damalove

Angie - sucks you have to keep going back all these times. They really should be reasonable and not penalize you for their mistakes. I'd be squaking up a storm trying to get them to rectify this mess. The surgeon was not willing to at least put you back up to 2.4cc?

I didnt cheat. Sucked on a couple butterscotch hard candies, dunno if thats cheating though. I just thought, if I screw this thing up and my band slips, I'll be so friggin mad at myself. Kept myself busy making yummy soups. And eating popsicles! Mmm!

Red you can pick me up at San Diego airport and drive me to border next time thanks for offering to help! hehehe

i did atkins induction for three weeks, super easy, dropped 11 lbs and liked it so much i have continued a modified, healthier version of atkins to this day (no bread rice pasta or sugar).

Hi Cindy congrats on ur pregnancy and thanks so much for your post! it was hilarious, i love your candor! if we cant totally honest online, then when can we be??? I think Im one of those in-the-middle ppl you referred to. I think If i didnt watch it, i'd eat my way around the band and not lose or worse yet, gain. i watch what I eat, my band watches how much I eat. Case in point... a few weeks ago I went to a fancy moroccan restaurant in the city. it was decadent and rich and sure enough, when i weighed in that friday, i had gained 1.2 lbs.. gee whiz! so i have to watch it, and im doing my part, but my band sure as hell has to pull its weight around here and pitch in too ive lost 45lbs and have lost 56% of my excess weight, so i am well on my way and consider myself incredibly successful for only four months of work

Hi Dr here's the info on pricing: http://www.occforum.com/index.php?showtopic=9011 $100 for xray fee + $100 for rountrip transport from San Diego airport (if you need it) + $79 for one night at hotel (if you need it) also not listed here but recently quoted to me, $30 for needle fee for slight unfill if necessary, when not using xray/fluoro

Hi Indi just call them. You def. want to talk to Lori your rep with any questions you have regarding scheduling, she can schedule you right over the phone. The number is 1-866-DR-ORTIZ if im not mistaken ...

Dr O placed my port on my left side, halfway between my belly button and the bottom of my rib cage, hopefully to prevent rubbing on bone.. all its got to press up on are my organs and theyre squishy..

The other side of the coin of course is that people have shelled out several thousands of dollars and considerable amounts of time for recovery, fill appointments, etc to see results. No one expects the band to a silver bullet to weight loss. They told themselves they wanted gradual loss for more natural results, forcing themselves to learn better habits, etc. But frankly, we expect the band will do its part too. I expect it to. The fact of the matter is, everyone experiences restriction in different ways. In general, however, the higher BMI patients (300 lb+) will more often feel restriction even with an empty band. Those with lower BMIs have less intrabdominal fat and thus feel less restriction. Maybe thats why you feel so strongly about this? The point of the board is for support and understanding. We expect non-bandsters to tell us, 'hey just eat less, its not that hard, i dont know what youre complaining about' but I dont care to see that on this board, esp if you have little experience with your band. Just wait til you can eat just as much as before, and see if you dont get annoyed that ur $$$$ investment isnt doing ITS part. I do agree that people have to take responsibility for their eating habits, their exercise, portion control, etc. Absolutely. But you're making it sound like getting a fill is giving in. Uhm, no. thats the point of the band, its adjustable. Our doctors told us that again and again. It really is possible to eat as much as before, despite having the band. wheres the love, man?

I think Dr Miranda's goal weights basically put us at the top of the "normal" weight range, not sure why she does it that way. Regardless, how tall are you? Where are you at BMI-wise? If I were you, I would let your body decide where to stop. Do exercise that is enjoyable and not specifically for weight loss, ie hiking on a beautiful day, taking the dog for a run, instead of boot-camp training. Do stuff that you enjoy and can be sure youll continue to do while in maintenance, but continue to watch your eating. See where it leads you. Basically, I'd see where moderate exercise and health-conscious eating leads you. if you stay the same weight, then call it your goal weight. If you continue to lose, then see where you end up. Stop where it feels good and you can maintain. My sister doesnt want me to get too skinny she thinks ill turn into an 'evil skinny beeyotch' hahahaha im like trust me, i will never be that "skinny" just a thinner version of me~

Are you at Dr Miranda's goal weight yet? I totally hear you about perception... Ive lost 45lbs in the last four months and people are really noticing. but i feel like i take up the exact same amount of space, i still feel just as fat with just as big a gut as before. I saw a pic of my taken exactly one year ago and I swear, it looks the exact same. Im taking measurements, I see the scale, and I see how my old pants wont stay on any more... But yet I cant see me as a thinner me in the mirror. Its wierd. I literally feel like i look exactly the same. I know others on this board have felt this way too. Bizarre. I think thats why it important to have 'before' pix, take measurements.. all tht. I cant refute the fact that Ive lost all this weight, even if i dont feel thinner or even remotely thin. Maybe someday it'll just hit me. Im still 35 lbs from my goal. Seems like a hell of a ways away. Regardless, let me tell you, you look amazing! i am so jealous and proud of you you and sabrina are my two role models. hope i dont follow suit and need a port reloc; i think in that case ill consider switching to the sleeve. How much have you lost??

holy guacamole ashley you look amazing! im loving the new pix!! wowowow

This may sound dumb, but it is truly helping me. Orbit gum - Piña Colada flavor. When I feel like I should stop eating, I pop in a piece. Its sweet and tastes like a cocktail or dessert.. and since im alreday chewing something, it stops me from going back in for seconds or for dessert. Its especially helpful at BBQs, parties, etc. Its like when ppl sabotage their plate to stop eating

Congrats Sabrina on the port remodel, and here's to many lovely nights sleeping on your side! <hip hip hooray>

...you eat an entire Lean Cuisine and feel super full..almost uncomfortably full! ...when you go out to dinner, you tell your dinnermates you've already eaten but you'll just have a little something, so they wont wonder why you're suddenly eating like a bird i know there was a thread for this somewhere but couldnt find it.. just laughed out loud bc im so full off a lean cuisine and had to share

I use gummy vitamins too -- VitaFusion Multi-Vites for adults. Theyre delicious and feel like a treat. Better yet, I buy the Target brand of em for even cheaper I cant say I feel a difference when I take my vitamins or not... but I just do it anyway.

Lost 1.2 lbs since last Friday. Sounds bratty but I was hoping for more, considering I am feeling restriction...

B - flaxbread with blue cheese-pecan spread (trader joes) L - spicy mexican shrimp cocktail D - leftovers from puerto rican restaurant - thinly sliced steak with onions, avocado, fried plantains S - plain greek yogurt, torani s/f coconut syrump. 1000 cal, 55g fat, 47g net carbs, 66g protein

hey erica, long time no talk whats new? ya casi te alcanzo, ahora estoy a 196... woohoo! cuidate~

In the upper corner, where you see your user name, you can click on your user name, then click "My Settings" It will say "Your Options" at the top, click on the "Profile" tab, and then play with it. "About me" shows up on your profile only, what you write as your "Signature" will appear after every board post. Upload a picture, and an avatar (the pic that will appear when you post on the board). As far as weight loss countdowns, go to: http://www.tickerfactory.com/ezticker/ticker_designer.php?type=3 Design your ticker, and when you're done, it will give you a web address (URL) which you can copy and paste into "Change Signature" box and it will appear below every post.