Big Texas Boy

dhawkins01 · August 9, 2006

Hello all,

New guy here. I live in Texas and am just starting the process of Lap Banding. I go for my first consultation appointment next Thursday (08/17). I have pretty much made up my mind that this is something I have to do. I have been heavy all my life and nothing has seemed to work fo rme. I'm 40 and figure if I don't have this done now, I may have very well already seen over half of my life but if I lose the weight I may live to see 80, heck maybe even 90!

My goal right now is to get banded in January of this coming year.

I look forward to all your suggestions, information and support.

I'll be lurking around here somewhere.

sallyjo · August 9, 2006

Hey, Welcome from another Texan. This board is a great place to start.

Wish I could have gotten this band when I was fourty. I am about 3 1/2 months out and would'nt take for my band.You will find a lot of info here but please remember everyone is different. The band is a great tool and will absolutely work if you work with it.

kittylover · August 9, 2006

Welcome to the site. I have my first consultation on Friday. I have found alot of good topics on this forum and it's helped me understand what to expect with the band. I am curious though on how the supervised weight loss before banding goes. There are alot of wonderful people on this site and are willing to answer any questions they can.

beachgirl · August 9, 2006

Welcome Tex,

You'll love this place. Anything question you have I;m sure someone on here can answer it. I came here a couple of months ago before I went to Mexico for my surgery and I had my first fill yesterday. Not to jinz myself, no problems at all as of yet and lost about 24 pounds in a month.

Good luck and if I can answer any questions for you just PM me anytime.

Welcome

barbara465 · August 9, 2006

Another Texan here. Good information here, but remember many come here for support. That is, they post when something is wrong or going on. There are lots out there that don't post because nothing is going on with them. The band is working great and they have no issues. There are also some threads that are called sticky (have a thumb tack as an icon). These threads have good basic information in them, including what to get before surgery, etc.

Why wait until January. Get a head start now and you will see the new year a slimmer you!! So jealous of those that are doing this younger. However, I've had a good life and never let my largeness define me.

Good luck to you and let us know how you are progressing.

HeatherGurl · August 9, 2006

Welcome from another Texan!

Good luck on your journey... If you have any questions, I would be happy to help!

Elisabethsew · August 9, 2006

Welcome and congratulations on deciding to take action for a healthier and longer life. You'll find a lot of helpful information here so ask whatever questions you might have. My male friend was banded July 1 of last year at 385 pounds and weighs 180 pounds (6' 1") today.

dhawkins01 · August 9, 2006

Thanks for all the good information and encouragement already, I look forward to spending some time here.

Elisabethsew: WOW!! I hope to be so lucky.

TexasTerry · August 9, 2006

Welcome again from another Texan. What surgeon have you decided to go with? I think we are lucky here in Texas as we seem to have several very fine band doc's.

Let us know how you are doing.

Terry

ralheit · August 9, 2006

Welcome Drake and congratulations on your decision. As mentioned before, you'll find all kinds of posts on here, many may sound a little scary at times, but for the most part, none of us would give up our bands for anything. It's not as quick as the bypass, but I believe that in the long run, it's healthier and certainly is less risky. Good luck to you.

kristyinusa · August 10, 2006

Yet another Texan here. I am travelling to Denver, Co to have surgery done, though. Any ideas for how long will have to wait before I can fly home after the surgery?

Pinkylee · August 10, 2006

Welcome all new Texans! If you haven't been banded yet, you'll find lots of support here! Just remember, every surgeon has a different approach on post op care. Follow your own surgeons advice as closely as you can regarding when to add solid foods after surgery. Another pit is to try a get your surgery scars to heal quickly. The scar tissue developing around your port scar helps keep the port in place. One "game plan" is enough to keep up with!

The band is a permanent diet aid--not a magic wand. You have to work at losing weight. The first few weeks are for healing. Everyone wants to lose a lot and fast, but we each react differently and lose at our own pace. Be patient, work the system and you will succeed.

The decision you made takes courage, but you'll be happier for it!

Good luck and God Bless.

dhawkins01 · August 10, 2006

Welcome again from another Texan. What surgeon have you decided to go with? I think we are lucky here in Texas as we seem to have several very fine band doc's.
Let us know how you are doing.

Terry

Dr. Nirmal Jayaseelan

http://www.texaslapbandcenter.com/index.htm