ready2bthin

Stephanie: You know that I'm a Physical Therapist Assistant, right? So, keep up those exercises!! How is your range of motion in both knees? I'm sure that you are working on that with PT. That's one of the challenges, getting your knees to full extension and being able to bend at least 90. You sound like you are doing terrific!! I will probably need a new knee in the next 10-20 years (hoping I last that long) on my right. Aren't you so glad that you had lost that 100 lbs. before the surgery? Congrats on that!! Kari: I did get in my pool yesterday, but mainly just swam around. So, I didn't really get a cardiac workout, but more of a muscle workout. I didn't do weights either. I bet you are looking fine with your muscles getting more definition and with the fat being burned off. I prefer exercising with someone and doing a sport, like you will be doing with your hubby. But, with my pool and a bike and the weights, I just need to DO IT!! Like I said, I think I need a kick in the butt or have Edie or you come live with me for awhile!! You both have been so disciplined with the exercise part!! I will be heading up to Michigan next Sat. as my mom is getting a new knee. Unfortunately, she is not getting the minimally invasive procedure, as they don't do it yet where she's at (small northern Michigan town). I'll check in though this week and when I'm up there!!!

Leona: Great to see you back!! My family and I are loyal Idol fans, so we will be watching for you!! You go girl!! Simon better treat you right!! Paula will love you and Randy...well...who knows about him...except for the "Dog" phrase!! LOL!!! I will confess July bandsters, as I've already told Edie...I haven't been exercising much these past couple weeks. I was working out with trainer, but now, I have the plan and should be doing it. It's been almost a week. So, today, I will go for it. I just need to daily get on my bike...what's up with my lazy butt? I need it kicked or I need Edie to come live with me for 6 months...LOL!!! I'd be at goal then. What do you think Edie?? LOL!!! Have a great weekend gang!!

Hey everyone, There hasn't been a great interest in the Denton Bandster dinner after 6 months of meeting. Therefore, we are not going to meet in an organized way unless others come forward and want to make a commitment to meeting. I'm going to plan on attending either the Dallas or Arlington dinners or the Plano lunches which are advertised on the yahoo group, dfwbandsters.

Tonight, July 5, 6:30-8:30, is the monthly Denton Bandster Dinner at Jason's Deli in Denton. Jason's is located across from Golden Triangle Mall on Loop 288/35. Bandsters, people thinking about being banded and spouses and friends are welcome to attend. Any questions, feel free to post or pm me!! Hope to see you there!!

Just wanted to jump in here. Don't feel bad about ANY weight you've lost....CELEBRATE!! You may have to educate your inlaws on the band. Remember the average weightloss with the band is only around 1/2 lb.- a couple pounds a week overall. So, it's a safer, slower way to go. Some lose faster and more at a time, but that isn't what this tool promises. Don't compare yourself to others (this is something we must remember) and many people think of the gastric bypass weightloss surgery where people drop 60 lbs. in the first month or so. They don't understand the band!! So educate them and just keep living the band lifestyle. YOU WILL SUCCEED!!! Best Wishes to you!!

Dezadoo: Glad to see you checking in!! You are doing GREAT!!! Kari: I see your ticker says 179!!! HURRAH!!! You are really going after this aren't you? I've been exercising 3x a week (well, this is my second week...lol) with swimming and weights and trying to get in riding the bike on the other days or also just swimming. I'm going to get on that bike right now, as a matter-of-fact. Had to wait awhile after dinner before exercising. My trainer says that in 6 months I'll notice a BIG difference, but I better notice some quicker than that or I won't last....lol!! I still have quite a bit to get off, so I gotta work at it. I know I don't need a fill as I have pb'd some lately...I HATE THAT!! So, looks like I'll be on liquids for 24 hours!! That's my doc's protocol for when pbing/sliming happens, wait 12 hours, then try water, then protein shake to ease back into food again and give tummy a rest. I think I'm having a problem with my portions and maybe eating too much which causes this. I also think I'm having some allergy problems again cuz we've had so much rain. Seems to correlate with having increased restriction. I woke up today with my throat hurting and extra drainage. This weather down here is CRAZY!! Okay, take care all and keep it up!!

Richard, What did Dr. Rod suggest you do about this?

Kari: You HOT MAMA!! You look FABULOUS!!! Keep up the good work!! The scale may not be moving fast, but you are triming down fast!!! That exercise is obviously working!! Ruthie: Sorry to hear about the problems with weightloss!! But, I'm so glad you are not "throwing in the towel". Come here for encouragement and ideas. Everyone here is a great cheerleader and we go through our problems together, too. Stephanie: Where are you? How'd the surgery go? I'm thinking you don't have access to a computer now. Can't wait to hear how things are!! Okay, I did my workout today by myself. Couldn't swim due to rain and storms but did the bike and weights. So, 4/6 days I exercised. My goal is 3x a week, with trying to get in some extra cardio on 2 more days. I've been a bit down and not sure why except Father's Day is tomorrow and this will be the first Father's Day without my dad here. So, maybe that's why. My mom is here visiting and I think it will be difficult for her, too. So, if you think of me and believe in prayer, please remember me and my family. Thanks!!

Well, I'm checking in and letting ya'll know about my exercise routines. I have worked out with the trainer 2x now and she is kicking my behind...lol!! She has me swim for 30 minutes, doing laps and walking in the shallow end of pool, kicking etc. Then we go to weight training. I'm using 10 and 15 lb. dumbbells and she said I should probably get 20 lb. I also use a band to do leg exercsies and then do stomach crunches. Yes, I'm sore!! I've decided since I want to have around 11 more lbs. off at bandiversary, that I need to try and do cardio stuff the other 2 days. 3 days of the program, and 2 days of other cardio...my exercise bike. So, I spent around 40 minutes on my bike today. Now, I'm going to relax in the pool and just enjoy it. My mom flew in from Michigan, so we are going to enjoy ourselves some. I'm going to try and keep accountable here with ya'll. I really don't like exercise, but I want to get my body in the losing mode and tighten up what I can!! Hopefully, everyone is doing okay. Sherri Jo, I will be praying for you. You do have some tough decisions, as Edie stated. I do encourage you though, not to get into a "victim mentality" but to make a decision whether it's leaving or staying. My sister just divorced her hubby and ended up getting 1/2 of everything due to her being in a community property state. You may want to look at the legal options. I'm not one to encourage divorce, if things can be worked out, but at times, that's a decision that some have to make. This cannot be an easy time for you and we will be here to support you. I hope ya'll can work it out!

Donna Marie: Contratulations on your marriage!! And you are loosing after the honeymoon. Must be all that love!! I met with a trainer Friday and she is coming over tonight. She's a friend of mine that is a fitness guru. We'll see how I do. I still have to buy some free weights. I'm also working today and going to work a few times a week, along with hosting my mom for 3 weeks. My mom likes the pool and Cynthia did encourage me to power walk in the pool and swim. We'll see. I'm down a couple more pounds so it seems that I've broken through the plateau. Just thought I'd check in. My exchange student daughter went home and I miss her. But, with 3 other teenagers, I'm busy!! Take care everyone and have a great week!!

I will be at the meeting this Thursday, June 7 at Jason's!! I will be wearing the same shirt that I have on in my avatar pic!! Look forward to seeing ya'll there!!

Stephanie: Hope all goes well with your knee surgeries. Just do what you are told with rehabilitation (P.T.) and you will be fine. That's my field you know! Beth: Good to see you back. I also went crazy buying some stuff from CATO over here near Corinth. I love that store. Really cute, inexpensive clothes. Jane: You are doing well. I do understand about the "plateu and gain a bit/lose a bit time". I think I've broken through that for now, but am meeting with a trainer TONIGHT to discuss her working with me. I did swim a bit in my pool this weekend, but need to get my fanny out there more and really work. Kari: Okay, don't let that unfill give you too much of a license now, girlfriend. Really, after these weeks I've had with liquids, etc., and being too tight, I would have given anything to have all the liquid out and be able to EAT!!! But, I've eased back to food again, and seem to be doing okay. I guess with my restriction being so gradual over such a long length of time, I didn't "get" how little I would be eating. These past couple days, I've adapted. Now, I just need to make sure I get enough calories/protein. My body was in that "starve mode" I think. The cruise idea would be great!! It may take me awhile to get to my goal....hoping by next summer to be there. But, I don't have to be right at goal to go on a cruise with ya'll. I know some other people on the boards had a cruise planned for June. We'll have to see how it went. Then, maybe we can start planning in 6 mos. If we plan early, we will get better rates and can pay a bit at a time. That's what I did with the girls' cruise I went on in November. What do ya'll think?

I am on a yahoo group called "mexicanbandsters" that lists fill doctors in every state. I will copy them and paste them in here for you to have. You will need to call and verify costs, etc. as the information may not be up to date, although I did update it a few months ago. I have used 3 of these places for fills and they all use fluoroscopy with the fill, which I insist on having anyway. I've gone to nova solutions (which I didn't care for but know a few people who thought they were great), dr. stephanie in Bryan (she does fills like my Mexican doctor and was banded in Mexico by Dr. Sanchez (not my doc). Recently I needed a slight unfill and went to Dr. Jayaseelan but didn't meet him. Someone trained in his office did the unfill. I was a bit disappointed because I thought he was going to do it. Guess he was in surgery or something. TEXAS - DFW-Nova Body Solutions2696 W. Walnut St. Garland, Texas 75042972-665-2639$200.00 TEXAS - Dr. Dobson, email: janadob@swbell.net647 S. Great Southwest Pkwy. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 75051972-660-3188 $250 TEXAS - Dr. Jayaseelan Dallas 972-566-2263 250.00 TEXAS - Dr. Maese Dallas 972-842-3911 $200.00 TEXAS: Dr. Stephanie Eijsink3201 University Dr. East, Suite 405, Bryan, TX(903) 520-8847$200.00 (cash only)

Hey everyone, I'm here!! Well, Kari, I have to admit, I did NOT exericise...I'm so lame!! But, I did contact a friend who is a trainer and asked her if she would consider training me and kicking me in the *** to get going. She is a fanatic and I admitted to her that I am lazy about exercise....I am...I'm admitting it. I called her and am waiting for her reply so we can meet and work on a schedule. It will cost me some money, but if I can get in a routine, I think it will help, plus my pool will be wonderful while my mom is here. Kari: You look great!!! You are beautiful in both pictures, but definitely a difference with the weightloss. Isn't it fun to see the change? Susan: Congratulations!! You are doing fantastic!!! I agree with Edie's take on that, too, as far as lifting that bag of dog food. If you take measurements, you'll notice that as well as the inches disappear!! Okay, it's late/early really. I am FINALLY able to eat a little better after going back and forth with being able to, having difficulties and pbing/sliming, doing mostly liquids. Tonight, I actually was able to eat some pizza (thin crust). All is well!!! I was starting to consider getting some fill taken out again, but since all went well tonight, I will hold off and just be very careful about my chewing/bite size, etc. Okay, TTFN!! Love ya'll!!!

Well, everyone, after weeks of liquids, and still having some problems with food, I haven't lost ANYTHING!!! I could be happy with liquids and limited food, but for me to be at a standstill...makes me crazy. Okay, I know what to do....Make sure the protein is enough, calories are enough and EXERCISE!! I wrote a friend of mine who is a trainer to see if she would work with me to get my *** in gear. Haven't heard from her. So, today I will get on my exercise bike and do at least 30 minutes. I will check back later and let you know that I did it!!

Beth: Glad you got the calorie thing figured out with the dietician. I was pretty concerned. Time2live: You are doing AWESOME!! Welcome back!! Glad to have you checking in again!! Kari: I'm doing better. Can actually eat again!! I've been taking a clariton type pill that dissolves to help with these allergy symptoms, which has helped my irritation!! Have a great week everyone!! Notice my new pic (hard to see but yes, it's there!!)

I have 4 scars, the port scar being about 3-4 inches above my belly button and the longest (just a hair under an inch in the front) and the next one over on my left (almost to my side) under my ribs and measures just under 1/2 inch and one under my braline in the center which is probably under 1/4 inch and then last but not least towards my right side and measures also under 1/4 inch. Those last two are so small that it's difficult to tell that they are even there. I was very pleased with how small my incisions/scars were. It seems that many of the mexican banded patients like me have the port in the front. I think there was a study on here about that. So far, so good and I've been banded almost 10 months.

I'm in chat now!!!

Beth: 40 grams of protein in NOT enough protein and 500 calories is not enough calories, either. Sounds like your doctor needs the help of a dietician to me. I'm not a dietician, but I have read information that tells me to get at least 60 grams of protein daily. I have not used protein bars much as many of them have too many carbohydrates in them. You can find some with a lower carb/sugar count, but nutrionally, lean protein like chicken and fish will fill you up more, along with a green veggie. I get in my protein in the morning with a shake. I don't like a lot of protein shakes (actually most of them) but I have found that "On" brand powdered protein in the vanilla ice cream flavor, along with some sugarfree/fatfree chocolate fudge jello pudding mix (just a little sprinkled in) with skim milk makes a yummy shake. So, right off, I'm starting my day with at least 25-30 grams of protein (including the milk). The protein itself has 24 grams of protein in it and only 3 or 4 grams of carbs. I always watch the carbs in the protein shakes too, as some are higher. It's not that I abstain from carbs, but I have really cut out breads, potatoes, etc. I will eat a little (part of a bun with hamburger) and a few bites of potatoes, rice or pasta (but that's it). I eat the protein first (about 3-4 oz), then a green veggie. I have to watch "snack foods" like chips, nuts, etc. as they are not really filling but go down easy and add in calories, etc. I think there are places on the internet to determine the calorie count one needs according to their weight. You may also want to make an appointment with a dietician who can make sure you are getting in the protein and other stuff you need and still get weightloss. Remember, we want our bodies to burn off that FAT and not lose muscle. That's why in my case, the inches are coming off better than the pounds. Fat weighs LESS than muscle. We don't want to lose our muscle and if our body doesn't get in enough protein, that's what will happen. So, make sure your muscles and vital organs are getting the nutrition they need so your body is functioning correctly. Hope this makes sense. I am taking something for the allergies now and hoping to get off liquids soon. I am making sure though that I'm getting in 60 grams (at least) of protein in my liquids. Barbara seems to think that the allergies are causing extra phlem which is going into my pouch and irritating me. She suggested thin liquids (so no protein shake with milk for me tomorrow) and taking something to get the allergies under control. I bought that tonight (Clariton) and took one. I hope to get relief in a few days. I want to EAT!!! LOL!!! Okay, this is long. I'm sure someone else may have more to add!! Hang in there Beth!!

Joan: WABB is giving you very sound advice, which I totally agree with. The protein intake was KEY with me during the healing phase, which was 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks mushies/well chopped and then easing into solids. I made sure that with all my liquids, I added unflavored protein or had a protein shake. I found a brand called "On" at the Vitamin Shoppe, which is Vanilla Ice Cream flavor with 120 calories, 24 grams protein, and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. I then add a little fatfree/sugarfree chocolate pudding mix to flavor it. I tried their chocolate flavor and rocky road and didn't like it (I'm very picky), so this is my morning shake usually even now. I also bought unflavored protein powder from Welcome to the UNJURY Homepage and added that to my soups, made jello with it (they have recipes) and got in protein that way. Recently I bought Nectar brand protein which is mixed with water for a refreshing drink that has protein, too. So, you can get in protein with liquids and in doing that, it will help with the healing and with weightloss. I continued this during the mushy stage, too. But, generally, I tried to make tuna salad, chicken salad, seafood salad, etc. to get in the protein. So, everyone out there....follow the bandster rules and you will heal well and be on your way to the weightloss you need/want. I know that I'm happy with my band and with the loss I've expereinced so far!!!

Kari: So glad all is well with you!! I also see that you are so close to getting into the 170's!! You can do it!! Make sure that with the liquids that you are still getting in the protein. This is my goal today as I'm still having problems. I was able to eat some crackers and a slice of cheese yesterday without pbing. But, a diet of a protein shake, that and some icecream is not good nutrition. (I'm confessing here). So, today will be the protein shakes/drink (Nectar) and a mushy for dinner to see if I can eat. If not, I will call the doc and set up an unfill for Monday. At least I have had a few days of no pbing. But, I'm not really eating food. This is so frustrating. It's not like I'm dropping a bunch of weight either. (Maybe the icecream???....LOL) Okay, enough of me whining. I'll check back with ya'll later or tomorrow and fill you in.

There are some yahoo groups with fill doctor information. There is also a very active dfwbandster group on yahoo. There are several dinners/lunches throughout the month where you can meet bandsters. I would suggest you go to yahoo and join the dfwbandsters. Here is a list of some other fill doctors in the area: Dr. Jayasleen (Dr. Jay) 972-566-2263 $250.00 which includes fluro or you can check to see if he accepts your insurance if you have it. Dr. Dobson: 972-360-9188 $250.00 with fluro Dr. Maese: Isn't a band doctor but one of the first doctors trained in giving fills as his uncle was a well known lapband doctor in Mexico (Dr. Sanchez). He charges $200.00 with fluro LIke the other person stated, there is AIGB. I called them and since I was self pay, they wanted me to pay quite a hefty fee before beginning my fills. I went to Dr. Jay's office last week for a slight unfill and didn't meet him, but he had an article on his wall from a Dallas Magazine where he was one of the top doctors in Dallas. One of the gals from the dfwbandster group works for him, so you can talk to her through the dfwbandster group, too. The folks on that group have a lot of band experience since Cynthia (the one who works for Dr. Jay) was in the FDA trials around 7-8 years ago before the band was approved here. Trust me, they have a wealth of information on that group and are very supportive. I've met them at the local bandster dinners in Dallas, Plano (near Richardson) and in Arlington. We started a Denton group too, recently. All of the meetings are listed on the dfwbandster group on the calendar. Welcome to Texas!! I'm from Michigan originally, but really like it here!!

If I lived in San Antonio, I would drive to Acuna (3 hours) or go on one of the "fill trips" with my doc's assistant Barbara, and have Dr. Jose Rodriguez fill me. I've returned one time to him and was very pleased with the price (I think it's 100 including the fluro) and his method. I live too far away or would have gone back to him for my other fills, as well. Some from my area (Dallas/Fort Worth) are going to him in June on one of the "fill trips". You can also shop in Mexico while you are there. You can contact Barbara at JoseBand

Olive and Paula: Great to see you back and doing so well!! Kari: Sorry you are having trouble. I am as well. I tried to eat on Sunday and ended up having it come up. Well, then yesterday, tried to eat tuna salad and the same thing happened, so I'm back to liquids again today for a couple days to try and see if I'm still too tight or I just irritated my tummy again, causing this. I know that I'm experiencing allergies, as my eyes are itchy, and I have a slightly runny nose, so maybe I've tightened up some due to that. I have a week left where I can go get an unfill again without paying anything, so I'll give it a couple days and see what happens. I don't like this at all!!! I'm grump dealing with this, cuz I like food, not drinking my meals...LOL!! I don't have the period thing going on anymore, but still have the hormone changes, so maybe that's contributed, don't know. Well, have a good day. I'm going to try and exercise (maybe in my pool if the water's warm enough).

Kari: Are you experiencing any allergies right now? I have heard that allergies, along with other physical changes (menstrual cycle) and stress can cause more restriction. I know it must be spring up there so if you are sneezing, coughing, wheezing or having allergy problems, this could be it. I don't know about exercise. I think it's wise to go ahead and go on a few days of liquids and then gently ease into a softer/chopped up texture for dinner on the 4th day, then try it for lunch and dinner the 5th and on then regular dinner on 6th. (This is my doc's after fill instructions). Please let us know!! Happy Mom's Day to you, too!!! Susan: I thought you knew I was over here near Denton. We have a bandster dinner in Denton on the first Thursday of every month at Jason's Deli, if you are over our way. I'd love to meet you!! Of course, we could meet up another time for lunch or an iced tea or something. I would be willing to meet you between Irving and here if you are visiting your kids sometime. Just pm me if you want to do this sometime. Okay, everyone!! Gotta run to church now!! To all the moms on here, Have a blessed Mother's Day!!