judybellyband

Hi everyone in the general Durham, NC area (Pre & Post-Op), I would like to join those of you who would like to meet for dinner at IHOP at 6:00PM just as we did in Apr. It was so much fun and I know there are many of us that would like to meet regularly like this. So lets make it IHOP again. We can always order eggs, which I like, and they are generally less busy at nights. Also, they always have tables which can put together for us as our numbers grow. So plan on meeting at IHOP in Durham just to the left side of Krogers and Petco and where to the right is costco & Bath & Beyond located at the opposite end of that strip shopping center. Their address is: IHOP 1821 N Pointe Drive Durham , NC 27705 Phone: (919) 317-4161 When you get there just tell them you are meeting Judy Bellyband. Also, in order that you can recognize me, here is my picture: http://g3-designs.com/JHF/jhf_profile.htm Look forward to seeing everyone that night. Always, Judy

To all interested Pre & Post-Op Lap-banders, What do you ALL think about having an early dinner say around 6:00 or 6:30 in Durham on Apr 29th? I was thinking of somewhere easy to find for those of us not from the area like either: Golden Corral Family Steak House just down from Durham Regional Hospital) 3800 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704 (919) 471-6820 or IHOP (located just off I-85 next to Kroger's and PetCo) 1821 N Pointe Drive Durham , NC 27705 Phone: (919) 317-4161 What do you think? It would be so fun to see everyone in person and to have a place just to talk and catch-up with one another. S-o-o-o let's just do it! Always, Judy

Sorry Susie, but I have never heard of her/him. I sure would look to someone who has done this procedure many time in the past and who can assure you that they have a strong & sincere desire to manage your fill process no matter what it takes. How far are you from either Durham (Duke weightloss center, Dr. Ross McMahon) or Charlotte (Carolina Weight Loss Surgery, Dr. Roc Bauman)? If you can you might want to look at either of these fine doctors as well just as a comparison to serve your best interest. I wish you well. Always, Judy

This is just to confirm our informal get-together this Friday, 29 April at IHOP in Durham. I and hopfully you Pre-Op and Post OP Lapbanders from all over and many different clinics, will join me for a evening of fun and encouraging lap-band conversation. We will meet for an early dinner say around 6:15. So please come if you have any interest in a great group of Lap-bands or want more information ... ask for the "Lapbander party" at: Friday, the 29th at 6:15PM IHOP (located just off I-85 next to Kroger's and PetCo) 1821 N Pointe Drive Durham , NC 27705 Phone: (919) 317-4161 Judy Filgo

Could you tell us again what is the size of your band and your current fill volumes? Thanks

AMEN! AMEN! and Thank-you Lord that all was resolve without another surgery. (Jeremiah 17:14 and Hebrews 10:35). Be strong Kathy and takeit very slow. Always, Judy

Hi TrishS, I would really recommend water aerobics and you should start even pre-banding cause it helps you mentallly as well as physically while you are waiting for the doctors & insurance processing to take place. It's a great help and part of getting your head preped for being banded. But I really love the way it makes my skin tone-up. It is hard to believe but the best way I can describe the benifit is the way all the cellulite all over my body ... is gone. However, resently I got the flu, passed out, and hurt my knee which caused me to have to be out of the pool for three weeks. In that time I lost the intense muscles which I had worked hard to obtained. But I know it will come back as I get back with the program. I wish you well as you find what exercise works best for you. Always, Judy

Oh , I am basking in your glow and dreaming of that day to come! Is it ever going to come????? I know you look marvelous and I am so happy for you! Always, Judy

I am s-o-o-o happy to learn that things are getting better one sip at a time. I truly believe that prayer changes things and you sure are a great example of that. Praise the Lord. ;o) Jermemiah 17:14 and do keep us posted. Always, Judy

Dear Kathy, I am praying even now that Kathy and her band be restored to perfect condition and without surgery. "Be alert and always keep on praying" (Ephesians 6:18). Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36). Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23). "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27). Dear Lord for Kathy I pray God promises: His grace is sufficient to help you stand firm today. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"( Romans 8:35). Also, Father let us all be amazed and joyful by Kathy's recovery...whatever is best for her health. Amen! Always, Judy

Oh Kathy, If there is anything I can do to help or even hold your hand, let me know (jfilgo@g3-designs.com). I live between Greensboro and Burlington. Are you seeing Dr. G in Winston on Monday? I have not see him personally but understand he is good. Also, I know others have said this and you have tried, but I would recommend only sipping hot/warm water or light tea even if it were a cap full. I am so very sorry this is happening. I'll be praying for you tonight and until you can get to your doctor Monday. Please Let us know what he says. Always, Judy

Dear Babs, I LOVE that spirit and I do so hope they will quickly come through for you. Please keep us posted and know that we all care. You are such a special person and a true lap-band sucess and roll model. Always, Judy

Lisa, I am perty sure that insurance will not pay unless you have 100% BMI of 40 regardless of health issues. They advertise a BMI of 35 with multiple co-morbs but I have never known anyone who got it approved. Lap-band WLS approval is always an issue because most insurance companies currently only aprove RNY (bi-pass) WLS. However, with all that said, let me assure you that there are doctors from all over who will accept a patient with a BMI of 35 IF THEY ARE SELF-PAYING. The question is cost and location. While I am not talking the cost of a new dress, I have to ask you what is the value of a new car compared to a healthier life? It is my understanding that cost for quality Lap-band surgery runs from as low as $11K-$22K here in the U.S. and around $10K if done in Mexico by several truly world-class Mex. doctors. Many here on this forum have gone to Mex. and done sincerely well. But what city and state are you from or what other states might you consider having the surgery? Maybe we can give you some better information that you should consider. Regardless, I do hope you are able to find the help you are looking for. Always, Judy

Oh my word!!!! What state & insurance company do you have . . . I want to make sure I NEVER use them. Why is it that they are even in this business; must it always be anti-patient and pro-holding our money. Babs, please know that I am praying for you and hoping it all get's turned around for your good very quickly. It is a shame for sure and I am very sorry this has happen to you. You have done so well in lossing so much weight; please, don't let this get you down. It's just a crazy world. Always, Judy

Kathy, Your picture is fine and going to be a good reminder of "before" ;o) I am so glad that it was a good exsperence and now you're home. I pray that all will go exceptionally well as you obtain your heart's desire for forever weight loss. Always, Judy

What a wonderful DH. And you both do look so fantastic and happy. Super job... how is she loosing at such a high rate. Please tell us more on what she eats like and excersies and how much. I need a roll model. ;o) God bless you both. Always, judy

Dear poor Flower. How conflicted can this all seem when your friends are so-o-o uninformed, hurtful and unthoughtful. Flower, find better friends... like those of us here who care. Always, Judy

Oh what a sweet DH; we all appreciate knowing that Katie is loved and supported as you have demonstrated. Please tell Katie that I am prayig for her recovery to go exceptionally well and that 5 days from now she will feel almost back to her old self but with a lot more joy and hope for a healthier future that will be a blessing to you both. Also, tell Katie that I had a low BMI at date of surgery but have the big band. While I was concern at first because it took them longer to determine what was restriction (8cc in the 10cc Lap-bandVG or Vanguard band) with this more forgiving band, I am doing great with a steady weight loss of about 1.3lbs per week for the last 16 weeks (date of restriction). But with your love regardless, I know she is going to be fine. ;o) Always, Judy

Doll, I am s-o-o-o excited for you. What a blessing! You are going to do great through the pre-diet and on to your goal. Now is the time to just be happy and relax. Oh, in order to srink your liver more, you'll also want to stay away from the 'fat' in your food. According to my clinic, I understand it makes a big difference. Always, Judy

Hi Brenda, Although I have not been re-banded, my band is also the Lap-bandVG band. My WLS was alost a year ago and it took my surgern 8 total fills to get me to an initial level of restriction. This was very a bad period of time filled with questions about my band and it's lack of performance. But finally, on Jan.27th, 2005 a 8cc fill accomplished what I had thought WAS NOT going to happen. My problem was that the doctor went only by what he saw on the florascope as "restriction" and not based on my lack of lossing weight or what I had to say about how hungry I still was. My BMI at surgery was only 39 and the band needed more restriction than he was willing to "risk". Finally, he was out and I had a fill in the office without the florascope by the PA. She was willing to do the fill and have me come back in if it was too tight. That fill was done by increasing the past fill 1 more cc that made; it made all the difference. It was like someone turn on a switch... finally. I have been doing very well since that point and now have lost 62lbs in total with about 23lbs since Jan. So I am now really pleased with the band and delighted about how it's performing. Hope this helps in some small way. Always, Judy

Kathy is banded, is banded, is banded YEA!!!! ;o), We're proud for you sweatheart. May God bless you today and each day forward as you gain the desire of your heart...in being a big looser. Always, Judy

Vera, I would really like to know if and how large a fill your doctor gave you. Could you share that with us? Always, Judy

Hi Kathy, We would welcome and love seeing you in Durham on the 29th of Apr even though it's will be a long drive for you. But I also wanted to share some information about some other bandster in your Charlotte area. And the good news is that there is a active support group there. I have copied the following from the NCBandster board (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NCBandsters/message/1898) which is a yahoo group you should also join. I am sure if you get in touch with Jean Lee id below, they would love to have you join. ;o) With best regards always, Judy __________ Charlotte Area Meeting 3/8 6:00 p.m. Notice of Charlotte Area Lapband Support Group Meeting follows: *************************** Hello Fellow Lapbandsters, Just wanted to remind you of our LapBand Support Group meeting next Tues at 6pm at the Bariatric Center, Midtown Medical Plaza, 1918 Randolph Rd, Suite 320, Charlotte NC 28207 - phone 704-316-8000. Beth Blount, a personal trainer will be answering questions and demonstrating, so bring your resistance bands and prepare for a workout. Hope you will be there and bring others that may be interested. See you there. Jean Lee Dr Voellinger 6/23/04 288/262/180 704-674-1249 (Mobile)

What wonderful news. I am so glad Vera is home now and was able to get a NEW band rather than a repair. Please tell her hello and to take very good care of herself. I am so-o-o-o glad this is behind her. Always, Judy

Oh Terri, What a wonderful blessing . . . I want to say PRAISE GOD. By His word you will be improving with every lb. lost !!!!! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the chuch and in Christ Jesus througout all gererations, for ever and ever! Amen.” –Ephesians 4:20-21 You are proof that God still heals people and performs miracles. I look forward to hearing more about your progress. Always, Judy