futurbander2007

I have a fitbit!! I absolutely LOVE it. It has made me a runner. Me! A runner. Never would have believed I would be a runner before my journey began. I am now a long distance runner averaging 50k steps a day ????

I agree! People treated me like I was invisible when I was overweight. I moved away from the place I had my surgery at, since living in my current town, people don't know me as "the fat girl". here the doors are opened for me, people look me in the face when they talk to me, my co workers treat me with respect, even cashiers are friendlier regardless of what I'm buying. When I bought junk food when I was fat, I got "that look" now when I buy it they just go about their business like it's no big deal. It's amazing the way people treat you as an overweight individual vs. a thin one. It sickens me, I am the same person heavy or thin.

I applaud you for writing this! There are too many people that blame the band instead of themselves. I stuck to the program religiously and even to this day, I exercise EVERYDAY, still count calories, and stay away from foods that give me problems. If there is a craving, I take a few bites and then throw the rest in trash, it really takes mindful behavior to succeed in a world that is obsessed with food.

I was fat and lazy, there is absolutely no way to deny my previous lifestyle. I take no offense in being a former fatty or a fat girl at heart. My inner girl will always be fat. That's just me. I love food too much

I replaced food addiction with fitness. I was a walker at first, slowly became a runner, and now I'm a long distance runner averaging 15-20 miles a day. Running gives me a feeling of pure joy that I used to get with food.

If a craving hits, I eat whatever it is and move on. If I ignore it I eat everything else and end up eating whatever I wanted to begin with. It works for me and has worked for me for 6.5 yrs

I have the zip. It's without all bells and whistles the others have. It does exactly what I need it to do and I absolutely love it

I have been banded for 6.5 yrs and in February I started with a fitbit. It has been amazing at helping me maintain my 100 lb weight loss. The fitbit in conjunction with mfp are amazing tools. If you're having trouble getting motivated to exercise I highly recommend the fitbit, I've been a runner for some time now but the fitbit motivated me to become a long distance runner! I feel amazing!!!!

YAY! Congrats and good luck

I too had mine taken out, 12 yrs ago actually. I was 18 wks pregnant with my son when they took it out. I agree with the other posters, lap-band recovery was a lot harder than gallbladder. I wish you a quick recovery, good luck :-)

Holy hell Steve, where were you 4 yrs ago? I too have the same habits as you. Pretty much do and eat whatever I want. Now don't get me wrong, I work out like a mother f***** to maintain but I just freakin love food.

Good luck!!! I know that the night before my surgery I was a nervous wreck that didn't sleep one wink. I was just too scared to sleep and nervous that all went well. Again, good luck to you now and again in a few hours

I was in the nursing field for many yrs before I decided to follow my true calling. After 3 yrs of additional college and internships I am a Crime Scene Investigator currently working in Washinton DC. I love every minute of it, wishing I would have left nursing much sooner. Finally found my true passion

Hello Yolanda! Just like Lapband Princess says, don't be nervous. The anticipation is the worst part, at least it was for me. Not quite sure where you're at in Spotsy but I live off of Gordon Road. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything. I've been banded just about 5 yrs now, actually January 30 will be my 5 yrs. Who's your surgeon? Look forward to chatting with you soon

I too chose to keep my surgery between my husband, and a few others. I can count on one hand how many people know that I have it. I am almost 5 yrs out and I have kept it to these few people. Quite honestly my weight issues are not really anyone elses business. I am not ashamed to have had the procedure, but I am so much more than a women who had wls.

Good luck to you! Here's too a speedy recovery

Hello Jo. I too live in Va, actually I live in Fredericksburg, but I see Dr. Schroder down there in Richmond for all my aftercare. I have been banded since Jan. 2008. I look forward to talking with you and a really big congrats on the amazing weight loss

Hello everyone, I am currently trying to find a new Dr in Virginia. I was going to Dr. Halmi at Blue Point Surgical but due to his unconventional treatment with me I am looking into Dr. Schroder in Richmond. Does anyone have any experience with him? I go to my PCM this friday for a referral to go down to Richmond. I guess my question is, is he stingy with fills or will he give me the substantial fill I truly need? Dr. Halmi removed all but 3 cc's in my band a year ago and has refused to give me another one. I have gained 16lbs since that fill was removed and I need to regain restriction. Is Dr. Schroder the Dr. to go to for help? Thanks

I saw Dr. Halmi when I first moved to Virginia. I had 7.5 cc's in my band at the time. I was having zero problems with weight loss or problems in gerneral with my band. Dr. Halmi sent me for a barium swallow, first thing the following morning. I had told the tech that my band was always tight in the morning and that anything found may be a result of that and I would prefer to come back in the afternoon. I was denied that request because Dr. Halmi insisted on it being down first thing in the a.m. To make a long story short, the barium was moving too slow through my stoma and the tech recommended a fluid removal. Dr. Halmi called me that afternoon and told me to come back in that same day. Dr. Halmi removed 4.5 cc's, with the intention of putting it back in a few weeks later. When I went back I had gained 8 lbs in 3 weeks. He refused to give me back any of my fill, so needless to say I have gained back 16lbs since he removed the fluid. I am now seeking a referal to Dr. Schroder in Richmond with hopes to get my fill back and get on track. It's been over a year since I last saw Dr. Halmi or any Lap-Band dr for that matter. Good luck to you in your journey.

Hello Brandy! I too am in Virginia. I was banded in Washington State but any advise or help I can give you I will gladly share. I was banded Jan. 2008

Thank you so much =)

I am wondering if anyone knows the CPT code for just the panniculectomy covered by insurance. I have an appoinent with a plastic surgeon next week and I would really like to go in knowing what code she needs to submit to tri-care for approval. Thanks everyone

I LOVE Leslie's DVDs. I alternate between the 4 Fast Miles and the 4 Fast and Firm Miles. I also do the Walk Away Your Hips and Thighs, and Walk Away Your Waistline. I have 9 of her workouts and they are all fantastic!

I recently moved from Washington State to Virginia. I am desperately looking for a fill Dr. that accepts Tri-Care Prime Remote. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated