housecatgirl

It's been a year since I was banded and it's been an interesting year. =D> Here are the most recent photos I have...I need to take new ones since I am about 8 lbs thinner now... I am 15 lbs from goal. It has been a tuff road but I'm almost there. I have learned that the band is definately not magic. As some of you know, I have had my share of tuff times with the band. I also learned that it's at least 50% exercise. The band is just a tool but I definately don't regret getting it and it has changed my life forever. http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w189/housecatgirl/

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.

Hi kim, The next meeting is May 20. Let me know if you want to go. We can also meet for lunch and there are a few other ladies in the area, too. Laura

Thanks guys! I appreciate your comments. Hey Kim, we should get together sometime. Are you going to the yahoo group IE bandsters meeting this Sat.? It's here in Lake Elsinore.=)

Thanks everyone. I will try to answer some questions. First of all I am only 5' tall. I still have 15 lbs to get to my goal. Exercise is totally key!! I exercise at least 45 min per day. Either Curves (which I love!!) or my eliptical cross trainer at home. I swear tanning helps the scars...even though some say it makes them worse. You can still see my port incision up close but it doesn't seem to show up much is photos...I can't even find the other ones anymore. I have always been like that with scars though so it probably just depends on the person. I also have a ton of freckles everywhere so I guess it's kind of a good thing in this case because they help hide the scars.

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/

So Lori, we all have low profile ports? Wow! I didn't know that...I was going to ask for one once I get to my goal but I guess I won't need to if I already have one. I must have alot of scar tissue around mine because it feels bigger than that and when I stand sideways I can see it in the mirror. I'm down around 140 though...only around 30 lbs to go...woo hooo!!!

I weighed this morning and I am happy to say I am below 150. 149 to be exact. I haven't been this weight since my wedding day. This is my first goal and I made it!! Now hopefully I can keep going to my goal. It's been quite a few years since I got past this mark but I feel alot more empowered this time. On a different note, I was actually able to eat a little more than usual Sun. night. For the past few days I have been having trouble with everything...even water. So, Sun. night was my girlfriends wedding and then reception. I was so afraid to eat since it was a very elegant country club setting. I started with a salad about 6 bandster bites which = 2 of the "old me" bites. Then, about the same for my salmon. The salmon was served with white rice which of course I didn't touch. Maybe I was sitting up straighter than usual or maybe it was alot of talking between bites. I did feel slightly stuck at one point but I just kindly excused myself from the table and strolled to the bathroom. I think just the walk helped move things along so no pb. I just freshened my makeup and returned to the table. I also don't think anyone at the table noticed how little I ate. I did suck down two Lemon Drop Martini's before dinner. Do you think maybe that relaxed my band a bit? This morning I was able to drink almost 16 oz. of water and eat a scrambled egg. However, last night, I could barely drink my water w/o feeling stuck. This band is very fickle. Anyway, thanks to all for your support. Next goal 120 which I would love to make by my anniversary March 30. I think that is reasonable. It would be nice if it came sooner but I don't want to set myself up for failure.

Hey, Skinny Jenny and Dixie Darlin...It was great meeting you today!! Hope you take advantage of the computers at OCC and let us know how you guys are doing. What a great idea to go with a friend. You two are in the same boat after surgery and forever after. My slight unfil feels a bit better...I am still tight but think it has something to do with my TOM 'cuz I was able to drink water fine while still there. I am just going to take it easy for the next few days. Remember, NO straws and use a heating pad for the gas pain if you get any ...some people don't... Keep us all posted!!

Don't be in too big of a hurry to get restriction. You have to go up slowly or you will be in a world of PAIN!! I just got my third fill and was feeling much like you but now I have restriction and can no longer eat my beloved bread. I had a rough couple of days and could only get down liquids. The good news is I have lost 5lbs in a week!

I was local so I was able to book the same day but I think it's different if you're traveling. I bet if you contact Lori she'll answer these questions... Patient Care Coordinator Obesity Control Center Lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com www.obesitycontrolcenter.com 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81

Stacey, Have you had blood work and a thyroid test? I would ck for various health conditions that may be attributing to this. I think I screwed up my metabolism from years of diet pills. Anyway, I had my third fill and am up to 3.4 cc in my little ol' 4 cc band. I sure as hell better have restriction now!! I am a low BMI and was told I have a small stomach....wish the rest of me was as small...so that's why I have such a high fill. I recently joined Curves and I am trying to exercise 4-6 X per week. I like what you said about exercise Mary and it's so true. Keep it touch everyone....Laura

I know how you feel. I am struggling to keep the 10 lbs post op I lost off. I would really like to see the scale move more. I am going for my 3rd fill tomorrow. Hopefully, as they say, third times a charm...

Last night I went to Panda Express and got the 2-item combo with rice and noodles. I ate the whole thing and could have eaten more. This morning I can barely get down a hard boiled egg without the tight feeling in my chest. I have never pb'd. Sometimes I get a tight feeling in my chest and if I stop eating for a few minutes I can usually start right back up again and eat whatever I want. I am eating less than I did before but not by much. My fear is that I don't want to get too tight and have a band slippage but I'm not losing weight so wtf am I supposed to do?? I am getting frustrated with the whole process. I have had 2 fills and am filled to 2.9 in a 4 cc band. What happens if I max out in cc's? Any advice?

As much as I can. haha, but seriously, you can figure your BMI out online and calculate what a healthy weight would be...just google BMI.

I feel pretty much the same way with this second fill. I don't have the same desire to eat. I am too afraid of that tight feeling and I'm dreading the PB. I have found myself grazing which I know I shouldn't do. I'm just not used to being satisfied with such a small portion and I am still eating out of boredom. I also find it hard to get all my water in since we can't drink with or around meals. Can we drink right before a meal or is it an hour before and after?? I am beggining to think this is just as much psychological as it is real with the fear of the PB making me afraid to eat too much. haha ...the band is making me loco.

Thanks Mary!! What time were you there? I was there around 10am. I was in and out so fast and I had a girlfriend with me so I forgot to ask. By the time I remembered I was half way home and I said shhhooottt I forgot to ask if Mary's here. How was your fill?

I think I almost had my first pb today. I had my second fill yesterday. I was told 24hrs of liquids so I decided to try a a hard boiled egg around 10am since my fill was yesterday morning. I ate a couple of bites and felt a kinda scary tight feeling in my throat/chest area...not like I was going to choke and no foaming or anything like that... just tight with some pressure. It scared me and I started walking around the room thinking oh, no and rubbing my chest but it went away after a minute or so. Is there any warning...is this maybe a warning to stop? I did stop eating and threw out the other half of egg. I was still hungry though and all I had the rest of the day was a slice of mild chedder cheese. Can you guys tell me in your own words how a PB feels before, during, and after so I know what to expect? Thanks!!

As usual the staff at OCC was great!! I started with 2.2 cc's and I had no restriction. Romero put that back in plus an additional .7 bringing my total fill to 2.9 cc's. I am concerned about if that is going to be enough though. So far, I don't know if I have restriction since I can only have liquids for 24 hrs. I kinda wish he'd put more in cuz I don't want to go back every month. Oh, well, I guess it's better than being overfilled. Mary, I didn't see you there...did you go today? I was kinda in a rush so I must've missed you. I am always worried about getting back in time to pick up my son from school.

Hi gals, Well, I will need to head back to pick up my son from school by noonish. Hope to see you both! Laura

Hey Mary, Have you tried the crystal light sunrise orange? It's alot like diet orange soda only w/o the carbonation. I used to be a fan of diet orange soda, too.

Mary & Beth, I will be down on Weds., the 23rd at 10:30am for a fill. I hope to meet you guys!! I have been reading your posts for awhile. I think you have done awesome Mary and good luck to you Beth! Laura

Hi Dixie, I was really nervous too, but you really are in good hands With Dr. Ortiz and his wonderful staff. I got my first fill a little early. I am busy with work for the next 3-weeks and would not have been able to go right at 6-weeks. I think I have some restriction but I am still able to eat anything I want and at least 1/2 what I ate before. I will probably go back in a month. Dr. Romero told me I might need to go back soon and that he was being a little conservative since I was still healing. He also told me I have a smaller stomach and may need a little more fill for that reason. So far, I am down 10 lbs and have no regrets. Laura

I had my first fill today. The whole experience went so smoothly. I arrived in TJ at around 10am and got a Taxi to Dr. ortiz office right away. Thanks so much to Lori for giving me the address and directions for the cab driver. Dr. Romero took me in right away and explained everything he was doing as he went. It really didn't hurt and I am a biiiigggg baby. Just a bit of pressure and before I knew it, it was all over. I am surprised at how hungry I am. Hopefully, once I am able to eat solid food I will have good restriction.

Hi, Pack light. The hotel will provide you with bottled water. The restaurant at the hotel has good broth and jello. Maybe just ask for juice on the flight. They should have apple juice or something. Be sure to bring a robe and slippers...it's kinda cold at night at the surgical facility. Bring some comfy drawstring or elastic waist pants. Tylenol (adult liquid type), the gas x did nothing for me but bring it if you want. Whatever you need for the bathroom. That's about it.