canuk98828

I actually got it at a store called Maurices. It does not go through the hips but there is an additional piece for the below abdomen

Welcome to the land of the band. it is an awesome journey you have started on.

I just got my first one of these "apparatuses" and love it. Jut worry how hot it would be in summer as where I live it gets to be over 100 - air conditioning a must for me this year

I had the band but I know that Dr. Miranda told me that if I felt I needed more than the two shakes and lean cuisine, that I could supplement with a cup of minestrone soup. It really helped me.

sorry to hear that, I was told that there is a least one success story in Atlanta

My daughter just called me from Atlanta and she found out that if you are needing plastic surgery due to excess skin from weight loss, that there are cases that the burn centers will do the surgery for free with the donation of the skin tissue to burn victims. Apparently they are doing this at the burn center in Atlanta and she thought perhaps others centers may also be involved. What a win win if that is the case. I unfortunately do not have to have plastic surgery, I say unfortunately because I would love to be able to help them but do not get me wrong I am happy to not have to have the surgery for any other multitude of reasons. Just thought maybe some of you would be interested in checking this option out.

thank you for posting this. All I can say is WOW

There is a place in Tacoma, not the greatest option but an option. It is called NW Fill Center. Their primary location is in Marysville but they go to Tacoma once a week. On Thursday's I think Here is a link to there website http://www.nwfills.com/.

best of luck

If I remember correctly, your paperwork tells you to call Dr. Miranda at a certain point in time. I do remember that you initiate most of the calls. They will call u back however if you leave a message. At any time, someone from the OCC is willing to talk to you about any questions or concerns. Best of luck

I thought I remembered not for a year but I may be wrong.

Heidi, I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. All I can tell you is what my experience has been. I was banded on Aug 3 this year, I felt restriction immediately (whether it was mental or not, who knows). I am down over 60 lbs and eat 3 to 4 small meals a day. I always make sure I eat protein first, then veggies and fruit then carbs if I feel the need. I have learned what my soft stop feels/sounds like. Everyone has a different soft spot signal, have you learned yours yet? It can be coughing, heavy chest feelings or like mine I start sneezing. There are a few of us that are able to get to our goal without fills and I truly feel blessed to be there. But yes, I have learned chips are easy to go down. That all said, my main thoughts for you are: are you chewing sufficiently? do you wait the 60 minutes before drinking after u eat? are you eating slow enough? All of these definitely make me feel uncomfortable if I don't pay attention. Hope this gives you some ideas, if you ever want to just talk send me a private message and I will give you my number. If you do not have a support system in place, it just makes it harder. Take care and stay

Totally know where you are coming from. and yes, this forum is a great life line. I was banded on 8/3/10 and have been reading this forum since about April. I really do not think I would have had the nerve to do it without this wonderful group. You will be soooo glad you made the decision. Take care and stay strong.

The darkness could be a sympton of Keloid skin. I have keloid skin and my scars are dark and raised. From previous experience, the "bulkiness" goes first and then the darkness fades. Unfortunately, it takes, on my skin at least years to fade. But small dark scars on a flattened tummy are better than the bulge of pre surgery

Lisa, Just wanted to thank you for the "push". I have not been diligent enough about drinking my protein shot in the morning and definitely need to. I just used your link to order a month's supply and am committing to have one a morning. Thanks again

I personally did not enjoy the vanilla bean, cappucino or chocolate truffle as much as the fruity type ones. If you send me your address on a personal message I will send you the 2 extras I have in those flavors.

I'm sure you will enjoy the different flavors. My favorite is the Caribbean ? It is a fake pina colada.

I have always lost a lot of hair, but do notice it to be a little more than usual, but as others have said nothing to really worry about.

Also check out http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ for some great eating/menu ideas.