Tuono_John

Los Angeles, California. Land of the fruits and nuts. It has gotten all the way down to the Mid-50s at night. I hope it doesn't get any colder. Seriously it is not too bad this time of year, but I've had to go to full fingered bicycle gloves because it is so cold at 4:30-5:00 AM. John

Hi Christine, I ride my mountain bike almost every day. I have a diamond back mountain bike with front suspension. I can't ride a stationary bike, but the changing view on my bike makes it easier. It sucks now that it is staying dark so long, and getting dark so early. I usually try to get on my bike by 5:00 AM or when I get home 5:30 or 6:00 PM. John

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> My wife and I had the oBand Surgery 9 months ago. My wife has lost about 65 lbs, and I’ve lost about 85 lbs. It has been one of the best things that we’ve ever done to improve our quality of life. We have been very happy with our decision to have the oBand Surgery. We would definitely do it again. I was so happy that 3 months after surgery that I quit my job to come here as a Patient Coordinator to help people like you. I have patients that have the Lap Band and get pregnant all the time. When they get pregnant they just have the band opened all the way up. If you have any questions, please send me a private message.

Unlike Jacqui, I am thinking about making my "Goal" weight higher. I know that if I had a Tummy Tuck that I would be at my goal weight since I'm within 10 or 15 lbs. I am happy with were I am, but because of doing commercials and being in the spotlight I feel like I'm being pushed to go lower in weight. John

When I started I was 343 lbs. I was required by my insurance company required that I undergo a 3 mo medically supervised diet before surgery. I was 278 at surgery 1/23/07. Today I am 196 lbs, and getting the last 20 lbs off is driving me crazy. I know being 50 yrs old I should not let it bother me, but I work at a oBand Surgery Center and I am the one who talks to patients all day long and therefore I am somewhat of an example for them. I keep gaining more muscle than the pounds that I'm loosing. John

WHAT! Digging around in there with the needle? Who is your Dr? The only problem that I've ever had is that the scar that my port is under the skin is tough and he has trouble getting the needle through it. The first time I got a fill he put too much in, and the next morning when I had a shake, 7 hours later I still felt like it was in the bottom of my throat. I had to go in that PM and have a little taken out. John

Hi Martin, If you have any questions, I work in a Drs office and answering those questions is my job. What city are you in. I am not trying to steer you to one dr or another but I am offering my help. I live in LA. If you have questions send me an email. I My wife and I had the Lap Band 9 months ago. My wife has not lost as much weight as I have. I have lost over 80 lbs. It has been a totally great experience for me. John

Trust me if something gets stuck you'll know it. Everyone has a different thing that they have to watch out for. For me it is Romain Lettuce. I have had it get stuck many times. It is usually a strange pain for 15-30 minutes. It will pass, but everytime it happens you'll do everthing that you can to keep it happening again. My wife has trouble with chicken. Like I said everyone has a different food that is a problem. John

I understand your nervousness. I had the oBand Lap Band 9 months ago. I've lost 82 lbs since then. I live here in LA (San Fernando Valley). I was 343 lbs when I started, and my insurance co made me go on a 12 week medically supervised diet before surgery. I was 278 lbs on surgery date. I now weigh 196 lbs. I had surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work on Wednesday (the next day). If you have any questions or just want to chat PM me. John

Is there anyone else in the Los Angeles area that has had the "Band" that bicycles? I'm always looking for other people to ride with. Tuono John

It has been almost 9 months Post Surgery. I had my lap band installed on 1/23/07 (Tuesday) and returned to work 1/24/07(Wednesday), the next day. I was a little sore, but nothing too bad. I went motorcycle riding that Sunday. I just figured that I wanted to get on with my new life. Tuono John 343 lbs when I started 278 at Surgery 198 Currently Goal 285 lbs

I currently have a Diamond back mountain bike with front suspension, and a Specialized road bike, that's the ones without the motors. I also have motorcycles and scooters. I enjoy getting around Tuono John 343 start weight 278 at surgery 198 currently Goal 185

This is my first posting. I used to ride bikes years ago. A couple of weeks after surgery I started riding my bike around my complex. After that I would get up early in the morning and ride a mile or so down the road and back. As I began to loose more weight I began to ride further. I started riding one or two days a week. Now I ride 4 to 6 days a week. I do a 15 mile loop every morning before I go to work. Many times when I get home from work if I'm stressed out I go for another ride. I am probably averaging 100 miles per week. I am 8 1/2 months post surgery and have lost 81 lbs. Bicycle riding and exercise has become as soothing as a snickers bar used be. It has become more fun riding around the Northern Los Angeles area. Tuono John