maziemommy

WELCOME WELCOME!!!!!!!!! Debra- do you still have the restriction from swelling, or are you really hungry... for your first fill like I am? I was banded on 4-2-07!! My first fill will be on 5-17-07. I can't wait! GOOD LUCK TO YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY!

Do as I say, not as I do!!! Are you doing a pre-op diet?? Very good if you have a large or fatty liver... and most of us do! Don't expect to, not, be hungry before your first fill... after the swelling goes down... I am/was starving!!! First fill set for me is on 5-17-07. Your DH has had this experience right?? As far as "hiding behind the fat" I still do, and have NO great advice as to copping with that as weight drop off!!! Best wishes and luck to you on your journey (physically and mentally).-- Do not sabotage yourself because of insecurities, and being thinner.

Sorry things aren't working out for you, to get any fills local to your area! I am wishing you to find something that works for you soon!! Good luck!

I too am one of the supportive str8 people- (except that one weekend).... But I want to welcome this thread with open arms, hearts and minds. I do hope that all people welcome all other people, regardless of any personal choices. Best of luck in your band journey.

Any one heard from Spydr? I can't find any post since 4-20-07? Looking for Spydr... please post any info. Thank you

Sparkette- Springfield is about 200 miles or so from Farmington. I guess I am a little confused... are you in Farmington? Iowa? My doctor is a surgeon with Mercy/St. John's in Springfield Missouri (lower left area of Missouri, on the map). His name is Dr. Christopher Edwards. They do all fills under flouro. I had my surgery on 4-2-07 and am very ready for my first fill! (scheduled 5-17-07) The office number is 417-820-3800 (Rita does all of his patient fills on Thursdays) and is located at ...1965 S. Fremont ave. .....zip I think is like... 65807 ???? Maybe the address will help with "map quest" or some other search. The building is located next to Mercy/St. John's Hospital. Are you saying that you would go all the way back to Mexico for fills??? That must cost a bundle just for travel???? How much is travel, and a fill in Mexico? And why is it so expensive, to get a fill here, after surgery there?? I am just very surprised that you are willing/and need to travel so far, and to such expense for a fill. If you need or want anymore info. just ask or Private Message me.GOOD LUCK.

I got a loan for zero percent interest for three years from capitalonehealthcare or capitalonehealthfinance??? It's online and gives you an instant answer ... catch for me was the surgeon needs to be listed with them... mine was, but very hard find his info on there (and you must click on cosmetic procedure)...... and if any balance is left at end of time frame, 19.99% adds on for whole loan amount! I also did not want to go out of US. I had mine done locally in Missouri where I live but for 17,000. Good luck!!! Best wishes for a solution!! I too need to drop 200#, and just got started.

Kity- Good luck getting an early fill... my doc says no way don't even ask. I am shocked to see some getting a fill after 4 weeks?!? My fill is set for May 17th. Six week wait is a requirement for any of his patients!! I am basically eating like before (just doing more protein and trying to make better choices)! I can eat as much as pre-surgery! I feel like I am gaining what I lost pre-op. Are others feeling like pre-surgery as far as eating goes???????? I feel like a bit a failure already, when I hear some saying, that they can only eat a tiny bit still.. And for the sex thing...... I want, and he wants not!!! I hear more about his bad back, than most husbands hear about the head ache!!! I have always felt like we are the minority!!! Are we??? It's so difficult to keep up with the posts on this thread.. I never seem to catch up enough to post anymore... so I skipped some.. read the last three and finally joined back in. Congratulations to all with the surgery successes. May you have the willpower that I lack!!!!!!!!

Julie- I have no doubt that you can meet your new goal, by holiday season! I can't wait to hear how running goes....... without the "extra baggage". I am sure it will be another freeing moment, to be cherished and remembered! I am looking forward to my first fill in mid May! I am aiming for -100# this coming year!! My band date is one week before my birthday.... so at my next birthday(36) I will be down 100# give or take!! (170# plus just seems high for myself) You inspire so many of us newly banded ones!!!! Keep up the good work.... we need role models like you... so we can become role models to next years! And I'mmmm.....Looking forward to next pics you post!

txkbh--- I used capitalonehealthcare??? or capitalonehealthfinance?? something like that.... My doc is registered with them, and I got zero% for three years (catch ...if it's not paid off in 3 years, they back charge 19.99% for the initial amount borrowed, not what is left unpaid-- but all of it!!!!) They do have regular lower interest rates available too. You can apply online and get instant answers... (when applying online, use the cosmetic procedure option)! I had a hard time getting it to recognize my doc information but it finally did after I manually typed it all in.GOOD LUCK WITH ANY CHOICES YOU MAKE. rho z---- congratulations on surgery-- words of wisdom, do as I say, and not as I do..... follow doctors orders to the letter!!!!! Do not push the diet too quickly.... think healing and not yet weightloss! You should do great!! I have been quite active daily since surgery 4-2-07!! walk to relieve gas- good luck and ask anything!!!!

PS- not lost one pound since surgery and think I'm gaining again... was able to wear my wedding band (hadn't for 18 months), now too tight again!!

LETS GO BIGGIN'S, SOME OF US HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO....There is no better time to kick it up that in the spring/summer!!!! OK maybe this pep-talk is for myself... but, I am stuck in the middle of bandster hell.... My first fill date is set for May 17th-07. I can, again, eat half a cow, at one sitting!!! I need restriction!!! I need exercise!!! I need protein!!! Let's get a move on with this weight loss thing!!! This is my year to change for the better--- In a million ways!!! GOOD LUCK TOO ALL OF YOU!!!!and me tooo!!!

I live in Missouri, but, I don't know where Farmington is. I live in Springfield. Does it cost more to get fills, just because you went to Mexico?? Or is it just plain expensive for everyone?? I have not had my first fill yet, but it is scheduled for May 17-07. I see (Springfield MO), St.John's Physicians and clinics, Dr. Christopher Edwards and his office staff. My first year and fills are covered with my self pay package deal... but after that I'm on my own. His office uses flouro- always. Good luck with your search.. and if Springfield is a better alternative than TJ, I have heard him mention other patients that he has from Mexico banding.

Krystal- we can do it!!! you can do it!!! It sounds like DH is being supportive. You should be thankful for that.

Pat- I have not felt dizzy since being banded... are you consuming enough- protein and calories? or could it be the meds?? Sorry you are experiencing this. Good luck! Sara- was it you that got something stuck...well me too!! I was having some nice, soft, lomein noodles and DH was having some stir fry veggies..... lets just say... too soon for broccoli !!!!!!!!!!! OMG!! That was painful!!!! What can you do ??????? Tracy- you must have your hands full with that group of boys plus one! I was banded on 4-2-07, and, also do not have any resrtiction... I know I am eating too much, and my first fill is set for 5-17-07. I can not wait!! Doc says 6 weeks no exceptions!! Welcome to all newbies!! Congratulations all bandsters that have made it to the other side. I am still thinking of all of you daily, and praying for successful surgery, speedy recovery, and great weight loss!! Terry- could you please repost the jeweler from the charms idea? I have been looking around a bit and would like to check it out! thanks. AND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS DARN SITE???????????? and why?????????????

Belive me--- all of Julies pics--- are amazing!! Bravo Julie and Bravo "DAD"!!! There is some serious work out under that surgery!!!!!!

PS --- Today, was my first day, to get something STUCK!!! What the heck are you to do when this happens!?! OMG that was soooo painful! I thought I could die!! I haven't even had my first fill. My 1 year old DD/Mazie was mocking me and laughing. To her it was funny, to my it was near death!!!! ANY ADVICE EXPERIENCED BANDSTERS?????????

Faith- It sounds like you are on the right track.. and didn't you already loose 28# ??? How much more do you have to go??? I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT !!! AND, FOR WHAT THE COST IS WITH NO INSURANCE--- YOU CAN LOOSE IT FOR $20,000.00 RIGHT!! If you need any support or encouragement just P.Message me- I check in once or twice daily!! Please don't get discourgaged. Just stay determined. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!! GO GO GO!

synicalchick- I hope the restriction works great for you- I do not yet know what size band I have- I go for my first fill May 17th-2007- I have heard from another of my doc.s patients, that under flouroscopy they will do a swallow test, as they fill. They begin with a little saline, then have you take a swallow to check how fast/slow it trickles through the band. If it's too quick, they give another bit of the saline and it continues until, you just get a trickle of fluid through the band after a swallow. For you, do they not "see" any of this, and just send you home,to see for yourself, if you are restricted? I think that blindly being filled could take longer or cause unfill due to tightness. I have also heard of a fill missing the port. That can be costly...and some doc.s make you wait some time between fills. Am I misunderstanding anything about blind fills? I would like to be well informed in case the policy changes at his office, and I get an option.

OK Julie- I can NOT believe that you were a supersized bandster just one year ago!!! You look unbelievable!!!! Boy- you have really made me rethink the exercise part of my routine!!! That body can not just come from surgery alone!! There is some real effort and success beneith his work.(spelling) You are beautiful inside and out... now when people get their first impression of you... I'm sure it will be quite different for last year. We all know you should not judge a book by it's cover, and it still happens every day!! Your cover is lookin'good!!! Much more success to you Julie!! I go for my first fill May 17th-2007--I can't wait as my hunger is coming back hard and fast!! I hoped that the swelling would help me out longer. I was banded exactly one week before my 35th birthday! My 36th birthday I will be looking and feeling 100x better!!!

Zannie- since you are about 8 weeks out - have you been to get a fill yet? If so- how did that go? Is it working on the first try? I am only 1 1/2 weeks out. My hunger is coming back quickly, after surgery. I thought the "swelling" would help longer. I would like to know more about peoples first fill. Does your doc. do " blind fills"? or flouroscopy(spelling??)? My doc. says flouroscopy only. I wonder how common this is? Have you tried more of the protein/fruit flavored drinks?? Hope you can "enjoy" them. I like how well they can travel with you (the shaker bottles). I just leave a few in my truck, and when others do fast food- I order an ice water to mix it up with!!! I'm not too sure yet about the pink lemonade I got (not in the shaker bottle). They do have a good hot chocolat though!!!! Nice change to something warm. Good luck and I hope your recovery was quick and painless/painlittle.

Good Luck Bubbles!!! Post Asap To Let Everyone Know How You Are Doing!!

I have not had any PB's or sliming. I am not scared about my first fill, but anxious. He has fills done, only under flourscopy(spelling?) and so I know they will "hit" it, and monitor how well liquid goes down. I have not lost any more since surgery... but some gain due to fluids/IV. I am just waiting to get my fills started, before I really start counting pounds!!! I like a variety of Protein drinks... pineapple orange drink is great and for shakes... I would have to say all time favorite... Atkins Advantage? I have different ones depending on when/where/ why I need one. Some are too sweet, sometimes I drink the fruit flavor drinks instead of shakes! There is a hot chocolate that is great for a warm change. As far as different directions/post op diets... some doctors put in the band differently. Some have additional precautions for good reason. I have been surprised to hear how different all doctors are for a similar procedure.GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOUR STUFF!

STEAK OUT - COBB SALAD HAS CHICKEN, HAM AND THE EGG TOO!!! Yes- they have steak-out in missouri! Love it! Damn it! Must resist it!