Katja

Franni, I am so very happy for you and your hubby! What wonderful news! You'll love being a mommie, especially after having to wait so long to become one. We had to wait 17 years for our son... long before the band was available. Congrats again and I'll see you in the chat room! Katja

Hi All! It's great to see more people joining our little 'band' of banders! I was banded July 30, 2007. Losing slowly, but steadily. You can see pics of my progress on my profile, if you'd like to. I sing in a couple choruses, direct one and coach a barbershop quartet. Those guys are my biggest supporters! Every rehearsal I get more and more compliments! I love it! I also do solo work with the choruses and sing at weddings. They are so much fun to do. Learned to play French horn in a brass choir three years ago and now teach the people in our group their brass.. trumpets, fluegelhorns, tenor horns, trombones and tubas... I always wanted to be a music teacher... maybe I'll get back to college someday and get my degree! Let's keeps this group going and recruit! Katja

Dear Di! How awful that your sons are not supporting you as they should be! You can't let them get to you. You have made a wise decision to get the help you need to become healthier. Do the band for yourself! YOU are the only one you have to please about it! Please keep in touch. I'll be happy to help you any way I may. Lapbandtalk can give you all the support you need. We are here to help one another... Good Luck on your journey to a new and healthy you! Katja

I am so sorry to hear that so many have trouble getting their fills. I either am the luckiest bander when it comes to fills or the doctors at my hospital are magical..... My port is located over my ribs, in front, under the breast on the left side. It sits exactly where the bra-band rides. It is just below the skin. I have had 5 fills so far in the almost one year that I have my band. The doctors don't always use the fluoroscope. Even when they do, it's after they have inserted the fill needle - without numbing me. There has been only one time where the doc didn't get it on the first try - it took 2 times... not bad at all. The needle stick is almost painless as he only has to get through the skin to get to the port. I have sometimes wished my port was located elsewhere because it does stick out a little when I lay down.... but after hearing all these problems with fills, I think I am very happy the way I am! Had to share my experience with you. Not everyone has a hard time, and I 'm sure there are many of us who don't have a hard time. We tend to hear more about problems... when everything goes well, we tend to not say anything.... The band has been my best friend for the last year and will be for the rest of my life! As with any friendship, I expect to have small issues with it from time to time.... but with hard work and dedication it will stay a good relationship! Good luck to all on their journey to a healthier, happier thinner you! Katja