Tricia K.

A nurse practitioner does my fills.

Healthy gallbladder still intact and accounted for here. :eek:

For the record, I am a self-pay patient but did not go to Mexico for my surgery. With that said, I have an average weekly weight loss of 2.05 pounds. Like some of the others, my weight loss happens in spurts. I'm a little over 9 months out and have stalled a few times (like now).

Kristin - that's a beautiful dress. I look forward to seeing the wedding photos. :eek: UGH @ FUPA. I want mine to go away NOW!!

Damn skippy, it does!:eek:

I ordered a pilates book yesterday and can't wait to get it so that I can try it out.

My surgeon specifically forbid any exercise beyond walking for 8 weeks following surgery. After 8 weeks, the sky was the limit.

Diane, that's a great incentive. I think I'll do a spa day and a new wardrobe when I hit my goal. Hopefully it will be just in time for our cruise. Speaking of which, if anyone is interested in joining us, we're going on a Western Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines out of New Orleans from December 10-17. Send me a message and I'll give you the info. :eek:

Psst...it's duct tape. :biggrin1:

You're right, it is very subjective. I'm so happy that I'm not lactose-intolerent.

Awww Diane...I hope things get better for you very soon. :hug: I sort of had a day like this today because I chowed down on anything and everything I could get my hands on. I made horrible, HORRIBLE food choices today. This is so unlike me but I guess we all have our momentary lapses of good judgement. My only saving grace was that I walked for an hour and rode my recumbant bike for 2.5 miles. I'm also in desperate need of a fill but won't get one until I return from our upcoming trip to Florida. I don't want another episode of being too restricted and not be able to get an emergency unfill. So...I told my husband today that if he sees me putting any type of junk in my mouth between now and the 12th of July to take it away from me.

1 hour walk and 2.5 miles on recumbant bike

Here is a thread that explains abbreviations http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7959

I didn't meet my goal of 189 pounds. I'm currently at 192.

Like some of the others, no one told me that I couldn't wear an underwire bra. I wore my underwire bra home from the hospital with no problems. As long as I was dressed, the underwire bra was on. BTW, the day of surgery I was wearing a 42DD. I'm now in a 38D.

:clap2: Doc!! 250 crunches 500 leg lifts 100 toe (calf) raises 100 bicep curls w/ 4lb. weight 100 tricep curls w/ 4lb. weight 100 lateral raises w/ 2lb. weight 100 butterfly curls w/ 2lb. weight jogged in place for 12 minutes

My psych test was a series of 200-250 true or false questions. A psychologist reviewed it and, based on my answers, determined that I was mentally fit to have the surgery. I didn't have to meet with the psychologist though. I don't think it's anything you have to worry about.

I'm totally game for a get-together. Just let me know when and where! Oh FYI - I'll be out of town the first weekend of August.

We should plan a get-together soon. I would love to meet you both!

Yay!! Good girl.

Here's a great plateau busting diet I came across on another message board. http://www.digitalhorsewoman.com/plateaubusting.htm

I had the same thing happen with 3 of my incisions. I just tugged on them and they came right out. You should have nothing to worry about. Just make sure you're watching for redness, oozing and/or heat at the incision sites.

I'm sorry that you're having so much trouble finding a PCP in NJ. I would recomend visiting the following website and contacting one of the bariatric surgeons listed and inquire with them as to a lap band friendly/knowledgeable PCP. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeons+in+new+jersey+performing+Lap+Band.html I would recommend my former PCP in the Lawrenceville/Princeton area but I know that's too far for you to travel. By the way, her name is Dr. Shari Diamond. She's a great PCP and was the one that diagnosed me with PCOS about 6 years ago. Good luck!

I basically put on my plate what I think I can eat and then eat it slowly to avoid a PB. If I'm still hungry, which is rare, I'll have another bite or two.

I was a self-pay patient and my follow-up and fills were free for 1 year following surgery. After that, they will cost me $40. As far as frequency is concerned, it's an individual thing. I have a 4cc band and had my first fill of 1cc at 8 weeks post-op. My 2nd and subsequent fills have been at approx. 6-7 week intervals. It has been my experience that when I lose fat around my abdoment, I lose proper restriction. Best of luck to you!