wilem

Good for you. You will be amazed at how many things will change. Aches and pains will all of a sudden disappear. Congrats! Keep up the good work!

I have had my band for 3 1/2 years and consider myself a success story. I feel great. Still have a way to go, but overall would do it all over again. Went in recently for a fill after a year and only 8 lbs lost and found out I had maxed out my band fill at 11 CCs. Eeeeek. My doctor removed all my fill and had me have an upper GI. Everything came back completely normal. During that time of no restriction, I realized I had become very lazy about eating only the easy stuff. Pudding, Ice cream, mashed potatoes, applesauce etc are always easier than chicken, raw veggies and salads. I was shooting myself in the foot. I went in to the doctor to have him start my fills again with a new attitude of eating. I am starting out eating sensibly and more balanced. Guess what? I am reaching my fill with only 5 ccs. Hmmm. I still think I need a little tweek, but definately not up to where I was. I have increased my water intake, I am trying to eat those foods I shyed away from. I am no longer afraid of anything. Tonight is a 1/4 of a chicken breast and a small spinach salad. For dessert, a half an orange with a spoonful of pineapple sorbet. Yummy!

Hi Tucson Gal...I have been off the boards for a few months now and feel like I want to move forward again. Took a break over the fall months and am anxious to get back into the groove and to take off my final 50! Tell me about yourself. I am in Oro Valley and have a friend who is also in the area. We would love to meet up with you. I work at the U of A, but I am available for advice 24/7. I am 16 months post op. Please respond...you never have enough friends!

Congrats to you both on your new journey. I am having my 1 year post-op anniversary tomorrow. This is definately the best gift you could give yourself. Best of luck. Let me know how you do, PM me if you want to talk privately.

Yeah!!!! I would love to meet you. I will send you a personal message with my info. Was today your first appointment??? Congrats!

IHOP 9am on Saturday 3/15. IHOP on Cortaro.

Count me in.

Yup! The good thing is that after your initial visits with him you will see Scott his assistant. He is the best! I haven't seen Scwartz since my 2 week check up and finally at my 1st fill at 6 weeks. How are you doing??? Such a newbie! We (4 of us bandsters) are getting together this Friday for lunch. You are more than welcome. Chilis on Cortaro at noon. They have great soup!!!! Let me know via PM and I will get you a few contacts and phone numbers. Good Luck and I am anxious to talk to you.

A couple of us are planning to get together in Tucson soon. Send me a private message and I will get you the details. Welcome to the board!

L.A.- We never did get together. I am in Copper Creek in Oro Valley. I would love to get together. Have you been to the new Pages in Progress on Orange Grove and River? Nice!!!!!!!! I am planning on cropping there this next Sunday 1/27 at around 1 pm. I am also trying to get a group together next Friday 2/1. They have late night cropping parties from 6-12. Fun, fun, fun! I will send you my emails and phone numbers in a private message. Call me.

I just had my 4th fill and I am finally at my sweet spot with 9.5 ccs. I feel restriction all the time now and my weight loss has finally started up again. Everyone is different. I just now feel like I am working with my band. I can finally push things away when I get that initial gurgle or hiccup. When I start to feel that burn in the back of my throat, I am done. It also took me this long to break the habit of drinking with meals. It really does work to wait the hour. Please don't be hard on yourself. Look how long it took you to pack on the pounds. Yes, that part was definately fun, but it did not happen overnight. Weight loss has to be a little harder. My goal is to be on the cover of that yearly People magazine that says "They lost half their size!" Good Luck

Thanks for the compliment and the encouragement. Being around people who have had this definately is life altering to all. This is definately the best decision I ever made!!! Good Luck to you!

Claytaco...are you in AZ? When was your surgery? Lost any poundage yet?

I use Dr. Schwartz in Tucson and have been really happy. I just reached my sweet spot at 9 1/2 cc in my 10 cc band. Scott (his assistant) does all the fills and will use an ultrasound if he feels the slight bit questionable about where he is aiming. They have great response times if you have any trouble and they are open on Saturdays for fills only. Good Luck!