nothereanymore

Looks like they're up - here's the link to some of my pictures. (I will be removing the bathing suit one soon, its a a bad picture - however a good one to understand the changes that have happened to my body). Also some of my thinner pictures were taken at the Holidays - or in Feb and I've since lost more weight. Thanks, Lisa http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?auto...um&album=42

That's awesome and exactly what happened to me! (I said I wanted in ASAP, and someone cancelled so they offered me the spot, I had to get everything together in a week) I had to go by myself since it was soo sudden - but no worries it was great! I love the lucerna, the guys there are so nice, the staff at the clinic is amaizing and you'll do great! Congrats!

I made my decision because I didn't want to do anything that would drastically change my body and its original makeup. Adding a band slows down the food from entering your stomach and creates a full feeling, it does not change how you process your food. And from what I understand cutting your stomach changes how you process your food. Also the lap band can be easily reversed. And I'm to the point where I am almost done losing my weight and I will need to go on a stabilizing program. I can have some of my filled removed if I need to eat more, and say I gain some weight back and need to loose - I can have more fill added. I manage my lap band - it doesn't manage me. Take care, every decision we make for our own bodies is personal. Best, Lisa

Hello Nicole, Thank you soo much! Since my surgery 10/6/2006 I've lost 115, I've gone from a size 22 to a size 6 pants and 8/10 top. I've stopped counting my fills, since I was bigger I had the VG band it it takes a lot to keep up with filling it. I just have about 10 more pounds to loose - however right now since I'm smaller and working out more I haven't been loosing much weight - but toning, gaining muscle and loosing inches. I just had a neigbor tell me that I don't even look like the same person - which is interesting to me. I also am really into belly dancing - great for the stomach muscles and pretty darn sexy. Back in early 2007 I bought a belly dancing costume from Turkey and had it shipped internationally. It was sooo tiny and I couldn't even try to put it on without ripping the thing apart and had a hard time imagining I'd ever fit it. I just got in on last night and I'm going to take some pictures - it will be the first time my belly has seen daylight since the 70's..... I'll post them as soon as I get them taken (I just had a breast lift last week so it might be a couple of weeks). Just as an FYI I've had an extended tummy tuck and lippo on my sides as well to give me curves. I love my new body! (Aslo that picture was taken in January and since then I've lost another 20 pounds) Take care, it takes time and you have ups and downs - but its the best thing I've ever done for myself - if I was at 275 over a year and a half ago, and if I didn't do this I figured out by my average rate of gain that I would be over 300 pounds by now. (At your own risk... I just took a quick picture of myself today in my bathing suit - I know people wonder what you can look like with weight loss and perhaps after cosmetic surgery, - I did - its in my album, however it has to be approved first...) Lisa

Its not really like throwing up, you don't have the stomach acid combined with the saliva. (Its not too bad - but not fun either - you learn really fast not to overeat and eat slowly) Its like something is stuck and your body wants it to come up since it can't go down so it produces the saliva. Also one note, your band will tighten up at that time of the month for many. (It does for me - I've learned to plan my fills right after I'm finish with it) and if you are under stress.

Hello, I've been using bio oil scar treatment for a few months now and can see an good improvement on my scars. You don't want to use it until you are completely healed - I also had an extended tummy tuck and asked my Doctor first before starting the program. This bottle lasts me a month - and its new to the US - been very popular in Europe for a while. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...rx=BUY-GFI-0-BL

Hello Kate, I'm just copying the below from another post of mine: "One bit of advice - whenever I was moving slow I would increase my protein intake - I'd have my Isopure Low Carb, high protein shake in the morning. It has 50 grams of 100% Ion Exchange Whey Protein Isolate and when you add in your nonfat high protein milk that brings you up to 60 grams for only 310 calaries. It was my biggest hit of calories for the day and I'd only have it in the morning when my band was tight. (I was lucky if I could drink it all) And then the rest of the day only solids in two other meals, my band is tight so about 1/4 to 1/2 cup total and I'd always start with my protein (chicken/fish/turkey) chew the living daylights out of it and then veggies - hardly had room for fruit and rarely made it to the carbs - but tried. The high protein really kicked my body into burning the fat - I had heard that from a lady from this board that had lost most of her weight - she was right on." (Its a great way to get a good amount of protein in one meal) Best, Lisa

Its an important part of your diet, however its just as important as the vegetables, fruits, cereals and grains you should be eating. I really stick with high protein low fat meat and keep away from the saturated fat. Start keeping track of the protein your taking in, and in any diet what everyone says here is right, you don't want too much or too little of what's good for you. And remember you can get protein from beans and nuts as well! Added - I found a protein calculator online from the University of Maryland - seems high to me since my Doctor just told me I could cut down on my protein intake since I've lost weight - however gives you a good idea. http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp

One thing I'm going to add, after you start getting your fills, its really difficult to get all of your protein in. You have to fight and really keep track of it. I can generally only each a couple TBs of turkey or other protein - which is only 4 grams on average. Its something you'll need to watch. (By the way, great job looking at the studies, I run a business that deals with Dr's and thats what I have to do for much of my time) You're hired!

I'm going to have to give my plug for Dr. Nyte in Maple Valley WA - (since you're close to him). He did my tummy tuck in November 2007 and it was extended - I was back to work in 10 days. The drain came out in 3. It wasn't that bad - just like was mentioned - no lifting and be careful. I love my shape - I did have lippo and it really gave me curves, his tummy tuck is on special right now for $4850, and if you add in a breast lift he does cut the price - (normally a lift is $5600 on its own, but lower if added in with the tummy tuck) The surgery is performed at the hospital in Enumclaw - so just an hour away from Olympia. I've had more compliments on my work - (when I show people) and I have the cutest round belly button and perky breasts! (I just had my breast lifted - so adorable)!! Check out his website and if you're interested give him a call - he's wonderful to work with, and he has a no interest program you can work with if you need a loan (I think its for 6 or 12 months - check with Michelle at the office). My husband was not for this - but now loves the look - its pretty funny....says it was worth the money! http://www.nytesurgical.com/ I'm just adding this because he is now having a special on Breast Augmentation! Great price, wish I had gotten, no worries, love my breasts! Specials Summer Specials Ending August 31, 2008 Breast Augmentation (Saline)--4,250 Breast Augmentation (Silicone)--5,350

If you are a patient of Dr. Ortiz I would give the clinic a call - I know he would not be happy with that progress and would do everything to assist. If not, good luck with your doctor - (if you don't have it yet - get Dr. Ortiz's book - its very helpful). One bit of advice - whenever I was moving slow I would increase my protein intake - I'd have my Isopure Low Carb, high protein shake in the morning. It has 50 grams of 100% Ion Exchange Whey Protein Isolate and when you add in your nonfat high protein milk that brings you up to 60 grams for only 310 calaries. It was my biggest hit of calories for the day and I'd only have it in the morning when my band was tight. (I was lucky if I could drink it all) And then the rest of the day only solids in two other meals, my band is tight so about 1/4 to 1/2 cup total and I'd always start with my protein (chicken/fish/turkey) chew the living daylights out of it and then veggies - hardly had room for fruit and rarely made it to the carbs - but tried. The high protein really kicked my body into burning the fat - I had heard that from a lady from this board that had lost most of her weight - she was right on.

I was banded in October of 2006, my highest weight were I got on a scale and looked was 275, my surgery weight 265. I am now 150 and doing great! I went from a size 22 to a size 6 pants, 8 top. I look 20 years younger and I'm nearly at my goal. I had hard times, however when I lost the most weight it was when I was following the rules, so stick to it! To date I've had an extended tummy tuck and just had my breast lift last week by Dr. Nyte in Maple Valley WA. I love my new body and spirit! Take care, stick with it and make sure you are having fun! Lisa

A six, sometimes a four!! Great job!! Dr. Nyte and his staff are amazing, sweet and very supportive. I'm so thrilled that I did this and can't thank you enough. I'm actually scheduling my breast augmentation for March of 08. I just got into a size 10, and that’s with the ugly, thick and uncomfortable tummy wrap on!! My surgery was on Thursday and I had my drain removed on Monday – not fun. I hated it when it was removed – I accidentally yelped a really bad swear word when it came out…. Can’t imagine doing that myself! I wish I could be at the get together – but I’ll be in Hawaii showing off my new and improved belly button! Thanks again Pammie, I owe you a drink at the next get together! Lisa

Don’t be frustrated, I’ve been banded for just over a year and have lost slightly over 90 pounds as well. I’ve had 7 fills, its difficult to reach the sweet spot. Some times you loss 10 pounds between fills, sometimes just a few and sometimes none. But let me tell you, its worth it. On of my managers at work just posted a picture of me that was taken just before my surgery, and someone asked me who that was – I had to explain that it was me. A different me – not only has my body changed, but my attitude, I’m more confidant, positive, I dress differently and I’ve moved up professionally since my weight loss transition. I can’t imagine how much I’d weigh this year if I didn’t have the surgery and what type of person I would be, I've changed, not only in how I look, but my overall mental state. I was a size 22 in Oct of 2006, I was a size 12 last week, but just had an extended tummy tuck with lippo, my Doctor thinks I will be 2 – 3 sizes smaller once the swelling goes down. I can’t imagine what that will be like! Good luck with your journey! Make it a fun one!

Hello, Since the topic is tummy tucks and I just had mine I thought I'd reply. (For our Washington members) I am a pt of Dr. Ortiz and love and respect him dearly; however I really did want to remain close to my family for this type of surgery. The lap band surgery takes under 15 minutes to complete. (With Dr O) My extended tummy tuck took over 6 hours. I had mine in Washington State at a local Doctor that Pammie recommended. (Thanks Pammie)!! I actually had an extended tummy tuck with lippo on my back and sides for $8500. Dr. Nyte from Maple Valley, WA performed my surgery and he was wonderful. He has done many lap band pts and knows how to deal with our port area. I feel the same about Dr Nyte as I do about Dr Ortiz, he gave me a piece of my life back! My incisions are just 2 inches apart on my back and go around my stomach and it has completely changed my shape. I just had my surgery last Thursday and I feel great 6 days out. It’s great to loose the weight, however if you have skin that hangs after your weight loss its hard to feel good about yourself. We all have to make our own decisions about our health issues, and I have no problem going to Mexico for any of my medical needs if its with the best Doctors, and Dr. Ortiz is exactly that. I also know many people that have gone to Cosmo and love their experience and the results. My personal decision was just to stay close with this procedure and I'm thrilled with my results and the price. I cant wait till to put on a two piece bathing suit!! Thanks, Lisa

I found the 21 days difficult as well. You get really good at "blending" chunky soups. You can "chew" blended soup - not perfect but alot of what you miss is in your mind. Get some good flavorsome soups and blend! One of the most satisfying was a home made potato soup. Saut

I've met 3 women who have gone to CosMed for plastic surgery after weight loss. They looked amazing. As soon as I reach my goal my plan is to book my appointment and finish the job.

I like stacker 2 protein water. Its drinkable -- the flavor leaves A LOT to be desired, but the protein is worth it. They are in a refrigerated case and there are usually a lot of options. My advice is to start with one of each flavor/kind and try them, find out what one you like best. You'll find the more protein you can get into your body the better you will feel. :-) My favorite is the Pink Lemonade. The one that Greg recommends (Isopure) is the one that everyone I know raves about. Good luck!

They are a great company, and their food is good and good for you. The meals are portion controlled but one thing I noticed is that many of their meals wouldn

Hello, I generally take time to drink before dinner so I don

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I was banded on 10/6/06 and I thought I was going to miss my favorite foods. I don't - it amazing the will power you have when you don't have that hunger. Also since you are better able to control your eating, you're not eating for emotional reasons. (Which I did a lot) To date I've lost almost 50 lb, and there's nothing I miss. When I was banded I was wearing a 3X, I'm now in a 16 and 14s are doable. I started working out with a personal trainer after 6 weeks. I can't tell you how fun it is to try on cute clothes, they fit and actually look great. I feel sexy and pretty, and none of my favorite foods ever made me feel that way. Going to Dr. O to be banded was one of the best decision's I've ever made.