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That is an absolutely beautiful story - what a true miracle!! I always enjoy reading your posts - we have very, very similar views on most everything. I only wish that I could put my words together as amazingly as you do. Keep up the great job Gadgetlady!! Robin

Welcome!! I see Dr. Thaemert at Avera McKennon - he is awesome and so is his nurse, Mel. Never have had a problem getting in to see him if I need to. I highly recommend him!! Robin

To both of the above writers: I had my surgery done by Dr. Bradley Thaemert in Sioux Falls and he is totally awesome!! His website is Surgical Institute of South Dakota He has several other surgeons in the office as well. They are located at Avera McKennon Hospital. I had such a great experience (still am) and would recommend him to anyone. Just let me know if you need any more info - would be happy to help out!! Robin

Great job Julie and glad to hear you are feeling better!! You are such an inspiration to so many!!

May 29th will also be 7 months for me. Down 62 pounds as of this morning (all post op). I LOVE MY BAND!!! When I was putting on my pants this morning, I thought I must have grabbed a pair of my hubby's pants instead - I just can't believe how much smaller they look! Feeling great and enjoying my new life. Can't wait to lose the last 88 pounds!! Great job October bandsters!!

I find the daily challenge of NOT overeating to be positively exhilarating!!! Bucket of KFC chicken - $16.99 12 oz sirloin steak and garlic mashed potatoes - $17.99 Feeling that comes with not wanting to eat the whole darn thing - PRICELESS!!!

Awesome news Julie - best wishes for a speedy recovery!!

Julie: Hope all went well - have been following your Lap Band journey as we are similar in age, starting weight and goals. Hope your surgery went well and you recover quickly!! Not sure what types of PS I will need but following your story has made me very motivated. Keep up the great work!!

I am down 50 since surgery and I am loving my band. Other than bread type products, I am still able to eat most anything, except in much, much smaller quanities. My surgeon even gave me the go ahead to have a diet coke now and then if I can tolorate it, which thank God, I can. I don't chug it half as fast as I used to but it tastes so good. Been working out 3-4 times per week which has really helped. Great job everyone!!! :ohmy::thumbup:

That sounds nummers - can't wait to try it!! Robin

I was banded on 10/29 so just a week apart - great job on the weight loss!!! Welcome!! Robin

NDgal: From North Dakota, I would assume, from your name. I am also from ND but now live in SD. I too have BCBS of MN. My BMI was almost 50 so I didn't need any of the co-morbidities but did have to have the 6 month medically supervised weight loss plan. Basically went to my MD first and he wrote a referral to a dietitian that I saw monthly. During the 6 months, I was fighting with the insurance company and eventually got the help of Walter Lindstrom at Obesity Law. I finally was approved and had my surgery on 10/29/07. Started the whole process in March 2007. I can't remember what the specific rules are but I can look around online tomorrow and see if I can find what their current guidelines are. The idea of asking someone at the hospital you plan to go to is awesome too - they really know what is going on. If you are in the Fargo area, I hear Dr. Monson is pretty nice and his bariatiric coordinator is up on all the insurance stuff. I had mine done in Sioux Falls as we have a discount at that hospital through my work. Good luck and I'll see if I can find anything to help you out. Robin

I just love my doc when it comes to fills. I had the first one and absolutely no difference. The second was a little better but WOWIE - the 3rd was the charm!! He leaves it up to me when I feel I need to come in for the next one. I still am doing great with what is in it. I think he said my band was a 14 cc but not totally sure on that one. I started at a gym 1 1/2 months ago and that has really made a difference. Good luck at your appt today!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!!! You must be so excited!! Keep it up!!

I normally don't post alot - mostly read, read, and read some more but I am so excited right now I just have to share. I had been wearing my size 26 pants and was getting really tired of how baggie they were and thought I'd pop into WalMart to see if they had any good clearance deals on pants so I could actually get something a little smaller. I took a 20 and a 22 into the fitting room and tried on the 20 and they actually FIT!!! I was so totally excited that I grabbed an 18 as well (they were on sale for only $7.00 which I thought was a totally awesome deal) so I would have another pair for when I lose a little more. Well, I got home and decided to try on the 18's and guess what - THEY ACTUALLY FIT!! A little snug but they FIT!! I can't remember the last time a size 18 fit me. :cool2: I have lost almost 50 pounds since I was banded on 10/29/07 - things have plateaued a bit but I know I have lost inches since starting to work out 3-4 times a week. I don't think anyone will be wiping the smile off my face for a while - by the way - I LOVE MY BAND!!!! :huh2:

Hey Sue - March 21 is just around the corner and you will be on your way to a new you!!! The lap band is awesome and I wouldn't change a thing with my decision. Who is doing your surgery? Best of luck!!!! Robin

Same here - the plaster has finally quit falling off the ceiling at night:lol::smile:

I just started working out at a gym this week and my trainer said the real key is to keep your body guessing as to what you are going to do next. She said the real mistake is doing the same exercise program over and over. She recommends mixing up your workout - put a little cardio in the middle of your weight training, and then again at the end. Just like the eating aspect, your body gets used to routine and you need a little "shake up" now and then. This was just her opinion but it makes sense to me. Great job on the 3 pounds!!! Robin

About 10 years ago, I had a terrible problem with planter facsitis as well. I too tried just about everything and what ended up working was ultrasound treatments (I believe back then it was called phonophoresus - I'm sure I messed up the spelling). I went 2-3 times per week and it really took care of the problem. Haven't had any problems since even though I probably gained 75 pounds since then overall. Robin

Hey neighbor (I'm from South Dakota). At first, I was very reluctant to tell people, but now I am really glad I did because everyone has been so supportive of me. I have even helped a friend who is very overweight to get started on the process of getting a lap band after she saw how great things were going for me. I figure if anyone judges me for what I did (such as saying I took the easy way out), then they aren't worthy of being my friend anyway. And by the way, the spinning in circles feeling is totally normal - it took me 9 months to finally get approved but oh it was so worth the wait!! Good Luck!! Robin

Get ready for a great new healthy life!!!! How exciting for you. I was banded on 10/29 and have lost 34 pounds - it's amazing how much different you feel. Finally after fill #3, I have AWESOME restriction (sometimes maybe a little too much) Research, research, research - that is my best recommendation. If you have a question, most certainly it has been posted here somewhere. The search option on this site is awesome to help find answers to your questions. The important thing to remember is that all surgeons are different in their requirements regarding pre and post op diets, fills, etc so be sure to follow what your doc recommends. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! Robin

I had 2 c-sections and gallbladder surgery and my surgeon had no problems at all with scar tissue. Hope things work out well for you - you've found a great place for info and support!! Robin

Wow, 1 cc (total of both your fills) doesn't seem like much at all. I have a 10 cc band and have had two fills and have 5 cc's in mine and know I need more (fill again next Tuesday). Are you losing with what you are eating? My surgeon says that my total meal should be about 1 cup of food - doesn't sound like you are eating much more than that. Good luck with your fill on the 9th!! Robin