ThunderThighs

This is exactly what prompted me to research ways to lose weight. I didn't get kicked off, I was determined to get that damned seat locked and I did! I didn't breathe the whole way, but I made it, ha ha!!! But after that I was determined to lose weight. I tried dieting once again, and failed. So, about 6 months after the amusement park I was banded. I now fit comfortably on every coaster ride. Kudos to you for posting this topic. I couldn't do it! But now that I've lost the weight and can fit, I can talk about it more easily:p Good luck to you with you banding and weight loss!

I am here, was wondering where all the Sept bandsters were at in their weight loss too! I am down 65 lbs and would love 20-25 more by my anniversary! Congratulations to all!

I chew ice daily, funny thing is, before banding, I couldn't stand chewing ice. Since the band, I crave ice! Isn't that weird? I love the crushed ice and will make special trips to the convenience store just to get a cup of ice! I know it's not good to chew for the teeth, but almost positive it won't hurt the band.

I didn't mean for this post to turn into a "don't go on vacation" thread at all, and I am sorry if I mislead some. Heck, I am going on vacation again to Hawaii in September! I just wanted to post my experience because it was miserable to try and get an unfill while out of state, etc. I learn a lot from others experiences on here and have found many answers to my questions and concerns by searching. I think we all have differences with the band and if we can learn from others, great! I don't regret having the band at all and I am glad to be filled! I lost lbs on vacation and gained it back plus some after the unfill, but now I am back to losing since my fill.

The previous posts are right about people posting a lot of their thoughts when they are low. I too tend to only post about the negative, but I am 9 months post op and down about 65 lbs. I have lost slower than I know I could have, because I have not deprived myself of certain things that I love. I told myself that I will lose the weight in time. I am happy how things have gone. I am not consistent with the weight loss, but it's ongoing and I haven't gained. It is a good feeling when everyone around you starts noticing. That's the encouragement for me. I also find that the before and after pics help me a lot!!! I'm telling you, if I can do it, anyone can. We will have bad days and good days and bad weeks and good weeks, just keep with it! Good luck

My mom and dad, sister, grandparents and aunt all go to Mexico for dental work. There has been no problems and they get great treatment there. I have great dental insurance, so I have no need to go there for a dentist, but I would if I didn't have the insurance!

I am almost a year out. I have only had one major problem where I had to be unfilled in an emergency. I have a very picky band, some days I can eat normal, other days, everything makes me get what I like to call "locked up." Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY. There are days that eating makes me feel sick, other days that are completely normal. I can't eat out very often, which saves money! I just know if I am going to be around a lot of people, like at a party, I don't eat, or if I do, it's a few bites here and there. That way I do not have to experience being "locked up" or anything of the sort in front of people. I tend to be very private about my banding, so this is why I avoid confrontation whenever possible. Whatever the decision, I think you will find, it is different for everyone. Good luck with your decision!

A couple of months ago I had a lane bryant credit card, shredded it and threw it away. I was so happy to be able to shop in the "normal" sizes. That has probably been my biggest NSV. I got a catalog from Lane Bryant in the mail the other day and put it right into the recycle can, didn't even open it! Congratulations to you!

There are several threads on this, if you just do a search. My experience is that I can't eat or drink much of anything in the mornings. It helps a lot if I have a cup of something warm. Somthing I've heard that the band shrinks up over night. I've had this same problem after a fill. Good luck

I am a lurker here, mostly. I read everyday, but do not post much ever. I was banded in Sept 2005 by Dr. Ortiz. I have lost 45 lbs to date. Dr. Martinez told me on my last fill to not be disappointed if the scale doesn't show weight loss, but you find that you are losing size. I just let his statement fly right over my head, thinking "yeah, yeah whatever." Well I am finding it to be true! I haven't lost many pounds since then, but I find my size going down. I was a size 20, now yesterday I bought a size 12, although a bit tight, they fit darn it! So my question is, how does this work? Can someone please explain this? or is it just PM (pure magic)?

thank you for that info, makes sense. I guess I should have done a search before I posted, I was being lazy. Thanks again. I have to mentally force myself to stay off the scale. I am still very obsessed with the scale!

I am more of a lurker here, but thought I'd post some of my NSV's and weight loss. I was banded on 9/30/05, I have two fills and I've lost 41 lbs. A big NSV I had today was I went to Sam's Club and bought a size 16 capri pant without trying them on. Got home and they are too big, I have to take them back for a 14, woo hoo. I am noticing more size loss than poundage loss. I have a hard time mentally with the fact that I am not losing more pounds, but when I try clothes on, that mental struggle goes away. I like to hear all the positive stories from everyone.

I am in Tijuana now...get banded in the morning around 9 with Dr. Ortiz. I am a nervous wreck! Dana

I have one, not low fat, but it is yummy!!! BAKED POTATO Soup 2/3 cup butter 2/3 cup flour 7 cups milk 4 Large Baking Potatoes, baked (not overbaked), cooled, peeled and diced 4 green onions 12 bacon strips cooked well done, crumbled 1 1/4 cup cheese 1 cup sour cream salt and pepper to taste Melt butter in large pot. Add flour to make a paste. Add milk and cook on low heat until thickens (this takes a long time!!!!) Add potatoe and onion. Simmer 10 min stirring constantly. Add everything else and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes.

I'm guilty. 3 days post op, made dinner for the kids and made tater tots, my very weakness, potatoes, so I popped one in my mouth, chewed it really good and DIDNT eat it, I spit it out, gross, I know, but I got the taste. I am doing very well with the liquid thing, but I am so crazy hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had my surgery yesterday and did not have a catheter

I have the opposite effect with the preop diet, I can't go! LOL

I am getting banded in Mexico on 9/30 with Dr. Ortiz. I live in Redlands, which is about 100 miles north of TJ, so I will be driving Thursday to the border for my surgery on Friday, I can't wait!!!

I committed to get the surgery after we took advantage of the housing market and sold our house and made a nice profit. So, we didn't put all of the profits into our new home and we took a little cash out of the profits and paid for the surgery. I will be newly banded this Friday (9/30) woohoo!

I am scheduled to be banded on September 30. I am nervous, but excited. I want to be skinny. I have been fat my whole life and I see myself growing more and more in time. I've dieted, with success only to be followed by failure. I do have a question. All the tickers in everyone's signature, who sets the goal weight? You? Your doctor? I don't so much have a goal weight as I have a goal "look" and size of clothing. I am looking forward to reading all the information on this site.

September 30 is my date, just confirmed today with Dr. Ortiz, anyone else going to be there that day?