Paulax

I know what you mean Edie. I love trying on clothes now. I tried on a pair of white jeans size 14 at the Gap last month. It was a big enough thrill just to see that they fit, and they fit beautifully. I didn't buy them because I am not at goal yet, but it was fun to shop the same section as my daughter. I'd like to report that I just broke the 200 barrier this week. 199.9. It is so awesome to get out of the 200s. Now to work on the next decade. PS, I need back pocket flaps too...lol

<p>Wow Brandi, that is quite the story. I think you should pose the same question you posed here. That you paid 16,000, and he got his money and you need to find the reason you are leaking and/or get it fixed. I wouldn't want to see you have to pay any more out of your pocket. See what your doc says.

I have not looked into it seriously yet, but I hope to have a tummy tuck when I reach goal. I also tend to keep a lot of fat in my tummy, inparticular above my waistline. My question is to those of you who have had lipo. Can it be done without hitting the port and tubing leading from the port to the ban? . Do they go araound it? I can't imagine this.....

Why I am tickled you asked? Yes, I have 3 of the most beautiful cats in the world. My 3 kids and I flew all the way to Edmonton to get them.

Great loss Cindi. Yes, get rid of them. I too am a close hoarder. I have styles from the 80s. lol! I have absolutely gotten rid of my too big clothes and I will never miss them. I am still hoarding some things that are still sylish and too small, but slowly, I am getting down to only what I wear. I have bought some new things on my way down only to regret spending the money on something that I didn't wear for long. I am now within 30 pounds of goal, and I HAD to get some capris for this summer. I have only 2 pair, because I know they will not fit me next year. I will just keep up with my laundry and mix and match tops. My only regret was not keeping one pair of pants at my highest with which to compare my progress. But on the other hand, I sure don't miss them by any means...... Like Eddieparks did, my inspiration and July bandster buddy, I look forward to reaching goal and going out to buy some stylish new clothes...who hoo!

The combination that worked miracles for me is now off the market. Phen Fen was a miracle drug for me. How Fen Phen Worked Fenfluramine was designed to increase the level of neurotransmitter serotonin in the blood. Increased levels of serotonin depress central nervous system activity, which regulates mood and appetite. The end result was a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite. Phentermine also worked on the neurotransmitters in the brain, but instead of being a depressant like fenfluramine, it was a stimulant. It stimulated the "fight or flight" response in the body, which causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase. This stimulation also reduces or dampens the hunger signal. Phentermine continues to be sold commercially and is similar to other appetite suppressants, such as sibutramine or dextroamphetamine. Fen Phen and PPH, Dietary supplements, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension The miracle for me was the loss of appetite. I had never before experienced eating until satiated and WANTING to stop. Eating became an almost chore. Whatever it did to my brain, I have never again found a drug or combination to replace it. I hope one day they find a replacement, that acts the same without the dangerous side effects that this drug had. I have tried Phentermine alone since with limited results. However, we all matabolize drugs differently, so if you wanted to try one, that would be my recommendation. How are you doing on your weight loss Sunta? I see by your pictures you are very close to goal....congratulations.

Edited to add: If someone asks me how I lost this weight and I feel they would value from this information, I am totally open because again, I am not ashamed or secretive. And as for my 3 pedigree pussy cats, they are the best things I have spent good money on ever. lol!

Well, although I don't doubt that flying may affect some people, I will tell you what my surgeon told me when I approached him the the same question. He said not to worry, that the band itself will not swell. There is no air in the band. I was also worried I would set off the metal detectors in the airport, again he reassured me that I would not. I was fine on my last trip with my family. I am happy to report that I did not set off any alarms at the airport, and I was affected very little if anything with regard to my band and tightness.

RIGHT ON! I have only told a few people, my dh, close family and friends. I am not afraid or ashamed either. And I could care less who says what about me. I am just more of an introvert than others. I just feel as though some things are my own, my body, my dental work, my sex life, my inner thoughts and feelings, how much money I paid for those 3 beautiful pedigree pussy cats I have. Who says I have to tell everybody everything about me? I have a close friend who was banded 2 years before me. She tells everybody and their dog about being banded. I love her for it, I just can't be like that. She is an extrovert, I am an introvert. We all come in different packages. So cheers to everyone, open or not, and proud of our accomplisments. :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

That is great news Denise. When I have a good fill the next 10 pounds just fall off. Go Denise go!!! I am tempted to get another fill, but some days I am lose and others I am tight, so if I really worked at it, I am pretty confident that my final 25-30 pounds will come off with this fill. If not, I have lots of room for one more fill.

GOODBYE 200.............can't say that I will miss you either. :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

I had to shake things up a little, I had to let go of something. I eat too many nuts, and lately I have been enjoying ice cream with my kids. So I had to give those two things up and keep up the regular exercise. Clynnc, it will come, I promise.

I think I finally dipped under 200. I am going to be really, really good the next few days to ensure it is true. But I AM CLAIMING IT YIPEEEEEEEEEEEE, I haven't been under 200 since 1993. I feel fantastic. I am mostly thrilled by the fact that this is permanent weight loss. That just thrills me to no end. 199.9

mdg, please read this, I just did and it is a good reminder for us all. Adjustments

The other thing I have read about that I find interesting is the Omnipaque. Some band patients have that put in their band instead of the saline and it is a thicker substance that provides more friction for the food to pass, so therefore a fill of 1.0 saline is not as restrictive as 1.0 of Omnipaque.... Anyone here have Omnipaque in their band?

Good advice Denise, I agree, don't give up yet my dear. There are stories of people on here whose weight loss kicked in after the first 6 months. I'll try to think of who it was.......I don't consider myself a screaming success either. I read of people on this board who lost 100 pounds in the first year. I am no where near that success. I hear you about the sugar addiction and yes, you can suck back a lot of calories on candy and junk that goes down all too easily. You really need to eat healthful foods. I need to remind myself of this every day when the cashews are too easy to grab and the ice cream goes down too well. Love yourself enough to make a concerted effort to get exercise and eat healthful food. Proteins first, few veggies and bit of fruit. I also will have an Atkin's shake or similar for Breakfast or lunch and small meal in the evening. hugs, let us know how you are doing

Lisa the other thing I'd be concerned about is the fact that many times, the band will tighten up a week to 10 days after a fill. This was my experience with my last fill in particular. But if all is well, then there is nothing to worry about. Is your doctor's office close to where you live? Keep us updated. Paula

That sounds very odd to me. See if you can't get that clarified. On a 10cc band, I can see a first fill of 3.5, but on a 4.0 max????? That sounds overly aggressive. And some doctors consider 3.5 the maximum on a 4.0 band. It took me months to get to 3.0 and I am tight. If I had been put to 3.5 right away, I don't think I could swallow my own spit. Let us know how you are doing Lisa.

And I just popped in to encourage you all. I have changed my collecting ways and am now a compulsive thrower outer, for lack of better words. I believe the less 'stuff' I have, the less stress I have. So I am tossing, donating and junking 'stuff' all the time. Less stuff = Less stress. If you don't use it, get rid of it. I know it isn't always that easy, but think about it.

Yea Teachlady and Tootarts! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

I think that is a pretty good indication of needing a fill. So you got over the stuck thing hey? Sorry I never did respond to your last thread. I think once you get to 3....who nelly, there is very little room for much.

I am 80 pounds down, 30 from goal. Today I feel so much more positive in life. I know weight loss hasn't solved any 'problems', but it sure has enhansed my life in only the most positive ways. I have more energy. I feel lighter, I move easier, I exercise much easier. I feel positive when I wake up. I love wearing my smaller size clothes. I love buying size 14s instead of tight 20s. I love how I feel, I love how I look. I love how I don't have to think about DIETing, just focus on eating healthful foods. I love that the band has helped create success for me. I am so stinking happy, it is hard to describe. I do sometimes mourn the fact that I can't eat some things. But I eat what I can and the feeling of wanting more quickly passes. I sometimes am bothered by sliming, if I eat too fast or what I am eating isn't agreeing. I am sometimes bothered by my port, I can feel it and it gives me the heebie jeebies. But none of these things can over-ride the fact that I am feeling so wonderful.

Congratulations on making your decision. I remember when you were just starting to ask questions. I opened this thread thinking, 'What a positive thread title, because that is just how I feel' I was telling my dh just this morning. I feel so friggen good. I feel lighter on my feet, I can move more easily, I am lighter emotionally. I feel so happy, I am on top of the world. I hope your journey is successful and that your happiness just grows and grows. Paula, 10 months out and 80 pounds lighter......

Wanted to bump this............it is a record of my fills. Still losing on 3.0.

Have not read it, but would love to.