BeBe

I used to be obsessed with the scale too. And then I was nearing my goal weight and stopped weighing myself for awhile. In the past 2 months I have lost so few pounds (6, I think) - but I went from a size 10 to a size 4. Obviously I'm losing weight/fat, but it's not reflecting on the scale. When I bought those size 4s at the mall, I was so excited and scared (did I lose too much?!?) I rushed home to weigh myself and found I haven't lost but ONE pound in the last month. It's really weird - but don't measure you success by what the scale says alone. But by how you look, how you feel and whether your clothes are fitting different/better.

Until I got my second fill, I could pretty much eat anything I wanted. I didn't lose anything for MONTHS...

Great job girl! You looked absolutely gorgeous! Great interview - you have such a sunny personality.

I have a toe ring that has been on my toe for several years and wouldn't come off without a lot of pain and prying... so they let me keep it on. There is something they do to it, and as long as you have no complications, it's really not an issue. I'd definitely ask.

Am I missing something?!? "If you were still married"?!? Perhaps it's none of my business, but I literally gasped out loud when I read that. I hope everything is OK with you!

As long as it's been at least 2 weeks since your first fill, I think you're fine to get another one. I know that sometimes they take up to that amount of time to "kick in" before you feel the restriction (I know mine took a while - and then I was too tight). Since I am too tight, I do PB far too much (daily) - but I know ti's mostly my fault. I'd probably do better if I could eat slower or wait until later in the day to eat solid foods... but I am usually so hungry I keep pushing the envelope.

Thanks. :-). I totally splurged on the shoes ($125) - but I figure I deserve it! LOL!

Cake is an occupational hazard for me - it's what I do for a living! LOL! I've had no problems eating it. Just not as much as before...

When I am PMSing, I am ravenous - so I usually take a couple of green tea diet pills. They really halp take the edge off my hunger, otherwise I get so hungry I will eat until I PB. I wouldn't take prescription meds though.

I just got a very disgusting email this morning from a member. I'd love to forward it on, but I log in from my BlackBerry and that makes it a bit more difficult. Granted, I wasn't upset by the message (it actually provided entertainment this morning while out at breakfast with friends as we passed around my blackberry laughing at this person's ignorance) - I simply do not believe this type of thing should be allowed. Who the heck would call a stranger a "c*nt"?!? Trashy, trashy. Heh.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I had tummy tuck, breast lift/reduction and liposuction all done about 10 years ago - and I love the results. Granted, I was in so much pain immediately following the surgery I wanted to die (be prepared) - but as soon as the pain started to fade and the incisions started to heal, I was in heaven! I had the boobs of a Barbie doll, it was great! LOL! Good luck, and I hope you're as happy with yours as I was with mine. :-)

I did ZERO research. I was too scared. I heard Dr. Ortiz mentioned on Oprah and called the next day. Within the week, I had arranged the financing and scheduled the surgery. I never logged onto this forum until after the surgery (found out about it from Paula who I met in the lobby that morning). I am the type who will worry and obsess about every little thing - so it's better for me not to have too much information. However, I think it was a great decision - I've lost 51 lb. so far and am getting close to my goal. The only issues I have had were from getting filled too tight, and being too broke to pay for fills when I needed them. LOL! Good luck to you! And just know that Dr. Ortiz and his staff are great and you have nothing to worry about.

Thanks guys! I can't tell you how hard it was watching everyone else dropping so quickly while my weight loss was at a stand-still. While I was thrilled for each and every one of you, I was let down with myself at the same time... and it was hard to accept. I still have almost 20 lb. to go - but I'm sure I'll get there before bikini season comes around again, and that's all that matters! LOL! The day I get into the 150's, I'm going to throw a party. I haven't been in that range since before I was pregnant with my first child (1987)! I can't wait!

These are pics from Thanksgiving week - where I was 5 lb. heavier... but I wanted to get some pics posted. They aren't the best, just some pics my kids snapped while we were on vacation.

I finally have some good news! I stepped on the scale yesterday, and finally met the 50 lb. lost mark. It took over SEVEN MONTHS to lose that second 25 lb., but damn it, I'm finally here! In fact, I lost an additional pound since yesterday too. There was a long period where I wasn't losing anything because I needed a fill but couldn't afford one. I'm so thankful to Dr. Mayes in Boise for working with me on the fees so I could finally get another fill and start losing again. I really need to get some photos up, I can fit into the goal dress that I had posted photos of (but since deleted) - that my butt was hanging out of and I couldn't zip. Now it looks great. I have a new camera though and haven't figured out the auto-setting for taking photos. I'll post some as soon as I figure it out. I just wanted to post because I know how frustrating it can get to have your weight loss stalled due to insufficient fills. But I think it's probably helped me to lose it a little slower - because I have had a hard time with the slow chewing and not drinking with meals. I'm doing much better because I'm filled to the point where eating too fast or drinking while eating isn't even possible! Hooray for the band!

How much does it cost now?

Thanks for the responses. :-) What I really want to know, is whether or not it's uncomfortable for everyone else to eat. Like I said, I can totally understand when you get something stuck (had it happen), or when you eat too much... but does each bite of food hurt AS IT GOES DOWN? That's what's really freaking me out. Does having restriction also mean you can no longer even enjoy food at all because eating even a single bite is painful? I just don't understand why the heck even ONE BITE of food will be painful going down my esophagus - long before it ever reaches my band or stomach.

I got a fill, and at first it was too tight. I had a slight unfill... and while still tight, I could get fluids down and perhaps a few bites of food. The problem is that I now HATE to eat. It hurts. As soon as I put a bite of anything in my mouth, it feels like my throat seizes up and it hurts all the way down. I could see if it was uncomfortable once it got to my stomach - but the MOMENT I SWALLOW?!? WTF?!? I have lost 15 lb. in the last month since I had the fill (YAY!), but I know I am not getting nearly enough protein in (I had my levels checked) and am drinking most of my calories (juices and Gatorade). I like having the restriction, and I wouldn't mind at all if I could only eat a few bites - if it DIDN'T HURT ALL THE WAY DOWN! OUCH! Does anyone else have this? Is it normal? Am I just being a big crybaby? LOL! I just had my protein levels checked yesterday, and have since bought slim fast and protein shakes so that I can start getting more protein at least... but I really don't want to live on a liquid diet - it was bad enough doing it before surgery! Sorry if I'm being whiny - or if this has been answered before. I'm not on the forums much because I use my BlackBerry as a modem, and it's sssssssssllllllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwww.... Thanks for any help! BeBe p.s. If anyone remembers my goal dress - well, it finally fits and zips all the way up. Double Yay

Wow! Congratulations!!!!!

DAMN GIRL!!! :lb24: :lb21: =D> We're going to have to go dancing or something when I get to Vegas! LOL! Awesome job. Hopefully I'll be able to get another fill soon. I don't think I've lost a single pound in 6 weeks. *sigh*

Replace your vitamins with Viagra...? Oh wait... nevermind. #-o

Hey Paula!! What a coincidence - I was thinking about you the day before yesterday. I peek in here every now and then (I always seem to miss the drama though... *sigh*) and had noticed I wasn't seeing any posts from you. I've been going through a bit of a "downer" myself lately and have decided to move to Vegas! (I love seasons, but I also suffer from S.A.D. - so I just can't stay in Idaho much longer) I'm glad you're making progress! You are doing so much better than me, I'm so jealous! And proud! But still jealous! ;-) Keep your chin up and keep on keepin' on. And if you ever need someone to vent to, I'm only an internet away. >

What's the name of the place? I would LOVE to get a fill with flouro. I had my first fill in July done in Boise, but he does not use flouro - and that peace of mind (seeing the band/fill, etc.) would be awesome. And the price difference is only $15! Wow!