nothereanymore

Karen, you look awesome and Pammie is right, you still have swelling for the first year - so you're going to continue to get smaller and your belly button goes in more. Your scars look really good, more like Pammie who has awesome scars, (you can barely see hers). One thing I’ve noticed this year is my curves really came in, I never had curves before and once the swelling went down, and I was able to get back into ab exercise – I was able to make awesome curves that I love! Congrats girl, you're one sexy Momma!

I agree, he may be associating the fact that patients who have acid reflux have more cases of throat cancer. Throat cancer has been linked to GERD (acid reflux) and this can be something we have with our bands if they are too tight, however it’s not a long term issue since you can loosen your band, which nulls that out. But they also say that coffee and tea are associated with throat cancer and most of the other junk food we put into our mouths. I’m trying my best to really keep in control of my band, and not get it to the point were its too tight that I have acid reflux. I own that. The reason I like my band more than the others, is that we’re in control, we manage the band – the band doesn’t manage us. We can keep it too lose and eat too much (then blame it when it doesn’t work) or keep it too tight and blame it when we can’t eat or have acid reflux. The truth is – it’s our band – we can fill it up or fill it down or work to get it so it’s working just right – but we have to work as hard as it is. And add in exercise and eat right, you've got yourself an awesome tool to help you lose weight for life. Its worked great for me - lost over 130 pounds to date and did it in a healthy and safe manner. With other weight loss surgeries they change your body – I personally have seen too many failures. And I want my body just as God made with, with a tiny little tool added….. What I like about my band is it can change as you do; we tighten it as we lose the weight to eat less; we loosen it when we reach our goals to eat more - try that with gastric.

Happy Birthday! Just think of where you were a year ago and how much you've changed! What a great birthday present to yourself! All the best - hope it was a great day! Lisa

I agree, I'm traveling right now for business and the heart burn the last couple of nights was awful. I’m on liquids only and I’m going to see what happens when I take it easy and give my band a break – if it keeps up I’m going to finally go in for the complete unfill. (Traveling equals stress for me and I have a lot of work to do). Stick to liquids bring in soft food after a few days and see how it reacts once the TOM is done. Best, Lisa

Angie, First of all congrats on your surgery! And you’re right, that’s the smartest thing to do is be aware. Understand the impact, do what they say – wash your hands and take care of yourself. You have to do what works best for you. Some of us will stay home – some will continue to work and go out. All of us should be aware and careful. Best, Lisa Add in - only if you have a good sense of humor - this is twitter and it’s a bit of fun about swineflew – warning – very inappropriate do not read if you are sensitive. http://twitter.com/swineflew

Great article, (I love MSN) there's just so many ways that this thing could go. I'm just liven life and watching. And Mona, I'm on the East Coast about 6 times per year. I always say I'm going to stop and take some time in the city. Next time I go we'll make (argh - ha-ha - should be meet)!! up and see if we can make a weekend of it! Lisa

Here’s another point, many of us can’t and I personally wouldn’t wait it out. We have businesses that need to be run, and if everyone in this Country decided to stop wait it out, the hit on our economy would be costly. (if you can, more power to you). I’ve been pushing my friends and family to go out shopping, eat out, take vacations, buy new cars, houses - spend their money in this economic downturn. I told them that the only way that we as a Country could get out of this down turn is if the ones who still had jobs went out and spent money so we could make jobs for those out of work. And we’ve been doing a damn good job. (My oldest son just bought his first house last month)! I'm working my but off at my job to make sure that we as a company can stay strong and hire new people. We’re seeing improvement in the economy and I’m going out and kicking it up all the way. No swine flu is going to slow down this progress right when things are starting to look up. Now don't get me wrong, if it turns into something serious, I'll find ways to keep my family and team safe, right now - it’s not something that I personally am worried about. That’s just my view, please don’t take it personally. Lisa

I've had weird pains now and then, I think since we have this new thing in our body, sometimes we're going to feel it if we do too much or pull the wrong way. That's most likely why they don't want you doing ab work for 3 months. I'm right on board with Sabrina, I wouldn't worry but check in with the OCC - for your own piece of mind, and just to double check. Best, Lisa

I have to travel this week, and have a 6 hour layover in New York, with close to 19 million people in NY and 28 confirmed cases (or last I heard) I’m not too worried. Close to 40 thousand people die each year of the regular flu. I’m sure I have just as good of a chance of catching one of those and dying. I’m going to do what they say, wash my hands and per my doc, “don’t touch door knobs, use tissues and throw them away” (love him) I also take my supplements, get my sleep and eat healthy. The truth is I most likely would have a greater chance of dying of an obesity related disease without my band, than catching the piggy flu. (I like that better than swine, not making fun - I use to have a pet piggy and swine just doesn't sound right to me) You gotta do what you gotta do, what’s best for you and your family. We’re all going to have different beliefs, my sis is freaking that I’m going to NY (I’m like what)??!?! But that’s her belief and I get it totally and respect it. Best, Lisa

You look beautiful!! Congratulations on your success - you are awesome! I can’t believe it’s been a year, and look how much you changed! You are truly an inspiration and it’s been fun to watch your journey! I’m so proud of you! And how great that you are now sharing this with your husband, your journey is almost over and then you have a new one! Learning to live with your new sexy body! Have fun! Lisa

Hey Clint, Sorry if I mother hen’d you. The band is strange at times, you never know – you may end up loosening and being fine with the fill you have. (And you didn’t sound too stressed out), but even a little will tighten the band up. I hope its going better, and glad you can drink some - you just don’t want to stay too tight for any period of time. Just as an example of the fickleness band, I’ve had much of my fill removed since I hit my goal coming on a year. (I’ve had my band for over 31 months) Last night I went down and grabbed a bag of kettle corn and jumped in bed to snack on a little and watch a movie. (I hardly ever do this, I’m normally really careful at measuring my food and not eating from bags since it’s the fastest way to over eat, and I don’t eat in bed since I try to not eat 2 hours before sleeping). But hey, we’re all human…. This morning woke up, went to Starbucks for my Chi tea, drank some and could feel a problem; BP’d right up some kettle corn mixed with chi. It didn’t drop from my pouch and I’m guessing adding the Chi on top caused an issue. (Yuck). We have this tool inside us that we’re all still learning from. It’s an awesome tool, but there are lots of learning’s on how to use it, and since we’re all different, sometimes our experiences are different as well. Take care and hope you’re feeling better! Lisa

I can only eat the toppings too – I don’t do well if I eat mixed things – seems to plug me up. (And it doesn’t taste as good as it use too). So I guess that’s a good thing.

Right now you need to relax and stop stressing. You’ll only have to go to the hospital if you become so dehydrated and need an IV or if you have an emergency. Stress can cause us to tighten up so we try to avoid it, and I understand that its hard right now, but this is a good time to start learning how to relax during stressful times, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself you’re going to be OK. (Because you are). First of all, many doctor has different rules, we’re on liquids the first 24 hours by the third fill – (this is a forum for Dr. Ortiz’s patients). Once you settle down, get yourself a cup of warm soothing herbal tea. (Not hot) take some small sips; you’re trying to relax your band. See if you can get anything down, slowly – just to keep yourself hydrated. (Nothing solid or solf) liquids only. And even though it is Sunday I would call into your doctors, many have an answering service and are here to help us. You do need to get in as soon as possible, you most likely did get a swelling from eating solids too quickly or it may be that its just too tight – your doc will help with that. PB stands for "productive burping" Its when you burp and some of the food/drink you ate comes out with it- it can happen if you get an over fill and are too tight, or if you eat too much, too fast or don’t chew enough. Take care, most of us have had this type of episode and you’ll make it through! Best, Lisa

I don’t take it, its in most foods so if you’re eating healthy, and not big into sugars and processed foods you should get enough naturally. (It’s even in black pepper, thyme, meats and cheeses). The main thing that will keep you from absorbing Chromium is if you’re someone that eats a lot of high processed foods packed with sugar. Then you might want to take it on the side.

My unfil was due to making my goal, but I know many who have had one. It just seems to happen sometimes and you're smart to take action on it! All the best, Lisa

I've done a fitness boot camp and I'm now into cross fit, I do lots of sit ups and abs (a couple hundred in one session at least). No problems with the port as long as you're not within 90 days of your surgery. I haven't ever heard of a slip caused by doing abs. Go for it, I can't tell you how nice it is to actually have a waistline and curves. Ab work is the way!

One last note - with soups, take a look at the salt content- some have a lot and can cause you to retain water. (Especially MSG - I stay away from this or I'm gaining 5 pounds in one day) So if all of a sudden for no reason you just gain weight - you may just be retaining water due to something you ate. I finally figured out that some of my ups and downs were from retaining water. And since we don't eat as much out bodies get really sensitive to what we put in them. Drinking lots of water with fresh squeezed lemon really helps to keep your body flushed and keeps the pounds moving off. I buy a bag at Costco and squeeze a half of one into a big cup of water and drink it. (I do this a few times a day). Best, Lisa

Vicki - that is amazing - congrats you super star you!! You Rock Girl! Skinny jeans, here you come! Lisa

I'm a little bit worried, try to relax, get some sleep tonight and since you can still drink a little bit take a fresh look in the am. If it continues you'll know if you need to go in - its not worth being miserable. So in the morning start with some nice warm tea, see if that opens you up to have some soup and I recommend staying on liquids until they go down good. Don't eat anything that might cause you to swell. Practice deep breathing before eating and focus on really relaxing - that always helps me. Take care and good luck with it - it is hard to tell the first 24 hours especially if you're under stress - but then again don't wait too long! Lisa

Cosmo has a great price for both. I love mine as well, I did the lift first and this the aug after. Since I went to Dr. Nyte it was the lift price and then if you have the aug later you receive the discount - he doesn't like to do both surgeries at once. (I have to admit, they are amazing) Love them! If you can do it go for it Mona! You'll love it! Lisa

You deserve to be excited! I’m excited for you too!! Congrats!! You made it to the 100 pound club! Awesome job!! And in one year at that! I didn’t hit 100 in a year, you’re one of the best so enjoy this time! Isn’t amazing how fast it goes by and how much we were able to change who we were in such a short time. Incredible! You know, many of us hit that tightning you’re talking about and I’m not too sure if it’s the sweet spot – all of a sudden you tighten up and can’t eat too much. I could only sustain it for a little while, but sometimes if you continue to lose the weight the band will loosen up. Just watch it so you don't get in the habit of not being able to eat good for you food, or not being able to eat all together and focusing on liquids. (And I hit that before and luckily I hit my goal weight at the same time and went in and removed much of my fill). Even to this day I sometimes get this weird tightning that lasts for a while. (I’m actually contemplating removing everything from my fill at this time). I don't know why I don't do it - just fear I guess, it’s been with me for so long. So I'd wait on that next fill and hope you actually loosen up a bit. Congrats again and you’ll hit your other goal of the other 20 pounds in no time! All the best, thank you so much for sharing your success with us! Lisa

I wished I had done this before I became morbidly obese and did long term damage to my body. I had a BMI of 44.5 and weighed 275 pounds before I got the band. I wasted so many years being fat; I was unhappy and didn’t live life to the fullest. Go for it if you can, I wish I did it at your age and at your weight – don’t wait until it’s too late, or close to it. I lost over 130 pounds and feel great now, but my knees and my body is still paying for the time I wasted being morbidly obese – I hope you never get there – its not something I’d wish on anyone. If you can get the band and work with it to change your eating habits to a new healthy way, do it. And we'll be here to support you! Best, Lisa

Sorry Mona, my thoughts are with her and I’m saying little prayers for a fast recovery for her. (And for you as you focus on supporting her) Take care, and big hugs from me! Lisa

I had surgery on Friday and was back to work by Tuesday. I do have a desk job so it was pretty easy and I felt pretty darn good. It’s the best! (You'll see that we all have different experiences - if you have had past surgeries look at your recovery to help you understand your unique needs). With supplements, I did change to just a basic liquid multivitamin - Costco has a good one. You might try this and then gradually add back in your daily supplements once you're back on solids. Most of us can take capsules as long as they aren’t too big. (And I do chew some - yucki but doable) Lisa

I had mine done in 06 and I would do it again as well. It was awesome and I'm loving life! Love the OCC and Dr. Ortiz, and his amazing group. No worries or complaints, just a wonderful ride! 130 pounds gone for good! Best, Lisa