wanttobe110

Hey! It did take me three fills to feel restriction. Look at my signature below and I have my fill history. I put it in my signature for bandsters like you who are frustrated after two fills. I was frustrated after two fills!

Drinking liquids while eating does not make my food watery and go down the band quicker----it makes the food come right back up. My doctor said that for some, drinking with meals acts like a plunge and it sure does that for me. It's a sure way that I'm not drinking with MY meals! I do drink right up to eating and then I wait at least 30 minutes.

hah- That's cuz I gave the wrong address. Ooops. Its www.riversideinn-ny.com More details to follow on my aunt's place. Anyone up to joining us Friday night for dinner at my aunt's apartment? We'll order in or maybe even cook something.

Me again, The walk starts in Riverside Park which is on the Upper West Side, starting at 72nd street. I found a hotel near there- www.riversidepark-inn.com and a small room with a private bath is $90/night.

Hi everyone, I am doing the 5K walk Saturday morning and The Producers that afternoon (with Penni!!). I am staying with my aunt in the City who lives on 1st and 50-something on Friday night. Would anyone like to come over to my aunt's house on Friday night--she has a huge terrace---and we can have dinner out there and chat. I'll be leaving Saturday evening.

Hey, Pizza is okay for me. Forget the pasta and bread though- no good.

Hey everyone, I just heard about a new weight loss surgery alternative for those that have less weight to loose. It's called Intragastric Balloon. It has been used in Europe and is supposedly undergoing approval by the FDA now. Predictions are doctors in the USA will be doing them sometime in 2006. A balloon is placed in stomach so it takes less food to feel full. Then in about 6 months the balloon is removed and you fly solo. Just another alternative.

Debbie and Christine, Keep at it. The band WILL work when used properly. J Lynn's advice is right on. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hey Debbie, I was in same situation as you. Look at my fill history after my name and you'll see. I didn't get restriction until the third fill. So get another fill- and another one after that if you need it- and so on. Be on top of it (which it sounds like you are). Don't wait too long, but be safe. I felt the same way- like I was going to fail at this. But once I got the right amount- it worked. You really won't be able to eat a lot. Really. I have lost 23 pounds, which is about 2 pounds a week since my first fill. I lost NOTHING the first month- talk about depressing! Do what you are supposed to do (right fills, water, protein/right foods, exercise) and it WILL work. I've been where you are and soon you will be where I am. My email is kcuillard@hotmail.com if you need some more personal encouragement.

I have no idea where you are but the N.E.W Program of Orange County (www.weightcontrolsurgery.com or 949-722-7662) has a Low BMI (between 30-35) study for the Lap-BandAE.

Do some research on the internet---I've neard of some studies being done for those with a BMI under 40 and they are looking for subjects (YOU). If I can find anything, I'll let you know.

Kudos to marimaru, vinesqueen and everyone for such great words of advice. We are proud of you and YOU certainly did do this "on your own". You used your tool on your own. Working the band properly takes skill. I am proud of you that you didn't pig out on ice cream, coffee drinks, etc. That you ate your protein, drank your water and cut down on the bad stuff. I know you did that because you would not have lost 35 pounds otherwise. Good luck and keep up the good work!

Who cares how the weight comes off? Call it cheating, call it the easy way out. I call it wonderful.