CCBSTX

1) Clean area w/alcohol 2) Inject lidocaine 3) Inject saline (confirms correct amount from previous fills). 4) While injecting saline, patient is sipping Water through straw (nurse holding). 5) Patient says "STOP" when the water is no longer comfortably passing. 6) Doctor usually pulls a bit of saline out, at that point. 7) Patient sits up and comfirms passage or not. 8) If not, doctor pulls out a bit of saline. That's my "bit." Shawn

You should be able to eat solid foods, Protein first, in order to fill yourself up. Be careful of the "easy" foods (ice cream, chips, juice). I always suggest folks to log onto fitday.com and track their calories for at least a few days. That way, you can see what you are eating. See the top of this board regarding adjustments under the "FILLS" heading. It has great info. on knowing when you need to be adjusted. Some folks are just slower than others. 1-2 pounds per weeks is expected but not always the case. Good luck. Shawn

Please, go to the doctor for yourself! You shouldn't be ashamed about the weight. Everyones weight will probably fluctuate some, especially when they are in stressful situations (caring for parent) or medication issues. You are doing great! Take care of yourself. Get your fill. Maybe log into fitday.com and keep track of what your eating for a few days. Shawn

Tizzy, Hang on for the RIDE OF YOUR LIFE! Next summer you will be riding anything you want!! Shawn

I am glad you found your "sugar-free milk." You gave me a chuckle. I'm glad you like the CIB, sugar free. I drink the 2x CIB and love it, as I am tighter in the mornings. I might give the sugar free a try. I wonder what the difference in calories is???? Shawn

I praise you for your hard work and effort! It is indeed a battle, that we all must face, exbandster or not!!! 8 months is a wonderful accomplishment. I am happy that you recognize that for youself. Congrats and "forward march!" Shawn

Thanks for all the support! I don't think I'll have trouble with losing too much weight. Did I just say that???! I already eat a reasonable amount, however, I do count calories on fitday.com or my head. The last 2 months, I have fought to lose as my body didn't want to let loose of the low 180's for 6 weeks. It's is "unreal" to be so close to goal. In fact, I never would have thought it we be this close. I always thought that I'd be the one that wouldn't succeed with the lapband. I even shared this, at the mandatory support group meeting, pre-band. Landbandtalk has given me a fantastic outlet to share with others. Most of the time, it is where I was drawn for support. I often feel other nonbanders, would be sick of my lapband talk. I REALLY am thankful... Shawn

Hello all! I just got back from an appt. with my surgeon. He seems very happy with my progress. He said I didn't need to loose anymore weight and I looked "terrific!" He asked if I wanted to loose any more. I told him that I thought 5-10 more pounds. My original goal was 150 pounds, but that was based on my high school years. Now, my body is shaped different and I think I might be too slim at that weight. Now my Goal weight is 165. I am now officially 10 pounds away from my new goal weight! I am VERY excited and hopeful. I justed wanted to share with the MOST supportive group ever!!!!!!!!!!1 Thanks, Shawn

Everyone IS doing really well. I can't believe our anniversary is around the corner!!! I would like to be down another 10-15 or so. I think my goal is was too low. I am still "playing it by ear." How have things changed for you guys? Shawn

Nancy, I am one person HAPPY that you posted the FACTS! There is so much out there about colon cleansing and such. I agree our colons aren't lined with foreign objects, worms, crust, etc. like what some unscientific/commercial products are advertising..... Nothing bad about putting your information/imput on any thread. As long as everyone is civil and respectful. Just put out the info. and go on... Thanks Nancy! Shawn

I'm so glad that you posted here! It was a great step! Like the others have said, get strong professional help. It very easy, when you have been addicted to ANYTHING to fall back in the addiction (drugs, food, etc.). Be kind to yourself. Call for help today. Let us know how you are doing... Shawn

AnotherMe's advice was right on, regarding moms taking care of others. Good luck. Shawn

I haven't heard of this estimation of a cost before, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen! It sounds more like a car estimate You're approved. I wouldn't think an estimate would change that... Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

I am glad that you are here Marc! Lapbandtalk will give you comfort to be yourself. This is what I have found. Taking control of your life, will feel good! I guarantee that you will feel better (emotionally, physically) once you are banded. Just the simple act of doing something, about your condition, and moving forward will help your spirit. This is what I have found. Come back Marc and share!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Good luck Yellowrose. Come back and let us know how it went! Shawn

Bright, I am so sorry for your latest "adventure" with the band. What a bummer! Not knowing what is wrong....I agree with the others. Have your original surgeon check you out, if you can muddle through the language problems. Or get another second opinion, from a surgeon that has no problem with lapbands. I'd imagine a scope should tell you the position of the band and tubing! I wish you well. Shawn

You may need a slight fill. How are you losing, at what rate? Are you hungry? Shawn

I love the ideas of trading kids and sleepovers. However, I could never find someone to switch with....Oh well. If the neighborhood-kid-thing is driving you crazy (like it did me), then set some limits. I put a sign up, at one point, when they started showing up in droves. It said, "We can't play." I explained to the kids, in advance, what the sign meant ( don't ring doorbell). At the time, I had an infant that would require naps and the doorbell was constantly ringing. My hair stylist has a great tradition that she started with her kids. She requires 1 hour of reading per day, before anything. If they want friends to come over, then they need to make sure their reading is complete. Her kids are now teenagers and avid readers. I tried it, in a short spurt, when my kids were younger. I didn't enforce it. I wish I had.... Good luck. Summers are busy for parents!!!!!! Shawn

My kids learned to swim at an early age. Mostly lessons, at first, then it was my husband and I. I gave lessons when I was in high school (individual). All of the lessons that my kids took, the parents either participated in or were welcomed to watch. Never, was I restricted from being there. Just keep on sitting in on the lessons. Be your own lifeguard, you'll feel better for doing so. I know I would! Before you know it, you'll have terrific swimmers. Keep on bringing them to the pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Good for you in getting your life under control! Start with the finances and you will sleep much better at night. Write down, in two seperate columns, how much is going in and how much is going out. Start with your bills first then estimate entertainment, etc. Now, tell your money what to do! Automatically put money in a savings account every paycheck. Even $25 a paycheck is worth doing. It's the little things that get us in debt. Having some emergency cash, in savings, keeps you from reaching from those credit cards when you need a new tire for your car, or the utility bill is higher than expected. Once YOU are in control you wil feel soooo much better. I've been on both sides and I like the "being in control" side much better!!!! No cosmetic tips here. Natural, fresh look is my preference. Shawn

My now deceased grandparents lived in S. Texas. They had all of their dental work done in Mexico. My mother does also. Typically, they have VERY good dentists with many trained in the US. Just get references. Shawn

Way to Go MARGO! Shawn

After banding, it is very uncomfortable to drink carbonation. Now, if I drink a diet coke, it needs to be "flattened", before I drink it very slow...... The first 6 months I didn't drink it. Now, I drink it very rarely. Shawn

Many things, early on, can cause this...low calories, low Protein intake, surgery/healing process, depression. Make sure to take your Multivitamins and eat/drink your protein. Plus, take it easy on yourself during this healing stage. You're going through many new things! Take care. Shawn

Way-to-go girl! Isn't it amazing and thrilling at the same time? It's hard to believe that we are in NORMAL sizes. I almost don't believe, with clothing on the rack, that I can fit into something THAT small.... Shawn