nita57

Finally I have my computer working well enough to post!! I went to TJ on the 25th of June for another fill. I am now at 7.5cc in my VG band. What a difference. I have some very high hopes at this point, if I can just deal with the fact that I need to quit eating at the FIRST sign of being full. I can not eat more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at a time, and yet I always want that "one more bite"..ouch...Anyway I am dealing with the head stuff as best I can and keeping my fingers crossed for some big results, finally. I will keep you all informed, and hope that all the VG bandsters will keep the faith. Nita

hey Roger!! Wow you look great! I am trying really hard not to be discouraged and will continue to plod away and keep tryin...You look like you are almost at your goal so you must be feeling really good. How is your wife doing since she got banded? Good luck and stay in touch! Nita

Why is the VG band topic showing closed? Is it a problem with my computer or did someone decide we shouldn't discuss it? I am going to TJ for another fill on Monday the 25th. I am hoping that this will solve some of my issues. I already have more than 6cc in the band. Is it possible for a person to need to have it totally filled? Then what?. Nita

Good idea Tom. My experience with the VG band...sighs...frustration, frustration, and more frustration. I have 3 kinds of days. 1)can't eat without PB 2)perfect restriction and 3)eat all you want of whatever you want. How do I determine if I need a fill? I don't know. My weight is stable. No matter how much or little I eat it stays the same. I feel like if I could have the #2 days all of the time, I would have NO problem losing weight. But I don't, and I don't understand it. Everytime I decide to go for a fill, the band tightens up and I think...okay..I can do this..(sighs again)Right now I am planning to try for a June fill. I will NOT give up but boy if I had known I would get a VG I think I might have backed out. I just don't know. Anyway, I'm open for suggestions, encouragement, words of wisdom...whatever...Luck all. Nita

I'm with you Greg. If it is true that the carbonated beverages are okay now, I think I will still leave them alone. It is sooo difficult to keep up with everything that changes all the time with respect to diet and nutrition. I think that the things that work for me, I will continue. Guess the Drs. who decide these things like to keep us guessing!! Cheers. Nita

My understanding was that carbonated beverages are best left alone forever. I remember reading that they can cause the band to slip, due to the gas, I suppose. Anyway..I just wonder why you want to tempt fate, after making such a huge investment in your health? I had my last carbonated drink on the plane to San Diego before surgery. I haven't really missed them so maybe that is why..Not that I don't miss other things sometimes...Anyway...everyone..be careful...Good Luck. Nita

They will take a check also, but NO credit cards. Found out the hard way...Of course they can always change the way they do things. Better to take some $$$..Nita

Hey Becki..No worries, I will NEVER give up this fight. And by the way, You look terrific. I mentioned that to Michele when we were in Mexico and she could not say enough about how wonderful you look. Continued success to you my friend. Nita

I'm glad you are optimistic, never said you shouldn't be. I wish you great luck and success. The problem with constantly trying to get enough fill(and as I stated, this is a VG problem)is that I have to be able to take time off to travel. For other people the cost is also a problem. Please don't suggest thyroid or any other medical problem..I am always under a doctors care here for other medical conditions, none of which keeps me from losing weight. I never said I can eat a ton..I just don't feel enough consistant restriction. I am sure you will find out what I mean. anyway. Good luck. Nita

Becki, My weight loss, to date, is a result of my determination not to allow my husband to waste this money. I joined a gym. I eat less than 1000 calories a day and I struggle like no other. I lost more than half of that weight pre-surgery so my average is way less than it should be.. The VG band needs way more fills than a regular one. The only contribution that the band has made to my weight loss is mental. I'm not giving it any credit because it hasn't helped me like it has helped other people. Maybe (I am still hoping, I never give up)that I will one day get enough fill to really make a difference. In the meantime, I am just on a diet, Like always. Nita

Fills are included forever. You, however, have to bear the cost of getting to Mexico. As far as followups? hmmm... Good luck with that one. So far I am into this band for about $10,000, with minimal success. Am I dissapointed..yes I am. Do I recommend it? Only if you DO NOT GET A VG BAND. Okay, so I know I am getting ready to get the **** beat out of me here. But do your research, Look on other sites where there are more people who have already been banded for a while. Most of the people here are newbies and oh so optimistic. I know this, because I was one too. Good Luck whatever you decide. Nita

Hi LeaAnne Not trying to make light of your very frustrating situation(we've all been there, and will visit there again)but I did want to add a bit of "light-hearted" advice. Good Luck!! Nita 10 Things To Do Before You Weigh In 10. Remove nail polish. 9. Clip your toenails. 8. Take the ribbon from your hair. 7. Shave your legs. 6. Loofah your elbows. 5. Trim your split ends. 4. Two words: Bikini wax. 3. Blow your nose. 2. Take out your contacts. 1. Exhale!

Welcome back! Much continued success and much much relaxation and stress free living! Nita

I think Lori and Kevin are doing a really good job at cutting down on the spam. It is wayyyyy better than it was and I'm sure it could be a full time job if they let it. Any way... I think you two are awesome! I just ignore all the fishy looking posts now. And with the exception of the weekends, I see less and less of them. Pat yourselves on the back. Nita

Michelle, I am so glad that you decided to post this and share your experience with everyone. We all need to keep in mind that complications can and do arise. Also I think we have to remember that there is NO miracle cure for obesity, only patience, hard work and a little help from our friends!! Keep me posted GF. Big Hug. Nita BTW Michelle, No way are you obese....

Hi Greg I have been on Nutri system 3 times. Always had good results(just can't keep it off)I too have considered it in combination with my band. I think it would be a great way to have variety and control your calorie/fat intake. The only obstacle, of course, is figuring out which meals may not be band friendly. I think most of them would work well. Good luck and let us know how it works out for you. Nita

Good Luck Roo, we are all pulling for you! > Nita

Hi Becky, Hope you are feeling a bit better by now. Not being able to eat at all sounds a bit scary. I am just wondering if Dr Romero tested you with water when he did the fill? He always gives me a bottle and has me drink some before I leave. I guess things can seem okay with a fill at first and them go south in a hurry...I really hope you will be alright. Take care, nita

Good luck at the new job!! Its a whole new life eh? nita

Hi Autumn, Personally, I would never allow a fill without flouro or xray. The reason is simple. If they miss the spot, they could puncture your port. I do know people who have gone to a fill center here with not good result, but I am also sure that there are people who are very happy with them, I just haven't met them. As for finding your sweet spot, well every one is different. Some people get it on the first try and some take several fills. You just have to wing it. I have had 2 fills and still am not at that point yet, but I know people who are fine with 1 fill. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do! nita

YES!! He lives!! I was gettin worried about you Kev...Lookin mighty good there too...Nita =D> =D> =D>

I'm sorry but I have to speak my mind on this. It seems to me that it is somehow a very disfunctional relationship that allows people to lie about things of such great importance. I can't even imagine having a spouse who wouldn't support me in a decision that might save my life. The extended family, I can understand, but not the spouse. I guess it just bothers me that anyone would feel the need to sneak away and have surgery. Perhaps it is the relationship which needs to be examined. I'm sorry but I have been wanting to say this for a while. I don't mean to sound nasty but this is something I know other people in here have been thinking as well. I wish you both the only the best. Nita

[quiote name=kcmomrn' date='Jan 4 2007, 10:34 PM' post='7098] I was just wondering if anyone has had any problems deducting the cost of surgery on taxes? My tax advisor told me that since the surgery was done in a foreign country it could not be deducted, but if there is a way I'de like to know. My husband and I both had surgery and it would be great if we could deduct the cost of 2 surgeries. <my understanding is that it can be deducted as long as your Dr. here has stated it is a medical necessity. I guess that would only make it deductable for high BMI patients, but can't be sure. I, for one, am definately going to claim it. Nita

Paula, I guess some people are braver than others. For me, having surgery was a very big deal, cuz I am a chicken. The thought of someone poking and poking or poking and stabbing a hole in my port is unthinkable. But I do know other people who are actually considering doing their own fills.....thats just scary...nita

Yes. Nita