jobyone1

So glad to hear that so many of you would do it again. I'm dying of starvation on this pre-op diet right now and the words keep me strong. I am losing but I always lose and re-gain. I am looking foward to something that will keep me from re-gaining all the hard work!

I can't wait to stop cropping our vacation pics so you can't see how big my ass is! I can't wait until I don't have to powder my thighs when I wear a dress because I get a rash when they run together I can't wait to be full after a meal and not go back for seconds, or thirds I can't wait to go shopping and fit in things!

Ok, I don't have the band or experience with the band but I am an RN and have worked with diabetic patients and nutrition counseling so I'm going to try some nutritional advice. I think that you are slowing your metabolism. I mean, according to everything, you should be losing weight because you are taking in far less calories than you are burning between your metabolism and your work out. Therefore, you need to do a few things to kick you natural metabolism in. Here are the tips that I know to start your body bring more calories: 1) A sauna - sitting in a sauna burns up to 600 cals per hour (not that you would sit an hour) by raising you body temp slightly 2) Walking in the morning and before bed for 10 minutes briskly on and having a small meal - protein based after am walk and nothing after pm walk except Water 3) A small carb-based snack in between meals - ex: a baked potato, brown rice, rice cakes. This snack should be not more than 150 cals. and should be a complex carb. Carbs boost your metabolism and help your brain to release serotonin which increases your sense of satisfaction. 4) Lean Protein at every meal, carbs 2-3 hours after as a snack- Proteins make you feel full, carbs speed the metabolism. 5) Weight training - 2 times per week- this is a no brainer - muscles burn more calories, of course we all know this one... I am not preaching to you so I hope you don't feel irritated with the advice. Certainly if I know all of this I shouldn't be fat and I am but I do use these things and I was 250lbs after my son. I have managed to lose 60 lbs on my own and trust me, I fall off the wagon all of the time! That is why I am getting banded. Good Luck!

OH MY GOD THAT IS AWFUL!!!!!! He is so lucky to be OK. How old is he? I will make sure we don't go anywhere alone there. We may not even go out after that story. I guess you couldn't even press charges. Did the bank credit back the $$$ that was taken with the debit card?

I cannot believe that you went through all of that for 14 lbs! That is such a shame. I also have a lower BMI. I am discouraged by your results. Do you follow the guidelines? Is it just that you are never full? That is my problem - I am never full. I just keep eating and then suddenly I feel stuffed after way too much. I thought the band was supposed to help that! Please share your story.

I can give you a great lo cal mojito recipe! I use sparkling Water, spenda, mint lemon, lime and bacardi white rum. It's great with only 150 cals for a large glass with 1.5 oz of bacardi.

Why didn't you think it was great? Was there something specific you think they did wrong or should have done but didn't? I read so many good things about Dr. Ortiz. I'm nervous to go to Mexico as well but he has actually done more Lap Bands than the other surgeons in at least my area (NJ and NY) that I have called. I was hoping that his experience would make up for the fact that he's not in the US. I"m just asking because I paid already and I'm really hoping for the best!

I keep having nightmares! I went on the complications forum and I keep reading about people that can't even swallow water due to post op swelling. That scares the crap out of me since I'm having it done in Mexico and I need to get home to kids and work. Also, I haven't told anyone and that would be a dead give away. Anyone else scared about complications?

I have a BMI of about 34. I'm 5'3" and 190. I"m getting banded by Dr, Ortiz in May. How did it go for you? I am scared but I can't wait. I've been starving myself for so long. I can't wait to finally feel full.

I am scheduled for May 25th. I'm scared and nervous.Can't wait though!