LilMissDiva Irene

YES! This is one of my favorite shows, I think they are on hiatus right now and are showing re-peats. If you TiVo you might want to record all the episodes. It is so worth it. There are some real success stories on there, and many people showcased who also have post WLS PS. Another show I suggest (I think from the same channel) is "Brookhaven Obesity Clinic". Very good show. It really gets you to look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if that is how you want to end up if you continue down the neverending obesity lifestyle. They have some successful people on there too, but it seems more of the residents there are not following the rules.

My doctor is approving two weeks off post op. I am planning to take him up on that. I know my co-workers aren't going to want to deal with a really hungry b*tch!

Name...................... Starting....Loss....Current.....Goal......To Go Rainer.........................283.........-3...... ...280......265..........15 Insubordination.............296.5......0........ 296.5......288........8.5 RidinMyHDDream (Carol)..264.........0........264.........254..... ...10 LilMissBand-Aid.............287.........0.........287...... 277..........10 I just read practically this entire thread! It took me nearly two whole days, but it was worth it. I entered "twoterville" maybe a year or longer ago, but I have been endlessly yo-yoing between 270-290 since. What a heartbreak!! I'm not young anymore and it is so difficult to do this all alone which is why I chose to do the band. This would be great for me, as I am supposed to try to do what I can to lose some weight before surgery. It will be nice to be held accountable... LET'S DO THIS!

Hi Everyone, I have only been here for about a week now, and I just want to say thank you to all of you for your feedback, pics and commments. You've even helped me already with a pre-op crisis! Awesome! Okay, now to the meaning of my thread. I have noticed, even in this short time that there seems to be some kind of battle between Bandies and RNYers. What is the meaning of this? It seems more on the side of the RNYers, but I'm only getting the perception of the Bandies, so it could be different, I don't know. I've never seen a board for the RNYers. I've seen many comments where someone who is working on the Band is almost being bullied into wanting the RNY by RNYers or even medical staff. I mean, of course I thought about it (RNY), but when I seen the side effects and it kind of goes against what I want to do to make my body more healthy, I said "no go!". Bandies are being made to feel, even by other non Bandie WLS patients that we are taking the easy way out.??? How is that?? Because I haven't even had my surgery yet, and I can already tell anyone, if you are thinking of becoming a Bandie, you really better be dedicated to a SERIOUS lifestyle change! I'm positive I haven't even seen the half of it too. I have to admit though, I am sort of an advocate for my surgery now too though. I have a good friend who was thinking of the RNY and was almost set to have the surgery and changed her mind to become a Bandie. :whoo: I jumped for joy and told her all the reasons she made the "better" choice. Was I wrong to do that? I never tried to convince her before hand, but I sure spilled my personal opinion after she said so. What do you think?

Wow! Your husband has a huge family!!

^^ Totally agree! I'm sure most of us have seen the old Looney Tunes cartoon, "The Turtle and The Hare"... It is definately a personal decision, but I am in agreement with all stated above on why my personal choice is the Band.

I might still be able to pull off an October Surgery. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

That is awesome!! Congrats, keep us updated on your surgery.

Sometimes you just have to be a pain to get anything done. I had to be a pain just yesterday to get the ball rolling yet again with my insurance and appointments. Congrats on your decision, and welcome!

Welcome Melinda!

Well, I'm still pre-surgery as you are, but WELCOME anyway!! We can do this together!

Wow, thanks for that! I ordered myself one, and another suggested book by Amazon re: WLS.

Okay, more good news!! I just spoke with my insurance provider directly and come to find out this doctor IS in the Preferred Provider network...:tired I don't think it will affect the price, because I'm choosing the doctor on my own, but it would have been nice to find out I could do it this way too if I wanted. I don't know wether to laugh or cry about that, but really, it is all good now. I am so happy!! :D:D:D Sometimes you just have to do things for yourself...

^^Not to mention a big savings on my sanity... lol

OMG!! U guys are so awesome! I decided to get started with the alternatives ASAP rather than wait until later this afternoon and found a doctor that my Surgeon accepts and was able to get an appointment for Monday!! Yahooo!! It will cost me $150.00, because my insurance wont cover the questionnaire, only the session. That's okay, I can live with that... He did say it would take him about 4 days to get the results to the surgeon, but that is still 2 weeks sooner. Thanks again everyone!!

Mine was about 35-40, which I have been yo-yoing ever since. I think I will get past it now though, because I have to before surgery. I don't mind the compliments, its just a little trophy from working so hard.

I think all of you are doing an amazing job. For anyone to continue to lose weight after that long a time is a triumph in my book. Keep up the good work everyone!

Wow! Thanks for the advice everyone. I have been so beside myself with frustration, that I did not even think about any of those other options. I think I will start to work on it after work today. THANKS AGAIN!!

Hello and welcome! :clap2: I'm playing the waiting game right now too, I can definately relate. We'll wait together...

That is fantastic!! Ur an inspiration to me

That is fantastic! :clap2: At least now I know that if I have a problem with mine, it will still happen.

Thanks Donna, I will check it out! You're right about Dr. Koura - he and the staff are really great! It's nice to see some people in my back yard here!! :biggrin1: I don't really have a problem with this format, as I have been posting on another board since 2002 that is very similar. I have seen some Yahoo groups too, which is a little different - but I did notice too that when people keep quoting each other the thread can get really ugly (super long).

Hi Everyone, Thanks to all who have chipped in. I have made yet another update. If you haven't already finished your shopping, you might want to check it out. There are some really great ideas! Keep 'em coming, I'll make sure I visit this thread often. Good luck to everyone, and Happy Banding!!

Thanks everyone! You all are awesome!

Welcome! I haven't been banded yet, but will very soon. Maybe I'll have more to say on it soon, I plan to start a step by step on my procedure, almost like a daily journal for all to read when I finally get my "for-sure" date.