boos02

My doc is the same - fill is done under floroscope but only to see the port. I have my third fill on Monday. Maybe I'll ask him to take a look! Kathy

Happy Birthday November babies! I've been having hard time with LBT, kicking me off, no email notification, etc but it seems to be working now. Phyll - maybe we can have a delayed bday celebration when I'm in Palm Springs in Dec. Looking forward to meeting you and Janet. Ellen, glad to see you're back. Nice job on 52 lbs! Snowing, 23 degrees and windy. Winter is definitely here in VT! - Kathy

Welcome all the newcomers! Orea, congrats on 7 lbs!! I bet you were thrilled to see that scale go down. Lovegrapes - sounds like you've got the right idea. No need to have defects that might affect your health.

Long - Great words of wisdom for April. It is really hard and only each person can make their own decision about being banded. Although I'm losing slowly I wouldn't change it for anything. And, it is a commitment. You must be diligent with food choices, become partners with your medical team to determine when fills are needed and seek support - like LBT.

Beachlover - welcome. You'll love this thread. Apples - you sound so happy! Brag all you want about being below goal. You deserve it. Sounds like we're all doing a little shopping. I went out yesterday (and may I add I HATE to shop). Having said that I was pleasantly surprised that I'm now in L tops and down 2 pants sizes! Didn't think I was making any progress, but I guess I am. Janet - you are absolutely right about exercising. I went again yesterday and did cardio intervals with my trainer. I struggle to get my heart rate up to max, which is where the calories will really burn. We have a new plan in place for reaching cardio max. I'm psyched! I also saw my doc on Friday. Scheduled for my 3rd fill on 11/24, before Thanksgiving. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Kathy

Kimaly - It really does show that we can't be slaves to the scale. Congrats on your success!

Wouldn't that be great to have a group get together for some networking, sharing, bonding. Let's keep this idea moving. Janet - you're right. It felt great when the workout was over!

Count me in for Vegas! I could probably swing a long weekend. It would be fun to meet all of you. Janet - sorry about your comuter woes. It can be so frustrating! Off to the gym. Really want to go home and eat (lol)! Kathy

Janet and Phyll - Let's "ink in" Sunday, Dec 7 during the day. My meetings start Sunday around 4:00pm, but the day is free. Can't wait!!

I've had 2 fills. I'm scheduled to see the doc on Thursday. I hope to get in for another then.

Donna - I'm doing the 5 day pouch test too. I have had no restriction since being banded in July. My weight loss has stalled and I have a hard time with portions. I'm hoping this will get me back into it. I'm just back from a business trip. It's great to get caught up on the posts!

Hi everyone - back from my 5 day business trip to Orlando. I ate way too much, in fact gained 3 lbs. I can't wait for my next fill so it can help with portion control. I think I'm going to do the 5 day pouch test just to get me back into the swing of things. Next trip is Palm Springs in early December. I really need to get control before that trip. Lori - congrats on 80 lbs! What an achievement. Did I see you were in VT. My guess it was Burlington since you mentioned the Christmas Tree Shop. I live in Burlington. Snowing today! Beckyo - nice job getting to one-derland. Well, back to work. It's great to be home reading all your posts. Kathy

No, he took a little out, but not much. I still had the heartburn, but it went away.

Wow - new site looks good, although it threw me for a second. Janet - 4:30am!! OMG, I sleep till the last possible minute then jump out of bed. Heading off on another business trip to Orlando for 5 days. Not looking forward to it as Orlando is not one of my favorite places. I'll check in when I get back. - Kathy

Shrinkme - When I had "heartburn" the doc said I was tight. After a few days it did go away. I stayed on liquids for the first few days after my fill. Kimaly - I'm thinking about the 5 day pouch test too. Glad to see you saw some results. Do you also think you're "re-sizing" your restriction? I hear that's supposed to happen as well.

Joiful - Why be so hard on yourself and your doctor? The band is a tool that if we use it properly (meaning eating the right foods and exercising) we will lose weight. You need to remember 1-2lbs a week is normal. I know this is a struggle for me. I too eat the wrong foods, but I can't blame the band or my doc for these struggles. It's up to me to make the changes. Hang in there.

Congratulations - I was banded in July and I'm often discouraged. Your words help me to keep with it.

I'm a slow loser too, but I think it's more because I'm not following the "rules" like I should be. I can't call it a plateau because I know if I just committed to it I'd be doing much better. Kimaly and Mfinney, congrats on 50lbs!! What a great feeling it must be.

Ah, Janet. We're all human. I'm sure you will bounce back from your splurge. And your sage advice about using the band correctly was as always a reminder that the band it only a small part of the journey. We are 75% or it. Ellen - glad to hear you had a restfull vacation. Hawaii is so beautiful! I was away the weekend reconnecting with old friends in Boston. It was so theraputic. I ate ok but may have enjoyed a few too many more cocktails than I should have!! I came back energized to eat healthier. Hope all is well with everyone. - Kathy

Hi Carolee - It seems off that you are still on soft foods. You should be transitioning to more solid foods. I have been banded for 3 months and have two fills. I still have no restriction. It's hard because I can still eat as much as I want. I have a hard time sticking to 1200 calories. Soft foods are similar to "slider foods" which means they don't stay in your upper stomach very long. Hopefully once you eat solid foods you will feel full longer. As for recording foods, I use thedailyplate.com. It's helpful breaking out the weird combinations we sometimes eat. Good luck and hang in there.

Donna - Yup, snow here in Vermont. We have the most in January and February.Woke up this morning and it was below 30. But, I love it. Janet - Looking forward to some 90 degree weather during my visit to Palm Springs in December. We still need to connect off-line so that we can meet! Phyl - Thanks so much for the pouch test site. Another good resource with information about after lap band surgery. TGIF - Kathy

Janet - Welcome back. I thought of you often. Phyl - Thanks for the info on the "5 day pouch test". Excellent information. I was looking for some info on how to get re-motivated. Gail - I'm with you on the struggling. I know it's all me and I need to make some better choices. I think I have the exercise part on track, it's the food part. Looking forward to another fill, but I do still need to eat right. Well, it's October and the snow has already started falling! It came way too soon!! Kathy

The decision to switch will be hard. If you are having success going to Boston then you might want to keep it. Personally, I like Dr. F and have not had a bad experience yet. I have regular appts and have found the staff to be great. Having said that, there are limitations in VT. He's the only doc and there are no nurses that do fills so he is serving all the patients. I have heard some patients complain they can't get in to get fills, but that hasn't been my experience yet. Good luck. Whatever you decide, you can continue on this thread for peer support.

Long - Congratulations! But I have to ask, how are you doing it? Can you share a sample day, how often are you exercising and how much restriction do you have? I need to get on the ball like you!

DEGirl - Congrats on the onederland. You are doing great! Thanks everyone for the feedback on fill costs. I talked to my doc's office and my insurance company and both said that is their typical cost. Can't figure out why everyone has such a better price. I'm going to talk directly to doctor on my next visit. The nearest fill center is 7 hours away, so I'm not sure that's an option for me.