tharris48

I just got back from a week in Germany and also traveled through Austria. I just tried to make a point of eating my proteins first then any veggies or salads. I did gain 3 lbs while on vacation but that was because I could not resist the wonderful breads!! But I am happy to report that I have lost the vacation pounds and back on track :-). Yes, bring protein bars for those in between meal snacks!! Enjoy your trip, Austria was beautiful!!

I just got back from my first fill and happy to report all went well. Doc gave me 2cc to start with and back onto the liquid diet for 2 days, then soft foods for 3 days. The actual fill was fine, he did not "numb" me and even then it was totally tolerable. There was a "stick" feeling like when getting a shot and then he had to locate the rubber spot on the port for injection but that wasn't even bad either. I am feeling restriction right now and will see how it goes over the next few days. Good luck to you all!

I was also banded on 2/25 and my first fill is on April 6 as well! Yes, I am eating more than I want to, but man, I'm hungry!! Hopefully this fill will help us all out. Good luck to you and let us know how it goes! Terri

Coldwater Creek or J.Jill would be awesome to be able to shop at, but then again, I will be happy to shop anywhere in the regular size section :-)

I am riding my stationary bike about 3 times a week and plan on increasing the frequency in the coming weeks. What type of exercise do you like to do?

Yeah, I agree, everyones journey is different but thank goodness we have LBT to come to for support!!

Hi! I was also banded on Feb 25 and so far have healed up quite well. I am down 19 pounds and started back on solid foods a little over a week ago. I am going in for my first fill on April 6. How has your band journey been so far? Terri

Hi, I am retired military myself and use Tricare Prime. I just got banded 2-25-09 at Portsmouth naval Hospital. I started the process last spring with a visit to my PCM and I had to have 6 months of documented nutritional guidance (i.e. WeightWatchers) or some sort of documented weight loss attempt with a nutritionist, which is what i did. I met the BMI requirement of 40 and had no co-morbitities. It took almost a year (10 months) for my particlular case because my surgeon got deployed and i had to wait for his replacement. I can only speak for Portsmouth Naval Hospital and they have done a wonderful job taking care of me through the process.

I just got banded last week at Portsmouth Naval Hospital after waiting 11 months. They did an awesome job and was worth the wait. I would start the referral process through your PCM and see how long it takes to get scheduled for the PNH seminar. It is truly a blessing and worth all the effort pre-op. I have heard great things about WLSC as well so you have two options to consider.

I am retired military and have Tricare Prime. I went to my PCM at Ft. Eustis and told them of my interest in the LB surgery. That was last spring and on Feb 25 I had my surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. You will need to first check in with your PCM and see about a referral to Portsmouth. I think the Bariatric Center there is pretty overwhelmed with surgery requests but you have to check it out. Go to the hospitals website and see if they have more info for you. BTW, Portsmouth did an awesome job and were very easy to work with. I would highly recommend them.....

I got my band 2 days ago and feelng pretty good so far. I am on clear liquids for a few days like everybody else. A bit uncomfortable in the tummy area to be expected but overall feeling pretty good. Had my surgery done at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and they really took great care of me and my new lap band buddies I met there while going through the surgery. We stayed overnight and came home yesterday. Looking forward to the days ahead and less of me!!! Good luck to all my fellow February bandsters!!

Hi all! Do any of you know of age limit for those thinking of having the lap band surgery? My Mom, bless her heart, is in her mid 70's and has yo-yo dieted her whole life with no real lasting success. Well after my 2 sisters have had GB surgery and I am getting ready for my LB surgery, she is feeling pretty down and out about not being able to have some sort of surgery herself. I'm not sure if she has even asked her Dr about it or not. I know its a self esteem issue but it sure does make me feel sad to think of her being so down with her weight. It has kind of put a dampner on my excitement for my upcoming surgery in Feb. She is heavy around her lower half of the body and works out at the local YMCA about 6 days a week. Do any of you know of age limits? Thanks

Hey, my surgery date is Feb 25 too! And we are almost the same age, I am 47! I am in Virginia, where are you? How long has the process taken you? It's been 10 months for my journey to surgery...... I am hoping to lose at least 75 lbs but 100 would be awesome :-) Keep in touch and hopefully we can make the next few weeks fly by... Take care Terri