Blazn

Thank you all so much for your kind comments. My weight loss has slowed down a lot but that is okay. It has been 3 months since my last fill and I have lost 17lbs since then so that averages a tad bit over 1lb per week so that is okay with me. I can't expect to lose 3lbs per week when I am this close to goal. You're doing great Dawn, keep up the good work. Congrats - you're half way there. I can't believe it has been 7 months since banding. Do you ever hear from anyone else? You can do it! You'll see. Flan, you are doing great. Keep up the great work. Don't get discouraged if your weight loss slows down at this point. Mine did tremendously but you have to step back and not look at week-week weight loss and look at month-month! That has helped me a lot.

Today is my bandiversary - 7months to be exact. We have really gotten to know each other over the last few months. Some days we argue and most days it wins! For those that do not know me I started at 224lbs. I lost 6lbs on pre-op and had surgery on March 17th, 2008 weighing in at 218. I have had two fills. My first one was 3cc in 4cc band - yes big fill - and on my second fill I just got re-filled to 3cc - there was only 2.4cc of my original fill left. I actually had another fill scheduled for tomorrow but I cancelled my appt. - don't think I need one right now. So here are my pics and of course, I added some of the old ones that I loooovvveee sooo much! Take care.

Wow Kim, Lance looks great. What are his stats? For example, pre-surgery weight and now?

Well I am not MM but I will post the pics for you. 6/10/2008 08/08 09/06/08 10/10/08 You look great, Kathy! I can tell a huge difference!

Oh - wow, Kim. That is something. She should call the OCC and request an operative report - I did just in case I ever need it - but in it should be the size of the band. Maybe they just gave her the wrong card. Or maybe since she is already on the lower end of the scale (with a BMI <32) she just needs a fill that large because her stomach is smaller. Just curious, how much did the doc say a 4cc band could be expanded to?

Thanks for the update Michelle. You are doing great and such an inspiration. I know I do not get enough protien but I am not one of those that likes the shakes so I'm not sure what to do here. I just keep on keeping on. Again, thanks for the update.

I would have to also say drinking. Not only the adjustment of not drinking while eating or for the hour afterwards but remembering to drink enough throughout the day. As a nurse, I usually do not get to drink too much at work - always busy. And most of my drinking used to be during meals but now that I can't do that I find myself not drinking near enough.

Hey Kathy, well although it could be strep, 9 times out of 10 it is not. Most of the time a sore throat is simply due to allergies. Allergies causes sinus congestion. That drainage drains down the back of the throat and makes the tonsils extremely sore. Most of the time the throat is more sore in the morning when awaking. Since you had a cold last week your sinuses could be draining just from that viral syndrome and causing the sore throat. With strep throat you will most always have a fever. With allergies you usually will not unless you develop a sinus infection along with them. The best thing you can do is watch and wait. Viral URIs (upper respiratory infections) usually subside on their own. But in the meantime you should get you a decongestant to clear those sinuses out. Also don't be alarmed if you also feel a little nauseated. The same drainage that is making your throat hurt also drains into your stomach and mixes with your gastric acid and can make a fuss. So lots of people experience nausea with and URI. Anyway, with that said, if you develop a fever, a really, really red throat and tonsils, a rash, and bad breath - make you a doctor's appt. This is most likely strep. Anyway - hope you feel better soon and hope this helps. Misty

I also have had great experiences with Fill Centers USA. Darlene, the nurse practitioner that does the fills in the Roswell and Moultrie, GA offices is great. I would recommend her to anyone. Julie, thanks for the post. Keep us updated.

Evette, you are tooooo sweet. You ain't doing to shabby yourself. Your 6 months pics were AWESOME!!!!!

You just look beautiful!!!

You may need to call and talk to Rene. I requested one and waited 3 weeks before calling but when I finally did he sent it that day.

Thank you all for your sweet comments. I can honestly say I have never been an inspiration to anyone in the weight loss arena. Just think though - those of you new bandsters are the upcoming inspirations. Keep working hard and stay strong. We'll get there!!!

Bump

No, I would not say easy is the word. But when is anything that works easy? You do not fall on your face or anything though. You only go as far as you can. Just like a push up. If you can't go all the way down, don't. Here is a youtube video that shows how it works but keep in mind this man has lots of upper body strength and I do not so I don't go near as far down as he does but I can still "feel the burn"!!!!

My port is about 1/2 in. down and to the left of my largest incision. Originally it was directly to the left of my scar but I guess my skin has moved a little with the weight loss. I would email Dr. Ortiz and see what he says but I would guess that you should give it a little more time to see if it is scar tissue and if your port will surface somewhere else. As long as your incision is closed and you can't see into it I think you are okay. But keep us posted.

I am sure most of you have heard of an ab wheel. Heck, many of you may even have one but used it about once - if you are like me. Well I decided to pull out the old thing again and it is really helping. I used it once about two weeks ago and I could hardly walk for about 2 days - my stomach muscles were so sore. Then I used it again last week and it done the same thing to me. So I used it the night before last and again this morning and it is getting easier. I am able to go down a little more each time. This exercise wheel is a inexpensive way to tone those abs. It also works the muscles in the back! Anyway - I have come to love my ab wheel and just wanted to share. Here is a pic of it in case some of you have one laying around somewhere. If not go get one. Who can't spare $8!! This is the website you can purchase one if you want. http://www.pricebustersports.com/abwheel.html If you can't see the pic just go to the website and you'll see it.

Michelle, You are such a beautiful girl!

Karen, I know how you feel. I hit that goal this week!!

Amen, sister! I am in your boat Kim - I was getting dressed the other day and my husband said "Baby, where did they go?" and I said "What" and he said "Your boobs!" I rapidly repied...."OMG they are at the surgeon's office - let's go get them!" He's on board for that but I am going to wait till next summer also.

Way off topic here but go to www.yearbookyourself.com and have fun. You upload a pic of yourself and the tools will come up to center your face and then you can add hairdo's from the 50s-2000. It's a pretty cool site. Enjoy.

7lbs first week post-op.