shmee

5000 is a good start but it will cost more then that. Do you have a health savings account? I use that for my stuff, it's nice because I put money in and it's tax free. My fills are 150. I had travel expenses, my flight from the midwest was like 400. I don't spend as much on supplements. I have multivitamin, protein shake stock, bought a treadmill (but in the beginning I just walked outside for like 30 minutes a day), plus buying clothes, I am a big thrift person, so I have bought few new clothes. I have saved on foods, but I have a family so not that much, my lunches are definitely cheaper. and I don't go out to eat hardly at all.

But ultimately, when I think about it, the dollars spent per lb lost is still worth it, no matter what it was. I'm almost at 70 lbs lost, have a long way to go, but the way I feel, my knees don't hurt, I have more energy, it's all so worth it, sorry I took so long to decide.

Momof4, I don't know, I've had the band a year and wish mine started working that well LOL. No seriously, I've had no fill in over 1.5 months and I am suddenly really tight. I have a mentor that has had the band for like 4 years, and she one day, after not having a fill for a year, suddenly couldn't keep anything down and had to get an unfil. Id don't think it's unusual for it to change on it's own. as long as you aren't spitting up a lot, and can get enough solid food down, etc you are ok. if that changes go to the doctor.

hayley, if it doesn't feel serious, maybe go to liquids for a couple days, maybe you've irritated things, but if it persists, like slimmy vommit daily for like a week go to the doctor.

Good luck, a year ago there were very few september folks on the forum, there were many people there however. You will be fine, they take good care of you. I liked staying in the center because it was easier to talk to folks, they had better pain meds, and they had computers there. The Mariott was fine, and had good popsicles, but I was more alone there. Which was a little boring. I was glad I had a netbook computer with me so I could stay connected. Lots of luck. I am almost at my anniversary and have lost about 67 lbs. I am very happy with the experience. And definitely don't be nervous about being in Mexico - OCC takes good care of you.

that is great, congrats, I am 20 days from my anniversary and am excited to see so many others still here.

I only had a band, but still- once in the airport I just wished I could throw away my clothes. that is an idea really, bring things you can leave behind. wheels are important too. drink drink walk walk, every chance you get. and have some protein packets and emergency packets on hand, plus liquid tylenol and gas ex. each lay over I just walked the entire time. and I had a long sit on the runway in a plane so I stood and went to the bathroom extra. but pack light!!! Or bring a friend to help carry stuff.

why don't you call Dr. So, or Ortiz, they are very helpful and kind about helping without using the get it checked out. They all have phone numbers and emails and are easy to get a hold of.

Hi all, just thought I'd say I just had a blind fill at the Barrix Clinic in Groveport, OH. Very nice and professional, willing to be aggressive, great clinic. My first fill was at OCC and I wish I could afford to keep going, but Ohio is a long way a way. I was very nervous but ended up being impressed, they were very supportive of me being a Mexico patient, the cost was 150 and I could have gone to the nutritionist too for that price. It's nice to have a place near by, I've heard some terrible things on this forum about various fills, and emergency room people not willing to help lap band people that are throwing up - won't unfill you - so I"m glad to have a place near by.

I waited almost 3 months, I have had several drinks of my husbands beer in the last couple weeks, that was fine. but one time at christmas, we had sparkling apple juice, I had eaten dinner, and took several drink of it, almost pb'd, but it was fine - then I finished the cup about a half hour later with small drinks and not having just eaten, and that was fine. Just take it slow. and don't let it stop you from drinking water. caffeine really dehydrates. I have this issue with coffee.

Fiber is important, if you can't get it naturally, there are chewable fiber or drinkable fiber. Water is important too, good luck.

skim cheese sticks, and apple slices

chicken beast , grilled - you can keep it prepped, like cook several and keep them in the fridge, to pack

eggs- hard boiled can be premade and are easy to pack

tofu sliced, broiled with soy sauce and pam, can be eaten throughout the week

4 oz or more even of a live culture yogurt, activa is a common one. or I use light and fit for desserts cause it has no sugar.

turkey or chicken lunch meat, and lettuce and something like fat free cream cheese, or drained cottage cheese as a wrap.

so I hadn't heard that this was happening again. please let me know when it happens again if possible.

Does anyone know if the expense of the surgery is something that I can use my american health savings account for? does the IRS ok this?

Hmm, all very helpful, I just don't know that I have the stamina to fly again in the same day? I do know the motel 6 next to the airport is like 50 plus tax for a single 1 night. which is a lot less for me then my flight cause I'm coming from Ohio. But I have kids etc and like the idea of getting home right away.

So the meals comment, what is that about, just that after the fill you shouldn't eat, is that right? is that different after you've had more fills, I thought that was for everyone?

Lisa

there is a thread in the band forum about what bands they use. I believe most of the time he uses 11cc. but he does base it on individual cases and some have gotten a 4 cc, I thought that was for people with higher bmis but I can't remember.

anyway look at that tread- search what band does occ use I think.

11cc is large, and can mean more fills before restriction, but the 10cc band is standard in the US. Ortiz is very professional and has a ton of experience, I trust his judgment.

This is interesting, I am coming for a first fill- I had read on the successfull fill thread that dolittle posted that at least sticking around over night, just in case something happens you aren't having to fly all the way back? so I was thinking of spending the night at a motel 6 by the airport and leaving in the morning, but I'd rather fly home that night

Hmmmm.

yeah mark, marinate, a nice fat free italian dressing, or cook in a lowfat sauce, crushed tomatoes and garlic, and italitan seasoning, like baking in a sauce, just find a way to get it moist, even if you marinate, and instead of grilling, bake it in something with a tight lid and some moisture,a little pam spray, a little water, some of your marinade. this could be done in a toaster over even. Or if you prefer you could get a nice, none plastic, lided microwave pan,

good luck.

My goal, besides just new clothes, is I want a new gortex jacket. sexy I know.

did I already post this somewhere else, or did it not post- hmm- sorry if it's a repeat. I wonder if you would have a lot of protein and cals to make up for if this is all you had for breakfast.

I think all of us have been fed a bill of goods. The advertising companies are very aware that the woman they have in the adds aren't the typical men's favorite bodies. They don't advertise to men, they try to capture women and make them think this is what men like. It's so difficult. I remember as an early teen being so embarrassed that my levis were 32" waist and I weighed 140. I thought the only way to be skinny was to wear a 26" waist levi. - then many lbs and years later I remember thinking this girl had like the perfect body, and I saw her levi tag, that weren't particularly baggy and she was a 32" I almost fainted. Of course every single size I have been I have said you are so fat. I am really hoping now that I am above 270 that I can lose that mental idea that I am fat no matter what. This idea is a big fear of mine. My husband is very level headed about this and I hope he can help. He also likes the curves even though he is like a bean pole LOL. Anyway I just thought I'd tell you I appreciate the wake up call, because I keep telling myself, oh if I were size 12 I"d be so happy. But I know now it will take more work then I think.

Hi, I was banded on the 27. I know I'm not to foods yet, but I notice on Miranda's information that she gave there are no starter foods once off the liquid diet. I also notice on other forums that people go slowly into foods, starting with softer foods first.

so my question is did people from OCC do this, and what do you recommend? and for how long before full solids.

thanks

Lisa

I was terrified of this, and I had to lose 10 - 15 lbs, which I know is not as much as you, but I was terrified for the same reason, I never had before. The point of the surgery is also to shrink your liver, a fatty liver is in the way of the surgery area and you have a better possibilty of not having complications from the surgery if you shrink your liver. are you on the 2 protien shakes and 1 lean cuisine meal - you should keep it as simple as possible.

I experienced that the first 2 weekks I did good and lost 8 lbs, then I was like frozen there for a week, and on thursday before my monday surgery dr miranda called and she was like if you have stuck to the diet your liver will be shrunk so don't worry too much, but for this weekend do 3 protien shakes a day, and when I got there on Monday I was down 18 lbs, could not believe it. So you just never know

You have to believe in yourself, and know it will be hard work. I know that process really helped prepare me for the post op period and just realizing that this is hard work, but it will be worth it.

we are here for you too, when you want to eat, grab a drink and type on a forum.

lisa

I'm still on liquids so I havent experienced it, but I think slim is like - you know just before you puke - your body start secreting like a bile like substnce - it's not a puke I don't think, but you run to the sink and have to spit. I shouldn't answer things I haven't experienced, but they way people describe it that's what I think it is

i don't know, depends on the maker, as if you can see the package if there is one, and if it's lamb or beef.

my calorie counter says

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/generic-gyro-meat-477144

you could find out the size of your serving.

I love greek salads, but you might want to work out the calories on that too, olives and feta and dressing, just to know the entire meal.

good luck

I think I can make this, that is my goal. thanks.

Oh Danana this is my biggest fear since I've just introduced drinkable yogurt today. I'm sorry this is happening. I am loving another book called The End to Overeating

also someone on another forum says she gets a lot of support from over eaters anonymous.

good luck girl- Breath- that is number one.