xavier

I went to Dr Oliak in Orange and I think he and his office are great. I know its not San Diego but I live in Pismo Beach and the drive was worth it for me...

Poor thing....this emotional time is very normal as you are on the edge of something so diiferent and both hopeful and scary. I am guessing exfiance didnt treat you like the goddess you are...yur band and weight loss will cahnge that...not because you become skinny and gorgeous but because you will learn to love yourself and not associate with people who dont value you! The other thing is, as I think you know, food is anesthesia...when you can no longer use it to hide your feelings from yourself you will have to deal with them...hang in there...scream and cry -there is nothing wrong with either...it really does get better as you move toward your goals, and learn to love yourself!

Think of it this way, yes it is scary and weird to be naked and helpless in front of strangers but...if you maintain your obesity you are in for a lifetime of intrusive medical care way more than a thin person would be...and yes, they are professionals and very respectful! Best of luck!

Hang in there! You will actually forget this painful time (you have basically been in a nife fight which you did not win!)...and just begin to focus on yourself...It will get better every day and your life will also!

Because i seemed to lose my weight from the top down...my jawline (formerly round pumpkin) and clavicles were first to notice...now I see them or look for them on everyone! I hadnt realized mine were gone!

If you eat around 1000 to 1200 a day (for the women) youwill lose weight even if you dont exercise...that amount of calories keeps me at 140 pounds (I am 5'4") without any exercise...please take it easy and dont be in a race! It is normal to maintain your weight and even gain a little during Bandster Hell which can last a few months depending on how generous or cheap your doc is for fills! I am not an expert but try to make small changes you can live with forever...because you will be doing this for life! My whole story is on my profile page if anyone wants to know how it all went and what I eat etc. I tell everyone to read this blog starting from the beginning because you will laugh your way through everything youare about to experience...this gal lost 100 pounds in a year without exercising and has kept it off...she starts with the insurance stuff, the the procedure, recover, Hell, etc! Heres the link: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/ Best of luck to all!

You are still healing...it sucks but its normal and it will be worth it!

I did ok but they gave me a prescription of quick dissolve (under your tongue) Ondansetron (Zofran) in case I got nauseous because throwing up is not good after this procedure!

TOO TIGHT! Throwing up, pain, heartburn, not being able to get enough fluid and protein every day!

I think you are doing fine and if you are not starving or killing yourself at the gym...leave yourself alone! This is not a race!

I am an old dog in maintenance and I eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of all foods and keep my weight where it is easily...1/4 seems pretty small and will have you eating more often. I eat about every 2-3 hours but I think if I could or would eat a whole cup it would be more like 4 hours...I like this way I am but whatever works...I agree about not wanting to be too tight!

I gave up Diet Coke I think because I was scared of the bubbles and attempting to get healthy. Yes artificial sweeteners etc make you fat and hungry. After I got used to my band I tried a Diet Coke (I was a former addict who just loved the taste) and it tasted awful! I can have a few sips of something carbonated but it makes me uncomfortable and burpy. I dont know if I could drink a whole one or a beer. My doc said the same you cant stretch out a open balloon no matter what you put in it...the bubbles will escape up! You can stretch out your pouch by overeating...

I hurt my knee a long time ago and a hot wet gel pack from the drug store saved my life...seriously I couldnt even walk without holding onto stuff! It was called Spenco and you soaked it in water and then microwaved it...it had long stretchy velcro straps on it. It dripped so I would wrap up my knee with it , then a towel and just watch some TV.

Usually you are eating too fast, too much, not chewing enough.I have had it most when I was learning my band and especially if I was out with friends and not focusing on how I was eating!

I eat everything...just not too much of anything! seriously there is nothing I cant eat but I eat very small meals...

What are point leaders? How are the points asigned?

Squats exercise your gluteal muscles whether you are starting out or not...your butt will be sore and it will tell you you have used the right muscles!

If you are eating 1000 to 1200 calories a day you will lose weight even without exercising. I lost my weight slowly (about 5 pounds a month). There is no way 1000 calories will support a female to stay obese...please check your calories and be patient. I never did exercise either but just lazy...hang in there! Listening to your band involves knowing real hunger from just wanting food and knowing when you are no longer hungry, not necessarily full. It really all comes down to calories. At 1000 you will lose and if you are still hungry ask for a small fill. I eat about 1000 a day and I never exercise and my weight stays exactly the same (140) . I did plateau at 155 and I got a 0.3cc fill which I thought would be nothing but 15 pounds came off in three months. So my point is: count every calorie and make sure you are honest with yourself and consider a small fill if you need it. The only way you can fail this band (other than complications requiring surgery) is to quit...dont do that!

1000 to 1200 is perfect. Do not subtract or worry about calories burned on exercise. You may have slow weight loss but you will lose eventually. Starvation mode is a myth...low calories means you will lose weight although the body will try to fight it. If you stick with it you will lose. No one ever subtracted calories burned ny exercising before things like MFP...keep doing what you are doing and be patient...this is for the rest of your life and not in any way a race.

Raw eggs can have salmonella which can cause some very serious vomitting...they are out of the question for banded folks for whom vomiting can cause a slip or erosion! I sometimes eat 3-4 bites of food and I am done...one egg is plenty for me!

Do a couple of days of more liquidy foods and then try to advance the diet again...no meat for at least a week and eggs just may have to be off the list (for now)!

I agree with newlife...dont sweat it until you really get to green zone! On the other hand I think its very important to eat every time you are truly hungry. And to try to not eat when it is head hunger. Protein keeps you full the longest..I eat a lot of nuts, beans, cheese.

I had never had any surgery and was scared but other than being obese was healthy. I drove home (5 hours) on the third day and by the 7th day I felt no pain but still tired...some people feel like they were hit by a bus so I guess i was lucky...

Your skin cannot be exercised or toned up but if what is under it is larger(muscle or fat) it will be less saggy. For butt, squats and more squats...

Lost and regained plus some for 20 years. I seriously believe dieting ruined my chances of ever being fit and healthy.If I could do it again I would in a snap and much sooner...even the self pay! Best of luck!