Mamadot

Great thread idea! I'll post again on my 6 month 'Bandiversary' on Nov. 19th. I'm fluctuating a few lbs from 'One-derland' (Halloween candy did not help :thumbup: - I'm getting it out of the house TODAY!). My short-term goal is to reach One-derland by the 6 month mark of starting my pre-op diet (May 5th - Nov. 5th). If I'm REALLY good and exercise well over the next two days, I could drop 3 lbs and be there - I'm going to give it my best!!!

I've had my band for 5 1/2 months, and just skipped a fill for the first time. I have 6.5 cc's in a 10 cc band, and feel adequate restriction at this point. With my physician, I'm up for a fill every 6 weeks. I'm thinking I may get a small (.25 or .5) fill next time, but if I'm still feeling like I do now, then I may not. I hope others post who have had the band for more than a year, or who have reached goal. I wonder if you ever need adjustments after reaching goal?

Even 5 months in, I'm still having to constantly remind myself to slow down, take smaller bites, and 'Chew, Chew, Chew'!!! I just went for my checkup, and decided not to get a fill. I'm at 6.5 in a 10cc band, and feel that I'm at my 'sweet spot' for now. I tend to push my limits now and then and pay for it by getting stuck/pb'ing. I feel adequate restriction - especially in the mornings - and I gurgle (loudly) a lot with every meal (embarassing when I eat with or near anyone at work!) It's odd, but at some meals I can eat way more than I think I should be able to, and other meals - just a few small bites and I'm done! I can tolerate something one day (i.e. Chicken Salad or deli meats) and have problems with it the next day. So getting this 'tool' and my head all dialed in is a challenge, but overall I am so excited and grateful that I was able to get the lapband, and I know I'm going to succeed with it over time. I'm thinking at my next appointment in 6 weeks I may get a small fill (.25) - we'll see. My weight loss has slowed, but I can directly relate it to my eating and exercise habits. I have to remind myself this isn't 'Biggest Loser' extreme weight loss - this is my life plan to beat obesity for good, and it won't happen overnight! Slow and steady wins the race :thumbup:

OK - this is such a minor, silly thing, but I LOVE my shadow!!! I have to walk back and forth outside between buildings at my work each day. Before I started this journey, I noticed how HUGE and unshapely my shadow had become. For some reason that got to me even more than looking at myself in the mirror! Well, now that I'm over 1/2 way to goal, I love looking at my much-smaller shadow that actually resembles a woman's shape! Another NSV - we have a 'cuddle' chair (oversized lounger), that my husband and two sons could fit in fine together. When I would sit next to my husband or my two sons, It was a very tight, uncomfortable fit, and when I would get up, the whole chair would lean forward and slam back and I would about launch whoever was still sitting there. Now I easily and comfortably fit with my husband or both sons, and the chair stays in place when I get up and they stay seated.

I'm sure you most likely have not caused any damage, Ann. I have had a really hard time remembering to eat slowly, small bites, and chew thoroughly. And I've had SEVERAL instances of getting stuck and PBing/throwing up :eek: (mostly avoidable). When I'm stressed or can't eat until late I find I have the most problems. I need to learn to avoid eating at those times, or to eat very lightly or liquids. Recently I developed a mini-checklist to help me be more aware of proper Lap Band 'etiquette' so I can take better care of my band and myself. Take care - it's all part of learning to live with the Lap Band!

You are beautiful, 'Less of Me', and should be very proud of how far you have come! Very noticible difference. Thanks for sharing your pics!

SpideyMom, MamaBully is my BFF - we're the same age and have been friends since birth, so I guess she kind of is my 'Alter Ego' LOL!!! We had Lap-Band surgery the same day, spent the night together in the same hospital, and have shared this journey together. It's been awesome going through this with my best friend - I'm very blessed!

:scared2: Size 14 is a HUGE NSV!!!! Congratulations Ann!!! I just love your enthusiasm and dedication to this 'tool', process & lifestyle, and our 'Mayo Banditos' forum. You are truly a motivating & inspirational voice here! Continued success to you! Your Fellow Bander, Jennie

John337 -105 SpideyMom -70 hdmdavid -75 less-of-me -58 Oliviasmommy -25 tulsarealtorGB -38 ruguay -35 Sarahbellzz -34 Jennifer75 -55 Sbush70 -48 bkmom -34 naynayto2 -40 Mamadot -54 Mamabully -41 Total -712

Simone - :scared2: 'Happy Bandiversary'!!! And congratulations on your amazing weight loss! I am so looking forward to seeing my progress at 1 year post-op. Here's my most recent NSV - I'm enjoying shopping clearance sections for my 'in between' sizes. I have found some great seasonal clothes at various stores for under $10 an item (usually around $4 to $7 a piece, including dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, and blouses). This weekend I was at Lane Bryant, and they had a 'gold dot' clearance where all items were $6.99 (orig. prices ranged from $15 to $49+). I bought a great pair of denim capris in a size 16 and they fit great! I was in a 24 bordering on 26 in May, and I haven't been in a size 16 since I was dating my husband over 12 years ago. While I'm not buying a lot of 'in between' size clothes, it is fun to wear something that fits and shows off my progress! I only have one size to drop to be in the smallest size at Lane Bryant (14), and I can actually find clothes at regular-size stores that fit me now.

Ann, I've been noticing your amazing weight loss from your ticker, and now seeing your pics is truly inspiring!!! You look absolutely FABULOUS and should be THRILLED with your hard work and results :tongue2: Here is a progression of my headshots... Dec 2006 (heaviest face pic) May 2009 (1 day before start of pre-op diet) Aug 2009 (3 months post-op & -40+ lbs)

That's a fantastic accomplishment, Untfluter, that benefitted your health and others through your charitable act! :biggrin: I was banded the same date as you and started my pre-op diet on 5/5. We are very close in our journey and I am thrilled with my progress and increased energy, improved health, and much brighter outlook. Best of luck to you and to us all!

Reading through all of our successes on so many levels is so motivating! I'm celebrating just being ON the road to success instead of on the sidelines watching (like I was for most of my adult life) as others achieve their weight/health goals! I just got 'over the hump' and have lost more than I still have to lose - over half way to goal and I couldn't be more excited :tt1:

I just spoke with my doctor at my 3rd fill this past week, and she said I was on the right track by taking Biotin and upping my protein intake. As noted in this thread, the hair loss is temporary, but 'temporary' could last up to 8 months according to my doctor. :tt1:

Yes, a very warm welcome to Southern California and Burbank, Josie! I would respond the same as Serenity - insurance covers my fills, but for self-pay I think it's around $250. Appointments are easy, but wait time can be long (but well worth the wait). If you are interested, you are welcome to attend the next Dr. Quilici-sponsored free support group meeting on Wed. 9/16 at Prov. Saint Joseph Medical Center (501 S. Buena Vista, Burbank) Hope Conference Room 6:30pm-7:30pm. Dr. Quilici will be the guest speaker at this meeting (he usually does not attend). This group includes people who are just looking into Gastric Bypass or Lapband, and those that are in the pre-op or post-op stages. Also, on the 4th Wednesday of each month is a lap-band specific support group at the same time and location. This group will meet this month on Wed. 9/23.

I participate in a large support group meeting, and the instant protein shake of choice is 'Premier' brand available at Costco. It has 30gms of protien, 160 cal, 3gms fat & 3gms fiber, with 25% of most all recommended daily vitamins. I have only been able to find chocolate, but I LOVE it - rich, creamy chocolate without the artificial sweetner taste. It comes in a case of 18 for about $24. I drink one daily for breakfast, and I just decided to start drinking a second one around dinnertime as my hair has started to thin, and I don't think I'm getting another 30gms of protien from the food I am eating. Even though it is mostly protien that I eat, it's just not enough of it. I've also started taking a multi-vitamin with Biotin for the hair loss (CVS brand 'Hair, Skin, & Nails').

I'm so glad you're adjusted more comfortably, Sarah. My best friend had similar issues after her 2nd fill, and removing .5cc's gave her instant relief. As for the hair loss - I'm right there with you. I was told to take Biotin. CVS has a 'Hair, Skin, & Nails' mulivitamin that I just started taking. I'm also upping my 30gm Protien Shake from 1 to 2 a day. I think I've been vitamin and protien difficient as I wasn't taking a multivitamin and I thought I got enough protien from my food - but it wasn't enough when I analyzed what I was actually eating. Also, my hairdresser friend gave me Nioxin shampoo and conditioner to treat the scalp for thinning hair. It's available at beauty supply stores. She said she's never seen someone go bald from weight loss, and that it is very temporary.

It's so nice to know I'm not alone! I'm a bit slow on the uptake, too, but it is so comforting to hear others are experiencing the same things. Thanks so much for posting - we'll all get the hang of this 'tool' at some point. Have a great weekend, all!!!

I breezed through my first fill and felt little to no restriction. Then came my 2nd fill 2 1/2 weeks ago. The fill itself was no problem, but getting used to the increased restriction has been a challenge! I'm really learning what this 'tool' is all about :drool: Many episodes of eating too quickly, too much, food that's too cold/solid, or eating when I am stressed have ended in burping, hicupping, hard painful stuck lump, and sliming like a St. Bernard dog for a 1/2 hour before PBing. It's been QUITE a learning curve for me, but I know each incident could be avoided if I follow the 'rules' of eating small bites slowly, CHEW CHEW CHEW, and stopping at the first signs of full. Oh, and not drinking for 30 minutes after a meal is not just because it will wash the food down more quickly - it's because you can clog up like a drain and the liquid just sits on top until you PB it out!!! I'm learning the hard way, but I wouldn't change this adventure for the world! I'm learning a much healthier eating style that will keep me at a healthier weight for life - and that is SO worth it!!! Hang in there everyone!!! :confused:

I've had one fill and it was really quick and painless. My port was easily accessed - no lidocaine needed - and I barely felt a tiny pinch. It was over in a blink of an eye. I had 4cc's injected. I'm very happy with my suregeon's placement of my port. I think that makes a big difference when it comes to fills. I'm so sorry to hear that some of you have experienced such discomfort with fills - I wish you all easy fills in the future!

I just hit 40lbs - FORTY POUNDS in 2 1/2 months!!! I am down to the weight I was over 9 years ago at my wedding. Last night I pulled out one of my husband's favorite lingerie that I haven't fit into since my wedding. IT FIT (and I didn't look like a sausage stuffed into it!) I recently purchased a few new undergarments, bras, and a bathing suit. And I went through all of my clothes, donated the now-too-large items, and found several 'fun' items that now fit - a 'free' new wardrobe on my way down! I'm SO excited - this is the BEST decision I have made for my health and welfare! Also - I can actually BREATHE when I bend over to cut my toenails or put on shoes - WOW!

Hallelujah Girl, If you ever figure out how to develop the 'Brain Band' - I will be the first in line to buy one! You would be a BILLIONAIRE!!!! LOL :thumbdown:

You go, Girl! Enjoy your new 'do'! I've never been too daring with my own hair color - just a light weave, but I admire all of you who try new things!!! I think it is very much our time to be a bit 'selfish' and treat ourselves while we are working so hard to be healthier! I always buy cheap shoes at Payless, and I splurged on 2 pairs of Skeechers so I would have some nice-looking shoes that were comfortable to walk in at work. I also went shopping in the clearance section before work today, and found a few real bargains to wear and feel pretty in while I'm shrinking :thumbup: It's so fun to wear more stylish clothes vs. my 'fat' wardrobe - I have been receiving so many compliments - very motivating!

Burping, gurgling, and tooting right along with you ladies! My two young boys and my husband are all getting a lot of laughs out of the whole situation! I, too, work in a 'cubicle farm' and have become the loudest, non-verbal 'animal' in the herd! I rustle my papers a lot and make as much office noise as possible to obliterate my body's crude sounds :thumbup: I'm so glad to hear there may be an end in sight...