macdeb59

I agree that it makes one accountable and believe I need to be accountable! Since being banded I've lost 65 pounds. I've lost a total of 80 pounds from my all time recorded highest weight of 2 years ago. I still have a long way to go. I'm approaching midland and then it is on to onderland! People loose at different rates, depends on metabolish, those that are heavier tend to loose quicker at first than those that don't have a great deal to loose. Exercise and how strict you are with your diet plays an important role too. My motivation waxed and wained there for a month or so, but feel like I have found it again. I'm okay with it waxing and waining, I know that I will get there, though it may be slower than what I had wanted, but sometimes I think that is a good think, since I tend to be hard on myself and think it should all just fall off since I've had the surgery! LOL!!

I was very select at first. I was banded on 10-19-06. I did this because everyone had an opinion about it and I didn't want to hear it! I had made my mind up based on my research, talking to the surgeon, dietition etc that this was the best decision for me. Afterwards when people noticed the weight loss etc I did tell them that I had the band. I didn't want them to find out later and they thinking that I did an easy thing, BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW IT WAS NOT AN EASY DECISION. Another reason I tell anyone and everyone that wants to know is because I believe that the band is a really good tool, one that doesn't alter your anatomy permanently, one that is less invasive, cheaper and much less recovery. People are curious, they may need to looose as much as I do or know someone who does and to arm them with the truth about the band and weight loss surgery is something I fell good about doing. If it does help just one person, then that's great.

Hello all Ohio Bandsters! From Dayton area, had my band done on 10-19-2006 and have lost 65 pounds. Surgeon is Dr. Teel from Miami Valley Hospital. We have a support group meeting every month and anyone is welcome to attend. If you would like more info just let me know.

Had my first fill this morning. I don't know how much, he didn't say and I didn't ask! He started with a long needle and it was too long so we went to a smaller one. In all he stabbed me 3 times, BUT it was not painful. The only thing was that they press on your abdomen so they can get closer to the port I guess and that is uncomfortable (for me anyway since I do have an umbilical hernia). I'm on liquids today and tomorrow. I am hungry today! To date I've lost 32.4 lbs. I've had my BP pill cut in half. I'm feeling like I did right after surgery as far as drinking things. I just wish it were like after surgery when I was not hungry! This too will pass and I am thankful that it is not too close to Christmas! Thanks to all those that have had their first fills and posted, it was a big help to know what was going on. It made it much easier!

I made it to TWOterville! I went to my arthritis doc yesterday and got on the scales and 296! I am offically here. I have lost a total of 31 lbs. :clap2: Banded on 10/19/06

Raynie, I do exactly the same thing, and I strip down each time! Way too obsessed with the scales! Before though, I would never step on them except to get them out of my way in the bathroom.

Hi NurseTeresa, Just got my bill from the valley and it was over 23,000 for the hospital alone. I am very thankful for my insurance! Do you have any other conditions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, arthritis, sleep apnea, high BP? You could have your FP send a letter to the insurance co and challenge your insurance company. At Premier Bariatrics they do have a payment plan through a very low interest loan program. Have you gone to any seminars? You can get that information when you go. Don't give up! Debbie macdeb59

Wow Weetsin, maybe you should look at them everyday to believe how far you have come. You look absolutely wonderful and that gives me hope. DeltaDawn looking forward to seeing your pictures too since you have lost over 100 as well. Keep up the great work!:clap2:

Hi Lisa, Live near Fairborn, had my surgery at MVH, Dr. Teel, on the 19th of Oct. Have lost 17 pounds so far. I too have BC/BS Anthem and it was an easy go!

Yes, Thinking about it too! BUT we have to be realistic in what we are going to eat and what we are not. A good thing to do is to decide before you go HOW MUCH OF WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO EAT AND STICK TO IT! If we eat too much and are uncomfortable and puke or PB or whatever then what we had was not worth it! IMHO

Raynie, I had that in the very beginning (banded on Oct 19). I found that if I drank too much then I had pain in my left side actually just under the rib cage. It would take a while to pass, was better if I got up and walked around. Now that I am on soft foods I am afraid to eat too much! I told my surgeon that yesterday at my check up and he said that being afraid to eat too much was a good thing!:heh: Total I have lost 17 pounds, go back for a fill possibly on the 4th of Dec. He said if I was still eating very small meals and loosing then I could just come in and not get a fill, so we will see. I have the smallest band, so I think I must have restriction without a fill right now. Take care alll! Debbie

hey JenniferB! Glad to hear from another Dayton area person. Where are you having your surgery? Let us know how you are as soon as you can. Good luck!

I suppose you could, BUT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THAT? TOO MANY CALORIES! HOLD STRONG, YOU CAN RESIST! yOU ARE SMARTER AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN A SNICKERS BAR!!!! :clap2: I'M APPLAUDING CAUSE I KNOW YOU CAN RESIST!

Today I ate real food! I had 1 oz of very moist dark meat chicken, 1 tablespoon of mashed potatoes, 1 tablespoon of homemade dressing, very moist and 2 mashed up cooked baby carrots. It was wonderful! I have had no problems, don't really fell full but I'm not hungry either, but I'm not eating any more. It was barely enough to fill a small saucer. It was what I cooked for the rest of the family. I am so excited. I know now that I can eat a regular thanksgiving dinner, much less than last year, but I shouldn't have any trouble!

my diet says 3 hours between meals of high proten drink, yogurt etc, sips of water in between. Hope this helps!

From Dayton area as well. Went to MVH and had Dr. Teel as my surgeon. Had a great experience so far. Was banded on Oct 19th. No post op pain or complications. Going to go to work tomorrow. Do you get to spend the night in the hospital or do you have to go home same day? We got to stay overnight at the Valley. Everyone was great. Hope the same is true for you and that you do well!

Liquids are getting boring, that is for sure! I don't know what I will have first next week when I can have soft foods! Will it be mashed potatoes, chicken, applesauce, cooked carrots, unpulverized vegetable soup? I can't wait to find out! Glad to hear everyone is doing well, except for your infection, but antibiotics should clear it up fast. It's interesting that you have 7 incisions, I have 5 and had thought until today that it was usually 4 incisions made. (But what do I know!):cool:

6 days out and doing great! Tolerating liquids and looking forward to mushies. I have not had any hunger so I am glad for that. I'm going to go to work tomorrow and Friday for a few hours each day. I'm getting a little stir crazy at home. My incisions are doing well, had to put a butterfly stich on one. The glue is starting to wear off. I have 4 poke holes and one about 1 1/2 inches for the port just above my belly button. I've not had any problems sleeping on either side, my guess is because the port is not on the side. I'm thankful for all of you that went before me in the month hearing about your progress, makes it easier to know what is coming and that we are not alone in this life changing journey.

Band date October 19th.

Hi threebeauties! Another 19th bandsister! I couldn't agree more, we do have to change and be patient with ourselves. A new normal is on the rise for us and it will be better than ever!:clap2:

Hey moongodess, my bandsister! Take it easy on those beans! Throwing up is a big no-no! I know what you mean though by wanting something of substance! Jello and popsicles are good the first day but then you want some real food! I'm having tomato soup right now and it is so good, something with a different taste. Hang in there all, we are on our way to skinnyville!

I had my banding on Thursday the 19th and doing well. No pre-op pain whatsoever. I have incisional soreness, but no pain. Doing well with liquids but seems like all the liquids are sweet liquids and I want something that tastes different. I have had chicken broth and hope to have some tomato Soup today. I'm not a sweets person, like salty things. I know I have 2 weeks of this stage and then can go to soft foods so hopefully I can hold out and do well. I'm looking forward to being 3 weeks out from surgery. I was up walking as soon as they would let me and believe me I believe it helped with gas pains. I had very little and could tell that it would move around and disappear after walking. I wish the best of luck to all those about to go. Take care all!

Hello all! I am finally heading to bed and then will have to be up early and to the hospital by 5 am for my surgery at 7 am. I know I have some band sisters out there going in the morning as well. Good luck to you all and hope we have an easy surgery and minimally painful recovery! Will let you all know how I do when I get home sometime Friday. Take care all and I will be thinking of all my band buddies! :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit :bandit

:bandit Band day coming up on Thursday, my clock is ticking! On Friday I will officially be a :bandit!