nothereanymore

I know of three women that have gone to Cosmed and have had beautiful work done. (body lift, breast lift, but lift) Dr. Ortiz personally advised me to use them. I used a local plastic surgeon since his prices were the same when you added in airfare and hotel, plus I was close to home with my family. I would have used Cosmed in a second if I hadnt found my plastic surgeon whom I love and trust. Ive had this done, its very easy, put your mind to rest girl, youll look great! I love it! (Notice in my pictures that I don't have those big lines, and my lips look fuller, not too much - but boy was I draggen and looken old after loosing 100 pounds. Friends thought I had a face lift. (I did have botox in my forehead as well to get rid of those dog gone lines) Take care and no worries! Lisa

Its really hard to keep track and make yourself eat smaller quantities of food until you get to the point were your fills are good. When I first started I had to keep an eating log for about 6 months. Its just a excell spreadsheet that I created to keep track of my food intake and I could find out if you are too low or too high in any area. I'll be happy to send this to you if you'd like - it will come as an attatchment - so just let me know what your email address is. Once you get in the habit of eating correctly you'll be good to go! Best, Lisa Example, but not clear since you cannot copy excel over too well. Eating Log Eating Log 28-Oct 29-Oct Breakfast Calories Protein exercise notes Breakfast Calories Protein exercise notes Protein drink 125 7 Car Shop Eggs 45 9 shopping Eggs 45 9 Dog Walk Cheese 30 5 cleaning Cheese 30 5 Veggies 50 1 veggies 25 1 toast 40 1 toast 40 1 milk 10 1 Total 275 24 Total 165 16 Lunch Calories Protein Daily Water Lunch Calories Protein Daily Water Chicken 120 10 33.8 beef/cheese 90 16 25.3 Veggies 40 1 25.3 Veggies 65 1 25.3 pineapple 35 0 25 grapes 45 0 12 Beans 75 5 crackers 65 3 Total 270 16 84.1 Total 265 20 62.6 Dinner Calories Protein Dinner Calories Protein Steak 175 10 *Protein chicken 120 10 *Protein Veggies 75 1 *Veggies veg/salad 50 1 *Veggies Carbs 100 5 *Fruits fruit 60 0 *Fruits *Carbs Pasta 88 6 *Carbs 0 0 Total 350 16 Total 318 17 Others Calories Protein Others Calories Protein Vitamin drink 60 Vitamin drink 20 0 Protean 45 3 pudding 50 1 0 Total 105 Total 70 1 Daily total 1000 56 84.1 Daily total 818 54 62.6 Minimum 1000 60 100 Minimum 1000 60 100 To complete 0 4 15.9 To complete 182 6 37.4

Hello Helen, I buy the Isopure at drugstore.com, you can get it for an additional 20% off with a GNC card. (you can pick it up at your local GNC as well, but check the prices sometimes its more there). http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...amp;catid=31664 I buy the big one and it lasts me a couple of months at least. I'm a sipper, because I like to blend mine with ice, if I just use milk and a shaker it goes down pretty easy - but you never know in the morning! The high protein low fat milk is just at my grocery store, I'm right down from Carnation and we have a lot of dairies so at times we have things that others don't carry. But ask they may be able to get it for you. Best, Lisa

You're right, its never the same and it has to do with our emotions and what's happening with our bodies. For me, if I have heartburn, or throw up all the time its too tight. However I usually loose weight fast so it loosens up and I end up being fine. The nurse I've been going to for my fills has a lapband as well and we're pretty good at getting me restricted enough that I can only eat small amounts, without the pain of being too tight. (I only had heartburn once) sometimes something may come up if I haven't chewed it enough. And its pretty evidant. I'm pretty darn good at chewing now. Here's my rules for getting a fill: Never go in the morning (Your band is normally tighter since you generally retain water in the morning) Never go anywhere near that time of the month (Your band is normally tighter since you generally retain water during that time) Don't have one if you're stressed out (the same rules apply) The band is fickle and its just a tool, really whats its done for me is allowed me to get into good habits. Eating better, slower and less. We don't get to eat a lot so I make sure what I eat is healthy. I didn't think of that before, it was whatever craving was managing my mood. (Normally it had to do with sugar and carbs) Now food is more like fuel and I try to make sure what I get is what my body needs. Best, Lisa

Here’s what I do to really loose fast. Dutch chocolate Isopure protein shake in the morning. Lunch Protein: Choose your weapon Tuna (small pop top can and I can only eat about ½ can) Chicken (1/4 of a breast chopped up) I buy the sliced roast or sliced turkey from the deli and chop it up Veggies: Whatever looks good, chopped into bit size pieces so I remember to chew) Fruit: Whatever looks good, chopped into bit size pieces so I remember to chew) Carbs I buy different flavors of good for me wheat crackers at trader Joes. Dinner Whatever I’m cooking for the family I keep my protein out and its pretty plain, I keep my veggies clear and now always have fruit on hand and can eat the carbs fine as long as I chew. It’s really portion control, I also purchased a small set of pretty plates just for me so my food wouldn’t look out of sorts. (Its generally just a tablespoon of each topic to start) And I keep my fills up to date and tight and don’t drink with my meals. Alcohol is out of the picture unless I’m keeping up with my weight goals. (So I really try to keep up – love my cab and my treat of a sour apple martini on the weekends). Don’t forget to work on burning those calories, nothing better than putting on Beyonce’ and dancing around for about an hour, (I would have hated to see what I looked like doing this at my high, but right now since I can finally look in the mirror and surprise I look damn good for a 46 year old) And don't forget to move those hips! *Quick note - my calcium comes from my latte, which is always the double tall skinny vanilla. 100 calories

It goes: Proteins Veggies Fruits Carbs I can eat more carbs, so if I eat those first I'm not likely to loose as much weight. An you can't drink with meals, and up to an hour after. Stick with this and you'll loose pounds.

It’s for each fill - unless you come back within one week, (because its too tight or too loose - I've only gone back to tighten, never loosen). Then I think its $150. I’m a gluten for punishment.

Unfortunately they have gone up to $375.00. But they are really good, I go there.

You should be fine at the concert - I had my surgery on a Friday and was back to work on Tuesday. Just walk slow and don't rush the stage with the other ladies! (Keep yourself in check) and try not to jump in and out of your seat to much. He's pretty darn hot! I haven't had a filler in Mexico, had Juviderm here and it was a breeze. Have fun!

You should check your paperwork, it’s been a while for me but if I remember right Dr. Ortiz said no hard exercise for 30 days and no stomach for 60. I could be wrong or it could have changed - but I know something about it was on our paperwork.

From my understanding its also is dependent on your band - some doctors put a fill the VG band during surgery. That was a discussion on this board in early 2007. It’s difficult since different doctors have different procedures, diets and programs. Since we are patients of Dr Ortiz we of course are going to follow his program, however I would recommend having a conversation with your doctor to understand why he recommends a fill so early. Best, Lisa

Congratulations! It was my best decision - you'll do great! Lisa

With working full time, one teenager still in and out of the house, and a grandbaby on the way I stay pretty busy. One of the ways I make sure to eat the right foods is to prepare it ahead of time. I use a lot of the fit and fresh smart products, you'll find that most people complain that they are too small, but they are actually just a little too big for us (some pieces). However they work great and allow you to really organize your food. This is my favorite http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...amp;catid=45532 I have 3 and I stack them up filled with precooked meats (chicken breasts grilled on my GF grill is always in at least one) chopped up veggies, fruits, beans, whatever I can think up to put in there for a quick grab. I just take a few of the containers to work and have for lunch. And then use part for dinner. I spent part of my day on Sunday thinking about my menu and organizing my food. I organize them by meats, veggies, fruits, carbs.

Happy Birthday BrittB! Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear BrittB..... Happy Birthday to you! He'll be back soon and just imagine how different you'll look! Hope this Birthday is extra special! Take care! Lisa

Eat the celery, or find no calorie/low calorie treats/candies, that's what I had to do and what I still do. I'm a late night eater and I make sure I can make it through I have the sugar free candies or my new favorite thing Skinny cow ice cream on hand in case of emergency snacking. (Sugar free hot chocolate seems to cure the urge as well) There's plenty of low calorie, no sugar treats to find out there - and once you get the band (as long as you have a tight fill) a little will go a long way.

It is harder, but once I got the band I was able to steadily loose weight. Not like when I was young, but I feel pretty good because so many people said I wouldn't be able to do it. With the band I've lost an average of 1.5 to 2 pounds per week. Pretty solid and very healthy so I'm fine with my track record to date. I had to add in exercise and throw in some PS since things don't pop back into place like they use too.... But too be honest I like my body better now than I did in my 20’s! I'm not as picky and just thrilled to be getting into shape and fitting into normal clothes and shoes! (Isn't it amazing that you feet loose weight and get smaller - I've had to buy all new shoes.. Darn it)

Hello, Sorry I missed your response to me. Everyone has that concern and as noted so well by all the ladies, we own our own successes and failures. I'm honestly not as hungry with my band if I have it filled properly. I have failed at so many diets and the band worked for me, (since I'm a big wuss, it means it is easier than many diets). You do have a valve, its the band, the tigher it is the less hungry you are, you just have to be careful not to get it too tight. I've had 9 fills, no unfills - but I do keep it pretty darn tight since I am someone that needs control over my eating. (I have the VG band since I was bigger which requires more fills, the smaller bands require less fills so its really dependant on what the dr says you should have). Its great to hear from a fellow Washingtonian as well, and there are many of us on this board. Let me know if you need anything, I'm in Snoqualmie and if you're ever on this side and want to meet up I'd be happy to sit down and talk! Take care, Lisa

Hello, I completely understand your concern. The lapband surgery takes just about 14 minutes with Dr Ortiz, and his facility is top notch. I found him when I heard that a doctor from Mexico had proctored many of the doctors in my State. (When I was researching to make my decision on who to go too). I then contacted the manufactures of the lapband, researched and found that he was well respected and highly recommended. You should always have concern when deciding to have surgery, however for me, my weight was more of a concern, in regards to having surgery in Mexico, you are 30 minutes from the border and you are in very capable hands. You should have just as much concern as many places on LA or other inner cities. Be smart, don’t bring your jewelry or flash money, go in groups and don’t go out at night. *The hotel has a great restaurant and wonderful staff. Emotional eating, yes you have to fight that - good luck with only fitting a small amount into your stomach. Exercise - find things that are fun, belly dancing, whatever makes you feel good, who cares as long as we move our bodies. Then once your sleek and sexy, its kind of fun to put on a tight pair of stretch pants and go out and work out, and show off your sexy new body! At first I didn’t want people to know that I went to Mexico, I was very worried about perception. However I have no concerns now and I just don’t give a rat’s ass what other people think. He’s given me my second chance at life, and I’m doing it right this time. I know based on how I feel and look and my general overall health that I’ve added years onto my life. Have I changed who I am? Absolutely, my kids are grown and I now drive a little sports car that I would not have been able to fit in before. I wear sexy clothes, love chache’ and you would have a hard time finding a shoe that didn’t have a high heal in my closet. (You would have a hard time finding one a year and a half ago) I belly dance, just got into my first bikini since the 70’s and I’m loving life! Go for it, what do you have to loose except for 100 pounds. (I’ve lost 115). Weight isn't a shield, it’s a big wall that keeps us from fully living life! Best, Lisa

Also, another important reason there are new studies out that show it weakens our bones - might as well get a good start on healthy living now! (I thought I'd miss it - but I don't),

First of all, don't freak out, 3 cookies is nothing - just stop now and start new. You'll make it, however if you don't reach the actual goal you should still be able to have your surgery. Do something to keep you mind off food, go for a walk - put on your favorite music and start dancing away (you'll also burn the calories of the 3 cookies) - go to your mirror and look at yourself, then imagine yourself in your new body - do you want to jeopardize this great opportunity - no way! Get back on the wagon - you'll do fine! Lisa

Its hard to say the weight loss with just isopure, its been a combination of that in the morning to get my kick of protein and eating less with my band that allowed me to loss over 100 pounds. I'm not using it right now, I really don't like to drink shakes and since I don't weigh as much I don't need as much protein. I know when my body craves it, so I'll just whip a shake together and take one. Best, Lisa

You sound so much like me that its not funny, and I was the same age as you when I recieved the band in 2006. I'm going to be honest, I've had my lap band for over 18 months now and I'm almost done with my weight loss, however I'm not yet what people consider normal. I eat smaller amounts, have to chew it up like you can't believe - (but it seems normal to me now and when I see people gobble their food down it makes me feel kinda sick) and I don't drink when I eat. (I have my short glass of cab before dinner for the antioxidents only of course)! Here's the important part, I eat very healthy now, smaller amounts but I really think and plan for what I put into my body. My kitchen is very different, and I've turned into a bit of a chef. I use fresh products, herbs, only whole wheat pasta and brown rice. I've taken cooking classes and really enjoy my food. And the reason I can now do this is I'm not hungry all the time and I can think before I stuff something in my mouth and have the time to prepare and cook healthy foods. (and yes most of the time I can eat anything, just very small amounts and well chewed). I buy small containers to organize my food so I can quickly grab something good for me. (Trader Joes and our local PCC are my favorite shopping stomping grounds. What's funny is that for years I've run a business for celebrity doctors, and I have nutritionists working for me and doctors at my call. Nothing worked - the band was my savior and I'm so thankful for it. I just went in for my yearly check up and my doctor was so impressed with my overall health and is now very supportive of the band. I'll be happy to help in any way possible - good luck! Lisa

Awesome job, you look adorable! Congrats and I can't wait to see it zipped up, which I believe will be pretty quick with the progress you're making

I think its also dependant on your band - I've had a total of 9 fills, (I have a VG band) so thats one every two months. I've almost reached my goal so my hope is I'm done with fills and if I have to go back in - its to get unfilled. I can tell when I need a fill, I can eat more - but the real kicker is I get hungy sooner.

Hello Lora, There's been a lot of discussions on protein lately. Here's a link to one of the most recent: http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=5814 Good luck! Lisa