kirajh

Hi I had a couple consultations with Dr. Kam and he was really nice. I liked him. Ended up in Mexico though since I couldn't wait for my insurance to cover it. (depression) I hear he is great with fills though. I tried to get in to have him do mine but since he was leaving, I had to find somewhere else to go. So, where did he go after he left Barix?

Hey, that sounds just like Michigan.

Try the gummy vitamins. They are really good. No vitamin taste at all. Just like the real thing. It says children over two to take two per day and the nutrition chart shows that adults get 1/2 the nutrition, so I take 4 -5 of them a day.

I hope it isn't connected to the lapband. Four years ago, my kidneys stopped functioning and i was on Dialysis for three weeks and then miraculously they started working again and now they are working at 100%. I've only been bnded about 6 months though. Kari banded 7-16-07 dr. Ortiz down 54 lbs, lots more to go

Oh, you are so good Janet. I don't think I would be able to pass those up. I haven't figured out yet if I am craving something sweet or just a cigarette. I went to the doctors this morning, slushing through all that snow we got, and this is my NSV. First, I am down 54 pounds. One of my diabetes pills have been deleted from my stash and my lasix has been halved. I also only have to test my blood sugars once a week now. WOOHOO I hate doing that.

I love the pictures!! Everyone looks fantastic. Good job all. I look in the mirror and still can't see a difference. I'd try posting pics but I am computer illiterate.

Jessica I was banded on 7-16 too. That makes three of us with that date

A lot depends on who you have BCBS with. We have BCBS of Mi and it is through Teamsters and we don't need to have any supervised diet as of last January. Where in Michigan are you from? Where are you having your surgery? I had mine done in Mexico and get my fills in Hillsdale. I live in SW livingston county. Kari banded 7-15-07 Dr. Ortiz down 52 lbs. lots more to go

Mine says to eat normal............I have and haven't had any problems

I quit smoking four years ago (not by choice) when I was hospitalized for two months. Then I put on over 60 lbs. That's why I got the band.

for my pre-op diet, I drank Glucerna (due to diabetes) and to tell you the truth, it was pretty good. I've used both the chocolate and the Butter Pecan. The butter pecan actually tastes like ice cream.

Hi Jalee Just want to say welcome and to tell you that my granddaughter's name was also Jayli.

Gee, I wish I would feel something!!! Janet - I liked what you wrote about finding a friend and encouraging them. That is one reason I log on here at least once a day. I need the re-inforcment that I am doing what I should be doing. I found a magnet in my envelope of papers yesterday from when I had my surgery at OCC in Tijuana. I thought I would share it with you guys. Follow the ten guidelines for success 1. Eat only three meals a day 2. Eat slowl and chew thoroughly 3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full 4. Do not drink while you are eating 5. Don't eat between meals 6. Eat only good quality foods 7. Avoid fibrous foods 8. Drink enough liquids during the day 9. Drink only low calori liquids 10 Exercise at least 30 minutes a day I know we all know these things but it doesn't hurt to reiterate them. I've put the magnet right next to the handle on my fridge so I can see it every time I open the fridge. Good night all.......Tomorrow is another day. Time to get back on track. All the pre-Christmas celebrations are over for now. NOW GET OUT AND START LOSING, KARI!!!!!!!!! Remember, your goal is Cancun.

Linda - First off, we were both banded on the same day, same city just different locales. I was banded by Dr. Ortiz. We live in a small town northwest of Ann Arbor. My oldest daughter and son-in-law both live in Allendale and both graduated from Grand Valley. Janet - I don't exactly count all the calories but I eat just about the same thing everyday. start with yogurt which is 110 calories. Lunch is usually a two egg omelet made with egg beaters, 60 calories and add two pieces of low fat or no fat cheese. 150 calories. Then for dinner I usually have a lean cusine. I drink about 4 or 5 bottles of water a day. Late afternoon and late evenings is when I cheat when I do cheat. Then it is something like a granola bar (180) Or a piece or two of rye bread and butter. I have to admit that this is probably my downfall but we've been out for a couple weeks and I have told my husband...NO MORE TRIPS TO THE JEWISH BAKERY. I also crunch on dill pickles off and on during the day. 5 calories each. Once or twice a week I make dinner to share with my husband. Also a place where the calories add up. And when I really screw up, I add at least a half hour of pedaling. As for my exersize bike, I ride it at least an hour a day....aim for 75 -90 minutes and end up with 2 hours or more at least once a week. I usually make at least 20 miles a day. Now I will let that little angel cop say its piece. I need a swift kick in the butt. I really want to lose about 20 more pounds before I go in and have my knee replaced. Then I will be able to get out and walk. EVERYBODY, HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. TALK TO YOU ALL TOMORROW.

lOVED THE POEM. I've been gone all day. went for my monthly fill today and then went shopping and now it's the middle of the night. I now have 7.8cc in my 10 or 11 VG band. Still not much restriction. And, oh yes, I didn't lose a pound this month. BOO HOO I couldn't believe it!! Except for a couple days at Thanksgiving I have been doing pretty good. Trying really hard to keep those calories under 1000 and pedaling my exersize bike at least one hour everyday. Never missed one day. And the scale is stuck now. This is what I have planned now. I am going to ride my (exersize) bike somewhere really great. Thinking it is going to be Cancun but I have yet to make up an itinerary. Need to plan some additional stops. Anyway, my daughter who is a travel agent said that when I finish pedaling and reach the Riviera Maya, she will book me air fare and hotel. Anyone out there have any special spots I can pedal to?? So far, since I started a couple days ago, I've gone about 70 miles. I haven't done my figures yet, but I may have left Michigan already. I think this is going to take me a while.

Karri Have you tried Quakes? They are small puffed rice patties and one serving is I think it is 30 calories, (might be 60) 0g fat and a serving consists of around 7 quakes. I've trie the carmel corn and the chocolate ones. The chocolate ones are really yummy and helps that sugar (chocolate) craving.

Jackie Raising the minimum wage does nothing to combat poverty. All it does is raise prices on everything and does nothing to increase purchasing power.

I'm here, Janet. I usually check in everyday, but like Kristin, I just lurk. I really don't have a whole lot to say. Phyl - sorry about your son. You would think these kids would grow up... but they don't. Maybe you should let him sit there for a while. Salsa - Beached whale....funny. That's what I call myself. It's a real boost to hear compliments. Makes it all worth it. Just got done doing another round on my bike tonight. Pedaled a total of 36 miles today. I go for my fill Friday and weigh - in. Sure do hope that scale is moving downward. I am feeling really optimistic that this fill will work this time. Say a prayer. Guess I sould go hit the sheets. It's getting late. Sleep tight and I will see all of you tomorrow. Kari banded 7-16-07 Dr. Ortiz TJ at last official weigh-in, down 52 pounds. Hoping for 5-10 more.

JEANS !!! I haven't worn a pair of jeans in 30 years or more. I just can't find any that fit right. I seem to carry most my weight in front. I have NO waist, in fact if I get jeans to fit around the waist, they are huge in the hips, butt and thighs. Elastic waists just aren't the same thing. My goal is to be able to wear jeans again. Gee, I can still remember (although barely) when my jeans were a size 32 inch waist. AH_H_H, those were the days.

Well, I think I am going to change my name to frustrated. I'm reading all these posts about dropping sizes and smaller boobs...I turn on the TV and see a chick in a bikini saying "I lost 61 lbs on the Pure Weight Loss Diet and went from a size 22 to a size 4." Well, I have lost over 50 lbs so far and I have gone from a size 42DD to a size 42DD. And I've gone from a size 22 to a size 22. Where have all those pounds gone???? Well, I have noticed my toes are a lot skinnier. But they are still size11. I am just getting so tired of looking in the mirror and still seeing FAT and no change that I am ready to hit the kitchen and binge. I mean, WHY NOT?? 50 some odd pounds and I can't even see it. I NEED CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathybad - I know exqactly what you mean. My husband and kids always laugh at me because they are bundled up and I am in short sleeves. Not anymore. My hands are always freezing.

Janet: Tell the little snot that you are 112 and well preserved for your age. Mango: I like your responce better. It was good Janet and Phyl: I am jealous you two met up. Anyone here from Michigan? Or I will be in Florida for a month this winter. How about there? Challengers: I think I will just stick with the excersize one since I do it anyway. I go next week for my fourth fill and I hope it will work. It should since my last one has worked a little. Stuff gets stuck and I even PB'd.

I ate too, Janet. As my daughter said, "Mom, it's Thanksgiving. Enjoy it and get back on track Friday." Been riding my exerbike about two hours each day this week in preparation. Anyway< I am back on track and ready to lose another ten.

That's it Indio.......Just ruin the holiday for us. Now, I'm going to get the guilties with every bite I take.

Hi Snowbird Glad you made it over here. It is a good bunch here. I was also banded by Dr. O also and I have to agree with everything you said here. I just wish it weren't so expensive to fly to San Diego so I could go back for my fills. Kari 7-16-07 Dr. Ortiz TJ down 52 pounds lots to go