Madonna

Syntrax has a line of fruit flavored protein powder that is delicious. Flavors like strawberry kiwi, lemonade, fuzzy navel (whoo hoo), peach nectar etc. and the protein is excellent.

Hi, I'm in the same boat. I had an unfill of 1/4 ml and now can eat meat without a problem. I gonna call and get a fill again even if it is .1 or .2 ml. Don't wait, even a little bit back could make a big diff. Madonna

Hi, I also have had a band slip. The foremost symptom is esophageal reflux which is manifested by burning indigestion. Hope this helps. Madonna:)

Vines, Could there be a leak of some sort in your band...I hope not. Are you taking any meds to prevent esophagitis or reflux? Sometimes, if you reflux, you will develop edema at the site of restriction, then when the swelling goes away the band will not be tight enough. To prevent the swelling and reflux you could take prilosec otc daily or even Zantac. Thanks for your thoughts and inspiration.

Hi Everyone, I lost a pound!!! Got a fill last week...still think I need a little tweeking but I'm not gonna complain too much. NSV--I can wear my wedding ring again and not turn my finger purple or use soap to get it off!!! Have question for those of you who were banded in Mexico. Who was your surgeon and where was the surgery and was it a good, fair or bad experience. My girlfried wants to go across the border but is not sure which surgeon to choose. Keep moving turtles and thanks for all the inspiration you give me.

Pamdin, What was your starting weight? You just be patient; the sizes will change just wait and see. I am so jealous that you have lost so much weight so quickly. You're doing great.

Dear Vines (AKA Turtle Spokes-Model), Great recommendations! I have a personnal trainer...I only have been exercising 2 days a week...he works my !?>+*&^ off for an hour. Gonna start walking on my off days and follow your advice. Can't wait for metamorphosis from a turtle to a rabbit. Madonna

Wendy, Hope all is well. Glad you had a good experience with your surgery. Keep in touch. Madonna

Hi, I am not new to the lap band, but am to this site. I have had very poor success with my band and it's not the band's fault. I just wanted to not have to think about food or dieting and hoped the band would keep me from eating and the weight would fall off...Boy, was I wrong. It has taken me 2 years to finally figure this out. I went through the illness and loss of my mother and that took it out of me, but my fight is back and I'm ready to get back on track. Aftercare is so important. I virtually had none. You have to have coaching...I need a good coach...anyone interested? I've started exercising and counting calories. I'm gonna get another fill next week hopefully. My fills are done at the local hospital. A radiologist friend does them for me. I could go on and on but am really glad to get to spill my guts. Things are lookin' up.

Oh, Vines, you are a great leader. I'm ready to pull myself up and get going. I need encouragement. Also, all helpful hints on eating, not eating, etc would be appreciated since I didn't get much aftercare counseling. Should I keep a food diary? Should I count calories? I got the band cause I didn't want to have to do all of this...help me figure out where to restart.

Anwyn, Thanks for the encouragement...you have made my day. Hoping to keep in touch.

Hi, I live south of St. Louis. Just thought I'd introduce myself. I have not had such a success with my band and know it's my own fault. Need a pick-me-up from some fellow Missouri Banders. I virtually had no aftercare. I have had fills done by a radiologist in my hospital where I work but basically that's it. It's time to get movtivated and lose this weight...I need all the support I can get!!! The band is a wonderful tool...but you have to use it!!!! Thanks for letting me get this off my conscience. Roger De La Torre in Wentzville did my surgery, hopefully the aftercare is better then in 2002.

I will gladly join...I feel like a turtle on crutches. Embarrassingly, I have lost only 36 pounds in 2 years. I relied on the band to do the work and didn't want to think about dieting...I'm a failure, but am willing to jump back on the "band" wagon and give it a try as "Slow Users" unite! Madonna Banded 11/2002 BMI 41 then, 38 now