DonnaB

(Originally posted 5-31-06 - I deleted the post from the thread but I wanted to keep the info) Well everyone, I did it. I had my first fill today! Yay for me! I have to stay on liquids for A WEEK! OMG. Boo for me. lol I had my fill at Dr. Jayaseelan's office - very nice people - and it didn't hurt at all. Not even the "bee sting" of the Lydocain. I felt it, but it didn't hurt. I was all in a panic for nothing. I know Janet, you told me - by now you'd think I'd listen to you more often, huh? I'm still worried about infection but it's highly unlikely so I'll just have to suck it up and stop even considering it. My first fill is 1.4cc's in my 4cc band. I'm worried it might be a little too much, I'm very aware of my sternum area right now. I could feel my water, and now my broth going through, and I'm a little worried about when I move back to solid food. I'm even more worried about the "2 week kick in" ! I'm telling myself that between the frequent first-fill evaporation, and that because my monthly friend is visiting right NOW (of course it had to be right when I go for my first fill!) that maybe that 2 week kick in will be more like an even trade. What do you think? I know, I'm trying to bargain with science! That always works, right?. lol

Hi everyone. I'm not new to LapBandTalk but I've been away for a very long time. Since being banded I've lost 60 pounds and am still another 75 away from my goal weight so . . . a long long way to go. I left LBT during one of the unpleasant exchanges that took place and I'm hoping things are better now. I could really use y'alls support right now, my weight loss has stalled and I've actually put on a few pounds - yep, I'm eating around my band. Sigh. I don't need a fill, I'm one of the unlucky ones who get massive swelling with each fill so its very very hard to get any fill and not have to take it right back out. As it is, I get full on a small amount of food, but I continue to eat, or wait awhile and then go back for more. (:help:) I know most of you vets have heard this story before. A little encouragement and maybe some similar-but-with-a-happy-ending kinds of stories will help me to get back on track. It's good to be here again, hopefully some of you will remember me and give me a little of your strength and motivation. Thanks for listening, DonnaB

Don't worry, it'll be fine - words of wisdom from the truly crazy, having had my lapband done in Mexico! And this was BEFORE I discovered LapBandTalk to be able to talk to other people who had done it! Ya, I was scared and excited, but mostly I knew I couldn't continue walking the path I was on. So, yes, scary, but definitely worth it!

Dr Rumbaut doesn't do plastic surgery but he strongly recommends a plastic surgeon in Monterrey - his wife and (if I remember correctly) daughter had plastic surgery performed by this surgeon. Next time I talk to him or his office I'll be sure to get the surgeon's name and post it for anyone interested. If Dr. Rumbaut trusts his wife and daughter to this surgeon, that's a pretty strong recommendation as far as I'm concerned.

My sister sent me this and it made me wonder if I should emigrate to Australia. Anyone know what Australia is like? Temperature, rainfall, humidity, politics, freedoms, negatives, positives? They probably wouldn't let me keep my guns. Hmmmmm. Australians Got It Right! (Verified on Snopes.com - see last item below - Source: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/australia.asp). Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on national television. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said. Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians." "However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia." "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle." "This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom." "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!" "Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture." "We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us." "If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others. "This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'." "If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted." Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voting the same truths!! SEND THIS TO EVERYBODY YOU KNOW !

I saw this on AOL today and thought it was very interesting. I guess Gaultier realized there's a whole segment of women the fashion industry is ignoring. Is it altruism or is it greed? Frankyl, I don't really care as long as it gets people talking about what body shape and size means in the western world. I am a little miffed about the reporter's desired for a happy medium - in the form of a size 10. Hmmmm. Here's a link to the article: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2004070003-2006460207,00.html I hope no one minds, I posted this on www.Band2gether.net too.

Just be sure that if you're crushing pills that they can be taken that way. If you crush a 'time release' pill you get the full dose immediately and it can be dangerous. If you're not sure if it's ok to crush YOUR meds, talk to your doctor before you do it! As for me, I take Biotin, Flax Seed Oil, Vitamin E, and Nexium every day. I only wait a few seconds between each pill and haven't had a problem . . . so far. I also take a multi-vitamin every day but it's liquid so it doesn't really apply to this thread!

Gorgeous pre-band - smokin' hot one year post-band! Thanks for the pictures, nothing is more inspiring. Here's to many years of uncomplicated bandiversaries! Cheers.

Sorry to highjack your thread kmwwmk. Deb, you're probably going to need a slight unfill. If you can't get down clear liquids without foaming, sliming, or PBing, you're too tight.

I don't even think it's necessary for you to move. Just stop the 'give and take' that comes with real friendship. When you have to talk to her, just don't give her any personal information - stick to the weather and current events. If she tries to give you personal information, don't be drawn in, just give it the old 'isn't that nice' and change the subject back to the weather. She'll catch on. Maybe you ARE meant to learn something from this user, but it may also be that she was meant to learn something from her dealings with you - like how NOT to treat people if you want to maintain their friendship. There are plenty of nice, caring people in the world - time to find a few of them and leave this "friend" behind. Best wishes.

I've never heard about waiting 15 minutes between each pill. I take them one at a time, but only wait about a minute - two at the most - between pills. I've never had a problem. You said the first couple bites from your lunch went down fine but then the bite with beef and cheese gave you the 'golfball.' It doesn't sound to me like the problem was from your pills - sounds more like the beef got stuck and had to come back up. I think maybe your PB irritatated and caused some swelling that didn't allow you to eat anything else. Obviously you should follow your doctor's orders, but I'm wondering how many people here have heard about the 15 minute between pills rule that your doctor gave you. Mine said to take pills with a little food to make them go down easier, but nothing about time between pills.

Just be sure to do your research, find a local aftercare physician BEFORE you are banded, and no matter what, DO NOT USE LOPEZ! Best wishes on your surgery and on your weight loss journey.

Lopez strikes again. I wish there was some way to warn people about him. I wonder if other Mexican lap-band doctors can do anything about him. He's making them all look bad and they're, no doubt, losing business because of his malpractice - not that they're hurting for business but still . . . It seems like people's worst fear of Mexican surgery come to life with Lopez. I wonder if he's actually even a doctor! Lyndseyjill, I'm so sorry you're going through this and I hope you get relief from your infection very soon, and that you'll find a local doctor to help you out. I'm in the D/FW area and am using Dr. Jayaseelan at Medical City Dallas for my fills. I'm not fond of Dr. Jay but I really really like his PA Arlene. I'm not sure if Dr. Jay will take on a Mexico patient with complications, but I know he see's Mexico patients for fills because I had my surgery done in Mexico! Dr. Maese (cardiologist) does fills for Mexico patients in Ferris (south of Dallas) and in Frisco (north of Dallas) so you might look into seeing him. Best wishes and please let us know how you're doing and if you found a local doctor.

I'm just past the 6 month mark and eat ALMOST anything without a problem - just a lot less of it. It's not a big deal at all. At least it hasn't been for me. Best wishes.

I collect movies. I have hundreds and hundreds of movies. Old cheesy ones, new ones, serial films, box sets, bootlegs, and, God help me, I've started in on TV series'. Somebody save me from myself! I have a smallish (about a dozen) collection of angels. I bought two very ornate miniature shoes for my curio cabinet. My MIL saw them and now gives me one every year, either for Christmas or my B-day, and they are UGLY shoes! FUGLY shoes! Shoes I wouldn't want in my closet in a box, much less in my curio cabinet!!!! Ahhhhhhh. I collect Halloween stuff like crazy! I'm a costumer and it started with just costumes, but now it's accessories and props - I have a pinch toed coffin (padded and lined with, ruched, red satin) leaning against my dining room wall because after my husband built it for Halloween 2 years ago (!) we realized we didn't have any place to store it! What were we thinking? This year we're building an 'iron' fence to put around our 'graveyard'! OMG, I'm the crazy Halloween lady! Eh. Oh well. LOL I collect Christmas ornaments of all kinds - Radko and 'old fashioned' natural material ornaments especially. I think I may have to break down and buy another tree this year or decide which ones to use and which ones to leave off - there's only SO much space on a tree! Even hanging ornaments 'deep' in the tree I'm out of room. Have been for a couple of years, but that hasn't stopped me from buying new ones almost every year! Royal Albert tea cup/saucer sets. I have a dozen in different patterns and I've stopped looking at them. Eventually I'd like to purchase a full set (with accessories) of the 'Lady Carlisle' pattern. Fabric! OMG, it's a total obsession. I can't go to Wal-Mart without going to look at what they've got on the cheap table. If it looks like something I could make a great costume with - I buy it! I haven't made a costume in about a year, but I keep buying fabric! What is wrong with me? Don't anyone dare answer that! (Obsessive/Compulsive). *sigh* "Hi, my name is Donna and I'm a pack rat." (Said in unison) "Hi Donna."

There are a lot of reasons you might be getting the golfball feeling. Are you eating too fast? If I don't wait between bites I have this problem. Are you taking too big of bites? Tiny TINY bites, pausing between swallowing and taking the next tiny TINY bite may help. Are you chewing your food well enough? Even a tiny bite can hurt if you don't chew, chew, chew to goo before you swallow. Don't try to swallow tiny amounts of a too big bite. Take the tiny bite and chew it all very carefully before you swallow any of it. It sounds very simply, but I've found it's the hardest thing to do. Are you watching television or trying to do anything else while you're eating? You should be concentrating on your eating, without any kind of distraction. The second I am distracted by something I take too big a bite or I don't completely chew and BANG, I get the golfball feeling. I hope this has at least given you something to consider. Best wishes with the problem and let us know how you're doing.

Margarita Work or School?

I had it done about 6 weeks ago on my chin and jaw line. It cost $450 for 5 treatments - 1 every 2 months. I've seen it advertised for less and I had a consultation where it would have been $750 for 2 treatments, so . . . it's whatever the market will bear. My first treatment removed 99.5% of the hair, so I probably won't use all 5 treatments. I know the hair grows in cycles so I guess I'll have to wait and see how much grows back. So far, none. $450 is a fair amount of money, but, IMO, it was worth it. I'll probably do my armpits next.

I know of at least two former LBT members who used Dr. Billy. Use the "Search" button at the top of each page and type in his name - you'll get some hits. Best wishes on your journey.

Third time will be the charm - no doubt! Can't wait to hear that everything went as planned and you're on the mend Vines!

Since being banded I'm a 'strictly at the table' eater. I think it helps.

Hey Miper, You may already be doing this, but if you're not you should definitely start: Journal your food/caloric intake. When you go to the doctor, they are more likely to listen to you, and believe you, if you can show them proof of your inability to lose weight on a lower calorie diet. There are a couple of very good online journals to choose from: www.FitDay.com which is the one I use and absolutely LOVE (buy the $20 downloadable one rather than the free one - it works 10 times better) and www.Sparkpeople.com. I've never used it, but others swear by it! Until I was able to see EXACTLY the number of calories I was consuming, I was never SURE that my efforts weren't in vain. Now I now when it's OK to have that treat if I really want it, or when I should hold off because I've reached my caloric restriction for the day. If you've got your food journal in hand when you visit your doctor, there's no way they can question your participation in your weight loss. Once that factor is ruled out, there's no other alternative but to look for the problem. Sorry you're having problems, best wishes and let us know what's happening please.

Hi Tutor, Welcome to LBT. I just wanted you to know that I had similar pains after surgery, and again a couple of months down the line. My doctor says it's normal, it happens to lots of people. About a month ago I lifted something heavy and the pain happened again - for about a week. My doc said, don't worry, you've probably pulled the fascia (the lining over the muscle where the port is stitched), give it a week and see how it is. It was fine. A little scary, but fine! I think that every time you have a weird feeling or a pain or pressure, at least for a little while, you're going to worry if it's your band or your port. Happens to everyone. Having said all that, I think its a good idea to keep in close communication with your doctor about things that you're experiencing. He/she's the best one to tell you when to worry and when to not sweat it, but just as importantly, these doctors are learning every day about what it's like to be banded; the more they know, the better they'll be able to help you and future patients. Congratulations on your band and best wishes on your journey.

Try to remember this is a journey. You didn't put all your weight on overnight, it's going to take time for you to lose it. Every band doctor I've heard of, including my own, say that 1 - 2 pounds per week is what you want. More than that and you are starving yourself, which is not healthy and can cause problems. Less than that and you probably need a fill, or to make better food choices. At three months out, and 30 pounds down, you've lost an average of 2.5 pounds per week. That's fast. I think you need to sit down with your parents and explain what the perameters of GB weight loss expectations are. If they won't listen to you, make them go with you to your next doctors appointment. What you DON'T need, is added pressure from the people you are looking to for support, and they need to understand this.

Why not just get a picture of a dog and leave it at that? Then you wouldn't have to feed or pick up after it. LOL I would actually PREFER to have my change put on the counter. I hate it when a cashier puts your money in your hand, with the receipt on the bills and the change on top. Then you have to juggle everything while you arrange it into your wallet. Put it on the counter, or put the change in my palm with the bills on top. Ask me if I want my receipt in my hand or in the bag. These things, as in almost every aspect of life, depend entirely on custom and personal preference. No one is going to get it right for every individual out there, but some common sense really makes a difference in how a transaction is perceived.