Rhonda Gabriel

That is so great that you have lost so much so quick. I had my lap-band done on June 6, 2007 and have lost around 70 lbs. I still have about 40 pounds to go to reach my goal weight. I have only had two fills and need a nother but can't afford one at this time. As far as willpowwer, it goes out the door with peanut M&m's. As far as other food, I'm okay. I just try to limit what I eat, trying to stick to Slimfast and Special K protein water. Any suggestions? I'd appreciate your advise or anyone's advice. Rhonda Gabriel

Doug, This was the best decision I've ever made about weight loss. I would do it over again. It is just a matter of figuring out what you can and cannot eat. I just get really frustrated at times and need to vent. It is just really great to feel good and look better than I have in years. I'm looking forward to getting down to a skinny size.

I too am a teacher and sometimes, I feel like I can't eat anything. I seem to be able to eat the bad stuff-M&M's ice ream, chocolate. When I try to eat resal good food, I get sick. I drink a SlimFast in the AM because if I try to eat anything, I get sick! For lunch, I can eat a protein bar. Dinner, that's a challenge. Sometimes, soup and sometimes nothing. It gets so frustrating.

You look fantastic!!! I too ahve lost 70 pounds, but I don't look like you!!! You look so skinny. I am 5'2" and have lost close to 70 pounds but could never fit into a size 10. What is your secret?

You lok great!!!! Keep up the good work.

Will, I know exactly how you feel. I too am a school teacher and I don't make the best choices of food at school when I get stressed. The only thing I found I can eat consistently is peanut M&m's, and that's not a good choice. I can't afford another fill at this time because I am currently the only one working in my home. I have a daughter in college and worry about how to pay for her school and my husband has been out on disability since July 16th. I have lost close to 70 pounds since my surgery in June 2007 and want to keep on losing. I workout at Curves and recently aquired a Bio-Force workout station, so I can workout to my heart's content. I tried to eat some solid food, mashed potatoes nut they just come back up now. What is a two year checkup?

I appreciate any suggestions. It's been since June 2007 when I had my surgery. Let me ask a question, Are the fills free at the OCC?

Hey guys, I have very little retriction but can't afford a fill at this time. What do I need to do? I am trying to eat 1000 calories or less a day, but I get soooo hungry. HELP!!!!!!! I have gained 9 lbs back since the summer began.

Hey Georgia girls- I'm mrsg301 aka Rhonda. Got my band in June 2007 and have lost 70 or so pounds so far. Need some encouragment now because I keep fluctuating betwee. 65 and 70 pounds. Someone get back to me, plese!!!

I have tried to eat Chili but I can't. I would love to eat it though.

I was banded on June 5, 2007 and have lost between 70-75 pounds. It fluctuates alot because I eat more at times than others. I too need to have another fill, I 've had two with the last one in January 2008. I am stuck at 165 and the scale won't budge.

Don't beat yourself up, just get back on the wagon. You know you have a lot of support from all of us. We're each others cheerleaders. I had my last fill after Christmas and I'm doing okay. So far since my surgery in June 2007, I have lost 67 pounds, but I stll need to lose about 40 more. After the first couple of months, the weight loss slowed down and I got discouraged but every pound I lose now, I know will stay off. Bad food choices happen to all of us, you just get back on the right track and start again. Good luck and I know that you will do well. Think good thoughts > Rhonda Gabriel Banded June 6, 2007 Starting Weight:235-yuck my highest ever February 2008: 168 Pounds gone forever: 67

I totally agree with you Christopher. You are not hungry the first week or so. It's been 7 months since I had my surgery and sometimes, I forget to eat because I'm not hungry. I too learned to love Chicken Broth. Rhonda Gabriel Down 56 pounds since June 5,2007

You are so right Clynn. Usually the people on the site have problems and are venting about them. I personally had some restriction prblems after my 1st fill but it is good now. I had my second fill on 1/5/2008 and feel great. I feel that this is the best thing I ever did for myself even with the slight problems I've had. So far since my banding in June 2007, I have lost 56 pounds! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

I too have a problem with not drinking during my meal. I do it but I really have to watch it or I'll be in the bathroom really quick. I have realized that my food can't be steaming hot or I'll drink more than needed. But to date since my surgery on June 5, 2007, I have lost 56 pounds!!!! Only 44 to go!! Rhonda Gabriel

LaurenLeigh, Don't get discouraged, you have come too far to throw it all away. We Georgia girls need to stick together. You know you can always email me if you need to. Rhonda Gabriel

Had my 2nd fill done 1/5/08. Darlene is wonderful! Rhonda Gabriel

Hey everybody, I had my second fill on January 5,2008 and so far I have lost 56 pounds since my surgery on June 5,2007. I am feeling really great. Darlene in the Roswell office of the fill center is wonderful!!!! Rhonda Gabriel Starting weight-235 Current weight-179 1st fill-1.8 2nd fill-1.0

I have used the one in Atlanta and was very pleased with it. The only problem I have is that you have to have a flouroscope every fill and the cost will be $280.00 for your second and beyond fills. I have had one fill so far since I had surgery in June 2007. I need another one but can't afford the $280.00 at this tme. Rhonda Gabriel

Good luck on your surgery!!! I was banded in June 07 and have lost 51 pounds so far. It is the best thing that I have ever done. Keep in touch and tell me how you do. Rhonda Gabriel

I really think I need a fill because I don't feel much restriction. I ate two bowls of chili the other night and felt fine. The only thing I have a problem with is bread. How can I tell if I need another fill? Rhonda

I too see myself as fat still!!!! I was banded June 6, 2007 and have lost 47 pounds so far and still have 53 more to go. I can now wear clothes that I bought when I lost weight 5 years ago, but I still see myself as fat. I am now working out at CURVES, a early Christmas gift from my husband. I don't accept compliments well and I still can't picture me as a smaller person even though I wear smaller clothes. Just stick in ther and maybe we will get better at accepting how we look. Best of luck in losing your last 44 pounds. Rhonda

Is anyone going for a fill in Atlanta soon? I had a fill in August, but I think I need another one. Does anyone know the cost for the fill? Rhonda