LisaVA

Hi, AngelaV !!!!

Its Lisa !! We were banded the same day --

You look GREAT !!! Congratulations !!! =D>

I, too, should be where you are,

but didnt work it the way I should -- I'm back on track and losing again --

the best news (for me) is that while I was "off the reservation" I didnt gain

any weight !! Thats a first for me -- so I'm quite happy ! Only had that one

fill about 7 weeks after surgery - but now have another scheduled at the end

of April -- so I'm hopeful that by June I should be where I want to be -- and I'm

giving myself plenty of time.

I'm so happy for you !!!! take good care -- its wonderful to "see" you again !!!

Lisa

>

Rock on, Kym !!!

You look FANTASTIC !!!!!

Good for you !!!!!!!!!

=D> =D>

LT

Hi, im Mandee, im 5ft 2 and i weight 175. i make te bmi requierment for mexico by 1 point! i feel like i should get this done, but i just want to make sure that it is okay. for the people on here that have got it done, how was the going from the us to mexica? im planning on going by myself...is it safe for me to do so? and how are the results and the scaring? thanks!

Hi, Mandee !

I did this completely by myself and its been great ! The scarring is very minimal (after 10 months all of the little ones are almost completely gone and the biggest one (about 1/2 inch) is getting there - I think it will be completely gone in the next 6 months or so. You will not find greater care anywhere - the folks at OCC are hands down the most caring, knowledgeable people. It was a wonderful experience. I have not followed all of the rules so my results are not typical. I am "back on the wagon" and am doing very well. But here's the silver lining: While I wasnt doing the right thing? I didnt gain ANY weight -- I just didnt lose a lot ! That has never happened to me before (before banding, I gained and lost the same 100 pounds about 5 times). So I should be much further along than I am - but I'm still losing -- its wonderful ! Its NOT a magic answer, not a silver bullet, its a

great TOOL. It will help you.

Best of luck !

Lisa

Hi, Judy !

Have you tried oatmeal ? (the 5 minute kind, not the quickie)

Its really good for you --- you may just have to eat it slowly --

and I've never been able to eat breakfast (pre and post banding)

until I'm up for at least 2 hours -- usually 3.

Curves also has a new cereal out and its pretty good.

Best of luck to you !!!

(and there's NOTHING stupid about you, so knock that off)

Lisa

Hey Judy -- dont you think you've beaten yourself up enough ?? Would you treat your friends this way ? (NO). Take it one day at a time for right now - Lori is right - keep a food diary -- it helps!

I was banded last April - had a fill in May - and have good restriction - but I didnt do all the right

things -- I was lucky - in that when I finally got my head on straight again - I hadnt gained anything -

and was still 22 pounds down from surgery weight -- BUT. If I hadnt farted around (scuse me) - I'd be at goal by now -- I can see my first bandiversary for goodness sakes ! Anyway -- I'm "back on the wagon" and doing pretty well (I can see it in my body and my clothes - I don't weigh because the #'s make me crazy) ==

Anyway, I, too, am a self-basher and I'm here to tell you that if it worked, I'd have been thin a very very long time ago. It doesnt. It serves NO good purpose. Whenever I start in on myself I make myself stop. Really -- you must treat yourself as well as you treat your friends and loved ones. Its really important - and tough !! But you can do it -- you've done far harder things, my friend.

Every day is be good and kind to Judy day !!!!!!!

Take good care ---

Lisa

Thanks, Donna --

I think the best thing for me was to stop weighing myself -- I was doing it weekly

because I'm on a team at work and you need to - so now I'm just moving it down

a pound every 2 weeks or so -- I think I just need to get thru the worst of this

stressful life (moving in 2 weeks- wahoo !!!), then I can at least rest and have rest-

ful time when I'm home --

I really really appreciate the support !!

Take great care !!!

Lisa

Ladies --

I totally understand the TOM thing - altho I traded in my TOM for a hysterectomy 2 years

ago (yes, that IS the Hallelujah chorus you hear !!) but if I hadn't, I think I'd be there too -

I used to bloat up like crazy! Sorry guys --

I have come to the conclusion that I need another fill, or at least "topped off" ! I'm very very

busy at work and don't know if I can sneak off from DC to TJ just now --- I'm also personally

moving, so I should lose a little weight pulling out all of my hair.

Thanks for all the feedback, guys and gals !!! Its great to be in this company of experts !!!

YOU ROCK, ANGELA !!!

Congratulations !!!!!

xoxoxoxoxox

Lisa

I'm Heather (aka ky woman) I thought you might like to hear what has happened so far. I had a little trouble in Louisville at the airport security. I was an hour early but the line was very long and they gave me a hard time about carrying liquids and meds in gallon size zip lock bags. The new standard is 3 oz containers in a quart sized bag. Some lady gave me one of hers and we transferred it to the right size before they would let us through. I had to run for the plane! The plane America Airlines had no inflight movie during the 4 hour flight. So I was glad I got an audio book from the library and listened to for entertainment and distranction. I brought one of those horseshow shaped pillows and was very comfortable. The driver that was to meet us at baggage claim was late because he had a pick-up at Delta. Our group has five people. It was about a 12 mile drive to Tiajuana and about 1.5 miles to the clinic. It is as clean and modern as any U.S. doctor's office. We had our blood drawn, EKG, pulmonary function test, dental check up (it was free) and body/fat analysis by the nutritionist. Miranda gave us the follow-up diet. Then we went to the Hotel Lucerne. It is very nice and upscale. Security in the parking lot, great pool and 2 restautants. We all at "the last supper" in the Mexican restaurant and then went swimming and exploring. Accross the street is a convenience store for purchasing clear liquid drinks, it is open 24 hours. The closest pharmacy is about a block away.

The next morning they picked us up at 7:30 and took us to the clinic. We all asked to go first but I went last. I got in at 12:00pm and was out at 12:45. I got up walking an was happy to feel so good. No nausea, abdominal soreness or bloating. I was just a little sleepy. This morning I got up early bathed, had 2 bms and packed to go back to the hotel.

Note! If you are arriving solo, they check you out of the hotel and you have to have all your stuff packed to go to the clinic. If you have a friend with you you can leave most of your stuff in the hotel.

This morning still feeling great. They gave me IV antibotics, a breathing treatement, cup of broth and a popcicle. They tell us we will be checked by the doctor and taken to the hotel by 9:30.

I'm planning to do a little sightseeing at the open market and leave for home at 9:05 am

Good for you, KYWoman !! Isnt it a very pleasant experience ? Take very good care and be sure to

follow all the rules ! Don't forget to walk walk walk then walk some more!!!!

Good luck !!

Dear Lisa,

The hard thing is there seems to be no real "Fill Science". What's true for one of us is different for the other in so many cases. From my experience, a little more fill might be just what you need. I had restriction on chicken ... couldn't eat much of it no matter how much I chewed ... and on a few other foods. Sometimes, especially in restraunts where my eating pace was influenced by my table mates, I would have a little pb-ing problem. I wasn't losing weight though, because there were way too many foods I had no restriction on. Since my recent fill, I have restriction on almost all foods. I can't eat much. I think that's the idea. If it stays like this (it's been a week) I think I will lose weight. I say think" because there are still a few foods that do slip through, and that I must stay away from. The only fill tight enough to give restriction on ice cream would kill you.

My current fill ended up to be just .3 1/2 cc, but what a difference it makes. If you can stay overnight when you do go, it's a very good idea .... I think, because it's really all trial and error. I waited almost 24 hours, but I was having trouble keeping water down so I went back and he took out .2 cc. It seems about right now. I hope so. We'll see.

Hi, Pam !

Thank you so much !!! Dr Martinez did tell me that he wanted me to wait at least 2 months to "live"

with this fill but honestly, I can almost eat anything. I have not been losing weight, and I've exercised

non stop (daily) from June 22 to yesterday (took 2 days off). I'm eating 85% well, and when I "cheat", its with stuff like salad dressing - fattening in some respects, but I still think something should be happening !!! I'll try and schedule a trip back -- its a long way - but this is important.

thank you so much for your reply. It really has helped !

lisa

Well, I took 2 days off. I had to travel for work and got to the hotel at midnight,

asleep by 2, up by 6, 12 hour meeting, 2 hour dinner meeting, then just slept in

this morning -- so I'll jump back into the exercise every day tomorrow. hoping the

break in all facets of schedule makes the scale MOVE!

How is everyone else doing ??

Well, I don't know what my problem was but, after surgery and after the reccommended time off, I really didn't get bakc to my exercise routine. I used to walk up this local hill that has trails all through it, its about a 4 mile walk in total at a steep incline. about the 4th week into surgery, I started having mood swings. I started walking the neighborhood, and the walk seemed to aleviate it. But it was only once or twice a week. This is my sixth post-op week,( the week i go for a fill!) and Last night went back to my hill. I cannot explain how good it felt to make it up the mountain with ease!!! I used to huff and puff! but I felt so good going up that hill. This hill is my best friend! this hill is my boyfirend, my confidant, my everything and I am going to have to invest my entirety to it. Sounds a little dramatic, but I am just going to have to believe it for now. Its necessary!

Congratulations !!!!! Take that hill !!!!!

I think you should play queen of the hill several times a week!

Wow. What a story ! I am SO sorry for your "loss". I think I know how I'd feel

if it happened to me, so I think I can appreciate what happened to you. (and you

tell it well!)

Congratulations for going the extra 15 pounds and exceeding your goal ! that shows

real chuzpah !! I'd like to think that I'd do the same, but sometimes I get sidetracked

by the smallest of pebbles!

Thank you for telling your story ~ you're very brave!!

Take very good care !

Lisa =D>

I have started tryingto play tennis it's hilarious but I am trying. It's a great workout

Hey Baby - be careful in this heat, ok ?? I used to play racquetball and LOVED it !!!

Wouldnt do that to my knees just yet -- that will have to wait about 50 pounds !

Take care, Angela !!!

Lisa >

Hey everyone, my name is Tim, and im 19 years old. I live in Seattle, WA (kirkland actually but its close) and I'm going to get banded this Sunday in Mexico by Dr. Kuri.

I am very excited and I want to be there NOW!

I am currently 6'2" and 295lbs with a BMI of 37. (was 300 2 weeks ago but im on a personal diet before surgery)

I am hoping to lose at least 100lbs. within the first year.

Its great to be here and I will be very active on the forums.

hey TimS - how's it going ?? You should be 5 days post op -- how are you feeling ?

are you walking a lot ??? Let us know ---

Hi I am a newbie to the lap band. I had my surgery on July 11th and I go in for my first fill on Aug. 13th. So far things have gone well except I have been expericening a pain in my left abdomen. It feels like the pain you get when you run or walk to long. kind of like a knot. Has anyone else experienced this. and what might it be? Thank You.

Hey JJ - Hows it going now ???

LOL TO FUNNY

I REMEMBER THE DAYS WHEN BOTH KIDS HAD US RUNNING. SOCCER, BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, GOLF, DANCE TEAM, CHEER, DANCE, IT WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING.

ENJOY THE DAYS, THEY GO BY TO FAST

Hey, Pammie! I can't imagine having kids !!! I'm too busy and can't do everything I need to

do - if I had kids that would be a completely different life !! I'm just immersed in work (a project

I've been anticipating for 10 years, so its not like I didnt know it was coming !) And I'm personally

moving - so its just been work, pack, work, pack, pack, work. Tomorrow is the only day I dont

have to get up at either 4 or 5:30 -- I'm so excited its pathetic !!!

I'm just trying to get the scale to move -- its seriously stuck ! :-? Thanks for the encouragement !!

Have a great summer !!

Lisa

If you are pb'ing often you may want to try getting that under control first. By slowing down and learning to recognize your stopping point you will likely start taking in fewer calories. If that is not an often occurrence and you feel like you can eat just about anything, then it is probably time for a fill. Keep in mind that you are also starting at a lower bmi so the weight loss will not be as dramatic. Since I hit 225 it is like I am loosing a pound every two weeks. I know I just need to be patient.

Was that answer convoluted enough? There's good arguments for yes and there's good arguments for waiting so I'd advise you to give it another two weeks to loose something and then make an appointment.

Thanks! No, it was a perfectly reasonable answer ! I thought the PB'ing was under control and it happened again 2 nights ago. I know I need to slow down - my life is insane and thats not going to

change any time soon. A lot of times I'm going Mach II with my hair on fire, and I find it hard to slow

down when I'm eating. Its been more of a struggle than I thought it would. I'll continue to eat well,

and exercise, and reassess --

Thanks a lot, Clynn !! I appreciate the encouragement !! >

Hello, everyone!

I was banded April 9th, and had my first fill May 25th - 1.7cc's.

I'm trying to determine if I need another fill or if I'm just being

impatient with the process.

I am eating very very well - mostly chicken, fish, vegetables and

fruit, with oatmeal for breakfast. I had a hard time adjusting after

my fill, and PB'ng is a huge issue -- mostly because I cannot always

remember to "chew to goo". I'm getting better - but chicken, especially,

must be mega=chewed. I have exercised every day since June 22nd -

and I drink between 80-90 ozs of water a day. I am physically smaller,

and am much tighter = but the scale will NOT move. In fact, it has not

moved in 3 weeks. I weighed 241 at decision time, 228 at surgery time,

and for the last 3 weeks, still weigh 215. I accept that I am building muscle

and that it weighs more than fat, but at some point, the scale's gotta move

down! So I'm really really frustrated. I also can eat a whole chicken breast

(a big one). So. Should I just keep plugging away, or should I get another

fill ? Thanks in advance -- it helps just to be able to "talk" to people who

understand.

Lisa

I am going to Cosmed in TJ (Dr. Quiroz) on July 20. I am getting a breast lift with inplants for $4400. I have heard alot of good things about this doc and feel comfortable with him after having my consult.

Hey HOUSECATGIRL - how ya doing ?? your surgery was 6 days ago -- how ya doing ???

How do they look ???

:-h

Hi, I had my surgery on June 28th with Dr. Ortiz. It has been great...I have not had one pain

pill since I was banded. I feel somewhat bloated today and gassy but not painful. I can't seem

to burp. Is that usual? It is a little discomforting when I can't burp..I just stay out of the kitchen

as much as possible. My husband is feeding himself and that really helps. I have had coffee,

apple juice, chicken broth and water. So far doing OK but a little hungry.

From Kansas

Hey, Kansas - yes, it feels funny, but you're feeling the gas they used in the surgery and it

wont come up by burping == walking walking walking will help it tremendously !!! It goes

away - - -

Congrats on your band ! Take care --

Lisa

for me it was about 2-3 full weeks before I could take a really big, deep breath.

It comes back --

I just got the LiquidMAX vitamins from Costco - on line - and they are delicious!!

Holey moley ! I dont need to hide them, dilute them or anything -- they taste

great !!!

Lisa

Hey, Mikey - good for you ! As I understand it, the more you lose up front,

the more pliable and smaller your liver is - and that is much safer for you

during the surgery.

I'm with you - I can LOSE weight - in fact, I'm a pro ! But I gain it all back

again and THATS why I wanted this band --you'll get there -- and won't look

back -- it truly is a journey.

Best of luck to you -- keep us posted ! =D>

Lisa

Sister you are on the cusp of weighing 1xx pounds !!! How exciting is that ????

The big buzz about 10,000 steps is that it is roughly equal to 5 miles. So you are

obviously doing that every day at work -- how about something completely different

on days off ? Do you swim ?? Thats great exercise and very refreshing. I do a video

tape in my living room every morning. Its THE FIRM, and it works for me.....I've done

it every day since June 22nd and havent missed one yet! {I'm one of those all or nothing

people - I wish I werent, but I'm unable to change that!}

Best of luck to you !!

BTW, I was miserable the first 2-3 weeks -- I was so tired I couldnt get out of bed == now

I feel so great after exercising I"m afraid NOT to do it ! It makes no sense = if you're too

tired to exercise, how can exercise make you not more tired ?? But its one of the mysteries

of life -- it really does make you feel so much better !!!

Keep up the great work !!!

Lisa

=D>