becca2

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

Good luck on your journey! I'm almost finished with the liquid phase, so don't worry - it can be done. I feel like this is "my new beginning" also. The lap band gave me HOPE - I know this time I'll make it and the weight will stay off. Best wishes to you!

Hi everyone! I am still around. Sorry I am not a big poster anymore....living life...but I read and do respond to PM's and emails all the time. I know it would be good to hear from the people who are not at goal yet and are slower to loose. If you are in this catogory, please know you are not alone....there are many of us here.....we don't post as much, but we are here.

I responded to an email today, and decided to share it here. I am so grateful to be on this journey with each of you and I do enjoy all of your posts! ((HUGS))

Angie

Hi ! So good to hear from you. I have adopted a different approach to the lapband. Given that I was not one of the faster losers, I decided to practice a level of acceptance and go with it. In the beginning I didn't exercise much. I have a few weaker body parts that give me troubles. So for most of my first year, I simply worked to get to a level of restricition and change adapt my eating habits to suit the band. So, in my first year, I lost 50 lbs! I don't think that is to terrible for not being active. Now that I am down a 50% of my weight I am ready to work at it a bit.

Currently I am walking over my lunch hour. I get in 2-3 miles a day. I am able to mow my lawn again and do much much more than I could previously. The foot I broke, does burn and ache a bit and my lower back hurts and radiates to my hip, but I am able to walk more now and feel great for that gift.

In the beginning, I did limit my portions, but I did not give up any foods. I ate a slice of pizza if I wanted pizza. I did this because I was going to enjoy the foods I like while I was able to. I didn't have the mind set of loosing all the weight in record time. I went in thinking if I did it slowly over 2-3 year period I would be elated. I tell you this so you can get a glimpse into my frame of mind.

Weight loss has been slower for me, but I eat what I want. I don't treat myself like I am on a strick diet. Restriction does help, and is AWESOME, but it is just a slice of the pie. So much factors in to loosing weight with the band.

It can be discouraging, I went though my down times. Especially when the weight came off so so so slow. What I realize now is that I have a tool for life, and I am blessed to have it to help me. I think of Hope, I named my band, as my partner. She helps me restrict my portions, and I do the rest. Which is choose what foods to put in my body, get moving and stay focused on the goal ahead!

I have to look at this as a positive, otherwise it would really get me down. The one thing I want to say is I have food issues, so this year.....has been an adjustment for me. In a glimpse the band has been helping me remove food as a major thing in my life. The smaller my portions got the more I took my focus off of FOOD. For example, eating out is WAY LESS attractive to me. Before I would get real excited about it...now....I go with the flow. I don't even care where we eat anymore....it is just less of a priority to me.

I am a chatter so don't worry or feel nervous you can ask me anything....: )

Thanks for your post. You are doing awesome!

I just found out today that best friend from Portland has decided to have her Lap Band surgery with me on June 2nd. Lori said we can be in the same recovery room together. I think they are going to try to get us hotel rooms that are connected too.

I wonder if I should just let my mom and daughter stay at the hotel the morning of surgery. Do very many people leave the day of surgery to spend the night at the Hotel or do most people spend the night at the hospital?

I wish now that my husband and I had taken our son with us last month. I had no problems at all with the surgery and went back to the Lucerna that afternoon. We walked and shopped all day the next day with no problems - our son would have had a blast. There is a nice shopping mall a short taxi ride away that has a super cool VIP theater with recliner seats. The movies were new and in English with Spanish subtitles. We turned my surgery into a mini-vacation!

Hi there, just thought I'd update. I went in for my first fill yesterday. The fluoro was cool, it let me know there really was a band in there!!

Got 5.4ccs and not planning my next fill til July is my guess, as I'll be on vacation in June and wont be able to take much time off.

As far as abdominal exercise, Dr. So advised me that starting a few days after my first fill I could gradually begin introducing ab exercises, just nothing too extreme and to stop if I feel discomfort or any pain. So in about a week I'll resume my exercise tapes (slim in six) which include ab exercises and just see how it goes.

Im on my way

Hi! Curious to know how your first fill went. I was banded on April 23rd and am almost done with the liquid stage. Could you tell a difference after your fill?

Hi all today is my first day back on solids. I have lost 46.7lbs since I started the pre-op diet on April 9 2010. Yesterday I lost my pants coming down the stairs. I have punched 2 holes in my belt and need to punch another one . Thanx to all those who answered my post for support and encouragement and a special Thanx to Dr. Ortiz and the OCC staff.TC RCR

Congratulations!!!!

Friday will be my first day back on solids. I can't wait. Thanks for sharing how things went for you!

I've been taking metformin for the last three years, for diabetes. I agree with the last post. Your body will need a few weeks to get used to the dose and stepping it up a little at a time is a good idea.

Good luck and congrats on the weight loss.

I agree. Tummy upset is a common side effect with metformin. It helps to always take it with food or milk. I found that the tummy problems improved the longer I was on the med.

Good luck!

I missed the webinar last night because I was working. Does anyone know when it will be posted to the forum so we can watch it?

Debbie

I missed it as well and would love to see it.

HI everybody, I am looking into getting the band. It is way to expensive here and I have seen places in Mexico that are cheaper. I am worried though about the safety and conditions ect. Has anyone on here got their band in Mexico? If so can anybody recommend a MD or facility or know of somewhere to avoid? Also how long was the wait? Thanks in advance

I was just banded on April 23 by Dr. Ortiz at the OCC and I must tell you that I could not have had a better experience anywhere. Everything went so smoothly - from the pick-up at the airport to pre-op apts, to the hotel experience, and surgery. I was very comfortable and felt I was in the best hands. The facility and staff were awesome and I would recommend it to anyone. I'm just one week out, but have had no complications. I had surgery last friday and was back to work on monday! I am so excited to be on this journey! Good luck

My friend goes here: http://www.pacsurgical.com/ They do fills with fluroscopy--they're not cheap, but they're closer than TJ, and it's my understanding the doc there was trained by Dr. Ortiz, although I wouldn't swear to it.

[/sizeThanks! I'll try them. This forum is awesome - I've been getting great advice and love the support. Thanks again!

Hi my surgery is in May, I live in the States and am concerned about post op care and the cost, can anyway give me ideas on what to expect?

Thanks for asking the question, as I also have the same concern. Does anyone have any recommendations for Washington State? Anywhere from Seattle to Olympia would work. Thanks!

Im there April 23 ed. I will be in town from the 21-26 Hotel Lucerna When I came to CK out the Dr O and the Hospital I was at the Marriott very nice but the Lucerna is real close and lots to do there and nothing at the Marriott!!

Hey! My surgery is April 23rd, too! We're also staying at the Lucerna. See you there!