ready2bthin

Dr. Rod in Acuna did my surgery on July 28, 2006. So far, so good!! My incisions are neat, small and only 4 of them. Of course, I asked him to make them nice for my future bikini days...lol!!! I had a great experience with Dr. Rod and the staff at the hospital. Barbara, the patient advocate gal who drove me from San Antonio gave me a bookload of information before and right after my surgery. I go for my first fill on Oct. 7 when my family and I will drive to Acuna/San Antonio for a long weekend. Would like to go on a fill trip with others in the future but this worked out for us for this first time. There are many qualified docs in Mexico. I was happy with my experience there and if you have any other questions, pm me and I'll be happy to give you more details of my experience.

MDG: This is a good place to be for encouragement!! We are all here rooting for one another as we "shrink". As far as hiccups, I get them when I've eaten too fast or I'm supposed to stop eating. This has happened a few times to me. Early on, I was very good about stopping as soon as I hiccuped. I had more restriction. Chicken has caused me to have hiccups/pb as well. But, I think I ate too big of a bite or too fast. So, chew, chew, chew, and with chicken I think it needs to be moist or add something to it to make it moist. I've heard a lot of people complain about chicken. Tomorrow is a new day and the start of a new week.

Hey, gotta agree with the bowl of sugar in the core of my brain...That's got to be the issue...yup...that's it...needed a fill...lol!! Okay...I NEED A FILL IN MY BAND!! I NEED RESTRICTION!!! But, if I keep coming here and try and fit in exercise 3x this week...I'm gonna do it...I can wait on my fill Oct. 7!!! BGP and Stesti: You are looking good girls!! Keep it up!! I also haven't heard of that makeup, but boy would I LOVE A MAKEOVER when I get some more weight off. R ya'll in St. Louis or another Missouri city? I do travel through St. Louis when I drive to Michigan, so hey, I might be able to stop in for a new "me"!! Count me in!! Now, I just need a wardrobe person, too...I could really be on that show where they toss your old clothes and have you shop for new ones. Oh yeah...they would have a heyday in my closet...not just because of the big clothes...but because of my "style" or should I say lack of....lol!!! I'll get there though. I have a few "hip" things, so I'll be fine. Beth: I live east of denton, so not far. Actually, there is a dfw bandster dinner coming up in Arlington, which would be close for you. Maybe you and hubby can make it to one of those and we could meet. There is a group on yahoo called dfw bandsters and 3 or so times a month meet in different places around metroplex. You can pm me if you want more info!!

Nannerpudding: Does the doctor use fluro with the fill? Paulax: Thanks....I've forgiven myself....it's a new day. Beth: Well, thankfully, we can move on and everyday is a new one. Glad we are getting rain and basically I've lounged all day. Went to church last night so today was a true lazy day of sleeping, watching t.v. and just relaxing.

Okay, everyone, I just shared something with Kari in a pm, but I decided to "confess" to my fellow bandsters here in case someone else has also struggled a little in recent days. I had my first "binge" since getting the lapband. I had about 1/2 bag of small peanutbutter cups early in the day (this was Friday...I think) and then had icecream as well. I can eat more now and will not get my fill until Oct. 7. Yesterday, I did okay, but I'm eating too much as the restriction is mostly gone for me. So, today, I declare that I will go back to "bandster eating". I do not want to gain back what I've lost. Many people have been complimenting me and my pants are getting baggy!!! Thanks for all of your support....Whew...feel better that I've "confessed"......lol......

Michelle: Sure...come on along to Mexico with us!! We'll go to my pre-band "last supper" place and have one of their margaritas. I will warn you though...pre-band I had one...strawberry frozen...and they are STRONG!! I'm not really a big drinker (maybe 3 or 4 margaritas a year). That margarita sure relaxed me. I even have pictures of me with the mariachi (sp) guitar players!!! I need to learn how to post pics on here. (technically challenged...I am)Wohoo....next day before surgery and before they put the IV in to get me relaxed for surgery, dr. rod said they would be right in. I asked him if it would be like a margarita and he said, "Like 4".....lol...bring it on....I don't even remember being wheeled out of my room...into the operating room...when I woke up, I checked to make sure I had the incisions and had the band put in!!!

Okay, I'm gonna put in my two cents here. I chose "within reasons my mso's weight isn't an issue for me". I will say this, beauty and sexiness come from within. I know that there are some people who just can't ever imagine being with an overweight/obese person...they cannot get past how the person looks. That's not me at all and thankfully my husband still finds me sexy and attractive even though I put on so much weight since children. He does want me healthy though, so is totally supportive of my lapband and life with the lapband. He's even lost some weight, too. I do believe that I'm as sexy and attractive as I was when I was an average size, maybe even more so as my "inner woman" has grown and developed. But, I do look forward to the outer woman and inner woman matching, although at times, I "forget" that I'm overweight if that makes sense. Pictures, plane seats, amusement park rides, knee pain, etc. help me to remember though and I'm so looking forward to those "reminders" being eliminated.

Leona: Please let us know what happens with your appointment. Thinking and praying for you!! Michelle: I can't believe your doctor charges 700 bucks for a fill!! Is that for the first one only or any that you get? I'm heading back to my doc in Mexico...100 bucks with fluro!!! There is a doctor here in Dallas that will do them for 200 with fluro and he's probably been doing them longer than anyone, as his uncle is Dr. Sanchez in Mexico. We are taking a family trip to Mexico, and I want my doc to look over things, so for at least this first one (Oct. 7) I will go to Mexico. I guess I should be thankful that there are so many options here in TX and many here will see patients who were banded in Mexico.

Hey gals, Wow!! I missed out on the fun it seems!! We got out of church late and then our exchange student was having another gal over so I made lunch/dinner for them. I made fried rice and some curry rice which are both foods they eat at home. Anyway, don't know about the next one. I do hope to attend the Dallas dinner at Jason's tomorrow night (Thursday). I belong to the DFW bandster group on yahoo and they have regularly scheduled dinners in different places every month. So, if any of you are interested, check out the dfw bandster group on yahoo and come along!!!

A BIG Welcome to you laura-loo!!! Sounds like you are having great success so far with your band!!! We are happy to have you join us July Bandsters!!! CHRIS: WOW!!! AWESOME WEIGHTLOSS!!! You've inspired me to start my "training". I've been swimming in my pool, but today will meet with a friend whose hubby does personal training and Tai Chi (hoped I spelled that correctly). I'm gonna jump on the exercise bandwagon!!

Chris: That's fantastic!!! Glad you updated us on your progress!!! My 8 week anniversary was yesterday (from pre-op) and I've lost 25 lbs. and a whopping 33.38 inches!! I've almost lost a yardstick...lol!!! I also talked to the gal who rode down with me to be banded on the same day in Mexico. She called and said, "Happy Anniversay" and I couldn't figure out who it was....DUH!! Then, I said, "Is this Val?" We had a great talk!! CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES...COME ON!!!

I started out using unjury protein powder that I ordered from the internet. The site is www.unjury.com. I mostly used the unflavored and added it to my broth, soups, etc. They also will include a recipe guide with it and I would mix it in my sugarfree jello and actually still do. You can't tell at all so when you are eating the jello with a dab of coolwhip (sugarfree or fatfree) you are also getting in the much needed protein. There may be some other unflavored brands as well. I thought the unjury mixed up well. Just be careful when adding to hot soups, etc. They can't be too hot or it will solidify.

I don't like the protein drinks much. I can barely get one down. But, I found a wonderful way to now get in some liquid protein in the morning when I'm a bit tighter. I use a vanilla protein powder...started with the unjury kind as it's low in carbs, calories and a good source of protein. I used a scoop of the vanilla flavored and put it in about 8-10 oz. skim milk. I then add Jello brand sugar free chocolate or chocolate fudge pudding to it. I just guestimate the amount, so a box of that lasts me for several shakes. I then just blend it up. I could add ice to thicken it, but I like it just the way it is. I did add 1/2 banana the other day to add in some fruit. This is delicious. My kids think it tastes like hot chocolate!! Oh, you could also use an off brand of chocolate or another flavor if you wanted, just make sure it's sugar free pudding!!! DELICIOUS!!!!

Kari, My doc recommends the same...protein shake in a.m. and then try to eat food for the rest of the day. Colleen: Kari told you about that unjury powder. Well, since I'm not one that loves to drink those protein drinks (I find them pretty gross...have tried many), I took the vanilla unjury and added a scoop to skim milk, then added in some chocolate or chocolate fudge sugar free Jello brand pudding mix....didn't measure just sprinkled it in. Now, that's what I drink every morning. It's delicious...tastes like hot chocolate. I ran out of unjury (it is low in calories, low in carbs and 20 grams protein a scoop), so my hubby bought me some "On 100% Whey Gold Standard" He bought it from the Vitamin Shoppe and it has 120 calories, only 3 carbs and 24 grams protein. The flavor is Vanilla Ice Cream, but again, I just added that sugar free pudding mix to make it a chocolate drink. I haven't tried it with anything else yet, but I may try a smoothie tomorrow with strawberries or something. I had an NSV (nonscale victory) yesterday. I tried on a pair of jeans that just 4 weeks ago, I could barely get up over my Big (but shrinking) ***. Well, I could button them up yesterday!!! I couldn't zip and didn't feel like lying down on the bed to do that (did any of you do that in high school/college?) but the fact that I had them on and buttoned is significant for me!!! By the time it gets colder here they will fit!!! I have 2 pairs to wear as I shrink!!! Yayyy!!! I know only you guys on here can relate to my happiness!!!

Hey ladies!! I just found this thread, and although I live between Denton and McKinney, I may come join ya'll!! Sounds like fun. I have some knee problems, but I do have rollerblades here that should fit me. If not, I will rent skates there. Do they allow rollerblades, too? Anyway, have to see what schedule allows for weekend. Sounds like SO MUCH FUN!!!

Dezadoo, I'm from Michigan and have been to Cedar Point several times, just not in recent years. I'd love to go back and try out some of those rides and let my kids experience this awesome park. Six flags is fun, but Cedar Point....ROCKS!!!

Originally Posted by mbprn 2 questions for all: 1.Does your significant other know how much you weigh-why or why not? 2.Most embarrassing fat moment you will never have happen to you again now that you are becoming skinny or thin or svelte or normal?? 1. My husband does know how much I weigh and so does my sister, my best friend, and maybe some others I've met on here. 2. I will put down some of my most embarrasing moments...not just one...a. getting on the batman ride at Six Flags. It is one of those rides where your feet hang and when the over the shoulder harness came down and then you have to buckle a seatbelt deal it was almost too tight. I told the guy just to push it in (the contraption against my stomach) so he could buckle it. It worked, but pretty embarrassing. Later, I learned they have one seat that is for "bigger people" and I got in that one and it worked better. b. I needed a seatbelt extender on an airplane. I always get a little stressed flying, as I wonder if the seatbelt will fit me or if I'm alone and don't have my kids sitting next to me and I will overflow some to someone else's seat. I've only needed the extension once, but a couple other times, it was a pretty tight fit. Michelle, You really keep me laughing on here!!! Thanks!!! Laughter is such great medicine. Biggirlpantiez: I agree...You can be the spokesmodel!!! Steph: You go girl!! All of you: We are on our way to being healthy and HOT and there will be those who can't stand it...jealousy, insecurity, or whatever...but then we will have those who are cheering us on that we can be thankful for...and we have each other on here to be honest with and to get encouragement. Thank you July crew!! These posts have helped me a great deal, along with some of the new friendships...

Well, gals (and guys) I'm on my 3rd day of liquids recovering from that sliming incident. I can't wait to EAT again. I've added protein, but I miss the food. Guess I've learned my lesson. Speaking of teenagers, I have 8 of them right now in the house. My daughter is having a slumber party and then I have 2 sons who are also teens. So far so good. We just watched "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" which I highly recommend (favorite movie) and now they are watching "Madea's Family Reunion". That Tyler Perry is one talented guy. So, I've dropped another couple pounds probably since I've been doing liquids. My tummy is feeling better, thankfully. Hope all of you have a great weekend. Miss hearing from some of you...JMO, KMO, Lizzilo....where are ya??

Hey Everyone!! I haven't posted in awhile as I've been busy preparing and welcoming our foreign exchange student. She is from South Korea and will stay with our family for the school year. She's the same age as my daughter, 16, and they are sharing a room and going to the same school. I had a terrible sliming experience on Monday when I tried to eat some deli turkey and roast beef too quickly and not paying attention. So, for these few days I've been back on liquids cuz my tummy hurt. I could kick myself for not thinking and getting into that predicament. Today I feel better but will proceed with liquids tomorrow and then start adding soft food. Well, I hope we can go back to that chatroom deal that Jen set up. I can't usually use this chat feature so that one is great. Glad everyone is doing well!!

I drink right up until my meal and then wait at least 90 minutes after the meal to drink. I'm a newbie, but I started this practice on my pre-op diet (low carb, low fat). I did have to have a sip of water, though when I ate at a Mexican restaurant and the pico de gallo was so HOT. I took a sip as my mouth was burning...lol. I then proceeded to scoop that stuff out of the dip I was eating (on mushies).

Welcome back Kari!! Missed our morning chats!! I had a nsv today (nonscale victory). Went to a friends house (haven't seen her in a couple weeks or so) and she told me "you are shrinking"..."I can see that you are losing".....Anybody out there have some nsv's to share? Baylor mom: I chose lapband as I felt it to be a safer surgery plus i ended up paying for it myself. my husband wouldn't have wanted me to have the gastric bypass and I agreed with him. KMO: Missed you on here!! Glad to see your posts!! Where is Lizzilo?

I would probably be available for a chat on Monday nights or Thursday nights, especially after 8:00 CST. And I still can't use the chat on here. Tried today and got on, but when I posted couldn't see the conversation. UGHHH. Jen, hang in there with the weightloss. Does sound like you may need a fill. I am starting to get hungrier and trying to "be good". I still have restriction, though, as I cannot eat as much. Just noticed that I'm hungry between meals. Bought some liquid vitamins yesterday at Vitamin Shoppe and wish I'd been taking them from the beginning, since I've been limited on vegetables. (they also have other stuff in them). I also bought some biotin (suggested by Kari) to help prevent hair loss. Haven't had any yet, but don't want my hair gone (there is a thread where they talked about this). I have stopped weighing every other day/every day and decided to just get on once a week. Have you measured Jen? I will measure every 4 weeks. My hubby made a nice chart for me to keep track.

There are many experienced and well known doctors in Mexico. Most that I've read about will give you their phone number for any problems, etc. Don't let one person's opinion (especially if they didn't even have the procedure done in Mexico) influence you. You must do your own research, interview your doctor, get recommendations (and not just from someone who works for the doctor), count the cost, decide if you will travel back to Mexico or find a local physician for follow up and fills. There may be some docs who won't see Mexican banded patients, but the smart ones will as they know that most Mexican doctors have more experience than they do. As a matter-of-fact, many U.S. docs have been proctored by Mexican doctors or the person who proctored them was. Again, do your homework, and be aware that this is a big business in Mexico and now the U.S. There are some that will spread untrue things to sway you to a particular doctor. Be aware of this. I recently learned this as I was looking into lapband. Also, there is a yahoo group for Mexicanbandsters. Join up there. There are people on that group from all the different doctors in Mexico. I've been banded just over 3 weeks with all going well. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions regarding my "Mexico experience".

I am mainly a stay at home mom, but I am also a licensed physical therapist assistant and will begin doing visits in patients' homes in Sept. I wanted to make sure I was totally healed and adjusted to my bandster way of eating, etc.

Sherrijo: I am going to always have my fills with fluro. I have heard too many stories of people needing port revisions, etc. I don't know when I'll be getting my first fill, but I'm returning to Dr. Rod in Mexico and he uses fluro. I will then determine if I want to continue to go back to him or find a local place. But, don't feel bad about wanting fluro. The doc should feel bad about POKING you 3 times!! I look at it this way.....I paid a lot of money for this band and I sure want to take care of it...ya know what I mean?