seebs

Marie, I should have said that Dr. Choban has been doing my fills, not Dr. Price. Dr. Price did the surgery with Dr. Choban assisting. I was told that Dr. Choban does the fills. Actually last time Melissa did the fill and Dr. Choban wasn't even in the room. I'm was worried about that but Melissa was quick to say that Dr. Choban was "around". Yes, but not with the 3 inch needle in her hand. My first fill was started by Melissa but after she dug around for awhile and couldn't get it, Dr. Choban tried. Then the moved me to the room where the x-ray lays down. They had me up, down and finally Dr. Choban got it. They decided to do my next fill under the floroscope (sp?) also. This was the one that Melissa did. To answer the question. First fill the day after Thanksgiving (Banded Oct 8). I think 3. The next at the end of January with 1.5 more. So I have 4.5 total. I think it is good now. Susan Susan

SpecialK and Heather, I'm like you. Our group is wonderful. The support group at the Mount Carmel East was worthless to me, except as a diversity lesson. Most were people who were there for the one required meeting. It was a fashon show too. Last April at Mt. Carmel. Interesting to see the "after" but I was way to interested in finding out what was ins and outs long before the "after". Our group actually is people who are like me. Wow, there are people like me going through the weight loss and banding. Plus the other normal issues in life. Great support. Susan

Hi, I went to Dr. Price with a confused mind. Thought I wanted a band (didn't want rerouting), but wasn't sure. He said what are your issues. I said, "I'm a single mother with two kids" and I was going to go on for awhile and present the two sides. He said "STOP, you want a band. You need to be around for your kids and the band is safer." So that is what I did. If you look at the numbers. Isn't it about 100 to 1 to have serious injury or death from the GB and about 1000 to 1 for lapband. That's odds I couldn't ignore. As for the last week. My work threw me a "Goodbye to Food" potluck. I listed the foods that I wasn't going to eat anymore - doughy bread, broccolli, dry meat, shrimp, popcorn etc. - And the people in my office did all of those. Don't I work with a great group! Anyway I ate like a fool. I'm not sure how much you are now, but I was 340. I was warned not to gain. I only gained a little. But you are right to listen to your surgon. BTW, the best part is that I can eat all of those now. All I have to do is chew well and make sure things are moist. Susan Not losing now because of Easter candy It is only a tool and I'm not using it well right now

Niki - so glad you are banded. Can't wait to see you in April. You will probably start feeling the loss by then. Courtenay, Welcome to the group. I'm probably bringing Sonya who is considering the band and options right now. You will like the people. It is a good group. Susan SEEBS who doesn't use the fancy colors.

Oops. Forgot to update my sig.

One thing to remember is that even that there is no fill yet, there is still the ring itself which does restrict the stomach. Things can get stuck anyway. I'm a logical analyzer too. I figured that I knew the size of the band, the size of the stomach walls inside the band. Even without a fill, there isn't much room. Susan lost the 10 pounds I gained while studying/taking my test on march 8. Now down 64.

Hi, Just back from Ft. Lauderdale via Orlando and Cincinati before landing in Columbus (HOME.!). I was not having fun, but in classes every day from 8am to 9pm to study for a 6 hour Computer Security test. STRESS! I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, studying and stress means chocolate to stay awake and motivated. So I ate Gihrardelli Chocolates (dark is good for you, right?), chocolate covered macadamia nuts (Protein, right?), jelly Beans (beans are protein). Anyway I gave myself full permission to eat what I wanted to get through the test. Well I finished the test (5.5 hours) eating Protein Bars and chocolate. Then I tried to come home to Columbus. I got as far as Orlando Sunday night before I hit problems. Delta Airlines put me up in a cheap hotel before getting me to Cincinnati on Monday afternoon and finally home to Columbus in the late afternoon. Guess you had some snow here. So how did the lapband due through that week? I didn't feel hungry but I had problems eating the hotel food (rubber chicken, dry salmon, sausage) that was provided for our lunches. I threw up that stuff 3 different times - slimed it out if you know what I mean. Anyway, before I left, I was down to 278. Now I'm back to 288. Yes, 10 pounds. I'm hoping some of that goes back quickly but wow that is a bad way to go. But it is worth it if I do pass the test (won't know for 2-4 weeks). Anyway, after one day back, I'm now going to get my act together, start exercising, go back on the Protein shakes for Breakfast, and eating right. I'll be there for the April meeting. Does anyone want 6x clothes? Especially talls? Susan (SEEBS)

I can't make the March meeting. I'll be in Ft. Lauderdale (Yeah!) but for a work certification test that I've been studying for since Jan 1 (Boo!). I'll miss the meeting. I appreciate the clothes that I got. The only ones I can bring right now are 5x and 6x (34-36). That is all that is too big for me. Can anyone use those? If so, I will bring to April's meeting. Susan

I'm with you on the drivers license. Mine has said 200 for so many years. I had to do a replacement in January and still left it at 200. I laughed to myself that now I was only lying about 90 pounds instead of lying about 140. I have to renew in June. I hope by then I'll only be lying about 50 pounds. To Juli who had the TSA agent compliment: Did you use a seat belt extension? I flew in January and decided to not use an extension if I didn't absolutely need it. I crammed myself into the seat and then managed to close the seatbelt around me. I could barely breathe but I was so proud that I didn't need the extension anymore. There was a large gentleman in front of me and across the aisle. He had to ask twice to get the extension. I could feel his embarrasement. I was so glad it wasn't me. Thanks lap band. Seebs

I was like you. Didn't know which to chose. Initially I thought Gastric bypass (GB) cause that was all I knew. I went to the education seminar and then saw the survival/complication rates and so I started to lean toward the band. 1 in 100 v. 1 in 1000. That makes a big difference when you are a single mom responsible for 2 girls (11 and 13). So I was leaning toward the band. Then I was told that you can't ever have bread again because of the dreaded breadballs that can fill up the hole. I went to my surgeon and said that I didn't know which. He asked me what my issues are and I started "I'm single mom with two kids.." And he said, "Stop. I know which one is for you. The band. It is safer and you need to be around for your kids." So that is what I did. Hope this helps. BTW, I eat bread all the time, Just not a loaf of sourdough like I used to.

Hi, I'm seebs. 47 years, and, yes, been fat my entire life. I was banded Oct 9 2007. Down 52 with miles to go. Can't wait for the PS to get rid of the apron. I've got 2 girls, 11 and 13. Glad to see other 40 year olds doing this. Seebs

Hi, I was banded Oct 9, 2007. Down 52 pounds. Still miles to go, but really happy so far. I'm very glad to find people like me meeting. I'll be at the Feb 9 meeting at Polaris Mall which is only 5 miles from my house, btw. I had the band with Dr. Price at Mt. Carmel East. Seebs.