juliegeraci

I was 320 when I first started my weight loss adventure. I couldn't even walk on 2 on the treadmill. The best advice I can give you is to eliminate carbs, sugars, alcohol as much as possible. I lost 40 lbs preop by doing this. Good luck on your venture.

Tonya, I have been banded 2 years now so you can ask me any questions you may have. The important thing is patience with the band. It does take some time to get good restriction once you start getting fills.

Great NSV. Congrats!

Karen, its okay to mourn the loss of your sister in law. Do you have enough restriction?

Beagle, can you eat solid protein? If not, you are too tight. If so then you may need another fill. It is quite common if you have a 10cc band to take about 7 ccs or more. Good luck.

Stacie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. Just try and stay focused on eating like a bandster. Maybe journaling or something like that may help.

Neosporin would be best for now until they are healed more. Then I would move to Lubriderm or a mild lotion like that.

YOu will have to move to Tylenol products instead. I do take an occassional Advil without problem but I don't make it a practice.

This surgery was the easiest surgery I have ever had. That being said, restriction is key to weight loss. It took me about 6 months to get good restriction. If you can be patient with the band it will do the trick. Good luck with your decision.

Terri, I had lippo on my chin (double chin) 6 weeks ago and its the best procedure I had done. I am so pleased with the results as well.

Hi Steph, congrats on moving forward. You will love the new you!

Spanx go up above your bra line. You should try them.

I would go down to 1.6. Even .1 can make a difference. I wouldn't be able to deal with the hunger and weight gain. Good luck.

Stick by your guns and go with Lapband!

Once you feel comfortable at the port site. Probably 2 weeks.

I'm in CA and my doctor is $15k self pay and $200 per fill.

Don't feel bad. My top weight was 320. I am down over 100 lbs now. It can be done. Good luck.

Does a timeout really work if your 7 year old calls you a name? I need some help learning out to displine him. All I know is spanking or the threat of spanking.

Hi Samantha, my name is Julie and I've been banded 2 years. At first you will not be able to consume much because you are swollen. Just sip as much during the day as possible. Your hunger will come back in a couple weeks. It is very important that you follow the doctors diet to a tee. It helps your sutures heal which make your lapband in place. Once you reach 6 weeks you will be able to get fills. You need to be patient during that time. It takes several fills to get full so you need to be patient. Good luck.

Your insurance company should know. I would start with them first. They typicall have a booklet or online assistance.

Hi Brandy. I had my tummy tuck at least 20 lbs from goal. If you can get down to 15 lbs to goal your outcome may be better. I do still have some upper abdomenal fat. Good luck. I would go for the consult now.

I am not in Virgina, I am in CA. I had a tummy tuck self pay and it included removing the pannus and lippo. It ran me $11,600. Your state may be cheaper. I have heard of the $8k range.

Renee, my doctor had me wait 3 weeks after my plastic surgery to have another fill. I would wait a few weeks and go for it. Sounds like you have a positive outlook which is most important. Good luck finding a new surgeon.

Wendy, this is very common. I had .5 removed for plastic surgery and .3 didn't do it when I went in 2 weeks ago. I wouldn't be surprised if you even needed more than 5.5. You have to wait and see. I would go back to 5.5 and see if you get any symptoms again. Good luck.

You can depend on us. We are here for you. That being said, it is very normal for you to be emotional. I cried big time before surgery. Everything will be okay. This should be an exciting time for you. Good luck.