Debbie_S

The St. John's support meetings for 6+ month out is the 4th Monday of every month at the surgery center from 5:30-7:00. I need to get to a meeting myself. I've back-slidden some and need to stop it before I get out of control.

Dr. Edwards through St. John's is the only doctor who does bariatric surgery in Springfield. I have a friend who's insurance is through Cox but they are allowing her to have her surgery through Dr. Edwards since they do not offer barriatric surgery at this time.

Glad to hear your surgery went well. Yes, the reason you haven't lost anything is all the gas the put in you during surgery and I imagine you've got some water retention going on as well due to the surgery and traveling. I think I actually gained weight that first week afterward. Hang in there - the gas will eventually leave as will the swelling and you'll be losing again. : )

Hi, everyone! I just celebrated my 1 year bandiversary on Tuesday. What's this last year been like - amazing! I had wanted to reach 75 lbs. by one year. While I didn't quite make it, I came darn close at 72.6! I have been stalled for 2 months - losing and gaining the same 3-4 lbs. until last week. I still have a long way to go but have no doubts I'll reach my goal. I want to lose around 85 more pounds - I'm close to halfway. Honestly, I didn't work too hard to get the first 65 lbs. off and have come to realize to get the rest of this off, I am going to have to do some work. I was fairly good about exercising in the fall, but I lost my baby-sitter (my DH works out of town during the week) and blah, blah, blah. There are a million excuses but the fact is, I simply haven't made myself get back into the habit of doing it. Regardless, I feel so much better than I did this time last year and think this next year is going to be even better. Congratulations to all February 2007 bandsters on your anniversaries!

I believe you've got to have a 35 BMI for surgery - anything under that they won't consider. I'm not 100% sure on that though.

It's good to hear from you. I've been thinking of you all day! I hadn't heard of the not laying flat because of the gas either. I'm a right side sleeper so I slept on my right side most of the time. I did kind of prop a pillow under my side to keep myself from rolling over on my stomach but I never had any problems. I really didn't have any problems with gas either. Like Kimberly says, just walk and move around as much as you can. And keep the gas-x close by just in case. Debbie

Just wanted to wish you much luck in the morning and a speedy recovery! Debbie

Don't get discouraged, Granny! It'll work but it can take a few fills to reach good restriction (took 4 for me). Give it a week and then call for another fill. I think they're conservative with their first fills because they want you to get used to the feeling of some restriction. Honestly, I felt nothing after my first fill and could eat just like I did before the fill. Hang in there! Debbie

Princess21 - not much longer now. I'm so excited for you. Granny - how's it going now that you've gotten a fill. Hoping you feel some restriction but if you don't in a few days, don't hestitate to call and schedule another.

Hi, Jill - I replied to your message on OH - did you get it? Hope you're doing okay. Debbie

Hollygurl - sounds like you're getting closer to getting everything done. Don't sweat the psych evaluation - it's really not a big deal. Are you seeing Katie? Seems like everyone I come in contact w/has seen her but they made my appointment w/Dr. Greenhall. I had to go see him for 3 different visits and I think the one w/Katie is just like one long one. Anyway, really it's nothing to worry about. As far as rice - I've been banded almost a year and I cannot eat rice. I tried it one time and it hurt so bad that I haven't tried it since. I'm not a big rice eater so I don't really miss it. I can't eat bread either. Maybe if it's toasted but for the most part it's a big no-no for me. Again, it's worth it. Like princess21 said - everyone is different. I know some who can eat bread.

Hi, SpringfieldMO - I think you'll find Mary to be a great help during this whole process. She was instrumental in me getting everything "just right" so my insurance approved. Welcome to the board.

Princess - how are you doing on the liquid diet? When is your surgery? If I'm calculating right you're probably about to start your week of full liquids? As maziemommy said, it's rough. I found the 2nd week the hardest of all and was getting a little cranky by the end of that week. But it's so worth it! Dr. Edwards is a great surgeon. I had a relatively easy surgery (slept in my own bed from the first night). I'm coming up on my 1 year mark - if I can be of any help too, don't hesitate to task. Kimberly is a great wealth of information too - we have "known" each other since right before her surgery last year.