wanttobe110

I also heard Dr. Ortiz's book is the same- lots of typos, pages out of order- and I hear he has an excellent reputation also. Such a shame that these doctors who have so much knowledge has lousy publishers. I still recommend the two magazines (see my email above). They have lots of info for all people in all points of their WLS journey.

Okay gals--- I had my SECOND fill of another c.c. (2 c.c. total) last week and still no restriction. I can still eat like a truck driver. Most of the time I don't, but I did today (two parties). Although, I must say that I did eat less than I normally would have, but still too much! I am wanting the restriction so badly but it's just not there. And what if it takes to 3 c.c. or more to feel restriction? Then I won't have restriction later on, right? Don't you need an adjustment every few months or so as you lose weight? There won't be any room left in my 4 c.c band. Getting discouraged...........

Hey, I am building up my own LapBand library, too. I didn't find Jessie Ahroni's book that informative. I would have 6 months ago, but it's a very simple book. Great resourse for those new to the lap band world. I also cannot find Ren and Fielding's book. I tried to order it throught the thinforlife.med.nyu.edu, but no one has answered my many e-mails. I am seeing Dr. Ren on Tuesday so I will ask her how to get her book. :-) I am currently reading "The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook. Great book. I highly recommend it. Also, I have subscriptions to 2 magazines. One is www.wlslifestyles.com and the other is from www.obesityhelp.com Both are about $25 yearly and also have back issues available. I bought all the back issues of both magazines and I really learned a lot. I recommend both mags. I ordered the "Eating Well" by Levine and "Exodus from Obesity" by Paula Peck and "This is not Brain Surgery..." by Teri Holtzclaw from Amazon, but haven't received them yet.

Hi Juli, I am new to the band, too. I was banded on 2/18/05. How much weight did you lose this past week? i am wondering if you lost most of your weight while on the liquid part of the diet.

Hello! I just found out about a new program at CentraState Hospital in Freehold- it's a comprehensive one year post-op group. It includes nutition and lifestyle classes every first and third Saturday at 10am. The cost is $299 for the year and it is only for bandsters. The first meeting is this Saturday (April 2). Also includes several one-on-one counseling sessions during the year. If anyone would like info, email me at cuillard@comcast.net I'll be there!! P.S. They also have a program for pre-op patients, too. For either program, you do not have to be banded there. I was banded at NYU.

Hi Maria, Welcome aboard. Let us know if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you soon. Who is your surgeon?

Hi Penni, Glad you'll be doing the walk!! How old is your daughter? Mine is 2. (Also have two boys- 7 and 3). Are you coming from L.A.?! Depending on how many we have, I think our own Tshirts would be a great idea. So far, though, it looks like just you and me!

I'd love to do both. I like the idea of doing it for bariatric surgery. This is a whole new world for me and I am glad there was info out there for me to find the LAP BAND.

Hello Maria, I had mine done at NYU Medical Center by Dr. Ren. They have free support groups and now they have just started psychotherapy "group" sessions on Monday night for only $25/session. The first meeting is April 4th and there are 4 of us signed up so far- all with the lap band. Also, with Dr. Ren, I has to see her psychologist at $250 (no insurance) and the nutritionist at $250 (no coverage). But insurance did cover the operation and at $20,000, I am grateful they did that! I support the band. All other diets (Weight Watchers, Atkins, etc) have a 95% failure. Most are successful with the band! It's not easy, but we're here to help

I totally don't want to organize a walk- too much work! But I am sure someone in NYC is. When you get that info, let us know. I am near Sandy Hook. The b&b is www.grandladybythesea.com A quick check of Expedia sys we could stay in NYC for that. Granted- not as nice, but still, it's Manhattan! They have 6 rooms, but they run about $150/night. The ferry leaves from Highlands and goes to Wall Street and 34th Street. The ferry takes about 45 minutes. How many of us want to get together that weekend?

Hey! I am so glad you guys are up for it! I just kept looking around the sight and I found it somewhere. Looks like a post came in from Gina about the walk. Do we want ot organize a walk or just be part of the NYC one? I think organizing one would be a lot of work. I guess the registration for 2005 isn't open yet. Also, Penni60- should we have our own shirts made or can you get them from Walk from Obesity? Alexandra---do you have a hotel for the weekend? I have a friend that works at the Holiday Inn in Springfield, NJ on Rt. 22. We could probably get a good deal through her. This nothing around the hotel though. I am not sure what you had planned but I'd be happy to help in any way. Also, how about a B&B- we could rent out an entire one for the weekend! There's one here at the shore- right by the ferry to NYC. Okay- I'll stop talking now :-)

Hello! I don't know how far in south Jersey you are. I am by Sandy Hook and I go into NYC to see Dr. Ren. They charge $100/fill. Also, I know that CentraState Hospital in Freehold welcomes patients from those banded elsewhere. They also have a Comprehensive Post-Op program that I am going to join that includes support groups, individual counseling, nutritional counseling and lifestyle coaching for $299 for the year (does not include fills). Where do you live?

Thanks for the chili and taco suggestions. I picked some up at the supermarket. Hadn't thought of them.

Hello bendsters, I am going shopping for the first time (banded 5 weeks ago, first fill 1 week ago) and I am slowly going off the liquid/mushy into "regular" foods. Please help me find some high Protein foods that will fill me up. Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Hey guys, The 2005 Walk From Obesity is Saturday, Sept. 24 in Manhattan. Maybe we could make that part of the weekend. I'd love to be able to walk 5K by then! www.walkfromobesity.com

Hi everyone, Thanks for the words.......I am going in for my second fill on April 4th. I did eat more solid food and still ate too much. Watching more what I eat.

Hello, I think it's more gloomy inside my house than it is outside! I had my first fill of 1 c.c. on Monday. I am so starved today and I ate lots of food- a cup of pasta!!! And then two hours later I was hungry again and ate 2 eggs with a tad of cheese. Then I was hungry two hours after that and ate 2 yogurt cups. BTW, in between, I drank lots of Water. I must not be tight enough. My doctor doesn't use anything for the fill, just feels for the port and shoves the needle in. I am going to call tomorrow, but I am feeling so down about this. I've waited so long for the surgery and now I've had it done and nothing. :-(

Thanks! At least I know I'm normal. Well, normal for this. I wouldn't say I am normal otherwise. LOL. Looking forward to that golf ball feel! (sarcasm).

Hello bandsters, I had my first fill of 1 c.c. yesterday. I am on liquids today and tomorrow. I am starving. Am I supposed to feel different? Since I am not eating solid foods, is it true I won't feel restricted cuz the liquids are going right through? I can drink with NO problems what so ever. I just don't feel anything. Is that good?

Well, nothing. The same. I am on liquids for today and tomorrow. Then mushies until Friday. I'll see how it goes when I get to eat "real" food. Should I feel different? Should I feel a restriction?

Hey Tina, Thanks for the info. I am a new bandster- just got my first fill yesterday! I am doing what I can to make the first year an awesome year by doing lots of reading from "ole pros" like you. P.S. Did you ever see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? You sound like Toula's dad---every word has a Greek root.......

I Jazell76 and fellow bandsters! I got my first fill yesterday of 1 c.c.. Let's see if it works!

Hello ladies, Let's see--Pasta doesn't bother me. It's one of the things I can eat now. How did you lose 28 pounds?? See- everyone else is losing weight during this time. I know- I have to wait for my fill, but I haven't been known to be a patient person! I wish I could find that book by Dr. Ren. I am trying to get all the info I can to make the first year as successful as I can.

Thanks! Couple of questions.......what about a protein shake in the morning- will that fill me up even though it's a liquid? You don't have any problem eating bread? I thought bread was one of those taboo items. How many fills have you had and how many c.c.'s are you? I'm in NJ, too--Sandy Hook, near the shore. Where are you?

Hello, I am going in for my first fill on Monday and I'd like to get an idea of what the "real world" of bandsters are eating. My doctor gave me guidelines, of course, but real people are better at this. If you could list what you generally eat for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Snacks (if you have any). Do veggies count in that half a cup per meal? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!