jljeje

I've been banded a couple of years now, but because of some complications, I've just begun getting fills again in January (have had 2 now). Because I lose weight so slowly ( I don't exercise enough or regularly, and a thryoid problem, plus my metabolism is slower in my late 50's), I just bought an Alli starter pack, hoping it would give me a little boost. Today is my first day to try alli, so I'm not sure what effects I may have, but I'm watching my fat intake, so hopefully, it won't be too BAD! Just wondering if anyone else is currently doing this as a bandster........

Hey ya'll, got room for another? I'm glad I found this forum & thread - the one I used to belong to just fell apart & isn't there anymore - which kinda describes how I've been feeling & doing. This month is my 2 year band anniversary. It hasn't really been a failure, but it sure isn't where I thought I would be. Starting at 275, have been down to 195, but sitting around 206 right now. There's this 10 pounds that I just seem to play with for the last Year. I've had probably 7 -8 fills, and about 3 unfills. It seems like I've reached the point where I still need fills, but don't handle them well between my allergies (mucus) and not chewing & eating properly. I could really use some encouragement & support to get back on track & could really relate to alot of your posts.

Maybe it's just me, but I would think the nutrionist would weigh me every visit - don't tell me they don't have a scale...anyway, mine did.

Wow, this sound very good! Just copied it & added it to my recipe file. Thanks for sharing - especially the caloric breakdown. June

Hello there & congrats on being here! This means you've made a big decision about your life, not just your weight. There's tons of info on this site, so spend a little time looking thru here and you will learn alot. Keep us posted on your journey.

No, I haven't been there yet, but I'll send up a prayer for you right now, because I can only imagine how tough that is...and in about 6-10 weeks, I'll probably be in the same spot. In the meantime, I'm waiting on 6 months to be up.

Christasha, you look great! Keep up the good work! Enjoy what you've done - you've earned it!

ruby, michelle, bysmom - congrats to all of you! hoping all pain goes away quickly on your road to recovery!

Hi, I'm interested in meeting up too - sounds like an idea worth trying!

I could really use the support, encouragement, companionship & motivation of a workout friend. In turn, I will be the same supportive friend to you!:tt1: Haven't joined a gym yet, but will probably join the YMCA before the month is up - Pay the Day is going on. But I know how I am...I am bad about going to exercise and classes, when I don't know anyone. Anyone interested in having a buddy in Arlington? :frown:

I'm still in my 6 months waiting period for insurance, with 3 almost 4 months down, 6months up in April. So hopefully, I will have surgery in April or May. The surgery center I'm going to has Dr's Carter, Marsden, Snow, Smith and I think I'm leaving someone out...I have not met any of them yet. As it happened, I went to a mini seminar without any of the doctors present, so I can choose any of them I want. I've been thinking I would attend one that they are giving, just so I could 'see' them and form an impression. I have heard good things about all of them. For some reason, I am really leaning towards Dr Marsden, maybe because he had performed the most lapband surgeries of this group. Reading the forum on this website, all of those doctors I mentioned have good reviews from patients - and their staff. Lord knows that's important! So far, there has only been one staff person that I don't like to see when I go during this pre-surgery, pre-diet phase. But if I ask to see someone else, they always cheerfully get someone else to see me. Don't know if this helps peachy, but hope so! When do you think you will have surgery?

thanks christa - i think i got it!

hi, I don't have direct experience...my sister-in-law & hair dresser used him & both think he is the greatest. My hair dressers surgery was at the hospital in Arlington on I20 & my sister-in-law's was in Hurst at the surgery center. On the other hand, my family doctor does not want me to use him...so I am choosing someone else. Go figure. Don't know if this helps!

no pic is showing! I'm still trying to figure stuff out too. can someone tell me how to get a ticker? guess that's on another part..? jljeje

I'm so glad you gals brought up the wrinkles discussion. It's definitley been on my mind as well. The fat does hide the wrinkles. Having always been told that I don't look my age, just turned 56, and that I don't have any lines or wrinkles, I'm figuring that's all gonna change. Of course, seeing my waistline would be nice too - and tieing my tennies while breathing... Yes, I know you can't have it all, but it doesn't stop me from wanting it! jljeje

Hi chell, I just had my pysch eval last week. I happen to be under the regular care of a psychiatrist group, for treatment of depression and bipolar type 2. So I asked them to do the evaluation instead of going to someone new. In my case, we talked about the reasons for wanting the surgery and how I expected my life would change. There was no test involved; just discussion of expectations. They wrote a letter to True Results stating how long I've been there patient, the meds they prescribe for me, how often I come, and how they will work with them in any way. Charged me $7 to do the letter & fax it to True Results & give me a copy. As far as I know, this is acceptable...probably because my situation is different. You may be afraid of this eval, but try not to be - these are the most understanding people! Good Luck! jljeje

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one having problems multi-tasking, yet this is bothering me quite a bit - and it must be for you too. I'm not working right now, but a few months ago while I was working, I noticed it was difficult for me to do as many things as I used to. Is my brain aging that much? not using it, so losing it?

Hey, what magazine was it? I'd love to read it - yep, I'm really leaning toward him...

Darkling! it's good to hear from you! So you're banded now - that's great! I've been away from the board for about a week or so and I've missed it. So glad you are posting - hope you are feeling okay. I've been a very bad girl this past week. Stressed so hard getting the house ready for Thanksgiving and everyone coming and getting the food ready and all the running around done - got to get back to business this week! That's why I came back to the board -for encouragement. Love this place...

I'm so glad to have discovered this place! everyone is just so great to reply and share what's happened to them and what they've learned! Darkling - wow, you are up so soon - that's just great. Of course you are nervous, but I'm sure you will get some good replies from bandsters. :)Just think, you will not be gaining all this holiday weight! I wish you all the best of luck!! Be sure and post how you do. I'm on the second week of my calorie restricted diet and my frame of mind is much better this week. I completed my sleep study, :nervouswhich I was very nervous about, and so that's one down. I've made my appointments for the nutrionist and the cardio - both for the week after Thanksgiving. Today, I picked up the 5 years of records from my family doctor. :clap2:Still need to do my bloodwork and schedule the pschye eval. I've even read almost the whole lap band book that was given to me at True Results - Marching onward! Feeling Hopeful!

Bandchick - you go girl! I accept the challenge of 12 days of exercise this month at 3 x a week - walking either on the treadmill or in the park June 0/12 Days of Exercise so Far

Wonder how often that happens? So, sounds like you didn't know it happened? Wasn't/isn't painful? But can't get your fill until it's flipped back around - wow. Well, from your other posts, it sounds like you are just doing so good - so hang in there. And I wish you the best in your corrective surgery. Please update us & let us know how you are!

Hi, I live in Arlington and went to True Results (AIGB) in Hurst for the mini seminar & free Diagnostic (1st apt). My insurance company, BCBS of IL requires lots of stuff first, so I probably won't get banded til April of next year. :cry Once, I finally made the decision (which took a couple of years), I was hoping it could be done at once - and certainly before any more holiday eating. If any of you had to be on a 6month diet with True Results, please let me know. I'm feeling discouraged...yet I know that this is something I have to do. Do all the surgeons there do their own fills afterwards?

Well, I have to say I've never enjoyed or liked to exercise. NEVER. On a nice cool day, I enjoy a slow stroll outside, but now I am so overweight, that I can't walk but a few feet before I'm totally out of breath and my legs are shaking. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I've started a calorie restricted diet this week for a 6 month pre-op program befor banding, that is supposed to include exercise 5 days a week, but so far, I haven't done any. It was suggested that I start with just stretching, since I have lots of pain along my right buttox and down the back of my leg. I know that I've GOT to start moving, why is taking the first step so hard? Any suggestions? I'm listening....

Thanks for posting the article - it's worth trying any tricks to help curb appetite - real or not! This week, I've made a real effort to chew chew chew my food, eating at a much slower pace. Experts say that gives your taste buds time to kick in and really enjoy the food you're eating, and I think it's helped. I've got 6 months to go in this pre- op program to satisfy insurance and I'm supposed to be on a 1200-1500 calorie diet. But being the weinee that I am, I started out this week on 1800 calories. But I have failed miserably in the exercise dept....think I'll go look for some hints over there!:help: