get your "fills" done once back in the US?

Just anybody who wants to tell me their story would be great!

I am so excited!

Greetings,

You came to the right place! If you want affordable, specialized bariatric surgical care then the OCC in Tijuana, Mexico is the place. Also, if you want to learn more about the different patients and their experience...just read some of the blogs. Most of the people on this site are very kind and helpful with any and all questions you may have. Now about your travel. The OCC will provide transportation from the San Diego Airport to Tijuana and then back to the San Diego Airport when you depart. I had to pay for my flight to and from San Diego. When you contact the OCC for information, they will provide all the information you will need. When I scheduled my surgery, I was able to schedule the date I wanted, and could not have had better care and service. Included in this information is the US doctors who provide fills.

I had a great experience. I have had such success and I am relatively new. I received my Lapband on March 18th. I can not say enough positive things about Dr. Ortiz, all the other Doctors who were present. And the staff nurses, receptionist, well just everyone who were there are so kind and professional.

I am a nurse in KC and I studied many options for this surgery before going to Mexico. I agree with you, the prices in the US are way too expensive! In Mexico there are other places that can provide this surgery, but be sure you check them out in detail. I found that no other place compared to the OCC.

Look around and I bet you will find that the OCC is the best place to go.

You will see my screen name is Apprehenisve, but NO LONGER! I am one of the many satisfied patients.

Best of Luck

Apprehensive