Saraboo

Wow, we've been a quiet bunch! Just checking in for another update. Didn't have to go for a GI. I went back on liquids to give my tummy some time to heal, and that seemed to help. I even got another slight fill last month. I go back in on the 22nd of this month. Weight wise I seem to be dropping decently. The past week the scale has been going back and forth between 203 and 210. But, I got a fill, and then the next week I was really sick. And now, I'm PMSing which always makes me tighter anyways. Lol. It's been a streeful couple of weeks. On the upside, when I was in for my adjustment, the Dr. brought up plastic surgery because of my saggy belly skin. Yay. It made me pretty excited. I'm still about 35-45lbs from goal, but it's exciting to start researching. I'm hoping I'll still continue losing at the same rate I have been, and hopefully be to goal by my birthday in May. Hope everything is going well for everyone!!!

I've had a few bouts with having to be unfilled, and I've found that since I had a complete unfill in September, everytime I get a fill now, my stomache is ultra sensitive. I literally go on liguids for a good 72 hours after. I do have issues with water even the first day or too, but I sip. Lots of little sips. But, if you don't feel relief relatively soon, you're going to need to go back for an unfill

It will get better! I would say you probably have at least a week of that needing to burp feeling. It does suck big time. The shoulder pain does go away too; probably will before the urge to burp does. The nausea-well, everyone is different, I wasn't really nauseus at all during that time. Just make sure you get your liquids in. Staying hydrated is a very big part in healing properly, and I've found that I can eat better when I drink more water. Congratulations on taking the steps to changing your life!

I actually started with the 1-800-get-thin, but for some reason my insurance wouldn't cover me through them. I was refered out to a surgeon though. He used to be affiliated with them, but before my surgery disassociated himself from them. He has his own practice, and has offices all over So Cal. I absolutely LOVE my Dr. His Name is Dr. Sharam Salimitari- he's listed on lapbandtalk actually under surgeons, so if you did a search he would pop up. He and his partner's website is www.lapbandvip.com. They are both great, but Dr. Sal is my favorite. I have heard nothing but rave reviews of him.

I plan on getting a couple new tattoos. I've held off becuase my skin is just not where I want it to be. I'm also lucky in that my Dad is going to pay for my plastics as a present, then take me to some swanky hair place in Hollywood to complete the makeover effect. I'm pretty jazzed about that. We're hoping that I'll get pretty close to goal soon, and start maintaining so that all this starts happening around christmas.

I've been in your shoes. I had a complete unfill in September, and it took a long time to get restriction back. I actually ended up gaining back weight. Right around when I was unfilled, I also sprained my ankle pretty badly, so not only was I able to eat normal, I couldn't do my normal work-outs Just try to make smart choices, keep up with your workouts, and keep your water intake up. Good Luck!

At only a month post-op, I'm kinda suprised you got a fill already. I got my first fill at 8 weeks, and then it was only 1.5ccs. It is going to take a while to get restriction, and it can be tricky once you get close to your sweet spot. Take it slow, and remember that your body is still healing. Letting your body heal is so important. Good Luck!

Oh, I look in the mirror and I feel exactly the same way. I hate the way I look naked now. I used to have no problem walking around in just my bra, or changing in front of people, or having "fun", but now, all I see is saggy skin. I hate it. I just try and remind myself that saggy skin or not, I'm happier this way, and healthier. But still. Ugh. :success1:

My life has changed in sooo many ways! I was banded Nov 12, 2009. Since then I've gone from a 26/28 to a size 16/18, deppending on the brand. I've gone down to a ring size of 6. I am 1 pound from being overweight, instead of obese. I can go to the gym, and not feel like an idiot. I can walk for miles on end, just because. I can wear high heels now, not just kitten heels, but 4 inch heels. I like to go just try on clothes now. When I look in the mirror, I'm starting to see how I actually look, not the 298lb girl I was, but someone who actually looks kind of skinny. I have curves, and I'm not afraid to use them! Lol. My self-confidense is so much higher. I'm not afraid of traveling anymore because of seatbelts, I know they will fit now. I can cross my les normally. I feel better about myself. I now weigh what I weighed beggining of sophmore year, and am back wearing the same sizes I was in Junior High.

I've had a few NSV's lately. ~One that I hadn't even realized I wanted-on of my dr's commenting on my skin and telling me he's going to give the name of a plastic surgeon-that totally made my day ~Starting at a 26/28, and I'm currently in 16/18's ~going from a 44G to a 36/38DDD(depends on the bra) ~ I was walking to the store last week, and a guy riding his bike whistled at me as I went past ~ Being able to borrow clothes from my mom ~ Guys telling me I'm beautiful, or sexy ~ Having lost a shoe size, I can now share shoes with my little sister ~ Going shopping, and being able to get stuff in regular sizes ~ The compliments I get from friends and family ~ My dad telling me I've inspired him. He's now training for the Ironman competition ~ My Dr.'s office asking for before and after pics to possibly use on their website/brochures ~ Being flirted with in general ~ I wore stretchy/spandex leggings to the gym!

http://ramblingsofaformerfatgirl.blogspot.com/

298 5'9" BMI 44 No Co's I had Blue Cross at the time. Once my paperwork was finally taken off someones desk-they "lost" it- Approvale took a couple weeks. I started as Morbidly Obese, and I'm about 10 lbs away from being merely Overweight. Best Decision I have ever made

You know, I haven't had much of a problem when it comes to social settings. I'm a 26 year old female. All of my friends and family know, and are very supportive. If I go out to eat I either split a plate with someone, get the smallest appetizer, or order off the kids menu. And I love, love, love to cook. I cook for people all the time. It actually helps get my food addiction under control, to some extent. I get to experiment with new recipes and such, but I don't worry about it going to waste if I can't eat it. I will have a drink or two if I go out with friends, or too a party. I don't drink in excess, so I think it's fine. As far as dating goes, I usually put it out there at the beginning; that way if we go out to eat, i don't have to worry about looking like a stupid person not eating, lol. I haven't had a problem yet with a date. All have been understanding, and don't really care that much. The only issue dating wise that i've come up with is the loose skin, and that was from my ex, and it wasn't really a problem. He was more curious if my skin would shift, or if I would end up having surgery. His main concern was my boobs. Lol. I was an F cup when we met.

I'm having the same issues. I started at a 44G. I'm down to a 36/38 DDD and I have a good 50/60 lbs to go. My boobs look deflated and very saggy now. My younger sisters (9 and 12 yrs old) come and play with my excess skin now. I actually went bra shopping yesterday, and had a very, very difficult time finding anything in my size. Even at Lane Bryant, sizing is difficult, because my back size has gone down a signifigant amount, and they don't carry as many in that size. This is the smallest my chest has been since I was a sophmore in high school. It's driving me nuts Thankfully, I am lucky that when I hit goal, I will be able to get a breast lift, and depending how small they go, perhaps a small enhancment. I haven't had less than a D cup since 6th grade. I wouldn't know what to do with anything smaller than that. Good luck

I am very open about having had the surgery, and my experiences with it. I tell pretty much everyone, and I haven't really had any negative experiences. I had a couple of people who were concerned before hand, but they are all very very supportive. I lucked out in the amount of support I have.

Just a quck-or maybe not so quick, lol- update since I found out I have a slight slip. My Dr. has been taking it easy with fills, and I've had a few wills and unfills in the past couple months. had a lisght unfill of .7 ccs on dec 7th, and saw my dr again on dec 27th and all was good at that time. I had good restriction, and the scale was continuing slowly downward, even with my grazing and stress eating from getting fired at the begining of december. fast forward to a couple days ago. all of a sudden, i'm havingissues again. woke up the past couple nights choking. not fun. and spent all day spitting up stomach acid. which means i need to head in for an upper GI again, and most likely a revision. Unfortunatly, along with being fired, I lost my insurance and have no income. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. :/ not sure what to do actually.

Wow, what a year it has been. SInce I last posted I've been struggling with the band, and having no restriction again. Had a fill done by my dr's partner and 3 days later had to have an emergency unfill done, and we confirmed that I do have a slight slip. Which means that the journey back to restriction in going to be a long road. I go in this Saturday for another small fill, and I will have my official weight then, but according to my scale on my 1 year bandiversary, I weighed in at 230lbs. not too bad considering I started at 298. Still, I wish the nuber was lower. I actually gained back like 27 lbs after I had the complete unfill. So 3 months ago I actually weighed in at 213. On the upside, since my last miniscule fill, I haven't gained which is a relief, but I haven't really lost either. But hey, I still weigh 68lbs less than I did this time last year , and that's definitely a great achievment. I hope everyone is doing well. @flychica-I'm sorry to hear that youve had such a rough time-my thoughts and prayers are with you, and I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

You also need to remember that your body will go through periods of plateaus. It's natural, your body needs time to adjust to the rapid weight loss. And get a new Dr if he treats you like that. My Dr scolded me once, but that was because I should have come in way sooner, because I didn't go in for an unfill. He was concerened because I couldn't even keep water down. ugh. But don't let the a Dr, or NP or whoever does your fills, belittle you. It's detrimental to the whole process.

I never had to pay a consultation fee. Everything was included, and covered by insurance.

Just another quick update on my lovely band :alien: Based on how I have done since my unfill, my Dr decided I was ok to start building up restriction again. Had a slightly aggressive fill-went from 0cc's to 4cc's:scared2: Now it's time to re-learn what I can and can't eat. Scrambled eggs are definitley a bad food again. But it could be I'm still swollen so I'll try them again in a week. Hope everyone is doing well. Down to 2 months til we hit our 1 year!:wub:

Here are some ideas.... Rolled up lunch meat with string cheese Veggies with hummus Chili salad with chicken/turkey instead od tuna, try making chicken salad-if you do a search in the recipe section there's one taht uses the light baby bel cheese instead of mayo so it isn't so dry Pinto/Black Beans with Pico de Gallo and a sprinkle of cheese If you don't mind making it up the night before you can take and heat up at work- Take a piece of boneless skinless chicken breast-I use the frozen tenderloins because they're smaller- pound the chicken thin-now I do this 2 different ways 1) season chicken. put a little bit of buffalo sauce and spread until the top of the chicken is covered. Top with a piese of deli sliced provolone. Bake in 450 degree oven for ten minutes- 2) Season chicken. Put low fat marinara(or whatever type of sauce you like) on chicken and spread around. Sprinkle of shredded low fat mozzerella. Put veegies and pther pizza toppings. Bake for 10 mins in 450 degree oven. Yummm. Hope these help some. :thumbup:

If you don't think you can make it til then, call your dr right away! You don't want to risk a slipped band.

PLease keep your appt for an unfill-I'm one of the ones who put it off for far too long-and the result was having, instead of a slight unfil, I had to have a complete unfill, and I had to go for an upper GI to see if my band has slipped. Looks like it hasn't, but I won't know for sure until Tuesday. Staying healthy is your #1 priority

Jasmin, go with your gut. If you didn't really like them, then find another Dr. I ended up being refered out to my dr from them, becuase my insurancedidn't cover them. However, them refering me out was the best thing that could have happened. Look around for a couple different Dr's and go to their different seminars. I would recomend my Dr in a heartbeat. Very patient oriented(sp?), and he gives his cell # to each patient. His name is Dr. Salimitari-if you want to check him out his office # is 310-470-8446. He has offices all over So Cal, and you can pick teh one closest to you. :smile:

9 1/2 months post-op, and it's a hit and miss thing for me. sometimes I can eat it no problem, sometimes i'll take a bite with like 3 kernals and be sliming for hours. You just never know...