BeBe

I've done the same thing with a dress of mine (one of my favorites that I haven't been able to wear in year). Before surgery, I couldn't even get it over my hips. I took a picture, but it's totally humiliating - it looks like I'm wearing a camisole top (but it's bunched around my waist) and a pair of panties. Heh. Now, I can get it over my hips and zip it most of the way up (have the same problems with the boobs though). Amazing what a few weeks (and a lap band) can do. ;-) Can't wait to see you lookin' hot in that dress!

I have no regrets whatsoever. The only thing I would have appreciated was more information after the procedure. I wish they would provide you with a list of what to expect (shoulder pain, constipation or diarrhea, port pain, etc.)... I was so clueless and had to scour the internet for answers. While I was treated so well by medical staff while I was there, I just wish they would consider us after we leave the clinic - send us home with some aftercare instructions!!! Please!!! LOL! I am one of those people who didn't do ANY research. In fact, I called just to inquire if I qualified with such a low BMI, and I was scheduled for the following month. I went on the recommendation of a friend who diligently researched lap band vs. gastric bypass (she ended up with the gastric because that's all our insurance would pay for). I started looking up things, but I ended up finding all of the people who had problems with their bands (erosion, flipped ports, infections, removal, etc.) - so I stopped because I didn't want to chicken out (I'm a big baby). Some follow up instructions would have been very helpful and saved me days of worrying (why did I suddenly get port pain when I had no pain before? I haven't had a bowel movement in a week, what can I take for it?)

You're looking great! LOVE the hair! I can't wait until mine turns... I think that gray or white hair can be quite sexy.

In the 3 weeks since surgery, I've only lost 10 lb. But I'm down from a size 16 to a 12 - so while the scale doesn't show that much loss, I've lost a lot of inches.

Are congratulations in order? ;-)

Just wanted to give a recommendation for the doctor who performed my breast reduction, tummy tuck and lipo 10 years ago. He is based in San Diego, and I went back to see him last March to inquire about a little facial modification (damned aging process!). Anyway, he's the sweetest doctor I've met. When I was shopping around for surgeons, all I really wanted was the breast reduction, and I was getting quotes all for around $13,000. I became discouraged and realized I'd never be able to afford it. I had already scheduled a consultation with Dr. Smoot and so I went even though I thought it was hopeless. He asked me what I wanted done, and I told him breast reduction, tummy tuck and lipo on my thighs and under my chin... since I "knew" I wouldn't be able to afford it, I decided why not play the game like I could (like test driving a sports car you can't afford). I was shocked when he sent me out to the accounting manager who drew up a quote for me... of $10,000! Needless to say, I had the surgery (how could I not for that price?!?) and it was awesome!!! No complications, and perfect results. If anyone is considering cosmetic surgery in the San Diego area, I highly recommend Dr. John Smoot.

I saw a link for powdered peanut butter on another site, and thought it looked really interesting. I'm definitely going to order some! It got raves from the folks on lapbandtalk.com, but we'll see. I want to experiment with it for cookies since I bake for diabetics and people with dietary restrictions. If anyone else here has tried it, let me know what you think. They have a 4 pk. minimum purchase, but there's a money back guarantee if you don't like it (you just send back the three unopened jars). Bell Plantation

Good luck with the surgery (but really, I'm sure you won't need it)!

I have problems with constipation too. I have taken stool softeners three times since the surgery. The first time, they worked within an hour... the second time, after several hours, I thought perhaps I just THOUGHT I took one, but forgot to (I've done that before). So the next day, I took another, and my guts rumbled for awhile - and then nothing. I finally went on my own a couple of days later. Since the surgery, I've only been able to go three times. (Sorry if this is TMI for anyone) I do know that you need to drink enough water to be able to go (which doesn't make much sense, but whatever), so perhaps you're just not drinking enough? As for protein, until I get my fill and more used to what I'm supposed to be eating, I've been drinking an EAS shake every day (110 calories and 17 g. protein) and also eating one of their low carb bars (200 calories, 17 g. protein). Since it's just barely over 300 calories, I'm not too concerned about what I eat for the rest of the day, as I know I've already gotten 34 g. of protein. Hope you're doing better soon. It's sad to see you having so many band issues.

I was told one hour after meals, and I believe the only place I saw the info about not drinking half an hour before was in that book you let me borrow Paula. I remember that info, but I think it was in the book. I drink as much as I can right before I eat, and then wait an hour before drinking again and have had no issues.

I just looked at mine again, and it says 10cm. So I really have the 4cc? God, I hope so! I want to drop all this weight by my birthday (7/19).

I wish I was able to spoil myself like that! LOL! Unfortunately, I need an excuse to spend money on myself. It's tough being a single parent. Oy!

What about us March bandsters?!? Don't we count? ;-) I'm doing great. No more pain. Losing weight. No problems getting/keeping food down. My first fill will be around the beginning of May. Hopefully, I'll continue having such good luck with my band. :-)

How true! I went an entire week without dropping a single pound. In fact, I GAINED a pound. I was so upset. UNTIL I tried on a pair of size 12 jeans that I couldn't get past my hips the week before. And not only did I get them up, but they zipped with no problem (and without giving me a "muffin top"!) LOL! I've since lost that extra pound, along with another... but I think the fact that I'm exercising more and gaining muscle is the "problem". I gotta stop watching that scale! (But I can't! It's an addiction! HELP ME!! LOL!!!)

I just pulled out my card (never looked at it before) and saw that I got the 10cc band. UGH!!!! I can't afford that many trips for fills! Boo! Hiss!

I had the same thing... and was told to take it easy for a few days. I had pain for about a week, and then it got better.

I'll have to send him an e-mail... I don't think I could ask him over the phone. There is a certain stigma about it, (like it's perverse) and I don't know that I could ask. lol!

I have come up with a little list of rewards for losing weight. Every 10 lbs. gets a new reward (hair color, $X for new clothes, facials, trip to Vegas, etc.) for me. These are things I have always felt guilty about spending money on since I have 5 kids... but this is hard, and I totally deserve it! I just have to keep reminding myself of that. So is anyone else doing this? I'd love to hear what others are rewarding themselves with.

My concern is that mine aren't simply girdles, but binders... the extreme corsets (for "wasp waists"). They tend to push your "guts" up I guess... and that's what worries me. I've had plastic surgery before, and I was given compression garments - but what I use now is a way beyond that level. (You've seen old movies where someone else is tightening the corset so tight the wearer almost faints, right?) I'm probably worried for nothing... but $8,000 is an awful lot of money to throw away if I'm wrong. LOL

You're looking AWESOME!!! :-)

It's so funny that you all are talking about Dr. Ortiz being hot. When he walked into my room, I was talking to the other doctor who was sitting on the couch. Dr. Ortiz walked in and said "hi" so I turned around and my jaw dropped. I just stared at him for probably 10-15 seconds before I could say anything. It was very awkward... the man was just beautiful! (Not at all my type though... but I couldn't help but stare)

Before I embarrass myself by calling the clinic, I thought I'd ask here to see if anyone knows. I am a "binder". Girdles... corsets... LOVE the feeling of being tightly bound. There are the added perks that my waist is far more defined and I'm never hungry when I'm bound. But... I don't know if putting on a waist cincher is going to screw anything up. I'm mostly concerned about the port site and it flipping (I have no idea how that happens, so of course I'm concerned). Has anyone heard or read anything about whether or not binding is OK? Thanks!!!

I didn't realize there were so many Boise bandsters... :-)

I was actually constipated. I've only gone 3 times in the three weeks since I've been banded.

I won't even allow pictures of me to be taken when I'm overweight. I can't bear to look at them... and as far as I'm concerned, that's not me. LOL!