Denice

Hi Cindy, WOW-You are fantastic! Were you banded in 2005 and lost that much that fast? I feel like a failure in comparison-I was banded 07/05/05 by our favorite Dr. Grossbard and have lost around 50 pounds. I am almost halfway to my goal. I have been having a hard time lately staying on track-at least I'm not overeating a lot of the wrong stuff-just nibbles of the bad stuff. I haven't lost anything for a couple of months. I realize this is a journey to last a lifetime. I want to get motivated and start walking so that my metabolism kicks in high gear. Just having trouble with the head not able to get in the mood. I've done it before and I know what it takes. I'm flying to Seattle to attend their Bash and hopefully that will be the motivation I need. Let's keep in touch, Denice

Hi Terrilen, Dr. Grossbard and Dr. Rehnke did my band on 7/5/05. I love my surgeons and their staff. You must be getting so excited as your big day draws near. Whatever you do, don't worry! There is no need for that. Just get ready for your journey for a better life with good health and happiness. Hope you can be at the Bash-You will probably get voted the newest Bandster! When I went to the Tijuana Bandster Bash for Labor Day weekend there was a big 12 year old girl there that had been banded on the Friday of the Bash. She was dancing, etc. Many of us Mother Bandsters were frowning a little. Her own Mother was there and was also Banded a year before. What do you think of a 12 year old getting banded? It would help her feel better about herself and teenage years are just around her corner...Kids can be so cruel and it is so hard to feel self confident when dealing with obesity. Probably her surgeon did a pscyhological background check on her to make sure she was suitable for such a drastic lifesyle change. Wishing you a Quick Recovery, Denice

Hi Hot Like Her, It was great meeting you in person yesterday! It is so good to put a face with a name isn't it? You do look great too with only two weeks post-op,quite amazing. Here is the site to find the Florida Bandster Bash that I've been visiting. This is the group that goes to Dr. Gary's meetings and then more people who can't make it because they live to far away or for reasons of their own. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/groups/floridabandsters/ The moderator has to sign you in at first, then you can talk to others who have also been banded or are about to be. I think the two bashes are the same-but I could be wrong. Let us know if you find out. The people I talked to don't know of the Sept. 28th Bash. It is very confusing, isn't it? Talk to you soon, Denice

Hi Butch, I live kind of near you-have you heard of New Port Richey? Dr. Grossbard did my band on 7/5 along with Dr. Rehnke in St. Petersburg. There is going to be a support meeting next week in Largo that you are welcome to attend. It should be a good one. Dr. Gary Calhoun (obesity psychologist) has special plans for this. His website is www.OnlineLifeCoach.com (then click on pink stomach) and another site you might want to check out is www.obesitynomoreFL.com Dr. Grossbard attends the support meetings as a bandster instead of a doctor-he is a special person. You are amazing! You really put your mind to it and used your band as your tool like we are supposed to. You will love the meeting if you can make it because the people are so nice and have so much in common. Yes, it is a long drive, but it is only once a month. Even if you only make it every other month you will benefit. Welcome to LBT. I'm new to this board also. I joined a while back but got side tracked with summer vacations & getting banded and now I'm back. Keep in touch-you did great getting your name etc. on. Denice

Hi Robin, I was banded 7/05/05 and right now I'm still on full liquids. Why don't you try to come to the support group with a lot of band buddies. It's not that far from you. To find out more details you go to www.OnlineLifeCoach.com Click on the big pink stomach. It is so helpful. Dr. Gary says it is actually 3 support groups rolled into one: The actual meeting, the after meeting open discussions and the online support that happens during the month. We meet at Sweet Tomatoes before the meeting-I guess Dr. Gary didn't count that one. I learned as much at Sweet Tomatoes as at the meeting! It is the Sweet Tomatoes in Largo. I tried to tell Dr. Gary that this was a little too far for me to come to, but he was quick to tell me that there are people from Orlando, Lakeland and all over. Everyone who has had or is going to have LB or WLS are invited. The meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Do it for yourself-you are the most important person. Call me if you have any questions, Denice 727-844-0444

This has been frustrating. I was banded on 7/5 and lost my first 21 pounds within two weeks-not bad. Then when I switched to full liquids I started gaining. I was not going crazy eating creamy stuff. I had one can of cream of chicken soup with some shrimp for protein for 3 days. I stopped when I gained back 4 pounds! I went to the store and bought more clear liquids. I am walking at the mall for an hour each day. So, I have lost the 4 pounds again and 1 extra one. I will do whatever it takes to lose because I am not really hungry. Am I doing something wrong? Your suggestions are appreciated. Denice

Hi Anita, Hope that you are feeling better day by day and that all went well yesterday. Please keep in touch and know that we are thinking of you. I will be having my surgery in St. Petersburg with Dr. Rehnke and Dr. Grossbard so will get my fills there. I live one hour of busy traffic north of there. I'm sure it will be well worth the drive. I have several favorite stops that I make along the way, like costco, a friend and her pregnant daughter and even one of my sons is living somewhere near there. If you can't find an Orlando doctor let me know. Dr. Grossbard has an office in Zepherhills but he might not be taking outside patients because he is so swamped. He travels around to different states and teaches the procedure to others. He has a band himself and is quite the character. You know the type, you either love him or hate him. He is an exceptional surgeon from what I've heard and read. Excuse my asking, but what made you decide to go so far away for surgery? One thing for sure, we are in this together through thick and hopefully THIN. I'm not the one with answers because I'm still waiting for my date. Again, best of luck and keep in touch. Denice

There are so many good reasons to get banded as soon as possible. Unfortunately my PCP doctor is on vacation and I only need one letter from him to submit to United Health Care. He gets back on May 3. When do I have pre-op and what does it consist of and how long does that take? Thank you Mariposa Bella for giving me the option of waiting until I get back. I needed that option...but instead I think I will use your experience to help me keep from taking that one bite that could really mess up our big trip. It will give me the strength I need. Do you think I could take some dried Soup mixes with me and then just ask for hot Water when we dine out. Then move up to ice cream for special treats. I have been pushing through these appointments as fast as possible. At the end of June my husband has his 25 year reunion with Southwest Airlines (line mechanic) and I want to try my hardest to melt some pounds away before that. His discount plane tickets to Hawaii expire on June 15. So, time is not on my side. I just got back from buying two bathing suits (size 20 & 22 sadly.) It is too tempting to eat what I can while I can, knowing that it will be over soon. I really am ready to put sinfull favorite foods behind. We eat out too much. Portion control has always been the kiss of death for me. I stopped drinking beer and wine months ago and don't miss it at all. If food is that easy to give up I'll be fine. Oh Rhonda, when you mentioned Yosemite it reminded me of those mountains...that is when I first tried Dramimine-I took it, fell asleep imediately and missed out on the rest of the mountain ride which worked for me! Nobody told me that Puerto Rico had mountains too- thank goodness we found a little pharmacy that had Benedrine or something. It didn't put me to sleep and I did enjoy the sights after that. Before that I was closing my eyes to try to keep from being sick, which didn't work, while Charlie drove up & around & around the mountains while reading the map at the same time. We have a time share week banked that we need to use or lose but RCI only offers one condo in Hawaii and it looks like it is up on a mountain. Not cool. I'm going to check out some Bed and Breakfasts next. (liquid Breakfast for me please) Has anyone been to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach? Do they have mountains? I guess it is a good thing for me that Florida is so flat. Talk to you soon. Denice

I sincerely appreciate everyones good advice on this upcoming big trip of a lifetime. Do you think I would be better off postponing the band until I return? I've heard they make dynamite macadamia pancakes in Hawaii. How important are damn pancakes? I'm so tired of being tired from carrying around all of the extra pounds. I'm ready for the lifestyle change. Liquid diet sounds realistic at home...I wouldn't want to be sick so far away from home. I like Rhonda's idea of just staying in the room while the family goes out to eat-but I don't think my husband would cooperate. He's kind of funny about that kind of stuff. I just do not know what to do. Do you think they have band doctors in Hawaii. So many islands, so many mountains, so much food. It is turning me into a whiner. Normally I am a positive and upbeat person. This is making me sound spoiled and difficult. There must be a solution. Again, your help is much appreciated. Denice

I am looking forward to being banded in May and have an opportunity to travel to Hawaii around the end of May. Besided worrying whether I will fit in the seats of the airplane, what about traveling so far away (from Florida) following surgery? I have waited forever for my band and can't wait any longer. My plane tickets require me to be back by June 12. Another concern is that I get car sick when I ride around mountains and must take dramamine. Will I be able to take it after my band? I've never been to Hawaii but the pictures look like lots of mountains. Thank you for any helpfull ideas. Denice

Was it stressful to go shopping for "big" clothes right before your band date? With the change of season, I need some fresh spring clothes to wear to work, but I wanted my last big clothes to be exactly that-my LAST big clothes. Shopping isn't much fun these days. I know, this too shall pass. Denice

One more doctors note to turn in before they submit to my insurance and give me a date. I can not wait! Seems so far away, but it isn't. I have a closet full of clothes that I liked before I got too big for them-but by the time I get back to that size the styles will have changed. I guess I should empty the closet and haul everything off to Goodwill. Crazy isn't it! Denice