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I'm starting from scratch again. Just found out the new surgeon, Dr. Harry Meyers, does not do lap band - only bypass and the sleeve. I'm very bummed. I really thought I finally had the right surgeon.

-Start excercising right away...it helps with weight loss, gas pain, etc.

-Really chew slowly...if you get stuck on solids, it will hurt

-You are not alone....I haven't shared my surgery with many people and often felt very alone....go on here...it will help!

-Your hair might fall out at alarming rates. My doctor told me that this only happens to bypass patients....so not true! Make sure to get your protein, buy biotin, and remember that it will stop, and will grow back. Mine started 4 months out, and still falls out (less though), but it is growing back in everywhere too!

As far as workouts, I usually do 30 minutes on the elliptical or 30 minutes jogging and power walking. I also do abs and arm weights.

Keep up the good work, and please feel free to write back if you have any more questions...we are all here for each other

I had my surgery in June of 2008, was ok then the port seemed too big, hitting my ribs and causing horrible pain. I had a port revision done in November of 2008 and they put a low profile port in...all was well until a few months ago I started having pain again and port was sitting correctly. We think that perhaps the scarring inside from two ports being placed there (plus I had tumor removed from pretty much the same area years ago) was pushing the port out. So this past Monday (July 20th, 2009) they removed the low profile port from my right side and put a new one in the left side...doing pretty good overall, just tired a lot - but that is too be expected It is funny because some people I work with have asked me if I regret having my surgery (because of the additional surgeries) I always laugh...I love my band, I can finally cross my legs, I can sit in normal size chairs, I feel sexy and beautiful and I am so much healthier

My surgery isn't until November/December! I cannot wait. I am glad to hear things are going so well for ya! Keep me posted!

I don't have much experience b/c I was just banded 2 weeks ago, but please: Go back and get the fill! Don't worry about being embarrassed...you only have to worry about what you think, after all this is your weight and your body.

I have a lot of friends who have had gastric bypass and they have lot's of problems. There are nutritional issues. They have hair loss, bone density issues, and often gain the weight back. It is a painful surgery. YOU already have a built in power tool to help you lose but you have not turned it on yet.

How about if you try the preop diet that you went on again. This will kick start your diet and make the fill seem easy. Then go tell your doc that you never came for a fill and you want to really take advantage of the band. If you don't lose that 30 again right away then increase your exercise. I know you can do it. The hard part is already behind you. I'm praying for you. Good luck

i decided that if the band wasnt going to do it i would. so i got gym membership and started swimming. yes its emabarassing to be in a swim suit, but i promise nobody is going to say anything! i started swimming 3 - 4 times a week, and walking everyday about 2 miles. i cut the mash potatoes and bread, and started making myself soups, with veggies, lentils, beans, any protein sourse, i cut meat, and started making fish, and i have not had a bite of bread since march, once i started doing this the pounds shed off. heres my last piece of advice. DONT weigh yourself everyday! its not steady. and it only made me feel depressed. weigh only once a week, or once every 2 weeks. i have lost 94 pds. but its been hard work, and dedication.gastric bypass is the easy way out, give this a chance you can do it! may God bless you on your journy.

I teach 5th grade language arts. When were you banded? I had my surgery back in November of 08. Have lost 45 pounds.

Aww... you're SO sweet. Thank you. Know that the appreciation is mutual AND you're a teacher too, so you have double my respect!

The list is getting really long (near or around 50 people). Can you believe it? And it's only the 14th of November, so I wouldn't be surprised if that number doubled by this time next month. Updating it is no problem (none at all). Actually, it would make me crazy NOT to have a reference. Organization? Hmm... maybe OCD.

I'll post a new list tomorrow. Take care... and keep chewing!

God Bless,

K

Hey girl!..Did you get a new hair style??..Looks GREAT!...I am scheduled on Wednesday November 18....I am SO excited I can hardly stand myself!!!

hey I just wanted to check and see if everything went well which I know it did but to also tell u that I got my date today and it is set for november 24th... aint God good

Hi Julian. Well actually the 30 lbs is from post op until now. IT's really 36. I lost 19 lbs from surgery until my first check up on November 2nd. I WISH it was 30 lbs since surgery.

My Dr. was Dr. Reich for Southern Ocean County Bariatrics in Manahawkin. He's also a great doctor as well as his staff.

I am feeling awesome and am really not that hungry. I'm on the mushies right now. How are you feeling?

Hi there! I get banded on November 11th also! I'm nervous but I think that is to be expected. I have heard such wonderful things about the band.

Good luck!

Hey how are you feeling? Hope all is well with you. We are trying to meet up this weekend, if you can come? It would be either Saturday or Sunday November 14 or 15

Janiece I keep burping too! My girlfriend had the gastric bypass and is going to stop by and let me sample the vitamins she uses..I believe their called Optisource..she said they help to keep ur hair from falling out. Which vitamins are you using? Glad to hear your home and everything is okay!

I received my surgery date and I literally felt like I hit the lotto?Yeah ME! November 9th ? Just feeling extremely blissful and wanted to share my news with people who could understand and feel my joy!! Wish me luck, strength, courage and healthier days!

i think so... is it called "november 2009 Bandsters" with a picture of a turkey?

Join the november 09 social group. And I believe someone has started a blog in the group.

Hi Stagin

I know exactly what your feeling, the weightloss is slow for me as well, I think I may have gained 2-3 pounds. I go back November, I hope I can get a feel. My number is 910-476-2194

Hey Dr. Mayes.

I'm a newbee and looking for a fill in Boise - around November 16th. It is very important to me that whoever does my first fill has fluroscope. Do you have Fluoro?

Hey girl, congrats on ur date, I get my band on the 25th of November. How's ur pre-op diet going? Or do u have to be on one? Well good luck and November is a good month :-)

thank you so much for ur reply...please let ur co-worker know that this PROUD BANDSTER loss just as much if not more than some1 with the bypass....and i know ur results will be just as good!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi! I saw a post that you made and see that we are both in our 20s and trying to lose about the same amount of weight. You look great! I would love to hear about your journey. I go to a seminar on November 5th, so I am still probably far off in the process. Best of luck to you!

Hi Special K, I am new to the forum. I see you had a lap band meeting last week at Polaris. I am interested to attending a group like that and was wondering if you are meeting again in November? I'd love to chat with others who are have had the surgery or going through the process. I am pre-surgery through OSU and hopefully will be banded in early spring. Thanks so much for the info!

Hello Alice, I am trying to decide for sure between the band and bypass. I have to make my final decision by Monday. Surgery scheduled for the 11th of Nov. I am not comfortable with such a drastic measure such as bypass. Would you do it again? Is it comfortable. How do you like having the port? Mary.

I am so happy things are working out for you! In retrospect, sometimes I feel jealous that I didnt get the gastric bypass because I would prolly arealdy be to goal weight. On the other hand, the surgery risk weight was just so high with the gastric. I felt more comfortable with band knowing they wouldnt be removing parts from my. Just adding one! ...and the fact that it can be removed if necessary was a BIG plus. I dont plan on that, but you never know what could happen down the road, right?