atgoalgal

Who you choose should be, in part, influenced by where you live and/or work. Plan to see your doctor 9 - 12 times during the first year. Focus on a great surgeon, who has done a lot of bands and has a practice that emphasizes aftercare. My surgeon is Dr. Billy (Ventura County). I can't say enough wonderful things about him and his practice. I'm 4 years out, and have been maintaining my goal weight for 2 years. Dr. Billy has been my head coach on this "Banded Living" journey. If you are lucky enough to live near Dr. Billy, I would highly recommend you go see him. I was cash pay; his prices are competitive and he offers cash programs that include your follow-up which is critical. Best of luck. Congratulations on your decision. Gloria

I had a very different experience with Dr Billy and his staff. I found that his office staff always goes the extra mile to do the right thing for the patient. As a doctor, I can't say enough about Dr. Billy. He is an incredible surgeon, but he is also completely committed too the success of his patients. This doctor loves what he does and is great at it. He is both passionate and compassionate. He is also on top of the latest research and trends and incorporates those into his practice. Dr. Billy has built a practice that focuses on after-care. He understands what it takes to help his patients be successful. The office staff is great too!

Hang in there! Listen to your doctor about any special diet he/she wants you to follow. I would recommend making a list of your favorite foods and looking up the Protein grams and calories per serving. Some practices tell you not to worry about calories - so listen to your doctor. It's a great time to get really familiar with your favorite high protein choices, and incorporate those into your diet. You may also want to start testing out Protein drinks to find our which ones you like and which ones you hate; you'll need those protein drinks during your post op period. You may also want to think about whether you are going to tell people about your plans to have surgery or not. That was a huge decision for me. I guarded my secret, afraid that I would fail again. Now, I'm telling everybody, because I know I have found my solution, and I feel I have a responsibility to advocate for others.

To outside looking in, Wondering where you are in your journey. For me the band made the difference of "needing to come up for air." If you are early in your journey and want to ask questions, please feel free to PM me. I really get a lot our of paying ot forward. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Dear GraciesMom, Congrats on making this decision to take care of yourself. Your surgery date is the beginning of your journey. Do you have everything you need for your first days after surgery? Please keep us all posted. I have so many tips and tricks for how to use this tool along the way.

Your band can be the tool to help you lose the weight and keep it off for life. I was fat all my life, starting in early childhood. I hit the 200's in high school like you, although my BMI never got much above 40. I can share with you that my lapband mentor, who was banded more than 5 years ago, started at over 400 lbs, and has been maintaining, in the 170's for a few years now. If we can do this so can you. I have managed get to and maintain my goal weight by working this tool and weathering the ups and downs. The first question you might want to ask yourself is how am I going to learn to use this tool, rather than asking if "it" is going to work. That's something my surgeon, an incredibly experienced and compassionate man, drummed into me from the beginning. Keeping that in mind has served me well. Feel free to PM me or respond on this board. Getting my band and learning how to work it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I'm here to help!

Dear NJBFW Life seems to go on - even with our Bands. I also went through my mother's cancer. I feel for you. Be gentle on yourself but at the same time make sure you take care of yourself. Isn't that what your mom want for you? Remember you have this tool to help you. If you are having trouble keeping solids down, and you haven't had a fill lately, you may be irritated. Have you tried going back to liquids for a day or two (protein drinks and water, mainly), then reintroducing mushies, then solids? I've been in this situation, and have found (by doctor's orders) that this can really work. When I kept trying to eat small amounts when I was laready irritated, it made things much worse - I mean really bad! If this persists you should really check in with your surgeon's office. Remember you are in this for the long haul. By all means, run, don't walk to your support group. There is nothing like the help, support and experiences of other banded people. I hope this helps. Gloria banded 8/16/2006 100% EWL and a size 4 it's not the easy way out, but if I can do this so can you!

How are you doing with your liquids. Did your doctor give you Protein guidelines. Please feel free to ask any questions? This is a great time to revisit your goals for surgery? Do you have goals other than specific weight loss numbers? Do you have health goals, or things you are hoping to be able to do. If you haven't done so already now is a great time to write those things down. A few other suggestions. Prior to surgery, make sure to stock up on things you will need for the first few days after sugery. Bring a pillow with you to the surgery. It really helps in the car on the way home, and if you are staying overnight in the hospital. Also take a full length picture, facing directly into the camera. My mentor encourage me to take that picture, and though it was painful to do, I'm so happy I have it now. Stay in touch.

What a great story! Your pics are incredible. You go girl!:confused:

It's great to find you here as a mentor. You were my my mentor for the last 3 1/2 years. I never could have been as successful as I have been without your endless support. You are the best!

A PM is a private message. You can send one by clicking on the picture to the left of a post. I set up my avatar (picture)but it doesn't seen to be working, but I tested clecking o my user name. That will bring up a list, on of them is send a private message. Now back to you and your surgery, what are your specific goals for surgery? Have you decided if you are going to tell everyone in your life about it? Looking forward to helping you.

Congratulations on your decision to take back your health. This can truly be life-changing! I'd be happy to be there to support you in the process. At 3 1/2 years out, and with the help of a lot of great people, I'm at goal and maintaining for over 1 1/2 years. I really enjoy paying it forward. If you'd like you can PM me.