TanyaSari

Hi everyone, I was banded on Feb 14, 2011 in Richmond, Virginia with Dr. Kellum at VCU Health Systems. The entire team was absolutely phenomenal! I love the NP Leah, the nutritionist Rachel, and patient coordinator, Jill. They are all beautiful and fabulous encouraging people. I had a couple of fills with Dr. Kellum and was losing weight just fine. My progression was right on target. Then, in the beginning of June, I moved to NYC where I was referred by several people to see Dr. Fielding. My first day at the office was painful. I had to do an esophogram that I wasn't expecting at all, my records were mixed in the shuffle, and I just felt like a new patient all over again. It was like I had never been banded. The nutritionist consult was ok, and each person I talked to I had to tell my story over and over again. I got a little frustrated. Then, I was made too tight, didn't eat for 10 days, because I didn't want to go back. I wanted my practice in Richmond, VA. Finally I realized I needed to go or else I would get sick. Things are better now with NYU and I've learned to adapt and enjoy the practice. I've hit the 100 lbs. down mark and my goal is 174. I started at 286, and I am at 186 right now. I'm working out 5x a week almost killing myself at the gym, eating next to nothing, and just frustrated the last 12 lbs will not come off. I'm not scheduled for a fill until April. But, at this point, should I just go back for another fill? I'm a tall girl (5'10") so I know I can't drop that much more weight. However, I would love to know if any other tall women on here have the same issue with dropping the weight. Is height a factor that affects our weight loss? Will I drop the last 12 lbs? Should I be down on myself at this point that I can't get past the full 100 mark? Help! Thanks y'all Tanya from Richmond, VA now in NYC 286/186/159

I'm running my first 5K on March 24th and right now my time is at 35 minutes average. I just want to get down to the normal BMI which for me is 174. I looked up average weight for women of my height and that is 159. So really, if I want to push it, I would need to lose 27 lbs. Which seems like so much more to go! At this rate of not losing anything for the last week or so, I'm in a rut. I'm drinking TONS of Water. I don't eat Breakfast, but try to have a Protein shake instead. I don't really eat much for dinner. Heck, I don't eat at all half the time. It's ok to say I want to lose 12 more to be considered healthy. But it's killing me to say I want to lose 27 lbs to be average like other tall women. I may be able to fit a size 12 in pants, but some days I feel like my gut is just so huge and nothing looks good on it.

Who was your doctor? I had Dr. Kellum at VCU Health Systems and he was the best! Good luck!

Hey everyone, I moved to NYC got this great amazing job. I moved from the south...and now I have no work clothing at all. I'm in a 14/16 and large tops now. I will pay shipping for clothing if you want. I just am so broke from moving and didn't take into account how COLD NYC is going to be. Looking for anything!!! I lost 60+ lbs!

So I guess a little background information will help Beginning weight 280 10/22/2010 Surgery date: 2/14/2011 Current weight 231 I have 4 cc in my band. I was originally banded in Richmond, VA, however had to relocate to NYC for a new and exciting job I landed. I am now seeing Dr. Fielding at NYU Langone and was seeing Dr. Kellum at MCV/VCU Health Systems. When I went to my first appointment with my new doctor, he put 2 cc in my band making it 4.5. Within 10 days I had lost 11 lbs and just wans't really able to eat. My hectic schedule kept me from going back to the dr. and when I finally did they said I was super malnutritioned and not doing so well. Here I am now with 4 cc in my band and doing well with eating and losing weight. When I went to the dr. I was 236. So I lost 4 lbs since that appointment on July 22nd. I am so nervous about getting another fill because if 4.5 was too much for me to handle, how do I know this won't be too much for me to handle? Should I ask for a certain amount? I'm not sure what I should do right now and am really scared that if they make me tighter, I'll have issues again. They only took out .5 cc the last time. How do I prevent this from backfiring on me?

I would love to have a mentor in NYC. I live in Bay Ridge Brooklyn and work in midtown Manhattan.

I got banded 2/14 also and have no more gas but random discomfort. The only thing I'm taking now is my multi Vitamin. I'm very tight in my stomach when I first wake up and it takes me a while to get out of bed physically. Other than that I'm pretty good.

Went out walking today and enjoyed the lovely weather in Virginia we have. I'm doing great and having good stuff to "eat." No pain, no nausea, no gas, nothing. Couldn't ask for better!

Ok so here's my *cheating* I had a 2 grilled chicken legs last night, a small spoon of mashed potatoes with cole slaw. Previously I had the same thing last Thursday. When I was sick with the stomach flu, I had chicken noodle Soup with saltines since my stomach couldn't handle anything else. There I admitted I dropped 12 lbs thus far and surgery is on V-Day.

Hey! I'm doing mine at VCU Medical Center in Richmond! Nice to see another VA person on here! I didn't have to pay upfront. I'm in my 20's too and feel the same way as you GOOD LUCK!

I love the nectar Vanilla Bean Torte. It is great with a crystal light strawberry mixed in too. Try it and it is sold at GNC & Vitamin Shoppe. SOOOOO YUMMMMMY

I'm glowing right now from dropping 12 lbs. Here I was so worried about my stomach bug I had over the weekend and the fact I had to cheat. NOT THIS GIRL! I'm down 12 lbs already and Monday isn't even here yet for my surgery date (2/14). SOOO HAPPPPPPPPY

Everyone in my house got this horrible stomach bug including me. I can't keep any of the shakes down for my pre surgery diet. I had to eat chicken Soup and I had some gatorade since I needed electrolytes. I did get the low cal one. I cheated earlier in the week with chicken and mac and cheese. My question is, how bad off do you think I am for the diet? I've been really good about getting my Protein in and what not. Just today dairy is not staying in my stomach.

Thanks for the input. Sadly the only thing staying down is chicken soup with saltines. I have had lots fo 99% fat free swanson chicken broth and low salt saltines just to settle. I have the low cal gatorade and that's working so far. Just the sight of milk makes me sick. This is a bad stomach bug in our house. Everyone has upset stomach and diarrhea. Avoiding any dairy for 24 hours. If I promise to be good for the next week, do you guys think I will be ok? Should I call the doctor tomorrow? I'm so worried now I was doing so good until everyone in the house got sick and I had to give in and stop shakes for a day.

Everyone in my house got this horrible stomach bug including me. I can't keep any of the shakes down for my pre surgery diet. I had to eat chicken Soup and I had some gatorade since I needed electrolytes. I did get the low cal one. I cheated earlier in the week with chicken and mac and cheese. My question is, how bad off do you think I am for the diet? I've been really good about getting my Protein in and what not. Just today dairy is not staying in my stomach.

I've been doing the pre surgery diet and yesterday was ok. This morning I've been craving food sooooo much! My only worry is the Protein shakes I got only give me 500 calories a day so I know I need to make up 500 somewhere. I have read people eating eggs on the diet. So maybe I can just make up for it by eating a few eggs here and there.

I'm doing mine Feb 14th too. Best gift to myself ever! <3 it!!!!

I'm getting mine on February 14th <3

I have a Master's Degree in Psychology. I can tell you that the MMPI-2 is a 567 True/False personality inventory. It does test to see if you have anything and a lot of time insurance companies require that you take this test. It is a pain in the butt. I took it and did disclose to the psychiatrist I have a BA and MA in Psychology and knew exactly what to look for. Since my insurance required it she told me to just do it. Obviously I passed with flying colors. It's one small step along the path to getting approved.

Hey everyone! My date is scheduled for Feb 14th! I'm so excited. I am going to Israel for 2 weeks in January, otherwise I could have had January 24th as my date. But, I'm ok with traveling and then going on the diet/surgery in February. My birthday is Feb 23rd and I think this will be the first year I don't eat cake on my birthday! Oy! I am so excited and have such an amazing supportive group of friends and family! Quick question for anyone.. how much weight do you loose during the 2 week pre-op diet? Also, some people said they were able to eat a small amount of food, and others didn't. My doctor said liquid only and sugar free jell-o. So I'm just wondering. Thanks! Tanya

My surgery date is scheduled for February 14th! I start the diet on Jan 31st! I am soooo excited!