gjray

:faint: I am interested in removing the skin and also having some body contouring done. Body contouring will include liposuction, tummy tuck, removing the 'apron', butt implants and breast lift. I have heard that cosmetic surgery is common place in Brazil and I am intersted in going there for the procedures. My greatest desire is to come back with the physique that so many Brazilian woman adorn. Does anybody know of a Brazilian facility & doctor that has a good following in the states? I'd also like to use the time to try to recover from the procedures. I saw an ad for Cosmetic Vacations but I don't really know anything about them. gjRay 230/202/145 May 2006 (band date)

Emotional eating, what is that? Monica S. we all that problem. That is why we needed a tool to assist us. I too had to come to the realization that food was my solace. I hate to admit it, but I found more pleasure in food than in some intimate relationships that I have been in. I am not losing weight either, but I am gaining a lot of insight into me. I would eat and spit up and repeat the cycle. I have children and it became a game for them to see who could race to the restroom first to see mommy through up. I had to stop the madness. I started to backslide into soft drinks and 'bad' snack foods. My youngest had started giving me a lecture before we ate. It went, "Now mom, I want you to slow down and eat your food so that you dont' have to through up." That got to be embarrasing for me, especially when we were around others. I began to take notice of the foods that I had the most success with. Like steamed vegetables, stir fried vegetable, meatless dishes, etc. I know that I can eat a cake and pies but I don't. I don't allow my kids to eat that stuff, so I have to stay away from it also. I have also been praying before I eat anything. Not just a blessing for the food I am about to eat, but a prayer. This puts my mind in the place where it needs to be and some what reduces the stress that is causing me to binge. Try it, it might work.

Count me in too. I started out at 230 in Feb. 2006 was banded May30 2006 and weighed 218. I am almost at my one year anniversary and I have only lost 16 pounds. I tried the high protein shakes but was told to stay away from that type of diet due to my health issues. I am more mobile than I used to be but I still don't have a regualr exercise routine. I was last filled in November 2006. That fill made it impossible for me to eat more than half a saucer of food (yes it was tough at first, but I made it through the holidays). I plan to have a fill soon but what can I do to jump start the weight loss process? I am at 202 which is a major plateau from me. The next one is 187 if my memory is correct. I am constantly being complimented on the amount of weight being loss and I am able to wear clothes that I havent' worn in 15 years (I have six sizes in my closet). Is there anybody out there who has reached their goal who was off to a slow start? GJRay Banded May 2006 230/218/202 and holding/145 GOAL

Hello Bandsters, I have was banded May30th 2006. I had two fills- one in July, one in September and the last fill two weeks before Thanksgiving. Most of the food that I eat comes back up and I am not losing any weight. Anybody else having the same problems? Anybody know how to resolve the problem and get back to losing weight? I am open to all opinions. Gjray Banded 5/30/06 230/204 (current) 196 (lowest):straight

Great question. I was an overweight child. I remember sitting at the dinner table with my family and going bite for bite with my daddy. The rest of the family would stop eating and wait for him to finish. Me I'd continue to eat as long as he did. That allowed the discussion to focus on me and daddy. I slimmed down as a teenager. My daddy was to proud. I went on to become an active teen. I had always been a good student, but I always heard"...but she is fat". My response was usually "but I'm not ugly". So when I lost the weight I became one of the 'in crowd'. I had poor eating habits and usually found comfort in food. Not junk food, meat & potatoes. This became my comfort food. As an active teen I was moving too much to get fat. However as soon as college was over and I settled into marriage I began to grow and grow. My comfort weight went from 140 to 165 to 198 finally settling at 230. The hardest part of the lap band process has been finding other ways to handle frustrations, stress and having to make a decision to attempt meat & potatoes and risk and 'spit-up' or waiting out the emotion and waiting until I'm truly hungry Gjray 230/199 5/30/2006 - Today Goal 146 - June 2008

I went in for a fill two weeks before Thanksgiving to ensure that I didn't overdue it for the 8-week food fest that was about to begin. I was doing ok until the first of December (holiday treat season) when I noticed that I can't eat links sausage or anything that has casing on it. Where a 'burp' used to signify digestion, it now means that the food is about to 'up back up'. I didn't lose any weight during the holidays as a result of the inability to keep my food down either. I confess that I did drink a lot of carbonated drinks during the holiday season. Most of the time it was 7-up to sooth my stomach from all of the 'upchucking'. I have for the most part changed my eating habit. Where I used to start my meal off with a meat, I now use it as a condiment or as I would a dessert (I sample it). This is particularly had when you have to eat on the go. Sandwiches don't stay down (bread), chicken doesn't either. If I sit down and eat soup and a salad or a potatoes (baked or mashed) I am fine. Everything else seems to get stuck. Dare I go and have some of the fill removed. I am struggling to maintain my weight now. I fear a big increase in weight if I loosen up the band. GJRay. Banded 5/30/06 230/198/150 goal

I was banded May 30th 2006 and have been planning reconstructive surgery every since. I have met with a plastic surgeron to discuss tummy tuck (tucking the excess) and the angio-xxx (don't know the correct spelling or word but the procedure is to remove the "apron" is how the surgeon referred to it). One of the procedures may be covered by my health insurance since the excess skin is a result of the weight loss. The other procedure will be my expense. The cost is approx. $3500 out of pocket, that is provided that the health insurance covers the other part. I have tried to research the procedures and some of the pros and cons of having them but I am still a bit confused. Is there anybody who has suggestions on what to look for in a surgeon. All of them have the before and after photos but what separates the good ones from the mediocre ones? Additionally, in my desire to resculpture myself, I have also found a procedure nicknamed "the brazillian butt lift". Since I have always been more stomach than butt, this could really add a new dimension to my physique. Is it better to have this procedure performed in brazil? Just how safe is Brazil for having plastic surgery? Has anybody had an experience with the Cosmetic Vacations organization? GJray Banded 5/30/06 230/198 (I cheated at christmas) goal 155

Help! Tell me I am not losing my mind. I have been losing constantly (not as much as I'd like). I am getting compliments from people that never spoke to me before. My skin is glowing, my clothes fit like clothes should and men are noticing me. Intially I enjoyed the compliments, but now they are sort of embarrassing. Two weeks ago, I was excited that I could fit into another new size, now I am back to seeing myself as a 'fattie'. Before the weight loss I was able to blame a lot of things on the weight. Now I can't seem to shake the 'poor me' syndrome. I seem to have gotten into a 'funk' and I can't make any sense of it. Is this something that anyone has encountered or am I just a 'whacko'? :angry GRAY 230/203/145 (June2007)

Been there done it. I have a 4cc band and it is already over half full. I received first fill July 7th and the second fill August 18th. After the first fill there was some restriction but I still had a healthy appetite. After the 2nd fill I have had a lot of those day where I have to 'up-chuck' after a couple of bites (or swallows). The problem for me is that I do not chew my food before I swallow. I am a gulper. I take a few bites, swallow and and repeat. I was advised that I need to chew ...(are you ready for this?)...at least 40 times before I attempt to swallow. This does work but it makes a meal last a lot longer than I am accustomed to and there is a flip side to this. I actually enjoy mealtime. It is a relaxing time for me. The band does seem to tighter some days more than others. The flip side of this is that the weight is coming off and I am not malnourished. GRay 230/218/201/142 Highest/band-day/current/goal

It's been about a month since the 2nd fill and WOW! I still get hungry, yes my eyes are still bigger than my band will allow me to eat yet I am losing weight. Yeah!!! I'm really having to pace myself. I have found that eating on the run is a NO-NO. I have to settle down, make myself comfortable so that I don't eat too fast. I try to keep my bite portions down to about 1/2" of meat, fruit, vegetables and for soft foods about 1/2 teaspoon at a time. I have 'up-chucked' some darn tasty food over this past month and it is absolutely heartbreaking to have to lose my food in this manner. I know that I am still too passionate about food, however, I am working to reduce the focus of food in my life. As for the feeling during the port fill, I have never felt anything.

I am having the worst time eating chicken. I love chicken. The breast is my comfort food. Forget about Snacks or sweets or TV or men for that matter. Give me a section of the breast and I am in a 'zone'. Well...that was before the band (May 30th, 2006). I followed the liquid requirments, made it through the mushy stage, cheated through the semi-solid phase but I finally reached the solids section and NO Pleasure. Instead of eating the whole breast on the chicken including the wings I will be content with a small section. Everytime I attempt to eat the white meat I become sick. I went from small bits to strands of chicken and it still doesn't seem to digest. Is anyone else having this trouble with chicken? This is serious to me. My diet is simple chicken, fish, greens, potoatoes, peas and gumbo. Now I simply eat in moderation and don't fry everything. There aren't a lot of things that make me happy but savoring a good piece of chicken breast is one of them. Any suggestions? 230/surgery wt. 219/200.4 current/ 146 goal:faint:

I was banded by Dr. Jay. I saw him at one of the information sessions that included several other physicians in 2003. His name stuck with me, Dr. Jay. If I had to do it again, I would not use him. I started the process on Jan 3, 2006 with my initial consultation. I was banded on May 30, 2006. I had NEVER met the man until I was at the surgical center about to be given the shot to render me unconscious. I have not had a meeting with the man since the surgery. His PA & staff are great (but what do I know I have nothing to compare them to)! I tried to schedule my fills by him. It didn't work out becausue he was out of the office when I arrived. Find someone who has a little more dedication to his patients.

Just got my 2nd fill today. I can tell the difference. I trust that I will meet my planned goals. 218 band date/205 first fill/205 2nd fill/197 -Oct. 1, 2006. 'to whom much is given much is expected'

I am an adoptee who birthed children 'late in life', 38 & 42 years old to be exact. As for the adoption part, I learned in my early twenties when my ex-husband and I were pursuing adoption due to infertility issues that it takes a lot of love from the birth parents to relinquish their children. However, in this case you must consider that you will be 'friend mommy'. This sounds harsh, but allowing the birth family (grandparents) to stay in your lives is going to be uncomfortable to say the least. The child will be yours and with time he will started to act and look (he will take on your mannerisms) like you. Parenting is not an exact science and the birth family will eventually want to intervene on behalf of their kin. Now, from and adoptee viewpoint, I am the oldest and I have three siblings (all birthed by my adoptive mother). I have family - parents who raised me, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, etc. As a teenager I thought I wanted to seek out this idealist family that would welcome me with open arms, however, by the age of 18 I knew who my family was and they had always been with me. My daddy encouraged me to locate my birthparents but I declined. My parents never allowed ANYBODY to refer to me as 'the adopted girl'. I was their daughter EXCLAIMATION POINT! The chosen (selected by them) daughter. For those who made that mistake, they only said it once. Additionally my parents birth children into their mid-forties. :biggrin1: Now to the subject of 'late in life' parenting. I married another husband at 35. We had several miscarriages before the 'blessing' that forever changed the way I live, love and think. We were true DINKs (double income no kids) - had all of the toys you'd expect. It took less than 2 hours for my heart to beat to a new rhythm. I have never worked so hard and received so much joy. That was my first child. Three weeks after 911, I found out I was with child again. My biggest fear was could I love this child as much as I loved the first? This time I fell in love in minutes. My baby was truly 'love at first sight'. Now I am 46 (I survived but the marriage didn’t ) and the love just keeps on growing. I am a better mother than the average 20 something mom. I can offer wisdom that younger parents are still learning. I will have retired from one job and began another career by the time my youngest graduates high school, but I am planning for it (not Social Security). Hey, there are more 40-50 yr old first time moms than you can imagine. I cannot describe the joy when your baby starts school and you lose your identity and you become <baby's name>'s Mom. Joy, Joy, Joy that will be your new theme. Was it worth it? Would I do it again? You bet! As for the lapband, I needed to get healthy so that I would be around for my kids.

You are making great progress. How many fills have your had?

Aussie Chick -- CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your goal. Your photos are inspiring for me because your before photos look a lot like me. I hope to be able to start some serious inquiries about tummy tuck by next fall. Keep us posted with photos on your progress.

Glad to hear about you. My weight is hovering between 207-202 also. I have very little restriction except chicken breast. This week I started to used the gym facility at work. I started out walking on the tread mill for 45 minutes. I have progressed to the eliptical glider. Believe it or not I actually worked up a sweat. I plan to 'work out' at least 4 times a week. I have scheduled a 2nd fill on the 26th of this month. I will keep you posted. GRay currently 207/goal 140 September 15th goal 197 (yes I hope to have the 200's behind me in September)

Glad you asked about this. I have a 4 cc band (05/30/06) and my first fill was 2 ccs on July7th. I have scheduled another fill for Aug. 26th. How many fills are too many fills?

:nervous I am scheduled for the Lapband on Tuesday, May 30th. I have been waiting on this moment for about four years and now that it is finally here I am unsetteled about the procedure. I was comfortable with my self, but my health is failing and I have children that I want to be around for. It will change my physique and I definitely need an attitude change, but I can't help but having some fear of the unknown. Will I become so self absorbed that I will neglect my family? I work in a male dominated field and my weight has always been my safeguard against unwanted advances and harassment. I haven't always been overweight. I think that part of the reason that I was so comfortable with the weight it that it provides protection from some of the issues that have plagued women in my field who the men were attracted to. Any advice of words to help be get through

Every experience seems to be different. I only took 3 workdays off + the weekend. It was not enough time. I went back to work barely able to sit at my desk. I don't have to move a lot, but every movement seems like I was overdoing it. Plan to about two weeks and allow yourself time to heal. My doctor has attributed by slow recovery to my diabetes and need to take care of my family. I had planned for help, but that fell through (an emgerency in their family) so I was left to care for my young children alone during my recovery. So my advice is to treat this procedure as you would any medical procedure and don't try to fit into anybody else's recovery schedule. Pace yourself and get ready to start enjoying the rest of your life!!!!!

:straight How did he "figure out" that you had surgery? That is a personal decision that shouldn't have come up on the first date, not even the third. Get to know a man before you pour your heart and soul out to him. Be careful not to act like the person who is not accustomed to 'dressing up'. Ever seen a guy wearing a suit who just can't sit still? I call it the 'hobo syndrome'. He doesn't normally wear suits and he feels out of place in a suit. It is not the suit, it is the way he feels about himself. This new look, new physique that we have...you have to wear it like you're used to it. Men are comfortable with women who are comfortable with themselves. Forget about size, looks, social status. It is about you and how you are with you. When asked about your dating patterns say you haven't dated much because you were focusing on you or you never met anybody who wasn't playing games. Before you meet with your next date, get in the habit of telling yourself (and believing) that you are great, you are beautiful and that you always have been. Don't allow yourself to feel as if you are being 'sized up' by him. You do it first. If things don't develop the way that you hope they do, "it is his loss because you are still a great person!" I grew up dirt poor and I was always accused to 'thinking that I was better than I am'. My reply to that comment is that you think I am better than you are and I thank you for the compliment. I was always taught that 'people do not make you who you are'. Last thing to remember is that “Men don't make the woman; it is woman who makes the man". Good luck:girl_hug: Banded 05/30/06 Goal 140 Current wt. 204 (I weigh everyday).

I was banded on May 30th (practically June) 2006. I just realized that there was a thread dedicated to the May 2006 bansters. I want to join the discussions and on the team goals. What do I do?

Yes, Yes, I understand where you are! I sabotage myself too. I have been 'craving food' so I have been eating. The difference is what I eat. I am in a psuedo-depressed state and I have had a hard time facing some of the 'real issues'. Try individual/group counseling, a girlfriend/confidente, a spiritual advisor or just try meditation. The last one works good for me. This is when I turn off (tune out) the noises (put the kids to bed at 7:30; they don't have to go to sleep, this is quiet time for the whole family) and just think. Think about the good (yes there is always good) the bad and the ugly (figuratively). I had an epiphany just the other night and it hit me like a 'ton of bricks'. It relieved some anxiety, open up some really old wounds but it caused me to lose my appetite (at least for a couple of day). I'm still reeling from it. I am taking baby steps to address my issues because as a therapist once said, "you didn't get here in a day". I'm not there yet, but then "God isn't through with me yet". :scared: Banded 06/30/06 230/band wt-218/202 today

:hungry: Thank you for the insight. I will try to eat it chicken breast with something on it, however, it just won't be the same. It will not be the same. The vinegar marinade just might work well for me becasue I love to grill. I received a fill July 6, 2006. I was told that I have a 4cc band and that it was filled with 2.5cc. I asked if 2.5cc was too much and was told that if it is too much you will know. I don't have trouble eating anything but chicken that is unless I try to eat too fast. -------------------------------:clap2: Banded May 30, 2006 1st Fill July 6, 2006 2.5cc 2nd Fill August 28, 2006 (maybe)

I still get hungry. I just can't eat everything that I desire. Before Lapband I was known to order or cook everything I thought that I might want to eat and then proceed to eat it. I have changed by diet by eating every 1.5 - 2 hours. I eat or drink constantly. It is what I eat that has changed. I drink Protein drinks. Then Water. I snack on nutrional bars, fruit or maybe another Protein shake. Then water. I eat Soup and salad for lunch instead of a full course meal. Then water. I snack before I leave work. Then water. This helps me to eliminate or reduce stress eating as a result of the commute to the house. I have a dinner plan before I arrive home (Sometimes I plan it before I leave home, sometimes I plan it before I leave work). I have chosen to keep fruit & some vegetables (summer fruit are great - melons, cherry tomatoes, plumbs, nectarines, grapes, Jello etc.) washed and ready to eat in the 'fridge'. I prep (store in sandwich sized baggies)them for eating before I store them. My family is eating better as a result of me making the decision to get healthy. It's not easy. It's a constant struggle and you will get hungry and part of the plan is to retrain your body to learn the difference between satisfying urges and "HUNGER". Banded 06/30/06:clap2: 219/200.5/146 surgery wt/today/goal