Kittycat

Good for you Ramona!!!! You rock it girl!!! I have started exercising my legs and arms now too....yes these wings have to go!!! Fly away!!!

Glad to hear you are on the mend...I hope the fill works for you! Take care.

The price is comparable to Canada. I paid 15K, which included the surgery, hospital fees and all follow-op visits and fills for 5 years. Provincial Insurance nor Private Insurance does not cover Lapband in Canada. Try the OCC the cost is half that but I am not sure if fills are included in their price. Good Luck!

I totally agree with MamaMichelle. This is not a race, you have to live and enjoy life. If you deprive yourself of the things you love, you are likely to fail. This is why I have not been successful in the past. You are doing great...don't feel guilty for having a treat once in awhile!!

Great pic...I still can't get over what an amazing transformation you have made in less than 4 months...truly incredible.

Best of luck Trudy, we'll be thinking of you tommorrow...make sure you let us know how you are doing. Cheers to the first day of the rest of your life!!!! > > > > > > > >

Good Luck and let us know how things turn out!

So how's the fill Kim?

Hi there, long time no see!! I am doing great, still have a little restriction 6 weeks post op...have a fill appointment next Wednesday. I am very happy with results so far...and finally fitting into some smaller clothes that had been sitting in my closet for awhile is great!!! Glad to hear from you and that you are doing well!

You could be right Evette...I find skin on anything won't go down. Peel first!!!

Wow, I can't say I have experienced that...but I do find, like a few others, when I get upset or stressed, I get restriction in my throat "the lump" and it's harder to eat, things get stuck. My surgeon told me that their are muscles in your stomach and esophagus that can restrict, depending on moods, feelings or what you are eating.

Although I am a working Mother and love my job, I can totally relate to how you are feeling. You have the opportunity to be with your children and have a nice nest egg for needs and emergencies. However, your health and well being is important too...your family needs you and getting the band can assist you in living a long and healthy life. I agree with the others, find out if you can get a small loan or line of credit for the surgery...that way you still have your savings and get your surgery too! Best of Luck with your decision! Being a Mom, I always put everyone else first...but this time I put myself first and bit the bullet to invest in my future, you deserve it too!!!

I think it depends on the surgeon/fill professional. My surgeon is an hour away and he told me to call anytime to book a fill...he did indicate any time period between fills. He does not recommend getting a fill before going away, just incase I need to go back for any reason, he's wants me close by. I am doing for my first fill next Wednesday, finally....last week was too soon. I am going to ask for a little at a time. Thank goodness I have the flexibility to do that, being so close to the clinic and all fills and f/up appointments pre-paid.

I have only told those who are my biggest supporters and would never judge me or be a watchdog. I have educated them on how the band works and they are my biggest fans. I have told very few family members, my Mom and my brother (not my sister...she would be judgemental). I have told my sister-in-law and my neice on my husband's side and that's it. Everyone else has no clue and if they suspect...I am back on Weight Watchers. I don't want people to keep asking me how much weight have I lost...let me be the one to share...so far so good!!!

Drink lots of water....your body may be adjusting to your new diet plan and before you know it, you will drop a bunch all at once. Try not to get discouraged...this is teaching you patience for your lifestyle change. Chin up and keep on the right track and it will happen!

"Not filled yet either" I would say Diet Coke and McDonald's french fries...I tried a fry and it got stuck, so I learned my lesson...no more fries!!

Oh Julie, that's not good at all!! Do you think you have too much fill? I hope you feel better soon!! > > > >

Trina, you are doing great...get in lots of protein and you lose. Real food is so much better than mushy stuff!!!! Good for you!

Yes I am, love them....lots of selection and low in fat and calories....lunch time mostly. Dinner I like to eat homemade foods, more protein and veggies.

Hi Janet, I am sure you probably have your answer by now....I had my surgery on June 10th too. Mine is stitched and I think it's standard to do so. They take a flap of tissue from the stomach and flip it over and sew it over the band.

Drink tons of water...I found that right after my surgery I was having a really hard time getting my water in...now I can chug it and I do. Especially after dinner. Eat lots of protein, even if you meal consists of just protein alone...I found that when my day was filled with mostly protein, I lost. You are doing great, don't get discouraged, maybe your body needs to settle a little before it starts again. Good Luck!

I went last week for a fill, still had some restriction, surgeon said not yet. Talked to patient coordinator today, told her I am getting full fairly quickly, but not staying full for long, so I booked a fill for July 30th. I hope I get it this time and it helps me feel full longer. Oh and I want what Mona-Camille has...a great fill, down a few pounds and a huge smile from ear to ear!!!

Whoot hooooooo!!!!! Way to go Ramona!!! I am so thrilled for you...finally it's happening!!! It's so good to see you HAPPY!!! You are doing great, keep it up girl! You will be wearing a bikini in no time! LOL!!!

Actually your mash potato concoction sounds not bad! Chicken yes, fried no. Be careful with fried foods, especially early on, they may not agree with you, now that you have been away from fatty foods for awhile. Have you tried Cream of Potato Soup mixed w/ 1/2 can of Cream of Cheddar...add a little spice (garlic and herb) and yummmmy!! I lived on it that for almost two weeks and still have some once in awhile. It's really good!!! Take care

I get gas pains in my back after eating alot of protein. But it passes....I thought the gas pain issue would have subsided by now...I guess not!!!