txjazz

Thank you, Mary! Yes, more Texas folks, for sure. Best of luck in your post-op. You'll be skinny in no time, I bet! Shannon

Hi Mikey, I was lucky enough to have my parents return the P-O-S Lowery organ they bought me, and help me buy a Hammond B-3 and a Leslie. I sure miss playing it, but not moving it. I was blessed to have it almost 20 years before having to part with it due to poor finances. I'm sure glad for the the coming of digital keyboards. Those old analog ones sounded great, but broke a lot of backs in the process. Used to play a Pappa Gee's out there a while back, but due to expenses, we just couldn't afford to play there anymore on what they paid. Are there any newer venues out that way? Thanks buddy! Glad you're doing well in post-op. Keep on keepin on! Shannon

Hey Pycca, Having first-hand knowledge must come in handy, as a daily reminder of "what NOT to do" to avoid the ole cath lab. Been there soo many times, I practically know most of the folks on a first name basis. Actually, I have a funny short story about my first experience in the cath lab. While I was being prepped for surgery, one of the nurses came by to... well....shave the ole groin. Turns out it was a friend of mine, and fan of my band, who had been out many times to see us. I had no idea what she did or where she worked. But here she was, dry shaving my personal area, while I lay practically naked in my gown on the table. We both had a good laugh about it. Like I always say, "it's okay to laugh, as long as you don't point!" I see her for every procedure I have in there now, and she has been a great friend and cheerleader. Yeah, I should prolly get on the patch. I'm holding out for the "menthol-patch". Thanks for everything! Shannon

Thanks so much Susan! Yes ma'am, I've lived a pretty fast life up to now, and after 30-something years on the road touring, it finally caught up to me. Plus, I got started WAY to early in this business (age 11 professionally), so I prolly have the innerds of a 70 year old. I'm hoping that serious devotion to recovery, and the lapband procedure, as well as many bad habits eliminated, will prolong me a few more years down the road. Only time will tell, but I believe I have a good chance. Smiles back at ya! Take care up there in potatoville! Shannon

Hi Dody, Thanks for the prayers and encouragement! Same to you, my friend! Yep, I imagine I'll certainly have quit smoking by the time I have bypass surgery. What a wake-up call that is! And yes, I'v ebeen on furosomide (and 21 other meds) for quite some time now. I'm hoping to come off most of them in time...especially the coumadin. That stuff really is rat poison, but I suppose it keeps the blood thin, and avoids any possibility of stroke, due to clots. Bless you and yours, and keep on fighting this deal. You sound like you're really doing all the right stuff. You'll be running circles around most 30 year olds at that rate! Godspeed, Shannon

Thanks Buick 8! Everyone has been so nice and encouraging. Make me want to try even harder. Much luck to you as you get your fills just right. I understand it takes a bit of time, but that things level out pretty quickly in most cases, and you find just the right fit. Take good care! Shannon

Hey Janet & Mikey, Sounds like y'all are oozing with musical talent out there in Keller! Must be nice having the studio so accessable. Checked out Mikeys site. Very cool! Wishing you guys all the success you deserve. Thanks for the encouragement. If you'd like to know a bit more of my background, you can do so below at: http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/bio/0,,2841460,00.html#bio What a small world we live in! Anyway, I'll be sharing my experience online as it progresses. Thanks again! Shannon

Sounds like you're doing all the good, Dody! I still need to quit smoking. Can't seem to stop like I want. Just had my second stent surgery a few weeks ago, and may have bypass surgery a few months after the lap band, according to my cardiologist. Keep on with the healthy lifestyle, and best of luck to you on your procedure, sir! Thanks for the kind words.

Thanks Mikey! Always good to converse with a fellow Texan! Are you a keyboardist too? Shannon

Thanks very much, Jana! I'm sure you're excited. The very best of luck to you. Let us know how it all goes! Hi Cashley. So you've just had it done, eh? That's great! Yes, I'll be posting progress on my website, www.fugitives.com. I need to build a new page for my progress posts. Will post it as soon as I can develop it. Good luck in your continued weight loss! Shannon

Hello, This is my first post to the group. My name is Shannon. I am scheduled to have my surgery on April 28th, performed by Dr. David Provost in Dallas. I'm a 48 year old man from Dallas, now in Arlington, TX. I'm currently at a whopping 286 lbs. I hope to, via lap-band surgery, lose around 120 lbs. in one year. I also intend to document my weight loss in words & pictures, from now until then. I should mention that I have type II diabetes, and congestive heart failure, both of whick I hope will be virtually eliminated by way of weight loss. Either way, It couldn't hurt! I wish success to all who have been thru, going thru or about to embark on their journey. I believe this will be the greatest challenge I've had to overcome so far in my adult life. Please feel free to post or email me with your thoughts, stories, experiences, etc. Good luck to everyone! All the best, Shannon