Andre1973

Good to hear that all of you are excited about being banded. Man, congrats to all. It's because of this tread that I have confidence in this whole weight loss thing. I will tell you that I would be banded over and over again if I had known that I would have felt the way I feel. I was banded on January 15, 2007 and have lost a total of 28 lbs since then. I have not had any problems nor has it been a challenge to find things to eat nor energy. I have pretty much stayed on task with the diet or healthy eating habits. I think I have lost so well because, once I saw that I had lost a little weight, I was encouraged to keep myself strict to my doctors orders. I went on tueday for my first fill and I would like to share that experience with you all. They first accessed my port area to determine whether or not my incissions were healing correctly. He had me to place both of my legs together and lift them six inches. This allowed the port to pop/lift in the muscle under the skin. He then swabbed me with alcohol and injected the saline. Now, I will tell you that it feels really weird. It kind of feels like you have butterflies in your stomach.:faint: It was not bad, but when I first saw the needle, I was like (What????). Yeah, I knew there was going to be a needle, but not so large. It did not hurt, but it did feel funny. It was not an immediate restriction, but today I have eaten a smalll cup of apple sauce and am satisfied. Just think, I began this thing weighting 248 lbs and am now 218.5 lbs. All I can do is be excited for everyone else beginning or on this journey. Congratulations to all of you who have made this life saving decision. Beginning Weight: 248lbs (01-04-2007) Surgery Date: 01-15-2007 Todays Weight: 218.5 (03-01-2007) First Fill: 1 cc (02-27-2007)

Good to hear that all of you are excited about being banded. I will tell you that I would be banded over and over again if I had known that I would have felt the way I feel. I was banded on January 15, 2007 and have lost a total of 28 lbs since then. I have not had any problems nor has it been a challenge to find things to eat nor energy. I have pretty much stayed on task with the diet or healthy eating habits. I think I have lost so well because, once I saw that I had lost a little weight, I was encouraged to keep myself strict to my doctors orders. I went on tueday for my first fill and I would like to share that experience with you all. They first accessed my port area to determine whether or not my incissions were healing correctly. He had me to place both of my legs together and lift them six inches. This allowed the port to pop/lift in the muscle under the skin. He then swabbed me with alcohol and injected the saline. Now, I will tell you that it feels really weird. It kind of feels like you have butterflies in your stomach.:faint: It was not bad, but when I first saw the needle, I was like (What????). Yeah, I knew there was going to be a needle, but not so large. It did not hurt, but it did feel funny. It was not an immediate restriction, but today I have eaten a smalll cup of apple sauce and am satisfied. Just think, I began this thing weighting 248 lbs and am now 218.5 lbs. All I can do is be excited for everyone else beginning or on this journey. Congratulations to all of you who have made this life saving decision.

Sorry for the mispelled words, I was at work and in a hurry.

Good evening all. Lee, how are you. Things are great hear. for those of you who were not on this tread when i last posted. I was live in South Mississippi. I had the surgery on January 15th and have lost 22 lbs. Glad to see it gone. Just before the surgery, I was informed that they had found a pylop in my gallbladder and would need to remove it during or just after the band was secure. It was not a bad surgery at all. I took off work for a week, just to make sure that all wounds were healed. I have six incisions and they have all healed very well. I have not had a hard time eating or must I say drinking my food. I am on pureed foods this week and have come up with some very interesting recipes. I wish you all success. I can't see any difference in looking in the mirror, but everyone else say they can. The key for me has been walking everyday and not over exserting myself. I still go out to dinner, but that's for my own therapy. I have Fed BC/BS as well and i paid $100 to the hospital and $175 to my doctor. Lee, I had concerns with the 6 months of doctor supervised weight loss as well, but my doctor sent in information that I had been being monitored for over six months. Again, I wish you all success and if you have any questions for me, Please feel free to ask. I am not a Guru, but I have had a trial or two. Andre

What's going on fella's? Congrats to everyone who has been or getting banded. I got banded on the 15 of Jan. Man, I feel good. No adjustments yet but all of that's supposed to happen on the 27th of Feb. anyone know what the rate of weight loss is for us (men) after being adjusting. I have been walking my butt off trying to lose what I can before they adjust, but not straining my wounds yet. How satisfied is everyone so far. I have lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks but kind of hit a halt this week for some reason. What's Up?????

What's up fella's, I am happy to see that we have a thread of our own. I have been banded for a little over a week (January 15th, 2007). I got babned in Pascagoula , Mississippi by Dr. Pete Avara. I had a lot of pain the first week, because they found a polyp in my gallbladder and had to remove it as well. I have lost weight (16 lbs) and Man, I am happy that I was banded when I was. I have been on the weight lose struggle my entire life and if this truely works, i will be happy to see it leave.

BabyGotBack, The Doctor told me that I could use Muscle Milk By Cytosport as a protein shake. It comes in 20 or so different flavors but my preverence is lemon. Well, they don't have that flavor, so I wanted to find out if there is anything that you could add to vanilla to flavor protein drinks for you. The doctor, in my pre-op support class told us to add a little bit (Teaspoon) of lemon extract to my shake and it would give it a close enough flavor to what I am looking for. I have also tried almond and black walnut. All are very good and there are websites that you can get the supplements for cheaper as well.

Thanks Inner_me and Babygot back for the usefull tips on the excess air situation. Things are going great today and I hope that you are all well. The liquid diet isn't too bad, I have found great success in the things I have been eating. I have found that Muscle Milk by Cytosport, has been a great source of protein. My clinic recommended it and it has really hit the spot. My nutritionist has also informed me that if I would like more flavor, add a little exstract to for your flavor to any vanilla protein shake and it will make it much better. Lend me your thoughts.......

Well, I got banded on January 15th. They had to remove my gallbladder in the process, so my recovery has been a day or two prolonged than what I had first projected. I have lost 8 pounds so far though, so it's cool. The only thing about it is that they filled me with air and I have had hell with its movement from my back to chest and sides. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd appreciate them. Anyway, I am a part of the lapband circle now, and very excited to be. Thanks everyone for the pre-support!! Definitely needed it...

Well, I get banded on January 15th. They had to remove my gallbladder in the process, so my recovery has been a day or two prolonged than what I had first projected. I have lost 8 pounds so far though, so it's cool. The only thing about it is that they filled me with air and I have had hell with its movement from my back to chest and sides. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd appreciate them. Anyway, I am a part of the lapband circle now, and very excited to be. Thanks everyone for the pre-support!! Definitely needed it...

That's so true of Vandross, levert and White. Those were all sad incidents. I have sleep Apnea and frequently have to sleep on a machine. I will not, if I can help it, let it progress into anything more, like heart attacks, diabeties or strokes. I will be 34 next month and hope that I am on my way to a healthier me.

Man, if I offended, sorry. Oh, I know that there are some people here who are not receptive either. I am definately not saying that there aren't any. I was meaning that the surgery is more prevelant here that in the part of North Mississippi I frequented. Man, i hate you had to go through all of that with your wife. I've dealt with similar. Well, it seems that you are on your way to a surgery date, congrats!!! I had the Upper GI on yesterday, Man, I have never been so sick in my life. The formula they had me take did not agree. Good Luck and I'll keep you informed how things go for me. Keep in touch.

What's up Lee, I am from Mississippi. I have gotten the same response from some, but then from others it has been supportive. I am also a black male, though living in South MS. People are somewhat more receptive on the coast than what you are describing for North MS. My ex wife lives in North MS and I remember the lack of knowledge dealing with obesity there. Man, I am here to tell you, "Do it for you". You are who matters in this desicion and your longevity and Healthiness will prove it. I am scheduled to have surgery on Monday, January 15, 2007 and can't wait. I hope things work out for you and keep in touch. Good Luck!!!!! Dre

Good Morning fellow Banders, I am proud to say that I will be getting banded on January 15th, 2007. Very excited!!!!!! My insurance just began paying for the band on January 1st, 2007, so I received a call yesterday with a day for my banding. I had previously been in another forum, but am happy to have learned of this group with individuals who are or will be experiencing this when I am.

Hello Fellow Banders, I will be having my surgery on January 15, 2007. I am a little nervous, but excited about doing this and joining all of you on your roads of success. All support is needed. What is anyones elses first thoughts on the banding process.

I am very excited with the idea of the weight lose I will begin on next Monday. Support is very important and I am happy to have gotten messages from you. Thanks Andre