NurseShay

Glad to be of some help Donnie! This site is great for that. Congrats on being newly banded!

Hello all! Im from San Diego, Cali.

1 more pound to go for me!!

Hi! I live in So Cali so my rates are probably more than most peoples. But I found mine at 24hr fitness, he was awesome BUT the gym charges ridiculous fees 5- 50 minute sessions for $389, 10 for $569 etc. which I never intended to keep up with but I liked the trainer so much I kept it up for an extra 2 mts. It was an invaluable way to get into an excercise routine and for someone who was very intimidated by excercise and the gym atmosphere it was the best way for me to kickstart the habit and teach me things I didnt know about weight loss and doing excercises the right way. I would not recommend getting trainers that work for the gym unless you're not hurtin for cash cuz they take alot of it! However I see alot of trainers in the gym that will just offer their cards or website flyers with info on their rates- much better. You can get college kids for much less too. My trainer was in grad school and was studying kinsiology so dont let their ages fool ya! Some of them do know what theyre talking about and they do it for alot less green! If you go to a gym you can also just spot the "regulars" you'll quickly know who they are and often many of them train people too both in and out of the gym. The actual gym trainers will often times moonlight outside of the gym training for less money- keep in mind tho you pay over $50/hr to the gym for training they still only make $10-13 of that! So they're willing to negotiate. On craigslist you can also find trainers and group sessions in my area like meetings at the beach or a park to walk or excercise. My trainer gave me a schedule of things to do when I worked out alone and with him, we talked about my goals for the week, the month and over all. He always had new routines for me to do and was great at modifying workouts for me because at 300+ there was alot I still could not do. I broke 300 with him in fact! He kept me motivated by telling me how much better I was doing and also developed a friendship where he would even talk to me about unrelated issues to my workout because early on we determined I am a stress eater! So having a trainer was helpful in a lot of ways if I could afford it I would meet him everyday! I work out much harder and consistantly when I have a pair of eyes on me, its much easier to slack off when you're your only check/balance system!! Not to mention a handsome guy is a great motivator. Have fun!!

I have the BodybuggSP and I bought it from 24hr fitness. LOVED it when I first got it- albeit it took some patience getting it to sync with my phone and the whole meal log thing got old real fast because I just didnt like logging it in. However I always had a pretty good idea of the range my calories I ate every day were in so even withouot logging the food it was really easy to know where I stood and how much more excercise I needed to do to burn my target calories for the day. It was really interesting to see what my real activity level was- I always thought I walked so much but it turns out I could easily barely crack 500steps when I was working a 10hr shift sitting down most of the time. It motivated me to want to see me in the "green" with calories burned and steps etc. I even found myself going for a quick walk around my house if I ever noticed it was nearing midnight and I had not hit my target for the day! Its awesome for accountability because my trainer at 24hr fitness also had access to my info uploaded online and he would text me with praise or motivation when necessary even when I hadnt seen him in days. However Ive had it about 9mts and although I started off wearing it 24/7 I have slacked off soo much in the last month. Its kind of like having a gym membership its worthless if you dont actually use it! Plus renewing the membership to actually be able to see your info was a pain, its already an expensive tool would be nice to be able to use something you own without having to keep paying for the membership to download the info. FYI the BodybuggSP does not have to be used on the website to see your stats however you can only store 2wks of your info without syncing it to the website before its full and you therefore cant use it more than 2wks out of your Bodybugg membership.

haha Oh I hate how every scale I get on says something different! I usually go with the lowest one to boost my ego but of course the docs go with theirs which is probably the least accurate since I am wearing a lot more clothes, shoes, jewlery, keys and phone when I get on. But as someone else pointed out it doesn't matter what the number is exactly as long as it shows your progress consistantly. I like the wii because it keeps it all stored and I can see my progress in the little chart. But I also hate how it wants to deduct weight based on your clothes which can instantly fudge your weight by 3-5lbs depending which option you choose and how much you're actually wearing! To be honest I just hop on it naked and same with my free standing scale! It usually matches up within a pound that way. Not to mention your weight can easily flucuate 3lbs throughout the day with or without clothes. After I surpassed major mile stones (50, 75, 100lb losses) the exact number wasn't as big a deal as the non scale victories anyways. Feels better fitting in a smaller size of clothes than stressing over a 3lb difference- either way ya win!! PS: Ever throw your arm out playing wii tennis? LMAO I never learn!

I am someone who only wants to be 200lbs and at minimum 190 and people would still call this overweight also so I know what you mean about the ideal weight being relative to the individual and more power to ya for that! I personally think some "ideal weights" are too skinny for certain people- they just dont look right IMO, no offense to anyone.Offering a little insight for your query though, I would think the reason that your doctor had no problem operating on your knee when you were even heavier is because it was a medical necessity- not cosmetic. Big difference! Plus the weight tends to be a factor in having knee replacement unless of course you're injured in an accident- in which case again the benefit of surgery would outweigh any risks your weight could cause. I also understand that one reason PSurgeons dont want to touch someone who is still overweight/obese is because for one they have their stats and having an unsuccessful surgery looks bad on them- that is if A- something were to happen during surgery because as an overweight person we are still considered high risk medically, even if we love the way we look. and B- your outcome would not be the ideal since you're not within the ideal weight range- thats simply not the before & after a PSurgeon wants to show, their profession is about perfection after all. And most importantly because of something you actually proved the point on-- you said that you loosened your band because of reflux and you started to gain weight so you were going back for a fill. So with the doctor's point in mind that would say that not only are you not at an ideal goal but you are not at a stable weight. We all have the band to learn better eating habits but the habits have to be maintained by us or else the band can't work and certainly neither will PS. Doctors like to see that you have maintained your weight loss before doing PS because if you gain it all back and stetch the skin out again whats the point? Its their job to choose good condidates as well as it is to to do a good job. He probably could have explained his position a little more but Im guessing that was what would give him pause about working with someone not at his ideal weight nor at even their own stablized goal weight. It makes sense since you see so many people have to go through several different weight loss surgeries and do PS more than once because their weight is not stable which is condusive to their habits not yet being stable, a conciocunses doctor would definitely have a stand on these issues for whats in the best interest of you as the patient and of course himself as a provider. But there's always going to be a doctor out there who will do what others won't. But I would wonder if he has your best interest at heart or is it just looking for a paycheck? Get several opinions and find a doctor you can develop a good understanding with who has the same vision for your body that you do! Best of luck!

Bump! This is a good topic I have not even heard of this method but would be interested in any replies and your outcome from the procedure! Good luck!

While allergies to detergents and dyes can cause bumps and rashes- they are not likely to cause boils as boils are small skin abscesses/infection. I'm a nurse and I have had the same problem especially once I started working out with a trainer- thus sweating more and having alot more friction going on. Matter of fact I even mention in my profile that my lapband surgeon offered to lance one when I came in to get a fill and complained about one. I've gotten a hair bump or boil before in the past but nothing like I had issues with in the last year. =/ I had one that was so deeply embeded that it could not drain on its own and I ended up getting a systemic reaction- high fever, nausea, fainting and ended up in the hospital over it and having to have it surgically drained because I assumed like all the rest that it would jus go away on its own in time- boy was I ever wrong!! My life saver has been washing my peri area- front and back (as these can and do spread to surrounding tissue esp due to staph) with Hibiclens daily and PRN. You can buy it at any pharmacy its an antimicrobial soap (not just antibacterial), you may have used it before your lapband surgery, some pharmacies like Vons Ive found sell it from behind their counter but you still dont need a prescription. When I actually have a boil I watch it and allow it to drain in gauze instead of all over the surrounding tissue as it can spread. I also apply neosporin or bacitracin to open boils- consult your physcian on the use of those products though, some people are allergic. Also sitz baths/soaks help to bring the boil to head and drain which Im sure you know brings instant pain relief. Warm compresses then a sitz soak is my method. If you have one or feel the sensation that one is coming immediately intervene as these can go from a harmless nusiance to painful and health hazardous in the form of sepsis unbeknownst to most people who brush it off as a simple hair bump. Some people are simply prone to boils which yes can be brought on by frequent ingrown hairs but if you happen to be one of the lucky ones like me who's horomones and body chemistry are prone to them you can get them without a whole lot of instigation on your part. Definitely dont wear tight undergarments for all the reasons people listed above- not to mention they promote ingrown hairs by being so tight against them. Excess skin of course is a breeding ground for bacteria so cleanse more often than most and try keeping the peri area as clean and free from excess moisture as possible. My doctor also suggested I use baby wipes as opposed to just toilet paper- anything to lessen the chance of bacteria pooling on skin thats already prone to boils. I still get the sensation that some want to form at times but I have not had any bad ones since I started this extra clean regimen- and in the end who doesnt like a clean crotch?haha Best of luck!

Awesome transformation! You look amazing. I can't wait to hit goal and have my arms done and boobs lifted! Ive already gone from a HH to DD with 80 more pounds to lose so Im sure I'll be a mess!lol But your pics are inspiring thanks for posting! Any thoughts on getting a TT for someone who hasn't yet had children? I always read mixed reviews. Im 27 and not sure yet if I will have kids on my own but theres always a possibility!

I have the feeling of pressure in my throat every morning- or every time I wake up also, for me its tolerable and has not gone away in the year and a half Ive been banded to the point that its now routine and I've learned how to deal with it- starting the morning with the sip test- and preferably a warm liquid like tea or coffee helps me . I absolutely cannot sleep without my head elevated by 3+ pillows especially less than an hour after my last bite to eat or sip of water. Morning time the band is known to feel tighter, also because you're sleeping and not swallowing for the most part people- especially those with allergies tend to pool mucus and combined with the "slime" us bandsters are known for and a tighter than usual band in the morning it feels kind of like being "stuck" on nothing every morning for me. If you're a newly banded you're going to feel all kinds of new and odd sensations related to the band, eating, drinking and the wonderful effects of gravity & simple times of the day! But unless they're causing you pain, sickness or other concerning feelings I wouldn't worry too much, especially if you've already consulted your physician. Feeling tight or feeling stuck is a totally new experience to you so it may alarm you- reading other peoples descriptions is no match for those wonderful first experiences so you may just not realize that these feelings are going to be normal or simply a part of your healing process. So try giving yourself some time to get use to the new feelings. The body and the brain have to adjust to this foreign object inside it and every morning its like the brain forgets and you have to wait for it to relax and get into a comfortable rythym with the band. =) Good luck!!

Hi all! I have not been on this site in quite a while though I check back for adivce from time to time. There seems to be a lot more San Diegans around now which is awesome. I'm about 3 months from a year out & am hating plateaus likes nobodys business. I'm about 70lbs down after 10mts but the last few mts have been a struggle to lose more than 2lbs a mt. Old habits crept back in so Ive decided to really make an effort to get into those terrible 2's. Support is always helpful! Anyone looking for workout or accountability buddies feel free to PM or email me! I'm in El Cajon. Best of luck bandsters!

Bandster hell is the period of time from getting banded to reaching a good restriction level. For most people its after a few fills. I'm about 5.5 months out and FINALLY out of bandster hell. I thought I was out of it on my last fill because I rarely had hunger feelings- but that's because I could still eat about anything, and quite a bit of it! Now I'm truly feeling the effects of the band & don't feel so much like I'm doing all the work. Lapband is no quick fix a lot of it is up to you & for the first few weeks/months its all up to your commitment! Best of luck.

Hope it went well moo! I'm sure you're recovering nicely. Walk, walk, walk those gas pains away! :cursing:

Sounds interesting! Ill havta give it a try. Was it a good amount of people? Doesn't seem like many people know about the banding center...

I had 0.4cc put in my band last week & have had a phenomenol difference! I could eat practically anything I wanted before & now I truly can't. A few 10ths of a cc do wonders. I'm now at 6cc and came from 5.6. that last time my doctor put me at 6cc I could not even swallow water, I was salivating & naseaous! He took out 0.4cc & I was better. I was nervous to go back for a fill after that but now at 6cc I feel fine. I think our bodies adjust to the tightness of the band over time so in a few weeks you'll be able to tolerate that same 0.2cc that gave you trouble. Its a process! If it didn't take time they'd just fill up the band completely at surgery. Im sure you'll do fine!

I agree with what the others suggested you do. You definitely need to redefine your relationship with food. I had a rough 2 months in bandster hell feeling like I could not stop myself once I got to a desperate kind of hungriness. Cravings are torture! I never was a big sugar eater so cutting out soda & sweets came easy but I'm a carbs addict & soon after surgery found my way back on rice, pasta & bread daily. My new found weakness: brownies!! Fine time to start liking choolate. I also had a lot of stress at home & work and truly saw how much of an emotional eater I am. So I avoided my fill appt for fear of showing up after over 8 weeks still at the same weight or only losing a few lbs. I was actually my worried about letting them down! But I realized this is not the doctors battle its mine. Who cares if he's disappointed in me I need help & clearly I can't do it alone. Turns out I did lose a little (which is always better than gaining) & by going in for that fill I FINALLY have some noticiable restriction. It was like the honeymoon period again of when I was first banded & had a lot of hope this would work. I feel rejuvenated & motivated again. Please go to your doctor & talk to him & get a fill. In a years time you could have had several fills & found your sweet spot so something tells me if you're still feeling hungry enough for 3 meals plus snacks then you haven't gotten your restriction so the band is not yet able to fully do its job. If you live alone then what's in your frig is on you so find healthy things you actually like to eat. Personally I love salad with lots of veggies & sliced turkey or chicken. Buy evrything low/fat free. Ditch the soda for crystal light. Little changes will help & you won't feel like you're dieting. Swimming is good but some weight training is helpful to increase your metabolism. Once you see improvement on the scale you'll be much more motivated to make better food choices & get up & active every day. On bad days I try to remember that I'm in the middle of a competition with myself & try to find other avenues of stress relief rather than eating. BUT if & when I do slip up I don't forfeit completely; I eat that brownie and "owe" myself an extra workout. After an extra workout I don't make that mistake again- at least for a while. If you can't hold yourself accountable find someone to be accountable to. You can find excercise buddies online, here, youtube, WW, a personal trainer or even just a friend or family member that you call & check in with weekly. Don't give up!!! This is a vicious cycle its up to you to end it & reclaim your life. Best wishes!

Glad to hear it! I have yet to make it to a meeting as I work nights on Mondays but I always wonder how they are? I tend to chat with people in the lobby on my fill days so that's just as well. Weds I met a man doing his pre-op, a woman who had lost 60lbs & another who was actually gaining weight. So its always interesting. Let me know how it goes; if there's good turn outs maybe ill have to adjust my schedule!:redface:

How'd your visit go? It was so busy in there today! Wow, I have some restriction finally!

Ah, I'm there at 1. Well let me know how it goes! Wow you're up late!haha

Haha well I might see you there I'm going in for a fill today so good luck! Oh & by the way I'm in el cajon so we're neighbors! :blushing:

Moo I went to the banding center in kearny mesa in april. I responded to you on another post but in case you don't see it: it was a good experience. I've had no issues with them & Dr. Martinez was a very good surgeon. PM me if you need any more help!

Hey y'all... sorry for the late reply I don't get on here nearly as much as I did pre-banding! Yes the price is still 15,300. They accept care credit which you can apply for online. Although their interest rate is ridiculously high! I had my surgery 4/14 my highest weight was 380lb. Its been almost 4 mts I'm currently at 335lbs. Most my weight dropped off in the first 6 weeks. (That honeymoon period where I was truly on top of my diet/excercise!) Now I lose about 1-2lb a week WITHOUT much actual effort. I did plataeu at 342 for 2 weeks though. (Vacation!) I've had 2 fills. Should be on my 3rd but I skipped one last month because I went to the Bahamas. (Ps: yes the band tightens on airplanes- awful cramps!) Anyways I'm going in this Weds for my 3rd fill. I already have a bit of restriction. I eat half as much as I use to but still can eat more than I should be. As you'll read it'll take time to find your sweet spot. The short of it is: yes its expensive but its worth it. I survived it with no infections, mistakes or a padded bill. It was a flat rate for the procedure & a year of visits- no matter how often or little you schedule an appointment. And yes I would recommend them! If you're like I was and looking for particulars, here's my personal experience... My surgeon was Dr. Martinez, he's a really calm & thorough surgeon. Albeit the center can be a bit unorthodox... the director practically lives there & he had the habit of calling me at odd hours (as late as 11pm) to check if I was coming for an appointment the next day. All the staff is friendly. If you're self pay it will all go pretty quick. Basically you'll get it as soon as you want it. Only 1 week of pre op dieting, which is suppose to consist of liquids only (although they say if you must cheat eat low fat, low carb items once a day but absolutely NOTHING 12hours pre op.) Protein shakes (even slim fast ultra) is approved with their nutritionist. And yes these are the hardest weeks you'll face: the 1 week pre-op & 1st week post op. You'll do all your pre op testing right there at the center, took about 2-3hours. Keep in mind its all about the $ when you're self pay so consult your own physician also about getting the band & under going a surgery- especially if you have health conditions (namely heart issues or diabetes) because you will not get a stress test from the banding center. Stress tests are required by insurance companies becuz they help foresee any complications but self pay they're not as concerned since its on your dime. I never took blood pressure meds before but during & immediately post op my BP was off the charts- (a sometime common side effect of the trauma of surgery & also anesthesia) so much so they almost didn't send me home. Luckily they did because a transfer to a hospital & an over night stay without insurance coverage would have put me in debt! So know your health. Dr. Martinez did give me a 30day supply of BP meds to ensure I stablized ok at home & he also had me come in 1 week post op to check up. He did respond promptly to a phone call to his cellphone over that first weekend. The pain meds (liquid) did the job! They will tell you the procedure is 45mins to an hour but for me it was over 3 hours. He did fix a hiatal hernia he found for no extra charge. He says thats standard procedure if found. That was an awesome bonus becuz I have no heartburn anymore. I was there from 7am til 3pm. Was suppose to be from 7am-12pm. But they will keep you as long as they need to for no extra charges. Dr martinez is only there on Wed's so all surgeries & follow up fills -if he's your doctor, will be on a Weds. First week post op was not so bad. Yes there's some pain & definate cramping from the CO2 he puts in. The 2nd day post op was the worst for me. I couldn't sleep because the port incision was very tender. (Have help at home!) Don't let the first day fool you- you're still full of the good drugs & can't feel the full effect yet. But it IS bearable. I was not hungry for days post op. The hernia repair he explained caused the bulk of my discomfort so if you get only the band it should go smoother for you. I recommened always holding in or using a pillow or something as a splint when getting up or turning over in bed becuz the port incision is soo tender when disturbed early on. At first my scars were small & light then they darkend by week 4. But they're not huge & you keep the bandages on til your first follow up in 2 weeks. Fills: he does your first fill 6weeks post op. He doesn't bend on that rule. For me my first one was easy. Its not painful- he will numb you first & he explains what he's doing. His assistant is nice & keeps you distracted. Second fill for me was harder. I had a lot of scar tissue & he had trouble sticking it just right. Luckily you don't feel anything except pressure. He won't let you leave if you have discomfort swallowing Water. So I've never had a throw up episode. I have experienced a slight & quick stuck feeling but that was my fault from eating too quickly. Everyone is different & tolerates pain differently but personally I was back to work in 1 week & I'm a nurse. I've seen some people out 2 or even 4 weeks but unless you're lifting all day I cannot fathom the need to stay out that long. Overall the band in the begining leaves A LOT up to you. You can eat a lot of things for the first few months- soda & ice cream for instance will always go down smooth. Its empty calories so things like this you must have the discipline to resist. Please have realitic expectations! I wached youtube videos pre banding & secretly expected to drop 50lbs in 8 weeks. Not gunna happen! The people with drastic results took drastic measures. I don't work out everyday. But I workout 3-4x a week. I DO eat out but I try to make better choices. The band has helped curb my appetite for at least 6-8hours even after a small meal. I have not been able to have "seconds" since banding so it does take some of the pressure off you. I hope this helps answer your questions & relieve some anxiety because clearly from my original post I know how you all feel. My only regret is not doing it sooner! Good luck ladies & keep in touch!

Ccinlv great moral! Weight loss is a struggle. The weight didn't come on in a few months so can't expect it to magically fall off in a few weeks. I was truly hoping to be the exceptiion to the rules & drop 50lbs in a couple weeks but it is definitely harder to change habits then I first thought. But determination will presevere. Keep in my mind that without the band most of us would be many more pounds heavier than we started rather the 30-40lbs we are down now. Best of luck to you all!

Its totally natural to deal with gas & constipation post op. Even if you're not taking your pain meds currently you have undoubtedly been eating much less the last week & received meds during surgery & also that *wonderful* Co2 that adds to the loely gas pains/cramps post op. If you're miserable by all means contact your MD but adding stool softner or MOM daily for a while (especially while taking narcotic pain meds) is a good idea. I'm 2mts post op still deal with gas (especially after eating too much or fiberous meals) and constipation at least once a week. No where near as miserable as immediately post op though! The gas pain & cramps is awful I know.. walking, gas X strips, heating pads, colace (stool softners), massages & small meals helped for me. Best of luck!