TINABOBINA

Hi Gibson-Thanks for the wonderful compliment! I was feeling extra special that night because I was in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii.(8/07) And yes, I have 3 sons, 20, 17 and 11 (see, I still have a baby too!)

Hi, this is me...

Krista-thanks for sharing, I'm going to buy some to try it out. Haven't been banded yet but that was my main concern because I have such a problem getting anything down that doesn't taste good to me.

WOW!-Congrats on your weight loss and welcome to the forum.

That is AWESOME! Congrats-is that a BEAUTIFUL BULLDOG under your user?

Hi Elena,

My favorite cousin is Elena M. (her M stands for Marie)

just thought I'd throw that out there.

Hi Kim,

I am also being banded by Dr Cahill next month. A friend of mine from work was banded by him about 5 months ago. She had nothing but good things to say about him and his staff.

When is your surgery date? Or have you already been banded?

Shannon-Congrats on your approval !

Hi Julie-Welcome ! I'm from the great state of Illinois too. You should look up "mhazelrigg" she is also from Decatur and we are both having our surgeries in February too. Be sure to check out the February 08 Bandster forum so you can post your surgery date there.

Hi Tweety-Love Orland Park area for shopping. I'm about 20 minutes from there. So nice to have local town folk on this forum.

I like Dueces Wild.

Ok now that i have calmed my nerves some, does anyone know if we can reschedule once we have a date? I was just thinking thats not enough time for me to get everything i need and my son straighten out.

Just asking, I will keep the date if I have to.

Tamika-Is there anyone u can go to get the extra help u need to get things ready by the 3oth? And by the way, CONGRATS!!!!

Hi Jenna-Welcome fellow Feb bandster. Looking forwarding to getting to know you too.

Hi Michelle-Ditto with the "can't wait" I am too frantic for 2/11/08 to get here. Finally thinking about myself for a change. I have all of my pre-op testing scheduled for 1/23/08 and so far no mention of a pre-op diet. He'll probably tell me on that day-oh well, might as well get used to it for a while! My husband is really supportive + 1 brother but as far as my Mom is concerned I'm making a terrible mistake. I'm guessing she'll eventually warm up to the idea. I did tell a couple of people at work especially one because she has had the lapband for about 5 months now and is doing great. Please stay in touch so that we can continue to support each other.

Rose-Congrats! I am so happy for you.

Welcome Michelle, Congrats on your approval. This is a wonderful place for answers and support. Be sure to post your surgery date in the February 08 Bandsters thread. I too am sooooooooooo ready for change.

I had my first post-op visit today. On 12/20 I weighed in at 307lbs. I was banded on 12/21. As of today, 1/2(less than two weeks), I now weigh in at 275#'s. I have lost 32lbs since my surgery! I could not be happier.

People are asking me if I lost weight. I feel 6 inches taller for some strange reason. My pants are starting to feel big. I can actually tie my shoes without holding my breath -- or being out of breath! Things are moving in the right direction.

I have more energy and am walkign 2-3 miles a night, everynight. I have been given clearence to start jogging or playing basketball, volleyball.

I was never a big beer drinker(much prefered vodka) but I can't believe the cravings I have had for a beer and some popcorn... lol of all things. I haven't cheated at all and am doing much better than I thought I would eating pureed foods, meat more specificly. But I blend them up good and use it kind of like a gravy over my mashed potatos. Some days I am hungry all day and others I am not hungry at all. Very inconsistent.

I ahve had no pain AT ALL. Never needed the pain meds even right after the surgery. The worst of it for me was the gas. It wasn't horrible, but I felt like my stomach was going to pop like a pimple.

All in all -- I am so glad I did this. I know the weight loss will slow down, but I am enjoying it while i can.

Ron-that is awesome! I am so glad u are doing well-I hope things work out just as good for me.

Let's make it the Fab-U-Less Febs.

Welcome Amy-glad to have you on board. This is a great place to be for support and information.

IMHO the band only does 25% of the work (restrictions) but the other 75% of the weight loss is up to you. You have to make healthy food choices and add exercise to your lifestyle..

The band is only a tool - that piece of plastice does not make you lose weight - it is not the magic cure to your food issues - they banded your tummy not your head - and the real problems lie in your head not your tummy.

Indio-spoken like a true professional-That makes so much sense and I am so glad you wrote that. I think everyone who is banded or about to be should remind themselves of this often. Thanks

Milagros-I haven't been banded yet but it seems to me that you are too tight, you shouldn't have to be living like that with the constant vomiting. According to what I've read so far that is not good for you or the band. Ask for an unfill for now til you are able to eat w/out vomiting. Again, just my opinion from what I've learned so far. Hope you're doing better real soon.

I have UHC and was approved in 3 days. My primary doc wrote a letter of medical necessity, I obtained 5 years of progress notes showing my weight and then my surgeon's recommendation. That's all it took. So, I'm sure you'll have no problem. Keep us posted.

Crystal-Congrats on your earlier surgery date(I'm jealous) but happy for you. You can still be a honory February bandster!

Hi Erin,

Welcome fellow February '08 Bandster. I am truly sorry to hear about your loss and tough year. I know 2008 will be better! We're all here to support each other-nothing like "free" therapy.

RonKat-hope your surgery went well.

Tracey-I'm glad you're doing so good! Keep us posted.