Lap Band

[Guest guest]

> First I hope PNW stands for Pacific Northwest or Im in the wrong

> place and you can ignore me.....Well yoiu can ignore me anyway lol.

> I live close to the Canadian border and I am wondering if a Lap

band

> surgeon in western Canada is a good idea.

> Thanks for your time, Diane

Diane, Yup, you're in the right place

Are you thinking about going to Dr. Yau? I can't give you any first-

hand experience but did look into him when I was looking into

banding... opted for Mexico instead. You may find more information

on the CanadianBandsters group - sorry, but I don't know the exact

format of the group name. Does anyone else?

There's also a couple great doctors north of Seattle in Kirkland....

Jo in Silverdale

Dr. Rumbaut 10/23/01

318/208/205

[Guest guest]

Thank you Jo for the information..Ive just started to look into this

procedure. I am amazed at all the insurance companies you all have

that will help you with this...Mine says they will not help, period.

No weight help.... smoking (which I dont) they will but no weight.

How do you all save up your $10,000 for the operation? I think it

will take several years for me. Thanks again Diane.

> Diane, Yup, you're in the right place

>

> Are you thinking about going to Dr. Yau? I can't give you any

first-

> hand experience but did look into him when I was looking into

> banding... opted for Mexico instead. You may find more

information

> on the CanadianBandsters group - sorry, but I don't know the exact

> format of the group name. Does anyone else?

>

> There's also a couple great doctors north of Seattle in

Kirkland....

>

> Jo in Silverdale

> Dr. Rumbaut 10/23/01

> 318/208/205

[Guest guest]

> I am amazed at all the insurance companies you all have

> that will help you with this...Mine says they will not help,

period.

> No weight help.... smoking (which I dont) they will but no

weight.

> How do you all save up your $10,000 for the operation?

Most of us here are self-pay - our insurance policies also had

exclusions for weight loss. And there are many here who had their

surgeries before it was FDA approved, so insurance wasn't even an

option.

Not all the doctors in Mexico and Europe cost that much - I've heard

as low at $4K, although 6-10K is more likely. Personally, I was

willing to spend more for a doctor that nurses recommended.

Some of us borrowed against our 401K, some of us got second

mortgages, and others got low-interest credit cards. Some also

opted for the surgery instead of a different car and chose to limp

along with their existing car a little longer.

So there's a few ideas. Personally, the loan amount is offset by a

lower food budget, making the payments a bit easier.

Hope this helps!

Jo in Silverdale

Dr. Rumbaut 10/23/01

318/208/205

[Guest guest]

> > I am amazed at all the insurance companies you all have

> > that will help you with this...Mine says they will not help,

> period.

> > No weight help.... smoking (which I dont) they will but no

> weight.

> > How do you all save up your $10,000 for the operation?

>

> Most of us here are self-pay - our insurance policies also had

> exclusions for weight loss. And there are many here who had their

> surgeries before it was FDA approved, so insurance wasn't even an

> option.

>

> Not all the doctors in Mexico and Europe cost that much - I've

heard

> as low at $4K, although 6-10K is more likely. Personally, I was

> willing to spend more for a doctor that nurses recommended.

>

> Some of us borrowed against our 401K, some of us got second

> mortgages, and others got low-interest credit cards. Some also

> opted for the surgery instead of a different car and chose to limp

> along with their existing car a little longer.

>

> So there's a few ideas. Personally, the loan amount is offset by

a

> lower food budget, making the payments a bit easier.

>

> Hope this helps!

> Jo in Silverdale

> Dr. Rumbaut 10/23/01

> 318/208/205

Jo, Thank you again. You have been very helpful....Can you tell me

why so many US doctors refuse to do fills after Mexico surgeries?

And if there are north west WA Doctors that do fills?

Thanks Diane

[Guest guest]

> Can you tell me

> why so many US doctors refuse to do fills after Mexico surgeries?

> And if there are north west WA Doctors that do fills?

>

Diane, I can't speak for the doctors, but liability or being too

busy with their own patients would both be valid reasons.

Tacoma Radiology will do fills under flouro for $250. (WARNING -

they are to be used for fills only and want you to be working with

your surgeon or other doctor for follow-up care.) Jessie or

can speak up if the Kirkland practice will be doing fills for any new

Mexico patients. Dr Fox/Srikanth will do fills, but charge about

$400 if you're not one of their patients - that's without flouro

(flouro adds another digit to the price).

Hope this helps!

Jo

[Guest guest]

Hi!

Dr. K told me that they would be using the lap band as a tool for those who

might have a very high BMI and may not tolerate the GR-DS, in order to enable

them to lose sufficient weight to be less of a surgical risk. He also said the

lap band may be a tool for those with smaller amounts of weight to lose (low

BMI) that might not qualify for the GR-DS. (Now, I do hope I am paraphrasing

him correctly.)

Hugs and blessings, Ann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/10/2003 12:06:10 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

sage.ca@... writes:

> I rejected the idea of the lap band because it is restrictive only and

> did have the potential for some pretty pesky problems.

>

> Best -

>

> Nick

Hi Nick!

Yes, Dr. K reiterated that if restrictive procedures worked, ALL restrictive

procedures would work. He was very clear that the lap band would be used only

in a selected population, as it probably wouldn't be a great long-term result

for a high BMI person, but it would provide a very good, less invasive way to

take off some weight to make a GR-DS possible and that it is, perhaps, all

that is needed in a person with a lower BMI and few comorbidities. He was

checking this procedure out and was going to observe some in early to mid-June.

Hugs and blessings, Ann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/10/2003 1:33:34 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

icartlover@... writes:

> I had a lap-band for 7 years and just had it removed when I had my GR-DS

> with Dr. K. I oringinally lost 40 lbs and gained it back plus.

Hi !

This is exactly why it shouldn't be used except in a very small, selected

population. I have heard that it doesn't work so well, just like we were saying

earlier -- if purely restrictive procedures worked, ALL restrictive procedures

would work (including dieting)!

Thanks for speaking up here! I really like to hear about other people's

experiences -- it makes us all more informed people!

Hugs and blessings, Ann

[Guest guest]

> I had a lap-band for 7 years and just had it removed when I had my

GR-DS

> with Dr. K. I oringinally lost 40 lbs and gained it back plus. I

also

> could not eat certain thing like chicken breast because it would

get stuck.

> I have heard it works for people who are less obese. I didn;t

like and am

> glad it's gone.

>

> in Wisconsin

> Re: Lap band

>

> sounds like you made a great decision with the revision. i didnt

know you could gain weight with the band. but it stretches out your

stomach right?? i was never thrilled with the thought of having a

band in my stomach. the DS sounds so much safer and wiser. i bet you

feel so much better now............wishing you the best

Vicki

> > Hi!

> >

> > Dr. K told me that they would be using the lap band as a tool

for those

> who

> > might have a very high BMI and may not tolerate the GR-DS, in

order to

> enable

> > them to lose sufficient weight to be less of a surgical risk.

He also

> said the

> > lap band may be a tool for those with smaller amounts of weight

to lose

> (low

> > BMI) that might not qualify for the GR-DS. (Now, I do hope I am

> paraphrasing

> > him correctly.)

> >

> > Hugs and blessings, Ann

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We do liquids for 2 weeks, 1- 1 1/2 weeks puree, 1-2 weeks soft, then regular foods. Really the pts go at their own speed, I am strict about the 2 weeks on liquid to assure nothing gets stuck in the begining. Most feel fullness for the first week or so while the internal swelling is going down post op. However, many feel no restrictions after that and have to come in for a fill. It is earsier to cheat on the band vs the RNY because there is no dumping. I have seen many pts do incredible with the band and lose just as much as some equal sized RNY pts even though it took a little longer. However I have seen some who have gained wt. It really depends on the stage at which the pt is at. If they have decided to make a lifestyle change and use the band as a tool they will do fine. If they think the band will do all the work they normally are not happy with there wt loss results.

Hopes this helps.

JerryTheresa <glenn_glbrt@...> wrote:

We started lap bands a month ago and I am a little unsure on this also. Our surgeon decided to use almost same progression as our RNY - 1 wk liquid, 1 month puree, 2 weeks soft. These pts will feel fullness after eating 4 oz of food right???? We tell them to eat about 4 oz per meal (like RNY) and then 8 oz low carb protein supplement between meals. AND focus on chewing very thoroughly, eating slowly. It is still important to avoid liquids with meals, right?We are curious why these pts wouldn't lose more weight the first month (over the 1-2 lbs per week).Most of the pts he has done so far have not come to me for follow up so I don't know how they are doing. How do those of you that are experienced with lap bands feel about this surgery? Do you think it is going to be as successful as RNY but just take longer? What key traits

should the pt have to choose lap band over RNY? Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Theresa

Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

THANKS FOR INPUT!

> We started lap bands a month ago and I am a little unsure on this

> also. Our surgeon decided to use almost same progression as our

RNY -

> 1 wk liquid, 1 month puree, 2 weeks soft. These pts will feel

fullness

> after eating 4 oz of food right???? We tell them to eat about 4

oz

> per meal (like RNY) and then 8 oz low carb protein supplement

between

> meals. AND focus on chewing very thoroughly, eating slowly. It is

> still important to avoid liquids with meals, right?

> We are curious why these pts wouldn't lose more weight the first

month

> (over the 1-2 lbs per week).

>

> Most of the pts he has done so far have not come to me for follow

up

> so I don't know how they are doing. How do those of you that are

> experienced with lap bands feel about this surgery? Do you think

it is

> going to be as successful as RNY but just take longer? What key

traits

> should the pt have to choose lap band over RNY?

>

> Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

> Theresa

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Our surgeons don't do one until 6 weeks post-op and then only if needed!

lap band

Does anybody know when the first adjustment of the band is done after

surgery?

[Guest guest]

It is VERY individual. I've seen anywhere from a month to 4 months. It seems to depend on how the patient is losing mostly. If they carry their weight in the trunk, they seem to not need a fill as soon as those whose weight is in the hips.

lap band

Does anybody know when the first adjustment of the band is done after surgery?

[Guest guest]

Cher:

Glad your surgery went well and welcome to the group! Sounds like you

made a quick decision about the surgery .... just as I did....

hang in there, the liquid phase is the worst part!

Sharon

264/243.5/142

dob 7.29.2005

[Guest guest]

Cher - I have tons of respect for women who make up their minds and

follow thru like that. It seems when we have finally had enough and

decide to act, there is no stopping us!! I am glad everything went

well. (And I really, really hope you kick the ex-husband to the

curb when he comes sniffing around in a few months . . . .)

>

> Hi, Everyone!

> My name is Cher and I have frequented the group

> as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.

> I mostly have been heavy since shortly after high

> school when I had two children rather close

> together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I

> was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearly

> hemmoraged to death) and after about a year or

> so of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a

> 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everything

> including being hospitalized on a all liquid

> diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own)

> and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet,

> weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have

> been there! Even lost a husband because as he

> put it " thats not how you looked when we got

> married " ! I am 5'5 " and 244 lbs. Heavy through

> the hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.

> After much research I called Nina this past

> Saturday and asked for a date toward the end

> of this month. She didn't have anything so I

> asked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.

> I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thru

> Pay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Monday

> is Columbus Day-how will I get the rest with

> the banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bank

> of America right at the border in Calexico. I

> call Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my

> cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.

> Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and

> repaired it and put my band in place. I did

> wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on

> Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at

> 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at

> 240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least

> a week. I will keep you updated. This site is

> a godsend!

> I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

>

> Cher

> 10/11/05

> 240.6/? /135

>

> (Sorry this was so long!)

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cher,

You forgot to mention one of the biggest hernias Dr. Aceves has seen! LOL And he has seen many, believe me. He was amazed you did not have symptoms.

Glad your work at home and work, take it easy!

Nina

keno_7717 <keno_7717@...> wrote:

Hi, Everyone!My name is Cher and I have frequented the group as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.I mostly have been heavy since shortly after highschool when I had two children rather close together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearlyhemmoraged to death) and after about a year orso of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everythingincluding being hospitalized on a all liquid diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own) and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet, weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have been there! Even lost a husband because as heput it "thats not how you looked when we gotmarried"! I am 5'5" and 244 lbs. Heavy throughthe hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.After much

research I called Nina this past Saturday and asked for a date toward the endof this month. She didn't have anything so Iasked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thruPay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Mondayis Columbus Day-how will I get the rest withthe banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bankof America right at the border in Calexico. Icall Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and repaired it and put my band in place. I did wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least a week. I will keep you updated. This site is a godsend!I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.Cher10/11/05240.6/? /135 (Sorry this was

so long!)

Nina Eguia Patient Coordinator, Dr Aceves888 344 3916 , 619-962-8142nina_eguia@...

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Welcom to our group CHER. So glad everything went wonderful you. keep us posted with your progress.

Tracie K. Bartek - Aledo, TexasDr. Aceves Lap Band Doll248/210.5/150DOB-6/24/05

[Guest guest]

I agree about the ex, I thought marriage was for better or worse. My

boyfriend worries that I am going to find someone else when I loose

my weight but, I told him why would I, you loved me when I was,

(still am) fat. If I found someone different, I don't know if they

would love me if I was fat. We have to respect the men who have

stuck with us threw thick (fat) to thin. Why should he get the

benifit of your beauty if he was not there to support you while you

were loosing the weight.

Just from loosing 35lbs, I have seen my confidence increase so much.

But, sometimes I still look in the mirror and still feel like that

35lbs is still there, does anyone else feel like that? It's like I

know my cloths fit better but, then I feel like nothing fits me

right. Other people will tell me that I look nice but for some

reason I don't believe them.

I was really tight after my fill. But, my monthly friend came

yesterday and then it was like I opened up. But I usually eat a lot

around that time. Guess I am opposite from everyone else.

Deborah F.

250/215/160

August 6, 2005

> >

> > Hi, Everyone!

> > My name is Cher and I have frequented the group

> > as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.

> > I mostly have been heavy since shortly after high

> > school when I had two children rather close

> > together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I

> > was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearly

> > hemmoraged to death) and after about a year or

> > so of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a

> > 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everything

> > including being hospitalized on a all liquid

> > diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own)

> > and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet,

> > weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have

> > been there! Even lost a husband because as he

> > put it " thats not how you looked when we got

> > married " ! I am 5'5 " and 244 lbs. Heavy through

> > the hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.

> > After much research I called Nina this past

> > Saturday and asked for a date toward the end

> > of this month. She didn't have anything so I

> > asked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.

> > I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thru

> > Pay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Monday

> > is Columbus Day-how will I get the rest with

> > the banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bank

> > of America right at the border in Calexico. I

> > call Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my

> > cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.

> > Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and

> > repaired it and put my band in place. I did

> > wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on

> > Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at

> > 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at

> > 240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least

> > a week. I will keep you updated. This site is

> > a godsend!

> > I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

> >

> > Cher

> > 10/11/05

> > 240.6/? /135

> >

> > (Sorry this was so long!)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Cher! You are obviously a woman who knows a good thing when

she finds it (the band and Dr. Aceves) and who knows how to make a

decision! Very glad that your surgery went so well and wish you

continued success through this journey. Stick to the doctor's orders

for this healing period. It will seem long and tedious but in the

grand scheme of your weight loss, it's absolutely essential. When you

look back on it a year from now, it will just seem like a blip on

your screen. Believe me, it's worth it.

Blessings.

Jackie S

1/19/05 at age 55 (wish I'd had this opportunity 20 years earlier!)

320/254/160

>

> Hi, Everyone!

> My name is Cher >

>

[Guest guest]

I too have seen my confidence increase just from loosing 38 lbs, I find my tolerance to putting up with people's sh__t is getting less and lesss, and my poor husband is having to deal with it, since I can't explode at work.

Tracie Bartek - Aledo, Texas Dr. Aceves Lap Band Doll - (one of many)248/214/150DOB - 6/24/05

Re: lap band

I agree about the ex, I thought marriage was for better or worse. My boyfriend worries that I am going to find someone else when I loose my weight but, I told him why would I, you loved me when I was, (still am) fat. If I found someone different, I don't know if they would love me if I was fat. We have to respect the men who have stuck with us threw thick (fat) to thin. Why should he get the benifit of your beauty if he was not there to support you while you were loosing the weight.

Just from loosing 35lbs, I have seen my confidence increase so much. But, sometimes I still look in the mirror and still feel like that 35lbs is still there, does anyone else feel like that? It's like I know my cloths fit better but, then I feel like nothing fits me right. Other people will tell me that I look nice but for some reason I don't believe them.

I was really tight after my fill. But, my monthly friend came yesterday and then it was like I opened up. But I usually eat a lot around that time. Guess I am opposite from everyone else.

Deborah F.

250/215/160

August 6, 2005

> >

> > Hi, Everyone!

> > My name is Cher and I have frequented the group > > as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.

> > I mostly have been heavy since shortly after high

> > school when I had two children rather close > > together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I > > was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearly

> > hemmoraged to death) and after about a year or

> > so of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a > > 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everything

> > including being hospitalized on a all liquid > > diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own) > > and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet, > > weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have > > been there! Even lost a husband because as he

> > put it "thats not how you looked when we got

> > married"! I am 5'5" and 244 lbs. Heavy through

> > the hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.

> > After much research I called Nina this past > > Saturday and asked for a date toward the end

> > of this month. She didn't have anything so I

> > asked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.

> > I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thru

> > Pay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Monday

> > is Columbus Day-how will I get the rest with

> > the banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bank

> > of America right at the border in Calexico. I

> > call Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my > > cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.

> > Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and > > repaired it and put my band in place. I did > > wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on > > Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at > > 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at

> > 240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least > > a week. I will keep you updated. This site is > > a godsend!

> > I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

> > > > Cher

> > 10/11/05

> > 240.6/? /135 > > > > (Sorry this was so long!)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Tracie,

I swear you just took the words right outta my mouth! I can't give it out at work either, so I call Curtis on my lunch break (if I get one!) and vent to him. My confidence has also increased to the point that I don't take as much as I used to from people. I also speak my mind more often. Another cool thing, I no longer think people are staring at me because of how huge I am. Instead I think "Hmm, they must think I look good today" whether it is true or not doesn't matter. I feel better about myself!

M.

Dr. Aceves Post Op Coordinator

D.O.B 3/1/05

280/192/155 -88lbs

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of tkbartek@...Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 12:47 PM Subject: Re: Re: lap band

I too have seen my confidence increase just from loosing 38 lbs, I find my tolerance to putting up with people's sh__t is getting less and lesss, and my poor husband is having to deal with it, since I can't explode at work.

Tracie Bartek - Aledo, Texas Dr. Aceves Lap Band Doll - (one of many)248/214/150DOB - 6/24/05

Re: lap band

I agree about the ex, I thought marriage was for better or worse. My boyfriend worries that I am going to find someone else when I loose my weight but, I told him why would I, you loved me when I was, (still am) fat. If I found someone different, I don't know if they would love me if I was fat. We have to respect the men who have stuck with us threw thick (fat) to thin. Why should he get the benifit of your beauty if he was not there to support you while you were loosing the weight.

Just from loosing 35lbs, I have seen my confidence increase so much. But, sometimes I still look in the mirror and still feel like that 35lbs is still there, does anyone else feel like that? It's like I know my cloths fit better but, then I feel like nothing fits me right. Other people will tell me that I look nice but for some reason I don't believe them.

I was really tight after my fill. But, my monthly friend came yesterday and then it was like I opened up. But I usually eat a lot around that time. Guess I am opposite from everyone else.

Deborah F.

250/215/160

August 6, 2005

> >

> > Hi, Everyone!

> > My name is Cher and I have frequented the group > > as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.

> > I mostly have been heavy since shortly after high

> > school when I had two children rather close > > together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I > > was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearly

> > hemmoraged to death) and after about a year or

> > so of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a > > 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everything

> > including being hospitalized on a all liquid > > diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own) > > and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet, > > weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have > > been there! Even lost a husband because as he

> > put it "thats not how you looked when we got

> > married"! I am 5'5" and 244 lbs. Heavy through

> > the hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.

> > After much research I called Nina this past > > Saturday and asked for a date toward the end

> > of this month. She didn't have anything so I

> > asked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.

> > I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thru

> > Pay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Monday

> > is Columbus Day-how will I get the rest with

> > the banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bank

> > of America right at the border in Calexico. I

> > call Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my > > cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.

> > Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and > > repaired it and put my band in place. I did > > wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on > > Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at > > 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at

> > 240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least > > a week. I will keep you updated. This site is > > a godsend!

> > I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

> > > > Cher

> > 10/11/05

> > 240.6/? /135 > > > > (Sorry this was so long!)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I mostly eat red beens cooked with a lot of water. My mother made a

thick chicken stew, with chicken she cooked in the oven first that way

it was really tender. You are right about the junk, I sneak a cookie

every once in a while or some crackers and they go down so well. I

don't eat any rice or bread. I do eat the smack ramon noodles, I know

they are full of startch but they go down well, I make sure they are

well cooked. I can't eat chicken or any dry meat. When I want a snack

I drink a can of tea. I ate spegetti without the noodles and I chewed

the meat balls really good. I guess I am not too good at this diet

thing. I lost weight right after the surgery then stopped. Then I

lost 13 lbs right after my fill and now I have stopped again. I should

really start excercising. I know I eat a lot less than I did before so

I know the weight has to come off. I just need to figure out how to

start it up again. Today I was able to eat a candy bar for the first

time since surgery, a whole one at that. Usually I take a bite and the

chocolate gives me heart burn so bad I have to stop. I should probably

eat more fruits and vegetables but they are so darn expesive, and I

have tried eating watermelon and peaches and they did not go down well.

Deborah F.

[Guest guest]

I second that & Tracie!My confidence is unbelievable these days and everything you both said rings so true. Even at my heaviest I didn't take any guff from anyone - but now they seem to take heed and listen when I take them to task for some nasty comment they've made. I love my band!!! Liz > > > >> > > > Hi, Everyone!> > > > My name is Cher and I have frequented the group > > > > as a watcher until now. I wanted to tell my story.> > > > I mostly have been heavy since shortly after high> > > > school when I had two children rather close > > > > together (1 1/2 years). After my second child I > > > > was very ill and lost tons of weight (nearly> > > > hemmoraged to death) and after about a year or> > > > so of being a size 7 I ballooned up to a > > > > 16/18 and could never lose. I tried everything> > > > including being hospitalized on a all liquid > > > > diet(doctor thought I was cheating on my own) > > > > and I gained some more. Atkins, Miami heart diet, > > > > weight watchers, blood type diet-you name I have > > > > been there! Even lost a husband because as he> > > > put it "thats not how you looked when we got> > > > married"! I am 5'5" and 244 lbs. Heavy through> > > > the hips & thighs and more recently the tummy.> > > > After much research I called Nina this past > > > > Saturday and asked for a date toward the end> > > > of this month. She didn't have anything so I> > > > asked for this week-say Tuesday late afternoon.> > > > I'm in-I am on my way Sent my deposit thru> > > > Pay Pal she sent the paperwork and wait Monday> > > > is Columbus Day-how will I get the rest with> > > > the banks closed?? Not to fear-there is a Bank> > > > of America right at the border in Calexico. I> > > > call Nina she sends Yolanda to pick me up, get my > > > > cashiers check and by 430pm I am on the table.> > > > Wonderful Dr A found a hugh hiatal hernia and > > > > repaired it and put my band in place. I did > > > > wonderfully-almost no pain!! I am home on > > > > Thursday by 6pm, in bed by 10 and at work at > > > > 8am today. On day of surgery I weighted in at> > > > 240.6 I refused to weight at home for at least > > > > a week. I will keep you updated. This site is > > > > a godsend!> > > > I am 53 and live in Las Vegas, Nevada.> > > > > > > > Cher> > > > 10/11/05> > > > 240.6/? /135 > > > > > > > > (Sorry this was so long!)> > > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I wanted the lap band because I wanted to be able to reverse it. Now that I have a band and am at goal I realize I never want this reversed so I'm not sure why that was so important to me in the beginning.I *think* if I had it all to do over again I'd go for a sleeve but I can't swear to that. I'm not sure. It would be much more of a consideration now that I have experience with WLS. I want this permanent and forever. I might lose my band for some odd reason, slip... erosion... whatever. But a sleeve, it's forever and really that is what we are looking for.

It's one of those things that is personal, unique, and individual. What works for one doesn't mean it is right for everyone. You have to take all issues into consideration and do what works for you.

On Nov 18, 2007 9:41 AM, danielle <hillmongirl@...> wrote:

Hi guys, Why did you decide on the lapband over the sleeve? I want to have surgery and can't

decide.

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to add on that after my first fill I went ranting to Dr. Campos that I wished I would have gotten the sleeve and he told me a ton of reasons why the band is better. Now, I a glad. I have lost 24 pounds since August. It is a slower way than the sleeve, it is working and I like it. JodiBipley <Bipley@...> wrote: I wanted the lap band because I wanted to be able to reverse it. Now that I have a band and am at goal I realize I never want this reversed so I'm not sure why that was so

important to me in the beginning.I *think* if I had it all to do over again I'd go for a sleeve but I can't swear to that. I'm not sure. It would be much more of a consideration now that I have experience with WLS. I want this permanent and forever. I might lose my band for some odd reason, slip... erosion... whatever. But a sleeve, it's forever and really that is what we are looking for. It's one of those things that is personal, unique, and individual. What works for one doesn't mean it is right for everyone. You have to take all issues into consideration and do what works for you. On Nov 18, 2007 9:41 AM, danielle <hillmongirlsbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Hi guys, Why

did you decide on the lapband over the sleeve? I want to have surgery and can't decide.

Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Mobile. Try it now.