123crod

Sorry my post is always too late. Cheri

I think we need to realize people have many reasons for have WLS. Some have really bad medical problems already and some are headed that way. We should not judge people for their starting weight or ending weight. It is what feels comfortable for them or their Drs. I really would like to get to my goal, yes I am 84 lbs skinner, but would still be so much more happier with even less weight to carry around. I am not sure why I have not made it to my goal, is it the fat person inside of me that keeps me form completing the task or that am just willing to settle for almost there? That my problem. My Dr has told me I have succeeded what the Band promised and he is pleased, but I still want that next 15 or 20 lbs to be gone for my journey to really be over. I am working on that, but does not mean I am not happy when others lost all their weight, if it was only 40 lbs or 200 lbs. It does not make me mad that people made it to their goal no matter what size they were when they started, the heaviest do not own the right to WLS. I am glad that the FDA lowered the BMI because why should people have to wait until they did so much damage to their body before getting help. Also just because smaller people are getting surgery now does not mean their struggle is or was any easier than ours because we started at a heavier point. But I also want to say that this thread was probably started out of frustration, you know the grass is always greener thing. So I think we are being too hard on her and should try to understand where she is coming from and not be so defensive. If I had posted that and got all these responses I would never post again and that is not what this place is about, it is about us helping and guiding people with the knowledge that we have learned, about helping people keep their heads up and on move on down the road. So many people have been so nice to me here and answered my numerous questions some dumb, some answered so many times but still answered once more for me. So I say we should not judge others for their reason for having WLS, but maybe we need to remember it is a daily, sometimes hourly struggle for some and give them a break when they vent their frustrations. Sorry to ramble on Cheri

It bothers me some because people have made it to their goal and I can't get any more off. Not that it really matters, when you factor in people's starting weight, age, medicines they take. but just 15 or 20 more would make me so happy. My body just seems to settled in at this weight. Size ten pants is okay but a 8 or 6 would make me much happier. But I did loose 84 lbs with the band and doing good keeping it off. So I should be happy Cheri

Just go in for a small unfill, don't let them take it all out. I have gone in for a fill and had a half cc put in and then had to go back and have .2 cc taken out so I was still a head by .3 cc and did fine. I always tell them if they are going to take out more I will leave and they always do what they say. So just ask them to take out a tiny bit and you will still have more than what you had before the fill. A tiny bit can be the difference like night and day. Good luck! Cheri

Sounds like your on the right track! Cheri

I crushed all my pills for 3 months. Its gross but works. Try drinking some hot liqiud like coffee ot tea before taking your pills it opens the band. Cheri If your still stuck drink a couple of drinks of hot diet coke in the bathroom and it should come up pretty fast.

I also have a friend with the same and she is banded seems to be no problem except slower losing as she can't always exercise. Cheri

Sorry for the disappointment but it is worth the wait! Cheri

Did you read the part that said “4 Years”? We will just have to agree to disagree. Cheri

Congratulations to you! Your on your way! Cheri

Does it really matter what nationality they were? They are people. The tourist can't spend their money if the stores are closed as many are. But I am giving up. If you decide to go to Mexico please be careful it really is dangerous. May God protect you and all who decide to go. Good luck to you. Cheri

34,612 Deaths in Mexico’s Drug War in 4 Years, Mexican President Says

My problem is not with Mexico or the people. My husband's whole family lives there and for 31 years we have been there many, many times. But right now it is not safe. The people and police are not in charge. Evil people are ruling in Mexico right now. Even the people who live there are scared to death and would tell you not to come. Google “drug cartels in Mexico” and view the images people are being beheaded all the time for no reason. Bodies just left everywhere as a warning to the people all people that the drug cartels are in charge. If you think being an American in Mexico gives you some status you are wrong. Buses are being kidnapped (main buslines) and everyone killed there. It is truely horrible. I would rather pay an extra $4000 them be kidnapped and raped and killed. I am saying this to scare you because it is true and no amount of money or being skinny is worth that. This is the last I will post on this thread as we all must make our own choices, but honestly the US has many many travel advisories out about Mexico. I heard just last night on the new a man from Houston, Texas went to Matamores to have some dental work done and has disapeared. Check the Houston News channels. Read up on the violence in Mexico before you go. How many beheadings in the USA for no reason except not being a part of the cartel? Sorry to be harsh but it truly is not worth the savings in my opinion or I would have gone. I was self pay too and it was hard to come up with a way but you have to. 5 or even 4 years ago it was so different I might would have gone as I wanted it so bad. But I am not willing to die for the procedure. Cheri Rodriguez

Do you do it off a DVD or at the gym? i would like to try it. What do you recommend? Tried Zumbia but too much for me Cheri

I would advise you not to go to Mexico at this time. It is so very dangerous. My family has begged us not to come and visit for the past 3 years as it it not safe. LapBand is not worth your life. Borrow the money from Careone or put it on a credit card. I am not saying the hospitals and Drs are not good. I am telling you 1000's of people are missing and 1000's dead. They do not care who you are. Please think about it before you go. I have been married to a Mexican for 31 years and would not go there I put mine on a credit card. Please think about it. Go to a big city like Houston were the prices are more competitive. Cheri

You have helped me a lot. Your posts are always honest and very helpful. I have enjoyed them so CONGRATULTIONS!!! Cheri

A Fluoroscopy is an x-ray that shows how Fluid or food move through the band. Also the position of the band and port etc. I have had one everytime I had a Dr's visit or a fill. You watch it as your fluid runs through the band. It is really neat and you could see if something it wrong with you band. Too tight, slipped, etc. Cheri

Need to go in for a fluro

2 years out and love it! Cheri

I agree stress can do terrible things to your body and band. Working out more when your really stressed out helps! Cheri

I was self pay too. I went to seminar on a Saturday morning with my husband with up to date medical records and paid $100 for a consulation after seminar. I had my surgery on the following Monday 1½ days later. When you are self pay you do not have to go through all kinds of tests if your health records are up to date. I use a very good surgeon and a Hospital that was a Center of Excellance. 2½ years ago and since then my surgeon has moved and left our records with another set of surgeons which I have seen 2 times and no problems. If I was you I would travel BUT stay in the US. Most Doctors will work with you if you had your surgery in the US. Mexico may have good Dr.s but right now it is too dangerious to travel there. Houston, Texas has a lot of great surgeons and I am sure if you contact some of them they will give you information about someone close to you who can fill you and do your aftercare. 2½ years ago I paid $12,999. and that included a year of office visits and fills now in the Houston area is is about $8000 - $9000. Big difference! Hope that helps. Cheri

It is so funny to me that so many people find themself watching the food channel after banding. I did the same think. Cupcake wars, cakeboss too. Why? I can't eat it but I watch it all the time funny! I do not refer to my as porn though. cheri

Thank you for sharing Chris. cheri

I suffer from clinical depression before and after surgery. Mine is not related to the weight it is do to the missing chemicals in my brain. But it is easier to manage with my meds and not adding being overweight on top of too. I did 3 years 2/week conseling and learned some great coping skills. See a MD and a shrink too I agree the Bible is to best place to read if you have depression and there are many, many books out there for depression. Just don't let people“tell all you gotta do is change your way of thinking”. They don't know what they are talking about. On the two weeks when you want to eat do something else instead, do something for yourself instead of giving yourself food. Ask about wellbutrim it really helps with depression with out weight gain. So/most antidepressants cause you to crave carbs or some weight gain. Drs seem to think you can be happy and fat or skinnier and depressed. Cheri

I'm 100 % happy with the band and 100% successful. Cheri