kareyquilts

Lisa: Since you're so far away, maybe you could have a phone consultation first and explain what you have explained to us. I think that you are needing a fill, but your doc will have his own opinion!

Well, I thought I would report on my fill experience at my doctors. My doctor is going to be in town until March 27th. We talked and he said, well maybe you need a fill and maybe you don't. So, he measured the amount of fluid in my band. It should have been 1.75 and was only 1.4, so he said, for now why don't we fill it a tiny bit abouve 1.75? I thought it was pretty cool of him to listen to me when I said I was getting hungry easier now. I asked him why we lose fluid and why we keep needing fills. He said that tiny amounts of fluid can be absorbed back into our body and that we need fills, because as we lose weight our stomach gets smaller. I always wondered about that. I am really going to miss that man. He is very kind. Anyway, if I'm alittle tight, he will be around to help me. Hope that this helps and I can keep going strong.

Telly: How do you measure your fat percentage?

Sounds like everyone is plugging along. What else can we do? I exercised 6 times this week, water aerobics, treadmill and weights. Reporting a grand 1 pound loss. Can't change my ticker right now, but I'll get to it. Off to see my doctor for the last time and find out what to do next. We'll let you know when I know. Later.

MimIn: Checked out your before and in progress pics. You're looking good girl! Thanks for sharing. I've been organizing my photos and it really is helpful to see old photos of yourself. It puts things in perspective. I need to get an in progress photo so I can post. Well I go in to the doc tomorrow,but I don't think I'll get a fill until I'm established with a new doctor. What a pain in the butt!

Congratulations, Argon! Way to lose!

Denise: My doctor says not to drink for a 1/2 hour before or after your meal. That works great for me. I think an hour after is a little extreme. Good luck!

Kittylover: I think whatever helps is great. Good luck with TOPS! I had a NSV victory this week. My massage therapist is into the YOU on A Diet, Dr. Oz book and wanted me to measure her waist and she measured mine. My waist measured 33 inches! When I measured 2 months ago it was 38 inches. So, I think that the Water aerobics must really be helping. Now, below the waist is another story, but I'll take my NSV when I can. I lost 1 pound this week, but the scale is going back and forth. Up one, down one. Don't know if I should count it. I need all of your opinions. I go to see my doctor on Monday. The question is whether I should ask him to give me a fill. My doctor is leaving the state at the end of the month. There office is still not sure if they have another doctor coming to replace him. I have a contract for a year's support with fills, nutritionist support, etc. I may have to find another doctor to continue my care (outside of my current doctor's office). I know that my appetite is picking up, but some foods are difficult for me to eat, ie. meat, bread, anything that isn't chewed well. I think that if I could use, I would get a fill in another 2-3 weeks. But, with my doctor leaving, I feel that I should get it while, I can. I only hesititate because I am going on a week long trip with my DH at the end of next week. If I get a fill, I will be on liquids, then mushies, etc. and would only be trying regular food when it was time to leave on the trip. I don't know what I would do if I was too filled. It sucks that my doctor is leaving. What would you do?

Bandida: I'm glad that the doctor finally took you seriously! (My last post about going to the ER was behind the times.) Gas X was my friend too. Walking also helps work out gas pain. I would think that diet could also play a part. Maybe you should try a different kind of protien drink, go easy on apple juice (if your drinking it), etc. Think about what you're eating/drinking that might produce gas. I wish you the very best. The beginning of the process is the hardest. I promise that it gets easier! You are in my prayers.

Way to go MimIn! That's exciting! I'm in size 14's, but not going near another plus size store! I'm done with that and not looking back!

Bandida: If your doctor doesn't call you, then go to the emergency room. You're to early in the process to be having these kinds of problems. The ER will call your doctor and get his attention! I'm serious about this. Good luck!

Bandida: What did the doctor say? You will probably have to go back to liquids for a few days. Hope all goes well. Keep us informed.

Brenda: Thanks for the info on the breast lift. I'm inclined to go for it. We'll see when I get to that point. If I'm going to be in a lot of pain, I may as well hurt all over!

Josette: Hang in there! Stress is a diet killer. Instead of worrying (too much) about your diet, try and think of ways to de-stress and simplify your life. Way to go with the exercise. Give yourself a pat on the back for what you are doing right. Keep in touch. Everyone deserves to get support and be on this website! I wish you the best.

Jana: Congratulations! Life is only going to get better and better. Here's to health and happiness. Congrats again!

spldgrl: You need to quit comparing your recover with Puddin. You are older (sorry) and you also had the breast lift, which I'm sure complicates things. Speaking of breast lifts, which do you think is more painful, the breast lift or the TT? I'm trying to decide if I want to get a breast lift along with the TT. How much after care is there for the breast lift and when can you start exercising after it. I would really appreicate knowing more. Thanks.

Puddin- I embarrassed to tell you how much I spent on Thermage, but since you've shared so much, of course I'll tell you. It was $2,800. I know it's a lot but for me it was worth it. If my face is tighter in 6 months, I'm going to be really hot! LOL

Georgia: I had thermage on my face and neck last week. I felt like my face was saggy after my weight loss. I was getting jowls and a double chin (yucky!). The procedure took about 2 1/2 hours and hurt like hell. They did give me a sleeping pill and a loratab, but you don't go to sleep when they are working on you like that. Anyway, it was bearable and doesn't hurt afterwards. I can already see results. My eyes look more open. My double chin is gone and so are my jowls. I would definetly recommend it for the face. It was expensive, but a lot cheaper than a face lift. I'm thinking that I will have my arms done after I have lost all my weight. I let you know in about 6 months what the final results are.

Reporting in for the Week: Exercised 5 times last week, water aerobics, treadmill and weights. I lost 2 pounds. Finally, off the plateau. Yeah!

BJean: I'm glad you took our advice and dressed heavy! LOL. Let us know how the fill goes! I'm down 2 pounds this week! Yeah! I will change my ticker later. I exercised 5 days. I'm just trying to plug alaong. My nutritionist said that I should just be working on good life long habits and not worry about weight loss. Well easy to stay when your SKINNY! LOL. Have a great day everyone!

Lianna: I hope some people with more experience reply to your questions. I always think that getting more than 1 opinion is a good thing. Also, the doctor has no motivation to do just the apron removal since he would make more money with the more extensive procedure. I would just make sure he understands that you want to be nice and tight. Good luck! I hope you'll keep us posted when you have the procedure. It's so motivating to see everyone's progress!

Time2Live: You expressed exactly how I've been feeling. For the first time in my life, food is just food (most of the time). Isn't it wonderful? My DH is thin and he just doesn't have a big appetite. It's not hard for him to keep his weight down, becuase he's not hungry most of the time. Me, I was always hungry. Big appetite. I also used food emotionally. Now, with the LB I'm not hungry all the time. Now, I have a fighting chance. Without the hunger driving me, I can use my brain. I don't have to have so much will power. With that said, there is will power involved in making good choices, exercising, etc. I'm not explaining myself very well, but I guess I want to say that the emotions and the white knuckle (as you put it) experience are for the most part gone. I just pray that this continues to be a positive experience and we all stay healthy and going strong.

Tann: Great job! Now you must share your secrets! How much are you exercising and WHAT are you eating?! LOL. Congratulations!

Bandida: Glad you're feeling better and ready to go! Congratulations on all the changes in your life. Wow! Look at all the weight you've already lost. You are on your way girl! Okay, what is Spanish root?

Brenda: Wow! You look 15 years younger! Fantastic. Thanks for sharing the pics. It's wonderful to see progress. I know that getting to this point was a lot of hard work, especially with everything you had going on in your life. What a great thing to do for yourself. Congratulations!