Introduction - New To The Site

[Shannon318 6]

Hi, my name is Shannon. I am also participating in The HeadsUp obesity study though Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA. My surgeon is Dr. Andrew Hargroder.

I have not always struggled with my weight. In high school and throughout my 20s, I remained between 130-140lbs. After the birth of my third child at age 29, I failed to lose weight. I remained around 195-205lbs. Then it seemed each year, I packed on a few more pounds, in addition to health issues (high blood pressure and acid reflux.)

When I was accepted into the study, I was at my highest weight of 254 lbs at 5'3". During the initial phase of the study you are placed on a two week liquid diet and at that point I lost 11lbs and was advanced to the second phase of the study. During the month and a half wait for the surgery approval I managed to keep off all but three lbs of the 11 lbs loss. So at my presurgery consultation with Dr. Hargroder, I weighed in at 246.

I was banded on 5/23/12 and everything went well with no complications. I had my two week post surgery check up 6/6/12 and I had lost 19 lbs!!! I was so excited. I have transitioned to soft foods and I am nervous about eating something that doesn't agree with my band and also counting calories. I am really glad to find this site because I haven't found any support groups in my town. I live in northwest LA but my surgery was done in Baton Rouge. I am looking forward to reading the interesting articles and making new friends so please feel free to add me as a friend!

[mylynn1377 93]

Hi Shannon! Congrats on your band and you weight loss so far. Welcome to the board!

[lassie 247]

welcome, I also was banded at the end of May so we are on the same track. I love the support people are willing to give on this site good luck

Lassie

[DeAna N 229]

congrats to you

[Kadam65 3]

Hello all,

I was banded 11/1/2010 at a weight of 259lbs. I lost 50lbs. In 6 months without much difficulty. I have since fell off the wagon and gained 40lbs. So, here I am, a newbie again. I had an upper GI yesterday to check the band and make sure it didn't slip. Spoke to the nurse this morning. The band is fine. I almost wish it wasn't so I had an excuse....

[lassie 247]

Hello all,

I was banded 11/1/2010 at a weight of 259lbs. I lost 50lbs. In 6 months without much difficulty. I have since fell off the wagon and gained 40lbs. So, here I am, a newbie again. I had an upper GI yesterday to check the band and make sure it didn't slip. Spoke to the nurse this morning. The band is fine. I almost wish it wasn't so I had an excuse....

Well now at least you know Now dust yourself off and get going. Are they going to do a new fill? Hang in there we are all here to listen and give feedback J

Lassie

[readytogoforit 172]

Welcome and congrats on a great start! glad the surgery went well and the lbs are coming off.

Most of us do not have a support group in our area, we really use this site to vent, ask questions and share the great stuff.

Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to try lots of exercise, it feels so good to move!!

Sounds like you are involved with a super program in LA.!

[DeAna N 229]

Ok fresh start don't beat yourself up about the past you can't change it so don't dwell on it just refocus and get.back on the bandwagon good luck you can do it

[TriciaLN 177]

I just joined today as well! Hope to make friends and get encouragment through out this journey.

[jcash 1]

Hello my name is Jessica and I'm 24 years old.. I have been considering the lap band for only like a few weeks now and been doing some research and found this site! I'm going to my first seminar this Wednesday and I'm excited yet nervous. I'm 24 and I havent weighed myself in 2 weeks but Im around 206-208 standing at a tall 5 feet and 1 in lol. My BMI is between 41-42. I have been up and down with my weight for the past 4 years. The most I've lost was 30 lbs but have sinced gained more than half of that back. I've tried everything from getting a personal trainer to weight loss pills. Nothing seems to keep the weight off. I have no self control when it comes to food so I figured the lap band would be the best for me. I'm soo scared as I have never had surgery before except for when I was 5 to have my tonsils removed. I also fear that I won't be approved since to my knowledge and as of my last physical I dont suffer from any health issues, however I have been having pain in my knees lately and diabetes, high blood pressure, etc runs really high on both sides of my family. So I would like to nip this in the butt before it finds me! Is there any advise for me as to my concerns about not getting approved.. And fears about surgery? Any thoughts would help

Thanks!!!

[kah1213 311]

. I'm 24 and I havent weighed myself in 2 weeks but Im around 206-208 standing at a tall 5 feet and 1 in lol. My BMI is between 41-42. I have been up and down with my weight for the past 4 years. The most I've lost was 30 lbs but have sinced gained more than half of that back. I've tried everything from getting a personal trainer to weight loss pills. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Thanks!!!

With a bmi of 40+, you should qualify without a problem. Good luck!

[jcash 1]

Thanks! So I just realized that I should starred my own thread which I have done now.. Lol!

[lassie 247]

Hello my name is Jessica and I'm 24 years old.. I have been considering the lap band for only like a few weeks now and been doing some research and found this site! I'm going to my first seminar this Wednesday and I'm excited yet nervous. I'm 24 and I havent weighed myself in 2 weeks but Im around 206-208 standing at a tall 5 feet and 1 in lol. My BMI is between 41-42. I have been up and down with my weight for the past 4 years. The most I've lost was 30 lbs but have sinced gained more than half of that back. I've tried everything from getting a personal trainer to weight loss pills. Nothing seems to keep the weight off. I have no self control when it comes to food so I figured the lap band would be the best for me. I'm soo scared as I have never had surgery before except for when I was 5 to have my tonsils removed. I also fear that I won't be approved since to my knowledge and as of my last physical I dont suffer from any health issues, however I have been having pain in my knees lately and diabetes, high blood pressure, etc runs really high on both sides of my family. So I would like to nip this in the butt before it finds me! Is there any advise for me as to my concerns about not getting approved.. And fears about surgery? Any thoughts would help

Thanks!!!

HI I am much older and I just got banded. I do have a close friend that had the band three years ago and she is 28, she says it was the best thing for her and she is still getting fills and is in great health.

Good luck to you

Lassie

[fericito 138]

So good to "meet" all of you and best of luck on your journeys!

[lassie 247]

I just joined today as well! Hope to make friends and get encouragment through out this journey.

Hi and welcome lots if good info to come

lassie