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Ravyn

LAP-BAND Patients
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Everything posted by Ravyn

  1. Ravyn
    Hi, live in Los Angeles County and I want to change doctors for my fills. I would like a doctor who uses the fluoroscopy technique. I would even be willing to travel to Tijuana, Mexico if I could get a referral from someone. I hear that pricing is much more affordable than my 350.00 quote that I'm getting from my present doctor. Thank goodness I get 6 for free. I've had three and I'm worried about where to go after I've used them all up. If you have any recommendations for anyone within the Southern California region I would appreciate the tips. Thanks
  2. Ravyn
    I have failed and abused my lapband. I'm the same weight as I started out, way back in April of 2010. Sigh! I'm on to a new gimick - Vegan diet. So far so good...but I"m still an emotional eater. I guess I need overeaters anonymous, and not a lapband. Wish you all luck. I'm still searching for the motivation to drink protein shakes and do P90X.
  3. Ravyn

    Hey Tracy! Glad the first fill was a success. I hope you're getting some activity. I spoke with another bander, Froggie, and she suggested eating protein first, and then veggies next. Carbs should be eaten last. The protein should help keep metabolism running fast and help keep the hunger pangs down. I also think it helps to prevent hair loss.

     

    I did okay today as far as my eating goes. I had two yogurts, two servings of nuts and two slices of Veggie pizza. I've gotta eat some fruit soon, for the fiber.

     

    Check in when you get a chance. I haven't lost anything yet, but I'm happy to report that I can not eat a whole burger anymore YIPEEE!!

     

    Take care!

  4. Ravyn

    Hi Zeniada, thanks for contacting me. I would love any information you can share with me about your Mexico experience. I still have 3 free fills from my current doctor. However, when those are over I want to have a plan for future fills, should I need them, ya know. So if you don't mind, can would you give me the name, contact info, websites on your doctor? Were you happy with him/her and was it a nice hospital? Thanks so much. I appreciate anything you can share.

  5. Ravyn
    I am so discouraged and am at the breaking point. It's been 4 months since I got the band placed. I have lost 10 pounds and that was due to the healing process. I have had two fills and my doctor doesn't like to put too much Fluid in, so I have had no problems eating or drinking anything. I crave all the stuff that got me to the point that I am at and basically NOTHING has changed. I told my doctor that I didn't have any restriction and should I come in sooner than the recommended 2 month mark, if I were gaining or if I stalled. My doctor said stick to every 2 months. So here I am, 2 pounds more than I was the last time I saw him. I just want to cry! I'm so frustrated that I almost bought a pint of haagan daz butter pecan. I stopped myself, with a scoop of vanilla. Anyway, at this point my band isn't even a tool for me. On days that I feel strong I can still eat to capacity, so imagine how badly I do on days that I'm emotionally wrecked and weak and feeling no support. Should I just give up? Am I a loser? I knew it wouldn't be easy, but geeze! I took two Bikram Yoga classes, 1 spinning class and 1 pilates class in a week and lost NOTHING!! I can't do this. There is just something wrong with my brain and my body. Am I destined to be obese? Am I? I don't even know what to ask. I just don't know what to do. I go for my 3rd fill on Sunday, and I'm embarassed to even go. I feel so scared and so alone.
  6. Ravyn

    Fill Docs in San Diego

    Ravyn replied to lefthander_1975's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

    I wish I had an answer for ya... are you able to go to Mexico for a fill? I heard that Hospital INT was very nice, but I don't know if they provide fills for patients using the fluoroscopy method. Try the doctor who performed your surgery. I'm in need of a different doctor. Mine will charge me 350.00 a fill, after I used my 6 free fills. I'd be willing to travel to TJ, if I ca get it done for 100! Let me know if you have any tips. I'll do the same for you
  7. Ravyn

    I'm Back!!!

    Ravyn replied to zeniada's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

    congrats! It should be smooth sailing from here! May I ask, will you be getting your fills in Mexico? I am in Los Angeles County and am interested in a different fill doctor. Someone else suggested Mexico, but I am unfamiliar with traveling in and out of TJ for medical needs. I really want a doctor who does that fluoroscopy with the fill to make sure it's the correct amount. However I'd like to do it for a reasonable price. Was wondering if you share the contact information for your doctor in Mexico? I wish you all the best!
  8. Ravyn
    Yes, mine was easily felt just under the skin initially, but it has adjusted itself and now I can't feel it as well as I did before. I think the swelling had something to do with it. Now I am barely aware of the port. It's good to check with your doctor. I hope you don't have to back under the knife! All the best!
  9. Ravyn
    I am happy to say that fill number 3 is working YIPEE!! I finally have restriction. I have to really slow down my eating and sip rather than gulp beverages. I love this!!! It hasn't curbed my appetite so much, but that's just me and my emotional hunger. I'll have to tackle that head on! Anyway, I'm excited that it's finally working. I was so afraid that I would never have restriction. It's funny too, because I had my fill on Sunday and I didn't notice a change in my stomach's capacity until Wednesday. I feel a weightloss coming on Even if it's two pounds I'll be delighted! Thanks again everyone for all your support. It really was daunting on my spirit! Oh, and I'll be searching around for fill doctors with a more reasonable price range. Best Wishes to all! -sigh of relief-
  10. Ravyn

    Tracy, I beginning to get concerned. I haven't heard from you. I hope you're just too busy at the gym or hiking and biking to be on here. Well, I'm still keeping track of my eating. I had a bad night last night. Went out for Mexican Food and then Salsa Dancing. I had a beer, a glass of wine and a Mojito. I also ate two grilled shrimp, half of a wedge of a casadilla, a table spoon of fish ceviche, and half a taquito and some salad. So yeah, I ate it very slowly over about an hour because I have some restriction now, but I did eat it. Good thing I danced it off though! Oh and I went for a bike ride with my son 45 minutes.

     

    Check in soon!!

  11. Ravyn
    Froggie you are a great role model for me! I MUST look into more sugar free treats. I've tried to eat more fruits as a treat, rather than ice cream and cookies. As for my fill process, I had NO restriction. Nothing got stuck and I could drink anything at any pace. However, I got a fill on the 22nd, and I just noticed this week that food is taking longer to pass through. I took one bit too many a few days ago and thought something was going to come back up. I managed to keep it all down by walking around. So that was my third fill and finally I have some noticeable restriction! Yipeee! I think I'll be able to do this now. I takes me much longer to eat even half a sandwhich. I'll try this week to cut out sweets completely. I had about 8 cookies throughout the week. A sabotage moment, no doubt! But those two cookies a day adds up to NO weightloss. My doctor felt that the realize band just takes longer than the lapband. He felt as thought I would have some loss from the next fill. However, he wants it to be slow, because my weight was not that extreme to begin with. He is keeping me at a strict visitation every two months. He also is expecting me to exercise more than I have been. I feel that I'll be able to control things better, now that I actually am forced to slow my pacing. Thank you so much for your support. I'll take your advice on the sugar free pops and stuff like that! Keep posting, so I stay motivated
  12. Ravyn
    Froggie, it's good to hear from you, and so many other April Bandsters! I'm glad you're experiencing success with your band. I've been struggling and have gained 6 pounds back. I'm hungry all the time and can eat bread and potatoes with no problem. I guess I'm far away from my sweet spot. Keep up the goodwork and keep me inspired
  13. Ravyn

    Thanks so much for the pep talk, Teach. I didn't really get that pizza. But I was hungry enough to do it. I just get so angry when i'm following the all liquid diet, two days after my 4th fill and I'm so hungry that my I have a headache. I have the realize band and I'm up to 8 or 9cc's already. I think the band only holds 11cc's. My doctor said he doesn't work like "1800 Get- Thin." He says he will see me in 2 months and not before. My fills are free the first 6 so I am stuck going to him for now. You know, I have my moments. I had a good day today, but man it's 11:42 in California and I'm hungry again. It's a lot harder to lose weight when you're feeling hungry. I was hoping the band would take care of the hunger. Apparently I was wrong. But so far, I haven't had pizza.

     

    Thanks again, and keep me uplifted in positive thoughts. All the best!!

  14. Ravyn

    Hey Tracy! How's your week going? I'm doing okay today. I started work so I'm exhausted. But food wise, I had an Atkins shake for breakfast, an apple and a serving of trailmix for snack. Lunch I had a glass of water and a salad with Steak. For dinner I had a taco salad that I made at home. Oh and I ate a cookie too. That's everything in a nutshell.

     

    Let me know how you're doing.

    Talk soon, Dawn

  15. Ravyn
    :crying:OMG! I really appreciate the outpouring of support. There are so many helpful suggestions here and not all of you said things that I wanted to hear. Many of you said what I need to hear. Like the comment about the ice cream - a weak moment - no doubt, but a helpful comment. I get 6 free fills with my current doctor, after which I must pay about 350. I will definitely consider finding a new doctor. The flurouscope thingy sounds like a marvelous idea. I'm sure it's costly. Anyway, my doctor was very positive, even though I had gained a total of 6 pounds since March. He says that the realize band works differently than the LAP-BAND® and that most people don't get results until the 4th through 6th fill. He said I just needed to do more cardio. I got my third fill on Sunday, bringing me to about 10cc. This just doesn't sound right to me, but he told me to do liquids for two days followed by two days of mushies. Well, it's Tuesday and I have a throbbing headache and I'm ready to scarf a pizza. WTH am I supposed to do. It's 2:50 and I just finished my 3rd Protein shake for the day and I'm STARVING. Is this normal? I think if my band were working, I'd feel full after 10 ounces ounces of Protein Shake. Why am I being teased? Oh well, I guess I should just ignore this headache and annoying tug in my belly and just have what? Another protein shake? I want PIZZA! Darn it, now I'm angry! I don't know what to do. I can't go back til October. I guess I'll drink another protein shake until I'm no longer hungry?? Argh! Thanks again for all the support. This is a wonderful place to get help. But I feel like I need a sponser living in my house.
  16. Ravyn
    Zandile100, I lost a total of 12 pounds since my banding date of 4/18/2010. I can't believe it! I went for my third fill 8/22 and had gained 6 pounds. I'm struggling here. I have had 3 fills and I swear my little band it just about full! My doctors swears this is normal. He says I need to do more cardio. I did...and NOTHING! I'm just miserable, hungry, and I hate protein shakes. I'm going to get a pizza with the works! Have a great day!
  17. Ravyn
    Wow Mimi, it sounds like you're doing great from my perspective. I had a fill on Sunday. He put in 2.5 cc's, giving me a total of 10cc. I have the realize band, which I believe holds 11cc. I have lost NOTHING!! I had one stuck moment and was actually excited. Now everything flows just fine. Nothing gets stuck and I'm starving. My appetite is STRONG. But I'm refusing to eat, so I have a headache. UGH! I wish things were working better for me. I'm afraid I'm going to binge in an hour cause these Protein Shakes are teasing me! Best of luck to you though. Maybe at my next fill (in two months) I'll be full and satiated.
  18. Ravyn

    I love my band!

    Ravyn replied to Windus's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

    Wow! That was an inspirational post. I'm don't love or hate my band. I'm disappointed in my band however, because I haven't lost anything in 4 months...and I'm still with my same old man My band must be defective, because yours is doing so much for you. LOL! Congrats on your success and your on your engagement. My next stop is Craigs List ; D
  19. Ravyn

    Thank you so much for your response to my thread last night! It really meant alot to me. I hear you loud and clear. I have been avoding the dreaded food log and this will be exactly what you said, a way to keep each other accountable. We can start Monday! Count me in. I woke up with a renewed zest for this whole thing. Although I did have a burrito for lunch (home made - always better). Planning on a salad for dinner. I'll let you know how fill nbr 3 goes. I have an appt. tomorrow at 9am. Wish me well, and I'll be doing the same for you!

     

    Sincerely, R!

  20. Ravyn

    Advice needed!!

    Ravyn replied to Wimic's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

    Wow! It's really hard to say. It's a wedding and you should think about how they would feel if you weren't able to make it. I couldn't wear my bra for a week because of the scars and healing. I was hopeful that I'd return to work 3 days later, but that was not my reality. It took me a week to before I could do social events. Just be careful with commiting yourself to something that could really be disappointing to someone if you didn't show up. Best of Luck and I hope you heal faster than I did ;0
  21. Ravyn
    Hi! Wow, it looks like there are plenty of Cali Bandsters here. I'm from Southern Cali - San Fernando Valley. I was banded in San Dimas. I'm totally struggling and feeling like a complete failure at the moment, but I'm still checking in on the site for motivation and inspiration. Best of luck!
  22. Ravyn
    Dear Happy Me, You Wrote: "I am up to 9cc's in an 11'cc band and I can still eat bread, have never had anything get "stuck", never slimed or PB'd or anything that lets me know I am in band land." Though I've only been banded since April, I feel as though I'm walking in your footsteps. Even our numbers are close. I've lost only 12 pounds and I have 60 to go until I reach my goal weight. I think because we have under 100 pounds to lose, it's going to be a much slower process than some of the others with more to lose...at least that's what I keep telling myself. However, like you I haven't felt much restriction. I get discouraged so often. I have so many friends that are beautiful and thin. I feel like I'm the only one struggling to be at a healthy weight. I had ice cream while I was on my vacation. All my thin friends were eating and even though I know I can't do that, I wanted to be like them, beautiful and indulgent. At this point I'm just indulgent. Sigh! I thank everyone for their support and shared stories. I need to believe that this will happen for me too. I need to visualize on a daily basis that I'm shedding the excess weight ounce by ounce, pound by pound. I started today by walking my dog. He's a big dog too, so it takes extra effort to walk him. I hope next week will see a slightly slimmer me. Oh and I heard that the Realize Band takes longer to produce that restricted feeling. Does anyone else know this to be true?
  23. Ravyn
    Hey Monkeymama, I have a realize band and I got it on 4/18/2010. My first fill was May 23 and I didn't feel any restriction at all. I got my second fill on June 27th and got very little restriction, but my doctor seems to be very cautious and reserved when it comes to how tight he will make the ban. He said to me, "This is not 1-800-Get-Thin. You will need two years to lose weight slowly. You get better results." So, I'm guessing you are having the same experience that I'm having. I lost 12 pounds after surgery and am holding at that 12 pound mark. No gain, no loss.
  24. Ravyn

    Emotional Eating...

    Ravyn replied to jaymie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

    Hmph! I was in therapy for 2 years and gained 10 more pounds during that period. I'm not out of therapy and into a lapband...unfortunately I'm still an emotional eater. Guess we just gotta find our happy place. I don't need food to f il t he void when I'm happy. Hopefully you wont need food then too.
  25. Ravyn
    Okay, so on Sunday I go for my second fill. The first fill did absolutely nothing. I can eat what ever I want. Nothing gets stuck, and I don't feel too full. I had more restriction the first 3 weeks after surgery, than I did when I got my fill. So all of you who have been through the process multiple times, can you think of anything that I need to ask my doctor, other than, why aren't I experiencing any restriction in my food intake? I'm kind of excited to see if there will be any difference, but I'm also very fearful that I will continue to gain the weight that I lost from healing after surgery. I got down 12 pounds and I've but on 6 pounds. Ugh! Will I make it through?

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