siestaqh

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/184/179 - 174 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/165/132 - 43 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/113/110 - 67+ total--Lost band 12/07but holding on... 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/170/134 - 64 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/186/179 - 172 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/143.5/140 - 96.5total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-11: waterlily1072 - 354/273/150 - 81 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/188/140 - 60 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 33 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/259/150 - 11 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/198/150 - 75 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/95/69 - 27 kgs/66 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/201/170 - 69.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/203/165 - 86 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/200/160 - 62 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/184/150 - 80 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/228/150 - 55 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/228/150 - 105 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 total

Update: I am now at 115# and having trouble finding clothes in sizes to fit me--size 0/girl's 14. That is the problem with being a midget. The interesting thing is that I lost my band to a slip in early December. I had been gradually getting tighter and then WHAM. Unfortunately, it was so bad that the band had to come out. The docs were great and the recovery was uneventful. Of course, my worst fear was that I would regain. Interestingly, I have not only maintained my weight, but actually lost a few more pounds. I am really down as far as I should go--not skinny, but not wearing any extra (other than a bit of loose skin--less than I feared). A fitness trainer told me that my original goal was not good, as the ONLY benefit of spending so many years packing around extra pounds was that I developed denser bone and more muscle in order to carry it. Therefore, if I dropped to the weight that I was before I got so heavy, I would have to lose muscle to do it. She was right. I am not sure why, but I still seem to have some restriction. I have kept up with my band-style eating behaviors and have no difficulty staying within 1000 cal/day (all I need). I still believe that getting the band was the best thing I ever did and encourage others to do so rather than live the way I did when I was fat. If my eating gets out of control again, I would get rebanded in a heartbeat, but so far I am encouraged that I haven't needed it. Good luck to all--we can do it. Penny

I have a friend who had a daughter 4 years after her husband had a vasectomy. Then, she had two more after she had had her tubes tied! LOL Penny, Idaho

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/209/179 - 149 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/169/132 - 39 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/117/110 - 63 total--NO MORE BAND :-( 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/176/134 - 58 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/227/180 - 131 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/152/140 - 88 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 30 Total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 Total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/208/150 - 65 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/205/170 - 65.5 lbs. total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/210.5/165 - 78.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/206/160 - 56 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/189/150 - 75 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/229/150 - 54 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/233/145 - 100 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 pounds total <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/173/132 - 35 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/128/110 - 52 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/185/134 - 49 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/258/180 - 100 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/209/180 -75 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298/278 - 114 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/236/156 - 52 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/218/150 - 55 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/104/69 - 21 kgs/46.2 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/220/170 - 50.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/219/165 - 70 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/197/145 - 67 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/243.5/140 - 39.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/253/145 - 80 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/170/135 - 55 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total

Like some of the others, I am an older bandster (59). I was banded in April, 2006 and have lost about 60#. I originally set my goal at the last weight I remember being "good" for me so many years ago-110#. I admitted to 180# when I started (I had stopped weighing several weeks before surgery, and things that I could squeeze into at 180+ no longer fit when I finally made the decision to do the surgery...). I have lost weight in fits and starts, with plateaus in between that made me wonder what was going on. I got one fill in June that was very tight to begin with and then got TIGHTER. A flu bug pushed me over the edge the first week of October and I ended up getting a complete unfill. What amazes me is that I am NOT ravenously hungry, continued my bandster eating and exercise, and have continued to lose. Before the unfill, there were many foods that I couldn't eat, but now I can (salad!). I am not eating much, if any, more than I did when I was filled and have continued to lose. This tells me that the behavior changes that the band imposes (sometimes quite forcefully) are the real working force. Don't get me wrong, I am going in about 10 days for another (smaller) refill, but I don't feel that I need to be cranked down to the point of having a long list of "can't eat" items for this to work. Ironically, I would PB on tuna and cottage cheese, but was always able to eat Pasta and bread if I tried. Go figure... As someone on another board says, "Just because I CAN eat it doesn't mean I SHOULD..." In a way, this time has been really exciting because it has convinced me that I will be able to maintain a healthy weight indefinitely--something I "knew" cognitively, but wasn't so sure on the feeling level. As far as my weight goal goes, I am not so sure now where to "quit" losing. I have gone from a size 2X to a 4 (I am 5' tall if I lie), but am still just under 20# heavier than the goal I set. My friends (and even other bandsters) tell me not to lose much more or I will start looking scrawny--not a look I am aspiring to. I recently talked to a trainer and she also suggested I stop losing soon. I told her that I recall that as I was gaining, I already felt and looked heavier than I do now at this weight. She explained that, being heavy for so long (and pretty active during that time), I had actually developed denser bone and more muscle over time in order to pack the extra weight (You mean there is an UPSIDE to being heavy for years???) I have been pretty diligent about making sure I have a balanced diet (especially protein) and done modest exercise since being banded, so I have lost FAT but not muscle as my weight has dropped. She said that many people who get heavy then lose find that they are actually heavier at a given size (as demonstrated by those "someday" clothes that we all have in our closets) than they were before getting heavy. She said that the standard charts assume a minimal level of bone and muscle development and if we reach the lower limits of the "healthy" weight on them, we have to lose muscle to do it--something we do NOT want to do. I think I would like to some more to try to get rid of a bit more tummy, but if I end up stopping here, I am thrilled. As someone else mentioned, I have been told that I look 10 years younger and I feel at least that. At my age, I was starting to get several age/obesity-related health conditions that were promising to severely limit the quality, if not the length, of my life. Those have virtually disappeared and I feel better than I have in years. My goal was to get to a healthy weight and then be able to maintain it without having to obsess about "dieting" and feeling "deprived" constantly. I know that I will always need to be a "mindful" eater--make good choices MOST of the time--but I want to make food receed into the background of my consciousness and focus on other things in life. In that regard, I have achieved my goal and am fully confident that I will be able to maintain it with the support of the band. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/128/110??

Unfortunately, I DID eat like a bird before banding--1 1/2 times my own weight in a day! That's what birds have to eat to keep going, but obviously I didn't need it. LOL I had to get unfilled a couple of weeks ago (was tight to begin with then a flu bug pushed me over the edge). I was banded in April and have lost over 50#, but was scared to death that I would regain quickly. However, I have tried to stick to my bandster routine--60 gms. of Protein, etc. During my liquid phase, I decided to eliminate all "cheap" carbs and keep my intake of any carbs very limited (once I start eating those, I can't stop even with the band). Ironically, even filled very tight, I could eat bread and Pasta... I measure my portions and eat in the bandster way, and am amazed that I am not ready to devour anything that doesn't move faster than I do! I eat my bandster portions (no drinking), and then wait at least a half hour. If I am still hungry, I will eat a bit more veggies. Amazingly, I am almost never hungry. Even filled, I would get hungry in the evening, so now I am eating a small salad then, and it works great (I couldn't eat salad when I was filled so tight). I am going back in a couple of weeks for a refill--smaller than my last. However, I am thinking that the real "secret" of the band is that, at least in my case, it has taught me (sometimes in some graphic ways), how much--or little--I really need to eat to feel good. Like others have said, focus on training yourself to 1) know what a REAL portion size is-- When I started measuring, I was astounded to see that my typical meal used to be several "portions", 2) eat the banster way, with protein first and then veggies, fruit and carbs last (if at all), 3) I don't like to take 20 min to eat my food--I don't like it cold. However, I found that if I measure the amount, eat it comfortably and then don't eat anything for at least 30 min (even if I think I am still hungry), I virtually always comfortably full after that half hour. A word of warning: If you tend to be a gobbler like I am, you WILL learn the "eat SLOWLY, take SMALL bites and CHEW" lessons once you do get serious restriction. I don't know that I won't ever need the band to "remind" me to change that behavior. Good Luck, Penny, Idaho banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/130/110ish

I was just down at Dr. Ortiz's office last weekend. I had a wonderful experience there and highly recommend them. I won't repeat it here, but feel free to PM me for details. I flew in to San Diego, where a driver picked me up and took me directly to the clinic (and then on to the gorgeous hotel). His fee is $8500 for everything but airfare and they REALLY take good care of their patients. The website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com I live in Idaho and the docs here are in the $20K range, which was out of the question for me. I had my surgery in April and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Penny Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/130/110ish

HI, I am just about 6 months out so I don't know that I qualify as a "pro" yet, but I will answer as best I can. First, there are no stupid questions--most of what you are thinking/feeling is the same thing that most of us have gone thru. Answers vary and are individual to each of us, but there are lots of commonalities that can help you realistically anticipate what is in store for you. I am 59 years old and was astonished how easy the surgery was and how quickly I recovered. I didn't even take any more pain meds after day 2 (which I was told to take for the long day's flights home). If I rolled over onto my port for about a week, I would roll right back, but I learned pretty quickly not to do that. I started painting and moving into a new house 3 days after surgery. I honestly think moderate activity is better than sitting around paying attention to your discomfort and it helps to dissapate the gas from the surgery. I WAS hungry on the liquid diet and often until my first fill (in June), but I lost 20# in that period. After the fill, I experienced PBing because of my lifelong tendency to gobble my food in a few minutes, and had to really learn the meaning of "small bites" and "chew". Since my fill I have lost another 30+pounds. I am exercising for an hour 3X week. As far as getting together for dinner, I still do that. I am careful to order things I know I can eat, eat slowly and I am not shy about asking for a leftover container. My SO loves to take me to dinner--we order one meal, a cup of Soup for me and an extra plate. I get my few bites of his meat, some of his veggies (which he doesn't miss), and then he orders dessert, of which I get my 2-3 bites. We both get a full meal and he only pays for one! Since I don't eat nearly as much as before, I can afford to indulge in better food (lobster tail), so I actually enjoy food more. I do try to stay away from carbs--Pasta, bread, etc., but I can still eat tiny amounts of it. The only think I "miss" is a cold beer on a really hot day, but a frosty margarita is a great substitute! I made the decision to invest in the surgery at this point in my life because I realized that the obesity-related illnesses were going to severely interfere with the quality as well as the quantity of my life. I don't particularly care about living a long time, but I want the time I have to be comfortable and productive. I have been battling my weight all my adult life and really heavy for the last 15 years. My only regret about getting surgery is that it wasn't available to me in that time. Imagine how much more "quality time" you will have in YOUR life when you aren't fighting this battle like you have been. I don't expect to be "young" again, but I am certainly enjoying the positive compliments I am getting. Most of all, I feel SO much better--no arthritis, can run 300 yards and not wonder if it is going to be my last, etc. As others have said, "Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels". Good luck on your journey. banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110

I am also sorry to hear about your divorce and understand that making this decision after so long a time is very difficult. My 24 year marriage ended 6 years ago and I was astounded how difficult it was even tho I had realized for a long time how unhappy I was. As you so eloquently expressed, you are grieving what could have/should have/might have been, not what actually was in the relationship. Let me give you a bit of insight into what it is like to be "on the other side" of the journey: The freedom from constant negativity and implied/expressed criticism is like having a migraine for so long that finally went away! The criticism won't go away, but at least you won't have to listen to it... Of course your life will change and there will be difficult times, but the difference is that you can deal with them in your own way without having to tiptoe around someone else which makes the problems single instead of multi-dimentional. You will probably be astounded to realize how much of your life was centered around HIS preferences/beliefs/etc. I had to figure out what I wanted and liked when it was no longer a given that every TV time was spent watching sports... Some of the things we did in common I continue to enjoy, if in different ways or with different people, but others were only things I was doing to accommodate him so they have been replaced with new activities/interests. As a child who lived in an unhappy household, I can assure you that, if you do your best to avoid negative statements about your ex, your children will also find it a relief to live in an atmosphere that is not fraught with tension. I can guarantee you that the parent who is bad-mouthing the other will be the one the kids will want to avoid. It will be a challenge to carve out your own identity in the coming months/years, but this is your time to do it. As much as you don't think so now, new relationship opportunities will present themselves, but you will find yourself redefining what works for you and you may be very surprised at how different that may be from the needs/expectations that you had 20+ years ago. I can sincerely tell you that there is life after divorce and you will probably ALL (even him) be better off for making this decision. That you are doing so after serious attempts to work out the problems and a period of time considering the consequences assures that you are not making a snap judgment. As someone else said, this (along with the surgery) is part of your path to "growing up" and assuming responsibility for your own life. Good luck to you. Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz 180+/133/110

I was banded in April and have gone from OVER 180# to 133#, with one fill in Juen at 1.9cc. I am 59 and only 5' tall, so a "sub-compact" model. I have had to suffer a learning curve (CHEW) issues, but I am gradually getting it. I ramped up my exercise by using my home glider and going to a gym 3Xweek. Size-wise, I started out in sz 14 pants (tight) and 2X tops. I have dropped sizes so quickly that I gave up buying anything expensive and started getting a few things at thrift shops since I was only getting to wear them a time or two. My question is, how did you know when to stop losing? I know that is a foolish question, but according to the weight charts and websites, I "should" weigh around 110#. However, I am now down to a size 4 pants, small tops. If I go down much more, I am going to have a hard time finding clothes, especially ones that aren't too "cutsey" for someone my age. My SO tells me that he really doesn't think I should lose much more since he thinks I am starting to look "peaked". I was sick last week and could hardly get Water down, but am better now and back to eating real food (about 900 cal/day). I have lost lots of inches, but still have more around my belly than I would like. However, I know that at my age I am never going to have the body of a 20 year old again... It has been so long since I was at a good weight that I really don't know what my "best" weight/size is. Could some of you "veteran" bandsters tell me how did you determine it? Also, how did you decide upon a proper "maintenace" level? Again, according to the websites, I would need to eat around 2000cals/day to stay at a level weight, but think I would blow up like a balloon if I do that. Like most of us, I am thrilled with the results I have had and realize that the difficult times are the "wages" I pay for the chance to finally get control of my weight. However, I still am somewhat fearful that if I quit being as vigilant as I have been about my diet I will start on the diet yo-yo again. My logical mind tells me that I shouldn't have to worry about that as long as I have my band and be sensible, but I haven't proven to myself that this is possible yet. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110?

Devana, To answer your original question, I went to Mexico alone from Boise. I was met at the San Diego airport by an English-speaking driver, taken across the border to the clinic for the pre-op tests and then on to the gorgeous hotel, where he checked me in. All of the staff at the hotel and clinic (including the nurses) spoke excellent English, so there was no communication difficulty. The day before my surgery, I walked down to a shopping mall and blew the afternoon in the shops. There wasn't a one that didn't have at least one person who could communicate with me. I strolled back to the hotel, had dinner and watched US tv until I went to sleep in the lovely room. The next morning, I was picked up at the hotel (by the mother of the doctor--she is delightful and is fully capable of filling in any information gaps that you might still have or making sure someone else does whatever it takes to make you comfortable). The surgery was a piece of cake--the procedures were thorough, the staff warm and attentive, and all was totally modern and spotless. After spending the night in the clinic, I was taken back to the hotel the next morning and given phone numbers to call if I needed anything (I didn't, except for indulging in room service for the tasty broth and drinks). The following morning the driver picked me up and took me back across the border and to the airport. I was completely comfortable and secure the entire time and really didn't need anyone with me. Frankly, if someone had been with me, they would have probably been bored to tears and I would have felt obligated to socialize when I really needed to just kick back and relax. It was really more like being at a resort than a medical procedure. The only negative was the flight delay getting out of San Francisco on the way back home...so much for the US airlines! Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110

Devana, Who was your doctor? Thanks

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/271/150 - 29 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/178/130 - 30 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/136/110 - 44 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/190.5/134 - 43.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/277/150 - 81 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/200/145 - 17.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298 - 94 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/253/156 - 35 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/226/150 - 47 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/248/150 - 62 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/105/69 - 20 kgs/44 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/230/170 - 40 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/228.5/165 - 60.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/244/145 - 26 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/204/145 - 60 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/249.4/145 - 31.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/268/145 - 65 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 224/214/175/135 - 49 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/210/150 - 30 total

HI Josette, I have to be upfront and qualify what I am saying by telling you that I have 5 dogs--maybe 6... I have a Sharpai mix that was sent to me about 1 1/2 years ago to keep her off a busy road--then came in a few months later from the 40 acres with a broken leg (can you say $750 "free" dog???). I have a Springer female who was tearfully passed along to me about 3 years ago when she got "too protective" of her houseful of kids--the one whose special friend she was insisted that if she go anywhere, it be to me... That one promptly popped out a litter of puppies, which were thankfully enough cute enough to find homes when they were weaned. I voluntarily adopted a Rottie pup 9 years ago and then was convinced to take a yellow Lab mix female about 6 months later when her owners thought she was "too active" for their kids. The one I have had the longest is my 19 year old poodle, who I got when she was 6 weeks old. Recently, a neighbor brought home a 7 mo old Bull Mastiff male who has decided that he lives with me. The neighbor is in the process of moving, so I don't know if he will stay or not. I moved this last spring to 5 acres closer to town and had real concerns about making these dogs, who have spent the last 8 years out on 40 acres bordered by BLM, so they had unlimited area to run and hunt jackrabbits. I have set up my place so that they have the run of the better part of 3 acres in an area where they cannot get out. I ran a hot wire around the bottom of the fence so that they wouldn't dig out, and the fence is 6' no-climb horse fence. I have an inside room where the big dogs come in at night (they have their own couch and beds), and the old poodle has the run of the house. They all have adjusted very well to the smaller space (altho this is still much bigger than a conventional yard), and are happy. Over the years I have had many animals, including other dogs, who lived out their lives with me. In every case, it is excruciating to have to make a decision to end a life, but it is one of the responsibilities that we take on when we bring these animals into our lives. Unlike with people, we have the option of assessing the quality of the animal's life and offering a peaceful release when that quality no longer exists. When the death is premature, due to accident or preventable condition it heartbreaking. The question of when to "pull the plug" is never easy, but it becomes clearer if you have had to grapple with this issue previously. However, I found that when I have been blessed to have most of my critters live out long and comfortable lives with me. I had a Springer female who was over 17 years old when she had a sudden stroke one morning. She had gotten pretty arthritic, mostly blind and deaf, but felt good and still enjoyed her pampering in the last few years (she had been pretty independent and preferred to stay outside most of her life). I knew right away what had happened, and took her to the vet. He confirmed that it was a stroke which left her conscious, but otherwise unable to move, and that there was no hope of meaningful recovery. I patted her head and whispered my goodbye as the euthanasia solution took hold--she licked my hand and gave a big sigh. Yes, the house felt empty when I got home, but I realized that for all but the first few months of her 17+ years, she had been in the same home, with the same people, never doubting our love and the coming of steady meals (witnessed by her well-fleshed frame), and for all but the last year had the company of her special "Lab-ish" friend, who had preceeded her in death. I think in doggy terms, that was as good as it gets... Dogs (and other animals) have a very limited concept of "future"--their whole existance is a fleeting past and NOW. If the "now" is not good, then they don't have a quality of life. There are times when we, as their guardians, understand that if they endure the unpleasent "now", they will have a better future (as in the young dog who broke her leg), so we make the decision to offer that to them. On the other hand, when there is no prospect for a good "now" for them, they don't have the capacity to hope for a better future. The biggest mistake most people make is in assuming that animals think like people, and they don't. They have their own unique perspective that needs to be understood and respected if they are going to have a "good" life. Animals, especially dogs, DO have emotions and are expecially upset and hurt if they are suddenly removed from their "pack" that they have come to know and bond to. Therefore, one of the biggest points about the thought of bringing a new dog into the house is the question of whether or not you are in a position to realistically expect that this will be a "forever" home for that dog and the ones you already have. How many dogs are "too many"? I suspect that I have already hit that point, but I know that my dogs will all have a home with me until the end of their days. (I have even left instructions and resources to care for them if I should preceed them in death). I know that it is likely that I will have to make end-of-life decisions for most or all of them, but I wouldn't choose to avoid that pain if it meant never having them in my life to begin with. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/136/110

I have been going to Curves for 4 months, but lately it hasn't given me enough of a workout--can't get my heartrate up to 70% no matter how much I run in place. I thought it was boring, and having to jog in place half the time didn't help my arthritis (even tho that has greatly improved since I have lost over 40#). I just switched to a "real" gym for women only and am appreciating the elipitical and other equipment that is a bit more challenging and not so hard on the joints. Penny banded 4/5/06 180+/136/110

I'm plugging away... 180+/138/110 Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz

HI, I set it up in a back bedroom and put a TV in there. I try to make it a point to go watch one of my home improvement shows while I am on it, and the time goes pretty quickly. I have one with the pistons (actually, shock absorbers). When they are set, it is harder to work, so there is some resistance. IF they are set too high, I really feel them pull in the knees, so I have backed them off so that doesn't happen. Interestingly, the calorie counter doesn't seem to increase with the added resistance, but logic would suggest that if you are working harder it is consuming more calories. According to the calorie counter on mine, it burns about 50 cals in 1/2 hour of pretty easy work. I asked a trainer at the health club I joined, and she said that it isn't very challenging, but it is very low impact (an issue for me since I have arthritis). She said that if I spent 1/2 - 1 hr/day on it that I would otherwise be sitting on the couch, it definitely would be useful. I try to be sure to get on it for a bit every day, especially on days that I don't make it to the gym. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz 180+/136/110

Hi, I went to Dr. Ortiz in April by myself and had no difficulty whatsoever (well, the delay getting out of San Francisco on the trip home was a bitch, but...). A driver met me at the airport, took me across the border and then to the clinic. After the pre-op stuff, he took me to the GORGEOUS hotel, checked me in and everyone there spoke outstanding English. The same with the medical staff. That afternoon, I walked to a mall a few blocks away, and had no difficulty since most of the shop employees were billigual--more than I can say. After the surgery, I stayed the night in the clinic and then was taken back to the hotel by Mrs. Ortiz (a charming lady). The next morning, the driver picked up several of us and took us back across the border to the airport. I had flight delays in the US and didn't get back to Boise until almost midnight, then drove myself another hour home. I was a pooped puppy the next day, but The whole experience was great. I would go alone in a heartbeat again, only this time I would do more shopping... Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/140/110

HI, Within three weeks post-surgery I could eat just about anything--including a Big Mac! However, I could only eat a much smaller portion of it than I could pre-band. Since my one fill, I have gotten several wake-up calls in the form of being stuck and PBing because I am a slow learner when it comes to "gobbling" too quickly. Ironically, things like cottage cheese will stick now where they didn't before the fill. I am starting to get the message... As long as I eat slowly and CHEW, I can eat about anything. The other day I managed a double cheeseburger, but got full quickly and ended up sharing about half of it with my poodle. I followed that up with a scoop of ice cream, all of which was an "indulgent" meal for me. Usually I do a piece of meat and veggies. I have virtually eliminated Pasta, bread, rice, etc., since they are my downfall. There is a medication that I was prescribed (which I have misplaced) that is supposed to reduce the carb craving, but I don't need it now that I have excluded these items from my diet. Of course, it is easy to do this since I live alone and don't have to cook for others. The biggest difference between what I do now as opposed to pre-band is that I pay attention to what I eat, but I don't obsess. I try to make sure that most of what I have is high in Protein and Calcium. Because of my lower capacity, I can easily fill up, so if I eat "empty" calories, I can't eat enough protein, calcium, and veggies to be reasonably healthy. I do take a daily Vitamin, but I don't do other supplements. Instead of crackers, Cookies, etc., I snack on cheese sticks, yogurt, cottage cheese, sugar-free pudding and Jello, etc. If I feel the need for something salty, I do a handful of nuts--and that handful satisfies me. That doesn't mean that I don't "fall off the wagon" now and then, with the rare hamburger or handful of chips at a barbecue. However, I am careful not to make it a habit. Even so, my limited capacity helps keep me in check. I do Breakfast, a very lite lunch and dinner, with 2-3 Snacks if I feel hungry. One cheese stick or yogurt will do the trick, so I don't get hungry. If I am involved in a project or activity, I can "forget" to eat until evening. Then, I am inclined to "gobble" and get reminded why we shouldn't do that. I have also become aware that the weight loss will slow or stop if I don't get enough calories (between 800-1100 for me), and there are days when I realize that I haven't met that. I don't stuff myself, but I will eat an Atkins bar or something similar to bump it up some, then add a bit more the next day. It is amusing to me to have to be sure to eat *enough* when for so many years the challenge has been to limit my intake. Of course, if I had eaten this way throughout my life, I probably wouldn't have a weight problem... One concern that I have is for the huge number of children and teens that are already seriously overweight. You KNOW that this inn't going to get any easier for them as they get older. The eating habits and dietary choices that you make are a powerful model for your child(ren) and could very well influence their long-term health and weight management. One of the interesting by-products of getting control of your own weight issues is often that other family members benefit from healthier choices, as well. If you train yourself to make healthy foods the dominant part of daily life, your child will see this as "normal" and not feel deprived or forced to "diet" with you. I have good intentions about exercise, but always find reasons not to go--I do work around the place and take care of my horses. I have never liked "exercise" for it's own sake and that hasn't improved. I am sure that my weight loss would be more rapid if I could dedicate myself to a regular regimen, but that just isn't me. The biggest reason that I opted for surgery is that I realized that, after years of trying to diet, that nothing short of UNENDING preoccupation and deprivation were going to give me a chance to achieve and MAINTAIN a healthy weight. I do not want to have to let this be the focus of my life. However, it was clear that if I didn't do something, the quality of my life was going to rapidly decline. The band has totally satisfied my need to be able to permanently limit my intake to only what is needed by my small body. Now I can get on with the rest of my life, which is much more interesting than food... Penny

My initial reaction to your question is "Why swat a fly with a baseball bat when a flyswatter will do?". In other words, why would you, at your age, want to undergo a radical procedure without giving a much less-complicated one a try. I understand that nobody wants to face the prospect of having the first procedure not work and have to then undergo another. However, WLS is like a haircut--you can always take more, but you can't put back what has been taken away. At your age, reversibility is a crutial factor if pregnancy or other conditions emerge that require more nutrients. For myself, I didn't feel that my health condition (even with my excess weight) justified a radical surgery with a prolonged recovery time and complicated follow-up. I just turned 59, but I sailed thru the procedure--I have had PAP tests that were more invasive--and have had few issues (other than the typical self-induced PB's) since. I am typically impatient and would like to lose faster, but at my age, size (5') and lifestyle, my 30# since 4/5/06 has been good progress that I expect to continue without undue interruption. Being self-pay, cost was a factor that I have to admit was an issue, but it wasn't the deciding factor. Like others, I would encourage you to continue your research and look for real data, not biased hype. I think the previous poster's point about hearing a disproportionate number of accounts about problems on these boards is a good one. I know that the longer time since my surgery, the more this band becomes integrated into my life and the more I participate in new activities and relationships, the less need I feel to spend much time talking about it--like my broken arm, lost appendix or even pregnancy all those years ago. Good Luck

HI, I find this an interesting thread... I drank lots of diet Dr. Pepper before surgery and was sure that I would really miss it, but have been amazed that I haven't. I have done a lot of Crystal Lite since then, some juice and lots of ice Water, which seems to suit me fine. The only carbonated drink that I really miss is the very rare cold beer (like yesterday when it was 97 and after working outside most of the day). I had to make do with a margarita! Penny Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz 30# gone

Amy, Like others who have responded, I am here to add my voice to tell you that you WILL survive this! My ex decided to "trade me in" for something younger/cuter/thinner after 23+ years... Truth be told, our marriage was cold for many years, but I had resigned myself to staying because I didn't have any "justification" for leaving it. It was incredibly painful at first, and keeping busy certainly helped. It was very hard on my already-poor self concept to have been "dumped". Being a decade older than you are now, I assumed that my chances of having a mate in my life were slim to none... Over time I realized that one of the reasons for my poor self-image and depression was because of the coldness and demeaning behavior I had lived with. Another issue was that I had the burden of a full-time, demanding job AND all of the responsibility for the house, our business, etc. He got to go to his job and play "soldier" or "jock" with his buddies on weekends and then bless me with his presence in front of the TV when he did come home. Certainly he did contribute financially, but he spent as much and more, so debt was always a problem that I couldn't get on top of because he would undermine any effort to get it under control. After a period of mourning, I suddenly realized that an enormous weight had been lifted. I can now make my own decisions, decide my own priorities and control my own environment (NO football/baseball/basketball for years now!). Because I no longer had to deal with HIS wants, I dug out of my debt hole and live very comfortably now. As the song says, I "...let myself go..." to new places, new people and new priorities. Ironically, I came to accept myself at my heavier weight, but when I learned about the Lapband, I got it done for myself and the promise of improved quality of life rather than to please others. I have a "significant other" in my life now, but I doubt that I will remarry because I LIKE being able to control my own destiny. My purpose in relating my own experience is to let you know that there is life after leaving a long relationship, and at this point you have NO idea what wonderful things are ahead of you. It will take work and a conscious effort on your part to seize the opportunities that lie ahead, but they will definitely be there. This is your time to look at the rest of your life and define it for yourself--something you probably wouldn't be able to do in the context of a relationship. For one thing, losing weight will be easier when you only have to cook for yourself and can ban all of the unhealthy foods (chips, bread, potatoes, etc.) from the house without having someone else whining about it! Take care, Penny Steward

I was one of the "loners" who went to Dr. Ortiz and was banded the same day as Boo. I have to say that the whole adventure was absolutely uneventful (except for the delayed flight out of SFO coming home). I enjoyed meeting others who were either just getting the surgery or there for follow-ups, but I also enjoyed my "alone" time. The room and setting was lovely, and I went shopping the day before the surgery then just "zoned out" the day afterward. The actual time of the surgery and post-operatively was well supervised by the staff, and I think it would have been a real bummer for someone to sit and watch me sleep/read/watch TV the next day. I think if I would have taken someone with me, I would have felt obligated to be more active and social than I really wanted to be. At all times, I felt entirely safe and knew I had the staff available at short notice if I needed them, but I didn't. Since I had a hectic time immediately before and knew I was coming home to another one, I thought of the time as a welcomed vacation. Penny 4/05/06 Starting weight 180 Now at 167

HI, I had surgery the same day at the same place as Boo. I must have gotten my pain drugs quicker, as I didn't have any pain at all. I was slightly thirsty and was refreshed by the ice chips, but mostly I slept for the rest of the day and thru the night. I had a sizable hernia that they repaired during the surgery, and am amazed how much better that feels. I did get "carsick" on the ride from the clinic to the hotel (TJ drivers!), but a shot of dramamine solved that. About 3 days out, I had acid indigestion, but Tums and a few sips of Slim Fast solved that. In the past I have had severe nausea after anesthetic, but I told them that and they gave me something prior to surgery (and probably after) that controlled it. I am now at the yogurt/Slim Fast stage and feeling more satisfied. I am being a bit careful, per instructions, about not lifting anything heavy because of the hernia repair. Since I have been home, tho, I have completely repainted a 2300 sf. home that I am moving into. Penny Dr. Ortiz, 4/5/06