Desert Lady

Don't panic. And don't listen to those "I lost 40 here, I lost 50 there..." It doesn't necessarily work like this. They say the first 6-8 weeks are for recovery from surgery. On the 3rd week, I was eating crackers, soft cheese and smoked salmon. A little bit, but I was eating. Didn't lose a hell of a lot during the first 4 weeks. Just a little over 10 lbs. I couldn't wait the 6-8 weeks, had the same "fear" feelings, conveyed it to the doctors down there, fell on deaf ears, so I decided to go get a second opinion stateside for the waiting period on the 1st fill. So, I did, here in AZ, and here is what the US doctors said: 1. Everyone reacts to the band in a different manner. To have a 6-8 week recipe for all, just doesn't work. 2. You are eating more than you should, get a fill. 3. You stop losing, get a fill. I had surgery on Oct 11. I had the 1st fill 4 weeks later and the 2nd fill 12 weeks later. I am now 6 months after the surgery, and I have lost a total of exactly 54 lbs. Right on track, if we consider they say it takes about a little over a year to lose 100 lbs. The band is very slow. It is also only a tool to help you lose the weight. It is not a "solve-all". Have faith in it, it will help you. But help yourself as well. I have to admit I don't eat 1/2 cup, or 3/4 cup. I consider these quantities a myth. I eat more! Heck, my husband and I go down to Mastro's steakhouse down here, and knock ourselves out! We don't do it very often, most times when we go out we split an entre. Let's face it: we, fat people, didn't get fat by eating thin air. We got fat because we like food. Food is a consolation, a celebration, a reward. How exactly can you come home at the end of a 12 hour day, and say I'll eat 1/2 a cup of dry food... So, here is how I solved the problem: I combined the band with a caloric diet, discovered "Lean Cuisine", and everything works perfectly. At work, for lunch, I take with me one of these microwaveable soups from Campbell. Just something to keep me warm and give me the illusion I am "eating" something. For dinner, Lean Cuisine has an excellent selection of anything you can imagine for under 350 calories. Even pizza!!!The quantity of food in their servings is just right at least for me. It tastes great, too!!! I keep everything under 1000 calories a day or so. Drink lots of water, coffee, or any of the liquids that will make you go to the bathroom a lot. That's my 2 bit, good luck!!! Desert Lady - Surgery: Oct 11, 2005 - 269.5 lbs 1st fill - Nov 12, 2005 - 258 lbs 2nd fill - Jan 28, 2006 - 235 lbs Apr 14, 2006 - 215 lbs

To those of you that have "been there, done that", what is the state of the facilities?

I am scheduled for Oct 11. I am from AZ. The very best of luck to you!