LoriBecky

there is a toll free # to call for information on shipping charges from our estore - its run by Bariatric Advantage. I think it just depends on what you order!

I think the Centrum Chewables are pretty good - but I bought the Target generic of the Centrum - Y I K E S!!! lol never again!

S E V E N T Y pounds

but i'm more excited about the inches!!!

As you all know I never post this stuff about myself because I want this forum to be about you guys - but what the heck... i'm excited

Ok my bandster buddies, this one is all about ME!

Today is one day before my band anniversary, so I measured myself since I had done so the day before my surgery last year.

:::::::::Drumroll please::::::::::::

I've lost 65 inches - SIXTY-FIVE INCHES this year - do I hear a roar from the crowd?!?!?!!? lol

Thank you guys so much for your support and help in keeping me on track.

I finally started really exercising this week (its been a year since I was allowed to exercise, too!!) so I'm hoping the inches keep coming off! I'll be at the clinic next Thursday (6/21) for my 2nd fill. I'm excited to meet those of you that will be there that day

Love you guys!! - and I just have to say WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

From a health standpoint - yes, smoking does hurt you! You need to quit a MINIMUM of 2 weeks prior to surgery, more if you've smoked for a long time.

I don't believe the smoking does damage to the band... but it certainly doesn't do you any good!

Ok... stepping down off my soapbox

during the pre-op tomatoes aren't good - too much sugar - it is green salad - greens only!! I think it would be hilarious to bring Dr. Miranda a big trough of salad... but not sure you can get that across the border LOL oh well... you can just go to the Costco there in TJ!

Yes, the fiber capsules do help with the hunger.... but if its head hunger you are dealing with you need to find a diversion... just come to the forum!!!

I add fiber daily into my diet because of IBS (irritable bowel) I use soluable fiber that dissolves completely in liquid (its tasteless and I add it to water or juice. We offer fiber on our website Estore or you can buy it at your local drug/discount store (Benefiber, Metamucil, etc) I believe you can also buy fiber in chewable form.

If you have any issues with IBS - this is a great site and is where I purchase my fiber Help For IBS

Good luck

That recommendation is for the PRE-OP DIET!!!

HI, LORI ! sounds like an AA meeting!

You can try and blackmail me, but no one would pay for any info about me!

I don't know whether to be sad or happy about that! ha ha

BTW - the great tomato allergy lasted forever -- had another round of steroids

(altho the Doc said, "I cant give you any more - it might make you psychotic" -

wooo! there's a fun time!) -- but it seems to have left me now -- I think my body

just got in reaction mode and got stuck.

Anyway, thanks for being there for my momentary freak out. I had my fill -

boy am I restricted now! I love it!!! While I have you - is the lovely man who did

my fill Dr. Romero or Dr. La Costa ?? He was there all day the day of my surgery and

all night, too -- very lovely, sweet, gentle, adorable. I had asked at the desk, after my

fill and she said his name was La Costa, but everyone on the boards says Dr Romero

does the fills. This young man is in medical school - but I dont know what level.

Thanks! I hope you are well --

Lisa

Dr. Romero does the fills

You guys are too funny

of course all my patients know, and most of my family knows but most of my friends & acquiantences - NOPE they don't - unless I think the band would benefit them and then of course, I tell them.

I didn't tell anybody before I went because I didn't want to hear the "Mexico.. are you crazy?!!?!?" I had done my research and knew Dr O was the best surgeon for the job, anywhere in the world!!! Then, because I was so impressed, I started working for him.

So... semi-secret bandsters UNITE lol

No... its UP TO 4 pounds of greens per day prior to surgery. For snacking, salads, to help with hunger... you don't HAVE to eat it. I'm just cracking up - I can't imagine someone force feeding themselves 4 pounds of salad a day!!!

I love you guys - you keep me smiling

do the chewables! We offer a great line of vitamins at our estore - specifically formulated for bandsters! here's the link: Estore Vitamins

Support & coordinate with other July Fill Patients here

Here is the link to theBus/Trolley Info

Just call the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 to schedule your fill.

Congratulations

If we haven't already spoken, I'm sure we will! If you have any questions let me know :-h

if only it were a 100 times LOl I'm just kidding Call me as often as you like, and yes, I'm planning on being at the clinic on the 21st of June... so batton down the hatches TJ here I come LOL

I'll visit the surgery patients once they've had their happy juice IV and get them to tell me their secrets bwahahaha

I just answer questions about OCC and our practices - I have no idea how often other centers, or which centers, use the VG band. You may be able to find that out through some internet searches or on other forums There are actually other sized gastric bands out there besides the VG and standard band.

be careful about studies, sometimes that is a fancy word for doctors that are training in the band - ask how many bands the surgeon has placed and how many teens the surgeon has performed Lap Band surgery on! Experience is very important for proper band placement!

Hey Judy,

you can call or email me anytime with questions! I'll be happy to help any way I can.

The most frequently used bands are the 10 cm (4cc) the "standard band", and the larger VG (Vanguard) band is which is 14cm long (10cc's). The VG band is generally used on patients with a higher BMI with more belly fat, but strangely enough some of the higher BMI patients have rather small stomachs or not much fat accumlated right next to their stomach, and a few lower BMI patients that from the outside would appear to need a standard band have a lot of fat accumulated on their stomach hence they need the VG band. That's why the doctor can't make a final determination until he's "in there"

I hope that helps.

Jennifer - i can't make a recommendation but I can give you some names - email me!!

Lori

no surgery on the 21st.... but I'm hoping to be there for a fill on the 21st!!

FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS.... PERIOD! If you have a question about what your doctor has instructed then call!! I'd be happy to put you through to Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Miranda if you question the post-op diet regimen

Not true

The VG band is reserved for those patients that have the BMI or anatomy that requires it. The standard band is still just that... standard and most frequently used.

Judy,

if you do forget you'll have a reminder that you need to eat more slowly and chew chew chew... it hurts when food gets stuck! I still haven't PB'd (knock on wood) but I work very hard not to get food stuck because it doesn't feel good!!!

Make sure you are taking in plenty of fluids, it really does help! Remember, this is a process, not a quickie fix. Be patient with the band and yourself. You both need time to get used to each other and play nicely LOL

It does get better - we are all here for you!

hmmmm this gives me an idea for an alternate income stream.... how much is your secret worth bwahahahaha

I'm just kidding

My name is Lori and I'm a secret bander (well kinda)

Rick is arriving at 9:30am on Thursday, May 31st at San Diego Airport and wants to know if anybody is interested in sharing a ride

email rickrush@sbcglobal.net or call him at 469-693-9598