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I went with the lap-band since my doctor told me it gives more option for fills and unfills. In the long run it takes you to goal and keeps you there afterwards. I've heard that after 3-4 years Realize band patients start to gain or have no option for more fills once filled. Not sure if that's true or that my opinion is correct as I only know I have the Lap-Band 10cc and that is what I choose to get. Please anyone else know what the difference is and any Realize bandsters who can help with this subject. I'd really like to know the facts myself - Really from those who have the bands were speaking of....

Hello - I'm here to help and support you on getting a band!! I was over BMI 64 when I was banded in Dec/07. I'm now down 70 as of 8/26/08. I don't weigh myself I wait until I see my doctor every 6-8 weeks. My next appointment is 10/28/08 and I know I'm down atleast 20 lbs or more down from 8/26/08. I can tell you that this does work for us bigger bandsters. It's going to be much slower loss than RNY but I like that since my skin is shrinking right along with me. I know I'll need some work as far as the extra skin since I've been a very huge girl since high school. But starting at 411 at the time of banding. I'm here to say fight for your choice!! I love my band and would never turn around for not one moment!! Truth be told a lot of friends of mine who were very large and had the RNY (over 3 years) are now gaining weight back...... They wish they had something they could adjust like my band. You know your body and you know you want to lose the weight..... If you want the band I say make it clear that's what you need!!

Hey guys I'm back!!! I've missed some things while off in Accounting land... Work is the hottest at this time of the year for Gov't. We end our fiscal year Sept. 30th. Bloom baby you're doing wonderful.... Glad to hear your feeling and doing great!! I wanted to share a fell phone numbers for BGH bariatrics 859-2067....859-3167.. or if you applied and can't get in for over four months I'd try Dr. Hoffman's sec. Lisa at 859-4024 and see what she suggests you do to get into a seminar!! That is crazy waiting that long!! They really need to get a better handle on this part of the program.

Look out 200's here I come!!

YIPEEE - She's back!! Welcome to bandster world!! Oh I'm so excited for you.... Glad everything went well and you're recovering with your sister... I spent the first days at my parents house... A comfort thing for me!! Nothing like having family take good care of you while recovering - plus it was the Christmas Holiday!! So noone told you abou the protein shakes? Wow - I know he get's so up-set when the staff up there screws up with his patients. Seems the staff is going through some //problems. It's never anything major or life threatening...But it's things like staff talking in front of patients un-professionally, seminar bookings taking months, lost paperwork, and now information getting to patients. You rock Bloom - keep on your liquids - until you see Dr. HoffMan - When is your next appointment 9/23/08? Oh and chicken stock is fine.... Jello too...... I did eat about your time frame some pudding mixed with extra milk..... You'll be on mushies by next week. Tuna salad mixed well with mayo, cottage cheese and any tpye of low fat cream soups helped me a ton..... I would blend the chucks in the cream soup if any!! But remember you will get super full on a very small amount!! I did for the first 6 weeks..... I would eat like a baby bird!! LOL,LOL

Hello Ladies..... It's me LLL I'd like to say that first you guys are the best.... Talking out all the fustrations, concerns and problems. See the emotional side of our weight issues is a huge step at getting to our goals. I'd like to say Hello I'm Cynthia and I'm a food addicit. Yes it's true I am!! LOL,LOL,LOL as funny as it really sounds due to the most popular addictions are drugs and alcohal..... Mine is food!!! Now with that out in the open let's get down to getting everyone in a good place. BANDOFGOLD - You won't run out of room in your band - You see they have two sizes and Dr. Hoffman knew which size to place inside so this would not be a concern. It might take you another or more fills to get at your sweet spot. Mine might fade off in a few months yet I know that fills are out there for me to help get me on track again. Take a huge deep breath and stop beating yourself up about not losing as what you feel you should have by now!! Knock it off now - this is self distructing what your working towards a smaller healthier self!! If tough love is waht you need I'm gonna give it to you!!! (o: Meats oh the good old high protein stuff we need!! I eat many meats but choose only top cuts..... I do have trouble with anything dry or re-warmed like left overs - I kow white meat can also be a problem at times..... It's all in the way it's prepared or how tight you are at any given day or time..... Mornings are out for me..... Yet dinner time is good..... Steak is one of my all time favs I get the best cut and I mean tiny, tiny, tiny bites and chew the day lights out of it!! Bread, pasta, rice and all other cards I avoid like a tooth ache since I find them now unappealing to me!! Sure I might get stuck or have some sort of problem. But truly after 9 months I just don't want to be filled with these bland fillers that do nothing but stuff me!! I did that for so many years stuffing in food that I really didn't taste or find appealing just because I wanted to eat, eat, eat..... Now I eat for the enjoyment, taste and satisfaction knowing it's healthier for me!! The best prize in the end WEIGHT LOSS - I don't care if it's .5 or 10 pounds it's a loss for me and I'm going down. Don't be over stressed and over think yourselfs into I"M BAD, I'M NOT DOING GOOD ENOUGH, STOP IT NOW! THIS IS NEW AND WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF HEALTH. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU...... CYNTHIA

Yes, at the same spot your in.... I had my third fill 8/26 with 7.5cc in my 10ml band. I have to say this is my sweet spot. I was at a stall between my second and third fill..... Now I've dropped 14lbs in three weeks. I eat anything I want as long as I chew and take my time... much smaller portions yet completely satisfied. This fill will tell me too if I eat to fast or don't chew my very small bites well enough. I love where my band fill is right now... I hope this lasts a very long time... I'm so happy with my band at this stage.

Bandster hell - between fills not losing, yet you can eat more food and not gain weight. Sweet spot - Your eating without getting stuck, satisfied with what you're eating and the portions are awesome, and losing weight. Slider foods- food that's either to wet, or soft and can go past the band as soon as you swallow. Does not stay in the band no more than 30 seconds.

I wanted also to say your doing awesome....... Your close to 10lbs a month.... That's no easy feat........ Your in what they call bandster hell..... Your dropped weight, now your fill is not quite at the sweet spot to get you back in the loser arena. I was there just like you when I was filled the second time at the exact level of 6cc. I played with the same pounds lost... Until this third fill taking me to 7.5cc.

Also I think he kinda got on you since your so newly banded and he wants mostly protein.... No carbs. He never asks me what I eat in detail...... But he asks me do you eat your protein first, and I do that with every meal (Protein first) so not much room for those potatoes!! Do you still drink protein shakes? Any calorie drinks? This is a hugh no no at this stage.... Your three months out... No shakes and I never drink any calories what so ever. What about POP?

Bandofgold, WOW I never have been told never, ever eat any Pot, Pasta, bread or rice. But how ever I never eat Pasta, bread or rice since it either becomes stuck, fills me way to much or becomes a slider food depending on the way it's prepared. Potatoes I do eat in very limited amounts. I've eaten mostly my protein and eaten a few fries, a few bites of plain baked or even a few nibbles of potatoe salad. I think you're not at your sweet spot yet. So let's see he places 3cc in at Surgery and you have two fills at 1.5cc which makes you at 6cc in your 10cc. I have 7.5cc in my band and I also had my last fill on 8/26 and I can say this is the best fill level to date... I'm so at my sweet spot. It was a bit tight at first and it settled down with-in the 10 days only since I had to learn again to slow down, chew and trust the band. I was a bit to comfy and the new fill made me go back to basics. Now I'm trained to this fill and the pounds are again dropping off me. When is your next appointment?? Mine is 10/28 @ 9:30.......

Good morning ladies, First I'd like to say how wonderful it was to meet everyone last night who attended the meeting. It's sure nice to express my feelings and concerns to everyone. Also to help in any way that my dealings with the band might ease anyones's fears or concerns. Everyone looks terrific. I'm so proud of the success. Also proud of those who have made the decision to take on the band for better health. Remember we're in this together so if I can be of any help at anytime just let me know!! I'm here for anyone who my need me. Also as far as potatoes go... I can eat any style out there just as long as you eat them slow and chew well. I find some can be a slight concern. Like over cooked fries(hard ends), cold ones etc...... I enjoy a few fries right from the oven or fryer...But only a few as I like to keep room for other foods I eat during that meal. Now I can only eat 4-5 fries and I'm happy with that amount (Crazy HUH). Geez never thought this would ever happen.

Thanks for the info........ That helps so we get to the right place for us newbies................ Looking forward to meeting you!!

I'm going to be there tonight........ My first meeting at BGH...... I believe you go in the door to the left of the Cafe (coffee) shop? Anyone know if this is correct. Do they also stamp if you valet Park? So those who have been at past groups who conducts the support group meeting? Bariatric staff, doctors or just a team of bandsters? Perhaps it's just a free for all forum? Thanks all....... Can't wail to meet everyone attending tonight!!

Oh yeah go for the C-food with Extra MSG...... That will work great!!

Half dollar rolls = 8.8 oz..... 6 rolls would be about 3 pounds Quarters are around the same.... A bit lighter........... Your going to be just fine it's all going to work out!! How much do you have to weigh????

Noone will ever know it's in there... I had a friend tape them to her ankles so they wouldn't fall out.. Wear loose legged pants to go in.... Do they weigh you bare footed....... The bra always works and drink a butt ton of water right before weigh-in also!!

Rolled coin in your socks and bra... It works great!!

Hello everyone... Good morning!! I'm looking forwards to the meeting tomorrow night. I'll be there to see some wonderful people from this board. China - It's been super busy in the office the past few days since last Friday. Please forgive me as I got your message this morning. I will try and call later if I can get a few moments of private time.

NBflo Girl - I'll make it a point to be there!! Watch for me and we can catch up on what all concerns you!! Don't worry your in good hands with Dr. Posner. You can always join our HoffMan support area any time. Cynthia

Hi Ladies... I'm going to try and make the support meeting this Wed. night. I'm going to make a tag for myself with my name and Lap Band Talk screen name so people here know who I am.... I'm really looking forwards to meeting everyone here... Please forgive me if I'm bad at names...... LOL

BTY He's not looking to get rid of you...... by having an affair.... If he had a true girlfriend, you would know, if he was relplacing you. There would be so many signs...... at this point I think he's fustrated by the lack of sexual attention and desire. You did say you knew/caught him self pleasuring next to you. That my friend is a sign he wants to be with YOU. He desires YOU. Yet has no way of communicating his needs and feels helpless to get you to react. Perhaps you don't know what to do either and shames him or out of fustration avoids the whole subject. REACT - Now is the time..... Don't let this kill or break your relationship. You both need to open your hearts and minds and get back what a relationship is all about.

Hmm this is a very tricky situation. I might be crazym but here goes!! Have you ever thought you might need some sort of Viagra (woman's sexual stimulant)? When he was asking for his script? Many woman do lack the sexual drive as they get older. It's a sad fact as we get caught up with kids, or jobs and the other demands out there our pleasure seems to suffer. As a woman I hate even saying this... But if you lack the desire to stay in tuned with your partner there going to seek other sources. Perhaps he thought of looking while on this trip with no plan in mind. Since you did mention you have sex only a couple to a few times a year. I'm a very sexual person and when I'm in a relationship I can't go more than two days with out being together sexually. I laugh since my X-hubby still to this day tells me how he never realized that I had such a high desire to pleasure even till the end of our 14 year run....... But that not being the issue, he should not step out of your marrige or have been thinking that could be the solution to some of the issues. You both should perhaps seek a sex therapist and other relationship help. See a doctor also about your physical or emotional sexual desire. Sex is wonderful and it's nothing to be ashamed of or dirty to talk about to anyone that can help you through this ruff patch. Get tested, have him tested....... Get some answers you need and shag the hell out of him.................... Make him so tired and satisfied he'd never look anywhere else.......... JMOA

WOW look at all this chit chat going on.... I'm loving all of it too.... Hey China - Glad I could help you out!!! How's the book? I couldn't get on here this morning since pay roll is due today by 2:00. Finally finished and have a moment to look and chat!! I don't have any problems with Viactiv chew Vitamins at all. I really love them...... I get to chew something chocolate that's super good for me........ I like the cherry chocolate daily vitamins. Keeps me out of the candy dish at work also!! I did start off with Flintstone's vitamins... I just can't stomach the taste and kiddie flavor...... But these Viactiv I enjoy alot..............

Yeah I just met China and her mom.. What sweethearts. I'm glad I could help her out! We will get her on the road to band land too... Yeah I know it's weird that you say that after awhile it seems loser. Just remember to not choose slider foods. That is food you can eat in larger amounts and does not make you feel super, super duper full. I to have given in to those foods at times when I knew I wanted to eat, eat, eat..... Like pudding, yogurt, cereal with milk. tuna w/mayo (lots of mayo) it's best to eat more solid foods and take tiny bites and chew the day lights out of it!! It works....... I might only get 5-7 bites yet I'm full...... I am a volume eater so this was a very hard concept to adapt too..... I love to see a pile of food in front of me and eat till my taste buds are content. Well baby those days are so gone now with this last fill 7.5cc in my 10cc band. I just had a little snack of get this 3 I count them again 3 pretzels I mean come on what fatty do you know that eats three pretzels... Well now you know one!! LOL Oh and I'm not talking about a stick either. I'm talking about you get 9 in an once or serving..... LOL, LOL I ate them real slow enjoyed each nibble of taste and texture... Then wham I knew I was full and I was satisfied. I wanted crunch, salty and carbie this snack. But if I would have eaten any more I would have got that really bad stuck pain feeling. I'm at the point I know my limits of each food. It takes time and patients to get the right combo of fill and skill in eating.