jewel

Hello, I'm losing pretty steadily now. I had my first fill at 2mo. and had another 4 months after that. I have a 4cc band with 2.5cc fill and I'm pretty happy with my restriction now. I can only eat a few bites at a time. So, it takes me several hours sometimes to eat a meal. I generally eat 1 meal a day, but it's spread throughout the day. I just don't eat after I first start to feel full. I try not to force anything after that. I guess you know the lapband guidelines - 1. Fluids 2. Protein 3. Fruits/veg 4. Other. No sugar drinks. I've made that mistake. Did you know a cup of sweet tea is 700cal? Don't be that dumb. So, I usually start with a protein smoothie and try and get at least 60gm protein daily. Then a high protein meal-chicken, boiled egg, steak, fish, beef. The rest of the time I eat small Snacks. 100cal packages or Protein Bars. I do occasionally have the no-no's, but I'm proud of myself when they are not too often. Hope that was helpful. The guidelines are few and if you listen to what your body and your band are telling you, you'll do fine. Jewel DOB 9/13/07 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mx 218/169/145g

Hi, I thought I'd give you my experience with fills. I've had 2 aggressive fills since surgery 9/06. I have a 4cc band. First fill was 2cc, second about 3 months later, total 2.5cc. I seem to run about every 3 months because I lose fat around my stomach, like everyone. Now it's been about 2 months and I'm thinking I may need another because I can eat more and the weight loss has slowed. So, I guess, that's the way it goes. You just have to keep up with the fills according to how much you can eat and how much you are losing. The sweet spot is an elusive idea that we are always trying to achieve and it's only gonna last a little while till we need a new one. Hope that may help you. It's a process, but a wonderful one. I'm enjoying being slimmer and continuing to lose. Good luck, Jewel DOB 9/13/06 BMI 36/218lb Lost 43lb Goal 80lb

You have done wonderfully!!! Your weight loss is something anyone should be proud of. I don't think you are actually expected to lose much after surgery. It's a time for healing. After you start to get fills and restriction, the weight will come off more quickly. Hang in there and don't stress. You're doing very well all ready.

You said you had a fill 2 weeks after being banded? That doesn't sound right either. Most docs wait about 6 weeks at least to allow healing. You probably still had too much swelling and that may have been the reason or part of it that you were having trouble in the first place. Sorry you're having so much difficulty and so little help from your doc. Jewel

Let's see your pictures. I always love seeing before and after and all along the way. Congrats on your surgery. I know you're relieved it's done and looking forward to seeing what they final results are after recovery. I envy you. Jewel

Look on the plastic surgery topic. One girl said she had a TT in San Bernadino, Ca. for $4000 cash and was pleased with the results.

Hi all, I live near Memphis and know some of the docs there. I can tell you who I've heard is good and who isn't if interested. I'm banded and would love some support. I know there are groups that meet around here, but haven't really looked as hard as I should into that. Good luck to you. Jewel DOB 9/13/06 218/186/140 Dr Ortiz, TJ, Mx

Hi, Can anyone with info. on "Nixiom" (don't know if I'm spelling it right) please help. I'm having trouble finding it on the internet. I heard the oral supplement (tablets/pills) are very good. Thanks, Jewel

Very impressive book. I was able to download it and am looking forward to reading it. Thanks so much! Jewel

Congrats! What are you doing to achieve your success. I need suggestions. Jewel

Hi, I'm planning on a fill next month and I'm thinking about the fill center in Phoenix. Anybody gone there. If so, how was it? Did they use fluro? A little anxious about the first fill. Appreciate any advice. Jewel Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mx 9/13/06

Hi there, I live near Memphis too and I'm planning to check with a Doc in L.R. soon about fills. That's a little closer than Nashville. I haven't been too impressed with what I've heard about the Nashville Doc. Have you hooked up with a support group in Memphis? I've tried with no luck yet. Banded 9/13/06, Looking for first fill soon. Jewel

Hey Puddinpie, What's the "calorie device" you wear? Always looking for more help getting to goal. Jewel

Tayvia, Just make them eat their words and show them what the band can do for you. Soon you'll be getting positive comments: Wow, look at you! My husband and family were negative too, but I've had plenty of little comments about my weight loss all ready and I only had the surgery 1 week ago, so I fully remember post op. My incisions are healing well now and I see the numbers on the scale falling steadily. What more could you want? Get motivated! You did this for yourself, not your friends! Jewel Banded 9/13/06, Dr. Ortiz, TJ, MX

Hi, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mx Sept 13, 06. I was given a card with the serial number of my band and the description. Everything went very smoothly. I can't tell you anything about the medical records, but it was pretty much a no hassle procedure. I'm in my second week of the liquid diet now. Not loving that! Losing weight steadily so far. No complications as yet. Jewel

Hi all, I am going for surgery next week 9/13/06, and not looking forward to Clear liquids for 10 days, so I was excited to hear about this bouillon that was so good and high in Protein, like 32gm. It does come in some interesting flavors, but I don't see the protein. I just bought the beef and it says 1gm, so, am I missing something? I'm looking for the person who posted about this who might can fill me in. I love this forum and all the info. I've gotten. Heading for bandland. Down 8lb on preop diet. Excited. Leaving tomorrow for TJ. Thanks for any info. Jewel

Hi Cindy, I know just how you feel. My date is coming up too. 9/13 !! I think they give you Water and broth in the hospital. I've read, anyway. Best of luck. When is it? Where?