Bella Luna

I live in Astoria. Are you still hosting a support group?

How did your appt go and how did you find a counselor who understands food issues?

Zumba was my first type of workout with this weight loss journey. I was totally out of shape, but I did what I could, I was actually able to do most of it. 40 pounds down and I feel I can participate 100%. You should just try it; you'll probably find that you love it and it is easy to make it low impact.

Where in Oregon do you live? I found an excellent lady to do my fills. She works in both Eugene and Portland. I was using my surgeon's office for fills but became impatient about how slow they were. They would just randomly decide how much to fill. Plus they charged $225 per fill. This lady uses a technique to listen to how long it takes for water to pass through the band in order to determine how much of a fill to give. Plus she only charges $180. If I had continued with my surgeon's office I would have gone several more times, waiting several more months for restriction, and paid a lot more. Her name is Dr Kelly Fitzpatrick, www.gastricbands.com. I haven't tried Fill Centers. Since both have good reviews, go with who ever is closer and costs less.

Wow, pretty cool! How much have you lost and how long did it take? Keep up the excellent work!!!

I have good restriction, but I can still eat a six inch sub (at least with chicken salad, I think the turkey would probably be ok too).

So I've been banded for 6 months and thought I had a good restriction, but I could totally eat a full hamburger or a full meal at any restaurant, not that I (often) do. Am I not at a sweet spot afterall?

That is what I had too. I still ended up having to pay about $3000 because the anesthesiologist wasn't a preferred provider. I think my mom paid $7500 for the plication in Mexico. Remember to consider the cost of fills. They can add up fast.

It's good to "meet" you. How has your progress been? Are you liking your band? Good restriction makes a huge difference. I didn't have any until this last month.

ONEDERLAND!!! I was banded 11-10-10, so technically yesterday was my 6 month anniversary, but I wasn't yet at onederland. So I'm rationalizing that today's weight was a resulted of yesterday's work. However you look at it, I'm counting it. That means 40 pounds lost from my highest and 25 pounds lost since surgery. I could have lost more, bhadj had some other medical complications keeping me from exercising and losing for two months. Either way, I'm not in a race and am just thrilled to be in onederland. I feel like me again and have so much more confidence! My foster daughter, who doesn't know about the band, keeps telling me that it looks like I've lost a lot of weight...good kid. I love my band!

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll try to Fletcherize.

Wow! That is big! I was thinking I was looking pretty good and then saw some pictures of myself and realized how much more I have to go. One of these days I'll be where you are! Good job!

Congrats! You should feel good, you are doing awesome!

It really does feel great. I weighed in again today and still saw that beautiful #1. It's just great knowing that never again will I ever weigh over 200 pounds!

I was banded 11-10-10 and have only lost 25 pounds since then, but I'm excited about that loss. You have me beat by nearly double in less time. But remember, this is not a race. I basically think people should just expect NOT to loose until you're about 6 months out. Until you get good restriction, expect that you're just doing any old diet like before you were banded. Then, when you do loose anything the first 6 months you will be proud of the success. I think you may have built up your expectations too high. I don't want to sound depressing, but gaining more realistic expectations will definitely change your attitude. This probably isn't what you wanted to hear. But I would rather loose very slowly with long plateaus then to become discouraged, eat junk and then loose nothing. It's all about perspective. I hope this brings you some hope!

Woo hoo! I'm proud of you!

If you have minute to be reading this, then stand up right this second and go for a five minute walk (around the block, building, inside your office, etc). Just do it NOW! In 5 minutes from now you will feel proud of this accomplishment. Whenever you make even the smallest decision heading you in the right direction, pay attention to your feelings and accomplishments. You will be empowered to succeed! It the small decisions which can lead to great weight loss! Good luck, succeed and enjoy the empowerment this short walk will provide!

I actually like Jenny Craig, but it was too expensive and even though the food was pretty tasty, I got bored of it. If you are looking for the support, try attending OA or TOPS. I've tried both. OA/HOW provides food guidance (which wasn't for me). I currently go to TOPS and love it! The support is great. Find what works for you.

I would never buy anything from RomanceAround, or any place that has to tap into unrelated forums to advertise. Please don't waste our time to read you ads.

Have you considered gastric plication? My mom went to dr ortiz in Mexico to get the lapband but then learned about the plication. It's similar to the sleeve, but there is no cutting, so it's reversible. Like the sleeve there are no fill requirements, she was in her "green zone" from day one. You should research dr Ortiz and that procedure as a possible option. Had I known about the plication, I think I still would've chosen the band. I find comfort in knowing it's adjustable. I just wonder what sort of restriction needs I will need over time; will I need different adjustments after pregnancies, after menopause or when I'm 60? I just like that it can be adjusted, though I agree it can be a pain to get to the right restriction.

I was fine and itching to get out...but I needed at least 1-2 naps a day for a week or so.

Are there any good protien bars out there? Ones that taste good, that are lower in calories and high in protien? I currently use Unjury protien shakes, which I really like, but would like to replace the liquid protien for something more filling. My Unjury protien shake has 29 grams of protien and 190 calories when prepared with milk.

I love Wii Just Dance II. I also have a bodybugg which tells you exactly how many calories you burn doing whatever you happen to be doing. After doing one hour of Just Dance II I burn over 700 calories, sometimes upto 800. This is more than a one hour Zumba class at the gym, but that's only because some of that hour is used toward warm up, cool down and stretching. Otherwise they burn about the same. I was shocked when I discovered this. Don't be fooled, like I was, to think that working out to a "video game" doesn't count as "real" exercise. Have fun!

Sorry to hear of your illness. My whole household had the flu today (6 of us with only one bathroom). I was having the same concerns, I haven't thrown up but did have dry heaves last night which left my stomach tender. I'm beginning to feel better and hope you are too.

Have you tried the pouch diet? You can google it. It's a 5 day diet for people with the band. I haven't tried it but I've read of others who have and were able to finally start losing again. Good luck and keep us posted. Also make sure to get in at least 64 oz of water a day. And for exercise just try to incorporate more movement in the day and try to get you family to join in.