shermy58

I am not yet banded. will banded in Colorado Springs when the time comes. I live in Pueblo. Anyone out there living in So. Colorado????

:whoo:Hey, I would love to hear your stories about how the band is changing your life. I was banded on Oct 4th, and I must tell you all this: I was nervous, anxious, and afraid to move forward at times with my decision to get help/banded. I look back on the past few days and realize that I have incredible courage. I am strong, I love myself enough to initiate change. On day 5 I noticed a diference in my outlook, and it gets better by the hour. I am not captive to cravings or imprisoned by by eating choices. I am free to chose, to expect the best and to create a whole new lifestyle. I have more control than I ever dared to realize. I have been given this "gift" of a band that will assist in the changes before me. From fear to excitement ...imagine weeks, months...years from now. I have an opportunity of a life time, right now. The decisions I make, the correcting of my behavior and the new thought process will allow me to take this far into the future. I have forgiven myself for the damage done, I have asked forgiveness of family members and friends who have put up with my moods, depression and bad example of how to handle life's issues. They have forgiven me. I am open to new things. I no longer view surgery as a risk....but as a wonderful part of my life's journey. I will vow to work it, because it works if you work it. I will not be perfect, but I will know the difference, and I will have hope this time. Be brave, be strong, do it justice and live this life right now!

congrats. this is wonderful. I love my band and it has only been a week! Lets keep in touch ya'll.

I posted earlier with my post-op day 5 concerns...now on day 8 and let me tell you...I feel fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By day 6 I turned a major corner. I am more empowered than ever. I started a new thread I was so happy! I want to tell all you bandsters what amazing, strong, courageous, wonderful risk takers we are! It takes very strong character to select major lifestyle changes. I made the best decision for my life. Do the program. Do what you are suppose to do. It works if we work it...so work it!! Keep in touch, ask for help, share your stories. We are not alone. We are bold, beautiful people who have been blessed with an amazing tool. We made a decision based on our DESIRE to change. We seek help because we are strong, not weak. This is our time...it is our turn...it is new now. Do not ever settle again for surviving through each day....but LIVE each day. Live life today.

banded on 10/05 I am drinking a low carb slim fast drink right now. I am light headed which makes me a bit anxious. any suggestions? I can drink without any problems. This new life is a major change. I just want to get healed up and live normal again. I can have most anything as long as it is no thicker than paint consitancy. MY heart is skipping a few beats here and there. I will rest as much as I can today, and am suppose to go back to work tomorrow. Please write me with your words of encouragement!!!

Well, doing much better today as far as gas pain. I think I am trying to get too much in too soon. I feel like I need to burp but cannot, which is good because it would probably be a productive one. The port was very sore fiorst two days and has settled down now. The doc fixed me up with a great anti-nausea drug so I have not had to contend with that. I still feel anxiety and would love to hear about your success after surgery. I weighed, and know I am suppose to do so only once a week....but can't seem to wait! I am down about three pounds, lost 10 during pre-op. keep your eye on the prize gang!!

Hey! Banded 10/04. Gas has been a drag, but better today. I am walking around, doing some chores, lots of phone talk and have been on liquids since surgery.....protein drink, jello, ice, broth, propell. I was a bit anxious, just short of an anxiety attack last night. Feel better today. Please keep me posted and I need all the support I can get!!

I went in at 6am, then the procedure was at 7:30. everything appears to be ok. Lots of gas pain in shoulders back and chest. will do more walking and move arms around. well, this is it...a new oportunity to get things right. I would like hearing from some of you please!!!!

hey there!!! I am not on the roll call!!! Carol Oct 4th!!! (shermy58) I start pre op today...sounds like everyone is on theres for a couple weeks....except me. well, here it goes!!!!

hey fellow Octoberians! I have been watching the site from a distance, and now...I am hear to announce my surgery is Oct 4th!!!! Wow, the nerves..the excitement...what if I have anxiety or panic attacks? hey, the option is to stay where I am at....Ain't gonna do it. I need you all and hope the very best for you. Include me here because this is OUR journey!!!

I was approved by Kaiser for GP, went throught the program and got a surgery date. I changed my mind. That was last May 2006. I never felt at peace about GP. I wanted the band originally and they did not offer it back then. Now they do lap band and I am re-entering the program. They will tell this week if I need to go through it all again or not, meanwhile I wait. Kaiser has a great weight loss program, so if you must go through it...good. You learn so much. The psych eval was no big deal. Very relaxed and just sat and chatted with the doc. Lots of issues to look at, emotionally. I will be waiting to hear more this week from them on where I am at and what I need to do next. I live in Puebo Colorado and will get the procedure done in Colorado Springs...if I get approved. It is all good. My BMI hovers around 39/40. I have major spinal issues. I must get the weight off with or without the band. Good luck to you all.

congrats new bandies!! I have not received a surgery date yet...but will once insurance stops damgling hoops for me to jump thru. I am reading and watching...and waiting...and pleased to be a part of your wonderful, brave, courageous, fun-loving, ever-changing, growing, supportive world. So there!

I have learned a lot...like I am totally dependent on food. I am an emotional eater. I am exhausted living the way I do. I have learned that the craziness musy end. I know the band will be a tool, not a miracle cure. I must "get it"...the whole relationship-to-food thing. Meanwhile, my insurance is going to put me through a few more hoops before I get my surgery date. that is ok...I am preparing mentally. I have to learn and learn again, to take care of myself.

Penni...I think we become the old, wise women we are seeking. This may indeed be the time of transition from seeking...into being. Perhaps we must embrace the journey and prepare for our arrival.

I don't like it when people won't let me pass them on the interstate! LOL they speed up as I try to pass them....what's up with that???

Hi all, I had a surgery date for GBS and decided that was not the route for me. I since have researched the band and have decided this is a better choice for me. I have met with a surgeon, attended his seminar, and will "officially" meet with him tomorrow to discuss the procedure and to get insurance rolling. I live in Pueblo, Colorado. Dr. James Smith does the procedures here. I am anxiety ridden, but feel somewhat better having made the decision to go forward. Being an emotional eater, and someone prone to anxiety and occassional panic attacks, it is needless to say I feel ...overwhelmed. I am new to Pueblo so have no friends or family here. I will get involved in a support group of bandsters here, and will be actively seeking support...and becoming supportive to others. I am 48-years-old, 5'10" and weigh in at about 270. My top weight was 307. I have been reading a lot of posts on this site and I am impressed. I thank God for each and every one of you wonderful people.

hey!! ya'll are great !! I so need this kind of communication. I am at 'home" here...thank you. I went to the doc today. I am in contaxct with insurance tomorrow...and will ge this done either way. I feel much better after visiting my doc. I am going to sit in on support group of bandsters tomorrow.

hi gang. i do not have surgery date yet. am going to a meeting tomorrow night. I opted out of GBS and am hoping for the best. I live in a new town, new job, no family within 100 miles. Concerned about support. I am really going to need you ya'll! God bless ya big time.