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Wow! 3ccs is a lot! I think I have 4.5 cc's in and I've had four fills. I'm guessing Dr. Schmitt did it, because Lisa is much more conservative with her fills than either doctor. I can't believe everyone is having to wait so long. I was there last week and in and out in about 15-20 minutes. I guess I've been lucky every time. You're doing great!

Seems like it was in nutrition class we were told to make our first fill appointment at our one week (get your staples out) checkup. Anyway, get in as much protein as you can. It keeps you satisfied longer and keeps you from making bad choices. Even with restriction you have to be very mindful of what you're eating. Don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing great!

I used Dr. Schmitt. Love him! Love Dr. Miles too. You can't go wrong with either one. Great staff as well. All those visits and tests will make the time fly by!

Oh, Jason, I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. Please know this is not the norm. Usually, I'm in and out of there in about 15 minutes! I've only had Lisa do my fills. The second one I had hurt somewhat, but I think it's because I was marked wrong in the ultrasound and she had to dig around a bit. Haven't felt them since. I've never had the numbing shot either. Everyone says it hurts! My fills don't kick in for about a week, everyone is different, I think.

And I forgot to mention, I was talking about the Isopure water! I've been drinking the orange, but I picked up some Alpine Punch today and it has less aftertaste than the orange. The first sip was really sweet, but after that I like it better. I use the unjury (ad at the bottom of this page usuallly) for shakes and I like the chocolate. I blend it with some ice and it makes a really good thick shake. I bought the unflavored, but never used it and gave it to someone who makes all sorts of concoctions out of it.

Nutrition class is very interesting. Please make lots of notes and ask lots of questions. You will learn things like: 1. Do not chew gum!!!! If you swallow it, you could have a real problem. 2. Do not eat anything with more than 5 gms of fat, or 15 gms of carbs, like slim fast for instance. 3. You must get 60 gms of Protein a day, and 64 oz of Water a day. Everyday. Forever. For those of you looking for some good protein, get Isopure from GNC. If you get a member card and buy it by the case it isn't so expensive. 40 gms of protein in a 20 oz bottle. They have different flavors and it's better over ice. That is all.

Wendy, a lot of people cancel appointments and that may be why I sneaked in before you. Might not be a bad idea to call back and ask if they will give you a call if they have a cancellation. Or just try calling every once in a while. Only problem with that, most people probably cancel last minute and you are so far away.

Wendy, I went for a fill today and the girl making my next appointment really studied that calendar to get me in November 17. I could tell she was trying to squeeze me in somewhere! They may have to set up some branch locations!

I'm back!!! Did you all think I fell off the face of the earth??? Well, things have gotten a little interesting in my life. I was layed off of my job. My job of 21 years! Needless to say, I feel a little weird. Not really a big shock because I knew they probably aren't going to be in business much longer, but I could have used a heads up! Anyway, fortunately my husband and I own a business (new to us in June), so I did have a place to go. So, I have been working like a crazy person this last week and a half. We will be dirt poor for a while, but we're having a blast One thing, these people eat so wrong!!!! It has been a little hard around here and they look at me funny when I have a little tuna and some wheat crackers everyday for lunch. And I lost the link to my ticker (was on work computer), so I'll have to fix that. But, I've lost 47 lbs, I've slowed down somewhat, but I get another fill tomorrow and I'm sure it will be a tiny one when I tell Lisa I do feel restriction, but it's more at certain times of the day, not when I'm eating:crying: NMY - I'm so proud of you! Keep up the good work! Shawna - You are doing fabulous!!! I would love to come to the meeting, but Saturday we are having our grand re-opening (the only Saturday during football season I could be here!). Jason - I suspect you are going to be the star of this group. You ARE the man!!! Wendy - glad you're back on track. I slip once in a while, too, but that's the great thing - we know what to do about it and we have something that can keep us from getting way out of control!!!!

If you go to www.bcbsal.com and sign in, register first if you haven't before and look in the box that says "Manage My Health" and there's a link at the bottom of that box "Blue365". There you can see the discounts you can get for being a BC/BS member. Curves is 60% of initial sign up fee and then 15% of monthly dues. Gold's Gym has discounts for sign up fee and personal trainers. There are discounts for other things as well, with more to be added, it says.

Jason, if I remember correctly you have Blue Cross. I received a newsletter from them a couple weeks ago and they have something called Blue365. We can get discounts at Golds Gyms with it. You might want to give your Blue Cross rep a call or if you're registered on www.bcbsal.com you can see what the discounts are. Ladies, we can get discounts at Curves, as well. Considering that myself.

It's GREAT to have a good support system! You have no idea how proud those girls will be. And they will make you feel fantasic when they notice every little pound that comes off. Not like all your friends and co-workers, who even after 45 pounds and two sizes will say brilliant things, like "I can really see it in your face". Don't get me started...............:tongue2:

I don't know about everyone else, but, I'm doing great. I'm feeling restriction which is the goal. Forget about calories. You will learn in nutrition class, mainly, to get your 60 grams of protein everyday and 64 oz of Water. Don't eat anything with over 5 gms of fat or 15 gms of carbs. Calories will take care of themselves, as long as your portion size and your fat and carbs are in line. I have been very good about portion control, even when I have been hungry (with a time-out for vacation!). But, I couldn't overeat now, if I wanted to with this last fill. Keep a journal of everything you eat. It works!

That has been the hard part, what I eat. I've never eaten huge portions anyway, so it really hasn't been that hard to cut back by half. But, it's really true, if you avoid carbs, you won't crave carbs. Same with sweets and fats (chocolate and butter being my favorite foods!). The only think I really miss is beer! Lisa told me, sometimes you don't feel any restriction for several days after a fill and she is so right. I just hope it lasts. Another 1/2 pound gone this morning!

I had my third fill on Thursday. Lisa only gave me .75 cc's, but I do have restriction and if it lasts, I am at the sweet spot. I just got back to work from lunch and I feel like I ate a basketball! I didn't by the way, I only had a small packet of tunafish and four multigrain club crackers. Swimming season is over and I must get on my Wii Fit and my bicycle. This weather is perfect! If only it would last......

:girl_hug::thumbup::thumbup:CONGRATS:thumbup::sad::thumbup: I know how excited you are. I remember just how it feels, it wasn't that long ago. Soon, they will be scheduling your nutition class and your pre-op visit and you'll be on your way!!! Those of you looking for protien in your liquids, try the Isopure water from GNC. It's not bad, especially over ice. There are 40 grams of proteini in a 20 oz bottle. They have different flavors, I get the orange. It's cheaper if you buy it by the case, and also get a GNC membership. SlimFast and those kinds of drinks (including protein bars) are not a good source, as they have little protein and WAY too many carbs. Protein satisfy's hunger, too. I also use Unjury for shakes, it's available online, www.unjury.com There's usually an ad for this on LBT. I still drink those for dinner during the week. Shawna and I both thought we should come to support group with a rose in our teeth to recognize each other our first meeting! :rolleyes2:

I was so glad my husband went to the support group meeting. I had been through so much education on the process and it was great for him to learn so much about it as well. It really is so different from the seminar, you get to ask much more in depth questions, especially ask those who are already banded which is not only educational but inspirational.

Not everyone does, just depends on any health issues you might have or even age. I had to go the heart doctor (who I LOVED by the way) and I suspect because I had taken Redux years ago, which was taken off the market due to heart damage. Some people have to have a phsych evalutation, as well. I did not, but I think it's because I was very thorough on the application regarding my attempts at weight loss over my whole life. I think they're looking for eating disorders or other food related problems. You will have to have a sleep study. I did all this in the first month or two of the process. Just get it over with so you won't have to worry. Just see the doctor monthly (and don't skip a month, or you have to start over). The first visit with your PCP doesn't count in the six, so it's really 7 months. BCBS will pay, as long as you follow their guidelines, which are easy. It's all the Miles/Schmitt requirements that will drive you nuts! Although, to be honest I know a lot more about my health than I did!

You'll be surprised how willing you are to pull your shirt up for perfect strangers:omg_smile:

I wish I could be at the meeting Saturday, everyone is doing so good!! I had thought I could make the October meeting, but my husband has other plans for me that day:frown:. So, December will be it, if they even have one that close to Christmas. I really wish they would have them some on weeknights. Gee, I guess Veronica wants to have a life outside weight loss surgery! I have yet to lose the weight I gained on vacation, and pool season is over, so I need to spruce up the old bicycle and get back on track! My third fill is tomorrow and I hope Lisa gives me a good one. I need a push....

It's at 10:30 same room as the seminar. Your friend can get her certificate for support group meeting, too. One less thing for her to have to do later.

Well, I'm home from my first vacation. Only gained 1 1/2 lbs, which I thought was pretty good considering. I was on the Jersey shore, had a wedding and a week on the beach. Tons of pizza and alcohol! But a house with stairs I had to go up and down 1000 times a day. Had our last pool day at home today (probably) but should be able to swim in the morning for the last time. I have my third fill coming up Thursday, which I'm looking forward to. Don't feel much restriction. I must get back to eating properly. Not only did I eat too much, but too fast, and drank water WITH every meal. I have to stop that, I was doing so good. I think I'll start a liquid diet tomorrow for a week. Everyone is doing so good and you all inspire me. Thanks!!!!!!

1. Low fat, low carb 2. Port goes on the left, won't interfere with sleeping after a couple of days.

Way to go, Jason!! That is fantastic. Keep up the good work.

Jason, you might want to take your temperature. It's not unusual to have a fever after surgery. I did and it took me a few days to realize drinking milk with a fever was giving me the same problem. As soon as I stopped the milk, I stopped running to the bathroom!