GreenChrysalis

Hi everybody, just checking in again. Truth be told, I am not on LBT as much. I check in here a few other threads from time to time, but I guess my obsession with thinking/breathing lapband came to an end as I get more used to this lifestyle change. My new obsession is SparkPeople. I am doing their "Beach Body Challenge" (ha, it's only a month long so it's not like I'm going to get a beach body). It involves doing a different 10-minute video each day and 30 mins of cardio five days of the week. If you log 500 fitness minutes for the month, you're eligible to win $1000. Now that's incentive. My fantastic DH bought me a Wii as an early birthday present. It is so much fun. You do get a bit of a workout, especially from the boxing. He pre-ordered the Wii Fit for me and I am very excited about it. It looks like it'll be another great exercise tool. I have to keep it fun and interesting! I love the pictures. Dee (I have been reading your blog), Taynuh (you look so happy!) , L.A. (love your hair!)...anybody I forgot (because I am a flake) you all look so fantastic and are doing so well! Go you guys! Dynamo, I don't see much from you lately. I hope that means you're having fun with the new man in your life! Misty, I am in the process of reading your site. So inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story! I wish I'd done pre-op measurements. Oh well, I will try to do them this weekend sometime. Better late than never. I don't think I'll make it to Dr. K's BBQ. I am hoping DH and I can get in a vacation this summer and if that involves flying, well, no offense but I'd like to fly somewhere purely for fun. Still plugging away...I go for another fill on the 21st and I'm pretty sure I'll need it. Restriction is wearing off from my last fill on 4/18. Feeling pretty strange; I'm down two pants sizes, I have to tighten my bras, so I have physical signs of weight loss. But at the same time, I feel like I don't really see it enough. I keep thinking, OK, maybe when I get to 50 pounds gone it'll seem more real. I know it just takes time to adjust to the new and ever-changing me... Hope all are well!

Please check out my list in the Fill Doctors section located here. I don't know how many of them will do fills on patients banded in Mexico but it's worth a try. I know Dr. Ponce does. Good luck.

I could not edit my original post for some reason. Just wanted to bump this up for those looking and note that I chose Dr. William Johnson if anybody was curious. I had a good experience with him and have another fill scheduled in a few weeks.

It depends on who you go to. When I was researching it back in November of last year, I did not see any surgeon who charged less than $14k for self-pay. Some are as much as $25k if they require an overnight hospital stay. It's always changing, though, so you may find someone for less by now. The best thing to do, in my opinion, is go on the Allergan lapband site, find surgeons near you and start calling.

I'm sure you're right. It's obvious that they don't have much budget, hence the steadicams. But it seems like it was a good opportunity to make some product placement bucks. If they're going to go with a fake band name, though, they could at least get the details of how it works right. I've noticed the fake product names; the only thing they ever have is P&G products of course! I don't know; I am about a week behind on shows. But from what I've been reading of recaps, Ashlee hasn't been around. I guess they think we're all too interested in the Harley/Cyrus/Josh/Cassie mess. But that's a whole different topic! I saw Caitlin van Zandt's MySpace page but I am not on MySpace, nor do I plan to ever be (I think I'm too old), so I won't be messaging her. But I'd be interested to know her thoughts on the storyline, and how it relates to her personally if at all.

Dee gives great advice! I don't measure everything, but I do whip out the measuring cups if I'm unsure. Looks can be deceiving. I must confess, I don't follow Paula's advice to the "t" either -- I only use the Protein shakes if I absolutely can't get anything else or don't have time (which on average works out to once or twice a week), and snacking is a rare event. I've found it's not that difficult to get in at least 60 g of protein a day eating solids, so why drink the shakes if I don't need them? It is definitely a process and it takes awhile to change a lifetime of habits. But with perseverance, we'll all get there.

Hey there, I'm not a long timer, but this part stuck out to me: Why not? If you're not losing weight and you think that you're doing all of the right things, keeping track of your food is a good place to start. There are many free and easy-to-use resources out there (I use SparkPeople). You may not be getting in enough calories and/or Protein. Or you may be eating more carbs or taking in more salt than you think you are. Any of this could slow down your weight loss. You could also consider having another phone appointment with Pam Pierce and discussing your diet with her. Are you exercising? That's also a good way to jumpstart loss. Good luck!

Hi Nurse7263 ~ As you know, the first fill is really going to vary -- it's all about what constitutes the right level of restriction for you. I know some people get 1 cc and others get a lot more. I think that the first fill is usually the biggest, though. I left with 3.6 cc in my band. I also flew in from out of state, and he told me that he wanted to be extra careful about not overfilling because of that. I immediately felt restriction, which started to "wear off" after about two and a half weeks. Maybe it could've been more, but it was better to be cautious. I know if I hadn't had restriction, I might've felt like I "wasted" the money and time going out there. But on the other hand, I wouldn't have wanted to get home and immediately need to find someone to give me an unfill. Dr. K also gave me a Huber needle to take home with me. Since I couldn't take it in my carry-on (I believe you can only carry on needles with a prescription) I FedEx'd it to myself. Also, he probably mentioned this, but since you are coming from out of town he prefers that you get your fill the first day you're there and then stay a day or two if you can. That way if you find it's too tight, you can go back in and get it adjusted. Good luck! * * * * * * * I haven't had much to say lately here; I guess in some ways the "newness" of the band has worn off. Things are becoming second nature, like not immediately grabbing the bread basket or vacuuming up my food in five minutes. I am still diligently logging my food and exercise in SparkPeople. This weekend my daily calorie intake was much higher than it's been in months -- I attended my brother's wedding. But I also know that it was still far less than I would've eaten in the past, and I made the smartest choices I could. I also hit the treadmill in the hotel fitness room -- I can't remember doing that at a hotel, well, ever -- so hopefully I won't see a gain from the rich food. I got a lot of compliments yesterday at the reception; I wasn't always sure if it was the dress or me. And sometimes I was sure they were just being polite. Oh well, as long as the weight keeps coming off I'll keep working on my self-esteem so I can graciously accept those compliments!

Hi CathyChatts, I'm guessing that this is probably Dr. Jaime Ponce, yes? He has an office is in my state and I considered him for surgery, until I found out that his self-pay fee was more than I could afford. He is quite prominent in the Lap Band world, especially as he has proctored for both the Inamed band and now for the Realize band -- and I have read nothing but positive things about him. So it sounds like you are in good hands. Best of luck.

Oh, well that's interesting about the laparascopic surgery and removing the gas. I guess you learn something new every day! I forgot to mention the other scene. I had mixed feelings there too, but I do think it was good to bring up that you have to change your lifestyle and it can be upsetting, especially at the beginning when you might have those "WTF did I do?" moments. It would be nice for them to discuss the band itself and how it works. I haven't been to the GL board, but I did correct some people on the TWoP GL board who kept referring to it as bypass (and got to deal with the "that's the lazy way out" mentality, hurray). GL has discussed big issues before and had a little tag after the show telling people where to go for more info, so why not do that with the band? I'm not saying that weight-loss surgery is on par with breast cancer, but why shouldn't GL be one to educate if they're going to build a storyline about it?

After several days of other storylines, yesterday the Ashlee storyline had a few scenes. She was sitting up in bed reading. She wanted to go for a walk, and told her boyfriend that according to the "rules and regs" she was supposed to, but he was too worried about her. She mentioned that her incisions were sore, and then there were a couple of things that amused me. First, I think (although I'm not 100% sure) that she asked her mother to feel her "portal" -- who says that? Second, she had her mother feel a "gas bubble" in her shoulder. OK, I am no medical expert obviously, but I didn't know that it was possible to feel a gas bubble. She also said that they "blew her stomach up" with gas and then "sucked it back out, but didn't get all of it." I'm pretty sure that they don't suck it out -- it's supposed to get absorbed by the body. Anyway, I'm still on "lapband on soap opera" watch so I'll post again the next time it comes up!

Hey Cathychatts, The "no port band" is made by EndoArt (which Allergan recently purchased) and is not currently available in the U.S. -- it has to go through FDA trials so there's no release date yet. The APS band is made by Allergan and I saw posts with people getting it as early as November of last year. That is the newest Allergan band and I haven't seen anything about a newer model. There's also the Johnson & Johnson Realize band, which I think came out more recently. So you may want to ask which one or which ones your doctor uses.

True Results is a network of different doctors and practices who place the band. The name of the practice that Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hart are a part of is John's Creek Surgery and their weight-loss surgery program is Atlanta Bariatrics. Kind of confusing, I know! But I hope that clears it up for you. I had my surgery out of state, but Dr. Johnson is my aftercare doctor. I just saw him for the first time on Friday for a fill, but he was really great. Very nice, friendly, easy to talk to. I did have to wait longer than I would've liked in the waiting room, but maybe it was just a busy day for them. I researched several doctors/practices in metro Atlanta before deciding on Atlanta Bariatrics. The reviews were good, they're a Bariatric Center of Excellence, and the price for fills and consultations was affordable for me (since I'm self pay). There are some patient comments on ObesityHelp here. You can probably find feedback from others here who have been there by searching for Dr. Johnson or Atlanta Bariatrics also. Just my two cents.

John, congrats! That picture is great. You are inspirational. Brandymom, you have nothing to apologize for -- congrats to you! Welcome to all newbies! I hope everyone is well. I am so busy lately, crazy family stuff going on (brother's wedding, other brother's graduation, grandmother's illness) that I'm behind. I had my second fill on Friday. This was my first fill with a local doc and he was great, very friendly and easy to talk to. I am really lucking out with doctors lately. I have restriction again, I keep losing and I continue to think that getting the band is the best thing I have done for myself in ages and ages. Yay! :glare:

I did not vote in the poll because "normal" depends on the person. I eat until I am not hungry anymore. Not until I am full. There's a pretty big distinction there. Sometimes that is 1/2 cup and sometimes it's 1 1/2 cups. It just depends on what it is. Protein first, veggies second, starch (if any) third. I don't measure my portions anymore but I did at first, to get an idea of what it looked like. I still overfill my plate sometimes and have to put food back. I figure I'm doing something right. I am continuing to lose (just got my second fill) and getting in around 60g of protein and 1000-1200 calories a day. I also exercise 30-45 mins for 3-5 times per week.

The first thing that I got stuck on was grits. They were really thick and dry, so not too surprising. I have eaten grits since then with no problems, so it was how they were made, not grits themselves. The other times I have gotten stuck, it was food that I'd eaten with no problems before. I just took bites that were too big, did not chew enough or ate too fast. I don't have a "problem food" and have tried all of the potential problem foods except popcorn. My surgeon doesn't ban it, but since it'll just fill me up without any Protein, I don't see the point in eating it. I also tend to stick to crackers or toasted bread when I do eat it; why tempt fate? Trae, you are probably feeling bloated from eating such a heavy meal. My nutritionist never said to eat "only protein," but to eat protein first, vegetables second and carbs third. So if you don't have problems with salad, then by all means, you can eat it. I eat salad almost every day, either as part of a meal or as a meal itself with lean protein on it. Of course that is my nutritionist -- you may want to check with yours or your surgeon. As for making things "move," you can try eating high-fiber foods and drinking lots of Water. I use Benefiber in my water on occasion and once I used milk of magnesia.

Hi Tater, I am so sorry that you're having a rough time and that you're having health problems. I hope that's better soon. You really can't look at everyone else's numbers. We are all different. You just have to strive towards being the best that you can be. Some people lose slower than others. It takes some people longer to get the right fill. I know that is easier said than done, we all want to compare ourselves to someone else. But it's not going to get you anywhere. A couple of questions -- Do you track your food? If not, that is a good way to get an idea of what you need to work on. Have you measured your food to get an idea of the correct portion sizes? Have you been able to distinguish between head hunger and actual hunger? Also, did you visit a nutritionist as part of your program? Can you go back to him or her and discuss your current diet and how to improve it? You mentioned seeing a personal trainer, so I'm guessing that he or she knows about your health problems and can come up with a program that you can do that won't hurt you. I hope that you stick with that. And dance is fantastic exercise. I can't tell you how to make yourself do it. I don't think anybody can. You just have to reach inside yourself. You have to remind yourself why you got banded to begin with and what your goals are. You are right, it is work. The band is a tool, and we have to make a drastic lifestyle change. It sounds like you're having a hard time with fills, and that sucks. But there are still things you can do to help yourself be successful. I wish you the best of luck and I hope that you keep posting here. Hang in there!

Yep, I have heard of it. It looks a lot like the lap-band, but it tightens and loosens using radio frequency by remote control. So no need for a port or fills. Pretty cool stuff. It is available in Europe right now but still in trials in the U.S. It'll probably be at least a few more years before it's available. Here is an article about it that says that Allergan bought the company that makes it, EndoArt. So that might influence its advancement also.

Click on the phrase "your signature" in my last post -- it's a link to the signature edit page.

Hi next12bbanded, congratulations! I was banded by Dr. K two months ago and it was a great experience. Colorado is absolutely beautiful. If you are having surgery at the Crown Point Center in Parker, I'd recommend the Holiday Inn Select. It's two minutes away and an extremely nice hotel. There's a restaurant on the top floor and we got room service there. There are plenty of places around as well for whomever is coming with you to eat and get stuff for you. Do be aware that Dr. K puts you on an antibiotic. It's supposed to be refrigerated but we didn't get a suite at the hotel, so Dr. K said it was fine to keep in an ice bucket. As for what to take, I'd suggest comfortable clothing and shoes. Check the weather before you go. When we were there, it was in the low 60s one day and snowing the next morning. liquid Tylenol and Gas X strips are good also. Not much else I can suggest otherwise that isn't on the site here somewhere in the form of a list. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Hi Jason. Congrats on your good news. You can get a ticker at Graphical Tickers and Trackers: Weight Loss, Trying To Conceive, Pregnancy.... Just follow the steps, then copy and paste the code for bulletin boards into your signature.

The latest generation of band manufactured by Allergan is the AP band. It comes in two sizes. The APS holds 10 cc and the APL holds 14 cc. The difference from past bands is that the saline reservoir goes all the way around (the previous models had it 3/4 of the way around). It is also wider and supposed to be easier to remove should that be necessary. The Johnson & Johnson Realize band is also pretty new (less than six months). I don't know as much about it, but I think that the differences between the two brands are fairly minor. If you search the site for either of these terms, you can probably find more info about them. Both companies have websites also with a lot of information. I have the Allergan APS.

Hey Jeanie, Congrats on working out. I know it is a struggle, but once you get into the routine it really is rewarding I've found! I still just workout at home but I have a lot of different things I do to keep it interesting. I want to take dance classes at some point. I wish I had a suggestion for how to burp. If I feel something getting stuck, I get up and walk around for awhile. Often that helps. I have also heard to hold your breath for a few seconds, and that has worked for me too. But if I absolutely positively have to get it out (which has happened a couple of times), all I have to do is lean over the toilet and out it comes. There is a burping noise, but it's not anything like puking. No retching, heaving. So it really is a "productive burp" for me! Just make sure you are eating slowly, taking small bites and chewing, chewing, chewing. I have gotten pretty good about it but occasionally, like when I have gone too long without eating, I forget and get into trouble.

Hi Plain, I should've been more specific -- I guess what I meant was, to my knowledge, by the time her family got there, she wouldn't still be wearing oxygen. I don't remember much about the first few minutes myself, but I know that by the time my family saw me after any of my surgeries (lapband wasn't my first one), I was no longer wearing it. Oh, they're totally unfamiliar with healthcare despite having a hospital set. A heart transplant patient wasn't hooked up to anything more than a heart monitor. They didn't even try to make it look like she'd had surgery to her chest or anything.

Hi SkiGirlDenver! I too waited about two years from finding out about the band to get it. If you are like me, you have done a lot of reading in the past two years so you probably won't have as many questions for Dr. K. I didn't. I can't think of anything I wish I'd asked him, but he's very easy to talk to and absolutely willing to answer any questions, no matter what they are. The FAQ section of this site has some lists of questions, so you might want to look over those for ideas. He basically walks you through a packet of information that you'll get ahead of time, that explains everything pre-, during and post-op. I had my consult on January 2 and surgery on February 14, so it can move pretty fast. I think it just depends on scheduling -- yours and theirs. I specifically requested that week in February so I could take the time off work. Good luck and I hope to see you around!