ljones4521

Please include me as well. I was banded in 2005 and fell off hte bandwagon when I learned I was pregnant. My daughter is now 2 and I need to get this weight off so I can out run her on the playground.

Boy is this the right thread for me. I too have only lost a "few" pounds since being banded in 2005. My daughter just turned two and made me realized I need to get back on the ball. I am trying to navigate the site to figure out what I am supposed to eat. I need to figure out how much Protein to ingest....I think this was the key to most others weight loss. Then I need to get another fill. I can still eat sandwiches and pizza (provided I chew and eat slowly, but I can still eat them).

Hi everyone, It has been several years since I was banded and I am so ashamed to admit that I haven't lost the amount of weight I should have. In fact I have lost about 35lbs. Managed to keep it off. During this time I got pregnant and have since given birth two years ago. I want to start my weight loss again but can't find the area of the site that discusses how to get started. I can't remember how much Protein I am supposed to ingest. There is so much going on on the site that I am just lost. Please help. Thanks,

This story sounds as if it could apply to me. I had the band in 2005, I believe. Lost weight without a fill. Shortly afterwards I became preganant, gave birth and then finally went in for a fill. Problem is I have forgotten what I should be eating to get the weight loss moving. I know we have some sort of Protein drink that is supposed to be good. The good thing is I am not gaining weight but it is high time I lose weight.

I don't see any reason why Dr. Rickford wouldn't allow you to self pay. It just means he gets his money faster. My experience with Dr. Rodriguez was fine; however, you should be aware that Acuna is not a "rich" town. Police walking the streets with automatic type rifles. Very scary. After my surgery they came into the hospital looking for someone. Dr. Rodriguez was perfect. His staff was perfec.t Haven't had an ounce of trouble with my band. You can also consider Susan Brinkley for fills. Dr. Rickford at Providence was great. Glad to have met him.

Carrie, I just left Dr. Rickford's office in DC at Providence Hospital. He did the fill under flouroscopy. I too am a Mexico patient. Banded 12/2005. I was self pay at the time; however, we now have health insurance and his office billed Blue Cross/Blue Shield on my behalf. BTW I live right down the street from you in Hanover, MD just across the streeet from Arundel Mills Mall. Lisa

I live in Anne Arundel County. Was banded a few years ago, but haven't really lost any weight. I took my time about getting my first fill and then shortly thereafter I became pregnant. My daughter is now 10 months old and I am working on losing the weight. Have about 60 lbs to lose, so I figure I should be at my goal next year this time. Feel free to PM if you ever need to talk. Lisa

Lisa, I thank you so very much for sharing YOUR story with me as it gives me confidence. This journey can often be long, stressful and emotional. Two nights ago two babies passed away in NICU. One was less than a pound the other health complications. The latter appeared to be improving despite a near death brush 3 wks ago. Take care! SKYBLUE --- Thanks for the compliments. We had a great time posing for Jenny's 1 month birthday party pictures. Lisa

Kim McNeely, Congratulations on your pregnancy and your weight loss. I am not sure how you feel about gaining weight but I was a bit...well very scared about regaining the weight. It was emotional because I knew I needed to eat but at the same time I often forgot. Of course not on purpose but hte band was doing its job. After a few months I relaxed and tried to remind myself to eat often. I guess I must have been eating enought because my daughter was developing fine and I gained an acceptable amount of weight. To my surprise I lost all of the weight. As of today I have lost all of the weight gained during the pregnancy. Oh, by the way my married name is Neely so initially I thought we had the same name. Also, I was born and raised in Houston. I am considering returning to the area as it is so very expensive to live in the DC Metropolitan area. Did you see my before and after picture? I posted a picture of me at the beginning of my weight loss and then another at about 5 months pregnat. I thought it was hilarious. The tag line said, "This could be you" LOL. You know after we lose all of that weight out husbands become..."frisky" LOL. AGain, congrats!!!

Congrats Karlee...it will get better.

Hi ya'll, Please visit the link to read more about Jennifer Renee Neely http://www.lapbandtalk.com/birth-announcement-jennifer-t29814.html I see there is a meeting planned for Feb. 18. I can hardly wait becuase I have been out of the loop for so long. It is kinda exciting to be able to join the board again and sort of get back into the weight loss frame of mind. See you all soon.

Hi everyone, It has been a little while since my last post as I was out busy being pregnant....and...gaining a few pounds. Well, I was due on April 24, 2007 but gave birth on January 24, 2007 to a beautiful 2lb 5oz baby girl. She was 27 wks (currently 3 wks old and 30 wks gestation), 14" long and healthy for a 27 wkr. I had to have an hysterectomy at the time of the procedure due to complete placenta previa and placenta increta. Fortunately, I have lived to tell all about it and now gearing up to lose a few, very few pounds during the next few months (I breastfeed so I can't really focus on losing weight). I hope to lose 5lbs a month which should have me at my goal weight in a year. BTW I only gained 10 lbs during the 6 months I was pregnant!!! I was so excited as I'd be willing to bet I gained 10 lbs a month during my previous pregnancy. Now, for the really good news. I have lost all of the weight. My daughter was only 2lbs so I am not sure where the other 8lbs came from. I am pretty close to my pre-pregnancy weight. I am currently 197. My sons can't believe how "small" I am. I must have been really big in their eyes. Forgot to mention that I didn't have any problems with my band. Of course I didn't go the full course so can't be quite sure what I would have experienced if I had made it full term. The only difference I noticed was/am quite restricted in the morning. The only thing that really goes down safely are liquids and really well chewed eggs. That's it. At any rate I'm back and can't wait to lose weight! Lisa Renee in MD You can visit Jennifer Renee's CaringBridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jenniferneely

Your'e very welcome. Glad I could help.

Before the pregnancy I lost 30lbs, now it is down to 20lbs loss so far.

I too was self pay. I had my surgery done in Acuna, MExico by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. I pail $7,500.00 not including air fare. Hotel was included. If I had it to do over I would probably go to that doctor in Mexico that is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Acuna was a bit scary for me. It was very poor and looked like "Mexico".

Hi there, I too am pregnant. I am 20 wks now and so far I haven't gained too much weight. Last month I gained one pound for a total of 10lbs. Lisa

Hi gang, I too am pregnant. I am 20 weeks and have only gained 10 lbs. Last month I gained a pound. I haven't had an unfill yet. Perhaps as I get a bit larger I will have one. I made my OB aware of my condition but he doesn't seem to think this is important. I haven't been seen by a GI specialist yet (I was banded in Mexico). How have your OB doctors responded to your lap band? Have they monitored your nutritional intake or anything. My daughter is progressing as she should. Everything appears normal. BTW I had lost 30 lbs and was about 40lbs away from my goal weight. I don't feel discouraged because I haven't gained too much weight. I asked the moderator for an area for those of us who are preganant but did not get a response. I thought it would be nice to share unique experiences especially since we are not supposed to be concentrating on losing weight but instead on nutrition. In fact we have to increase our caloric intake. Please share how your doctors are addressing your lap band. All information will be appreciaed. I also have placenta previa and want to ensure all of my concerns are being addressed. Thanks Lisa

HI Theresa, How are you? I too feel so left out as I barely visit lapband anymore. All of the other members are attempting to lose weight where as I must focus on nutrition and possibly putting on a few pounds. I asked the moderator to provide a room for those of us who are pregnant but my request went unanswered. I am due in April. I haven't put on my pounds. In fact I believe I have put on less than 10 lbs. It would proabably be less if I could hold down Water. Last night I was able to drink and entire glass full and felt wonderful. Before the end of the first trimester I could stand the taste of water. I truly believe the band is assisting in keeping the cravings and hunger down. I forget daily that I am pregnant and I certainly am not eating nearly as much as I have in the past. Hey, that ticker is moving in the right direction! Good for you. Lisa

I have been away for a while. At first I was sitting on pins and needles waiting to find out if we were pregnant. We are. Now I am sitting on pins and needles waiting to see how much weight I gain. I have never before been concerned about gaining weight while pregnant but this time...well, this time I am freaking out. I want so badly to be think again. We didn't plan this and are still adjusting to the information but never the less after only 30lbs loss we are pregnant. I was really geared up to lose the next 30lbs which would have left me with my last big hurdle of 30lbs. Oh well. Now I am trying to figure out how am I going to get in the recommended nutrition. I'd love to hear from other bandsters who have found creative ways to get in the Protein, Calcium etc. Lately I have been having a tablespoon of Peanut Butter or I have been making shakes using non-sweet soy milk (loaded with antioxidants and protein). I haven't had any cravings which is truly a blessing. I have however gained 3lbs and I am only 6wks today!!

Please help me. Several months I signed up with one of those web based management programs, ie. Spark Day, Fitday. This particular site allowed hyou to enter your measurements in detail. It even had a picture of the body and pointed to the location of the site you were to measure. I can't remember the site! Do you guys know of the site or any site. Any suggestions on the search string I should use in google? I can't figure that out either. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Lisa

I think I'll be able to make it. I won't know for sure until Saturday. I will post as soon as I know. Teresita, a special thanks for reminding me of the support group. I need to attend as I am really bumbed about my weight loss...or my lask thereof. I had a fill last week and I haven't lost anything. Really frustrated.

I say call from the car. I would be on the road. Worse case scenario you lose 2 full tanks of gas.

Sherri, When I too could only eat about 1/2 of a pudding. My kids loved it because all they had to do was hang around a few minutes and they would get another pudding. They were so funny they would bring me their favorite pudding (stating they wanted Mama to eat) and then hang around for the left overs. I never experienced any of the burning sensation so I can't comment on this one. Goood luck with your recovery.

We too eat our dinners together. dinner time is particuarly hard for my husband because he doesn't understand my eating so little. He absolutely hates it. He understands but then he doesn't understand. I've taken to preparing the foods on regular size plates to fool him. It doesn't really work but it helps. I take this time to be the one doing all of the talking, getting the condiments etc. The down side is my husband is the one who brings in all of the junk food. He always has something in the house. To him I should just ignore it, but it is diffiult becuase I much prefer to eat junk than to cook. I don't enjoy cooking. I try not to get too hungry when in the house becuase then I'll have some of his junk food. Fortunately, I don't eat nearly as much as I used to but still I'll have it.

Jack, I agree if I am satisfied I do not crave sweets or anything for that matter. MonaLisa, I am with you. I am addicted so if it is in the house I am more compelled to eat it. The good thing is it never occurs to me to buy the junk food.