Fran

I was a self pay and had the surgery on August 31, 2006. Down 102 pounds and happy. Do it and you too will be happy. Good luck and be well. Fran

HI, Thank you for your good wishes. I walk as often as I can. I have "wings" on my arms and my thighs are hanging. I look good in clothes but not out of them. Breakfast is a shake and a fruit, lunch is a salad with some protein, and diner is usually fish, chicken, a salad and vegetables. I munch on cheese (I do not like fat free) and fruit and a lot of water. It is not easy, but well worth it. I wish you continued success. Fran

I started at 288.6 and now am at 184. The doctors office said 175 is goal, but I would like to go lower. Thanks and good luck to you. Fran

Hi, I was banded on August 30,2006 (not yet a year ago) at the age of 57. To date I have lost 102 pounds and feel wonderful. I would do it again, and I was a self pay. Hope you have continued success. Fran

Dr. Kwon is super and his office staff is wonderful. No problem is too much for them. They make you feel as though you are their only patient. The support group is great. I was banded August 30th.2006 and have lost one hundred pounds. You cannot miss with this group. Fran

You look wonderful. Did it hurt? Did insurance cover it? May I ask how much weight you have lost? Thanks/ Fran

Hi, I think I answered you a week or two ago, but please listen now. I too have a bone marrow malignancy and I was a self pay at the age of 57. Since 08/06 I have lost 100 pounds, and my bone marrow is better than ever. My mother gave me a hard time, and my daughter would show me baby food in the super market and make fun of me. DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO> We did for them all these years and now it is OUR TURN>Do not let anyone, anyone talk you out of this. If the doctor says he can do it GO AHEAD. Perhaps, as I have found out, they are jealous and feel threatened by our continued success. I wish you health. Fran

I had my surgery in Port Jervis with Dr. Kwon. A self payer with two major insurance companies rejection (attorneys appeal in process) I paid 22,200 which included the hospital, etc. One year of free fills. Do not know the cost afterwards. Banded 08/30/06 and it will be one year soon. So far down 100 pounds. Good luck and be well. Fran

Chicken, Chicken And More Chicken

Hi, Recently hit onederland and am thrilled. Went from 288.6 in August 2006 to 188 today. Not easy, but I am doing it. You all have done well, and remain a source of inspiration to me. Be well, and do good. Fran

Well, jumping lizzards aside, I could not live without my lap band. I call it my PAL as LAP spelled backwards is PAL> Fran

Hi, I was told by my doctors office to take Biotin (Vitamin H) and it helps. Can be purchased at Walmart. Good luck Fran

EVVO is extra virgin olive oil

The best of luck. You are lucky, I was a self pay but the results are worth evey bit of the money. Be well. Fran banded 08/31/06 Dr. Kwon, Port Jervis, New York lost to date 90 pounds

I was banded on a Wed. and went back to work the following Monday. People take off more, and I have heard stories that some go from the hospital to the office. I wish you luck. Fran

You have been nothing short of wonderful and have responded to my questions with sincerity and knowledge. So what if you went off a little-"sticks and stones---------" Put it behind you and go on with the good. Fran

I was told to do liquids-shakes, etc. for 2-3 days after the fills. Perhaps the doctor meant 2-3 days. and not weeks. It is worthwhile to ask again. Fran

The world has gone nuts. I think some TV shows that promote violence and video games add to this insanity. There is nothing that anyone can say to help the hurt of the parents and loved ones from todays masacre. The only savings grace is that he is dead and cannot do this again. Where are we safe? Fran

She is beautiful and I wish her a long and happy healthy life. She is so precious and perfect. Good luck to you and yours. Fran

Hi, Perhaps the insurance will not pay for the procedure as you do not have 100 pounds to loose. It was my last attempt at loosing and after 7 months and 88 pounds down I am glad I did it. I was a self pay. Be well and good luck. Fran

Perhaps if George Bush had twin sons he would reconsider the masacre of our male population for a war that NO ONE wants. Fran

About one month ago I had terrible pains and thought I was stuck or that my band was coming out of my stomach. This happened two weeks in a row after a loss of about 50 pounds. The doctor told me to go to the hospital and the gallbladder had to come out. The surgery was nothing and there was little follow up care or pain. The pain from the bad gallbladder was worse than giving birth. I heard that when someone has bariatric surgery the gallbladder is removed automatically. I told the surgeon to take out anything that did not look good!! Post op-no problems. Be well all. Fran:clap2:

I paid 22,200 so I should be more pissed off!!

I have also used Dr. Kwon in Port Jervis upstate New York. He is a wonderful surgeon and his support follow up staff is the best. Fran

I agree that iceberg is the easiest one to get down. Romaine was a killer for me. I also cut the skin off the cucumbers, and will spit out tough tomatoe skins. Good luck/ Fran