nothereanymore

So it looks like you weigh 258 with a BMI of 30.5 which is considered Increased Risk, but its not bad. You’re exercising which is great, but you’re breaking some of the cardinal rules which is not so good and they are easy one’s to keep. Have you tried drinking a protein shake in the morning – something like Isopure with low cards and high protein to kick start your day? This might help you curb the cravings for the bad food and help turn more of your work out work to muscle and could help you lose more weight. You also have got to stop drinking while eating, it not only can wash out your food, it can stretch your band. You should be OK with carbonated drinks; you’re past 6 months – just not during a meal and up to an hour after – (the same with any liquids). Just move them out of the way when eating to break the habit. Drink a lot throughout the day – just stop when eating and an hour after - **multiple repeats due to the importants of this** The tightness is most likely you’re new “I’m full – don’t eat anymore” are you listening to it? If not you could put too much in there and also stretch the band. When you dry heave which is not good and can slip your band are you chewing your food right? Start working with your band and get to know it – know how it reacts to what you are doing – it makes life much easier. You also most likely want to get a fill and have your pouch looked at under flouro, it sounds like you’re do for one and a good checkup can’t hurt. Also start tracking and measuring your food and caloric intake, if you’re into exercise just think of this as part of the exercise program and you can really get into it. Cab only has 95 calories per glass – and anti oxidants – its better for men than women – just chuck out some of the junk food and keep the cab – that’s what I’d do…. So after this long drawn out response - simply yes - if you address your poor eating habits and get a fill, you will kick some butte' and lose the weight... Good luck and it’s never too late to start using your band! You’ve got it for life you know!

Stormy, Sorry you're feeling like this - sounds like you're OK now - we can get heartburn without a slipped band. Here's an old posting with some links to info: http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?show...hl=slipped+band take care and don't stress too much! Lisa

I haven’t tried it, but I have heard of it. From what I know it’s a cleanse type program with meal replacements and these are normally affective for short term weight loss – I do cleanses every few months right now – but mine is a Chinese home remedy at little cost and its not multi marketing. Since we have the band and our goal is long term weight loss I believe we need to retrain our mind as well as our bodies. I’m not sure if this would do it – I would think its one of those fads were people all sign up and lose 40 pounds fast, hoping to make some extra $$ and then gain back 60. We all know the many reasons people are overweight, (we’re most likely some of the top experts on it) most due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, way too many processed foods and not enough healthy food and exercise. We actually have a permanent fix to lose the weight – it’s not fast, but its works if we stay committed to following the program, our band is a life commitment to help us gain our health back, Isogenics may help increase our short term weight loss but it’s most likely not needed if we follow the plan and add in exercise. The truth is I’m not into spending any more money on any other diet product – I invested way to much already and I make up my mind that my investment in my band was my last one and my goal is to make it work for me. (So far, so good) I have heard of many who supplement the band life with other diets – so if its something you want to do – go for it. I haven’t heard of any dangers with the product – (that doesn’t mean something wont crop up tomorrow – its funny how they always find something out about these types of programs as soon as I start taking them - thats why I don't do them anymore). All the best and good luck! Lisa * add in - here's an old post about colon cleanse - http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?show...l=colon+cleanse

Wow, you're all doing great - congrats! Just imagine what you're going to be looking like by 2010 - can you imagine!! You’ll all be thin, healthy, beautiful baby boomers. I just read that the 60’s are the new 40’s – I wonder what the 40’s are now! Congrats and keep up the hard work! Lisa

Karleigh, Its most likely gas, it comes and goes from different areas for most, you’ll see that we generally feel it in the shoulder area – but not all. Make sure you are taking Gas X and walking and drinking lots of water. If it continues or progressively gets worse give your doctor a quick call to discuss. The forum is great but nothing beats going right to your doc if you think you have a problem. Best, Lisa

I wanted extensions and my sister has someone who does them at her salon. She outright told me no way, since I was a bandster that it would be too hard on my hair. Many bandsters lose hair during our weight loss period. She felt that I could permanently lose hair due to chronic tension since it may be in a weak condition already due to my diet. One note is you are much younger and I have thin hair, yours looks pretty thick and I love the new picture! So it doesn’t hurt to go for a consult – just make sure it’s with someone good who will not have a problem telling you no if needed. That can be hard to find sometimes…..

Lisa I agree that everyone should try to have a little emergency fund set aside just in case anything comes up. Even a couple hundered dollars for an emergency unfill locally. Also.. I hope your son moves out by the summer/fall because I'm wanting to get my thighs and upper arms done! What we should do is just plan on having a big ol Plastic Surgery party - kind of like Tupperware party - if that doesn't make him move out - nothing will......

This is the forum for patients of Dr. Ariel Ortiz, just so you know he is considered a world leader in the field with over 6,000 lap band surgeries performed. The best way to start is to click on the link below for information on how to start your journey. You’ll get all of your questions answered, since some are medical and shouldn’t be answered by us. In addition the time between consultation and surgery is really dependant on how busy the clinic is – we unfortunately don’t know that answer but you can find it here:. https://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com/cgi-bi...?section=public All the best and good luck! Lisa

I can eat it if I just cut off the flower tops into little pieces and I make a chopped salad with the broccoli, some red/green onions, very small bits of celery (everything is small its) some red grapes if you want (chopped as well so the skin isn’t a problem). It’s my fast version of the one that has raisons in it – but I can’t eat them too well. I'll even put the shredded carrots you get at trader joes and to me this is actually better the next day if it sits. I take a some fat free (the low calorie one) mayo, white vinegar and a little bit of splenda – mix and pour over Based on the size of salad don’t use all of your dressing – its just to coat and soften the veggies so they are easier to eat. Here’s a ½ cup of fat free (the low calorie one) mayo I tbsp of white vinegar ½ to 1 pack of spenda or a tsp of sugar to taste (some don’t use any sugar or splenda – its personal preference) many don't like the splenda in it and prefer the sugar - its just a tsp so the calories are low. Its great with chicken, and easy to make a bowel and use it for lunch with some protein for a couple of days.

I do love my PS, and if you ever want to go to him - his TT's are only $3950 - he also has some no interest options. And just Pammie or I know - we'd be happy to help. (Hopefully my 24 year old will move out soon so I can get my guest room back)......

Magnolia girl, I actually had the same thoughts and questions. And I asked Dr. Ortiz about this way back when… He explained that most issues with the band aren’t emergency; we do have notice if we are listening to our bodies and time to get to the OCC. In the case like Karen you can see that she had some time to figure it out and get in contact with the OCC. One thing I’ve found they are really good at – follow up care – as long we go right to the doctors and give them notice. I always have my emergency $$ saved in case I need to take a quick trip down to the OCC. I also have a clinic up here in WA that I work with for my fills – for something like this I could just go to my local fill doctor for an unfill – that’s what Pammie did but she’s up in WA with me – Karen’s in CA so its most likely closer for her to go back to the OCC. However if I went into my local Doc and it was more serious such as a slip – I’d be working with Dr. Ortiz on a plan on how to handle and use the $$ I have saved for my trip down. We should all think of this, its something I’ve thought of and organized how I would handle – it does help to put your mind at ease. So make sure you don't ignore, get to know you're body and notice when things are off and ask questions. Like Karen did. Best, Lisa

Karan, I’m so glad you’re OK, you are one of the most successful bandsters on this board – and I love watching your progress, thank you so much for letting us know about this. I think Pammie had something a little bit similar, she got tight out of the blue as well and had a partial unfill. (Do they know what could have caused it? Is it stress, food we’re eating – or we just don’t know why it self tightens)? You’ll hit your goal – you look awesome now though! Lisa

I think that there is a difference in who bands you and how well you do. We do seem to have more successes with Dr. Ortiz. And you don’t often see them on the forum – they are done and focused on living their lives – coming to the forum isn’t something they want to do. I also believe that the majority of the time we are really focused on being positive and helping each other succeed. As well as educating the newbies that bandster hell is part and parcel of the program – you need to get through it. (make sure you are reading the Dr's corner and all the info there). You can go and look at the other boards if its something you feel you need to do, just make sure that you don’t get too wrapped up into it. Its really easy to start focusing on the negative and that does make it harder to succeed. Much of the success of each person is mental and how you learn to work you band. If you're in a positive outlook you'll do better. And I get that its hard during this time. Personally - I never went to the other forms and people who I know that are successful never did it – we were too focused on how to make it work than to learn of those who fail. The real side is what ever you make of it. *I’m adding in a few more successes: Linda, Karen, Dolittle, Snowbird, Clynn, Lori Becky and Carol.

Yep, you have the 10CC band. Glad to hear she's doing better. Best, Lisa

Chad put them back up for us - he's removing in a week. So make sure you get everything! I already pulled all of mine.

We’re going for 8 days, work for the husband – vacation for me. (If you call golf work – I don’t, but that’s a life long dispute we have). Linda, its still snowing here (every night) I just can’t believe it and to top it off, I have to leave for Halifax the day after I get back from Hawaii – which is colder than here right now! (And I’ll put on the suit – its just a bit scary though…..) I'm going in for a spray tan, if I'm putting on a bikini I'm going to have a perma tan..... To help hide the flaws. I love Kona, been there about 8 times so anything you want to know – let me know!

It is so worth it - I had before and after pictures of my face and you can really tell the difference - its such a small price to pay to get rid of those darn wrinkles and prevent more from coming on. And if you're up there already - go for it girls - you'll love it! (and if you don't its not permanent so you don't have to worry) One thing that's happened to me since I received my band and lost the weight is I do take more time for myself. I think its just part of the process; we gain more confidence and want to look better as we lose the weight. However please be aware, once you start its hard to stop and you also see all the other cool things they can do to help you look good while losing the weight. (I'll take my new face over my old any day - and I haven't had any surgery on it - just Botox, peels, some juvederm and facials) I personally wanted to erase the damage I’d done carrying over 100 pounds for so long.

Congrats and welcome to bandland! You're on your way to a new you! All the best, Lisa

When was focused on weight loss I kept good track of my meals, how many calories and protein I was consuming along with how much water I was drinking to make sure I stayed on track and created a good habit. For breakfast I always had a low carb Isopure protein shake. (I'm always tight in the morning - when I'm not - I will eat egg beaters) 220 Calories 50 grams of protein For lunch I work long hours so I always pre packed my meals in those small containers. I like the foil packed tuna and salmon and just got into the habit of eating one or one half of those depending on the size and how much my band would allow me to eat. The tuna is 90 calories with19 grams of protein The salmon is 150 calories with 25 grams of protein. I’d just have some cut up veggies with lettuce along wit a fruit cup and I was good to go. For dinner I cook for my family so what ever meat we were having plus veggies and I might be able to fit a carb in. My protein intake was high, but I was able to lose from 1 to 2 pounds per week. I rarely hit a plateau, I think that’s because I would always switch up my exercise from carbs and working out with weights to dancing. But that’s one thing I added, exercise – it was hard at first but it really makes a difference. I kept food off of my desk so I wouldn't snack – that’s were I think most of our calories that we forget come in – those times when we mindless eat. I lost 130 pounds at my best, I've gained about 6 pounds back over the Holidays and I'm back to work to lose those - but they aren't too bothersome. When I talk to thin friends they expect to gain a little during the holidays and don't worry about it - they just work a little bit harder in January and lose it. That's my life now - I can live and if I gain a little bit - I'm not going to sweat it, I’ll just work a little bit harder and lose it.

Sabrina, I've only heard great things about Northwest Fill Management - you'll be fine! Good choice and have fun - I love the shopping out there! I'll be basking on a beach in Kona thinking about you (in my new bikini - if I get the guts up to wear it in public). Its a Betsy Johnson and it is sooo cute!! The stores there are great and right now the after Christmas sales are going strong and will be for most of Jan. Take care and may your first fill be a great one! Lisa

It is a safer area; you still just need to use caution and common sense. I would not venture out beyond the hotel and only travel to the OCC. Normally most of us would have gone shopping and I personally am into the museums (the history of Tijuana is amazing) – right now – I’d stay close and just hang out at the hotel – luckily there’s a great restaurant and all the needed amenities. I'd have no problem going there. Just so you're aware the army has now stepped in (stronger than ever before) and is patrolling, however you still just need to be careful.

I was worried as well and left a note - I heard back, bpd123 is doing fine right now. If you're a newbie (or oldie) and you can't get liquids down, please call your doctor. Dehydration can set in really fast and you need to be careful. All the best, Lisa

I was told that you could drink up to the minute you eat as well - some others on the board have posted that you cannot drink before. I've never followed that rule that and its worked fine for me. Sometimes the rules do change and the oldies don't hear about it - I'd go right to the source to check on this one. Best, Lisa

I've got what they call the VG band - its the bigger one and I had 6.6 cc's at my highest. It’s down to under 4 now that I'm on maintenance. The size of your band is based on the size needed - if you're bigger inside, you'd need a bigger band. They don't know what band you need until they are inside and looking. (when I got my VG band I was the only girl that had one - I was so happy to learn of others......)

Hello Sabrina, Its not necessary, many don’t. I’ll just let you know what I did. I had my first fill done at the OCC, I really wanted to make sure everything was OK and to have that added assurance that the people who placed my band were checking on it. For the rest of my fills I went to Pacific Surgical Weight Loss Center in Olympia, WA. They do it under flouro, which for me is important – I’m not into blind fills since and I like to see the pouch and watch the fill to make sure everything is good. Last I checked it was $375 per fill at Pacific Surgical. I haven’t had a fill for over a year and had an unfill 8 months ago to start maintenance. Here’s just a couple of pros and cons of going to someone other than the OCC. If you don’t go to the OCC and someone damages you’re band – you own the cost of replacement. (That’s why I won’t do blind fills) If you don’t go to the OCC you save on travel cost and the extra time If you go to the OCC you can make it a mini vacation and have some fun If you go to the OCC you most likely will require less fills than those who use other options Some places aren’t keen on taking pts from other doctors and can make you feel like dirt It can actually end up costing some more since you may get more fills and you pay per fill Its also can get confusing, different doctors have different view points on how to work the band. I really try to stay focused on following Dr. Ortiz’s rules and I’ve been very successful with it. I've had more fills than most - I have the VG band which is the bigger one – but still – I do believe if I had gone to the OCC I would have had less fills and spent much less $$. My main reason was time – its hard for me to get away and I already travel a lot for work. I’m glad I went to the OCC for my first fill, and it was convenient for me to go to Pac surgical and do it under flouro. If you come down – let us know you’re going right by Bellevue and a group of us could meet up. I do wish I could have done all of mine at the OCC, I’m jealous of those who can! Best, Lisa