Hi.  This is my first time on this site.  My family doctor has been
wanting me to have lap band surgery for awhile now.  My biggest concern
is paying for it.  I'm a single mom that sometimes barely gets by.  I
am praying that insurance will cover but, if not for a financial
miracle.  I go for my first surgical consult on 1/11/07. in Wichita.
I'm researching all I can...wanting to hear others experiences with the
lap band surgery.  I have considered gastric bypass before but was
leery of it. Anyway, I would love to hear from anyone....thanks  Cecilia

>I've never really chatted with anyone on this chat room.  I live in
Paola Kansas & don't really have anyone to talk to.  I have been off my
year or injections since August, 2005.  I have lost 100 lbs. but have
not lost anymore.  One of my problems is I can't exercise.  I broke my
shoulder back in October of 2005, the Doctors thought it would heal by
itself.  I had pain in it for another year when I thought I'd better
get it checked out by another Doctor.  Well it was so badly crushed he
wouldn't even touch it so he sent me to a specialist.  I have shoulder
surgery the first part of September.  They replaced my ball with a
titanium one & put in a cadaver bone with a rod through it.  I went
through therapy for 3 months and it wasn't getting any better so after
about 3 more visits to the doctor they found out it the ball was
slipping out of the cadaver bone.  Therefore, I'm having Surgery on my
shoulder on January 12th, 2007.  I really need some support.  I really
feel down.  I haven't gained much, maybe 5 lbs. but I want to loose
another 50 lbs.  Can someone get back with me.  Bummed Out.  Gloria.

Thanks everyone!!  Its more special when I get to share it with you
guys, because YOU understand!

Tammy, that is simply awesome that you are doing WW now.  I'm so
proud of you!  CL and I would miss you terribly if you didn't come to
our lunches!!  You will always be a bandster to us and can still
share your knowledge with others.

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!  I've been AWOL for a few
weeks but still try to read messages when I can.  My weight has held
steady through the holiday, despite the fact that I think I have not
exercised for literally three weeks.  Sheesh!  I'll be gone this
weekend, then school starts back up two weeks after that!  I'd like
to get back up to Wichita sometime in January.  Have had a couple of
email requests for a Friday luncheon, so start thinking about what
days work for you all so I can see your lovely faces again!

Hugs to all,
~Tiffany
266 preop/166 at goal!


--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, Tammy <cuttinoutback@...>
wrote:
>
> Congratulations!!!!   I am so happy for you!  I guess I should
update too.  This morning I weighed in at 192.2.  I am on Weight
Watchers now since I lost the band but I think it may work.  I would
love to stay in touch with you guys, I still feel like a bandster.
Hope to see you all soon.
>   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
>
> typintiffany <milehimama@...> wrote:
>           Hi everyone! I just wanted to share that I made it to my
major weight
> loss goal. As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less
than
> 14 months. I LOVE my band!!
>
> ~Tiffany
> 266/166
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  Tammy A
>   Banded 2/16/06
>   251/199/150
>

Hi everyone...hope the everybody had a merry christmas....

had my first fill on 12-22, since my post op visit i have not lost
anymore, so hopefully i willl start to lose again... i have noticed
now that i have had my fill that i am less hungry  (yeah!!)

i have been trying to read some of the old messages, but cant seem to
be able to, all i can read is the most current messages, about 15 of
them, anyone else having these problems???

kay

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Rosalind" <rosalind_b2002@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello, My name is Rosalind and I live in Wichita. My surgery is
> scheduled for the 22nd. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me before
> then what foods to have on hand after the surgery? What to avoid,
> etc.? I know they will be giving me instructions afterward but I'd
> like to know ahead of time.
>
> Rosalind
>

what i had on hand was jello, pudding, protien shakes, gatorade, lots
of juice and water. yogurt is also good. after about 5 days i was able
to eat some mashed potatoes with lots of gravy to thin them dowm a bit.
hope this helps, and good luck.

kay

__________________________________________________
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----- Original Message -----

From: Tammy

To: BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 11:05 AM

Subject: Re: [BandedTogether] Made it to major goal

Congratulations!!!!   I am so happy for you!  I guess I should update too.  This morning I weighed in at 192.2.  I am on Weight Watchers now since I lost the band but I think it may work.  I would love to stay in touch with you guys, I still feel like a bandster.  Hope to see you all soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

typintiffany <milehimama@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share that I made it to my major weight
loss goal. As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less than
14 months. I LOVE my band!!

~Tiffany
266/166

 Tammy A

Banded 2/16/06

251/199/150

 

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Rosalind" <rosalind_b2002@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello,  My name is Rosalind and I live in Wichita.  My surgery is
> scheduled for the 22nd.  I'm wondering if anyone can tell me before
> then what foods to have on hand after the surgery?  What to avoid,
> etc.?  I know they will be giving me instructions afterward but I'd
> like to know ahead of time.
>
> Rosalind
>


what i had on hand was jello, pudding, protien shakes, gatorade, lots
of juice and water. yogurt is also good. after about 5 days i was able
to eat some mashed potatoes with lots of gravy to thin them dowm a bit.
hope this helps, and good luck.

kay

Tiffany that is incredible and Congrats.  That is so incouraging to all
of us.  WOW.

Lynne

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "typintiffany" <milehimama@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi everyone!  I just wanted to share that I made it to my major
weight
> loss goal.  As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less
than
> 14 months.  I LOVE my band!!
>
> ~Tiffany
> 266/166
>

Could you tell me specifically what you eat. I am struggling, get my next
fill tomorrow. Thanks. Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: "typintiffany" <milehimama@...>
To: <BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 1:41 PM
Subject: [BandedTogether] Made it to major goal


> Hi everyone!  I just wanted to share that I made it to my major weight
> loss goal.  As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less than
> 14 months.  I LOVE my band!!
>
> ~Tiffany
> 266/166
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Congratulations!!!!   I am so happy for you!  I guess I should update too.  This morning I weighed in at 192.2.  I am on Weight Watchers now since I lost the band but I think it may work.  I would love to stay in touch with you guys, I still feel like a bandster.  Hope to see you all soon.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share that I made it to my major weight
loss goal. As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less than
14 months. I LOVE my band!!

~Tiffany
266/166

 Tammy A

----- Original Message -----

From: Rosalind

To: BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 3:54 PM

Subject: [BandedTogether] introduction

Hello, My name is Rosalind and I live in Wichita. My surgery is
scheduled for the 22nd. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me before
then what foods to have on hand after the surgery? What to avoid,
etc.? I know they will be giving me instructions afterward but I'd
like to know ahead of time.

Rosalind

----- Original Message -----

From: typintiffany

To: BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 1:41 PM

Subject: [BandedTogether] Made it to major goal

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share that I made it to my major weight
loss goal. As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less than
14 months. I LOVE my band!!

~Tiffany
266/166

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "typintiffany" <milehimama@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi everyone!  I just wanted to share that I made it to my major
weight
> loss goal.  As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less
than
> 14 months.  I LOVE my band!!
>
> ~Tiffany
> 266/166
>

Hello,  My name is Rosalind and I live in Wichita.  My surgery is
scheduled for the 22nd.  I'm wondering if anyone can tell me before
then what foods to have on hand after the surgery?  What to avoid,
etc.?  I know they will be giving me instructions afterward but I'd
like to know ahead of time.

Rosalind

just wondering if there is anyone in springfield that would like to
get together sometime and  have a small support group here in
springfield.  I do get a lot of support and encouragement from my
friends and  co-workers, but would like to meet others who have been
banded. I was banded just about a month ago (11/17). So far things
have been going well, since my first visit with my surgeon at the end
of september until my post op visit the end of november i had lost 26
pounds. I have not weighed since then. I go in for my first fill on
12/22 and am anxious to see if i have lost anymore.

kay

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to share that I made it to my major weight
loss goal.  As of this morning, I've lost 100 lbs in a little less than
14 months.  I LOVE my band!!

~Tiffany
266/166

Welcome Kesha!  Congratulations on your wonderful decision!  I hope
you'll keep posting and let us know about your progress.  Where are
you getting your band?  You mentioned that you're in Florida but
would like to move to Texas, so I was just wondering.  If you do
move, you should look ahead and see who can do your fills in your new
location.

I've had my band for 13 months and have lost 98 pounds.  I'm now a
size 10 from a size 22.  I wouldn't give my band back for anything!!

~Tiffany


--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Kesha" <kesha23@...> wrote:
>
> Hello everyone, my name is Kesha, I am 30 years old and am hopefully
> having my surgery by the end of January (Insurance wont cover it
till
> Jan. 07), everything else is underway and I am patiently waiting.  I
> live in Niceville, Florida and my family and I are really, really,
> really wanting to move back to DFW, Texas area.  Anyways, I have
been
> reading some of the posts in here and you all have given some great
info
> that I have saved for future reference to study.  Thanks for that.
Talk
> to you all later.
>
> Kesha from Florida
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.18/554 - Release Date:
> 11/27/2006
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.18/554 - Release Date:
> 11/27/2006
>

I know how discouraging it can be to try and try and not lose anything, been
there for a very long time. I have just had my first fill and hope it works
for me. I lectured for Weight Watchers for years and saw lots of discouraged
people including myself. I know about the $$$ too, my insurance paid NOTHING
on my surgery, so had to come up with all of it myself, but my husband is
behind me and we did it. Just take one day at a time, even one hour at a
time, I know that sounds hype but it works, and another thing that helps is
to write down everything you eat even if no one else ever sees it, it helps.
Don't give up, I just started and I need everyone and have been fighting
this for over 45 years, up and down, so you are not alone. Take care, Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: <sheisler1@...>
To: <BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: "rdrupe" <rjcrupe@...>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 3:23 PM
Subject: Re: [BandedTogether]


> Rhonda,
> what a blessing to read your post.  I'm sorry you are not having
> success, but I was glad to hear I'm not alone.   I agree, I want
> to have the success that I read about so often.   And when I think
> about that massive amount of $$$, it really gets me down.
> Thanks for writing.
> -Sandy
>
> ---- rdrupe <rjcrupe@...> wrote:
>> Hi Sandy,
>> You are not the only one.  My name is Rhonda, I was banded on 5/28/06
>> and have only lost maybe 4 pounds.  I actually missed my last fill
>> that is how bummed I am.  I know I could be doing better, but I do eat
>> less I just never get to that point where I can't eat anymore.  I
>> always make the decision to stop eating and I'm not always good at
>> that otherwise I wouldn't be in this position.  It scares me that I
>> went through this surgery for nothing.  My family is so great, they
>> never say anything to me, they know I am having trouble dealing with
>> this.  A friend of mine has lost well over 100 pounds and is one year
>> out of surgery.  He said he gets to a point while eating that he is
>> full and can't eat another bite.  This doesn't happen to me.  Why ?????
>> I'm presently in nursing school and the stress is major and of course
>> I turn to food.  I'm trying to redirect that, but I still turn to
>> food.  Okay, I will stop going on and on.  I just wanted you to know
>> that I am in your shoes as well.  I've been wanting to post, but
>> feeling like a failure and then I turn on the computer and there you
>> are.  Thank you!
>>
>> Rhonda
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

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Rhonda,
what a blessing to read your post.  I'm sorry you are not having
success, but I was glad to hear I'm not alone.   I agree, I want
to have the success that I read about so often.   And when I think
about that massive amount of $$$, it really gets me down.
Thanks for writing.
-Sandy

  ---- rdrupe <rjcrupe@...> wrote:
> Hi Sandy,
> You are not the only one.  My name is Rhonda, I was banded on 5/28/06
> and have only lost maybe 4 pounds.  I actually missed my last fill
> that is how bummed I am.  I know I could be doing better, but I do eat
> less I just never get to that point where I can't eat anymore.  I
> always make the decision to stop eating and I'm not always good at
> that otherwise I wouldn't be in this position.  It scares me that I
> went through this surgery for nothing.  My family is so great, they
> never say anything to me, they know I am having trouble dealing with
> this.  A friend of mine has lost well over 100 pounds and is one year
> out of surgery.  He said he gets to a point while eating that he is
> full and can't eat another bite.  This doesn't happen to me.  Why ?????
> I'm presently in nursing school and the stress is major and of course
> I turn to food.  I'm trying to redirect that, but I still turn to
> food.  Okay, I will stop going on and on.  I just wanted you to know
> that I am in your shoes as well.  I've been wanting to post, but
> feeling like a failure and then I turn on the computer and there you
> are.  Thank you!
>
> Rhonda
>
>

Linda,
they will give you written instructions
Keep up your spirits!
-Sandy

---- Linda <J.MACKLIN@...> wrote:
> I have written a couple times saying my first fill is Thursday. I need to know
specifically what to eat right after the fill. Do you grind up the meat or just
chew and chew. Do certain foods work better than others? I want to do this right
and keep motivated, so need help and support. Any advise will be much
appreciated. And yes I have had some experienced some stomach discomfort such as
gas. Good luck, Linda
>
>
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Sandy,


I heard of patient's having a slow start with the weight coming off,
it depends on the amount of saline that the Dr. puts in your band at
the time you have your adjustment.  I started off with only loosing 40
pounds in my first year.  I then lost the other 45 pounds this year.
You have to gradually get to your "sweet spot"  is what they call it
for you to have steady weight lost.  I have the large band and it took
several fills for me to get to the point where I am averaging about 7-
10 pounds per month.

Hi Sandy,
You are not the only one.  My name is Rhonda, I was banded on 5/28/06
and have only lost maybe 4 pounds.  I actually missed my last fill
that is how bummed I am.  I know I could be doing better, but I do eat
less I just never get to that point where I can't eat anymore.  I
always make the decision to stop eating and I'm not always good at
that otherwise I wouldn't be in this position.  It scares me that I
went through this surgery for nothing.  My family is so great, they
never say anything to me, they know I am having trouble dealing with
this.  A friend of mine has lost well over 100 pounds and is one year
out of surgery.  He said he gets to a point while eating that he is
full and can't eat another bite.  This doesn't happen to me.  Why ?????
I'm presently in nursing school and the stress is major and of course
I turn to food.  I'm trying to redirect that, but I still turn to
food.  Okay, I will stop going on and on.  I just wanted you to know
that I am in your shoes as well.  I've been wanting to post, but
feeling like a failure and then I turn on the computer and there you
are.  Thank you!

Rhonda

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Linda" <J.MACKLIN@...> wrote:
>
> I have written a couple times saying my first fill is Thursday. I
need to know specifically what to eat right after the fill. Do you
grind up the meat or just chew and chew. Do certain foods work
better than others? I want to do this right and keep motivated, so
need help and support. Any advise will be much appreciated. And yes
I have had some experienced some stomach discomfort such as gas.
Good luck, Linda
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
Linda,


Once you ha ve the fill, you will be restricted.  You will start off
back on the liquid diet for the first few days, then you will slowly
move back up to solid foods, like runny mashed potatoes, oatmeal,
things of that sort.  If you have any other questions let me know.

Hello this is Bridget I'm a patient and also a employee. I have been
banded since 06/2005 I've lost 85 pounds, and I've gone from a size 20
to a 13-14 in juniors. So you see I've lost more inches than pounds,
but it all falls off together. This was the best decision that I
could have made. My life has made a huge change since the weight is
gone. Please feel free to share your success stories.

--- In BandedTogether@yahoogroups.com, "Kesha" <kesha23@...> wrote:
>
> Hello everyone, my name is Kesha, I am 30 years old and am
hopefully
> having my surgery by the end of January (Insurance wont cover it
till
> Jan. 07), everything else is underway and I am patiently waiting.
I
> live in Niceville, Florida and my family and I are really, really,
> really wanting to move back to DFW, Texas area.  Anyways, I have
been
> reading some of the posts in here and you all have given some
great info
> that I have saved for future reference to study.  Thanks for
that.  Talk
> to you all later.
>
> Kesha from Florida
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.18/554 - Release Date:
> 11/27/2006
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.18/554 - Release Date:
> 11/27/2006
>Hello Kesha,

Welcome aboard, You should be very excited about the upcoming plans
that you have at the beggining of 2007.  I had the surgery 06/07/05
and it was the best decision that I ever made.  I'm down 85 pounds,
I went from a size 20 to a juniors 13-14.  So most of my weight loss
was lost in inches, and well as the pounds.

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