kgloverii

Hi all, I just had to post a love note about my fill doc. I had my surgery in MX by Dr. Ortiz and so I follow-up stateside. My doc has been AMAZING with fills. I pay $200 per fill and we discuss how I am feeling, he consults with Inamed's guidelines, tells me what they say, what he thinks, and asks how much I want. I needed a tiny top off today, he asked why, what I was feeling, etc. Then he told me what he thought I should have, and he was like "You're the paying customer, you tell me what you think." I gave him my 'order' and he did it. I have heard so many horror stories about conservative docs that are even more conservative than Inamed's guidelines... like 1 cc at a time in a VG band. I am at 8. I'd have no restriction if I had to do that! LOL! Just wanted to share, especially with you self-payers out there. It pays to find a doc that has your interests at heart, and is not just worried about the payout.

Just wanted to share... I never went on the 'obsessive bandster diet' so my weight lose has been slow and steady. I eat what I want, in small portions. Since getting my band, I now crave HEALTHY foods, though. But, if I want the popper, I'll eat one, but not 10 like before. Once you get to a sweet spot, your relationship with food will begin to resolve. Cause you'll eat food that you want, but in healthy small portions. And you won't walk around craving all of the time. I don't stress about what I eat. I make wise choices, but if I choose a burger now and then, I don't fret. Cause it is a lifestyle CHANGE not a diet. We ALL have to remember that. I can honestly say since I have gotten the band, I have never ONCE felt 'deprived.'

I knew I was at my sweet spot when I wasn't always planning my next meal. No need to be constantly munching. No constant fixation on food. It really REWIRED my brain. Seriously. I feel NORMAL! :thumbup:

You'll get used to it. I PROMISE. I did and I SWORE it would be a huge crutch for me. But I broke the habit and don't even think about it anymore. Try to get used to it now. I know it seems impossible, but you can do it. My doc told me if I had to drink, to suck on ice. I have followed this as well and have had good luck. If I drink while eating, I literally can FEEL the food wash through the band. NO JOKE. So, if I even 'get stuck' a drink usually fixes it but I know I've just also set myself back.

You've only been banded a month. You won't lose significant weight until you have good restriction, which may take a few fills. Keep a food diary, workout, and practice good bandster guidelines like not drinking while eating... You'll get there!

I love the 'doc with no personality' bit. LOL. My doc has no personality, either. He is SO super dry, and not the best with 'bedside manner.' LOL. He has made it VERY clear to me that he thinks bypass is better and the sleeve is the best. BUT, he is AWESOME when it comes to fills and his office has been super nice. I am SO glad I found him. I have heard all of the people with VG bands who have docs that only do 1 cc at a time... or even 2. Inamed's guidelines for a VG are 3-4 ccs for the first fill. I cannot imagine having to go for 2-3 fills before even getting to that point. When I went yesterday, I was like, "I was at my sweet spot after my last fill and I am VERY close right now, but I need a LITTLE tweak" and he was like "How much do you want?" and then he said how about 1/2 and I said how about .4 cc? And that's what he did. And I am PERFECT now. I just cannot thank God enough for this band, and for leading me to the guy that has helped this weight loss progress so well.

Every time I drop 10 pounds, I get $200 for new clothes... Weight loss is SLOW now, so I am missing my moolah!!

COngrats to all!

Congrats! Welcome to the 'club!'

Doc tells me to 'take it easy' but no restrictions.

I truly believe a lot of patients also feel more 'superior' because their doctor sold it to them that way. My follow-up doc who does my fills has been uber helpful, but he is VERY pro-bypass or sleeve. He sees faster weight loss and has more experience with it. PLUS, his patients get closer to goal, according to him. BUT, they are not me... and it all depends on your personal goal. I mean, I was 235, and now I am in the 170's. I wear a size 12. I look and feel NORMAL. I don't have head hunger issues anymore. I am going to get every last pound of me that I can, BUT I know that it may not be likely that I get to 130 or 140, like I'd like. Am I disappointed? GOD NO? Do I have second thoughts? Not even for a split second. I can walk down the beach in a bathing suit and not be totally mortified. I can show my kids healthy eating habits, and more than anything, my obsession and fixation with food is GONE.

I found an article that was just published about people who eat eggs for Breakfast, and how those who do, lose more weight than those that eat carbs. This was also evidenced in other studies that have shown weight GAIN from instant oatmeal. This has got to be a carb thing... the fact that blood sugar is not spiking and dropping like crazy... Eggs are usually easier for bandsters... this gives you another excuse to enjoy... New research confirms that eating eggs boosts a healthy weight loss plan PARK RIDGE, Ill., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published online today in the International Journal of Obesity shows that eating two eggs for breakfast, as part of a reduced-calorie diet, helps overweight adults lose more weight and feel more energetic than those who eat a bagel breakfast of equal calories.(i) This study supports previous research, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which showed that people who ate eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied and ate fewer calories at the following meal.(ii) 'People have a hard time adhering to diets and our research shows that choosing eggs for breakfast can dramatically improve the success of a weight loss plan,' said Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Ph.D., lead researcher and associate professor in the laboratory of infection and obesity at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a campus of the Louisiana State University system. 'Apparently, the increased satiety and energy due to eggs helps people better comply with a reduced-calorie diet.' Significant Weight Loss Related to Egg Breakfast Compared to the subjects who ate a bagel breakfast, men and women who consumed two eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet: -- lost 65 percent more weight -- exhibited a 61 percent greater reduction in BMI -- reported higher energy levels than their dieting counterparts who consumed a bagel breakfast (i) The egg and bagel breakfasts provided the same number of calories and had identical weights (energy density), which is an important control factor in satiety and weight loss studies. The researchers also found that blood lipids were not impacted during the two month study. They found that blood levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, did not vary compared to baseline cholesterol blood levels in subjects who ate either the bagel or egg breakfasts. These findings add to more than 30 years of research that conclude that healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. New Emphasis on the Importance of High-Quality Protein This study adds to the growing body of research which supports the importance of high-quality protein in the diet. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) published a special issue in May 2008, which contains nine articles that focus on the value of high-quality protein in the American diet. A major finding was that not getting enough high-quality protein may contribute to obesity, muscle wasting (loss) and increased risk of chronic disease. (iii) , (iv) Jump Start the Morning with Eggs Jackie Newgent, registered dietitian and chef, stresses the importance of obtaining adequate high-quality protein when advising consumers about weight loss. 'Eggs are a good source of all-natural, high-quality protein, so they can help keep you satisfied longer, making it easier to resist tempting Snacks,' said Newgent. 'Nearly half of an egg's protein, and many of the other nutrients, are found in the yolk, so make sure to eat the whole egg for maximum benefits.' Newgent suggests these nutrition tips for a successful weight loss plan: -- Manic Monday: Make a batch of hard-cooked eggs on Sunday, so you'll have all-natural, high-quality protein meals for your on-the-go schedule during the week. Plus, eggs are incredibly affordable. At an average of $1.93 per dozen (or $0.16 per egg),(v) eggs are one of the most affordable high-quality protein foods in the marketplace. -- In-a-Minute Morning Meal: In less than 60 seconds, you can prepare an egg breakfast to help jump start your day. Simply beat one whole egg in a microwave-safe mug then cook in the microwave oven on high for 60 seconds. Slide the egg onto a whole grain English muffin. Add flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, salsa, or cheese. Serve fresh seasonal fruit slices, like peaches in the summer, on the side for a balanced meal. Adults Who Eat Eggs for Breakfast Lose 65% More Weight

CONGRATS!!!! Unbelievable!!!

Congrats on finding the 'sweet spot.' When I got to that point, I really felt like my brain had been rewired. It is truly amazing not to be always 'planning your next meal.'

PLEASE do your research on this guy before you go under the knife....

Here are some new before and current... I won't say after, cause I've still got a bit to go, but I think this shows big progress... From a size 18w/20w to a 12...

Okay guys, I am SO TIRED and annoyed and need your help. I know many have suffered constipation... and I thought with the new way I am eating, mostly organic, non-processed foods, a TON of Fiber, my 'problem' would resolve itself... but it is NOT and I need help. I have a docs appt, but I really want to kick around other ideas with the experts here cause I am really miserable... I have been dealing with chronic constipation since my band surgery in October of 07. I've had to do the stool softeners, the laxatives like Dulcolax, to get it going, and can never keep that momentum. I will only result to the stool softener/dulcolax stuff once a week cause I REALLY don't want to create a dependency... but it seems to be the only thing that helps... Here's what I have tried. 3 prunes/day Fiber One bars Steel Cut Oats coffee Fiber Con - 2 each day Apple juice Prune Juice Lots of fiber from veggies and fruits Yogurt Drinking LOTS I STILL cannot get a regular BM. I take adderall, which is a stimulant, which dries me out. I will stop taking it and STILL cannot go. I don't know what else to do. I REALLY don't want to be one of those people who end up HAVING to use laxatives just to go. I don't want to be one of those people. But I really can't figure out what else I can try... Anybody have any other suggestions? I DO NOT take a Calcium supplement and am NOT a huge cheese eater... so it isn't that... My diet is varied, but VERY fibrous. I get AT LEAST 25-30 grams/day... HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cursing:

My doc said that Miralax is totally safe and can be used daily. She also said for me to continue doing the fiber thing so I eat lots of veggies, and Fiber One bars... Try the Miralax... it is GREAT!

An organ the SIZE OF A HAND cannot be REMOVED with a laproscopic surgery. Also, an organ that is being HARVESTED for someone else cannot be removed like that. Harvesting of an organ is a VERY delicate procedure... This is an urban legend my dear...

I am going to Florida for 2 1/2 weeks in August and plan on continuing to scale's downward motion while I am on my trip as well. I just wanted to tell you, Aunt Lucy, think of changing your attitude about food as not 'good' and 'bad.' I CHOOSE healthy foods and make HEALTHY choices to nourish my body... However, a slice of carrot cake occasionally should not be viewed as 'bad.' I just know that that majority of choices I make need to be healthy... The band offers us a tool in weight loss, and I really think I've been successful so far because I don't view things as 'bad' or 'off limits.' I just CHOOSE to make better choices for me...

I went from a size 18/20 to a 14 in six months and am at a 12 now. I only by what I need, basics, staples... and supplement with fashionable stuff from Target and Kohl's clearance racks. I just bought 2 pairs of pant from Kohl's for $5 each. Now THAT is the way to redo a wardrobe. As a size 12, I still wear a lot of 14s even though they are big... I'll wait till I am a 10 to 'switch over' some things. Also, for women, skirts are an easy way to not worry about switching sizes so often since they don't have to be fitted.

Nope... can't eat them. I hardly ever PB, but if I eat some bagel, it is GUARANTEED. It is the only real food that I have sworn off..

Thanks for the replies. I saw my doc today and she said to continue on with the fiber, but to do the Miralax too. So I've got a plan, and now I won't be full of... you know! :embaressed_smile:

Yes, you will have to be reapproved. If there is a way for you to start your fills are on COBRA, that will relieve a lot of headaches. You will have to meet all of Aetna's qualifications... also, if there is a weight loss surgery exclusion on the Aetna policy, it will not be covered.

Take it one day at a time. You're early into the band and don't have a proper fill level yet. I really believe when you're at your sweet spot, you'll feel a TON better. Once I got my 'sweet spot' that head thing disappeared and it was like it was rewired or something. I've lost about 15 pounds since my last fill and am starting to get that hunger at times I shouldn't be, so I know that I need a bit to top me off... You'll get through it. Keep working at it, make wise choices... I know that another that really changed it for me was trying to eat mainly organic/unprocessed foods as much as possible. I cut the diet drinks and that made a HUGE difference. I know it sounds all 'tree hugger' or something but the less artificial stuff you eat, the more natural you go, you'll see a big change in your satiety.