Alexra

Having this surgery was one of the biggest and hardest decisions I have ever had to make because of my 3 yr old and 1 1/2 yr old. I felt the same way you do, what if I leave my children without a mother? but I also saw it as if I stay in my current condition I would guarantee my children would have a mother by the time I was 40. I was so overweight and unhealthy, I tried so many diets I just had to do something. If I had to do it all over again I would do it in a heartbeat, the band is the best thing ever it has changed my life. In just 5 1/2 months i am down 90 lbs and can keep up with my kids, take them to the park, play games with them. not just sit on the couch and watch from the sidelines. You are doing this not only for your own health but so you will be here for a long time to come, to be a fit and healthy mother. You'll do great!

My surgons base the ideal body weight on a BMI of 25 any lower is usually unrealistic to reach and most people look too thin at the desired BMI of 19.

Eileen, If you ever want any company at woodbury Commons, let me know, I LOVE to shop there. I had an adjustment on Thursday it went well, was down 86 then and as of this morning I am down a whopping 90! My original goal was to be down 80 by new years, so I have adjusted it to be down by 100 by new years thats just 3 1/2 lbs a month for the next 3 months I think I can and will do it! This band is the best thing ever I wish you all luck with yours.

BTW really paying for the sexy boots, They are starting to hurt my toesies but who cares the're sexy

86 gone a whole lot to go, but If I only lost 50 more I would be SOOO happy. I owe it to my little boys 3 1/2 and 2 they keep me moving. So everyone here is from NJ huh

I need to shop too. ... oops wait I just went shopping yesterday 2 pair of pants 4 shirts (avenue size 22, instead of the 30/32 I was wearing 5 months ago) 2 pairs sexy boots and one pair suede loafers ... Oh yeah 5 socks and a couple sexy bras and panties..... I dont need to shop... oh who am I kidding Yes I do

OK... let me give you a little background here. I had my last and only fill on June 14, 2005 and had some good restiction when I had it done. A week later I apparently got pregnant (my 2nd by the way while on the pill) I could then eat almost anything in sight (good ole hormones) I miscarried on August 19th (I know I know sad but it wasnt my first I am dealing with it.. it's hard but I am fine) after that my doctor said I wouldn't get a period at the normal 28 days it may be more like 58 seems the average after a miscarriage. Anyway I haven't had enough restriction since this has all been happening so I scheduled another fill for next Thursday the 29th... now all of the sudden I have restriction again. I dont know if I should cancel my fill or just wait it out and see if it is because my hormones are getting back to normal. Another thing I was thinkning is I have a cold and slight sore throat has anyone had more restricion when they aren't feeling well???? Thanks for any help you guys/gals can give me

Alex, Before you go ut of your mind trying to make whatever decision you feel will be best for your daughter. Remember the town you live in has some stubborn people in it ( I should know I lived there for 23 years and will be moving back in 1 year) Yes our kids will be in school together anyway check with the Board of Education and see if it would be ok for her to skip and go right to first grade. When I was in that school district in first grade I was Forced to take speach classes my parents fought and fought because I couldn't say T S or D words without a lisp. My parents knew as well as my orthodontist that my speach was lispy because I had a full mouth of braces at a Very Young age. The day they came off I could speak and still do speak fine. Anyway to make a long story short the town wouldn't budge because they needed a certain amount of kids in the class to have it covered by a state funded grant. they were not helpful or sympathatic at all to my needs as a child only their own.

Have a great vacation. Let's make plans to walk to Blvd in Mtn Lakes when you get back. I need the exercise (ali)

I havent had a problem eating out yet, I can always find something with Protein. Usually a chicken dish, granted it isnt always what I want like a big plate of Pasta but I definetly leave feeling satisfied. My husband seems to enjoy my leftovers for lunch the next day at work. now if he can't choose between 2 Entrees he will occasionally ask me if I would be ok with one he wants so he doesnt have to choose between his 2 choices and then he gets it once I am done with it for work the next day (its a good thing he is 150 lbs and never seems to gain no matter what he eats). My biggest issue when I started eating out after being banded was I would never order a drink and that waiter/waitress would always question it, coming back more than once saying would you like something to drink so now I just ask for Water and end up using it to water down the juice I worder for my kids in their sippy cups.

While I was at a support group for bandsters last night in NJ I mentioned a cookbook for weight loss surgery patients. Here is the information for all who want it. title: Eating well after Weight Loss Surgery, Over 140 Delicious Low Fat, High Protein recipes to enjoy the weeks months and years after surgery. Author: Patt Levine. this book is great because it tells you what and how much you should eat from each recipe whether you have the band, bypass or the switch surgerys. It also advised you of what portion is approiate for people who have not had the any weight loss surgery so it make sit easy to cook one meal for the whole family. An added bonus it lets you know which recipes can be pureed for that oh so wonderful mushies stage we all got to go through right after surgery.

It is at the offices of Dr's Abkin and Bertha in Florham Park NJ the last Wednesday of every month from 7 - 8 ish.

Well I am a stay at home mom, which is more physicial than any job I have ever had and I was up and taking care of my 3 1/2 yr old and 18 month old sons within 3 days of my surgery with no problems.

I had my surgery April 18, 2005 and was 353 I am now 284 a 69 lb loss... I'd say I'm on my way to success.

Way...way..:lick too much

I had my first fill yesterday, It was a tad bit painful at times, I guess it was hard for him to locate the port even though he used floro. I could only imagine how painful it would have been withough the floro. Anyway...... After the first time he filled my band he had me drink the barium (yuck) then follow it with drinking 1/2 a cup of Water which quickly went all over the place. Yes I projectile Vomited all over how embarassing! He said well that was a first you must be really sensetive to this. So he took out some Fluid and all was better. Has anyone else looked like a scene from the exorcist while being filled (thank goodness it was only Barium and water coming up). I'm glad it is over and I know it is all worth it....I am keeping my fingers crossed it doesnt happen again.

Yes, to answer your question Alexandra... It was Dr. Bertha I performed for...... Why oh Why do I have to do these things in front of attractive Doctors ... lol..

I have BC/BS NJ PLUS which is the state employee plan, if any plan would deny it I would think the government one would and they approved me with NO problems. In fact it only took about 1 week to get approval. I had a BMI of 51 at surgery time and had no co-morbidities. Plus I didn't have any out of pocket other than a $10 co-pay. If you have a referral from your Primary Care Doctor the consultation I would think should be covered as well. Good luck

I was banded on April 18th and since then I am now down 57 lbs. I have also dropped from a size 30/32 to a 24. (Personally I thought that was an accomplishment) Not where I want to be but I was feeling good about myself, I could actually look in the mirror and not cringe. That was until today. I went to my first family function (a 1 yr olds birthday party) with most of my family there. (most dont know about the surgery) NOT ONE PERSON PAID ME A COMPLIMENT. I am devistated, do I see a different person in the mirror or is it just the same fat girl that was always there. I actually dressed nice for the party because I was feeling good about myself but now I feel like I should have never dressed in somthing other than a tee-shirt and stretchy cotton shorts (my old fat attire) I had on a cute denim skirt a little bit past the knees (NO elastic waist band this time) nice wedge sandals and a lightweight white shirt. Am I always going to be the invisable fat girl no one can look in the eye or will anyone ever notice. I am really down and need a pick me up. Has anyone else had this emotional/physicial issue. SOrry for venting...

Hi Alexandra, My son was sick and I couldn't leave him with a sitter since my husband had to work. I DO plan on being there next month.

I agree with Alexandra, we had the same Dr. He is great. Dr. Alexander Abkin 973-410-9700 in Florham Park NJ.

The secrets to my success thus far are a 19 month old and a 3 1/2 yr old little boys that keep me moving morning noon and night, I am enjoying being able to keep up with them now so we are having a great summer. I also am a stay at home mom and spend my days with housework and yardwork, I only seem to sit when I have to take the time to eat or drive, other than that I am on the go. Plus I am on so many Vitamins because of a b12 and serious Iron defiency that I only found out 1 wk before surgery those little pills give me the energy I have always been lacking. You would have thought some Dr along they way would have mentioned my deficiencys because now that I have my past health records I Know they have been there for at least 5 yrs. No wonder I used to be tired all the time and here I was thinking I was tired from being lazy and fat. When it was a combination of the 2. You are all wonderful and have made me feel better, who gives a damn what my oblivious family notices or doesnt notice, I am doing this for myself and my 2 boys and they are already enjoying having a more active mommy.

I was banded on April 18th and I am down 57 as of today. I want to get my first fill because I can eat more than I know I should although, there is still some level of restriction. I was supposed to have my first fill this past Thursday but the Dr had to cancel. Oh well.... I'll call to reschedule on Monday.

Wow Thanks guys, you have been a real "pick me up" I needed that

I found warm things like Tea and chicken broth gave me more of a sense of satisfaction. I was still hungry but that helped me through. Trust me, even though it is hard and food is an addiction for myself as well as others.... Its ALL worth it.