GiBaby71

Thanks Dave!

I am scheduled to have surgery on the 18th so maybe we will see each other in passing.

GiBaby71

Hi everyone, Well, I'm about 15 lbs to goal and hubby took some photos last weekend. I'm not here to brag but I do hope to inspire. I have worked hard and come a long way. Most of you know it hasn't been easy with all my fills and unfills but I am happy to report I think I finally have the right level of restriction. I learned that there is no magic and the band is only a tool. I also learned it's at least 50% exercise. Anyway, I will post better photos when I finally reach my goal...

http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w189/housecatgirl/

Now that is what I call encouragement =D> I am 5'2" and 209 pounds (lost 2 lbs) surgery scheduled for the 18th of April. What types of exercises did you do and how did you keep yourself motivated? My husband wouldn't know what to do with himself if I were ever able to were a swimsuit let alone a two-piece. You look great.

GiBaby 71 =D>

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.

I found this poem and I think it fits. Read it and I hope it gives you some encouragement.

Inspirational Poem

Try and Try

=D> Hi all,

Just scheduled with Carolyn April 17-20. Need to fill out papers, fax and send money.

Sue

Hi Sue,

I am scheduled for the same dates. I am in the process of finishing up my financing. See you there. Maybe we can schedule our fills for the same time.

GiBaby71

My mom and I are scheduled for April 11th. We actually went down to TJ to visit the facility and Dr. Ortiz and staff a week and a half ago - After all the research I have done in this space and looking at all the specialists who have done a large volume of lap bands - I am now convinced that we are making the right choice by choosing Dr. Ortiz. It was easy to get a cab to the facility - so I now have no worries about getting there for my fills as well. All in all I had the same worries about getting this done in Mexico - but after conducting an intensive reference check with many who have been to Dr. Ortiz as well as visiting the office, meeting the staff, seeing the facilities -my fears have been put to rest. Good luck and more to come from mom and I as we have our surgery on the 11th.

Camille

It is great that you took the time to do through research before selecting a doctor that you are comfortable with. My best friend had hers done first and I am following suit. Let us know how things go and hang in there.

GiBaby71

HI April Surgery patients,

I just scheduled my surgery for April 20th and have to say I was really nervous about getting it done in Mexico. I went an saw a Dr here in AZ and it was going to cost me $16500 to get it done. I was going to spend the money and do it but after doing a search on the Internet found a this website about Dr Ortiz that talked about the fact that he had pioneered it here in the US and many other places. And there on the website was a picture of Dr Ortiz and the Dr I had just seen here in AZ. So then I talked to my hubby and my mother who has had plastic surgery in Mexico and we were convinced this is the way to go. So now I have to lose 30lbs by surgery day and since Wed when I booked my appt I am done 5.5lbs lets just hope I can do the other 24.5 lbs. I am so scared and excited at the same time. Now I feel like its the waiting game. I wish I could just go and do it tomorrow and be done with it. But Dr said I had to lose the wait first. I went to bed starving last night. But I feel its something I really want then I'm going to do everything I can to be able to get it.

Wish you all great success!

Janet - AZ

Hi Jazzy,

You will be okay, like you I have some weight to lose prior to surgery on the 17th. Just do the best you can and try drinking more water. Water will fill you up temporaily. There is a brand called life water made by SOBE that doesn't taste that bad. It has some calories but vitamins as well. I have been drinking it and have been able to curb my appetite that way.

Good luck,

GiBaby

Hi Teri,

I've only lost like 15 lbs since Sept but I really only started trying like 2 weeks ago. Before my second fill I could eat whatever in any quantity (and did).

Right now I can eat a regular sized dinner (like 3/4 of a WW meal) and basically liquid stuff for breakfast and lunch. I am really only getting like 5 or 600 calories a day which is way too low!! I am trying to eat more but it is hard. I just ordered some flavorless protein to start adding too.

So you're going in for another fill- wow you must be frustrated! You'll find that sweet spot! Good luck!

Karen

"Listening" to you guys is really scary. My surgery is scheduled for April 18th and I am praying that I do not have the same complications with the fills as you guys are. When you started eating regular food did you try with small amounts, eating each one separtely to see how the food would go down? Are you trying to eat heathier or just regular food? Forgive me if I am being to curious.

GiBaby71

Hello Everyone,

I suppose I fall into the low BMI category. My weight started out at 211lbs and as of today I have lost 4.5lbs. My surgery is scheduled for April 18th. My husband is soooo excited about me loosing weight (it is a little sickening) . I want to do this for myself, so I started my preop diet early because it takes a while for me to loose weight. I am trying to get down to 200lbs by the time I go in for surgery. I am glad that so many of you are supportive of the newbies going through this process. =D> I can't wait for my journey to begin and I can start feeling comfortable in my skin again.

GiBaby71

Are there any April surgery dates out there?

I am scheduled for surgery on April 18th. I will arrive in TJ on April 17th.

GiBaby71

Thank you Donna! Good to know. ; ) I am hoping to schedule for the 16th or 17th.

Judy

=D> I am scheduled for the 17th of April maybe we will see each other there! I have my friend coming with me for her first fill. I am nervous and excited.