Yoda

I also got mine at exactly 6 weeks out. My second one was only 1 week later and I go for my 3rd this Wed (3 weeks after the 2nd).

Howdy amourette....yeah, basically I've been loosing weight; though I was stuck at the same weight for 3 weeks. But, "averaged" out I was within my 1-2 lb loss per week...and I know I have to take the average. But I neeeeeeeeeed (& want!) the help that the band, as a tool is supposed to give me. I'm not complaining about the loss....as though some may consider it slow, any loss is good for me, as far as I'm concerned. BUT I know that it is only a matter of time before I slip up big so I'm just hoping to get on track soon and form a partnership with the band. Yes, patience is KEY!!! I think the more patient and calm we are with all of this....the better for us mentally. My post-op care person from the clinic where I had it done has had the band for 6 years now (one of the first in Canada) and she only lost 35 lbs in the first year but in her second year, she lost 80 lbs. So....patience, patience, patience!!!! (so I keep telling myself!). I wanna hold it together and not start panicking and "freaking out" like some people! So, bottom line, as long as I average around 1-2 lbs per week, I'm gonna keep on chuggin' along. Nice to see you! (I didn't go far!). :confused:

I have a "Mid-band" and I have 7 cc's (supposedly!). My first fill was 5 cc's and my second fill was 2 cc's. Nothing....absolutely nothing, restriction wise. So, yup...been doin' it all by willpower...but I know that won't last much longer! Tks for the encouragement everyone!

My sister was having the same issue with the second of her 3 boys....when he was about 4. He just would not stop playing with his penis (and yup, he called it "penis"). So one day, she sat him down and explained to him that it was okay if he wanted to play with his penis but that he had to do it only in his bedroom and only when he was alone (thank god I have no kids!!!). He seemed to accept this new "rule". So, one day, I'm over visiting and we were playing and then he stops (I think we were colouring or something) and says, "I have to go to my room now". I said, "ummmm okayyyyy" (not understanding). And he smiles all proud and says, "yup, it's time to go play with my penis so I'm gonna go to my room where I'm all by myself and do that now". Of course, I was stunned and didn't know whether to applaud (he seemed so proud) or whether to burst out laughing. Of course as soon as he left, I got the lowdown from my sister.......yeeeeesh! He's 15 now and I can't wait to remind him of this!! hehehehe....ahhhh the evil Aunt!

We just saw "TransAmerica" last night and we also loved it!! Soooo well done! Hmmm recent movies I saw: RV: liked it a lot...nice light comical movie Lakehouse: y'all already know I loved it! The Breakup: okaaaay but not fabulous...it didn't quite meet my expectations. Yup...I also can't wait to see "Pirates of the Carribean"...it comes out a couple of days prior to my b'day so I told hubby that would be my "b'day move". I can't wait to see it!!! I also love Mr. Depp! And....let us not forget "Superman Returns"....it comes out in just 3 more days!!! YEEEEEHAAAA!!!!! We are going to go see it on Wed in 3D at the IMAX theatre. Apparently, whenever Clark Kent is in his Superman suit, you put on the 3D glasses and everything is in 3D....it should be GRRRREAT and we're reallllly excited about it (especially my freako husband!!!)!!!!

SPOILER ALERT....don't read on if you don't want spoiler info re. the movie "The Lakehouse". Personally, I loved Lakehouse. In fact, my husband wants to see it, so I'll likely see it again. Of course, I have no probelm looking at my sweet Keanu for another 2 hrs!!!! Nope...the movie didn't explain "how" the 2 year time lapse occurred...but that is okay..it wasn't important to the story. When the movie ended...it was "present day" (Bullock's time period). Once she found out that he was the one hit by the car, she was able to warn him right before he left to meet her outside the bldg where she was having lunch with her mom (ie. 2 yrs prior). (remember he was re-reading the letter while standing on the curb). She asked him not to come see her...to just wait and then meet her at the Lakehouse. So....while only "moments" passed for her (while waiting at the mailbox after she wrote the note)...keep in mind that HE had to wait 2 yrs....so in other words, he didn't get hit...he waited TWO years and then drove to the Lakehouse to find her waiting there (yet she only had to wait mere moments)..... Hope that helps explain about what "time" the movie ended in etc..... I actually thought it was reallllly well done....but of course, you had to pay close attention to the movie to keep it all straight. But, I enjoy being challenged like that when at the movies!

Re-posting cause I noticed that mine & Susan's posts crossed one another!!! 4-3: JenRN - 263/257/248/150 - 15 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/237/165 - 45 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/282.5/150 - 17.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/278/165 - 22 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/248/150 - 63 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/188/130 - 20 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/187/135 -53 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217/201/145 - 16 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324 -68 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/240/150 - 33 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/270/150 - 40 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/108.7/69kg - total 13.3kgs/36 pounds 4-24: Ceparano -255/270.5/247/170 - 23.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/263/165 -26 lbs total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/255/145 - 11 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/217/145 - 47 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 - 284/284/244/145 - 40 Total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/264.2/145 - 18.8 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/292/145 - 41 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/248/150 - 15 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/237/165 - 45 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/282.5/150 - 17.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/278/165 - 22 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/248/150 - 63 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/188/130 - 20 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/187/135 -53 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217/201/145 - 16 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324 -68 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/240/150 - 33 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/270/150 - 40 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/108.7/69kg - total 13.3kgs/36 pounds 4-24: Ceparano -255/270.5/247/170 - 23.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/263/165 -26 lbs total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/241/160 - 21 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/255/145 - 11 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/217/145 - 47 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 - 284/284/244/145 - 40 Total 4-28: Susan4794 - 281.2/267/265.6/145 - 15.6 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/292/145 - 41 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Yup....my spouse has been eating healthier along with me as well as exercising more. He is overweight but not really obese or anything. He has lost 21 lbs since my surgery...I'm so proud of him! He can stand to lose about another 40. Slow but sure....slow but sure.

Hey Canada Sunshine... wow..yea...wrt the $$ thing, it does seem circumstances are working against you!!! LOL>..damn PC Financial!! However, the solution you came up with with your mom sounds good. Now...as far as getting it there for Tues...NO PROBLEM.....even if you FEDEX it on Mon, it will be there on Tues! If you can, try and FEDEX it today....if you can't....do it on Monday....and then call Kathy and tell her you FEDEXed it and it should be there on Tues. You can even give her the tracking # so she knows it is on the "up and up". In addition to the call...e-mail her the same info (about fedexing etc) so that she also has the info in "writing". Good luck....and don't let this drawback bring you down. And, don't forget...that office works for YOU...not the other way around!! :biggrin1:

Hiya Time2Live...sorry I can't help you. I never did (& don't do) Protein bars....I'd rather get it in through other means. When you count the carbs listed...all you do is subtract the # of fibre that is also listed...(usually it isn't very much fibre anyways!). Good luck...and don't worry if you can't find any you like....the preop diet can still be done without bars. Sending good wishes your way for the upcoming day!

Hey CanadaSunshine!! Don't despair! First of all, the headaches are likely from carb withdrawal (not the Optifast itself) and the withrdrawal symptoms will go away soon (promise!). Its also gonna make you feel cranky; that will also go away. Now, IF it is the actual optifast causing the headaches (ie. aspartame) then talk to your doc...you can do another diet instead of that one (ie. cottage cheese/yougurt). Second of all..you (or your insurance co....either way; it doesn't matter) are paying a LOT of $$ for this and you are entitled to better service. MOST DEFINITELY if you are not happy with the service you are receiving you should tell them and give them the opportunity to "fix it". You are not a child and shouldn't be treated like one. So, say something to them about it...express that you are not satisifed. That being said: if you are completely unhappy with the people you are dealing with and that makes you feel uncomfortable; consider switching (ie. TLBC is also in Toronto) and taking your business elsewhere You also have that perogative. You have to ask yourself how important your comfort level is to you. I know you have $$ and time invested but if it isn't meeting your expectations (that you entitled to!!) then look elsewhere. Finally...chin up! It will get better. Don't quit....keep at it and you will one day (I know, hard to imagine now) look back at this and smile. :eek: :phanvan

Hey Cloe....good question. Yup, you'll have to find whatever works for you. Some want/need to count the calories, fat, Protein etc...others don't and still others are somewhere inbetween. I don't (& refuse to) treat having the band like a diet. I will never "count" anything (other than my Water or I lose track). During the week, at work, it is relatively easy for me to get all my water in...on the wknds, it is a lot harder (ie. not sitting at my desk drinking water all day). I eat 3 meals a day and snack when I want to (try for no more than 2 Snacks a day). I just make wiser/healthier choices and eat less. The eating less is by willpower right now since I have no restriction. The eating healthier means to me trying to get more protein in (but no counting) and choosing the "healthier" carbs. Have I had some chips? yes. Have I had chocolate? Yes. But I will have a handful of chips as opposed to the whole bag or one aero bar square as opposed to the entire bar...etc etc. I do not intend on depriving myself of anything or this won't work for me in the long run and I feel angry and resentful. Oh, and of course I do exercise. A LOT. Then again, I always have exercised a lot...but it didnt do much (mostly because of the PCOS). So far, everything is working for me and I'm getting the average 1-2 lbs weight loss a week. I hope that it will be "easier" (?) or a higher average of loss once I have restriction (going for the 3rd fill next week...so hopefully the 3rd time is the charm). Yes, it is hard to juggle....but you just have to make the time...for YOU...ya know? Generally speaking, women make the time for "others" (ie. spouses, children, relatives, work etc) but not themselves...time to change that habit!

I hear ya Cloe. Some docs. can be quite narrow-minded...which is rather ironic. I hope your friend gets well soon and it is nothing serious.

Welcome to NB Mandi! Glad your trip went well. Ummmm...ya...Montreal only really has two seasons: winter and construction!!! LOL Get yourself settled in!!

Okay, we all know that Argon (aka Mandy) is packin' up and movin' East (commencing Sunday). Though she "says" it is to move to where her boyfriend is I actually think she is runnin' from the law. Word is that the Marshall is lookin' for her and she's wanted for some sort of mischief. I believe it. (ummmm, I think I saw her on Canada's Most Wanted!). But...tis neither here nor there. Thing is, she's a movin' lock, stock and barrel all the way from the Prairies to the (gulp) Maritimes!!! EEEP!! *putting in a call to warn them now as I speak*...okay, as I "type"!). Anyways, all this to say....Argon...I hope you keep track of your excellent adventure on your drive out and come back here when you are settled and let us know how your trip went, how life in NB is, how the job is, how the bf is, and of course, how the weight loss is going. MOST importantly we will want to know how far those tendon like things and your collarbones are stickin' out! Try and eat well on your trip; it will be hard...but you can persevere! (hint: get some lunchables and put them in a cooler...the cracker/cheese/turkey ones). Finally.....BE SAFE....and do NOT stop to pick up hitchhikers!!! Well...unless, of course, the are tall, well-built, and make you catch your breath in your throat (mmmmm Brad Pitt in "Thelma & Louise") (but then again, THAT goes without saying). Be sure you come to the Canuck thread to say goodbye!!!! :) :canada: :canada: :canada: :canada:

Glad you had a fun time Cloe...even happier that your friends were supportive!!! Yayyyy!!

LOL I betcha she picked up a Brad Pitt look-a-like hitchhiker and is in bliss somewhere!! hehe.... She is no doubt saying a looooooooooooong hello to her bf!

Betty Boop & Buffie: KEEP ON TRUCKIN'~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!

Thanks Loriely....but it can be deceiving!!! Half of it was lost during the 2 week preop diet. I'm really struggling here without restriction; despite having had 2 fills!! I go for a 3rd next week. I hope that will finally do the trick. Afterall, if I could do it by willpower alone I wouldn't be here!!!!

Good Luck CanadaSunshine!!! It won't be as bad as you think! Ahhhh, the power of positive thinking!!

That is awesome Cloe! I think it is cool to even still be friends with them from kindergarten!! Have a GREAT time. I'm sure the brochure will help to explain. You better tell them right off the bat that you aren't preggers! LOL. You'll be okay at the restaurant...just be wise!!! Have fun!

TLBC: Toronto Lap Band Centre The website is www.tlbc.ca Yes, they have an instructional video that you can give to your regular Doctor (ie. if you live too far away to go to the ones at TLBC) that teaches them how to do a fill. I live about 2 hrs away so I choose take the time to drive to Toronto for the fills. I feel more comfortable having the "experts" do the fill than having my regular doctor (who would learn from a video) doing it. But I believe it is a good option for those people who just live too far away to get their fills in Toronto (ie. if they had it done at TLBC).

Good post Woodys. And to those of you who may have the desire to write and say something along the lines of , "well MY doctor said....I could do this or that or whatever". Just don't bother. It doesn't relate to Buffie's query and it doesn't truthfully assist her. Woodys and I are speaking from the fact that we were banded by the same drs at the same facility as Buffie. That is all well and good if your doctors told you something different and it worked for you. All we are saying is that Buffie should try her best to follow the instructions given by HER doctor. We aren't saying that what you did is wrong or bad...just not what her doctor advises. HANG IN THERE BUFFIE!!!! It will be soooo worth it in the long run! Take it one minute at a time if you have to.

From my understanding, TLBC does, in fact have the video available.