Before we go any further....

[Butta 0]

I should introduce myself. Silly me, I found the intro section weeks after posting my first message. I bookmarked this site prior to surgery, but never went to the homepage.

I was banded 6-28-04, by Dr Shayani @Loyola Hospital. Surgery and recovery were both uneventful. In fact I was up pacing the floors at midnight (ready to go home) I was back exercising by 7-12-04. Fortunately the only health problem I suffer from is back pain. A few years ago my PCP suggested bariatric bypass surgery, but after lurking around on a website like this one, I decided not to pursue bypass surgery. Also the thought of being butchered scared me.

Last year I heard about banding surgery on the news and by searching the web and calling the different hospitals I found Dr Shayani. It took me until March or April of this year to decide to finally make an appointment. I was shocked when I received insurance approval. It was only at this point that I shared my decision with my family. After I assured them that this procedure was a lot less complicated than the bypass surgery both my mom and sister were very supportive.

I am 5' 11" and my starting weight was 314, to date I have lost 231 lbs. (That's 31 off me plus a 200lb ex-boyfriend, who had been previously warned)

I'm still adjusting but glad I did it, I only wish I had found out about this type of surgery sooner. On of the things my Doctor mentioned in his monthly seminar was that he did not have a band inside of him and he learns through his patient. So far you guys have been so helpful and I look forward to sharing the journey.

Butta

[New Hope 37]

Originally posted by Butta

I am 5' 11" and my starting weight was 314, to date I have lost 231 lbs. (That's 31 off me plus a 200lb ex-boyfriend, who had been previously warned)

Butta

That is TOO good! Glad to "know" you a little better!

[Alexandra 55]

Hi Butta!

I love the line about the ex-boyfriend! Going by that scale, I've lost well over 400 lbs in the last 10 years. LOL!!

Nice to meet you. Welcome!

[hagerteresa 3]

Hi Butta,

I got a laugh out of that line too. It is nice to meet you and I hope you come here and hang out often. Best wishes, Teresa

[Iluvharleys 15]

I got a laugh from it too! Welcome aboard!

Betty

[blossom 2]

LOL!!! Loved that boyfriend line! Hi, glad to see you again.

[Zoe 6]

Thanks for introducing yourself, Butta. Just think, those 231 pounds are gone for good. I bet your blood pressure improved after losing that 200-lb. burden!

[PamRN 0]

Hi Butta & Welcome aboard!