New Member

sassaay · September 29, 2003

Hi, I am new to this forum. My name is Anne and I am thinking about having LapBand surgery. Still doing my research and learning as much as possible.

I am very thankful that there are forums like this one to help me in this process. I want to go through this with my eyes wide open, learning about the good and the bad. I am not looking for an easy fix... I think we all know that those don't exist. I am looking for a tool to help me with the day to day challenges I face with eating healthy and exercising.

I find that nothing is more frustrating that trying your best and still not succeeding.

Thanks for listening.

Best to all,

Anne, a.k.a. - Sassaay

Lulu · September 29, 2003

Welcome, Anne - you came to the right place! This forum is where I was convinced that the lap band is the ONLY way to go! On another forum a gentleman made a comment that I just love. When someone told him that their surgery was the Cadillac of WLS, he said that HIS was the skateboard! Both can get to the same destination; the skateboard just takes a little longer with a little more effort on his part. (And a lot safer, too)

As many of us have done in the past, at the beginning of the year we make resolutions to finally lose that 50 or 100 lbs; just one or two pounds a week is all that it takes. After many, many, many, many years of NOT achieving this goal, when I am finally banded it really won't matter to me if it takes a while to lose this weight - because I know that this time it WILL come off and STAY OFF.

I have found that there is NO question that can't/won't be answered by this wonderful group of people. Best of luck to you!

Alexandra · September 29, 2003

Hi, Anne, and welcome!

I'm glad you found us. I too found internet research absolutely mandatory while I was thinking about surgery. In fact, the only in-person research I did was attend my surgeon's required "seminar" -- and if that's all I did I'd never have had surgery. It was a complete bust.

You should also check out Smartbandsters on yahoogroups. It's a very busy list but it has some of the most consistent and wisest posters I've seen anywhere.

Nice to "meet" you!!

sassaay · October 2, 2003

Thanks Lulu and Alexandra... I appreciate the warm welcome and I look forward to reading all the posts!

Lindaloo · October 8, 2003

Hello Anne,

I also did TONS of research on the net. One place I found helpful was ObesityHelp.com. On that site they list surgeons by state and this can be helpful in helping you find a surgeon. Perhaps more importantly, it can put you in touch with other people who have used your surgeon and can tell you their experiences with him/her. The site is mostly people who've had RNY or DS, but there are some bandsters there. I have a profile there, under the name "Linda Trzos."

I'm not banded yet, but will be Nov. 14th.

Good luck

linda

255/255/145

preband

Posted October 14, 2003 · October 14, 2003

I´m glad you´ve made up your mind in doing something about your weight , because that´s the first step, CONGRATULATIONS!!! .. I just got banded about 7 weeks ago in Tijuana, Mexico with dr. sergio verboonen. I feel great and I´ve lost almost 20 pounds, but I have 160 more to go:rolleyes: , but if you´re searching for options check out his web page, I really recommend it!!! it´s:

www. obesitygoodbye.com

Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!!! Have a beautiful day!!

sassaay · October 15, 2003

Hi Lindaloo & fairyalison77,

Thanks for the additional info... I will check out your recommendations. This is really a great group of people. Everyone is so helpful!!

Good luck to the both of you! I look forward to keeping up with your progress.

Thanks again,

Anne :cool:

sassaay · October 15, 2003

Hi Lindaloo & fairyalison77,

Thanks for the additional info... I will check out your recommendations. This is really a great group of people. Everyone is so helpful!!

Good luck to the both of you! I look forward to keeping up with your progress.

Thanks again,

Anne :cool:

jadrad7 · October 16, 2003

Welcome!

I just wanted to say that while you are contemplating which to do, you may as well sign up and get the paper work started. It takes anywhere from 4 to 12 months to actually get scheduled for surgery. By the time you actually get a date, you have had plenty of time to consider and research everything. It is frustrating to have to wait when you finally decide. It took 7 months after i called, got the papers to fill out, returned them, then i waited, and waited for that phone call to come in for a group meeting, Then i got my list of test to get completed before i would get a date. It was then 2 More months before i was actually operated on. What a long process!

Good Luck!

Lindaloo · October 16, 2003

I agree. This process took me eleven months.

Lioness81970 · October 16, 2003

Welcome to the group!! This is one of the best places to get some great information. When I found this group I wasn't really sure if that's what I wanted to do or not. I am a BIG baby when it comes to surgery and that was one of the main reasons that I couldn't go with the gastric bypass. Then I started reading these posts and it was all I needed to do to make the final decision. I will be banded on December 3rd - that is the BEST Christmas present I could ever ask for!!! It would be best to start the process now. It could be a long process. This way if you DO decide to have it done you will be well on your way to getting it done and if not you don't have to go through with it. I was one of the lucky ones!! Went to first doctor's apointment on Sept 25 and surgery is scheduled for Dec 3rd. It also has to do with the type of insurance you have!!!!:Bunny