mtnman428

I have tried many, many different protein shakes, and the one I like the best is Muscle Milk Lite Chocolate. I buy them at Costco in a 24 pack of 8 oz. ready to drink shakes. I use these as meal replacements for breakfast and lunch (with a midmorning snack of 2 oz of raw almonds). They keep me full and are satisfying. I have found that by not eating much solid food during the day gives me much better control at night. I have lost 115 lbs, and I am 5 lbs below my goal weight.

Best decision that I ever made. I have lost 115 lbs, and I am 5 lbs BELOW my goal weight. I turn 50 next month, and I am in the best physical condition since college. I can do anything without getting winded or paying for it with stiffness the next day. I work out four days a week, and I have unlimited energy. People I have known for years have to double take when I speak to them, because they do not recognize me. They all ask me how I did it, and I am always happy to share my story with them. The best part is, I have added Healthy Decades to my life. I plan on seeing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am so greatful to my local health provider (she has a lapband as well) and to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico for helping me to make all of this possible.

I went back to TJ for my first fill. $279 plus cost of the flight. There is a local Dr that does fills that I will be seeing for my next one. (around 180/fill) (He has since stopped accepting patients) There is a local group that meets and the clinic internet forum for fellowship and support. Otherwise we're pretty much on our own.

I overnighted at the clinic, then one more night at the hotel. I was up and walking around without much pain. Actually went shopping the next day. Remember to pack light and have some loose fitting clothes for the trip back and you should be okay. You are not supposed to lift anything, so pack really light - a toothbrush and a change of socks. Actually, maybe skip the toothbrush. lol Good luck

Kathy, OMG that is so high!!! I live in RI and I was a self pay in Mexico; which, unfortunately I can't afford to keep flying back to. So I called around to RI doctors. There are no Fill Centers USA near me (the closest is New Jersey. Their website is Fillcentersusa.com, maybe there is 1 closer to you, but they charge $349 1st visit, then $165 thereafter (Fluoro would be $300 more). Anyways, Dr. Pohl ; which, is only 20 minutes from me, will do my fills for $200 1st fill, $165 thereafter. He doesn't typically use Fluoro though. That would even be cheaper for you to drive from VT to RI, then staying at the $1600 place-that's highway robbery! You should just call any Lap Band Dr.'s in your area, and ask each one. Good luck! :smile2:

Oh yeah...from past experience, I always lose my boobs first. I end up looking disproportionate! I was just Maid-of-honor in my sister's wedding; which, from the mirror, I thought the dress held everything in okay. Then I saw the pictures, and oh God, my stomach looked pregnant!!! All that we can hope for is that this balances itself out after more weight loss, and at least we are getting healthier. For now, it'll have to be Spanx, girdles and black/dark clothing.:biggrin:

Hi everyone! It's good to chat with others from our tiny state (I'm in RI too). I've been banded since 7/24/08. I was originally going to go to Dr. Pohl, but lost my Health Insurance/job, so I became a self-pay. I ended up going to Dr. Ortiz in TJ, Mexico. Everything went well, and I've had 1 fill with him since. I'm ready for another fill. I have already called Dr. Pohl's office and they said that they would perform my fills for $165 (no fluoro). I'm going to either call there to schedule for next week (hopefully), or I wanted to check around and see who others go to/like in RI. I can't afford the flights back and forth to Mexico. Any RI fill Dr. advice??? Thanks.

Hi! I live in RI. I was banded on July 24, 2008. After doing RI Dr. research, I was going to go with Dr. Pohl. I went to his seminar, and also learned that he was 1 of the best. He also has the F.A.C.S. after his name-meaning Fellow American College of Surgeons. Before I could schedule my surgery date, I lost my job (of 10 years), and health benefits. I couldn't afford the $14,000-30,000 US price, and I didn't want to give up. So I started researching Lap Band in Mexico; which is what I ended up doing. I went to Dr. Ortiz. I have since had 1 fill back in Mexico, but I cannot afford to keep flying back there for fills, so I will be staying in RI for my next fill. I will most likely go to Dr. Pohl for my next fill. I just have to call and see if they have any openings for next week. Good luck with your journey, and let me know if you have any questions.

Mine is real similar. A protein shake for breakfast, one for lunch, and a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I am also allowed any green vegatable with zero calorie dressing or seasoning to stave off hunger. Sugar free jello is also allowed. I have been on this for 1 week, and have 1 more to go. I get banded on November 14th. Thus far, I have lost 1.5 to 2 lbs per day on this diet, but I had lost 14 lbs prior to starting the pre-op doing high protein/low carb diet. The pre-op diet in pretty tough the 1st couple of days, but it gets easier if you hang with it. Good luck, I hope it all goes well for you :tt2:.

I am a Service Manager for a new car dealership. Lot's of stress, and stuck at a desk most of the day. I am getting banded in 10 days. Started at 312 lbs in August, I have lost 31 lbs as of today in preparation for banding. I can't wait to join the club!!:w00t:

Have you tried Pro-cal 100 shakes? The strawberry is my favorite, they are very filling and stick with you for quite a while. The price isn't too bad either. You might want to give them a try. Good luck!:girl_hug:

I quit caffeine 4 months ago, and I feel great! To get my energy level up, a few minutes of brisk excersise does the trick, plus burns some calories. Isn't the reason we are doing lapbands is to change our lives and become healthier? Keep up the good work and hang there. You'll do great! :rolleyes2:

Sorry to jump in. I was searching something when I found this. I think you may of been mistaken about the theme of that nights baseball game. At a "Private School Night" function, I would expect the naughty school girl look to be everywhere. Thats what you where to a 'Private School Night" party. The ladies are naughty school girl and guys as the headmaster or the guys dressed as nerds and the lady as the stern headmistress. I personally would not take a child to such an event, but I guess I'm more convervative than you.:biggrin: