Kittycat

Hi Jann, so sorry to hear about the death in your family, my condolences. Take care!!

Congrats on your surgery!!! Like Lisa said, read your diet plan for the post op phase..I was able to have jello as part of my clear liquid diet. Take care, feel better!!

Yes, it does, black and white is formal, your hubby wears a suit and tie and you buy yourself a hot little dress my dear!! Have a great time and take a pic of yourself all dressed up!!!

Hi Babydoll, so happy to see you here, missed you!! I am sorry that your knee surgery was not successful, that really sucks!! Keep your chin up baby, you can do this..and we are always here when you need us!! Love and Hugs!!

That's great, good for you!!! Keep it up girl!!

Me too!!! I get the hiccups just a couple right after eating, too funny!! It's happened since my surgery in June/08.

MAKE THAT TICKER MOVE MONA!!!! I am so thrilled for you!!

The other ladies have said it all...if you eat around the band or drink while eating, it defeats the purpose of having it at all!! I avoid soft foods, they don't fill me up or last long. I rarely eat pasta unless there is protein on it or in it to eat first. Good Luck to you!!!

I drink a Slim Fast or Ensure chocolate shake every morning...they taste good!!!

You are doing fantastic! Sucking on candy or mints is not cheating...and chewing and spitting is not recommended, but not cheating either. I sucked on mints all through the pre-op and post-op and still do, it keeps my mouth from getting dry. Keep up the great work!!!

OMG!!! You look so great, wow!! What an amazing transformation, keep it up girl, you are hot!!!

You look so awesome, wow!! Such a beauty!!! You have done great, keep it up!!!

I saw your gallery pics, wow you are looking amazing...way to go!!! Hubby will be a happy guy!!!

That's great Ramona!!! So when are you going to move that ticker????? C'mon now!!! You are doing great, keep it up!!!

You are doing fantastic too!!! Wow!!! Keep it up girl, we'll be bikini babes together!!!

I know!! It's gone by sooo fast!! I am so excited at how well things are going, it's been much easier than I thought. I guess having the right attitude and the drive helps!! You are my inspiration Lisa, I have your before and after pics beside mine at work...it keeps me driven!! Luv ya lots my friend! XO

You guys are so wonderful, thanks again for all your support!!! Luv and Hugs!!!

Hi BigDaddy, I looked up Realize band on-line and from the info I reviewed, it's a gastric banding tool. Lapband is the slang name for the procedure. The medical term is gastric banding and whether it's a Realize band or Allergan band, it's the same tool used for gastic banding. I am not sure whether the Realize band is better than any other, as patients we don't have the choice of which band our surgeon uses. Good Luck with your decision!

Thank you so much to everyone!!! You are the best cheerleaders ever!!!! And you keep me going!!! Big Hugs to All of You!!!

My pleasure. 1) Fills, keep on top of them, when you need one, get one! 2) Portion control, put 3 oz meat, 1/4 cup of veggies/salad and 1/4 cup of rice or potatoes on your plate, when you are full stop, but the max you can have is what's on the plate. 3) Treating myself in moderation, I have McDonalds, a cookie, a few fries, a few potato chips. You cannot deprive yourself or you will fail. I eat whatever I want in moderation. 99% of the time I follow the plan, but do treat myself. 4) Exercise (to be honest I just started to do this, but it's key to keep the weight loss going) 5) Rewards-give yourself something for working hard and being successful. For every 10 lbs I lose, I reward myself with a pair of shoes, pc of jewellery, a dinner out, something enjoyable and fun! 6) Positive thinking!! I know the weight is going to come off, I will not fail...it may take time, and I have plateaued, but change it up and keep on going. I don't feel like a fat lady anymore, I walk with pride and confidence. 7) Pay it Forward- I have had such tremendous support here, at work and at home which keeps me motivated to succeed and I like to encourage everyone I can to be successful too!!!

My first fill only lasted about 3 weeks, book a fill now for one month from your fill date. You can do it every 4 weeks...keep on top of it...and you will feel better and get the weight off quicker...that's my secret!! Good Luck!

Oh course it's okay, that you are still here... I hope you can find some tips to help you along with your own weight loss challenge and maybe even decide to go for it someday!!!

Your question: Does it go away? Nope it doesn't. You will find that you are much gassier than before the surgery and almost 5 months later, it hasn't gone away. Although I rarely get gas pain any longer, I was told it's my destiny now!

Thanks Kimmy and everyone!!! Pic to come on Nov 10th, my 5 months bandiversary!!

Fantastic!! You look amazing!! What an inspiration to us!!!