GR8

I eat small amounts as well -- or you can just say that I don't feel like it right now - maybe later. Or truth --I am trying to watch what I am eatting - avoiding sugar. Maybe people won't notice. :cheers2: Happy easter and good luck!

I haven't had problems that required crushing. I do try to get liquid if I can. But I take Thyroid and Arthritus pills daily. Have a good night - I wish you get over this soon!

It is not the same FULL feeling that you get currently or at Thanksgiving. Sometimes it is just to stop before you become uncomfortable with sliming or pains or pressure. I get hiccups about 3-5 minutes after eating when I eat to full. It is a TOOL -- the more you put into this the better results. Exercise - watching calories in - getting enough Protein - and getting enough Water - staying away from Sugar and all the bad foods - chips, crackers, candy, ice cream and such. I lost 50 lbs 7 mos prior surgery eatting as if I had surgery and lost 46 lbs 7 mos after surgery - total 96 lbs. Depends on amount of weight you have to lose as with any diet/weight loss plan as well. If you drink with meal - you are pushing the food through the pouch which you lose the satisfied feeling and get hungry faster. Caffeine ? ICE yes -- ICE CREAM no. Liquid; any of the liquid Protein drinks - Jello - broth - and such. You doctor will provide an outline of what he allows and disallows. Good Luck!

Congrat's to all! I see all bases covered here -- Best wishes to you all!

Hi -- Could it be that your fill created swelling - and you didn't do liquids and it was not able to reduce swelling. Then the TOM created more swelling -- I agree with that. Mine usually does get tighter about 1 week after fill.

Congrat's! I got mine from Lauren's Hope website. Have a good night!

WELCOME! You are not alone! Maybe try a different drink that satisfies you more. Drink Water - crystal light - or something similiar low calorie. Best wishes!

Calories count - so you will want to take the drinks with minimal calories. Journaling all food/liquids is the best way to stay on target. I try to stay at 1400 cal or below. As stated - sips generally; gulping is not recommended. When I get stuck - and think a sip will help - it does not - it actually makes it worse. So I learned that lesson and don't even attempt now days. I do keep a drink by my side ALL DAY long -- Crystal Light in a Gatorade 32 oz bottle. Minimim of 2 a day generally 3 or 4 of them is what I get in. Good luck!

Sounds like you are still very tight. How much was in your band and how much did they add? I would stay on liquids for a few more days. Then try mushies - very slowly. Cottage cheese worked good for me. Tuna salad and such did not -- that took a long while. I wish you the best!

Looks like you have a conference happening there right now: Seattle Bash & Band The Sixth Annual Seattle Bash & Band Educational Conference. February 15,16,17 I also now there is a good office in Everett WA -- depending exactly where you live in Seattle area. Best Wishes.

You've got it -- I will keep you in my prayers. Keep us updated. :cheers2:

Janie – Big hugs to you and thank you for your support and being here J Pamela – Good luck getting the property! What are your future plans for the property? TracyinKS – thanks for posting the video link and your test turned out wonderful. You look great – and your son is sooo darn cute! I haven't done a blog let alone a video - you are so computer advanced. I just learned how to upload photo's this year - Have a relaxing day everyone.

I saw Doc T on 3/1 and they could have scheduled my surgery 4/2 - but I pushed it back to 4/9 due to work obligations. Remember the blood work has to be within 2 weeks of the surgery (if I remember correctly). Good Luck!

They will do EKG ( I think that is the right term) as well as the blood work. I got the bill for reading the EKG and such -- The office is very willing to answer all questions - and Dr T took all the time I needed to answer all my questions and discuss all my concerns. Take advantage of this -- get that answered straight from them -- they are so nice and understand the cost issue completely! :wink_smile:

I am glad to assist you as well. No I don't go to the support meetings - due to the fact I travel and I live in Chesapeake. (1 hour plus drive there plus drive back home.) I find HERE is my best support system -- day or night 24/7 on my schedule. I did go before the surgery - 1x required, and 2x after. They are interesting and had good info - so don't let me discourage you from going.

Mine is under the right breast -- and no not visible. At first I could feel it if I laid down and pressed, now that I lost 100lbs, I can feel for it just standing. Typically there are 5 incisions. There is a thread out here of people showing their incisions if you wander around to find it. I understand both can be done together easily. I do not have any personal experience here though. I lost 50 lbs before surgery since Seminar/Consultation and the doctor - gives me credit for those lbs -- he starts his record from Seminar/Consultation. I lost 50 lbs in the 7 months before surgery and 46lbs in the 7 months post surgery. It will depend how much you put into it and how much you weight. I did not exercise as much as I should/could have. They rinse it out and fill then put it in place -- and let what ever runs out run out and then attach the port. So the answer - maybe. If it is real tight fitting - you could have none left; if you where not a tight fit you could have some left in it. I had .5cc. You find out at the first FILL appt. Immediately after surgery you feel restricted due to swelling, and this goes away (at least for me) so continue to diet during this time - till you get your first fill to get some restriction back (usually 6 weeks out) Every one does and has -- you are at the right place. READ READ READ here -- all your questions will be answered one way or another. Best wishes.

Welcome and Congrat's on joining BandLand! How fast you recover is individual? Are you on your feet -- if so I would take the week off at a minimum. I only took one day off - day of surgery - but the rest of the week I worked by monitoring emails on my laptop on the couch and using my blackberry. Pain -- that is also individual -- I slept in the recliner the first 4 nights -- didn't have the ability to get up from a laying down position. Pain was not unbearable for me. First day felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. It got better the more I moved. I would get up every hour and wander around for 10 minutes - get a drink, take the dog out, look out the window, and such. Best wishes!!!!!

You were in the right! The name is FAMILY CHANGING ROOM not HANDICAP CHANGING ROOM.

Carla -- does this inspire you? June 2006 339lbs Then Jan 23 2008 100lbs lost!

Diane - I am good. Getting over the sickness going around. How about you? HarleyNana -- where are you??? vacation? Tomorrow is suppose to be warmer again. :wink_smile: Have fun where ever you are tonight!

No I did not stay overnight - but if I would have needed to - it was included. I got there at 7am for 9am surgery and was released by 1pm. My insurance did cover the pre-op testing - not part of the package deal. You are not a failure -- this is not a cure all or the easy way out by any means. It is a lifestyle change TOOL. Your doctor is right - you are a winner. Now let's get you through this one day at a time - I (and many others) are and will be right here with you every step of the way! You have every right to be scared and if you decide to do this -- the closer the day comes the more scared you will get until you wake up after surgery and all is good and you feel you just climbed the tallest mountain and the rest is down hill. It gave me hope that I can finally be able to lose weight and reach my goal -- my dream -- get control of my life back -- be here for my family long-term. The look better and being able to wear great clothes is just the whipped cream and cherry on top!:wink_smile: It is amazing to me and my family. My goal listed below was based on just getting to 199 --but since I have adjusted my mindset to reach 170. So that just shows you -- in the begining I thought getting below 200 would be a reach -- now that seems attainable and 170 would be my "normal weight" per all the charts and standards. Never Never would have thought that I could attain that in my life. I was accepting that I would never be normal weight or thin --just didn't want to be SO overweight and gaining... YOU CAN DO IT! WE ARE HERE! So go get the pre-tests done and pay the money. (It's tax deductable - and a small price to add years to your life and maintain good health! Love ya! Hugs and Kisses :wink2:

Kity -- you can eat whole grain pasta?? That would vapor-lock me. Janie -- I think advil or alieve would help with the ice as well. Get well soon!!!!! Quality control -- yeah yeah that's the ticket! Thanks for understanding :wink_smile:

Laura – OMG you look so wonderful! Glad you are feeling better. TracyK –What a great picture of you and Macy! Terry – One the hardest things for me was seeing my dad growing older. He had a stroke and it broke my heart. I lost him in 2000. My heart goes out to you and your mom. Judy - how wonderful for you to be able to go on another cruise. I have never been on one, but seriously considering one in year+ out to Alaska. I understand Ft Lauderdale is nice – my Charlotte Branch Manager is moving there to be the Branch Manager there. It’s out of my region – I hate losing him – but I think I have a good replacement in line for the Charlotte office. I still have to find one for Charleston and Atlanta. Busy Busy Busy. Kat – I do think the test was wrong. The pills were to be taken 2 x a day for 5 days. I took 1x for 3 days. I definetly had sinus infection that caused coughing at night – but is getting much better. Thanks for asking. I am sorry you broke your tooth. Tracy – My husband gets ear aches as well. They always give him some drops – 4-5 drops every 4 hours. Makes a big difference. That is the most painful of all things to get. Janie – sorry you still aren’t feeling well. Get as much sleep as you can – don’t forget your liquids. They make Thera-Flu daytime – dissolving strips – if you need them. Judy – I agree you look amazing!!! I wish I was motivated to exercise like you. OKAY – I have to confess – I have been really bad today – and probably gained 5 lbs. I had a girlfriend over and we made Key Lime, Peanut Butter, Coconut Truffles and Chocolate covered nuts. You know you have to lick a lot of spoons and items to get the chocolate off before putting in the sink. Then of course taste the items! My BIL was over as well – so I went to the Chinese store and got take-out galore for everyone. I missed Chinese food – and yes I was able to eat it – Fried Rice and all. I am hungrey right now – but don’t want to eat – because I don’t want to gain anymore than I have already set myself up so far for. Have a good night everyone! Hugs and Kisses.

Hi Carla -- I have Dr T as well. He is fantastic. The Psych valuation is to make sure you don't have issues that would prevent you from succeeding and you understand the committment you are getting into. I am extremely happy - I too stalled 10/22ish at 96 lbs lost -that was my best (held 1 day only)and enjoyed the holidays way too much ended back at only 88 lbs total lost -- but I have been on track for a little while now (1/17)- and down 104 lbs total (2/15). For me - to remain stable and on track with losing -- these are the rules I MUST follow - or else it doesn't happen. 1. Drink 96 oz that day 2. Only 3 eating times - no Snacks, no one bites of this or that. 3. Eat no more than 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup at sitting. 4. Get my minimum of 60 gr of Protein. If I miss even one :crying:of these goals -- the scale will say up .2 to 1.2:thumbdown:. Depending on which one and if multiple goals stated above not met the more I gain:embaressed_smile:. With all that said -- It was absolutely the BEST thing I could have done for myself -- and would have done it all over again but sooner if I would have the chance to re-live my life. Even if I was not to lose another lbs from what I have -- all very worth it. I truly want to lose 70 lbs more. Wish me luck.:wink_smile:

Jenn - good for you! TracyK - I loved the picture of you and your daughter. You look amazing. Congrat's on your NSV's as well! Michelle - what a wonderful Mom you are -- and you are beautiful in the pictures. Kat & TracyinKS - get well -get well - we want you t get well soon! (that is the song my DH sings to me) - wishing you a quick recovery.