nothereanymore

Ramona, I love ya girl! You always know how to make me laugh! Happy Thanksgiving! Lisa

Hey Stormy, you'll find that's the story with some with the first fill. They are very careful not to overfill you - you should still be really focused and watch the amounts you eat. My friends crack up at me because when I eat out with them I take the food on the plate, portion it to the appropriate amount and only eat that much. Try measuring one day and see how much you are really eating - you might be surprised that you are eating the appropriate amount or learn that you are eating too much. It really helps to understand and learn about portion control. Call soon for you fill, some of the fill places really get booked after Christmas, everyone is trying to start the New Year off right! (And I'm glad they don't have home X-Ray, knowing you, you'd have one and be glowing green because you'd be checking yourself out so often ;-) Take care and hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Lisa

Well then...... let me introduct you two, Trav meet AngelaAnn - Angela Ann meet Trav! (You're both damb hot)!

Hello, Congrats on your decision to get the band! LBL is a lower body lift (At least for me) PB is Productive Burping (PB'ing) This is from Dr. Ortiz's site, you can find a lot of great info there: A common occurrence for banded patients is regurgitation of non-acidic swallowed food from the upper pouch, commonly known as PB'ing (Productive Burping). This is not to be considered normal. The patient should consider eating less, eating more slowly, or chewing their food more thoroughly. Occasionally, the narrow passage into the larger / lower part of the stomach may become blocked by a large portion of unchewed or unsuitable foodstuff. A single episode of regurgitation can be caused by: • To large of a bite • Swallowing a second bite too soon • Eating too fast • Not chewing thoroughly • Eating too much When regurgitation is frequent or even a daily event: • Your band may be too tight • You may have a swollen stomach due to food dislodged or repetitive vomiting • You may be frequently displaying the behaviors listed above Best, Lisa

Jessica, I'm so glad you're back, we missed you and I'm thrilled you're taking their advice. You're a very sweet special person and you deserve some "me" time. Its owed to you. Take care and have a great Holiday! Lisa

Wow Amy, great post and congrats - you are such an inspiration! Make sure you are taking photos and measuring along the way! You are a Super Star girl!! Just think of how different you're going to look by summer! I can tell you're going to be an entirely different person! The changes will amaze you, in how you feel and look! Lisa

Hello Anne, I'm always happy to help. They do give you information. Pretty much show you what you should eat first (protein, followed by veggies/fruits, carbs) They also don’t want you drinking your calories after you go on solids. Its been over 2 years since I was banded so some things may have changed – but you’ll get all that – make sure think about any questions you have ahead of time. I didn’t think of that till later. We're supposed to eat 1/3 of what we use to eat and when I first started I would measure 1/4 cup of protein, (chicken, fish, beef - whatever I can eat on the day - it varies) 1/4 cup of veggies, 1/4 cup of fruit and 1/4 cup of carbs. (I rarely make it to the carbs) You can just eat the same food you are cooking for your family, or organize it on your own. I also have smaller plates for me, or just use your salad plate and I cut everything up into very small pieces (I’m talking small, tip of the finger size) and still chew one bite 30 times. When I first started eating I would remove all liquids from around me so I wouldn’t drink – that’s actually a really hard habit to break, not drinking while eating. Also never eat fast; otherwise you might not realize you’re to that full moment. It's really important is to listen to your body, the full feeling for us is different after the band, one person described it like a golf ball above your stomach and that's what its like for me as well. And we’re all different so you may feel it in a different way. (one note, I hardly make it to my fruit, maybe a bite and I just don't make it to my carbs, listen to your band. Know when you are full and don't push it) I buy those really small Tupperware containers and use those to organize my food for lunches or when I need a quick meal. I try to never get t that “I’m hungry” spot. I’m much more consistent with my meals. Take care, its a fun ride! Best, Lisa

You cheated, all you have to do now is learn from it, brush yourself off, get back on the "Band" wagon and go on. And I'm glad you're really beating yourself up, that's not our job, its yours and no one can do it better than you. And now all you need to do is re commit yourself to making sure you understand that if you do this during the post op faze you can really hurt yourself. (If you cheat then I might yap at you)! Here's what I want you to do. We all have weak moments, those times when we cheat on our diets. I want you to write each one down, and get to know them personally. Really look at them and think about why you cheat during those times. You can't stop making cookies with your kids, but you can put a big stop sign up or a picture of a dress that you want to get into to see if that helps you keep your commitment. Find ways to help yourself stay strong. I think you're going to do fine, we have to learn from our mistakes, and now’s the right time to do it! Now go buy yourself a goal dress and start working at getting into it! Best, Lisa

I know one person personally who stretched their pouch. (they are not a patient of Dr Ortiz) They went in for a fill, did it under flouro and the nurse could see that the pouch was stretched; all the fluid was immediately removed from the band. They were told to go on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, to see if it could shrink back down and to then start eating appropriate amounts of food. They were not allowed to get another fill for 30 days and were told if it didn’t shrink back down that it would take surgery to correct. Luckily for her it did shrink back down and she learned a good lesson. She was so upset that they removed all of her fill, and that she could have ruined it, it was really traumatic. Its really important for us not to push our bands. She thinks part of what she did to really stretch it was drink while eating – she could feel the fullness but had a hard time stopping. I don't know if the right fill would help, if its too tight food wont go down, or goes down really slow - you still need to stop when you feel the fullness and I personally think that when you are first learning you need to measure your food so you have a good understanding of how much you are putting in there. I did this and it really helped. Sometimes when we're just snacking we aren't realizing how much we are eating. We’ve got this incredible tool in our body, it can really help us live fuller, healthier lives, but if we don’t use it right we can hurt ourselves. That’s why its so important to make a commitment to ourselves when we get this great tool. Not many people have this opportunity, and we’re lucky we found Dr. Ortiz and have this forum for help. Best, Lisa

At first I didn't tell many, but once the pounds start dropping off and people start really asking about how I was doing it, I just made up my mind that I was going to be honest. I had someone tell me and if they hadn't I have no clue where I'd be right now. So I felt I owed it to people to "Play it forward" but I totally get how its hard at first. Its just so private and you're also afraid if its even going to work or not (it will). What ever you decide is up to you, and what makes you most comfortable. Best, Lisa

Only for the first 90 days that I know of. (No abs exercise and light on the use) Otherwise there’s not much I haven’t done from zip gliding to high cliff diving, Belly Dancing and rock climbing. I’ve done more in the last 2 years than I can tell you. It didn’t slow me down a bit!

She's right, you are so beautiful now, and I can just imagine what you're going to look like when you reach your goals. You are going to be a knock out!! Know that and keep working to reach your goals, its going to happen before long and you’re going to have the guys lining up at your door to go out with you!! So don’t let it get you down, and remember he’s just an immature dumb guy who isn’t smart enough to know when he’s got a beautiful intelligent woman at his side. There are men out there who will know it and love you no matter what your weight is, those are the one's you want to find. I like mine best because he loved me when I was big, and he loves me when I'm thin. He just loves me - and I can promise you this, that guy is out there looken for you and you’ll find each other when its meant to be!

The pain is most likely gas, but the rumbly tumbly noise, well many of us have that: You may need to slow down, and see what happens. (And keep walking) But what's interesting is that the noise doesn't go away. Here’s a post where we were just talking about the noise issue: http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=9203 Lisa

Trav, I'm sorry about that. One of my dearest friends who normally is a size 8, beautiful sweet young woman who helped me through my weight loss has put on a lot of weight due to medication she has to take (She's had to double the size she wears). Its so sad to see people see and treat her differently, and I think she’s just as beautiful now as she was when she was small. Her beauty really comes from the inside, so Trav, look for the girl with the beauty on the inside, and if she has some weight to loose, have her join you in your quest. You never know what a girl is going to look like when she looses the weight, you might end up with the most beautiful girl around. Best, Lisa

Sorry this happened to you and I'm thrilled you're OK. Thanks for posting, its so important for people to know that when they feel that swelling to go on liquids. (And even if you do this you still might need an unfill). I’ve even had to go on liquids during that time, and while I was under stress. You will get to the point were you can feel the swelling and know its time to give your band a break. I keep protein shakes in my car and at the office just in case. You never know. Its hard when this happens, and right around Thanksgiving, sorry! But just think, you'll most likely drop a dress size! Love the OCC! Take care, Lisa

I think that's smart, you're loosing weight and eating at a pace you're comfortable with. You'll know when you need a fill and you'll most likely be more prepared to handle it and drop even more weight. You're doing incredible - congrats. One note you might want to book one out, and find out what their cancelation/change date policy is, a lot of placed get filled up around New Year – everyone gets back on the “band” wagon and starts looking to get a fill. There’s nothing worse than needing a fill and not able to get an appointment. Best, Lisa

Let me know if you like it. I get to try a lot of beauty products from some really high end lines - but I do like the Bio Oil, and buy it regularly. It really softens the skin and its so much cheaper.

I woke up this morning grab the paper to read with my latte and on the front page was an article about Gang shootings in Seattle. Three people were killed and eight wounded in five episodes, including one at the mall. There’s been a lot of discussion about the problems of violence in Tijuana, but the truth is it is everywhere. I’m not going to stop going to the Mall or out in Seattle, but I’m just going to be extra careful and aware of my surroundings. That’s what we have to do everywhere these days, if I'm shopping in downtown Seattle or going to Tijuana for a procedure, I'm not going to wear my good jewelry, I will bring small sums of money, not flash it and just be aware and go where its recommended. Best, Lisa

Hey Nicole, I have my two little Yorkies lying on my feet as I type, I read your post and cracked up. (I told them that you ate half a yorkie and they just looked at me strange) And I'm up for tonight - I am on vaca this week and staying home so my goal was to clean house and do some cooking. I've been traveling a lot for work lately and I just want to veg. Best, Lisa

Its super easy to find, and what I do is go to Google, type in Bio Oil and see who has it cheapest. That's really the best way to find anything; you can compare prices and read the reviews. This isn't a high end product and it last a long time. Also to keep my skin moist my newest favorite thing is the de-luxe BAIN Hawaiian Cane Sugar Scrub, Amber Vanilla, its on sale at drugstore.com for $5.99. I bought a lot of these – its an awesome cheap treatment. Its just as good as many of the Sugar Scrubs at Spa's that are sold for up to $50. For your hair, Costco carries that one really expensive hair growth shampoo, it a keratin Shampoo and its works well and they have it at a great price. Make sure you are protecting it and you're getting your supplements. I’m on vacation this week but when I get back to work I’ll ask my Nutritionist about what he would recommend the best supplements for your hair and treatments and get back to you. Best, Lisa (I didn't even see Nicole's response and I think that $10 at Walmart is the cheapest - I'll be picking some up)

For me, no - its wasn't going to bounce back from my stomach, I use oil for my stretch marks and that’s iffy but I knew nothing was going to help my hanging skin on my stomach – too much. However my arms are looking better than I thought. I have been lifting weights and exercising throughout the weight loss – they still have extra skin that I don’t like – but its not like my tummy – I can live with it. I do recommend good skin therapy, and exercise - you'll need to wait and see how you turn out. Then if you feel you may need surgery book a consult with a PS. We're all so different its hard to say. I've seen some girls loose the weight and they look awesome - they were younger and not as big as I but still I was totally impressed.

Hey Kristy, I’ve been using Bio Oil since all of my surgeries. It really hydrates the skin and softens the look – I don’t think it gets rid of them. But I have a friend who is taking medication that has caused her to gain weight very quickly, I got her on the Bio Oil and she thinks it makes a difference. (She’s getting them on her arms as well) When I use it consistently I don't see them as much. But the good thing is as we get smaller they get smaller too. Some become almost unnoticeable! Its hit and miss with these guys! But it can't hurt to keep you skin soft and healthy as you're going through your weight loss. I really did focus on that, especially with my face. Got into facials, peels and microdermabrations. (not sure how to spell that one…) and good products. Due to the economy there are a lot of specials going on for these types of procedures. Check your local spa’s if you’re interested. You can see a big difference right away. Loosing weight is almost as hard on the skin as gaining to much! We need to give it some extra care! Take care, Lisa

That’s great information and I feel like I've lived it. I really am a much more confidant person and things don’t bother me like they use too. Love it, and the other is right on – I was lucky that I could deal with the problems left over with the weight loss but it’s a real issue for most and very bothersome. Another thing I wasn’t prepared form was that people will treat you different as you loose the weight. I have a hard time with that. I’m very into being fair, kind and consistent and I don’t like the fact that thin people are treated better than obese by most people - that really bugs me. I don't think I noticed it before, but I wasn't as outgoing when I was bigger. But its there. Good to hear about the alcohol, I drank my glass of wine when I was big, and I still drink it (but I actually drink a smaller glass and it kicks my butte) We’ll need to tell the poster from the Alcohol recovery unit that bit of info, I get tired of seeing his links..... Thanks! Lisa

Hello Amanda, Salena is right on, Gas X and walking - its gas and stick to liquids right now - the first couple of days is the worst - it will get better! Do sip but don't stress too much, he does a really good job getting your band in there - you'll be fine! Best, Lisa

Since being banded I really like chicken wing drumlets and I'm having them tonight. I make a teriyaki sauce, soak them for about 2 hours and bake until done (they make me feel like a normal eater since I can hold the drumlet in my hands and eat the whole thing) add in small veggie stir fry to nibble on and I’m good to go. Rice is solely dependant on the mood of my band. I always make it but sometimes I can eat it – sometimes I can’t. You are doing awesome with your weight loss - congrats - the popcorn diet is working!!