nothereanymore

Just be careful, back in 2006 we all new about "Chicken Lady" she was someone that ate too soon, accidentally grabbed a piece of chicken off her childs plate when she was suppose to still be on liquids and slipped her band. It was enough to keep me staying off my solids! However, there's no way in hell I'm telling my husband what Dr. Ortiz said! (Funny guy)! Margaritas are safe – (over ice) however you really will be defeating your diet – there are a lot of calories in those wonderful drinks – and the coldness can tighten your band and make you feel uncomfortable.

I've had my band since 10/6/2006 and I've heard of just a few bands slipping, compared to the thousands put in. Its not common, but you always want to be aware of your band. It is our investment and we need to take care of them. So don’t eat solids when you’re not suppose too, and make sure once you start eating you chew well and try not to each too much so things come back up. I always make sure that I have medication on hand in cause I get nausea, to make sure I don't vomit. Follow the program and you'll do great!

Its tough, I was just at a point were I couldn't loose, left for a week and got back on the scale and had lost 6 pounds. I know I didn't loose 6 pounds in a week - it most likely was a combination of a few weeks and it just dropped off at once. For me to loose I have to make sure that I am trying to only eat 3 times per day and I start small, just a tablespoon of each, protein, veggies, fruits, carbs - chew - chew – chew, after each fill I have get to know my limit and I try real hard not to PB. A. because I hate it and B. you want to try and track your calories and it’s hard if they are coming back up! Watch if you are drinking juice and such – I stay away from hard to track calories! Good luck, this does happen but you’ll start loosing soon!

Thanks so much for the compliments! It’s been a fun journey - I'm out in Halifax for work this week so not online to much and missed out on the nice posting! Thank you! I did meet up with Sunshinegirl and I'm so excited for her! She gorgeous and she’s getting her band shortly! Everyone take care! Lisa

I did, extended tummy tuck and just had my breast lifted and got the OK to not wear a bra last week. It’s amazing! I’m saving for my lower face lift, you can see a bit of skin in my pictures and as I loose more weight its getting worse. Also in my fat pictures - I always wore spandex so I was much larger than I even looked.... So look out world – here I come! (and Paula you would love belly dancing – its all about isolation)!

Paula, I wish you were in Washington - I'd make you go to belly dancing with me! It really kicked in the weight loss! (and its a blast) Take care! Lisa

Hey Denise, I have my pictures up in my album, just go to my profile and click on gallery. I'm loving life! http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showuser=1345 Lisa

I was told I was bigger on the inside! (Not as much to do with your outside weight) I'm 5'6 and I'm very large boned, so I'm guessing internally I'm bigger as well. Oh, well - at least no one can see my huge internal organs!

Hey Denise, Congrats on your decision! We're almost the same age, and the same size when we started the journey! Lisa

Welcome to the big band club - I'm glad I'm not the only one! From what I was told it’s determined by your size. If you are bigger, you get the bigger band. I’ve done well with it, so dont' worry. I’ve had to have more fills than most but it’s worked so I’m not complaining! (I have had smaller more frequent fills than most, to ensure I can only eat small amounts without it being to tight that you end up PBing, which I detest).

Congratulations! Your post brought back a lot of memories, great job relaying your experience. It funny how you forget, a bit like child birth. I wish you all the best and a happy journey! I know you’ll do great and success is just around the corner! Get ready for the new you! Best, Lisa

From when I had mine I remember it being 30 days which was horrible. Love my bubble baths - and I just had another surgery and my current doctor said the same - 30 days.

There's fat in olive oil, what I condense down is balsamic vinegar (0 fat) and I take an olive oil dispenser and put my balsamic in there. Something like this http://www.amazon.com/Typhoon-Elegance-Oil...2752&sr=8-1 When I was on my pre op diet I really stuck to the two slim fast shakes and a lean cuisine. (Dr Ortiz's plan at that time) I didn’t stray to far from it because I’m the type of person that I can get off track really easily. I tried to stay out of the kitchen and away from anything that came near food or I knew I would break down and I really tried to wrap my head around not eating and focusing on the weight loss.

I'd start with the salad, that’s a great idea and remember go really slow. Take small bites and chew, chew, chew. Wait between bites to see how you feel. And they might have a soup of the day so make sure to ask. I have to go out to business outings often and they are my biggest challenge. I still have to watch and be careful, also if I’m nervous when I’m out my band will get tight so I follow the same rule still apply to me now! Also chewing longer makes people think you are eating more and you don't get those questions.... Also if you start feeling uncomfortable, make sure to stop and if needed just walking to the bathroom can make you feel better, (Moving gets the food moving as well) Good luck!

No, but I take balsamic vinegar which is 0 fat, (you can pick up the big cheap bottle at trader joes) bring it to a low boil and condense it down to about half. Then I put it in an olive oil bottle dispenser and drizzle it over my veggies and salads. Very good and good for you, no fat and hardly any calories. (Condensing it down makes it thick and stick to everything and makes the flavor really strong). You don't have to fridge it and its good for a long time) I will also chop up fresh herbs to add to my veggie dishes and salads to give them more flavor.

Hey Jena, thanks so much, but honestly - it’s the band and learning how to use it. I have tried and failed at so many diets that I just was at my wits end and feeling like a total failure. Especially since I work in the nutrition business and have a great support system and should have been able to follow a program to loose the darn weight. We'll all make it together, I think the hardest part is coming to terms that it doesn't happen really fast and that we are going to make mistakes – but what’s great is that with the band it’s a pain to make mistakes so normally we learn not to do it again! Best, Lisa

I don't like them either - and I'm in the darn business - I throw them in my protein shake and blend them up to cover the taste.

There are many studies about how long it takes to change a habit and my favorite doctor believes it takes 3 months to really kick it. (And that doesn't mean we don't miss things or could go back to our old habits). I had a hard time excepting this but after being true to the lap band program and really good for 3 months I was hooked, it became easier and I didn't have the same cravings. Its changing your habits, and looking at food in a different way. What I think is good now and what I crave for is very different from what I use too. Its even hard for me to look back at the food I use to eat and even think that I could go back to the fast food, white bread, sugar craving, pizza days. (Sometimes the thought crosses my mind, but its not that bad). Also I don't ever want large portions, its almost painful for me to look at them, when you've made the mistake of eating too much and you deal with the after affects, you learn - its almost like shock treatment, you don’t want to go through the pain again. (Not that I've been through shock treatments - but can only imagine...) Most of us have done the PB episode, and you’re right on with going on liquids - just learn from it and go forth and conquer! So hang in there, it gets better.

calicat, if the doctor you are thinking of going to in Olypia is Dr. Neil, (Pacific Surgical Weight Loss Center) that's who I've been going to and they are great. Never had a problem. You are in really good hands with them. I have to drive over an hour and a half to get to them and its worth it. (I also did my first fill in at the OCC).

Pammie, You are so awesome - and your belly button is so cute!!!! Love the pictures - what a fun journey - and you look so beautiful! Its amazing to see your transformation! Thanks so much for all you've done for me - with all of your help and guidance its made it an easy ride! Best, Lisa

That's my weak spot - I've never had an unfill, I have someone I work with that is really good with fills and mine are tight - but I've never been in the position that I've had to go back for an unfill. (I have had to go back to have them add more - twice and its within a week)

You are doing all the right things, so I’m sure you’re frustrated. One question, since you are working out so much do you think you might not be loosing since you are gaining muscle? I can become very muscular and I have to work out carefully so I don't start bulking up. (I got more into dancing because doing weight lifting was making me big) Also, one extra step I took with the band that I didn’t take with other weight loss programs is I focused on the mind portion of it. Really adding in that mind body and spirit to help me get over my food issues. I know this may sound strange – but I have been thinking myself thin throughout my lap band journey. I believe it did help me with some of my mental hunger and learning that food is really our fuel, (it can be fun sometimes however its like anything, it shouldn’t be abused). Take care and I hope everything works out, and if you haven’t lost weight I would go back and talk to Dr Martinez just so he fully understands your progress. Best, Lisa

Absolutely, I've never been in that position before - get it done fast and let us know when you are back! I've never had a fill experience like you had (twice) and I've had 9 fills. Its not normally that bad for most, so don't give up - I'm sure there's nothing worse than feeling bad like that! Take care, Lisa

I go out to Olympia which is over an hour and a half from my home. I've never yet had an emergency which I have to move fast to get to a Dr. Normally from everything I've heard you do have time - you just need to keep yourself hydrated if your band slips. It’s normally not something that requires immediate care, and you should have time. (An unfill is the same, you just need to get somewhere fast, but it’s not dior) Talk to someone at the office - I'm sure they can help. Most of us are a ways from our fill doctors and the clinic as well. Best, Lisa

He also uses the VG System - which is what I have. (Its bigger and you can find a few old posts about in on the forum)