Rhonda63

Had my first fill this past Saturday and was given 3 cc's. Dr Hermosillo said that a normal first fill is anywhere from 1.8 - 2.2 cc's. I am able to drink and keep down liquids with no problem. My concern is reading thru the posts is that when it kicks in that it may be too much restriction? Has anyone had any experience with this? thanks! Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/209/140 First Fill 5/7/05: 3cc

A little background..I had taken Zoloft for the last 8 years for anxiety (not so much depression). Over the years, I went from 155 pounds to 223 pounds. Not blaming it all on the Zoloft, but I have researched and that does seem to be a side effect of it. Anyhow, I went off of it back in August of 2004. I didn't really lose any weight during the time I was off of it and having my band surgery in March 2005 (in honesty, I didn't really try to since I had made up my mind to have lap band surgery) I am now going thru some trying times (not related to the lap band) and have considered going back on it. My question is, do you think I will have a weight gain? Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/198/140 First Fill 05/07/05 3cc

Babs, what did the rest of the article say as to why she cancelled? I too saw it as I was checking out and was just able to read the first few paragraphs about the location and that it was lap band. The headline on the front is misleading though (big suprize!). Whether she had the surgery or not, just getting the procedure out there in print is great advertising. Most people that I tell that I have a lap band have never heard of it. Rhonda

I am still around. Still at my 41 pound loss at the 13+ months out. I was hoping to lose 52 pounds in a years time, but I guess it was not to be. I still seem to have good restriction, I just wish my head would cooperate! I am not giving up though! I've started back walking since the weather is getting nicer and have noticed some toning. One day maybe I'll be a rabbit! lol Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/180/140

I certainly have thought about going back to WW just for the support that they give. I agree that they will/do eat alot more and more varied foods than what I am able to eat. However, during my many (and I do mean many) attempts with them prior to banding, I always stayed for the meetings and enjoyed the support and tips they gave out. (especially if they have a good/knowledgeable leader!) Since I am a Mexico banded patient, I have no support group other than here and some of the other sites that I have joined. I would definately consider joining again. Maybe this time, I could make it to "lifetime" lol Rhonda

Hi Joanne, I am Rhonda from Ga and I will be attending the Seattle Bash. I have a question concerning the dinner on Saturday nite. Is the dress formal? I haven't seen anything mentioned about it. Also, when is "lights out" after the dinner? I am thinking about catching a 10:45pm flight back to Atlanta on Sat nite but didn't want to miss alot of the festivities. See you there! Rhonda

Hi Viridescence, I live in Villa Rica and work in Lithia Springs so we are neighbors! I had my surgery back in March with Dr Lopez in Mx. I have lost about 40 pounds and have had two fills (yes, I am a slow loser, most have lost more) There is an Atlanta based group that meets at the Buckhead Library. There next meeting is Jan 21st. I haven't made it to a meeting yet. Just found out about them a couple of months ago and the meeting dates didn't work out for me. Maybe we could get a West Ga group together, just not sure how many of there are out there. Talk to you soon! Rhonda

Jason. sorry I forgot to mention where Dr Ponce is. He has an office in Dalton, GA and also in Chattanooga,TN. The practice is Hamilton Weight Management (sorry I don't have a phone #). I met with Dr Fromm. His office staff is wonderful! Just couldn't afford them without insurance.. : ( Rhonda

I had my surgery in TJ with Dr Lopez in March 2005. I was very happy with my surgery and recovery. It cost $7800 but you are on your own as far as fills. I live just outside Atlanta and have gone back to TJ for two fills. I have good restriction right now, but I am searching for a local fill dr. I have one set up in Tampa, but would like one that's not an airplane flight away in case of any problems. From what I have read on this site, I think Dr Ortiz seems to be most highly recommended and it seems he has good followup. I would have my surgery again with Dr Lopez in a second, but Ortiz seems to be more highly regarded here in the US with american drs. This comes in handy when trying to find a fill dr. I checked with Dr Ponce prior to finding out insurance wouldn't pay. At that time, (last Dec) they were at $18000.00. Good luck on your search! If you feel as I do, it is the best gift you could ever give yourself. Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/190/140

Did anyone see the lap band story on CNN this morning? The reporter actually held the lap band up and explained (albeit briefly) how it worked. Unfortunately, it was lumped in with story about complications from bypass surgery. The ticker at the bottom of the screen did say AGB was safer than bypass (which we all know!). Maybe this will help get the work out about the band. Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/190/140 5/7/05 First Fill 2.2cc 10/7/05 2nd Fill 1.00cc

I had surgery in March 2005. I had no problems whatsoever. I would definately do it again! GERD was one of my co-morbidites. When I had lap band surgery, it went away. (but I have also heard of folks who didn't have it before, that got it once they had lap band surgery). The only thing I would do differently, is to have had my second fill sooner than I did. I had my first in May and waited until Oct 7th for the second one. I went a long time not losing because of that. I am finally back on track now. I also would have liked to have had a local support group (don't know what I would have done without LBT though!). I think having a physical meeting with other lap banders and nutrishionists/psychs would have helped me. Welcome to LBT! Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/190/140 1st Fill 5/7 2.2cc 2nd Fill 10/7 1.00cc total 3.2 cc

Hi Nickie, how do I get in touch with Dr Horgan? I just had a fill last week in TJ, so I won't be needing one for awhile, but would definately been interested in finding a closer dr. than Mexico. Thanks Rhonda

Vines, you always have the best advice and insight!! I printed your post from last week about your struggles with losing and keep reading and re-reading it to encourage me! I can comiserate with all the "50 pounds lost in 2 months" posts, I too was getting depressed just logging onto the website for awhile. I kept thinking "what's wrong with me??". It got to the point where I just went in "lounge" section to avoid the whole issue. To top it all off, my friend in Fl that I'm going to the Tampa Bash with had her surgery in July and has lost 44 pounds. Wah! While I am very happy for her, I'm also jealous. I told her about my struggles and she says "well maybe it's harder since I'm close to goal than it was at first" I don't think so since goal is 50+ pounds away. Anyhoo, I am happy that Kim started this thread so I feel that I have some compadres. Rhonda

I want to join! I thought I was the only slow loser around looking at some of the current posts. So happy to find I am not alone! I was banded 3/10/05 at 221 pounds and now weigh between 195-199 (afraid to weigh!). I am going to Tampa this weekend for a Bandster Bash. Hopefully this will renew me! I haven't lost in several months, although with exercise, I am losing inches. Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/19?/140 First Fill 5/7/05 3cc

I would have the gastric bypass should I lose my band. I know that the band is safer and has less complications. but hearing all of the erosion stories and other things that can go wrong..I just wonder what it will be like 10-15 years down the road. I know the same could be said for the gastric bypass. Seems like most really lose fast (a friend of mine had GB a month later than my LB and has lost 70 lbs to my 28) but they do seem to gain it back over time. Hopefully, this will not be the case with my band. Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/193/140 First Fill: May 7, 2005 3ccs

Date of Surgery March 10, 2005 Weight the day of surgery: 221 Current Weight: 195 What size: Loose 16 pants/Large Tops Height: 5'3" Rhonda

Hi, I am in Villa Rica GA just west of Atlanta. I had surgery on March 10th with Dr Lopez in TJ. Have had one fill back in May in Mx. So far I have lost about 28 pounds. So glad to see some GA folks on here! I check it everyday and always saw that same ole Dr Ponce post from April! Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/193/140 First Fill May 7, 2005 3 cc's

I am married, work full time, and have 1 son who will be 9 years old on Saturday. I have a Springer Spaniel named "Katie". I loved old movies so my TV is always tuned to Turner Classic Movies, Fox Movie Channel, and AMC. I have a secret crush on Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel. Rhonda

Congratulations Nicole! Best wishes to you and your DH. Keep us posted how things are going. Rhonda

Jenna, on the Miriad, which ones do you use? I went to their website and and they sent me some samples. I used for one day (seriously!) and my supervisor asked what I was using on my skin because it looked so nice. I wasn't sure if you could buy anywhere but their website. Good Info on it being at ULTA. thanks! Rhonda

This is not a weight related swipe I encountered last nite but it might as well have been. My DH, DS, and I were eating dinner in a local restaurant when a co-worker (I will call him Chris) of my husband's came over to say hello. I had never met this guy before (DH just started working with him). DH mentions that Chris is a volunteer fire fighter at the same station we used to volunteer at back in the mid 90's (at least one occupation where being a big girl was a plus!). I had been in the first basic firefighter class offered by the county back in 1995. My DH had told Chris about me having the highest score, blah, blah, blah, in a previous conversation. When introducing me last nite, DH says this is my wife Rhonda, she's the one I was telling you about that had the high score. Chris says to me in all seriousness "Well, I guess they had to make the test harder after that". My jaw just dropped. Needless to say, I had very little to say to this person after that. (Where is Delarla when you need a good comeback??) I have encountered male chauvinism in the fire dept obviously (especially since I live in a small southern town) but it usually doesn't show it's self in the first sentence someone says to you. He couldn't have shocked me more if he had slapped me. I guess emotionally he did. Some people either have no tact or no clue. Maybe both in his case. Rhonda

I have only been to a buffet type restaurant since my surgery and they(cashier and manager) refused to let me buy a child's portion (they did offer me the senior citizens cost) even after showing my card. I ate my 2 oz of salmon and vowed never to return. What my hubby and I do in "regular" restaurants is he will order a full entree and I will order a salad only. He is a light eater so he gives me enough of his steak/chicken/whatever to satisfy me. I agree that most kids meals and appetizers are awful choices for us although they are about the right size portion wize. It would be nice to just go into a restaurant and get a plain old piece of chicken with no sides. I guess that's why we have a stove at home (as hard as I try to avoid it!) Rhonda

Hi, has anyone heard how Diane is doing? (no specifics but just if she's continuing to improve) I am praying for her recovery. I thought the world of her when I met her back in March! Rhonda

I had surgery in Mexico in March and had the stockings. They are the white open toed very strong elastic stocking that they put on you whenever you have surgery (not sure if it's every surgery, but I remember having them when I had a c-section in '96). It is to stop clots from forming in your legs. They put mine on about 1 hour prior to surgery. I wore them for about 24 hours. To me (and my fat legs!) they were more uncomfortable than the pain from surgery. They kept rolling down and bunching up behind my knees. Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/198/140 First Fill 5/7/05 3 ccs

Christina, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can remember waking up everyday for a long time with that "heavy heart" feeling after I lost my 6 year old Springer Spaniel "Maggie" in 2002. We got a new Springer in April 2004, (Katie) but I still think of Maggie often. Animals are such an important part of our lives and bring us such joy. I hope when the time is right for you, you can welcome a new furbaby, always keeping Gunnar in your heart. Rhonda