Blazn

I would just like to send a thank you to those who have fought and are fighting for our freedom. And to their families for their sacrifice!!

I just wanted to give an update....today is 3 weeks - post fill and I have lost 8lbs. Thats a little over 2lbs per week - WORKS FOR ME!!

Don't forget the cost of fluoro. Darlene charges $200 for initial fluoro and $120 for additional. I am not sure but I think the Fill Center in Tampa charges for fluoro but the one in St. Petersburg does not. Don't hold me to that but it seems like I read that in a previous post.

Alana, Thanks for the update. I posted the latest episode that had Caitlyn "Ashlee" featured on yesterday. It was an episode from last Thursday and I can really tell she has lost weight but I did not know how much. 41lbs. That's Great!! Here is the link to the original post!! http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=5764&hl=

Thanks for the info. I think I will try!!

Dontondan, I am interested in trying now....what did you submit to your insurance? My insurance actually excludes WLS and any complication arising from it. Did yours exclude it in the policy or did they just tell you that it was not covered?

I consider myself caucasion but you are not the first to ask this question - someone asks me at least once per week. But my great, great grandmother was from the Cherokee Indian tribe.

WOW! That is absolutely amazing!! I just wish I was that lucky!!!

Well keep us posted on the restriction. That sounds like a good deal. Especially being able to go back in 3-5 days for additional fill for only $50!

Renee, don't get discouraged. Your fill may still tighten up. But if you decide to go to Darlene in Roswell you won't go wrong! She is wonderful!!!!!

Here is a clip from last Thursday's episode of GL. You can really start to tell "Ashlee" is losing weight! For those of you that have not seen it - make sure you check out Michelle's post with the ET story about the actress really having lap band! http://youtube.com/watch?v=Clg62IZt5AU&feature=related

Thanks for moving this Chad!!! And thank you all for your kind comments!!

WOW - that is amazing!! That means I have releived 248 lbs of pressure from my knees! Thanks for that little fact!

I so wish I could have been there with you girls! You look like you had fun!!!

Momonamission, I am a nurse and I went back to work exactly 1 week post op and pulled a 12 hour shift. Other than being a little sore at my port site at the end of the day I could not tell I had even had surgery. I too have hypoglycemic episodes occasionally - mostly when I eat something high in sugar with empty calories for breakfast. By 12oclock I am starving and my sugar is dropping. To be honest I believe that has only happened once since being banded 2 months ago. Jena mentioned what I would have said - just keep juices like G2, Vitamin water, Special K Protein Water, etc around just in case you do start having an episode. You could also keep a small jug of OJ around. That is the best juice for bring up low blood sugar in a hurry - but don't drink too much - it can cause hyperosmolarity diarrhea. I think you will be fine to go back 1 week post op. Just drink, drink, drink to maintain hydration. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Way to go Will! Thanks for sharing. Please keep us posted! =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico - many of us on this forum were - and he has 3 different pre-op diets. The goal of the diets is to lose 5% of your weight to decrease the fat around the liver as mentioned already. You have already done that!! Way to go. You could have your surgery now! Although Dr. Miranda (Dr. Ortiz's nutritionist) does have 3 pre-op diets the goal is to lose the 5%. She does not really care how you do it. She just gives suggestions that many people have success with. Diet options to choose from: 1. Induction phase of Atkins Diet - for 3 weeks 2. Protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and a lean cuisine for dinner - for 2 weeks. 3. Protein shakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner - for 7 days. With all three of these diets you can have salads (lettuce only) with a low (5 cal. or less) or no calorie dressing. Like Salad Spritzers. There are also some other recommendations about how to kill hunger pangs like fiber supplements etc. If Dr. Ortiz is doing your surgery all of this info will be mailed to you in more detail but this is just an overview.

Not sure how to post a poll - but if one of you computer geniuses could post one on what month that would be great!!! I am in college and get out 2nd week of May for a short break so my vote will have to go there!

Wow - you look great Dolittle!!!

Darlene - once you get your fill it will be easier than you think. For example, right after my first fill I ate a small bowl of cereal....afterwards (mostly from habit) I turned the bowl up and drank the milk left in the bowl. BIG MISTAKE!!!!! With the cereal passing through the band the milk could not and it backed up in my chest - OMG the pain!!!!!!! I had no choice but to go to the bathroom and throw up the milk - the pain was unbearable. That cured me right then and I have not drank while or directly after eating since then. I learned it the hard way!!!

Yes that is a very painful experience. My first episode was when I drank the milk that was left in my cereal bowl after eating the cereal. I guess the cereal was going down and therefore the milk could not - so I had a repeat performance of milk - and believe me it was really, really painful!!!!