gordonfamily3

Thanks so much...I have a couple picked out for dinner this week. Here is one that was giving to me by a friend....I was going to make it this weekend for lunches next week... Black Bean Soup: 3 cans Black Beans 2 can of Mexican flavored tomatoes 1 can of corn (drained) 1 can of chicken broth Dump all into a crock pot and put it on low...for 5-8 hours. You can added some shredded cheese to the top of your bowl or even add some sour cream.

Oh I am so jealous....one day I will be there!!!! I will start saving my pennies tonight for next year.

Hey Starr....have you heard the news? Dr V is leaving the pratice....that's all we know right now. Melissa was referred to Dr. Bauman in Concord. Dianne and I go to see Dr. V on the 19th...and yes we are both planning on attending. I know my friend Kami will be there also. Hope you are doing well!!!!

Thanks...I like quick and easy dinners....do you have more?????

Wow you all look great...Oh I am living through the pictures....Keep them coming please!!!!

Dianne you are so sweet...I know your mind has to be racing. I know mine is and I have already had surgery...it's the questions I have to get answered will make me feel alot better about everything. I just know that we will be in good hands...I am going to get a fill on the 19th because I think I need one and I might just call there and ask if Dr. Z can be there or even if he can do it with Dr. V so I know. I am sure Dr. Z will do them under fluro until he is better at them. And how knows he may even learn more about the lap band and start doing them himself!!!! Good luck try to have fun and not worry to much about it....

Dianne...I think we will all be ok. I am already starting a list of questions for Dr. V when I meet with him on the 19th. I know that there will be other doctors out there to help....I went and read some info on Dr. Zweng and his patients seem to be very happy with him. They have all said nice things and he seems to be a very caring doctor. I would say if you don't fill comfortable with the after care that's available I would check in with Dr. Bauman or the Dr. that Karen is going to meet at CMC. Maybe there are others out there that we don't know about. This is a life changing event and while I haven't had any troubles I can't say you want. I think of Kathy that had hers done in Mexico and what is something happened to her? I am very said Dr. V is leaving but I think I will be in good care in Dr. Z's hands...well that is what I am hoping for. I wish you the best of luck I know your desicion is tough!!! I am here for you!!!

Melissa, Karen McGregor here on the board is going to a Dr. at CMC to get possible get her lap band. I think there are others in the area we just don't know who they are.... I think Dr. Bauman is going to get alot of Dr. V's patients.

Hey Dianne.... You know how I feel go for it!!!! Just because eating...mushies and softs are the way to go. Laying by the pool in the sun...what couldn't be better. Dianne and I have the same Dr. he is referring us to another Dr and there is also other Dr's in the area that we can go to. So for those who are worried about after care she is covered....(she is out of town and thought I would let everyone know, because you are correct aftercare is just as important as the surgery.) I love it here...the support is just WONDERFUL!!!!! Dianne I am so jealous....have fun girl...

I couldn't agree more with you....I really admire you wanting to become a teacher. It takes very special people to do that. Am I happy....yes. Happy because the weight hasn't just melted away no...but very satisfied with where I am in my weight loss. I have been plus size since Jr High and like you to go into a "normal" store and buy clothes is my goal...what weight that is I don't know but I would love to do it.... Keep up your positive outlook and everthing you want will come true!!!

Hey Dianne....I say GO!!!! Enjoy it and take the extra time to relax. Jsut try to stay with your mushie/ soft food!!!! I know you are having mixed emotions right now but I think this is the right time for you.... Melissa....HANG IN THERE!!!! When the time is right for you it will be your turn. No one knows what the future holds for any of us. Look the hard part is over so now everything will fall into place when the time is right. Dianne and I both have appts with Dr. V on the 19th and both us plan on asking him where he is going...now he don't have to answer us but he might. If it's in Charlotte why can't we go wtih him? Oh where o where is Dr V going??? Oh where o Where is Dr. V going???? Anyone??

That is great news...Glad to hear everything is going so good for you!!!

I think that would be a good one also....maybe a mod can tell us how to get it done?

Oh my I am having the same problems....well a little different I have falling and I need help getting back on. I did realize coming here to the LTB has helped me because I see things I had written in the past about keeping a food journal and how well I was doing...So guess what today it starts again. I have my paper and I am ready to write down EVERYTHING that goes in my mouth. It worked for the first few months and it's going to work now.... Hold because I hear the rollar coasters can be bumpy but you will get off sooner then later and you will start your healthy eating back. For me it's today...doing the fall weight loss challenge is going to make me do it also!!!! Also thank you for your post...you either make me laugh or really sit and think. This is one that made me kick myself in the rear and say enough is enough!

Ok well I will tell it took 6 months but I ran into some problems. Not with the surgeon with some other test getting them scheduled and etc. If I wouldn't have had any problems it would have taken @ 3 months, which I don't think is that bad. (from the time I turned in the packet to surgery date). Please feel free to email me or PM here if there is anything I can answer for you.

You look amazing....and very happy being with your family. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your Birthday/ Labor day weekend with us.

I agree - Restricted isn't a good word...I like to think I am making a better lifestyle change. I know think about what I am eating and am eating less then I was pre band. So lossing weight and feeling better is a major accomplishment for me. I have a 2 year old son that I know can play with more because I have more energy. food wise....haven't come accross anything that I am restricted from, just chew chew chew and eat slowly and it's all ok. Good Luck...I think you will find alot of helpful advice here.

Me too...while I still get hot I never use to be cold so I am enjoying it.

Way to Go!!! I know you are happy about that....I know I would be.

Welcome....glad you have joined us.

Wish I could answer your question but I want to welcome you. I did have to fill out a diet history for my surgeon who sent mine in with my packet for approval however I have UHC and I don't know really what they require. Good Luck...hope you find your answers.

Welcome...what a story. Glad to hear things are going better for you. Your weight loss is amazing!!!! Yes I have never heard of a "Mid Band"...can you share?

Hey Karen, I to work with Wachovia and I have had the band and I have UHC also. They do cover it. I had NO PROBLEMS at all. (I have talked with you on the NC board some.) I paid $100.00 which was my co-pay for the hospital and that is it. Actually it took them only 3 short days to approve mine. You should be fine....most Dr's will ask you to go through a series of test and my surgeon writes a letter to go with every package to the insurance company. Personally I think you will be good to go.... Again welcome....and good luck!!!!

You are so lucky to have found this site prior to surgery. Dr. V told me about it just 2 weeks before my surgery so I had most of my questions answer by then but it's beena great support since then. I love this place... Ok I agree with Kathy (the best me) I don't know it's there. It's part of me, now that I have lost close to 50 pounds I can really feel the port when I try to. Otherwise I wouldn't know it's there. You have CHEW CHEW CHEW...and the meat can't be dry you will have problems with things getting stuck. I can eat pretty much anything. I haven't really had any problems, if I do I normally try it again later and it's ok. I eat about 1/2 of what I use to now that I am a few months post op. I do feel up on 3-4 oz of protien w/ a fruit or veggie with each meal. When we go out...I almost always can make 2 meals out of it. I have 4cc band meaning it can hold 4cc's of saline, not sure how long it is. I am filled to 2cc's now and think I need a little more. That is just me, I think I could do better with a little tighter fill. Hope this helps some...please keep asking away we are here to answer what we can and always more then happy to share our experience.

:banana CONGRATS MELISSA:banana That is wonderful....see tihngs will start moving for you....I would give them a week from you receiveing the letter then give Bobbi a call....it want hurt. That is what I did and when she called me back she had 3 dates ready for me. You go girl...see when we meet this month I bet you will be that much closer to your surgery. Who knows maybe you and Dianne could end up being done around the same time. Oh and nots let for get Starr...she could be there with you. I am sure by the new year everyone in our little group will be banded. Well unless we have new people join us which would be great also.