::::Waving hi from Colorado::::

[NetteInBoulder 1]

I'm a woman, 41, happily married with one young child.

When I hit 257 (I'm 5'8") I began to research WLS and thought the Lap Band was a brilliant and appropriate solution for me.

I had surgery with Dr. Johnell (Greeley, CO) on 5/9/03 and had a super easy recovery. Surgery on Friday, back to work on Tuesday.

With the band, I've been able to EASILY lose 23 pounds in 12 weeks, even losing while on vacations.

So far, I've never PB-ed though, I have, a couple of times regretted eating so much that I felt pressure or pain. Those incidents taught me to eat less, which is exactly what I had it put in there to do. I must admit wishing I could take it out when I was facing the most beautiful free buffet while on vacation, but in the end, when I lost weight on that trip, I was so glad I had the band.

My family and friends have been supportive and excited about my weight loss. I recently attended a wedding and while I wasn't at goal weight (75 pounds away), I did feel and look good enough not be self-conscious about my weight for once in my life.

I'm in Boulder, Colorado and would welcome any posts or questions. If anyone is within driving distance of Boulder, let me know and I'd be happy to meet sometime if you'd like to hike or talk about the band.

Thanks for taking the time to read this intro : )

Annette

[przyie 1]

Hi Annette.

Isn't the band a wonderful thing! Congrats on your weight loss. I was banded 2/13/03 in Scottsbluff, Ne. and as of today have 76lbs gone forever.

We were on vacation last week and for the first time in many many moons, I went swimming - IN PUBLIC!! It felt great!

Love to hear more on your progress.

Dee

[Guest fireandice]

Hi Annette,

Remember me? Diann from Longmont, another patient of Dr. Johnell's. I'm glad to hear you are doing so well. I'm happy with what I've lost so far too. I'm down 40 pounds since surgery on 3/28/03, and feel so much better! I've actually started going to an aqua kick boxing class!

Do you ever go to the support meetings at his office? I'm thinking of going to the one next week - I haven't been since being banded, and thought it would be nice to talk to other bandsters.

[NetteInBoulder 1]

hi Dee! Congrats on going swimming again in public! I know what you mean. I recently took my little girl swimming at a local rec center and ran into a business colleague and was not completely horrified to be in my bathing suit : )

Diann! Girlfriend! You know I haven't been to any of Dr. Johnell's groups (mainly because of the 1.5 hour drive each way) and I've been curious and wanting to connect face to face with other local Bandsters. So.....I just asked my husband if he'd be cool doing child care that night, he say yes, so I think I'm good to go! Can you remind me of the day and time? Are you in Longmont? If so, maybe I could pick you up on the way and we could carpool??

:::feelin happy::::

Annette

[Guest fireandice]

Hey Annette,

The meeting is Tuesday, August 5th from 6:30-8:00, and I'd love to carpool. I still have your email. I'll send you my phone number and we can set it up.

See ya,

Diann

[NetteInBoulder 1]

Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[leo 4]

Annette, I know what you mean with the pain/pressure feeling. I get that to sometimes, and thats when I just stop eating.

I have lost 21 lbs so far, and eventhough I still am obese, I feel a lot better about myself. And to know that in time I will be at my goal weight really helps me stick to the program..

goodluck!

[NetteInBoulder 1]

Thanks for the support!

It sounds like you and I are similar in our highest weights, our loss so far and our goals. Let's stay in touch for support : )

Thanks for connecting with me,

Annette