Ambrosia

Sarah, I renewed my license on Monday and my old license picture was taken at my highest weight. I was actually thrilled with my new picture. It is the only good picture I have ever taken and I have 3 less chins in it!! Now I don't mind showing my license at all. Keep up the good work.

City Girl, I had mine done at Heartland and was extremely impressed with everyone from the check-in ladies to the post-op team. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Every room is private with its own bathroom which makes everything so much more comfortable. Good luck with the process.

Sarah, Malley patient here also. Love him! Quiet, but a very nice, caring man. Go to one of his seminars, they are quite informative. I was self-pay so I had my surgery scheduled within 4 weeks of attending the seminar. Best decision I ever made. Good luck with your decision.

I've only lost 40 pounds but went from an 8 1/2 to an 8. I started taking yoga and I do believe that has helped my balance plus I find I am walking and standing much taller than before.

Congratulations! Onederland is wonderful!

I was banded by Dr. Stephen Malley in Mission, KS. I attended his seminar in January. He usually has them on Saturdays, once or twice a month. Then I made an appointment for a consultation. After that, I had a surgery date for February 15. Now, mind you, I was self-pay so I didn't have to jump through all the hoops that insurance puts you through. Start by attending seminars from doctors in your areas. Once you find one you're comfortable with, start the process. I highly recommend Dr. Malley. Good luck.

I had lost 30 pounds in three months without exercising and then I just kind of stalled out. I now jazzercise 2 - 3 times a week and do yoga 2 times a week and 7 pounds have just fallen off since then. Plus, as the others have said, I have way more energy and just feel so proud of myself leaving the studio all sweat-soaked and red-faced. I sleep much better and now even wake up 30 minutes early and walk 1 to 1 1/2 miles on my treadmill before I go to work. Start now, you won't regret a moment of it.

LL, I, too, get gas frequently. I rarely had it before being banding and now, well let's just say I keep a can of air freshener in my office!!! It is getting better but I find that it is worse near the end of the day and at night while I'm at home. Luckily I live by myself, if you know what I mean, so only my dog is bothered by it.

Janice, I'm 4 months post-op and my scars are fading significantly. In fact, you can't even see one of them and the other 4 are minor. I didn't use anythng on them. I've heard people suggest neosporin or vitamin E but mine are going away on their own.

I suck on hard candy all the time and have never had a problem. If you haven't been banded yet be sure to take some hard candy with you to the hospital. After surgery your mouth will be very dry and you may not be able to eat or drink anything for quite awhile. The candy was a lifesaver (no pun intended) for me.

Does anyone own a Land Rider? I've seen these bikes advertised on TV. They supposedly shift automatically so it takes the guess work out of knowing what gear you're supposed to be in at any given time. Any feedback on this one?

Congratulations, Stephanie! I hit onederland a few weeks ago and it just keeps getting better and better. Keep up the great job!

Edie, I,too, am a self payer. I have a little left to pay off but have worked diligently and expect to be able to pay it off in under 6 months. I see you were a dog groomer. I am currently researching that field. I have been in the hospitality industry my entire life and would very much like to do something different for the second half of my life. Did you attend Nash Academy? Any tips or advice you can give me about his profession? Thanks very much and good luck with your continued success.

Welcome, Bob, Wow! You're doing fantastic. I have inspired one co-worker so far and it will be fun to share his journey when he finally gets banded. I have lost just over 30 pounds so it is just now starting to be noticable. It seems like everyday someone comes up to me and mentions my weight loss. I freely talk about being banded so maybe I'll encourage a few others. Congratulations and good luck.

Hi, Katie! Glad to hear you are doing so well. It's short of a miracle, isn't it? Best decision I ever made. Good luck with your continued success.

Nurseburke, You and I were banded on the same day and have lost exactly the same amount of weight. Doesn't it feel great?! It does get easier everyday. I amaze myself when I think how little food it takes to sustain life when all these years I have eaten enough in one meal to feed a family of four. Congratulations to you and good luck on your continued success.

Rachel, Too funny! Best of luck to you. I know everything will be just fine. RagDoll - good luck to you also. Welcome to Bandland!!

Great ideas everyone. Keep 'em coming. As the weight comes off, I am more conscience of my appearance and I am also becoming a girly-girl. These tips are very helpful.

Congratulations everyone! I, too, hit 199 on Monday and I haven't been in onederland in nearly 15 years. I actually sobbed a bit standing there on the scale. This band has been nothing short of a miracle. In addition to the benefit of weight loss, I am finally learning to eat like a normal sized person. I am so proud of myself when I sit down at lunch with my co-workers and have a healthy, small portion of food on my plate. No sweets, junk food, fast food. Just plain old wholesome food. I promised myself that when I hit onederland I would start an exercise program. I've been a little slow to do that but I am going to a jazzercise class on Monday. I hope I can keep up with the others! And if not, I'll do what I can and pat myself on the back for walking in the door. Continued success to everyone.

I would like to hire a Personal Trainer that would come to my house and design a program for me based on the equipment I have. I would also want them to come over 2 - 3 times a week to oversee my workouts. Does anyone know where I should start to research this? How much should I expect to pay for house calls? Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks.

Thanks, Brenda. There is a YMCA nearby and they employ trainers so maybe I'll strike up a conversation with one of them. 109 pounds! Good for you. What an inspiration you are. Thanks.

Thanks, Mya. I appreciate the info.

Welcome back, Debby. This is certainly the place to be to get back on track and stay motivated. Good luck and keep your eye on the prize.

Count me in. I've really struggled getting water down since being banded and it's frustrating because I used to be able to drink 80+ ounces every day. This will motivate me.

Terry, Why are you discouraged? You've lost 14 pounds in less than a month! That's wonderful. Things get better after you get a fill or two. I just had my 3rd fill last week and it's by far the best restriction I've felt. Hang in there. This is the time for you to heal and even though you probably feel you can eat a horse, it's also a good time to practice healthly eating habits. If you can make wise choices now, just think how much easier it will be after getting filled. You're doing great!