Bella Luna

My mom just did this last week by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. She's really excited about it. She said she had an excellent experience. She originally was against going to Mexico, but the more she learned about it and Dr. Ortiz, the more comfortable she became. She went down there planning on getting the lap band, but overheard someone else getting the plication, so it piqued her interest. Then she changed her mind last minute to get the plication. It sounds neat. According to her, Dr. Ortiz said that about 30% of his potential lap band patients switch to plication. Based on my mom's experience I wouldn't hesitate at all to go to Dr. Ortiz. I personally haven't done enough research about plication. I think I still would have had the lap band, only because I want more kids and I like that the band is adjustable. She really likes the idea of the plication because she doesn't have to wait for numerous fills to reach her sweet spot, she's there already.

I actually think that might be why it can be hard to see the difference in ourselves. I never really accepted how fat and overweight I really am, I think I often saw myself about 40 pounds lighter, so after loosing 40 pounds I don't think I'll see much of a difference.

Wow! That's harsh! I think I would be searching for another dr by now.

Keep us informed of your progress. Have fun and good luck with those pesty 1-2 pounds.

My dr. will only do a fill of 1 cc per visit, every month. (Costing me $200 a visit out of pocket). Since being banded in November I only have 2 ccs in a 10 cc band and have NO RESTRICTION. I am considering going to another doctor who is willing to give me more. I had considered going to Fill Centers USA (in Salem, Oregon). Does anyone know if they would give me more of a fill than just 1 cc? Anyone know about what they would charge? Thanks!

I plan on doing this with my next fill. My question is to those that have already done the test. How was your weight loss in the week(s) subsequent to the test? I would be worried about gaining the weight back the next week or two, or to not loose weight for the next few weeks. Thanks!

Did your scale say that you really fluctuated from 225 to 270 in a day? If so, buy another scale. I actually think it's good to weigh yourself every day, as long as you don't take it too seriously and understand the fluctuations. I have a bodybug which tells me about how many calories I burn in a day. With a 60 minute workout and running around chasing kids and cleaning up after them (I'm home with the kids all day) I can easily burn 3400 calories a day. On days I don't exercise (Sunday) I'll burn about 2600, of course everyone is so very different, but this is just an example that you're burning way more than 650 calories.

I would try eating more calories in a day (maybe to 1400 calories) and working out a bit more. Try strength training if you haven't already. I was told that it's good to "trick" your body by chaning calories consumed and expended. Try this for a few days, it might be just what your body needs.

Great Idea; I'm going to try the Laughing Cow sauce.

My dr. is very conservative when it comes to fills. I was banded on 11/10/10 with a 10 cc band and no fills. Then on 12/9/10 I got a 1 cc fill. Then on 1/13/11 I got another 1 cc fill. She only does one cc a month. Is this normal? I don't know if it's good/safe that she's being so conservative with my fills or if she's just trying to get more money by me continually coming back??? I pay her $200 for a fill. I had been considering going to Fill Centers and forking out the $350 if I can get more of a fill, but I don't really want to switch doctors.

Just checking in with you. You mentioned that you will try to get back on track today, so before you go to bed tonight I want you to post what exercise you did today. Have fun!

I just got my BobyBugg last week and it has truly helped and motivated me. It tells me exactly how many calories I burn each day. It's great to know how many calories I burn just vacuuming, or packing my kids into the car. They're a little spendy, but if you can afford it (check e-bay and craigslist) I would highly recommend one. It truly motivates me to get in extra exercise and provides a concrete reason why I shouldn't have a brownie, or perhaps I burned more calories than planned and I see that it's okay to have a brownie that day, but I'm not tempted to eat more than one because I see how the numbers work out. I'm a total numbers person. I love my bodybugg. You can also rent them online to see if you like it before buying one. Good luck.

That's weired. I haven't heard of that before. I certainly haven't experienced it. Have you asked your dr office about it?

"And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love You make" Lennon/McCartney

Okay, so that was just while I was working out to Just Dance 2 (Wii) and a little after. The next day was fine and has been since. I think I was wearing mine too high on my arm.

Way to go!!!

So, my first day wearing my bugg. The back of my arm is totally chafed (sp?) and sore. I really want to wear it when I sleep, but I might need to let my arm take a break. I've been moving it up and down my arm, but it still hurts. I haven't even worn it all day because I only got it at about 11: 30 this morning. It hurts at the inside of my arm, not where the bugg sits, weird. But, at least I exceeded my goal!!! We went out to dinner, so I had to guestimate the calories consumed, but I think I was good. We'll see.

I just gon mine today, too! So far so good. It's fun and I think I'll beat my goal for today? Unfortunately, I got it after I already went to the gym, but it's still good. What is your goal for calories. I'm trying to get an excess of 1400 calories burned. So, that's 2800 burned and 1400 consumed (I still don't really have restriction, only 2 ccs). I hope this accountability and motivation continues.

How long did you work level 1?

That's Great!!! I also LOVE Just Dance 2 and 30 Day Shred! Good for you and keep it up!

I've also tried it twice (I just discovered it a few days ago). The first day was so hard, but in a good way, and I felt it the next day. I then tried it two days after that and still found it hard, but a little easier, now that I knew what to expect. It's great because it's only about 25 minutes, so I can do it right before bed if I need some more excerise in. I can't use time limitations as an excuse. Plus I found it for FREE. If you have cable TV, check it out On Demand. I have Frontier FIOS and Level one is one there for free. I think I read someone else had it On Demand on Comcast as well. Check it out. Plus the video itself is cheap on Amazon and I found it for only $9 at Target.

I also LOVE Just Dance 2. Just Dance 1 is also fun. It get's my heart rate up, but not like a brutal workout, but I can easily play it for over an hour a day and not even realize where the time went. It's so much fun. My favorite game to get my heart rate up is Active Life Explorer. It's kind of like Indiana Jones. You run across the brige before it falls, or escape the alligators or mummies. You have to run fast; it really gets my heart rate up and is so much fun. You should check it out and again I would also recommend Just Dance 2. I tried Gold's Gym Dance Workout and didn't care too much for it. Walk It Out is okay too, it's not so much a game. You walk around (in place) and explore things, you can earn new items for your scenery or new songs based on how well you walk the the beat of the song. Have fun!

They didn't add any fills on surgery day, then one month later (12/9) I got a 1 cc fill for my first and only fill. I then go back in January for another 1 cc fill.

I was banded the same day and feel the same way. There's no way I can get my 2 litters of water down and my 60+ grams of protein! I managed to have a little less than 1 litter or water (diet gatoraid), half of a protein shake and have sipped on some split pea soup throughout the day. I find it actually hard to distinguish between being hungry and having stomach sensitivities due to healing. I then think to eat and often feel better. I'm still so dehydrated. I can tell that everyday is getting better and I'm becoming more used to my new stomach. Good luck!

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