rkj123

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