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Thanks very much, Happy Bandiversary to you, too. I'm soooo nervous to go to the Dr.! If he yells, I hope he does it in Spanish LOL! I am just praying that whatever is wrong, it CAN be fixed easily, and that I get a new lease on the life of my lapband. I couldn't even sleep last night, thinking, I haven't even packed, haven't finished things here that need to be done, etc. Went to the dentist yesterday with a toothache and now I need a root canal! I feel like a 48 year old house and all the appliances are falling apart at the same time LOL. All I see are dollar signs! BUT, when I get back, I'm revamping my life! Diet, Finances, activity level, everything. I'm going to Dave Ramsey's seminar in Portland to get a jump start on finances in October! I want to be fat-free, debt-free, and pain-free LOL. Karen

Diane, I agree, we should keep updated more often. I know for me, I don't actually have a counselor of any type, so have been basically on my own. No accountability at all. I wish we could trade each other's weaknesses! If you could give me your jelly beans, they'd not be eaten, and you could keep my chocolate! I have a friend who has a weakness to peanut butter- I never think about peanut butter LOL. Karen

Thanks so much for the prayers! They are very appreciated! Karen

Pam, You're doing well. I WAS doing well, but the whole last year, I'm a failure. I had slowed on the loss last fall, finally went to the Doctor for the flouro in I believe it was January this year. I believe they put a whole in it, because it had the fill from earlier (8 months) still in it, but after that, it wouldn't hold a fill. I know the lady bent a needle, and I just didn't have a good feeling abou the whole thing. They told me in Olympia they could fix it for $4,000!! Then, after 3 months, I went back in to make sure it wasn't a fluke that theyre was no fluid like they thought. Sure enough, no fluid at all! The price went up to $5,000 and I didn't even ask why I was so irritated. I think it's my penalty b/c I'm a Mexican surgery patient. I'm going back this Saturday to Puerto Vallarta to Finally get it fixed. I'm nervous, depressed, and a basket case. But, I'm going anyway. Karen

For the last 8 months, I've been depressed about it, not wanting to use more of our finances for ME and my weight problem. I know I shouldn't have a problem, and I do feel guilty. I at least should have learned to do better when my band was working. I had never planned to have it taken out as long as it wasn't affecting me adversely. I don't know if I've talked myself into this, but I'm thinking, I'd spend money on getting my teeth fixed (although I'm putting off some dental work b/c I want this more LOL), so why can't I do this w/o feeling guilty? And actually, I think it would help my whole family in more ways than a grocery bill. Now that I've pretty much gotten past the guilt part, I'm searching for the least expensive way to do it, but still with a good doctor. It's not like I want to go to a quack, but I believe there are doctors that are there to heal people, not just get rich; maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, I'm going to keep persuing this. Thanks for the encouragement! Karen

I was banded in 2005, had lost 62 pounds at one point. A year ago June, I had my last successful fill. (I went to Dr. Joya in PV, Washington State for my fills) 8 months ago, I had decided I needed to go for another fill, hadn't been losing. At the time of the fill, the nurse took out 5.9 ccs, which was pretty good, my fill 6 months before had been 6.2ccs. She did bend the needle and had to start over, and at one point, for about 2 seconds, I thought I was instantly going to vomit. I never did figure out what that was about. That fill, she put in 8.2, which seems like a lot, but the funny thing was, I never felt like I had had a fill at all. A week later, I called and told them there must be a problem, I experience not fill. Well, they tell me I have a leak, they're 99% sure its at the port area, not the band. They will fix it for $4,000. Yikes, I'm still paying for my initial surgery and the fills I've already had. I have still gotten "stuck" on some things, and I called and told them, about 3 months later, that I'm wondering if they just might check again, I do occasionally get stuck. They checked, and no, I have leak somewhere, now they can fix it for $5,000. I didn't even bother asking why it went up $1,000, I don't even have the $4,000. I am just bummed, I've gained half my weight back, my feet and knees are killing me again. To go back to PV, which I loved, and I also felt that Dr. Joya did a really good job, but it would cost me airfare from Oregon to PV, plus the $$ to get the passport I don't have. I just called a DR. in Colorado who is pretty reasonable, but he won't do repairs on other Drs. surgeries. Is there a recommended Dr. in the US or along the border that is reputable, not cost-prohibitive, and that will take other Mexico surgery patients? This is getting depressing, and I'm going nowhere but backward. Thanks, Karen

Thanks so much for the offer to ride with you! unfortunately, I'm in Oregon. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure where Mexicali is, hadn't looked it up yet. I did send his office a note and tomorrow will probably call and talk to them. It's going to take me probably at least a couple weeks, my husband's going hunting for 9 days, etc, but it will be nice to have a concrete idea finally as to what I can do. I know I should probably go ahead and go to Dr. Joya, but that would take even longer, waiting for the visa, etc. As it is, I'm hoping we can swing it, but the way I'm looking at it, is I feel like I have to do this for me, my health, and life! Again, thanks for the offer. Karen

The only thing is, that I'm not losing, I've gained 25 pounds back, and my feet and knees are again hurting from it. And I can't keep going for fills, because they're $375. each! I've emailed a couple doctors, including the one in Mexicali, to see what they have to say. I'm not sure if the doctors in Mexico would work with each other, but it would be nice to be able to just go across the border. I guess I'll see what they say and go from there. Right now I feel like I bought a brand new car, but I can't drive it because it has a flat tire LOL. Karen

With all my fills, I've had flouro, including the one that ended it. I had called and asked about that thick stuff, even had a name for it, they never use it they told me. So, as far as the Washington fill place, I guess that's out, as I don't have $5,000 to give them to fix it. Karen

I've had my third fill, and am really restricted now for sure LOL! I have had some "stuck" feelings, but haven't really pb'd, except to force myself once cause I just couldn't stand it. Otherwise, I'm finally down 44 pounds and am feeling better all the time!! Keep up the good work everyone!

I haven't been on here for quite awhile. Been discouraged a little with myself. I've been still losing slowly, I'm down 33 pounds, but it actually mostly came off awhile ago. I have been getting in too many concentrated calories, which don't help! Not enough water. But...I am finally seeing a little difference in my face and my rib cage and stomach. It feels kinda weird to finally notice a loss. I was thinking I need to have my 3rd fill, but now this week I seem to have more restriction?? Yep, probably my cycle. I currently have 4.5 cc. I was encouraged to see all of your progress!! It's inspiring me! Keep up the good work!!! I need to find time to change my ticker now!!! Karen

I have to say, I'm really getting excited and serious about this. I was really struggling for awhile. The first 3 weeks I lost most of what I've gotten off, then nothing. I could have "dieted" and done better, but knowing I was going to have a fill soon, I just tried not to eat too much. I wasn't feeling as full as when I had started right after surgery. I can feel the restriction, I've felt full all day, even though I am only having liquids. I am satisfied!!! That is just so cool, to not feel hungry. I was thinking, gosh my goal was 25 pounds??? No, I had said 20 by New Year's, exercise 3 times a week at least, and drink more water. Before all this band stuff, I was drinking a lot of regular Coke. I haven't missed it at all! I just don't "need" it. Water is sure a lot easier to get in when you don't drink anything else. I don't really drink much juice, although this week, do to liquid diet, I had some grape juice and will probably again tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great losing week!!! Karen

Well, I had my first fill yesterday, they called me in a day early. I got 2cc. I did have the flouro, which was very interesting, and I won't do it any other way. I was glad to see all was in the right place!! I of course can only have liquids, but I can feel restriction even with that. Now I can get really going on this holiday challenge and those 25 pounds off LOL!!! Karen

Wow Keri, you are doing great! Are you noticing a lot of difference in clothes? I was at Target last night, looking at the fat lady clothes, and realized I was looking in the wrong size!!! I'll be so glad to be getting down in weight, my sleeves are always too long, unless I want to re-sew them LOL!!! Karen

Dianne, That is hilarious! But, how did your underpants fall off if you had pants on?? I'm a little slow. Karen

"She lost weight only because she has the band". I guess I don't care if I do lose weight because I have the band. I know skinny people who eat a ton and don't gain weight, they have a fast metabolism. That's what keeps them skinny. Others inherit skinny genes. Others feel full fast. Well, now our bands give us that full feeling, just like them. So what if we didn't have it naturally, I'm just glad that they have found a way to help us!!! Karen

I have found that since I started this lapband journey, I have been able to talk about things that hurt that I didn't used to talk about to anyone. I don't mind people knowing, even the ones that are totally rude in what they say. I especially don't mind now as much because for once I feel like I have some hope! I have told my family things people have said and they can't believe it. They're probably especially surprised that I didn't cry when I told them, now I try and laugh about it. After all, aren't people like that just really .... not worth getting upset over. If they are sooooo stupid to say something like that, who cares what they think? I think it's ignorance, or else they are very insecure on their own. I don't think I've been a "perfect" fat person either. I think a lot of fat people probably are like me. I get bummed because of being fat, I get fatter, I don't take as good of care of myself, I don't want to go anywhere. I have a lot of improvement to go, but mostly on my head! Off the subject, guess what? Today I got into a pair of jeans that had a real live zipper!!! I have had to wear those jeans with elastic waist band and I am sick of them! Yippee!!!! And yes, my husband is very good to me where my weight is concerned. I wasn't overweight when he married me and he has seen me put on a LOT of weight. It has bothered him worrying about my health, and I'm sure he's anxious to see me thinner, but he has been very good to me and patient. He knows I hate being fat. I wish people understoon fat people better. Do they think we want to be fat? I heard that studies have shown that fat people have a slow satiety level. Well, it would help if we actually felt stuffed like we do with the band! Karen

I really think I should be able to lose 20 pounds by New Years Eve. I will drink more water I will exercise at least 3 times a week....did I say that? Yes, I WILL! Does the pound I just lost count??

Nope, I just went ahead and told. I know myself and I'd never be able to keep it to myself if I lost a bunch of weight and I figured I may as well give credit to my "friend" LOL! It is hard sometimes, the things people can say to you, though. The other day, a man who I've known for years, a friend of my husbands and mine, came up to me and said, "I heard something, is it true you had the ....holding his hand on his stomach. I just laughed and said yes. When you live in a town of 1800 people and you've lived here all your life, let me tell you, there just aren't secrets LOL! Something he said took me by surprise, though. He told me how when I was young I was just very beautiful. He meant it as a compliment, but you know that it means I'm not beautiful now. At least on the outside. I laughed at the time, as that is what I do when I have to swallow at something someone says, not knowing it is not really making me feel great at the moment. I told my husband he said it, then my husband saw him the next day. He told my husband the same thing, that I used to just be so beautiful. My husband told him he has always thought I was and that he still thinks I am. I don't look anything like I used to, I know that, but I have to say, my husband has been very good to me about my weight problem. I seem to be a magnet for people telling me honest things they are thinking I guess LOL! But I try to take it in a good way, if it hurts, I talk to the Lord about it, since He loves me anyway! I smiled once at a lady on the sidewalk who I don't know, she smiled, and said, "can I ask, are you a healthy person?" I knew what she was thinking, but I just smiled and said, yes, I'm healthy. She said she had to ask because when she sees someone as big as me, she has to wonder if they are healthy. I smiled, but cried later, since I really hate being fat anyway. The weird thing was was she was very skinny, and not really seeming to be in her "right mind" anyway, so I gave her some grace. But she asked me if I thought she was too skinny, I said, yes, I thought she was a little too thin, and I thought she was going to cry!!! Some people can dish it out, but they can't take it. I have friends who have always been friends and that is good for me! Karen

I went to Dr. Joya on Sept. 20th for the lapband. It was a very good experience, I healed very quickly, very happy with the care I received. Karen

I had a crazy thought process when I first got banded. What if my Dr. never put the band in, just gave me incisions LOL! I couldn't feel the band, just the port. I didn't feel anything the first couple weeks, but I got a couple bites of a muffin down the other day and it got stuck. It hurt so bad, I KNOW I'm banded now! I've had a couple times now where I've eaten something and it feels "funny". Right now, since I don't get a fill for 2 more weeks, I'm trying to learn to chew better. A couple times I've not chewed well enough, wasn't a problem, but I thought right away that I'd better not be doing that!! Karen

I'm not sure if there is a "technical" way to do this, I'm just going to commit to trying to get through these holidays with not too much sugar, I haven't had pop since the day before surgery!! I want to get a good start with my band and I think it will be kind of exciting to lose while the holidays are happening. When you first start out losing, it will show pretty well, too, so we can get all new stuff for Christmas LOL! My hope is to get 25 pounds off by New Year's. With that first fill, it better help, as I haven't lost any in a week or so. Karen

Us September bandsters should have a holiday goal, since we will probably all be getting our first fills soon, it should make the holidays a lot easier to get through. I did terrible today, some days I can eat too much, doesn't hurt, other days, 2 bites of muffin kills me! I didn't think I had as much of a sweet tooth as a problem with fats and breads, but I have been craving sweet stuff. Today, for the first time since Sept. 19, I craved a Coke! I didn't have one, but I sure made up for it at Starbucks LOL! Karen

I am only 4 weeks out from surgery, so I also understand your questions. I am thinking it might be that until you experience it, you won't really "know" it??? For instance, I couldn't really relate to something being "stuck" and the pain from that. The other day, I ate a couple bites of a blueberry muffin, which by the way, I was sort of mourning at the time because right then I really wanted like 4 or 5 muffins, not 1!! Well, after a couple bites of the muffin, it got "stuck" and hurt like crazy. I have read that drinking doesn't help, but since I haven't had a fill yet, I figured it wouldn't hurt, so I took a couple sips of coffee to "soften" it??? It hurt worse. The only thing I could do was try to concentrate on my cleaning project I had been doing and a few minutes later, it was gone. But now I understand "stuck" LOL!!! Live and Learn???? Karen

How is everyone doing? My 6 weeks wait for my first fill is the first week in Nov. and I can't wait! I am usually doing pretty well. Last night we had a party and I had too much stuff, not WAY to much, but didn't need it! Yesterday I had started to eat 1/2 of a blueberry muffin and it got stuck in my chest, felt like I was going to die! I finally took a couple drinks of hot coffee to soften it and get it down, at first it felt worse, then a few minutes later it got better. The night before, I had made those muffins and stew for dinner. I had a small bowl of the stew, and a muffin. I actually felt like mourning because I wanted 5 or 6 muffins at the time. No way did I think one would be enough. But I ate the stew first and could only eat a couple bites of the muffin. After yesterday, it will be awhile before I try them again! I sent the rest home with my daughter! Otherwise, I've lost 19 pounds, but it's been awhile since I've lost anything really. I'm anxious to get this going. Karen