MyVinnie

Good Luck Julian's Mom! I'm sure you will do great and have great care at Virtua. For me, I just saw that as a barrier and in fact, wrote Dr. Kipnis to tell him. When you're trying so hard to help yourself and you see that cost, it's one more thing to add to the list of "chores" you have to do to prepare for this surgery. Yes, I have had bridge fare & parking fees but, it doesn't compare with the initial cost of NB. I wish you lots of luck with your surgery. It is a step to improve your life. I've been moderately successful. So far with 2 fills I'm down only 18 lbs. I thought it would be more but apparently my fills have been itty bitty so I'm trying to be patient. My goal for Sept. is 7 - 10 lbs. I'm hoping to meet that by the end of the month when I go back for my 3rd. fill.

I'm sure there are other blogs here with the same title. I am approx. 10 weeks out from surgery and am only 17 lbs. down. I was fortunate enough to lose 28 lbs. before surgery so my total WL is 45 and that is a good thing. However, I'm frustrated that since the surgery I'm only 17 lbs. down and my scale is not moving. I've had two fills and I feel my intake is the same. I am totally off carbs. The only sugar I am getting is from fruit and the little in Splenda. My only vice is a tbsp. of granola on my 0% greek yogurt in the AM. Ok, so I'm not excercising like I should but I'm out there more than ever. Walking is my thing right now - it's what I can do. I do 1 mile per eve. I really need some inspiration. I have set a goal for 7 lbs. for the month of September. I hope I make it. This surgery can not be for NOTHING!!:smile2:

I'm sure there are other blogs here with the same title. I am approx. 10 weeks out from surgery and am only 17 lbs. down. I was fortunate enough to lose 28 lbs. before surgery so my total WL is 45 and that is a good thing. However, I'm frustrated that since the surgery I'm only 17 lbs. down and my scale is not moving. I've had two fills and I feel my intake is the same. I am totally off carbs. The only sugar I am getting is from fruit and the little in Splenda. My only vice is a tbsp. of granola on my 0% greek yogurt in the AM. Ok, so I'm not excercising like I should but I'm out there more than ever. Walking is my thing right now - it's what I can do. I do 1 mile per eve. I really need some inspiration. I have set a goal for 7 lbs. for the month of September. I hope I make it. This surgery can not be for NOTHING!!

I visited Dr. Kipnis last June and wasn't too impressed with him or the New Beginnings Program. In addition, I received a call the very next morning from their office wanting to know when I was going to enroll in the NB program. I was totally frustrated by the cost and needed some time to think about the financial commitment. I went across the river to UPenn - Dr. Schuricht & Dr. Barr. They have years more of experience in this and other WL surgeries. The program there is not only free but they offer so much more support. It's a little more time getting there but, I am so happy with my choice. U of P hospital is rated one of the top ten in the country and the care and follow up is fabulous. This might be another option for any other Jersey folk who are thinking about this or any other WL surgery. Good Luck!!

I am also scheduled for June 17th!! I'm very anxious about the liquids but, we have to do it. My Dr. is 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks mush and then gradually easing back to the high protien. I am only taking off from work 3 days and then working from home 2, so technically I have a week to get myself back into shape. This will be great for the teachers who have the summer to recoup and settle into to the new routine. God Bless us all and Good Luck!!

My date for banding in June 17th and I have to say I'm a little anxious. I have a final 2 hr. nutrition class on Monday and my final Drs. appt. on Thurs. and then the following Wednesday is the day. I'm seeing Dr. Alan Schuricht in Phila. I hope that I can get through these final two weeks - the liquid diet is what frightens me the most. Can I do it? Will I be hungry? I'm concerned with the after effects of the surgery. I know many people have conquered this thing and I want to be one of them. Does anyone have any suggestions for the liquid diet? Any little thing that helped them get through that phase? Any info would be greatly appreciated. :biggrin:

I started this journey in July - dr. visits, support groups, etc. I have 3 more things to accomplish before I qualify for the actual date. Here's the thing - I'm trying desperately to change my diet and it's so darn tough. I've got to get past the food. I've got to get past the food!!! I want to go through with this but it scares the crap out of me. :cursing: