Beachy_Babs

I know this may be out of your way a bit by an hour or so, but I definitely recommend Dr. Peter Leport's bariatric team located in Fountain Valley, CA. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. They help you from "hello" to the moment you are ready to get banded. Insurance is a pain in the rear anywhere you go, but with a staff that's personal and helps you stay on track and get everything done to get approved.

Let me join the boat with all of you! Other than having a BMI of 47, I am completely healthy on the inside. (hard to believe, I know). I just went in to see my family practice doctor and blood pressure, sugar level, iron..etc are all good and in the healthy range. Even my doctor was impressed with my internal health. However, due to the weight, my arthritis has gotten worse and it's so hard for me to do much of anything. I try to stay busy by doing laundry and cleaning, but I just HATE having this extra weight on me. I'm so excited for my band on Monday the 2nd. AHHH

Yay! Glad to know that you're happy and got your first fill. I was scared that it would hurt too...I don't like needles! Good luck and keep us posted on your weight loss

Wow 14 lbs is good!! Keep it up I have lost 4-5 lbs so far and my surgery is on Monday. Man, pre op liquid diets are definitely a challenge.

Yay for you guys! I'm less than ten days away and I am soooo excited!

I have never been thin either (My smallest size as a teenager was a 13) and I cannot wait to finally see the TRUE ME! I would love for my arms and legs/feet to shrink. I want to be able to buy a cute pair of heels and actually be able to wear them. And I have never been able to get into the single digit jean sizes so that is a definite goal of mine. There are so many images running through my mind when I try to visualize myself being thin. I guess we will have to wait and see! Good luck you guys

Good job!! Yes you are doing something right!

Oh wow that's great!!! I am on my liquid diet today too... Having a slim fast shake for breakfast and lots of jello.. I want to eat meat and bread sooo bad but staying strong! I'm so glad we have this forum !!

What are you taking for your liquid diet right now??

As much as I would like to lose weight quicker, I would be super proud of myself if I were able to lose 1-2 lbs per week! It would help me stay consistent and dedicated. I am not banded yet..will be in MAY so I won't know how fast my body can lose weight just yet. I don't want the excess skin..or AS much so gradual is good for me! Good luck Keep us posted

Hi there! I am TOTALLY excited that you and I have the exact SAME surgery dates! I will be going in for surgery around 7:30 A.M. May 4th. Don't be scared! Be excited and look forward to new beginnings. That's exactly what I am doing. My husband is the only one who knows and he has been so support with pre-op dieting and hearing me vent about my future as the true "skinny" me. I'm also excited about keeping a daily journal and taking weekly photos to see my progression. My weight losses are so temporary and I usually gain it all back once I have quit the program. I would love to be a chat buddy if you're interested! Good luck with everything!

YAY!!! CONGRATS! 8 lbs is amazing!

Hi NotSoSureYet, my surgery is also the same date, but I haven't been nervous at all. Like you said, the hoops we had to jump through were time consuming, consistent and lots of dedication. So to throw that all away wouldn't be the wisest. I am glad that you are leaning towards the surgery. I am actually VERY, VERY excited to get banded. I have had cosmetic surgery before so that's probably why I have not been nervous about this one. I am too anxious and excited to see my weight loss progess to stop and think of the "what if's." I know you all will be fine and do great with recovery. best of wishes to you all and let's keep each other updated on our surgeries!!

Mindy Lou! I'm going to be banded May 4th! Yay I'm so happy for you Will definitely think of you the day after my surgery to see if yours went well =)

Hi Jennifer! I will be banded next month, but I am so happy for you that you are on your way to a new YOU! Would love a chat buddy too.

Thanks for your inputs! The reviews I have read said they were one of the best tasting vitamins out there...I guess it's not true! LOL I don't mind the taste if it's tolerable, but more so the vitamin content. I think I will order one bottle and see how that goes.

Congratulations!!! I am currently doing my pre op diet for my surgery on May 4th.. Doctor told me to start off this week with two slim fasts and one decent meal of 500 calories or less. Then next week I am completely living on slim fasts! Hope this helps.. Oh and two days before surgery is clear liquids .

Hi there, I'm 22 and live in Tustin, CA if any local banders would like to chat! I would love having a friend on the journey together.. Will be banded May 4th 2011!!!!!

Hi there! I am getting banded by dr. Leoport's surgeon group! I have met with dr. Kelly Francis and she seems very calm and nice. Dr leport is the same way. We are friends on facebook! I highly recommend this group to anyone in the orange county area

Hi there, I am having my surgery on May 4th and my entire family does not know. My husband is the only one who knows and has been very supportive of my decision. I chose not to tell my family because they are very judgmental of weight loss surgery. I will eventually tell them after I have seen success in my weight loss. No need for unnecessary stress before surgery. I know others will say "how can you not share this even with your parents?" well... My parents are traditional Asians. They have never been over 140 lbs therefore their train of thinking is narrow when it comes to struggling with weight. I don't need people judging me for making this decision. I will let the results tell them!!

Hey ccblue! Congrats on the same date! I am in orange county, california. I met with my surgeon and I'm currently doing a slim fast diet to get healthier for the surgery. So excited!!!

My surgery date is May 4th, 2011!! I have been waiting since October because my insurance had put me on a waiting list and now the time is here! I cannot wait and good luck to you!

YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!! I NEEDED THIS. THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU LOOK AMAZING AND SO BEAUTIFUL!

I understand EXACTLY what you are feeling. Why do I understand? Simply because my surgery date isn't until May 4th, 2011. So you have MUCH better than I do, but I still understand the disappointment. Hang in there. Keep thinking positive and like others have mentioned, be happy you have a set date. Others are anxiously waiting for the call of approval and you are one step from the finish line with this waiting process. Keep your chin up because I'm doing the same thing. May is really far away from now, but hey, I'm still just as excited.