Sandy Beach

Northern California

I had a port leak. I had my port replaced no problem it was a really fast heal. Good luck with your surgery.

Best wishes with the new bambino.

Sounds like you need an unfill.

I had my lap band installed in Mexico in 2008. I have a fill Dr. here in Calif. In January I started to increase my food portions and started to gain weight. (All Bad.) I waited untill July to visit my Dr. He tried to unfill me to see how much fill I had I was empty. The Dr. tried to use a sticky substance to close up my leak no luck. A week later California Dr. replaced my port and tubbing. I have had 4 sm fills since surgery now I am up to 4cc's and have restriction and have started to lose the 20 lbs I gained. My insurance covered all costs.

Hi Mum, As you can see by my sticker I needed to get back on the wagon. I gained 20 lbs due to stress. Take a look at your slim pictures. I looked at mine and was shocked how much diferance 20 lbs can make when you are close to goal. I got back on the wagon a week ago. I am going in for port revision surgery 7/7/11. I went in for a fill and we discovered I have a leak in my port. Now I know why I gained so much weight. ~Sandy~

Hi there everyone. Some of you may know me and some may not. As a way of background, I was banded four years ago and I have done absolutely WONDERFUL. I lost a total of 131 pounds and then proceeded with plastic surgery, which consisted of a lower body lift and breast lift with augmentation (that surgery was in 2009). In 2008 I was informed that my husband of 10 years was having an affair and our marraige ended in a divorce that became final in May 2010. I then went through a relationship which was very unhealthy with a guy who was very possessive and controlling. Towards the end of that relationship I was diagnosed with breast cancer (in December 2010). I went through surgery (lumpectomy) and 6 1/2 weeks of radiation therapy. I was extremely lucky that I did not have to take any chemo due to the fact that I caught the cancer in the earliest of stages. Following radiation I went through genetic testing which came back positive for the mutated BRCA II gene which is the breast cancer and ovarian cancer gene. Then, I went through more genetic testing which again tested positive for blood clots which eliminated me as a candidate to take the drug Tamoxifen (the decrease my risk of breast cancer reoccurrence). So...here I am...37 years old, a cancer survivor. Now...during that time of the fight against cancer I was extremely stressed and found comfort in food and packed on about 30 lbs. I am so upset with myself and need to get back on the wagon. I look at pictures of me from last summer and I get so mad at myself. I'm asking for you guys to pray for me for 1. that the cancer NEVER returns and for 2. that I have enough will power in me to get back to where I was and feeling good about myself. Don't get me wrong...I can still fit in my clothes (they are tight) but I'm so angry.

I appreciate all of your support and prayers. You guys rock!

Hi Ladies,

I am also having surgery on 7/7/11. I am scheduled for a poet revision. I was a self pay 3.5 years ago. This surgery will be paid for by my insurance. Last week I went to get a fill and we discovered I have a leak in my port no fault of mine it just happends sometime. I know what to expect with surgery but you still get a little anxious.

I know you girls will do wonderful. Just do as your doctor orders.

~Sandy~

You are off to a god start. Keep up the good work. I did not notice I lost weight untill I saw a picture of myself.

:thumbup:Hey girl...you know what to do. just a reminder keep your daily food journal. eat slow, eat 60-70 grams of Protein everyday, drink your H2o about 64 oz's a day. no unscheduled Snacks.

The weight won't fall off on it's own. you can do what it takes.

You may want to join a gym or walk with friends. Dr. Oz's says to walk 10,000 steps a day.

A good plan is to start your plan the night before. plan your meals and your snacks and exercise.

God Bless you. Sandy:thumbup:

Way east bay...wine country in Livermore.

Hi I go to Dr. McKeen for my fills. I had surgery in Mexico about 18 mo. ago. When I found Dr. McKeen I knew I would use him for my fills the staff is wonderful with followups and are very carring.

I went to Mexico about 18 mnths ago. I was also a 31 bmi. I am almost at goal. You know when you need a fill when weight loss stops and you are hungry. Good Luck.

I have been down the too tight road for 4 months. I finally got a 1cc unfill yesterday. As my Dr. says this is not an exact science. If you find yourself on a diet of ice cream and hot chocolate its time for an adjustment. Don't wait as long as I did. I'm suprised I did'nt gain all my weight back.

If I ate one candy bar I would eat 10 candy bars better to stay candy free. No Portion Control when it comes to candy.

Find something else to do...check out a good movie.

Secrets... baby I keep em to myself. I have my own secret world of WLS I just keep them wondering.

I love to make the old fashioned rolled oats oatmeal. I eat them with some rasins cooked in taste like Cookies for breakfast.

I planned my surgery last January 2008. It was not a good time for a cruise. My daughter and i went to a spa week-end we did all the girl things pedi, manacure, massage the works. I did have a last supper. Enjoy your vacation.

Thanks Jack...You have a way with words yourself

I have lost my own personal 100 pounds 3 times in this life. It's not easy to lose, but as we all know it is sure easy to regain to pounds back. The last time I lost my own personal 100 plus pounds and almost regained the entire 100 lbs. back. I thought I am not going to play this movie again. I did extensive research (1 month) I was in a state of mind..."This has to be the last time". I came across WLS what a concept...I don't know why I never thought of that. or maybe I did. But that couldn't mean me I only weigh 200 or 250 depending on where I was in my "weight on" or "weight off" stage. What was I thinking? It all sounded so easy. I never considered Insurance. At the time I had gained 50lbs. back so I was at the 205 mark, and I did not want to have to gain all the weight again another 50 lbs. I know it gets murkey when I ramble on. I called a patient coordinator in Mexico and set my surgery date for 01/21/08. I gathered the required cash and my daughter and we flew down to Old Mexico. The rest is history. Some people on chat room have made comments that I only have 60 lbs to lose and I don't know what it's like to have to lose lots of weight. I never defend myself I just let them blather on. Oh I have made friend on chat room and LBT. Some of the guys "get it" and understand that losing weight is a commitment and it's all relevant to each person's personal WL journey that we all struggle with.

What is the contridiction? You can never tell what company you are in. I have lived many lives...I have lived the life of a slim person for many decades. I have been in the beauty business, real estate business, and my husband was in the oil business. I have lived in many states and many different countries. I have lived an International lifestyle. We had access to our own private company jet.

I have gone through my depression period.(personal loss of a loved one) a time of deep dispair where I did not leave my house for many month on end. I should call it my incognito period. I did not want to see anyone or be seen by anyone. I just wanted to be a ghost.

Then I have my morbid obseity period where everyday is a choice of good food or the evil choice of the dispised "sweets". Why do we crave it. It is like a drug we can go for months without even a thought of the evil sweet taste. Then one little taste and we are hooked all over again. I am the original midnight stalker...of my cupboards where the dreaded candy used to reside.

I am proud of my many achievements, I am an adopted mother to a beautiful 29 yo daughter. I have been a sucessful business woman. I have a doveted supportive husband. We live in a nice home surrounded by grand vineyards with hill and mountian views. I still enjoy the company of my 92 yo mother. I am from a large family and have many friends.

This past year has been both a challenge and a world of new adventures. I have had to learn how to live by the WLS rules. Not always an easy task. I have been filled, over filled, unfilled, drained, and dusted offf like an old rubber tire. But what would I do without my friend my "little rubber band"? And what would I do without my friends on LBT? Thank you eveyone for your kind support.

I will be attending my daughter's wedding this April. I have ordered and will be wearing my size 8 gown. We are so greatful for the many blessing our family enjoys.

Oh did I mention I was 67 yo on my last birthday. Everyone tells me I look much younger. We used to live in Hawaii hence the name "Sandy Beach" that's where I learned to surf. (as a much younger girl)

Cowgirl...You and I are in the same boat. I eat ice cream to sooth my too tight band. I know I need an unfill but I am terrifed I will gain weight. I have not lost any weight in 3 months. I exercise 4 times a week and still the scale does move.

Last year at this time I had a closet full of clothes that were to tight to wear. I had a hand full of party invations and I had about 2 outfits that still fit me. I felt like a blond Oprah @200 plus pounds I was miserable. I cried and wanted to sleep all the time. I stayed in my darkened bedroom and ate Cookies and ice cream just for good measure. I started to do my research about how to start yet another diet. I came across WLS I researched everything I could get my hands on. On 1/21/08 I had my lap band surgery. I am so happy. All the big clothes are gone out of my house. My daughter is getting married in April and I just bought a mother of the bride dress size 8 thank you very much. I have a new and better life. I love to shop again. I love to be seen. I may have to have some arm and thigh surgery, but small price to pay. I never concerned myself if anyone liked or disliked my decision to have WLS. It's what has proven to be good for me. DH and DD have been very supportive.

Let's take a look at Miss Lake in 2,5 0r 10 years and see if the weight is still gone??? I bet she is back to chubby Ricky...

I went to Dr. Lopez-Corvala in january 21 2008. My BMI about 32. The Doctors in northern Calif. would not even let me make an appoitment. I knew I would be self pay so why not go to Mexico. It was a wonderful experiance no problems. I went back to Dr. Corvala for my first 2 fills now I have found Dr. McKeen in San Jose for fills and follow up. Dr. Mc Keen is very responsive and calls to check on me.