Julie_Dizz

Thank you Pam and DeLarla! I'm getting pretty excited about having this awful skin taken away now! I appreciate your thoughtful words, and will keep those things in mind when dealing with the plastic surgeon. You know, if it weren't for my pannis, I could wear anything I wanted. So, that's my next goal! Hugs,

When I was trying to determine which surgery was best for me, I did a lot of reading, a lot of thinking, and a lot of praying. I put together this list of reasons for my decision. I am now a bit more than a year post-op, and absolutely KNOW that I made the right decision!!! ************************************************ RNY vs. the Band These thoughts are the results of my own research and discussions with people, and are in no way a "medical" opinion. 1) The lap band is MUCH less invasive than the RNY and has a significantly lower complication rate. 2) The data appear to show that RNY & Lap band patients have very similar results at 5 years out. Lap band patients do tend to lose more slowly. That was a cosideration. Of COURSE I want to melt, but the long term outcomes are similar enough for me to opt for the less invasive procedure. 3) If the lap band is not a good treatment for me, I can convert to an RNY down the road. However, the RNY is irreversible, a one-time deal. 4) My husband is now supportive of WLS, since I have chosen to request the lap band. He was not, at all, in favor of the idea of an RNY. 5) The lap band is adjustable and can be filled (or emptied) to meet my specific needs. 6) The lap band requires more frequent contact with the team for post-op monitoring and adjustments. This, for me, is a plus. I look forward to on-going contact with the team to monitor progress andto "customize" my lap band device. (Hmmm.... I wonder if they come in designer colors? haha!) 7) Dumping is not an issue. 8) Recuperative time is relatively brief (Barring complications). 9) I have the discipline to stick to a plan over the long haul (I'vebeen living low carb for more than 7 years). Discipline is what I understand to be the key to overcoming the lack of a malapsorptivefeature. So, there are the major things that swayed my request for a lapband. I'm happy to continue this discussion if anything I've said strikes a nerve or sparks a question! Blessings to you all!

I'm blessed, blessed, blessed! Thank you God for modern medicine and caring health professionals!! Here are two pictures of me at my highest weight and me at GOAL! (who woulda ever thunk it??) Moderator... please make my pictures magically appear on this post. I have't got a clue how to do that :cross-eye Hugs,

Thank you Kathy and Kathy! You're sweet! I would LOVE to post my pictures on the before/after forum... but I can't figure out how to make the picture show up without having to click on a link. So do you actually know where Oneonta or Cooperstown are? I live in Oneonta. I've been here for 13 years. The last time I was on Long Island, I took the ferry over from CT. Is was a nice ride. I must say, it IS a long way from Oneonta... including the Ferry ride, it took me 6 hours to get to my destination. Oh... and I did notice that we're all 40-something! hmmm.... not getting older, but getting better? Yeh.... that's about right! Hugs,

That is SO strange! I hardly ever drink cold liquids any more. I love Propel, but I like it at room temperature. My band is not terribly happy with cold liquids. Sometimes, I even drink a hot tea before eating my meal so that my band is relaxed. Isn't it interesting how our bodies react differently?? Hugs,

When I was early in my post op phase, I measured EVERYTHING! I might have even been a little fanatical about it. However, it really taught me what correct portions look like. That has really stuck with me over the last year. Personally, I think measuring is a good strategy for the first several months. It keeps us honest Hugs,

Hello Group! My name is Julie and I live in upstate NY. I was banded on 5-19-04 and all is going well. I think my worst post-operative "complication" is my anxiety at wanting to do this right and not causing any harm to my pouch. Even that is getting much better with time! I have lost 24lbs since surgery, and 26 lbs pre-op. I have been FORCED to buy new clothes (oh darn!) because I'm looking like a frumpy, baggy ole woman! Other than being a bandster, I am a musician, a public speaker, and a lover of arts and crafts. I'm 42 and am happily married to God's precious gift to me - Jeff. We celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year. I have four nieces, a nephew and a poodle. lol I look forward to getting to know you all as we work together on this exciting adventure! Hugs to you all, Julie 5-19-04 Dr. Weiss, Cooperstown, NY 296/246/"normal" clothes

HI Barb! I go to support group in Cooperstown, NY. It meets on the first Tuesday of every month. I don't know if Cooperstown is any closer to you. But, if you want more info, let me know! I saw that someone here is in Ulster County.... I was JUST down your way the other day, doing some work. SMALL world! Julie Banded 5-19-04 Dr. Weiss, Cooperstown, NY 296/246/"normal" clothes