mehean

@hermione53 - I'd love to hear about your experience, I feel like I'm flying a bit blind...

I typically am just a reader, but I thought I would pop-in when I saw your note. I was just here checking in on everyone... How's everyone doing as we are approaching our one year band-aversary? I can't believe it's been a year... As for me, I just got a fill last week and am definitely feeling restricted. I sorta forgot that feeling, so I'm readjusting again. I've lost 70 lbs so far, and went from a size 22 to a size 10 (almost 8). I'm working out, my body looks completely different, and I just keep on going. How about you? Do you think about food differently now? Is your whole life different?

I actually just got a fill as well, and am sitting here reading this post with the hiccups. I had gotten them a few times in the past, but this fill, it seems like I get them after I eat or drink - about 15-20mins after I finish. I think it's not abnormal...

I'm "glad" to hear that I am not the only one in this situation. I am not eating enough either, and what I'm eating isn't necessarily the best stuff (more crackers than fruit, etc). Anyway, I am going to try and keep changing it up to see if I can make some more progress. :huh2:

I just wanted to pop in to say how inspiring it is to read about everyone's success... and to know that we are all learning how to "have one" of certain things (versus the entire bag). I am losing and am happy about my loss, but have found that sometimes I take credit away from myself for coming this far. Reading about you all sets me straight. Thank you!

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing so well... I did go in and get my second fill about 5 weeks ago or so. I am definitely feeling restriction and all is well here. As for the pills, I cut mine in half for the first week or so, and then I was back to normal. Won't be long! Happy holidays all!

The second fill really did it for me. I think I was a bit afraid of being "too filled" the first time around and overcompensated the second time. Good luck on Tuesday! Let us know how you feel afterwards.

TexasBecky - You are my new hero! Thanks for the exercise inspiration. I will be right there with you for December! :girl_hug:

Hi all... It's been awhile since I popped in on this thread. I was banded by Dr. G on 8/27/07 and I am so happy with my results so far. I went back to him twice for fills and have definitely hit a nice restriction level. Anyway, just wanted to be back and chatting with fellow Dr. G patients to see how everyone is doing. Hope all is well! :girl_hug: NMSunshine: My thoughts and prayers are with you to get and stay healthy!

Name: Melissa Goal: I will exercise (at the gym, doing cardio) at least 4 times per week - 16 days this month is my goal!

But, since we are all around (about) the same time frame and stage, I thought I would ask... what you all are eating everyday? I am having a hard time figuring out some new ideas/foods to bring in to my diet at this stage. The posting on the food board has so many different stages, that it's hard to decipher--here it would be much easier. Anyway, if you don't mind sharing--I need food/menu ideas! Thank you all!

Anyway you can point me to where that recipe is? It sounds delicious! (the squash casserole)

Thank you!

Hi! I got my first fill about a week ago. I was nervous going in, but it was NOTHING! At least not for me. The doctor felt for my port and all I felt was a stick of the needle. No pain, nothing... especially after having the surgery! Don't worry about not having lost "enough." You're doing great and your doctor will agree! And yes, I can feel my port... it is normal to be able to. Mine sometimes hurts when I sneeze too hard or have a coughing fit. If you are still concerned though, just ask your doctor when you get your fill. Good luck!!!

Weighing in the 100s instead of 200s. :confused:

Great goals! And so inspiring... So here are mine: - Start exercising at least 30 mins a day, 5 days a week - Be in onederland by Dec. 14th

Melissa - August 27, 2007

Hi all... I just started the pureed diet portion of my post-op, and the amount of food/meals that they told me to eat seem enormous. Has anyone else experienced this? I was only able to do about 1/3 of the planned meals. Does this change as the weeks go on? I have read so many people saying that they are not getting enough food, and here I am forcing myself to eat when I am definitely not hungry... and not getting close to the suggested amount. Advice? Opinion? Happen to anyone else?

Thank you! I actually did call the doctor today and they said that it was a good sign. By the end of the 4 weeks, I should be able to eat the recommended meals. Thanks for your advice/experience.

I'll do my best here... since I travel a lot, I've become more familiar than I care to admit about the TSA rules. The meds DO need to be in the prescription bottles. The name on the bottles must also match the name on your ID (passport or driver's license). I would suggest putting all of your mediciations in a clear plastic baggie so they are able to screen them fast. Are your asthma sprays prescribed or over the counter? If they are prescribed, see above. If they are not, see below. Your medicines do not count towards the plastic baggie that you get for your toiletries (remember each bottle has to be less than 4 oz.). Laura will be the one to pick you up at the airport. She will be in contact with you before you leave to determine a place, etc., to meet you. It will be seamless! Let that be the least of your worries. :eek:

I just had my surgery with them a week ago... $500 retainer and the rest is due before the surgery. I paid the day of, but if you are financing, Laura will definitely let you know when it's due and so on. Good luck! :eek:

I felt the same way after reading about all of the doctor options. I chose to go with Dr. Gonzales in Tijuana. I live in San Diego, so I preferred a surgeon in the TJ area, but was looking at some of the other Mexican surgeons. I went down to have the surgery myself. The experience was better than I was expecting. I had it done at the medical center, not the hospital -- it was so much nicer than I thought it would be. The staff was nice, helpful, and so on. The doctors checked on me constantly, even coming back at 10:30-11pm to make sure that I was good to go to bed. They have called every day and have given me a ton of support. If you want more of my experience, please feel free to PM me. I would definitely recommend Dr. Gonzales (and I am a very picky person). :eek:

I'm so excited for all of you! This is a great journey and it's wonderful that we are able to do it together! Best of luck.

Hi all, just thought I would check in since I was banded by Dr. Gonzales on Monday. I went by myself, stayed in the surgical center one night and then went home. The doctors were amazing! Dr. G. came to check on me all of the time (even coming back at 10pm) and of course the next morning. Dr. V and Laura have been wonderful and have called to check up on me and make sure everything is going well. I was somewhat skeptical and hesitant at first about TJ and Mexico, etc., but I could not be happier. Good luck to everyone!

THANK YOU... I am up walking and drinking as we speak!