ChanceTX77084

I am wondering if any of the people in this group from the Houston, TX area have a desire to work for one of the clinics in the area. They are hiring for Program Coordinator, and they would love to find candidates that have been through the procedure and have a success story to tell. Here are some of the qualifications that they are seeking: Passion for helping people achieve healthy weight loss. Knowledge of the Lap Band and/or Gastric Sleeve procedure is preferred. Must have ability to recruit, motivate and manage a part-time remote sales force. Must have strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and effective communication with a diverse range of individuals. Excellent phone and computer skills Good quantitative skills to evaluate how program is performing versus established goals. Works effectively within a healthcare organization and knowledge of healthcare regulations. Ability to use own vehicle for some travel within the Houston area as needed (will be reimbursed for travel expenses), as well as travel to Austin and San Antonio. 3-5 years sales/program management experience with proven track record of achieving business goals and objectives is a plus. Bachelor’s degree is preferred Experience recruiting sales personnel is a strong plus. If this is something that you are qualified for and interested in learning more about, please email me your resume to chance.dower@frtline.com.

Well, I am going to attempt this again. 2 nights ago I sat down and typed our a great story of my journey thus far and somehow clicked on something and the whole thing was gone. Hopefully it works better this time.... I was officially banded on Dec 5th and today is Dec. 14th. As of yesterday, I had lost 30 pounds!! I started my 2 week preop diet and was very strick. I only ate one meal a day, and it consisted of protein and veggies. On the day of my surgery, I had lost 23 pounds in 2 weeks. I honestly don't think that I have ever done that before in my life. What a great way to start this adventure. Since the surgery, I have been eating clear liquids like I was told, and then on Sunday, I could not take it any longer, I had to eat something so I ate some Tomato Basil soup from Panera...and it was maybe the best thing that has ever crossed my lips. Since then, I've been eating soup..after soup...after soup. Carb filled soup!! So today I've actually gained a couple of pounds back and I'm not very pleased. I'm ready to be able to eat meat so that I don't have to eat carbs. Don't get me wrong, if I had it my way, I would be one of those people that could eat mashed potatoes with a side of french fries and a baked potato on this side and still lose weight, but that is not me. I have to stay away from carbs in order to lose weight. I think I am going to try to just eat tuna for the rest of the week. Wish me luck! As far as my journey, I've been curious about weight loss surgery for a few years. It is honestly something that I never thought I would go through with. I figured that it would be way to expensive for the most part. I used that and many other excuses to keep myself from ever looking into it. About 9 months ago, I spoke to one of my junior high teachers that I have remained very close to. She had the procedure done and was very pleased with it. She told me that her insurance covered the cost of it (after a battle). Finally in November, I decided that enough was enough. I was tired of being tired....my knees were starting to hurt...I had to get a CPAP machine because of my sleep apnea and most of all, I just didn't fill comfortable in my own skin (and fat suit) anymore. I strive everyday to be the best I can be at work and in my personal life, but I was missing out on so much because I wasn't being the best I could be to anything by not taking care of my health. I finally got up the nerve to make an appointment and meet with a Patient Advocate. During our meeting, I found out that my insurance would not cover the cost of the surgery, which I expected, but was still a little bummed out by. My Patient Advocate suggested that I get tested for a hiatal hernia, based on some of the symptoms that I had described. So I scheduled myself for a (insert medical terminology here) procedure for 2 weeks later. I ended up having a hiatal hernia, and it actually worked in my favor. My insurance covered the cost of my hiatal hernia repair, so I only had to pay for the portion of the surgery devoted to my lap band. In all it ended up saving me about $4,000. So here I am today, writing my first blog (again), and very excited about my future. I'm already ready for my first fill, and I hope that my doctor is a little agressive with it. I'm ready to drop some pounds! I actually went Christmas shopping on Sunday and decided to buy myself a shirt as well. I went down a shirt size, from a 3xlt, to a 2xlt. I'm 6'2 and have a long torso, so the T is not going anywhere, but was so excited to go down a size. I'm so excited to have a place to get advice and to be able to learn from others. Hopefully, someone will be inspired by my journey as well. Until next time....

Hey Newbie, I had my surgery on the 5th so I know exactly what you are talking about. The shoulder pain is completely normal. I read up on it and they said that when they do the laproscopic surgery and inflate you with CO2, the coldness of the air does minor nerve damage. The nerve runs from your stomach up through your shoulder, and you will feel the pain in your shoulder...apparently your left shoulder, because that is where my hurt as well. It repairs itself, so no need to worry. I've also 'heard' that it is caused from gas pressure as well, not sure because that wasn't in the article. I'm having hell with food this week. I want to eat everything in sight. I'm not, of course, but it seems like the only things that I can eat are carb filled Soups...so I've already gained a pound and I've been losing like crazy. Not sure what I am going to eat tomorrow, but it will not be carbs. Good luck.

I had 8 oz of meat and 2 cups of veggies a day for 2 weeks before my surgery, which was yesterday. I was very excited when they weighed me and I had lost 23 pounds.

I just got mine done on Monday...and I am feeling your pain. Look forward to tips.