socalgal3

I have no idea about the side by side Barbara...maybe ask a mod. I tried to upload mine to no avail. Mine kept saying the file was too big. And I hate when you get photos from someone and they are HUGE! No offense mama!heehee. I hope your hubby does ok with his back Barbara. One NSV of this surgery was that I got off my anti-depressants. I took myself off of them actually. Now, after 9 months, I'm fighting the blues. I'll try to battle through cuz I just don't want to be on meds. HAPPY EASTER!

Well, everyone's answers will be slightly different. I did not have post-op pain. You will be hungry once you heal, the swelling goes down and before you have a fill. Eventually, your hunger will decrease substantially and you will eat less. But, keep in mind that it is a process or journey as people say. I would say most would agree it is worth it, but it is not without its challenges. Keep researching and go with your gut.

You're looking great Barbara. That side shot really shows a difference! All this conversation about bat wings has me exercising my arms like a crazy! They are tired today....

ALL soda is out per most doctor's orders. That has been a topic of discussion many times on this board. Some people drink it in moderation, some make it flat, some not at all. I'm in the not at all category. I thought I would miss it, but I never think about it. I can honestly say that before the surgery, I was told that I could eat the same foods, just 1/3 of my previous amount. I am not able to eat that way. There are things I just cannot eat AT ALL. Bread in any form plugs me up almost instantly(this includes tortillas). But, overall, I am pretty happy with my decision. I've had some troubles along the way, but the best part is the HOPE I have of never being fat again. Good health to all of you making your decision!

It's great Regina! You have inspired me with your progress and your poem!

I am so sorry Alexandra! It was really emotional time for me when I found out my band slipped. Luckily, they were able to reposition. I will send all my positive thoughts your way that your band can be saved as well! Your progress has been great.

You will probably have a brief mourning period over food, but the benefits outweigh any of that. Being thinner and healthy means more than sharing pizza! Your doctor will decide what size band to give you based on your anatomy. The fills don't hurt me at all, but the doctor can put a numbing spray on your belly before the fill to ease any discomfort. Good luck Bandgirl and welcome nikkimon!

I honestly didn't feel that way and didn't have a "last supper". I think I was too nervous about my surgery. And honestly, the sooner you prepare yourself menatlly, the easier it will be after. I didn't realize how much of an emotional/mental relationship I had with food until I physically couldn't stuff my face. The pre-op diet is for your health, so just be careful.

I think I have a psychic connection to Pinkylee.....When her scales move, so do mine! haha Anyway, I was at 186 this morning. I usually don't change my ticker until I am at a weight for a few days, so I'll change it tomorrow if I'm still there. I know, I know, CLAIM IT! Maybe we are all back on the downhill slide! You have done so AWESOME Regina! It gives me hope. Keep up the great work- you are almost at goal! No cliff jumping Poodles! Unless we are in Costa Rica celebrating our new bods-heehee

Comparing yourself to others will only frustrate you. There are so many factors you don't know. We all have different starting weights, ages, heights, medical issues that affect how quickly we lose. You can only focus on yourself. Make sure you celebrate NSV(non-scale victories) as well! Measure yourself, have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked and progress in those areas will motivate you. Remember, we did this for our health, not just to look great! You are not a failure! You have already lost 15 pounds in 2 months! On the stretched pouch issue, it is possible to stretch your pouch 2 months after surgery. But, usually only if you have been consistently overeating and Pbing. Find ways to keep busy and distract yourself when "hungry". It may pass if it is head hunger.

I have never heard of a fill party and would NEVER attend one if I had! I also would NEVER do my own fill/unfill. If I was having the troubles you describe, I would go to the emergency room and explain the situation and I'm sure they could figure out what to do in a safer/ more sterile environment than my apartment! I have emergency numbers for my doctor and even though he is in Mexico, I am 30 minutes from his office.

I was self-pay in Mexico and was on a pre-op diet for 2 weeks. They didn't require a certain plan, but recommended different protein shakes for the liquid plan. I started at 245 and weighed 237 on surgery day, so I lost 8 lbs. pre-op. I am sure I was 250 or more at times, but that was my official weight when I started this process. For my ticker I use 245 as my start weight. Putting me at a 55 pound loss right now.

Kicking the diet soda habit was the easiest part of this whole deal for me. Over 9 months without a soda and I don't miss it in the slightest. Water, iced tea and Crystal Light are my staples.

For Pinkylee: http://www.colorfulimages.com/473508.html?AS=1&keyword=sugar+stop+gum

First PB since fill today-UGH! I tried so hard to be good. Went out for Mexican and ordered a tortilla soup. I had a few chips and salsa-BAM! Off to the restroom. I tried so hard to keep it down, but it was coming back no matter what. Then I guess I was swollen because I tried the soup and off to the restroom again. Back to liquids for the rest of the day.

My periods are alot worse. I wasn't sure if it was band-related. The bloating of your period also may tighten your band. I have trouble eating when Aunt Flo is in town. I always get my water in and it hasn't helped.

Congrats on your surgery date! I used Dr. Ortiz too. I wish you much weight loss with no complications! Get well soon and keep us posted.

It was totally annoying, but I just let it wear off on its own. I didn't want to prevent healing of my incisions. Be careful!

I used to have a hard time getting solids down in the morning, so instead of skipping a meal, I had a protein drink for nutritional value. Just don't live on them. The point is to be able to eat solid food-just less of it. I am drinking one as I type! (I am on 3 days of liquid after my fill). Just read the labels, as some do have a lot of sugar.

If you have lost weight since November, the band could be looser around your stomach. It is also possible that you stretched your pouch if you have been overeating. Be careful! If your doctor does fills under fluoroscopy, they can diagnose pouch dilation. But, if you have been following the rules, you are more likely to just be in need of a fill which you are getting! Best of luck.

I read on the web that the average cost for an arm lift in the USA is $5000 and the average cost in Costa Rica is $2000. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmm......... Also, there is no drain involved, just arm support garments. Recovery is about 2weeks-no heavy lifting, etc. I'm still at 189. But I am wearing the jeans Regina sent me! They didn't fit when she first sent them, but they do now! Then I was jonesing for some chocolate(AuntFlo's in town), so I went to the vending machine. I didn't need to because there was a box of See's in the lounge(AHHHH! Angels singing...) Of course one got kinda stuck, so I learned my lesson. No PB. Back to my office sipping water..............

I totally cannot afford PS right now. I honestly don't think I'll be getting any either. I was just joshing. I do hate my arms, but it hasn't even been a year and I haven't exercised them much. I have no idea how much it costs there, but I guess we can research it. I loved CR though, so if you go, I would love to go back, but I promised my nephew I would take him to Japan for his high school graduation next June and it is REALLY expensive there, so I gotta pinch pennies.

At least you aren't making bad choices. You have a fill in a few days. Just hang in there and stay away from the evil foods!

I don't get numbed. I have no problem with needles. Good news! I was 189 this morning and I stayed on the liquids yesterday. Then, my car wouldn't start this morning, so I had to walk to work!(No worries-I live a little over a mile from my work). So, nothing like a forced workout! ha! Thank goodness for great California weather to walk in and my new healthier body that allows me to walk to work carrying my laptop and all. I am off work for the next 2 weeks, so I can't wait for tomorrow. I'll be exercising alot on my time off(well, that's the plan!)

I went to Costa Rica in December and did a homestay for a few days. The couple told me that alot of people having "work done" in CR have stayed with them. So, let me know and I'll hook you up with a great place to stay! 2nd year anniversary trip for "bat-wing" repairs? Anyone, anyone? heehee