EnchantedPiano70

I would love to catch up with the people that got banded the same day as I.

I take the Centrum Chewable Adult Vitamins daily. I'm going thruogh the same thing you are. I had my 2nd fill and I'm at 2.6cc and I get full fast, so I'm not intaking the needed calories, but was told by my cousin who had bariatric surgery (removed half her stomache) that the vitamins give you what you need. I'm not so sure that's true. But I get fustrated, because I can go to wendy's and order a 5 piece nugget and only be able to eat 1 and a half. Or a salad I'm only able to have maybe 2-3 fork fulls. Like WTF, this is aggravating. I can only have half a can of slim fast at a time. It's insane. But I know somehow I will loose.

Pammie Did you go locally in the US for your TT? How about the girls? Where was that?

I just spoke to my personal nutritionist and she's recomended 60-90 grams of protien daily. I guess it's a per person thing.

Right after the fill you should go back to liquids, broth as you did right after your surgery and slowly progress in a few days to creamy soup and so forth. I get my fills with Dr. Kathy Gonzalez in St Petersburg FL. This lady is amazing. It's never hurt me, she's patient. She'll take the time to talk to you each time. My first fill with her was for 1.8cc, my second one was for .8cc. SO I have a total of about 2.8cc's in me right now. It's not so comfy and I rather go slow with the fills than this fast. I'm starting to PB more than usual and that's because I'm eating fast, I'm not chewing as well and simply because I can't eat as much. Sorta of sucks. My starting weight was 246 or 246... got banded March 7th and I'm down to 210 in 3 months. I'm lost 36 pounds and I'm wearing between a size 12 and 14 depending on the brand. I walk everyother day 1.6 miles in my neighborhood, yet I still feel FAT!!! I know it's a mental things, but this is tough. I've lost more weight than originally hoped to soon. Now I'm broke (per se) and don't have the funds to be constantly buying myself new clothes. Isn't it retarded?

Yes this is great. I also have seen a substantial difference with my back pain since starting on my weight loss journey. I've had two bad, back pain episodes since my lap band procedure and I think this is great since I use to have to take pain meds almost nightly. I have osteoarthritis inmy spine.

I have the same thing. I feel a knot under the larger insicion. It's normal, and it isn't a knot it's your port, which is under your muscle.

OMG!! I'm also in Lake County. I live in Groveland near Clermont. Where are you?

I will be going to Kathie Gonzalez in St. Petersburg next week for my first fill. I'm excited, I can't wait to loose more weight. How is everyone else doing with there fills? Tell me what I have to prepare for.

I heard Kathie is the best there is in Central Florida. I was banded 3/7 and I'm due for my first fill soon. I have done research and as it seems she's the best they have. She is a Mid-Wife and even though I still feel weird thinking about it I was reassured she's properly trained. Even though Tampa is closer to Groveland, I am going to Kathie in St Pete. she also does the fluroscoy free, not likie the other Mid-Wife in Tampa.

I was banded 3/7 so on 3/6 I had Zoom and I have to say that it was VERY painful... Simply because I have cold sencetitivity to anything cold. They also gave me what I was given by Dr. Ortiz for pain. An equivalent to Toradol. Mine was worth it... my teeth look great.

Has anyone been banded and felt that in the begining they were starvin themselves? Also how soon after gettting banded did you cheat and eat something other than broth? Seriously though, please don't tell me it's mental, because I have strong will power and haven't ate anything since I've ben banded and all I've had has been broth and unless I'm always drinking I'm hungry. Is this normal? It can't be!! Isn't my stomache suppose to be swollen from the band placement and therefore not hungry? If Dr Ortiz reads this please email me at ruth.toro@yahoo.com

Hello Every One. My name is Ruth and I was finally banded today by Dr Ortiz. I'm feeling great at the moment and I'm actually send ya'll this email from the nurses station which is a few doors down from my beautiful private room. I have to say this. Those that are considering the Lap Band my experience has been great. I had Nurse Josie who is great at starting an IV line and giving injections. I wish I could bring her back with me. She has been there at every calling. I've buzzed her over 25 times for popsicles and her reaction each and everytime was the same - Happy, Professional and always eager to please. I took a liking to her. The rest of the staff was very loving and caring and also very attentive. Ok people I'm getting tired so I will put more up as I go. Thank you Dr Ortiz. You owe me a picture with you.!!! Ruth

Did you have a private room? I chose a non private room and I'm not sure I made the best choice.

I'm going in for surgery on Friday, March 7th and you put me more at ease. Thank you.

Bump!!

Hey Chris... and girlfriend. I'm Ruth and I look forward to meeting you all. I will arrive with my cousin Marisol on Thursday and my surgery date is set for Friday. I hope that there are mor people for Friday, the 7th. I want to go shopping in a group if we are able to. We have to remember that we will all have something in common besides being fat, overweight... but now we will have the Lap Band in common. A sisterhood and brotherhood of bansters... sounds funny. Does anyone know if my cell phone will work in Tijuana? I have Verizon.

Awsome Meesh, So I guess it's so far ust us two for March 7th. I know there's got to be more of us for that date. Ruth

I want to know if the prices are cheap in Mexico compared to those here in the USA. I want to bring back a bottle of Patron Tequila - The good stuff. To put in my home bar not for me! I know they go for a hundred dollars and up here. Also will we have to exchange dollars for pesos in order to buy things in Tijuana? **What is the one thing that I should buy and bring back home with me? I would like to know what others didn't get that they wished the had.

Exercise Guidelines Get Moving! Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is as important as your nutrition plan. Often patients have been sedentary due to decreased activity tolerance, psychological constraints, and in some cases, physical disabilities. After LAP-BAND System surgery, aerobic activities -- particularly walking and swimming -- are generally best tolerated. Consult our surgeon and weight management team to find out which activity is right for you.

Eat only three meals a day and make sure these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about ¼ cup of food, or 2 ounces, at a time. =D> Stop eating when hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable.

Foods to Avoid After you have transitioned to solid foods, you should try to avoid certain foods. Such foods include, but are not limited to: Dried fruits Asparagus Pineapple Rhubarb Corn (especially popcorn) Grapes Nuts and seeds (walnuts, whole peanuts, almonds) Carbonated beverages High calorie foods/drinks

Age: 37 Height: 5' 4" Weight: 232 (As of 2/22/2008) BMI: 40 Arriving: 3/06/2008 Surgery: 03/07/2008 =D>