LisaVA

I went to the clinic and got my 2nd fill - FINALLY

Still walking everyday, still working my way up to those 10,0000 power steps a day!

Congrats !!!!! Keep up the great work !!!

=D>

still working out every day -- I gained 2 pounds this week, and I'm hoping its because

I started lifting weights ! I've been good on the food side of things !!

Feeling good !!!

=D>

Hey Krystal --

I've just tried to take it easy on the alcohol. Have had 1 drink and 2 glasses of wine (in

the 3 months since my surgery)

I was a little freaked out about the fill, but it just wasnt an issue! NO PAIN. If felt funny

when Dr. Romero flushed my band, but it wasnt painful at all. I was sorry I spent ANY

time worried about it ! Good luck !!!!

BUMP

Hi CalKev! I've enjoyed your posts -- congrats on the 70 !!

WOW !!!

Whats BUMP ??

Lisa

It depends on your band. If you get the VG, thats different that the one I have.

I have the "other" band, and Dr. Ortiz told me that typically, 3 to 4 fills for

life was all that was required.

I had my first fill in TJ 6 weeks after surgery. That was in late May. Dr Romero

told me to live with this for 2 months before thinking about another one. I can tell

you as long as I feel like I do right now - I won't need another one !

I expect, tho, that as I lose weight, and I get smaller on the inside, I might need

another fill - but I'm just taking it one day at a time and listening to my body (and

the band thats taken up residence in there ! ha ha, band humor)

Hope this helps! Great luck to you next month !!! =D>

My post under the newbie section is also not there.

I just assumed it was purged due to time.

Has anyone asked Lori ? :-?

Still working out every day -- and feeling GREAT !

ABs are a little sore since today is only day 2 for AB work --

but I love it !!!

=D>

Have a great week, fellow bandster/exercisers !!!

Lisa

Hey, Chelley -

I'm so sorry to read todays' post - I read the first couple of pages and then I admit

I skipped ahead to the end. I'm sorry this hasn't turned out how you wanted and

needed it to. I hope you come to some resolution that will make you happy and get

you what you need. You've been thru it, thats for sure - and you deserve some

happiness and satisfaction.

Best of luck to you! Thanks for posting everything -- take good care.

Lisa

Congratulations !!!! How exciting !! You look great !

How proud you must be -- you deserve it !!!

=D> =D> E X C E L L E N T !! =D> =D>

Hi !

Check out the newbie section -- you should be able to read enough so that your entire

experience should seem familiar to you -- it was that way with me -- by reading these

boards I knew what to expect -- I posted a very detailed account on the newbie page -

I'll be 3 months out on Monday and I feel great ! My weight loss is slower than I'd like

and after my first fill I've PB'd (I'm sorry Pammie, its throwing up) more times than I ever

thought I would - thats been very difficult for me for some reason, but I'm getting there!

I only told one person - and still he's the only one who knows I've done this. My choice -

the older I get the less I feel the need to confess everything. Thats a very personal decision.

I don't regret this for one minute ! The real benefit for me is yet to be realized. I can lose

weight - I'm really really good at it -- what I'm not good at is keeping it off - and thats the

prime benefit I feel this band will give me.

Either way, you have a host of friends here who will help you any way we can. Best of luck

to you !!!

lisa

Way to go, Angela !!!! By the way, starting Monday we can do AB work !!!

I have not missed a day since about the 22nd of June --- I am doing "The

Firm" series -- which has been very succesful in the past for me -- when they

say you WILL see results in 10 workouts, they're right ! My butt has lifted about

3 inches ! I'm much tighter all around, and since Monday is Angela & mine 3 month

band anniversary, I get to DO the ABs instead of fast forwarding thru them!

I am finally at the stage where I feel so good exercising I'm very protective of it !

I don't care if I have to get up at 4am (I've had to do that twice!), I DO it every day!

I am also on a team at work (one team of 5 - there are 53 teams altogether!) that are

on a 14-week challenge to lose weight -- so that keeps me motivated, too!

I think, rightfully so, that a lot of the posts are centered around decision (do I get this

thing?), to particulars (does it hurt ? when can I go back to work?) to fills (to TJ or not

to TJ??) and now we are at the exercise stage !!!! I swear I feel so good I'm petrified

to stop !! That took several weeks, but I'm so grateful I'm over that hump !!

Have a great, happy, healthy, vigorous summer, everyone !!!!!!!

=D>

DON'T regret your decision...you are in an "incubation" period. I've been banded now 7 weeks, and I can tell you, those first few weeks it is one change after another as you transition from clear liquids back to solids. TAKE YOUR TIME. Remember, whatever you are consuming right now is NOT what you will be eating come a week or two from now. Stay at each phase of your post op diet as long as you need, even if it is a little longer than recommended (but not LESS than recommended), knowing that each time you make another step in the transition there will be new tastes to enjoy. Better to spend a little extra time on liquids if your tummy isn't ready for larger things than to start PBing, dry heaving, etc, and 2 or 3 days, or even a week or two of less nutrition than optimal isn't going to do any lasting harm. Heck, I don't know about you, but I have PLENTY of excess "nutrition" available still...on my thighs, my bottom, my ab, etc! LOL!

Almost all those things you loved are waiting for you again ...only in very tiny bites and small, well chewed portions (we all lose one or two things due to incompatibility, my only loss so far is Dr. Pepper). And I'll tell you the funniest thing...I am starting to find that some of the foods I have always considered "favorites" aren't so hot when they've actually been chewed! And once it doesn't taste as good, you don't miss it! (I was a non-chewer...just one, two, three and on to the next bite!)

Dialit

high weight pre-op 286

banded 5/9/07 at 273.3

current 245

Well said, Dialit! And congrats - you're doing great!

Dr. Romero does the fills

Thank you, Lori !

Lord is he adorable!

=D>

Lisa

PS - The allergies are still with me - but manageable -- yeesh!

Have you guys tried Viactiv? It's the chocolate and caramel chewables. I know, I know, it's a solid, you say? Not if you keep chewing until it's dissolved! They are YUMMY. I eat them when I just have to have something sweet. I eat the multi-vitamin chocolate and the calcium caramel ones. They are also geared towards women, rather than children, so you may be getting more important vitamins... although I haven't really researched it. You will LOVE taking your vitamins if you get these!

.....or unwrap them and put them in the microwave for 10 seconds -- very pliable !

Also -- with the liquid -- you cannot taste ANYTHING until you breathe -- so after I knock

back my shot of liquid vitamins, I immediately drink water THEN take a breath -- still a

little nasty but MUCH less so!

Lisa

I have lost:

100 pounds twice

75 pounds twice

50 pounds four times I think

30 more times than I can recall

20 At least a dozen times

Amen ! This is me exactly ! I have lost the same 80-100 pounds several times over the

last 20 years - and I don't really need the band to lose weight - obviously its something

I know how to do and do it well -- what I need is the "don't gain it back" help --- and help

is the right word for me -- lets face it, if there were a magic bullet of weight loss, it would

not be a multi Billion (yup, with a dollar industry ! That doesnt mean I don't have good

days and bad days -- I do ! For me {the only one I ever speak for}, this was the tool I

wanted and needed and I have never once asked myself, "why did I do this?". I'm sorry

that anyone does ask themselves that question, because its a pretty drastic measure.

Its nice there is a forum to explore it all ! There's room for everyone.

Thanks!

Lisa

NOPE LOL

I WENT TO MY 6 WEEK TT APPOINTMENT, IT TURNED INTO CAN YOU GET RID OF THESE BAT WINGS NEXT FOR ME? MAYBE A LITTLE LIPO ON THE BRA BACK FAT? LOL

Rock on, Pammie ! Your are my hero !!! {heroine ??}

Lisa =D>

I got my first fill today by a fill center in new jersey.I really wanted to go back to TJ but fianances would not permit.So i was very uneasy about going locally. I went it wasa pretty good experience. I only got stuck one timeand i feel restriction with a cup of liquid. They put 2.2ccs in my band and I definatley feel restriction.They did not use flourobut I felt they did a pretty good job ,still though if you can afford it i would recommend going bad to occ. I will keep you posted on restriction after I start solids again. >

start 197lbs

surgery weight 188lbs 4/9/07

first fill weight 167lbs 6/11/07

goal weight 130lbs

Hi, Angela ! Its Lisa !! You are doing so great !! Good for you!!!!

I'm down 21 - and trying to get the hang of being filled -- I got 1.7cc's and have

been PB'ing like crazy (after I was all cocky and said I wouldn't do it!) I'm getting

better, but its been rough (but I'm tough, I just don't want to slip my band!)

Sounds like you got a good fill -- I think that 2.2 is a lot ! When I got my fill the

Doc said to give it 2 months, so thats what I"m going to do.

Keep up the great work, Angela !!!! Its great to get your progress!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Lisa

I was wondering if anyone knew if it is OK to fly long distance after the band is put in after surgery.. LONG FLIGHT.. like over 5 hours. ANy comments on it. ANyone know what the DR has said about this. Thanks.

I had surgery on Monday and flew home Weds - SD to DC (5 hours). I was fine.

I didnt need anything - altho I had a 2 hour layover at LAX and walked the entire time - that

may have had something to do with it.

Lisa

I had a breast lift, breast augmentation and lower body lift on May 1st in TJ Mexico. I used Dr. Gaxiola. He was wonderful and my results are so great! I don't think I will have any more plastic surgery unless I have some work done on my thighs. If so, it will be a few years down the road. However, if I do, I won't even think of going to anyone other than Dr. G! He chrged me $4100 for the breast lift and implants and $5900 for the lower body lift. I got price quotes in Texas and the breast lift and implants was about $7000-$8000. The lower body lift was $10,500! That's ridiculous compared to Dr. G's prices! Plus, Dr. G was so great! When he found out that I was there alone he made me stay in the hospital an extra night for free and he sent a nurse and a receptionist to my hotel the next day to make sure that I could shower okay! The receptionist gave me her cell phone number in case I needed anything over the weekend when their office was closed! That would never happen in Texas! E-mail me for more info! brandywilliams100@yahoo.com

Thank you for posting, Brandy - I have a breast lift/aug, tummy tuck and facelift in my future

(about 3 years) - I've been searching for referrals !

Lisa

Ok my bandster buddies, this one is all about ME!

Today is one day before my band anniversary, so I measured myself since I had done so the day before my surgery last year.

:::::::::Drumroll please::::::::::::

I've lost 65 inches - SIXTY-FIVE INCHES this year - do I hear a roar from the crowd?!?!?!!? lol

Thank you guys so much for your support and help in keeping me on track.

I finally started really exercising this week (its been a year since I was allowed to exercise, too!!) so I'm hoping the inches keep coming off! I'll be at the clinic next Thursday (6/21) for my 2nd fill. I'm excited to meet those of you that will be there that day

Love you guys!! - and I just have to say WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Holey Moley, Lori !!!!

Sixty Five Inches !!! Thats as tall as I stand - I"m 65 inches tall !!!!!!!!!

You've lost ME!!!!! That is such a tremendous accomplishment ! Congratulations -- you

have every right to feel proud of yourself !!

WAY TO GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa

Having been "filled" since May 24th - I def. feel restriction - and I am more restriced in the

morning. I solve this by drinking a cup of black coffee - it seems to "grease the skids".

This is graphic, as most bodily function discussions are, but I have allergies and frankly,

I believe my pouch is filled with congestion. The heat of the liquid helps that.

Having said that, I am trying to strike a delicate balance, as I have now PB'd 3 times. I swore

to myself (and on this board) that I wouldnt - and well, I was wrong. You MUST chew your food

a LOT for it to go down. I obviously have not done this ever in my life, which is why I'm this heavy - and its def. a change for me -- but the latest PB was a few hours ago and I have been

a bit sore since. I can only imagine that I'm swollen, and I'm trying to be better.

It seems so simple, but obviously, for me, old habits die hard. The only thing that comforts me is

that I'm petrified I'll slip it, so I think I'll be better from here on out.

Am I upset about it ? No. I'm mad at myself for not having the sense to slow the heck down, even

tho my life is crazy and running at very high speed. I must insist that I come first.

Just my 2 cents !

Best of luck to all !

Lisa

Hi all

I had my second fill in March and was restricted really well. I lost 20 lbs in less than 2 months and was really happy about that. On May 5th I got a third fill just a teeny bit more (.3) and now I am a little tighter. I have lost 1 lb since May 5th!!

My routine is:

power shake with 20 added grams of protein in the a.m. (can't eat solids in the morning)

lunch is hard boiled egg white/low fat mac and cheese/ about 2 or 300 calories at most

dinner is healthy proteins (chicken, tacos, spag) in very small quantities

After around 4pm. I can eat a little more so most of my calories are coming later rather than sooner. I am only having about 800 or 900 calories a day. I did mention this to Dr Miranda and she did not say that was too few calories.

I do not exercise regularly but am trying to walk my dog daily now for 30 minutes.

Any ideas?? My only thought is that I am not eating enough calories? I do not have any medical condition that would account for this either.

Thanks!

Karen

Hi, Karen !

First, let me say I don't know why you arent' losing weight - but I can tell you that I don't lose

weight (band or no band) unless I exercise. I was banded April 9th and first fill 6 weeks later

(1.7cc's) I DEF have restriction - all said - pre diet to today I've lost 20 pounds. I think it should

be more than that, and it started to move when I got more consistent with exercise - but the last

week has been crazy and I havent exercised and I havent lost an ounce! So I'll bet that once I get back on the exercise wagon I'll start losing again.

Maybe try exercising a little and see if it'll move ??

Good luck to you !! let us know how it goes......

Lisa

Lisa Hi its Angela we were banded the same day. I am scheduled for a fill monday.Itsnot at the occ though could not afford air fare.so i am going to Jersey> I am a little scared because its not the occ but they do have flouro so I am pretty confident. Thanx for the great post as usual

Hey, Angela !! how are ya ??? don't sweat it, you'll be fine --- the only reason I could afford it was because I booked my airfare before I left for my surgery! it doesnt hurt at all and Jersey will

be great == in fact, I'd like to know for the future !

Well, after saying I wouldn't PB - I've done it 3 times now. Holy crap that hurts! Today was a public place - luckily I made it to the bathroom (twice!) I've been going Mach 2 with my hair on fire all week - 12+ hour days at work, 2 and 3 hours at home at night - and I'm just not slowing down enough to chew and its done exactly as designed and sent it right back up to me !

I'm sure my tablemates spent their whole ride back to their office wondering whats wrong with me.

Chew all ! I've said it before and apparently I wasnt listening !!!!

Best of luck - Angela, let me know how Jersey is !!!

Love,

Lisa

Surgery performed last month in Mexico. Anyone aware of any fill centers in the DC area? Thanks

Go on the site www.fillcentersusa.com - there's one about 4.5 hours from here near Philly.

I went to TJ for my first - and will decide later if I need any more....

Hello. I'm also dealing with the same thing. I live in Waldorf MD and have not found a fill center in the DC area yet. I found one but he refused to do my fills. If you get a answer please foward it to me at ladysha313@yahoo.com.

Thanks and good luck.

/quote]

Go on the site www.fillcentersusa.com - there's one about 4.5 hours from here near Philly.

I went to TJ for my first - and will decide later if I need any more....