Diane Mast

Hi Denika! Thanks for all the info! The same thing happened to me with the Hickory bunch- I've been going round & round with them for nearly a year now too. But I'm too chicken to be the first ones. That is so cool about you and Makoto's- we LOVE to eat there too (I embroider their shirts). My shop is on Hwy 105 in the shopping center next to the Chrysler dealership. I see that a lot of folks have had Dr. Bauman do their surgery and I am going to try to contact him this week. Was there a bunch of hoops that you had to jump through before he would schedule your surgery? I dread all that. I hope I can get most of it done here instead of having to run to Charlotte so many times. It's a shame the way others judge you by your appearance before getting to know you. My husband is ok with me having the surgery, but he says he loves me like I am and thinks it is unnecessary. He's sweet, but he just can't understand how miserable I am! This time I am going to be selfish and do something just for me. I still feel guilty for spending such a huge amount on a little plastic band. I sure hope it's worth it. Thanks! Diane

Thanks for the reply! I am planning on having my band done in NC. I would like to have it as close to home as possible. Hickory is now doing them, but I don't want to be one of the first! The Dr. in Hickory quoted about $16,000 for surgery, hospital and anesth. They were not sure yet if this included any fills. Charlotte is certainly do-able. I am so excited to know that there are this many bandsters right here in NC! I hope to meet some of you sometime. Thanks! Sew & So

Hi! My name is Diane. I am 48 and I live in Sugar Grove (5 miles west of Boone). I havn't had my surgery yet- I just got the money saved up and am ready to proceed jumping through all the hoops. I have 2 grown daughters & BOTH got married this past year. Two weddings in one year was the ultimate stresser! I am married 30 years (this June) to my highschool sweetheart Mike. I have owned my own business for the past 12 years: Sew & So Embroidery & Screen Printing in Boone. I love what I do and my daughter works for me while she is attending ASU. The only thing I hate in my life is this awful fat that keeps clinging to my body! I'll admit that I love to eat good food and I eat out a lot. This is my last resort. Overall, everyone seems to be glad that they got the band and since the surgery is so much simpler that RNY this is going to be my choice also. I am looking for a surgeon... any suggestions in NC? Thanks! Sew & So

Hi to everyone! I am a new member from North Carolina. I haven't had my surgery yet because I am self-pay and want to find a good surgeon in North Carolina. Any suggestions? I live in the beautiful mountains of Boone Not real sure how use this site since it's a first for me and I don't do much internet surfing. I finally have the $ saved up and now I'm ready to roll! I look forward to "talking" to everyone.