ChattyCathy

Everyone here keep your head up! It will happen I promise. I think one of the greatest things about the band is that it is physically and mentally a new beginning. Set goals for yourself and take it as an opportunity to eliminate that bad things in your life that keep you down ; a fresh start if you will. However, while this all sounds easy it is not. Losing weight without the band is hard and losing weight with the band is hard, but remember the band is on YOUR side! I kind of think of myself as a two man army now ! Sounds silly but it helps. As far as the love advice the only thing I can say is it takes more than believing in yourself to find a significant other . You have to believe in yourself but also nourish the thought that you are someone who has something great to offer . Also remember nothing that is worth it is easy. For example, the lap band process for I'm guessing the majority of you did not happen in less than a week or month or for some even a year. You cannot treat love any differently its a process, and finding someone worth your time and love is a process too. To all the discouraged ladies out there you are beatiful and don't let anyone tell you different. If you can identify within yourself what you really want ,go out and get it! It's hard to find a good guy whether you are skinny or overweight and I agree even harder when overweight because often women feel there weight is a barrier between being happy "in a relationship" and feeling lonely and single. If i can offer one bit of advice it would be that during the first couple months after the band be selfish; make that time completly dedicated to yourself ...relish in the fact that you are doing something great for yourself and focus on making the changes you want to your body one step at a time! Many of you are off to a great start!!! Keep up the good work and remember your best friend is , yourself =)

You will be fine.....the only downside is controlling your munchies.....however, it will only take one PB to make you realize you can't munch like you used too! Happy Toking

I went to Dr. Emma Patterson from Oregon Weight Loss Center at Good Samaritan. I have had nothing but a good experiance ...my only complaint however is they are so busy schedualing can be a major issue. However, they did just bring in another Doctor ( Dr. Halpin) and she is very nice aswell. It is cheaper to go to Good Sam I think my surgery was 8,900 not including hospital stay and preliminary tests they make you do .....best of luck ! It has been the best decision I have ever made!

The pushing my doctor did on my stomach trying to find the port was the most painful for me, however, if that is the first step to losing weight successfully with the band then I'll take it!

Thanks, I am hoping everything will go smoothly!

I have been under a few time but nothing to this extent...I am scared but excited all at the same time!

Actually yes!! I am ready for a Cadberry free easter!

Hi Everyone! This has been such a positive tool for me in my lap band journey that is just beginning. I am a self pay patient and I was wondering how long it takes for the whole process from meeting with the doctor to the actual surgical procedure. Any advice or facts would be very helpful. I also wanted to comment on the recent before and after pictures of everybody ...wow does everyone look great ! I can't wait to make this positive life change! Keep up the good work everybody your thoughts and comments are appreciated!!

I was going to ask the same question....thanks for all your helpful responces !

Looking forward to a whole new healthy lifestyle for 2008 and onward! I am in the process of beginning my pre-op for Lap Band and I couldn't be more excited!