mtnman428

I have tried many, many different Protein Shakes, and the one I like the best is Muscle Milk Lite chocolate. I buy them at costco in a 24 pack of 8 oz. ready to drink shakes. I use these as Meal Replacements for Breakfast and lunch (with a midmorning snack of 2 oz of raw almonds). They keep me full and are satisfying. I have found that by not eating much solid food during the day gives me much better control at night. I have lost 115 lbs, and I am 5 lbs below my goal weight.

Best decision that I ever made. I have lost 115 lbs, and I am 5 lbs BELOW my goal weight. I turn 50 next month, and I am in the best physical condition since college. I can do anything without getting winded or paying for it with stiffness the next day. I work out four days a week, and I have unlimited energy. People I have known for years have to double take when I speak to them, because they do not recognize me. They all ask me how I did it, and I am always happy to share my story with them. The best part is, I have added Healthy Decades to my life. I plan on seeing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am so greatful to my local health provider (she has a lapband as well) and to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico for helping me to make all of this possible.

Recovery after the surgery is really not bad, flying home should pose no problem for you at all.

But I am curious, who is doing your fills and aftercare in ALberta? Is there a fee for this???

(I am from Ontario and got banded in Toronto selfpay)

I went back to TJ for my first fill. $279 plus cost of the flight. There is a local Dr that does fills that I will be seeing for my next one. (around 180/fill) (He has since stopped accepting patients) There is a local group that meets and the clinic internet forum for fellowship and support. Otherwise we're pretty much on our own.

To those who had surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico, how was the journey back home? After looking at his site, it seems that after the surgery, you have a day or two left at the hotel and then are on your own.

If I do the surgery, it will be on my own, so I want to make sure that I'd be ok to travel back on my own a couple of days after the procedure.

I overnighted at the clinic, then one more night at the hotel. I was up and walking around without much pain. Actually went shopping the next day.

Remember to pack light and have some loose fitting clothes for the trip back and you should be okay. You are not supposed to lift anything, so pack really light - a toothbrush and a change of socks. Actually, maybe skip the toothbrush. lol

Good luck

Kathy, OMG that is so high!!! I live in RI and I was a self pay in Mexico; which, unfortunately I can't afford to keep flying back to. So I called around to RI doctors. There are no Fill Centers USA near me (the closest is New Jersey. Their website is Fillcentersusa.com, maybe there is 1 closer to you, but they charge $349 1st visit, then $165 thereafter (Fluoro would be $300 more). Anyways, Dr. Pohl ; which, is only 20 minutes from me, will do my fills for $200 1st fill, $165 thereafter. He doesn't typically use Fluoro though. That would even be cheaper for you to drive from VT to RI, then staying at the $1600 place-that's highway robbery! You should just call any Lap Band Dr.'s in your area, and ask each one. Good luck! :smile2:

Oh yeah...from past experience, I always lose my boobs first. I end up looking disproportionate! I was just Maid-of-honor in my sister's wedding; which, from the mirror, I thought the dress held everything in okay. Then I saw the pictures, and oh God, my stomach looked pregnant!!! All that we can hope for is that this balances itself out after more weight loss, and at least we are getting healthier. For now, it'll have to be Spanx, girdles and black/dark clothing.:biggrin:

Hi everyone! It's good to chat with others from our tiny state (I'm in RI too). I've been banded since 7/24/08. I was originally going to go to Dr. Pohl, but lost my Health Insurance/job, so I became a self-pay. I ended up going to Dr. Ortiz in TJ, Mexico. Everything went well, and I've had 1 fill with him since. I'm ready for another fill. I have already called Dr. Pohl's office and they said that they would perform my fills for $165 (no fluoro). I'm going to either call there to schedule for next week (hopefully), or I wanted to check around and see who others go to/like in RI. I can't afford the flights back and forth to Mexico. Any RI fill Dr. advice??? Thanks.

Hi! I live in RI. I was banded on July 24, 2008. After doing RI Dr. research, I was going to go with Dr. Pohl. I went to his seminar, and also learned that he was 1 of the best. He also has the F.A.C.S. after his name-meaning Fellow American College of Surgeons. Before I could schedule my surgery date, I lost my job (of 10 years), and health benefits. I couldn't afford the $14,000-30,000 US price, and I didn't want to give up. So I started researching Lap Band in Mexico; which is what I ended up doing. I went to Dr. Ortiz. I have since had 1 fill back in Mexico, but I cannot afford to keep flying back there for fills, so I will be staying in RI for my next fill. I will most likely go to Dr. Pohl for my next fill. I just have to call and see if they have any openings for next week. Good luck with your journey, and let me know if you have any questions.

Mine is real similar. A Protein Shake for Breakfast, one for lunch, and a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I am also allowed any green vegatable with zero calorie dressing or seasoning to stave off hunger. sugar free Jello is also allowed. I have been on this for 1 week, and have 1 more to go. I get banded on November 14th. Thus far, I have lost 1.5 to 2 lbs per day on this diet, but I had lost 14 lbs prior to starting the pre-op doing high protein/low carb diet. The pre-op diet in pretty tough the 1st couple of days, but it gets easier if you hang with it. Good luck, I hope it all goes well for you :tt2:.

I am a Service Manager for a new car dealership. Lot's of stress, and stuck at a desk most of the day. I am getting banded in 10 days. Started at 312 lbs in August, I have lost 31 lbs as of today in preparation for banding. I can't wait to join the club!!:w00t:

Have you tried Pro-cal 100 shakes? The strawberry is my favorite, they are very filling and stick with you for quite a while. The price isn't too bad either. You might want to give them a try. Good luck!:girl_hug:

I quit caffeine 4 months ago, and I feel great! To get my energy level up, a few minutes of brisk excersise does the trick, plus burns some calories. Isn't the reason we are doing lapbands is to change our lives and become healthier? Keep up the good work and hang there. You'll do great! :rolleyes2:

Sorry to jump in. I was searching something when I found this.

I think you may of been mistaken about the theme of that nights baseball game. At a "Private School Night" function, I would expect the naughty school girl look to be everywhere. Thats what you where to a 'Private School Night" party. The ladies are naughty school girl and guys as the headmaster or the guys dressed as nerds and the lady as the stern headmistress.

I personally would not take a child to such an event, but I guess I'm more convervative than you.:biggrin:

Hey! Sorry I haven't posted. I went away for my fill, and a little vacation at the same time. It was weird because I did not have any emails from LBT when I got back on my computer, and I asked, "how can nobody have made a new post in a week?" I logged into LBT, then got an email that there was a new post here, and came to read, but it was about 5 pages of new posts!!! I skimmed through most of them. JANET, this is soooo cool, but I couldn't find the info on exactly what you're doing!!! Is it for a TV commercial (that was what I assumed from the posts)? I loved your fashion pics! Keep em' coming. I'm a Libra so decisions are not my strong suit, but I like the pant outfits best, and the black and white. White pants look fabulous on you...I hope I can say that about myself 1 day! Just remember with white pants panty-lines will show more (if you didn't already consider that). So is it this Wednesday (today) or next Wednesday? Please fill me in about it! Good Luck!

So, below I just copy and pasted my post to the July Butterflies thread.

I had my first fill on 9/11-Thursday, then I could only have liquids until Monday (Dr.'s orders). So I have been back on normal food for 2 days. So far it seems practically the same as before. Meaning not too much restriction, and I'm still counting my calories, as to not go overboard. They put 1.8ccs in my 4cc band. I hope that I will feel a bit more restriction with my next fill, and enough before I reach the max of 4cc! After I eat it's not really a full feeling, but more of a "I swallowed a horse-pill feeling and it got a bit stuck", so I do stop eating, but this is weird to me. That is normal, right? It is still after quite a bit of food though.

My Dr. said that it is fine for me to begin weights now, but to still NOT do abdominal work until 3 full months after my surgery (7/24-10/24). Doing them too soon could cause problems with the port; which, is sutured to the abdominal wall.

I'm slowly losing. I thought it would be a bit faster, but at least the scale is going down. It's been 13 pre-op and 19 post-op. Continued success to everyone.

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Hi everyone! I had my first fill on 9/11-Thursday, then I could only have liquids until Monday (Dr.'s orders). So I have been back on normal food for 2 days. So far it seems practically the same as before. Meaning not too much restriction, and I'm still counting my calories, as to not go overboard. They put 1.8ccs in my 4cc band. I hope that I will feel a bit more restriction with my next fill, and enough before I reach the max of 4cc! After I eat it's not really a full feeling, but more of a "I swallowed a horse-pill feeling and it got a bit stuck", so I do stop eating, but this is weird to me. That is normal, right? It is still after quite a bit of food though.

My Dr. said that it is fine for me to begin weights now, but to still NOT do abdominal work until 3 full months after my surgery (7/24-10/24). Doing them too soon could cause problems with the port; which, is sutured to the abdominal wall.

I'm slowly losing. I thought it would be a bit faster, but at least the scale is going down. It's been 13 pre-op and 19 post-op. Continued success to everyone. :thumbup:

I will be 2 weeks behind you. Mine is scheduled for October 14th. We are both in for a big change in life.

Best of luck.

I am getting a lapband on October 14th. It has been really interesting reading everyones experiences in preparation for the surgery. I am excited to take this step toward a healthier future!!

lap band is the generic term. I think all lap bands are called ...lap bands. Just like this forum is lapbandtalk.

Realize is a brand name of a lap-band. Inamed is another brand. Both are considered lap-bands.

At least, I thats my understanding.

There are discussions on this board about the merits of the various brands of bands that you can search. I would suggest you gain confidence in the surgeon and use what he suggests.

How did it go, Madison?

Hope to see you at the Calgary meetings.

Good advice, thanks Lovegrapes!

I hope everyone's fills are going well! I'm scheduled for mine on 9/11. I do have a question about it though. I am flying to get my fill, then staying with a friend that I have not seen in 2 years. She/we wants to go out the same night that I get my fill. Now, I know that my Dr. does not want me to eat for 3 days following my fill (fine), but can I drink alcohol?? I'll be on liquids anyways, but has anyone drank on the same night after their fill? It will most-likely only be that 1 night of drinking.

Also, Joiful, yes I did experience a cool weight loss victory! I have always been pretty flexible, even when overweight, but a bit before surgery (at my largest) I realized that I could no longer stretch well. I tried to grab my foot from behind to stretch after exercising and I COULD NOT!!! Now that I'm down about 26 LBs (not even much), I can finally reach and grab my foot to stretch again!!! Can't wait for more freedom from fat!:party:

Yeah, I do weigh-in too much! Thanks Janet. I will take the advice and only really count the # on the scale on Monday (even if I do still weigh everyday). It's all such a mind game!!! It's definitely not as easy anymore! In my teens and 20's I could hurry up and lose 50-60 LBs in 6 months and be close to goal...now it takes forever and lots more work (not that it was ever actually easy), and that's only in my 30's! I don't want to even imagine beyond that weight-wise, but hopefully I won't have to and my band will control that. :party:

I'd suggest Lap-band for Life by Dr. Ortiz. I think you can get it on Amazon.< /p>

Very simple and straight forward with lots of good information.

Hi everyone. Just checking in too, since I haven't too much lately; which, is because I too am in "Bandster Hell"!!! Didn't want to bore you all with my same story again! I'm just hoping that I'll start losing again after my fill on/around 9/11. I've been exercising for 45-60 minutes a day for 5-7 days each week and the scale has just gone up 2 LBs!!! I was doing good on eating, but will admit that the last 2 days I have not done so great! Partly because of the discouraging weight gain (beforehand). :laugh:

Long2beThin, Thank You so much for answering my job question! :thumbup:

I'm going to definitely try to get something in that field!

This has nothing to do with the band really, but where do you people that travel for work work??? I'm on unemployment right now and would LOVE to find a job that travel is included or a part of. I need some ideas. I was going to try to go for flight attendant training, but I am too short and (right now) too overweight for that job. Any ideas?? Thanks!