mlgpdx

Hey Maynny.. there are several of us in Oregon .. so far I don't think anyone has had a hard time getting a fill.. ladies?? I know Dr. Fitzpatrick is only in PDX a couple times a month but she also takes appts at her office in Eugene (2 hr drive).. there are other options in Washington State. We ALL want to see you succeed!! Please let us know how we can help you get to a fill appt.

PUFFY CHEETOS are my downfall

totally normal I weighed 276 at surgery, when I got home I was 282.. I was like what the crap!?!?!? LOL no worries.. it goes back down.

I purged purged purged all my closets and shoe racks today! I have bins of clothes that are all to big for me! I went to Old navy with a girlfriend and tried on a really cute pair of grey capri's.. I thought NO WAY will these fit me but I'll try 'em and see how much farther I have to go.. Guess what??!?!? THEY FIT!!! Size 18 and they fit, really nicely! I also bought a really cute henley shirt in a size XL... yes.. ME IN A SIZE XL shirt! oh the god's were smiling on me today =D> > > After this is when I decided to get rid of all my stuff that is to big.. even if I wear the same things over and over I told myself to STOP wearing stuff that is to big for me and hides my body. My closet has about 1/3 of what was in it and I am happy about it! It's only after hitting the 50lbs lost that people really started noticing. Yah for the lapband! Yah for all of us!!! > >

I watched the obesity in american program on TLC it was very good. It talked about being Fat and how fat people are disriminated against. I have always said we tell drug addicts, alcoholics etc.. that it's an "addiction" but when we see a fat person we automatically assume they are lazy and just eat to much. I have struggled with food addiction my ENTIRE life and everyday I am thankful for the lapband, without it I would be over 300lbs by now. I still struggle daily with head hunger and my "addiction" but the lapband does not allow me to overeat. I identify with the people on these show's and wish that everyone would watch and maybe see a different point of view. Bless up everyone. xox

I'm a little over 1/2 way (51lbs) 5 months after banding... it is my absolute intention to lose another 49lbs by and bandaiversary..hahahah.. get it... yah I know it wasn't that funny.

Even on my "loosest" day I could never eat a piece of bread, especially in the morning. maybe your throat is irritated by the pbing episode and it's making you not eat as much?? I swear I wish I knew the answer... LOL.. I have questions / scenarios everyday that I think might make a difference.. what I do know for sure is that my band is FICKLE! LOL

Oh man this sucks.. I enjoy one a couple times a summer. I guess I will get my own little ice machine from wally world and make my own iceslurpeeeeees.

It's sooo true! Stress / Drama are huge factors for me.. if something is upsetting me then it will always end in a PB episode. It really does play a big part.

congrats to you! That's a huge milestone! =D> Keep up the GREAT work! xooxo >

ahhhhh thank you I love my band.

Julie > Good for you! I always remind myself that time is money or more specifically MY time is also worth money... so when I do something that costs and xtra little bit out of ease/convenience and saving time/energy I always think that I work for it so why not? I'm worth it. YOU are abslutely worth it. The joy of having that burden off your back will do more than you can imagine.

I'm turning 40 in a couple months and I notice that it is definitely harder to lose now then when I was younger. I'm still losing just a little slower and I'm totally OK with it.

Hey Portland friends I have NO A/c and NO pool in my backyard... LOL ... I think today might be a good day for all Ptown bandsters to get together for let's say a POOL Party or House party at your houses. hahaha! have a great day. It's supposed to be 104 today. I think I'll go see a movie this afternoon. Stay cool neighbors. xoxo

Mine is also VERY fickle! If I can eat more it will always be in the evening... and like fat2nrml said somedays I can eat something and it goes down the great down great and the VERY next day it won't go down at all. I feel like I am at my 'sweet spot" 2.9cc in 4cc band. Even when I can eat a little more it's not that much more.

I had my surgery on a Monday as was back to work on Thursday. I am an Esthetican & Massage Therapist. I was "OK" but wished I had taken an extra day only because of some gas and a little discomfort standing & stretching all day.

I say go for it now also but I'm wondering.. will you have access to follow up in case (and that's a BIG IN CASE) something isn't right and you have to go back to the Dr.? what about fills etc?? Are you getting your lapband at the OCC? I don't discourage anyone from doing it, it's the best thing I've ever done, but I'm wondering since you will be in the middle east about your follow up routine ?

That is GREAT news! HOORAY FOR YOU!! =D>

G = GREENS! Eat's lots of leafy greens for nutrients.. they go down pretty good too!

I HAVE seen the liquid go through.. when I had a fill with fluro AND guess what.. I've had 2 fills without fluro and they we're fine.

Absolutely NOT true. I have had fill w/ Fluro and fills w/out. As long as your fill Dr is experienced there shouldn't be a problem. Many bandsters have posted their experiences regarding fills with and without. Do what is comfortable for YOU! Check out the fill Dr. that only charges $100. Has he been doing it long? Any references, i.e other bandsters you can call and see how their fill went? Ask Ask Ask! He's working for you. good luck, keep us posted with what you decide.

Banded 3/24 276lbs today 8/8/08 243 average 1.74 lbs per week or around 7lbs a month. I feel really really happy with that

Has anyone used the little card they gave us telling us it's ok to order of the kids menu because we had WLS ?? I always forget about it but then when I do remember I feel kinda embarrassed and never do it. also have you SEEN what's on kids menu's??!! Corn dog & fries / grilled cheese & fries / pizza & fries / Chix fingers & fries / hot dog & fries... stuff I couldn't eat any way!

Hi Stormy! If you are talking about Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick who comes to Portland from Eugene a couple times a month I can ASSURE you that she is NOT like the doctor mentioned in this post. She always gets my port on the first try and the worse I feel is a slight pinch but usually not even that. She doesn't use anything to numb it first but it's not needed.. it's kinda weird how easy/NON painful it is.

HOw in the world would SHE be able to tell if you had restriction or not? My fill Dr always does the sit up and sip some water and tell me how it feels test b/4 deciding if I have restriction or not. I'm sorry it sucked.. I hate it when that happens! ugh!