fificlark56

I am a Special Ed teacher of students with emotional problems at a year round school. I had my banding while I was off track so I didn't need to take any time off. My surgery went very well and I felt comfortable with the anesthesiologist and all the medical staff in Tijuana. It was on a Tuesday and I think I would have been okay to return to school the following Tuesday or Wednesday. It was similar to having my gall bladder removed. They found a hernia and repaired it, but I didn't really feel where it was located. This is the THIRD best thing I've ever done for myself. FIRST marrying right guy SECOND having daughter who has beautiful grandson I think the most difficult part has been changing the social aspects of food. Like Jenna I had lunches, dinners, desserts with which to meet friends. Now I go on walks, or go shopping. I avoid certain restaurants, and Mrs See's Candies. She and I had an affair where we met late at night. We do go out sometimes but now we split a meal or I get an appetizer. We ate at Outback and spent $28.00 for lobster & filet. I had lunch the next day as well. Before it would have been at least $60.00 and I would have been sick. I am not perfect. I eat chocolate. I have my daily Diet Dr Pepper but I wait until it is totally flat. I love losing weight. I feel sexier (husband says he would like more proof), younger, and lighter inside and out. I'm not shopping in Whale World or the FLD (fat lady department). I TUCK in my shirts. Go for it honey! I haven't regreted it once 207/161/125 5' 2" Banded 11/7/05

My hair hasn't been falling out, but it has become very dull and unmanageable. I've been threatening to shave it all off because it looks like poodle butt hair. Hoping that it improves soon before the next Eukanuba Cup. Banded 11/8/05 by Dr Ortiz & Martinez 207/161/125

Hi Ellie mae I was 207 5'2" with a BMI of 35/36. I had been denied Gastric ByPass several years ago by my insurance company. My MD suggested a BAnd. I knew insurance wouldn't do it so we took out a loan. It was 10,000 cheaper in TJ than in Reno. Also the doctors here had only done 40 and Dr Ortiz & Martinez have done 2000+. Did it & have no regrets! Good Luck Fifi

Hello I was banded on 11/5/05 by Drs Ortiz & Martinez. Before I went to TJ I lost 10 pounds. I have this mindset that this is a crucial situation for me & I want it so badly. I'll be 50 in July and I want to be healthy & wearing more attractive clothing. My weight loss started as soon as I was banded & came home. Don't think that I have been a perfect, I ate a bunch of chocolate @ Christmas but not 2 boxes like I normally would have. I had my first fill on 1/7/06 after having lost 35 pounds. I was nervous about the fill, wondering if I should even have one, because I was losing without it. Dr Martinez thought it was okay.He also said I was a model patient. Since the fill of 1.8 cc, I can eat very little at a time. I'm doing everything I can to avoid the pain in my chest & neck. My nose runs as well. I absolutely can't eat hamburgers, my first (hopefully last) experience with PB. I thought I would die right there alone. Bad headlines "Woman dies from eating one bite of burger!" I is exhirating to "shop in the garage" for clothes with which I couldn't part. THE BIGGEST prize is to walk right on past the FLD (Fat Lady Department) into the other sections. My Gawd, so many more clothes! Exercise has becoming crucial. I'm going to Curves & walking my furry kids, but I'm terrified of these swinging things hanging off my arms. Also the elephant ears inner thighs. Do we all have to have surgery or will it go away? Best wishes to all Banders & pre Banders Fifi 207/169/120 5'2"