mumof2boys

My youngest son weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. at birth. 4 years old????? (Ironically, my 10 pound baby just turned 5 and he only weighs 32 lbs. now). That poor child...it truly makes me sick to think that people are out there having children and not taking care of them where there are wonderful people in this world who would do it for them. Also...some folks aren't so lucky and cannot have children...some things just don't make much sense.

Thanks so much. It's definately hard work, but completely worth it. I have a ways to go, but in time I'll get there.

I was banded last year on April 30. I hope that day is as great for you as it was for me. I am so happy that I made the decision that I did. I feel wonderful about myself and my success to date. Congratulations to you. I'll be thinking about you on that day (as I celebrate one year).

I live in Southern Maryland (Waldorf) and my surgeon is Dr. Fred Brody at George Washington University Hospital. I had a great experience with him, the hospital and his entire staff. I am almost one year out and I cannot believe the difference in my self esteem, my body, the scales and peoples reaction to me. You will really enjoy your band!!!

I didn't feel like a failure getting the band. I felt like I was given a second chance. I knew that I still had to do my part and that the band was there to "remind" me to stop eating when I get that full sensation. It is the best decision that I have ever made. I feel so much better about myself and I encourage anyone who is battling with their weight to look into it. If you have set your mind to it, you will succeed. I wish you the best of luck with your decision and your journey. By the way...where in Maryland are you from and what surgeon are you going to see? I'm a Marylander too.

I'm doing the 3-day in Washington DC, October 3-5. I have always wanted to do it but knew that I couldn't before because of my weight. After dropping 90 pounds so far, I think I can make it. I'm very excited about it and I have even formed a team. Good luck to you with your training and the walk. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Alright guys...I'm reaching out to you for some support and a kick in the rear. I have set a goal to get to 175 by April 30, 2008 (my one year bandiversary). That will be a 100 pound weight loss. So...last week I hit 185 then I went back up to 187...UUUGGGHHHH. I am desperate to get to 175. I haven't been eating really well and Easter didn't help. I have slacked on my exercise. Stick it to me...tell me like it is...don't hold back!!! Tell me how stupid I am to not be strict with my diet and exercise at this point. Tell me how dumb it is to not back up from the table and call it quits when I get that first "full" sensation. Yell at me and remind me that I need to work hard at this and not blow it. Give me some suggestions of FUN exercise so I will actually do it. OK...it's up to you now...lay it on me... (thanks):thumbup:

Thanks everyone. And...you're right...I do need to get my big ol' butt in the gym. I am registered to do the Breast Cancer 3 day walk in October and I need to get hopping on the training. I'll be walking 60 miles in 3 days and it's not going to be easy. Alright gym, treadmill, you name it...here I come!!!! Thanks again and don't let the yelling stop...let me have it...it gets me going. Oh, and by the way...thanks for the compliments...that gets me going too......

Thanks guys and Jack...that cracked me up. OK...I think that I have posted these pics somewhere on here before, but I just got motivated when I was going through pictures on my computer and I thought that I would share. Here's a picture of me in the summer of 2006 on a fishing trip and the other is of me in Vegas two weeks ago. I feel better now...going to go have my Smart Ones for lunch. Thanks!!!

OK guys...Vegas is my favorite place in the entire US. You have got to share with me how you guys are winning all expense paid trips to Vegas. That's awesome. I won an all expense paid trip to an all inclusive resort in Aruba about eight years ago. AWESOME!!!

Hi Brooke and congratulations on making such a wonderful decision at such a young age. I was banded on April 30, 2007. I have lost about 90 pounds so far and I have to say it is the best decision I have ever made in my life (aside from getting married and having children). When I first made the announcement to my family that I was seeking the surgery, my mother was against it. Her comment was..."I'll help you...I'll exercise with you". Well...what did she plan on doing while I was eating everything in sight when no one was around? I don't think she truly understood my eating addiction. So...I had the surgery and ever since then my mother has done nothing but compliment me. In fact, I can now wear some of her clothes. It's truly a wonderful feeling. I was in a 2X (22-24) and have recently bought a couple of outfits that are a size 12. She's just beside herself and so am I. I haven't heard anything about not eating cocunut...maybe someone else can comment on that. I will say that everyone seems to be different with what they can tolerate with the band. I have difficulty eating bread...some don't. I can eat popcorn with NO problem...some can't. You have to try things to see what works for you and what doesn't. Exercise...that's my downfall...I think that I would have lost at least 15 more pounds by now if I was strict with my exercise. I really need to get on the ball with that. I walk, jog, do Water aerobics and do the treadmill. I am thinking of looking into either jazzercise or a personal traininer. My surgery was done at George Washington University Hospital by Dr. Fred Brody. There are folks on here who have gone to Baltimore and hopefully they will tell you about their experience. I can, however highly recomment GW Hospital and Dr. Brody. I had a wonderful experience. I am about 45 minutes from Annapolis. I live in Waldorf. Do you know where that is? Well...good luck to you on your journey. If you have any questions or just want to talk, don't hesitate to PM me. BEST WISHES!!!

Wooo Hoooo.....:sneaky: Bye Bye Dan...see ya later...that's what happens when you get cocky and eat the junk food during the challenge. Man, he was really on my last nerves. I was so sick of hearing him talk about how wonderful and great he was. He's so great that now he can watch the show at home with his mom. Ali is kicking butt...how much smaller can she get???? Can you tell that I'm totally addicted to the show?

Just wanted to add my two cents (for what it's worth). I just flew from Baltimore to Vegas two weeks ago. Prior to my trip, I contacted my surgeon's office and asked about restriction during a flight because of what I have read on the board. The NP informed me that it has no effect. She told me that they have a patient who is a scuba diver and was concerned over the pressure and restriction while diving. My doctors office contacted the lapband company about this and they advised them that it is not effected and has been greatly tested. Well...I went on my flight and had no more restriction than normal. I drank and ate on the flight there, while there and on the flight home. I had no problems. I guess that everyone is different. Enjoy your trips. I absolutely LOVE Las Vegas and can't wait to go back. Win lots of money!!!!

Hi there. I live in Charles County and my lap band surgeon is in DC. Dr. Fred Brody from George Washington University Hospital did my surgery last year in April. I highly recommend him and his staff. I had a wonderful experience and have had absolutely NO problems with fills or any other appointments. If you have any questions, just let me know. Good luck to you!!!!

WOOOO HOOOOOO...isn't it a wonderful feeling? I'm so proud of you...keep it up, before you know it, you'll be loading those 16's into a bag for Good Will. I just love shopping now...I just bought a size 12 dress...yes...I said it...a 12...I think I was in the 9th grade the last time that I wore a size 12. Keep up the great work!!!!!

Wow...you're just a few minutes away...I'm in Waldorf. Welcome and good luck to you!

Welcome. It looks like you are doing well with your weight loss. I'm sorry to hear the story about your grandfather. It's aweful to lose someone, especially before their time. I'm glad to hear that you have taken on this journey at such a young age and you are giving yourself a shot at a healthy, long life. You will find much information on these boards that are very helpful. Good luck and continued success on your journey!!!

Hey there...welcome. Where in Maryland are you from? I'm also from Maryland and had surgery in Washington, DC. However, my surgery was with Dr. Fred Brody at George Washington University Hospital. Good luck on your journey. You will do great!

Poor Brit. I know that Jillian was baffled with Britt's numbers on the scales. She couldn't figure out why she wasn't pulling some good numbers. She really was my favorite. I hope that she comes to the finale and makes everyones jaw drop. OK...I cannot stand Dan. He gets on my nerves so bad. Someone needs to let him know that he's not all that. Now...Roger really ticked me off last night when he was talking to Kelly about her vote. What did it matter? They already had the majority of the vote, so why did he have to be so rude to her? I guess I'm rooting for Ali now. Kelly is alright, but she wines too much. I'm sure that one of the guys are going to win, I just hope it's not Dan or Mark.

Hi there everyone. So...I'm off to Las Vegas tomorrow (Woo Hoo) and headed to Macy's to see if there were any good sales. Well...I came across a cute little black dress...you know every woman needs a little black dress. Well...the only size that was left was a size 12. I knew it wouldn't fit, but went into the fitting room to see how tight it was. Stepped into it...zipped it up and wouldn't you know it...I was off to the register to buy my new SIZE 12 dress. Oh my goodness...I cannot remember the last time that I could actually fit into a size 12. Maybe that's the start of my good luck and I'll win big in Vegas. Wish me luck!!!!

Thanks, Sue. I appreciate it. And yes...I sure do feel soooooo much better. The energy that I have is incredible. People have a hard time walking with me now. They can't keep up. I feel like a new person.

Hey guys...went to Vegas last week and had "LOTS" of pictures taken. I thought that I would share many different "before" pictures and very up to date pictures. It's quite amazing to me.

I haven't done anything similiar yet, however I am doing the Breast Cancer 3 day walk in Washington DC in October. I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. It's 60 miles. I have a lot of fundraising to do and training. Good luck on the MS race.

Just flew from Baltimore to Vegas and back last week...no problems. I was concerned prior to headed out that my band would get tight and I would have difficulty eating because I was reading that on the boards. I didn't have any problems with my band either. I guess everyone is different. Good luck and have a great trip!

Tater, Unfortunately sometimes it takes several fills before we feel restriction. In my experience though...a fill usually kicks in for me about a week or two later (not sure why). Hang in there...wait a bit longer and if still no restriction, give the doc a call.