CruiseGirl2011

I was banded in July of 2011 -- best thing that has ever happened to me!!! I have lost about 40 lbs thus far with the band (had previously lost 20 for a total of 60) and this is wonderful. The weight comes off slowly for me (compared to others) and I am very happy with this. I am feeling better than ever and am very proud that I have succeeded at weight loss. My Dr., Scott Bovard is also so very proud of me and continues to tell me, the band is a tool, you are the one doing the work. Any way, Merry Christmas, the gift of good health!

Wow, how great! He and his staff are awesome.

Just want to tell anyone considering surgery in Raleigh, NC that Scott Bovard is the best. He shoots from the hip and expects hard work from his patients, which he has gotten from me. I am down almost 30 lbs since surgery in July and could not be happier. He is the best!

Just want to tell anyone considering surgery in Raleigh, NC that Scott Bovard is the best. He shoots from the hip and expects hard work from his patients, which he has gotten from me. I am down almost 30 lbs since surgery in July and could not be happier. He is the best!

So very happy for you and hope to join you soon. I have gotten to where I only weigh at surgeons office and don't go back until sept 29, it is a long shot, but a girl can hope, can't she?????

Yes, the GYM at 5 a.m., will post examples of recipes. But my WONDERFUL SURGEON pushes Bill Phillips "Eating for Life" book, which you can easily find on amazon.com -- this is my whole regime -- so for example, dinner tonight is Yellow Fin tuna with cilantro, jalapeno, tomatoes, green peppers, lemon and lime. Will post back more.

Well, banded on 07/14 and am now down 19 lbs!!! I'm tired of messing with the ticker so will go with the old fashioned way. Just wanted to let you know what is working for me. Am getting close to Onderland! I had my first fill on 08/15, which was 5 CC's -- the doc came in and said, you ready to turn this thing on??? Since I was down 14 since banding, that was very exciting. I can feel restriction and go back for a second fill in two weeks from that date which will be 08/29. What do I do during the day? Breakfast shake -- have fallen in love with Synthra vanilla Bean and Fuzzy Navel (Peach), I mix with ice, splenda, and benefiber, and fruit. I also have JD Robb's chocolate power, it is a light chocolate taste and wonderful. Why did it take me this long to figure this out?? Snack -- either Greek Yogurt with fruit or cottage cheese with fruit or salsa lunch -- lunch recipe from Eating for Life Snack -- another Protein shake, I will blend it all up without the Protein powder, don't mix until ready to drink dinner -- dinner recipe from Eating for Life How do I handle "cold things" during the day? I am extremely busy in my job, so I bought a cute cooler bag at Target, my actual bag is a bit larger that this: Snacks and lunch in and they stay cold all day, I go from floor to floor for meetings. I do have to travel some and on those days generally take a shaker bottle and protein powder and mix as needed. I am going to the gum several (3 - 4) days a week, even am up there at 5 a.m., but I am succeeding!! Will keep you folks posted.

How long did your insurance cover fills? I am in NC and had my first fill today. I have lost 15.5 lbs in one month and am very happy!

I mostly "lurk" on these boards, but anyone that could suggest that this is easy is so terribly misinformed. I have fought the weight battle for years and finally feel that I will accomplish thIs because of my extreme effort. So ANYONE that thinks different is wrong. Please do not reply to me if you do not agree. All positive folks, best wishes to you!

Banded on 07/14/2011 Down 16.5 lbs from pre-op diet 165 goal weight, 51.5 lbs to go!

Can I ask what you got at PF Changs? I am going there next weekend and was wondering. Thought about wonton soup? How did it go?

Keep these ideas coming until we can join you!

Banded Thursday (07/14) yesterday at 9 a.m. Weighed 222 yesterday morning. Left hospital at 2:20 and had still not been able to pee. Don't leave the hospital without doing this. Had to go back to urgent care last night for a cath. Had nothing but IV liquids and water yesterday and weighed 228.5 this morning. There is still 6.5 lbs of fluid in me and I am finally starting to pee but it is like I am learning how to. I had low-fat yogurt for breakfast, (my dr. allows this) anf just had a sugar-free popsicle. Doc said I did great. The nurse anehesist said to me yesterday. Happy Birthday to a new life!!