Kittycat

Hi Teyann, I think if you are banded at the OCC, you have to quit or the surgeon won't do the surgery. I was banded in Canada, and my surgeon recommended I cut down before and after surgery, which I did. Unfortunately, I am still a smoker, but have to quit two months before my plastic surgery...the plastic surgeon WILL NOT operate on smokers. So after my trip to the Bahamas in March I am quitting and hoping to have the tummy tuck 6-8 weeks later. Good luck!!

Wow Lisa you are good!!! I may have to start liking wine!!

I still get that stuffed feeling after a meal and it would last until the next meal, but today, it didn't. I may not have eaten a solid meal, it was pretty mushy, I will eat more solid food for dinner and see what happens. Thanks guys!

Hi Julie, that doesn't sound too aggressive to me, although your symptoms sure are. I've had 2 fills at 1cc each and now have 5cc in my 9cc band. Maybe .5 cc would tighten things up just a little. I think 1cc would be too much.

Today I feel different, I had a shake for breakfast, was starving by lunchtime, has a smartones for lunch, starving an hour later...had an unsweetened pudding....starving an hour and a half later, had 1/2 protein bar...okay it's now 3:45 and I am feeling hungry again...what the heck!!! I was full after breakfast, but it didn't last, I was full after lunch, it didn' t last. I think I am answering my own question. My concern is that if I can a fill on Wednesday when I have my follow up appt, that I am going to suffer like Julie Burns did. I will monitor it today, tommorrow and early Wednesday and eat solid foods only and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for letting me talk to myself!!

Some insurance companies in the U.S do cover it. I believe you have to have your surgery in the U.S. to be covered. Therefore, you would not be able to go to the OCC in TJ Mexico for the procedure. Check into it!

Glad to hear it Julie, you had a bit worried. Take it slow and hopefully it will loosen up a little for solids. Just think how much weight you've probably already lost...warm water has zero calories!!! Feel better!!

You!! You are a good candidate and now is as good a time as any to get it done. I am 45, which I had done it sooner. I was banded on June 10th and have lost 51 lbs. If you are ready to make a lifetime committment to your health and willing to change your eating habits, you are ready. If you need any questions answered, we are here to answer anything at all! Best of luck with your decision!

I can't believe all of the posts..you guys are the best, really!! I am very excited and I am working hard towards getting down by 110 lbs by March 1/08...that tummy tuck is calling my name!! Luv you guys!!

Glad you had a good experence!!! I hope it works for you!

I haven't read all of the replies..so I may be repeating what' s already been said...eat at least 1200 calories per day, more protein than veggies or fruit (I actually rarely get to fruit at all). If you eat less than the recommended calorie intake, your body will go into starvation mode and hold on the weight. I find when I eat more protein and take in a high calorie intake, I drop the weight. Good Luck!

I am sorry that you friend is not being supportive of your choice to be banded. Before I told anyone, I explained the pre-op, post op and ongoing struggles faced by people with the band. I told them that the easy way was Weight Watchers, but it didn't work for me. Anyone who thinks this the easy way out to weight loss is not educated about it. I hope she can find her way back to you and understand that you made your own choice to get healthy. People will be jealous and envious..that's the way the world is. But know this...we all support you and are rooting for you and you will succeed!!! Take care Stormy!

Mrs. Parris, when you feel comfortable, do it. I was down for the count for the first 4 days, no touchie!! My biggest concern was my port area, it was tender for about a month...and without getting into detail, my husband is big guy, 6 feet, 260 lbs. Needless to say I was a bit apprehensive about intimacy for awhile. No one can give you a timeline...you be the judge!!

OSuzanna, some of what you've said is definitely restriction. I define it as feeling full either in my throat, chest or stomach, it varies. My body tells me when to stop eating. If you don't feel full after 2/3 cup of food, walk away for a bit and see what happens..if you are eating more than this, it may be the reason you are sliming and PBing. I find that if I stop before feeling really full, I don't get the lump in my throat and don't slime. I am only able to eat one peice of pizza, two may be too much for you. Try and let me know how it goes. Good luck!

Hi Julie, take it easy, drink slow, eat soft foods...I hope it levels out for you. It's no fun sliming after everything you eat and drink. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Hey Bill, I had no idea you were so young?? I planned to go backwards from now on too!! Enjoy!!!

That's good news Julie, it means your tummy is firming up...I don't think mine has moved yet, but I expect it will in the coming months!! Have a great day!!

Thanks again to everyone for your support and encouragement!! It worked...down 51 lbs now!!! Love you guys!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLT AND STORMY...ALL THE BEST FOR THE COMING YEAR!!!

The lump is normal, I've had it from day one...it's the muscle in your esophagus contracting when your pouch is full..feel better! Talk to you tommorrow!

Cara, what happened? Why do you think your band slipped, are you having trouble with drinking or eating? Read what Lisa says and assess if that's the case. I am sure you are just fine, it takes alot to slip the band. I will talk to you tommorrow afternoon, okay! Take care XO

Eat slow, chew well, and abandon any foods that you are having difficulty with for now. Try soft or easy foods, mashed potatoes, meatballs, pasta. Have good restriction is a great thing, but if you can't keep food or drink down, it's not. Good Luck!

Success is the best revenge!!!

Hi Stormy, I am glad you had your milkshake and are starting to feel better. Drink and eat slow, stay focused and you will be just fine, we are all pulling for you and want you to be successful!! Have a great weekend!

I have found lately that shakes is all I can manage first thing in the morning, tried a protein bar this morning, could only take 3 bites. I bought a blender today and would love to have some really great protein shake recipes. I have protein powder and benefiber to add to what your recipe calls for. Thanks everyone!! Oh BTW...I love chocolate, strawberries and peaches.