ljones4521

I just found I have to go to church tomorrow in Virginia! Please tell me about how long these meetings last. I really really want to attend, as I don't have anyone to talk to about my condition. Thanks Lisa

I have absolutely no tolerance for pain, either. I have had 2 c-sections and the c-sections were by far the worst. In fact the pain from scar hung around for nearly 6 months, not to mention the level of pain the first 2 wks after the birth. My only problem with the lap band was the gas. HOwever, I'd pop a gas-x for immediate relief.

Hi Josephine, I am with Lianna. It's time for pictures. We want to see how fabulous you look. Well, I am so happy today as yesterday the scale moved....DOWN! I have been stuck for a few weeks at 210. The last couple of days I paid particular attention to the Water intake. I think it must have been a combination of low water intake and the coffee. However, it seems I might be able to continue with the coffee intake! hurah! Hurah! I have to leave the house in a few minutes and I am going to try the drink from Starbuck's you suggested. I didn't know surgar free was an option. Does the sugar free refer to the syrup or something? And what is quad venti? I know venti. But what does quad refer to? One last thing. Please clarify what the flavoring is used for that you get from Walmart. Is this flavored water, flavoring for coffee or something similar to Crystal Light? I too have given up on eating on a dinner size plate. Everyone in the family just grabs the saucer now. If I am eating a chicken breast (the flat kind - size of hamburger bun) then I can't finish it. My husband doesn't know this but I am actively searching for smaller plate sizes. I read in a book with a title similar to "Why Japanese Women Don't Get Fat..", that they eat on smaller plates and individual serving dishes. I measured my plates and found the inside to be 9", whereas the recommended plate size was 7"! This means the inside of our plates are 7". Far too much space. Thanks for the tips. Get on that treadmill, keep moving! Congratulations on your weight loss. Lisa

The date you were banded.---------December 12, 2005 Where you were banded (Country)----Acuna, Mexico Surgeon's Name------------------Dr. Jose Rodriguez Whether your band has Eroded or not.--- No problems

DeLarla, I can't tell you the number of times your posts have made me laugh. And true to your past you have me laughing again. I agree with you that the squeak wheel gets the oil. There isn't anyway I would take this bending over...ooops, I mean sitting down. Fair is fair. No matter what country we are in. I think Christy is really getting shafted on this one. Keep in mind, I was banded by Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Acuna, Mexico and have been pleased, but of course I haven't had any sort of complications. My experience overall was very pleasant, thanks in part to a wonderful patient coordinator. While Dr. Rodriguez performed the procedure, I only saw him for a few minutes. His patient coordinator, Diana Bradshaw, is who I remember the most. AT any rate, I havent' had any complications so of course I wouldn't have any complaints. But this thing happening to Christy is bad..bad...bad.

I want some muscle! No wonder those body builders look so much nicer than I do. I am printing this image and hanging on the refrigerator door. Lisa

Will you guys please share information regarding fill doctors in our area (DC, VA or MD) who are willing to accept patients from Mexico. Thanks SEE you all in a few days!

Fantastic! What are you eating? Are you exercising? Please share. I have only lost 15 lbs since Dec. 12, 2005. Albeit I haven't been drinking as much Water as I should and fighting my addiction to Starbuck's coffee. In fact I started drinking one cup a day about 3 wks ago and that's when the weght loss stalled. At any rate GreatNews from you! Lisa

What I don't understand is why he can't reinsert the band for her at a deep discount. He went back into her to remove it. My surgery was performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Acuna, Mexico and I can tell you this is really really scary. I think it is unbelievable unfair for her to pay for a procedure that was not actually performed/delivered. The freakin' band is clearly off the right of her stomach. This is highway robbery! You would think he could at least offer to re-insert and have her only pay the cost of the band. I feel absolutely awful for her. It appears she got ripped off which was one of my biggest fears when I travelled across the border. Christy seems to be totally OK and accepting everything in stride, which I guess is a good thing. Just my .02 Lisa

Cogratulations! I haven't regretted my decision to be banded. In fact I think it iwas one of the best things I have ever done. See you at the meeting. Lisa

Ok..I know it well. The boys and I hang out there reading and talking. I will see you all next Sunday at 1:00pm. Lisa

12.12.05 Acuna, Mexico Dr. Jose Rodriguez

Hi Karen, I had no idea we had an area where we could mingle with others locally. This will be my first meeting, so will you please clarify the time of the meeting adn also is this the Borders at Capital Blvd? Thanks

I used a liquid Vitamin supplement called VIBE. It worked wonders for my mental clarity and I felt 100% better. In act I am now feeling far better than I ever have. Well, at least during the last 7-10 years. Also, I firmly believe a quality tea is essential. We have a Teavana in the area so I was able to go there and sniff all of the teas. I loaded up on several selections, this way I did become bored with just one flavor. The Mate Vana helped me to wean myself off of coffee. You can go to thier website, www.teavana.com. If you are familiar with fine teas, then their are several websites that sale fine loose tea a bit cheaper. The Teavana website offers excellent descriptions of their teas, as well as nutritional information (antioxidants, Vitamins, etc). Lemon grass soup without the spice. Good luck on your journey

found this on thw web. maybe it will help. insuranceinformation.pdf

Is this Doctor Jose Rodriguez in Acuna, Mexico? I am curious becasue I haven't had any pain since about the 10 days after surgery. Absolutely no discomfort. I don't even feel like I am banded. I have lost 15 lbs but seem to be stuck there. I guess I will be on my way for a flor....or whatever that procedure is I need to determine if the band was placed properly. Lisa

I felt normal within a week or so after surgery. It was truly an unbelievable experience. I woke up one morning and I dint' have any gas pains, discomfort ...nothing. I acutally thought something was terribly wrong. Sent my patient coordinator all sorts of emails because I was certian my band has slipped or something. Well, I have lost 15 lbs so far, all effortlessly.I just went to the gym for the first time since being banded yesterday. That was great Can't wait to get back because somehow I know this time will be different. I am capable of eating whatever I want. I often forget I am banded. The only good thing is I have been working on making conscious decisons about what I eat. This helped somewhat in making good choices, but bottom line is I feel as I did prior to the procedure. I have 1.5 cc placed at the time of surgery becuase there wasn't any fat around my stomach and the band would not fit. I don't plan to get a fill. My band has proven to be a great tool because I don't feel hungry as often. It has somehow addressed my cravings for carbs (chocolate, candy, bread, Pasta, rice and yuca).I figure if I just start the exercing I should continue to see good results. Lisa

I use boiled or deviled eggs to stop the cravings. 1-2 eggs fill me up in no time.

Illude, I have to jump on the band wagon and commend you on your courage. What an inspiration to others. It took great courage to undergo the surgery and commitment to lose the weight. I am with the other ladies. I actually had TEARS in my life...for a woman! Your transfomration is very emotional. But my goodness, what a beautiful woman you are and more what a journey surely have been through. Please tell us more about yourself. What new things are you involved in? Are you dancing now, kayaking, running marathons, etc? Tell us about the things you are now able to enjoy that were out of your reach before. Once again, CONGRATULATIONS on a healthier you. Lisa Jones 12.12.05 225/210/128 (can't seem to get off of 210. Yesterday registered 208 but this morning 210 :-() Acuna, Mexico It has been a year since I posted the original message on 2/10/06. This time when I opened the email and saw your beautiful face I put blinders on my husband as I just had a baby on Jan. 24, 2007 and he has wandering eyes :heh:. OK....just kidding, but of course you still look gorgeous and you continue to inspire. I am back on my bandwagon and looking forward to losing weight.

Sorry, I don't have any other suggestions, as I am uninsured and didn't have to even consider fighting the insurance companies. Have you tried reading the Insurance forum here? A doctor posted the insurance code for hte procedure. Not sure how that can help..but who knows. Hey, contact those people who have been approved. Maybe they can offer valuable insight into the process. Lisa

Try www.getinsuranceapproval.com. This person also posts on this site. Maybe you can do search. I have also attached a .pdf print out of her website. gettinginsuranceapproval.pdf

I paid about $7,300.00 for the entire surgery &hotel. Doesn't include $250.00 or so for my airline tickets. Lisa Acuna, Mexico Dr. Rodriguez Dec. 12 225/209/128

How do you know if you are losing fat vs. muscle? I just finished watching Jose Rodriguez (I think this is his name. I have his book but don't know where it is) talk about his 3 hr diet. I really liked the 3 hr. diet but ultimately decided on the band. At any rate it made me ask myself, how do people 'know'? Thanks Lisa Acuna, Mexico 12/12/05 225/210/135

Unsweetned Soy Milk with a bag of Chai Tea (1/2 tsp of sugar) did wonders for me. I was only able to drink about 5 - 6 oz. I was fullfilled. In fact I last for several hours drinking this. Also, as it really does get better. I was having severe hunger pains but now 3 wks post op (surgery 12/12/05) I don't have any 'real' hunger. I average about 2 meals a day (mushies). I force myself to both eat and drink as I am neither hungry or thirsty. Tell her to hang in there! Lisa

I am approaching my second week on this Monday. I can then move to mushies. Every day I have soup, Water, Protein drinks or Jello. I have been eating aboutt 3 times a day. Often I have to force myself to eat because I forget. Not very hungry. My concern is recently (last two days) I have been able to drink more water and soup. Is this normal? Should I be alble to get so much down? I don't have the golf ball feeling my chest anymore. Bear in mind I have lost 10 lbs and for the most part am not hungry. Please share your opinions. Thanks Lisa 225/215/128 12/12/05 Acuna, Mexico