ginger

Hi there - I am feeling a little discouraged, but I know that if I just hear from a couple of people who have been through this, I will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I had surgery on 1/8/07. Before my first fill, 6 weeks later, I had lost maybe 2 lbs. I had little to no restriction during that time - I wish my first fill had been at 3 weeks. Anyway, after my first fill, I lost in about 6 weeks, maybe only another 2 lbs. With 1.8 ccs I felt really no restriction as to the amount of food I could eat. I had to eat slower, but not less. Yesterday, I received a fill - I am now at 2.9 ccs. I feel restriction now, maybe too much. But, that is a different story.

So, my frustration is - all of my life, I haven't been able to lose weight. I have screwed everything I have tried up. I just plain eat too much and what I shouldn't. Is it possible that I am so prone to being fat that I will screw this up too? Am I so addicted to food that I should just resign myself to the fact that I will always be this way? I am not looking to be a super model - but to wear normal clothes would be nice. Today is my 29th birthday - and I don't want to start my 30s the way I am today. Anything anyone could tell me would help a ton. Thanks.

Happy Birthday & Hang in there! It sounds as if you are doing thr right things. The fact that you are feeling restriction now is a good sign. everyone is different and loses at a different pace. As long as you are not gaining weight then you are on the right track. Think positive! Keep a journal, attend support groups, see a therapist and pray to whatever higher power you believe in. You are in charge of your life and the changes that you decide to make. You are powerful and can do this. keep going and soon you will be feeling good on the inside and outside1

GingerHang in there!

I forgot to update you all on what I found out at CosMedClinc. It was a very nice and clean facility and the staff seems really nice. I met with the Chief Surgeon, Dr. "Q" and he seems very informed. I just asked general questions like botox and facials and laser facials (IPL) and everything seemed reasonably priced. The IPL (intense pulse light) that helps eliminate sun damage and fine lines cost $180 per session for face only. I then called in my home state of Oklahoma and was given a price range of $450 for face and $700 for face & neck. Looks like CosMed has better prices for that. Botox at Cosmed is $200 for first area and $100 for each additional area. I think that is really reasonable too. As far as breast lifts and other more invasive procedures, you have to email them a picture before he can give you a quote. However, he said about $3500 for a breast lift again depending on the person's needs.

All in all, I was pretty satisfied with my visit. I didin't have one specific thing that I really need done as of yet so it was kind of hard to get good info on tummy tucks, face lifts and other major procedures. I would like to have some facials done there to include the IPL facials. You can buy a series of 4 for $600 which is a good price compared to my home state.

Hope this helps.

Thanks alot!

Ginger

I was banded just about 4 months ago and now that I am almost at my goal I am looking into cosmetic surgery. I am scheduled locally for breast augmentation late march but I also want a tummy tuck or lower body lift and the cost locally is far beyond the realm of what I can afford. Has anyone had a tummy tuck or body lift in Mexico and lived to talk about it?

Hi!

I needed a boob reduction and lift before my band, and i will definately need one once I reach my goal. I am in the same boat as you re affordability. Please let me know if you hear anything and i will do the same. Maybe we can get a buy one get one free deal! Ha!

Keep in touch,

Newly banded friend,

Ginger

223/199/155

I am trying to do some research on plastic surgery in Thailand, I had seen an investigative report on tv (can't remember which one) that soke highly of a specific hospital in Thailand. I am getting banded on 19Mar and I am already searching for a safe place to get a body lift. please keep me informed if you find out something, and I as well will let you know. Wish me luck with my surgery.

Sally

Hi Sally,

I too need a safe and affordable place to get a boob reduction and boob lift. Please let me know if you hear of any.

Thanks,

Ginger

I've met 3 women who have gone to CosMed for plastic surgery after weight loss. They looked amazing. As soon as I reach my goal my plan is to book my appointment and finish the job.

Hi,

Where is Cos Med? I definately need a boob reduction and lift Help! I need an affordable, but great PS

Hi,

My name is Ginger and I also live in upstate, Ny. Kent Ny to be more specific. Ironically, my husband is a graphic and web designer and I dabble a bit. We own a business called "The Able Studio." We also own three business directories; Putnamshops.com, Dutchessshops.com, HVshops.com and Westchestershops.biz.

Anyway, I was just banded on 3/12/07. I have lost 14 lbs since surgery and I am very excited. I have not been able to lose 14lbs in quite some time. I am returning to work on Mon, 3/26 and a bit nervous about that. I am a rehabilitation therapist in a psychiatric hospital and my schedule is wild! My tendency is to skip meals, pick at what ever cookies or crap are at the numerous meetings I have to attend, eat something unhealthy while I'm running around. I usually gobble down my lunch, barely remembering what I ate. So, not only do I have to change my eating style and habits, I have to alter my work style a bit which will be very difficult given the nature of my profession.

I guess if I just prepare ahead as I have been doing, I will be OK.

I hope you get approved.

Ginger

I am confused? I am having procedure on Mon, 3/12. I do not recall them talking about a pre-op diet, yet I am reading that many people were on one consisting of liquids? Today is Sat, my surgery is on Mon and I probably cannot get in touch with the MD? Help!!pre-op diet question

Thanks Queen. I just don't know how I'm supposed to get 60g of protein eating nothing but broth. I'm not allowed protein shakes. For some reason skim milk is on my doctor's approved clear liquids list, although I've never heard of this before, have you? I asked about FF SF hot chocolate and they said no. Funny considering skim milk is okay.

Mom and I went to our favorite Chinese restaurant today. The wonton broth was to die for. I've eaten it twice today.

Very good point Queen! Thanks for bringing that up.

For some reason I've gotten the hiccups four times today. I sure hope hiccuping isn't going to hurt the band. It hurts to hiccup.

Hi,

I am wondering the same thing? How are you suppose to get enough (60-64g) protein drinking broth? I am having procedure on 3/12.

I had surgery last tuesday (27) I am miserable on the liquid diet as well. I went back to work on friday and my job is very active. my stomach is growling constantly and i know the difference in real hunger and head hunger. i cannot imagine 2 more weeks like this.

Hi I am having procedure on 3/12. My job is also very demanding and active. I am a psychiatric rehabilitation specialist with very little time in my schedule. I am concerned about trying to fulfill the dietary requirements while at work. I have managed to arrange for a 45 minute lunch break daily which is quite a luxary considering that i used to take lunch 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes, gobbling down food.

:-hi am scheduled for surgery on march 8th!!! anyone else scheduled that day or close?

I am scheduled for MArch 12

As the day approaches, is anyone else getting that feeling that you need to eat things that you will never be able to again? It's kind of silly but the feeling is still there

Most definatey! But the weird thing is, as I eat some of these things, I am not really enoying them. My surgery is scheduled for Mon 3/12 and I am going out to dinner tonight to eat a few of the forbidden foods that i grew up on like macaroni.

:-hi am scheduled for surgery on march 8th!!! anyone else scheduled that day or close?

Yes. I am. I am scheduled for March 12th and starting to get nervous. Not so much about the procedure, but about the emotional piece.