KarenB

In my humble opinion and my doctor's as well, it does exist. And, shock of all shocks, I am there! It wasn't easy, I had to learn to do liquids after PB'ing & almost closed up entirely, but then I had some taken out & a tad replaced after that, and lo & behold, 2 weeks later, sweet spot here I am! I'm just enjoying it while it lasts!

I just noticed mine coming out a lot & I was banded almost 5 months ago. I've heard a lot of people say it happens a lot at 4-5 months. And here (or hair) I thought I avoided it.

Sheri, I live on LI too. Was it an Inamed band? What hospital?

Here's another...my daughter Hanna's getting banded on May 27th. I don't know which one of us is more excited!

I bought the straight powdered stevia and the packets that also contain fiber. I use 1/2 packet per cup of tea. Tastes great! I can't figure out how much fiber it actually has, but I'm all for more fiber!) When I opened the powdered stevia bottle, it spilled a little; when I finished cleaning it up, my fingers were super-sweet for hours after. That stuff is strong! I'm gonna give up the splenda for my tea & cereal. This can only be a good thing, right?

Ditto to what everyone said. You're doing GREAT.

I just bought both straight powdered stevia (very sweet) and the packets w/fiber which I can't wait to try tomorrow. Always looking for fiber! I have nothing against splenda, it just worries, especially being a cancer survivor. Jack, I read your post AFTER I bought the stevia...I'll also have to try the liquid.

Kathy, you're a riot. I love the "mother's maiden name!" Seriously, Violern, welcome & let us know how we can help you. And tell us all about yourself.

1. What is your first name? Karen 2. How long have you been banded? Since 12/10/04 3. How much weight have you lost? 41 lbs. 4. What was your favorite food pre-banding? Ice Cream 5. What is your favorite food now? Ice Cream 6. Are there any foods you can't or don't eat? bread, most baked goods. 7. What is your favorite snack food? Apples or crackers w/peanut butter. I have to admit, after a fill I have a Carvel milk shake (ice cream again.) 8. Has your SO changed towards you in any way since you were banded? He's just so complimentary. He notices me a lot more now. 9. What are some of the things you can do now that you couldn't do before? Cross my legs. walk a flight of stairs. 10. Do you have any pets? What kind? 2 dogs (Westie, 7; Golden Retriever, 1.5; Tabby Cat, 11 11. Wht would your dream vacation be if you could go anywhere you wanted? Around the world, with special emphasis on Italy, Spain, the South Pacific & Elat, Israel. 12. If you won a million dollars, what would be the first thing you would do with it? Pay off all my debts, either remodel or buy a bigger house in same community. 13. What are your favorite books to read? Mystries, Detective Novels. 14. What is your favorite TV program? The Amazing Race, Law & Order, Monk. What a fun thread!

Carolyn, what's your BMI and where do you live? I do know of a low BMI study (under 40) taking place in Westchester NY for $12,500 total.

Vera, I did read the whole thread, so I know you were re-banded. I'm just so glad it went well. Isn't it great when a doc doesn't bill you upfront, but takes the charges where they belong...the manufacturer!

I've been using a lot of splenda & at the back of my mind is always that this can't be great for me. I'm going to the health food store to get Stevia tomorrow. Does anyone recommend the liquid over the powder or vice versa?

Me too, Denise. It's very common when a spouse loses weight, quits drugs, quits smoking, etc. They get scared & insecure, especially men. (sorry guys) I love to eat out, only now I don't choose my restuarants by what desserts they serve!

What a beautiful story. My doc calls the band the fertility band, cause so many women are infertile from being MO. I love babies so much, Theresa, I just want to hug that one. Best wishes to them both. What's the baby's name?

How long have you been banded? Since 12/10/04 What do you eat each day? . chicken, tuna, cottege cheese, cooked meats (brisket, pot roast) always starting w/protein. Need to get better w/fruits & veggies. My tastes are very simple, no fancy recipies. How much do you eat? Lately since my fill kicked in, 1/4 to 1/3 of what I used to. Wise Michelle taught me to stop eating after 20 minutes no matter what. Great tool. Do you eat sweets? In small amounts. Can't live w/o chocolate & some vanilla ice cream now & then. How much have you lost? 40 lbs. Do you feel its worth it? Absipotivily. Best thing I ever did besides husband & kids.

I weaned myself from any sweetners in coffee several years ago, a little milk only, but I can't seem to do the same for tea. What is the deal w/Stevia? There's a healthfood store right where I work. Do they all carry it? Is it a sugar that you're only supposed to use a tiny bit of?

Hi Vera. Sorry I missed all this; I'm so glad you're o.k. Tuna is funny with me sometimes too. The more mayo or avacado (a trick I read about here) the better! I really feel for you having to go through this whole ordeal. Keeping you in my prayers, Karen

Hey Babs, I was just looking @ a reply of yours on another post & thinking how amazing you've done. I think we all tend to have a hard time when we're real close to goal...we've never been successes before! DON'T FORGET TO DO liquids FOR A DAY OR 2 AFTER PB'ING!--Since you haven't done it in a year, I thought I'd remind you. A year, wow. I'm happy if I don't PB in a week! You will be so fine.

Hey guys, for what it's worth, it says on Dr. Ortiz's web-site that he was trained by Dr. Belechew, as Kat said.

Jorjet, a tried & true remedy is Phillips MO. 2 Tablespsoons at night will do the trick & it's non-stimulating. Let us know what Dr. Kwon gives you. There's a whole other thread on this, just do a search for "consitpation" or "prune juice" or "benefiber" and you're sure to find it. It's kind of a favorite topic around here, in addition to other bodily functions or lack thereof.

Gee guys, thanks for the info. Wish I had known 5 months ago. But, I still love Dr. Ortiz.

SR is sustained release. I just checked the Welbutrin XR web-site, you should check it out. The Welbutrin pills are much smaller, just a thought, if you do have difficulty with the generic. Good luck!

My dinner tonight was the perfect example. Once a week my family has pizza for dinner. Pre-band, 2 slices was easy, easy, easy, and I always ate something after that. Tonight I couldn't finish one slice and I am FULL. Pizza is not exactly the greatest bandster food, but I made up my mind that once a week I would have it. The rest of the week I eat much better choices. For me, that's the beauty of the band...we have a lot of choices, but the portions are oh so much smaller. Health-wise, I had high blood pressure, high chol. for the first time in my life, and had a bout w/cancer. The band is the best thing I ever did for myself.

So glad it went better today. My port is actually visible if I'm wearing a very tight shirt, like a shell under a jacket or whatever. Does anyone else find that?

I didn't know Welbutrin came in 100's...is it not the XR (extended release??) The rocking & rolling is on hold cause my DH has been ill for quite some time. I'm hoping any day now, cause Welbutrin is well-known for NOT causing sexual side-effects. Sleeping can be a bit of a problem w/any of these meds. The Topamax should make you tired, especially at first, which is why you take it at night.