MelodyJ

Personally wouldn't take a laxative....warm juices are good .... also Maalox Max has Magnesium (aka milk of magnesia) in it so boy did that start the flood gates for me!!!! And it helped the gas!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

I was told 4oz per meal.....liquids go through much quicker...so if you still feel hunger you could have 2 more I was told.... Hope this helps! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Not a coffee drinker....I know caffeine is an appetite stimulant and my dr took me off of it....it's calories and takes up space...once your banded you'll just have to decide if it's something you want to indulge in!! I love the freedom of the band and MY choices!!! It's all about what I want to do and not do and ties in w/ my success!!! :cake: GOd Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs :cake:

Losing the weight would actually help your heart!!!! As Alexandra said....if you are healthy now then it seems like it would be ok.....my humble opinion!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Love chunks-- I'm a medical provider...very interesting article! Many have outsourced for the band on this board!! I pray that this does challenge the US to become more competitive in their pricing!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Amy-- I am a PA....but don't do tons of women's health...have never had an IUD....I didn't think IUD's did much for anything but prevention of pregnancy.....but here's what I got when I googled "IUD": Health Risks: Getting any vaginal infection while using an IUD can increase the risk of developing a serious pelvic infection. This can result in a loss of fertility. For this reason, women need to assess their own risk for infection. If you have multiple partners or if your partner has multiple partners, your chance of infection is much higher. Piercing or perforation of the uterine wall may occur during insertion of the IUD. Over time, an IUD may become imbedded in the uterine wall. An Imbedded IUD is still effective, but it can be painful and may need to be removed. There is a risk of surgery and/or sterility if an IUD becomes imbedded. If a woman becomes pregnant while using an IUD, it is highly recommended that she have the IUD removed, whether or not she wants to carry the pregnancy to term. An IUD increases the risk of having a miscarriage or premature birth. A woman who becomes pregnant while using an IUD is also more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires emergency medical attention. Side Effects back to top Both the ParaGard and the Mirena IUDs can cause longer, heavier, and more painful menstrual periods, but this is much less common with the Mirena. The increased blood flow may cause anemia. Spotting may occur without serious cause or as a sign of infection. The Mirena IUD can cause ovarian cysts. Some women using the Mirena stop bleeding altogether. Usually their menstrual periods return when the IUD is removed. Mirena can cause weight gain, headaches, increased blood pressure, acne, depression, and decrease in sex drive. HOpefully, this helps....Personally would ask more questions..... GOd Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

I met my husband at church!!! We met 5 ys before and he moved 4hrs away...think we both had some issues for God to work out! He started calling out of the blue....then pursued me (overweight and all) like crazy.... it was AWESOME!!!!!!! We are still madly in love 2 ys later....well 3 ys counting the dates!!! My advice is just don't compromise....when I stopped looking he appeared!! God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Christy-- GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO impressed!! I bought the Yoga Booty Ballet.... a TON of DVD's came....I've started teh beginners....have worked out like 10-15min....was DRENCHED in sweat....just a reminder of how out of shape I was/am!! I walk 2.5mi each day.....so I WILL GET THIS DOWN!!!!!!!!! I want inches gone too!!!! GOd Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Jarquin-- That is WONDERFUL that your husband is supportive....mine too!! He is my biggest champion daily!!!!!!!!! And he is enjoying less of me lately God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Jarquin-- I don't doubt the Mexican docs are VERY competent....but aftercare is SO important!!!! I did my pre-op tests w/ my own physician and my insurance would cover those!!! If you code them correctly you can do anything!! For the UGI (upper GI) you need to have reflux (530.81--that's the code) then they have you do your Thyroid (fatigue will work...most overweight people are tired).....lipids are 272.2; Your doctor should know....then I had to have an EKG---I did have a history of palpitations...so that worked!! Then I went and got copies of EVERYTHING and took it myself to the doc....I'm medical so I know how bloopers happen!! I even hand-carried them w/ me to surgery....just in case!! Hope this helps....I truly LOVE being banded!!!! I feel such control and feel like this was the answer to prayer!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Leener-- Just had to respond as one of the 3 amigas!!! I think the extreme toothpick idea is GREAT!!!! Have you considered also getting a timer....setting it for 2 min.....you eat then wait for it to go off...then you reset your timer and start over.....takes up time....slows you down!! Boy it's SO AWFUL to get stuck!!!!!!!!! I have done it at least 3 times!!! You would think I would learn from prior boo-boos but I'm guessing I'm a bit hard-headed!?! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Jarquin-- This is so cool....I lived in TN when I had my band 3/20/06....Actually did it w/ www.lapbandinstitute.com w/ Dr. Ponce and he did it in Dalton, GA as an outpatient surgery...I was self-pay so outpatient was SO MUCH CHEAPER than a hospital!!! I paid $13,000 in TN....now I do my f/ups in Zephyrhills w/ Dr Grossbard who LOVES Dr. Ponce....good friends and so he scooped me right up! Dr. Ponce is about 1 of 10 (according to Grossbard) that have done in the 1000's of these surgeries. Make sure if you get your surgery done in Mexico you have a f/up doc....those are the most important visits after the surgery to keep you losing!! My fills w/ Dr Grossbard was $200....that's w/ flouro....so pretty reasonable...but he's picky and doesn't take just anybody. Dr. Kim in Orlando wants you to pay $995 to "join" if you weren't banded by him...this includes the first fill but then they are around $200 after that. Dr. Jawad won't take anyone that wasn't banded by him....if anything goes wrong in Mexico...what will you do way over here?? I"m a medical person and that's the things you have to question....most docs that do the surgery include the first year f/up in their price...... Hope this helps!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

I have LIVED on hi Protein lo carbs much ....did it for about 7mos before my wedding 2 ys ago....lost 70lbs I believe?!? Anyway....after about 2 wks the "crash" feeling subsides. The Southbeach diet is one of the best on the market in my humble medical opinion....written by a cardiologist and has good sense. I did get constipation w/o enough veggies...so had to make sure I got those in!! You won't feel hungry b/c the Proteins stick around a LOT longer than sugars(carbs) that break down so quickly! The bright side of all of this is ...it won't be for long....just keep it in perspective....a short "season" of your life....and you want this BAD so fight and adjust and YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

I agree w/ the above....also not overeating and stretching your pouch is VERY important I was told!!! Avoiding vomiting to the best of your ability.... The complications are 1-3%....so my BEST answer is PRAYER!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

This is a time to practice what we've been taught!!! Measure your portions....take baby spoon bites....choo to goo then chew some more.....then wait 60sec between bites....then start over. I was also told not to weigh myself or care too much in the first 6wks as you will have some fluctuations.....I still weighed myself! Couldn't help it w/ my enthusiasm..... Just fight the "old nature" and try to establish good habits and go forth!! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Veronica I am a PA-C and wasn't recalling what should be done and wasn't too excited w/ sludge...but then read above post and wondered so googled gallbladder sludge and this is the result of one hit @ http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2003/01_03/babb.htm Treatment If biliary sludge is discovered in a patient who underwent ultrasound for reasons other than a clinical picture of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, no treatment is needed. In many patients--especially in those who have a specific risk factor for biliary sludge--the sludge disappears. In two studies (11,16), ursodeoxycholic acid was prescribed in an attempt to dissolve sludge. However, because neither study had a control group, the reported success rate is difficult to judge. If a patient is acutely ill with cholecystitis or pancreatitis, surgery will be required at some point (4). Conclusion Biliary sludge has a characteristic ultrasound picture. Once discovered, it can disappear or evolve into gallstones. Patients with biliary sludge may be asymptomatic or may experience acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Hope this helps!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

Flabuless--- Very cool!!!!!!!! I'm there....too expensive to keep buying clothes!!! Great idea too!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs :eek:

Welcome Flabuless..... Very impressive website!!!! Love it!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs :eek:

Welcome.... Get ready for the best ride of your life....it's fun, tough and wonderful all at the same time....dig deep and ask God to help you before you even begin and you are already ahead of the "game"!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs :eek:

Jon-- I have agreed in prayer and the Word says where 2 or more are gathered....He is there!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank Him!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE HIM For the answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOd Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs :eek:

I can remember a time when I cried myself to sleep over my weight!! My husband just kept hugging me and telling me he loved me no matter what I FELT!!!! He married me around 270lbs or so....I jumped up to 335 by the day of my surgery!! I guess married life was good to me!!? I LOVE being married! ANyway.....I got my band 3/20/06....the day my life began again!!! I am down 44lbs in 7wks ....I am exercising....I am dropping clothes sizes and have went from 26/28 to 22 I believe?! Haven't looked alot and still wearing my hanging clothes!! I love the way my husband looks at me and tells me there's even less of me to love even more!! I am enjoying my life again.....I am looking forward to even MORE loss and excited!! Can hardly wait to post pictures and here the oooh's and ahhhh's! God Bless, Melody Bnaded 3/20/06 -44lbs

WOW!!! TellyMelly you are going to pass me up soon....and you got it after me!!! GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!! I live in Orange CIty....but I'm not ready for your killer long bike rides yet!!! I am just now somewhat getting in shape!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs

How's everyone doing in FL????? Updates on your weight loss and how you feel?!?!?!? I feel GREAT!!!! I have went from almost NO activity (lazy) and up to 2.3mi/day walking!! YAY!!!! I've lost 44lbs....but weigh in Thursday for my weekly...hoping for MORE!!! I am drinking my Water.....making healthy food choices (most days ) I am so happy w/ this choice in my life!! The Band is the best choice I've made!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs

I teach patients not to eat for 3 hrs before bedtime....especially if they have GERD. I tend to eat about 6:30pm and then walk and can drink when I come back. I drink about 24oz in less than an hour....then I am full til bedtime! I was told to eat about every 4-5 hrs.....so glad they didn't push the 3 meals/3 Snacks for me....just am not hungry! 1/2 cup lasts quite awhile....still living off the fat of the land!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs

New Sho-- Great question!!! I routinely figure out my patients IBW (ideal body wt) the thing I read was at 5 ft tall females get 105lbs then each inch you add 5lbs.....so at my ht of 5'10" I should weigh 155lbs....then the top is to add another 10% so my top would be 15more lbs.....170lbs. I have NEVER been thin in my life....I have NO CLUE what would look good for me! I graduated HS over 200lbs I believe?!! I am guessing and saying around 165-175lbs....but I am also saying that when I FEEL great and am happy w/ where I am w/o struggling every moment then I'm there!! I would be happy in a size 10.....anythings better than a 26/28!!!!!!!!!! I am wearing 22 today!! YAY!! I'm on my way!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs