Mindful

Hey Everybody, I"m really getting in to this Ohio Forum. I was thinking it may be a great idea to ask brand new folks to give an introduction of themselves here so that later if we are reading posts from people and we can't remember what's up, we can refer back to here. I'll start and I look forward to hearing about all of you. Well, first I waned to share more about myself. I am 36 years old, single (well divorced many years ago) and most times, rather isolated. I've let my weight over the many years be the reason I don't get out and do much. I need to lose a hundred pounds to be where I'm comfortable. I'm living in Columbus, Ohio but this is not my dream to stay here. I'm pursuing a licensure in community counseling (this will officially allow me to a therapist) and I hope to specialize in eating disorders. I also hope to specialize in disordered eating behaviors. By this, I mean that many folks out there may not necessarily meet the criteria for a full-fledged eating dirsorder and I think the disordered eating behaviors they do warrant attention and understanding. I have a history of an eating disorder, sometimes ranging from bulimia to anorexia to binge eating and simply disorder eating behaviors/thoughts. Fortunately I have done a significant amount of work with food additions and I do believe that the thoughts don't necessarily go away; rather we get stronger to fight against them. Personally, I use food when I am at home watching tv, when I can't sleep, when I've got something yummy in the house (in those circumstances I can't seem to let myself just have one piece). I think the band will help all these issues, I have two cats, Snickers and Triskett, and they are my children. One of the reasons I chose the band was so that in a year or two I may be able to have a child of my own. I hope, as the weight comes of, that I will be able to increase my social situations because I'm very easy to talk to and have a genuine sense of concern about people. I am being banded on 1/10/07 with Dr. Schumacher. I go for pre-admission testing the big 3-hour class where I'll get my post-op meal plan. Fortunately, I don't have to be on a pre-op plan. WHO's NEXT?

Hi Everybody: Sorry I kind of slipped off the face of the earth!. I had a lot going on. I'm doing great. I'm still losing regularly - I'm at a BMI of 33 now and I've lost 32 pounds since my surgery on January 10, 2007. I am now a size 14-down from 18! I am no longer living in Ohio. I moved out to Denver, Colorado about two weeks ago for graduate school - totally LOVING it! I transferred to a new fill doc named Dr. Tillquist in Denver. My first appointment is next week. I'm at 2cc for my band and really just doing great. I have done absolutely no exercise yet (still gearing up for that). I've been able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want (yes, and that includes all my sweets. So, life is good. I really don't do any support groups - the band was really all I needed. My big goal is to lose another 10 pounds before my cruise in June! So, I'm hoping to start exercising here soon. I've missed you all and I'll try and start posting again. That is, if you'll still welcome a Coloradan! See you, Paige (Mindful) Banded: 1/10/07 221/189/135 (start/now/goal) Kettering Bariatrics-Dr. Schumacher

Just wanted to encourage you Linadu. Don't claim to have the answer but know I'm right there with you rooting you on. Bad news....have to beg out of the lunch on 3/5. Just got a job and have to work on Mondays. I re-scheduled Dr. S on 3/15 at 11:45a. I could do lunch then. But, I think you should all still go and just tell me all about it later. I'm doing fine but REALLY tired today - had company all weekend so ready for a nap. See ya, Paige

Debbie: You didn't dream that. He told me full liquids - anything you can think of. I was on soft foods within a week after that. Take Care!

Extra Extra: What: Bandster Lunch When: March 5th, 12 noon Where: O'Charleys Okay, all. Lunch on March 5th to be at O'Charley's Restaurant. It's the one by Dayton Mall. See link below for a map. Also, here is the address/phone for directions: 2260 Miamisburg Centerville Road Dayton, OH (937) 434-7639 http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=Dayton&state=OH&address=2260+Miamisburg+Centerville+Road&country=us&zoom=7 This time since so many have expressed an interest, PLEASE email me at mindfulpea@yahoo.com and provide an RSVP along with a phone number so we can reach everyone should it get canceled or something. I also think I'll give O'Charley's a heads up if the number gets more than 8. I hope some come from other areas to join us. Okay, I'm looking forward to meeting more and more of you. Mindful

Hey Guys: I, and I'm sure I'm in the minority, LOVE the snow! I have a 4-wheel drive so it's been easy to get around here in Columbus anyway. We didn't get 15 inches like Dayton did though. Linadu: Enjoy your day off????? :notagree I'm so happy for you that you made your goal - you go! :mad: (what exactly does that #2 mean, shouldn't it be #1). Anyway, thanks for the info regarding the restriction and fills. So weird, I guess I ultimately did experience the norm. You feel that restriction big time for the healing phase and then boom, right back to normal eating. Thanks goodness I haven't gained anything back. I'm just sitting still. I know the band is keeping me from overeating by far but hopefully my next fill coming up in a couple weeks will get me on the way. RosieG: I feel so bad for you....:cry :cry I just want to encourage you to not to let yourself get too down. It WILL happen. I need some help, everyone. We're meeting for lunch on March 5th at 12noon. WHERE? What are the restaurants down there by Dr. Shu's office. I know Baby Boomer is really busy with Heart Month so let's go ahead and pick the place so everyone can make plans. Any ideas? Have a good night

Hey Debbie: Don't fret. Just drive carefully. Besides, I bet not too many will be up yet! Good luck and I'll be thinking of you!

Insurance companies, in large part, dictate where people can get their surgery. I happen to be familiar with nearly all the clinics in Central Ohio and they ALL offer good aftercare and support groups. The distinction I am making is that there is an area that is lacking that Cinci Wt Loss recognizes and provides support, unlike the rest of the clinics. They only do band; therefore they only provide aftercare for the band. Many of the other clinics are still not large enough yet and therefore combine the support groups to RNY's and the band. This is unfortunate. I wouldn't say that this is an underserved population. I would just think that if a clinic is already offering a band-only support group, why not allow others to come, especially once the post-op period is passed and the diet is really the same. And, if you will be there to serve this need, when is this going to happen?

I am very happy with where I went and I'm not upset with the product that Cinci Wt Loss delivers - I think Cinci is a great clinic and is doing good things. Unfortunately, other clinics aren't large enough yet to offer band-only support. The clinic I went to offers a huge after-care approach but it's not local for me nor is it band-only. Cinci Wt Loss has an opportunity to be there for all as JohnnyMobs says. So, why wouldn't it offer a band-only support group for all. I agree that doctors do prescribe VERY different pre-op and post-op diets for the initial phases. But, once the post-op period is over, it's all the same. Exercise, low-calorie and the band is only a tool. Again, just my opinion - it's the way I would feel if ANY clinic were doing this - nothing personal against Cinci (they just happen to be the only clinic in Central Ohio that offers band-only support that restricts access to non-patients).

Hey All! RosieG: I am SO sorry for you. Just know that you are thought of and it WILL work out. You've waited a while and this will be the last hurdle. I'm sure you'll have it before long; besides this way you can enjoy the snow we're in. I LOVE IT! Disco & Daughter: I just wanted to wish you good luck and god speed. It will be a breeze. The hospital staff (in addition to Dr. Shu) is EXTREMELY helpful and SUPER nice. When I did a search, Sycamore was the only hospital that had -0- complaints about customer service. So, my thoughts will be with you and DRIVE SAFELY in the morning. They say the snow will stop around 6a. Please post and let us all know how you are doing. Oh and don't forget to WALK. OH RAIN...Yeah, back to normal - so glad to hear it. Please do come for lunch on the 5th. Baby Boom Barbara is picking the restaurant so as soon as she gets back to me, I'll post the location. She's busy with Heart Month right now as a volunteer. Well, guys - I'm down this week because I didn't lose in the last 5 days and I don't feel that restricted. In fact, I don't feel any more restricted than I did before the 1cc. I'm definitely restricted more than I was before the band and can only eat small amounts. But, I didn't lose this week and I'm hanging around 199. Course, I could be exercising by now. Dr. Shu did release me to start last week. So, I'm probably griping and not working too hard this week. I need some veteran encouragement. Well, enjoy the snow everyone! Mindful

Glad to hear Juli got her date. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person and we got to swap stories. Congrats. How bout this weather? I love it - I know I'm probably in the minority but snow is my best friend - he he he! Thanks for introducing yourself, Juli

Perhaps you could start by addressing why Cinci Wt Loss refuses to open the doors on its support groups. Band-only support groups are in great need in the Columbus and Dayton areas. There are many many people out there that have banded by other doctors and it would seem that you could ultimately get MORE business by opening your doors. To say that the groups are closed because of the differences in diet seems a smaller problem to deal with than to contribute to the lack of live bandster support. I think it's great that you are a new surgeon to the clinic and that you are banded. What a great and valuable resource, especially in an arena where the RNY is still pushed by so many surgeons still. I know your expertise will be valued by many many people. But, as you said, you'll give your professional opinions despite that people should listen "officially" to their own surgeons - couldn't the support groups be the same way?

I would be cautious before choosing Cinci Wt Loss, IMHO

I respectfully disagree regarding Cinci Wt Loss. They never returned my call. They refuse to allow other bandsters in their support groups. It makes no sense to "close" out others from getting support. They "say" it's because they tell their patients to do things different but that's bogus - the diet and exercise is all the same for everyone after the banding is done. Doctors and clinics should work together to ensure overall health and support for all, and not be so snobbish, IMHO. The clinic I went to is completely open for its support groups.

Hey Debbie: Okay, don't know about the filters but I can tell you the anesthesia is a breeze. I've been put under more than a 1/2 dozen times and it's just going to sleep. You just take a breath and then you wake up in a different place (your post-op bed). I ate taco bell the night before and stopped eating around 9p altogether. I was STARVING by the time I went in to surgery because my procedure was delayed and we didn't start until 2p the next day. I didn't buy protein powder or popcicles. I only bought a little soup, oatmeal and pudding. I did buy glucerna and slim-fast supplements. Quite honestly, what I bought I didn't even use except for the pudding. I gave away all the supplements and I still have the broth and soup. When you leave the hospital you're on full liquids. So, I got away with milk, pudding, oatmeal. I ended up back in the hospital (as you know) and spent mostly the next two weeks NPO (nothing by mouth) entirely. But, when I left hospital after my gall bladder surgery, I had graduated to soft foods and was on real food within three days after that. So, have fun and don't sweat it. It should be a breeze. The gas pain hurts like hell (in my opinion) and the Gas-X did nothing. I just kept using my pain killer and burped/*&*(& as often as possible!! Oh, and walk, walk, walk. The walking is ESSENTIAL and REALLY makes a difference. I walked at least 20 laps in the hospital after both surgeries. I start working out next week and my weight loss has slowed to only 1.5 pounds per week which is exactly what I want - I want it to go slow for a number of reasons. Well, take care and stay in touch. As far as I know, I'll be coming still in March. Depends on whether I'm still losing - I may not need the next fill. Talk to you later and good luck.

Hey, Where is Everybody?? How's the week been for everyone? Hey, Newbies - tell us more about yourselves. Carolyn, we are meeting again in March - please come. DiscoDiva: How did the testing go? Blah, just come and blurt! Paige

I also just wanted to add, Mike, that it is worth the drive to Dayton for me because Sycamore Hospital was top notch and Dr. Schumacher is the nicest man ever. Anyway, let us know what you decide. Mindful

Hey Debbie: I just wanted to say welcome. I usually post on the Ohio, Let's get this started thread so I'll see you there. I just want to encourage you - it IS a long process but so worth it. I've been banded only a month but so far have lost a good amount of weight. I just got my first fill this week and I'm loving it. Welcome and I hope you get your date soon. Mindful (Paige)

Hey All! Well, got a 1cc fill yesterday. Really feel it today. Ate half as much as yesterday. Only about 750kcals total and most of it came from the milk I drank. I also got my clearance to exercise so I'll be starting with physical therapy and go from there. We had fun at Bob Evans yesterday. We are planning now to meet on March 5th for lunch, restaurant pending still. I hope more of you will join us. OH Rain Tree: How's it going? I'm glad you are on the mend but I still want to check on you - keep us posted. Anyone out there struggle with isolating? Would love to hear more. Oh, yeah - for those enquiring minds. I joined e-Harmony today - we'll see.......... Have a great evening :clap2:

Dear Group: I'm so sorry I haven't posted. Somehow my "notifications" got messed up. I had set my PC to notify me whenever anyone posted and I wasn't getting any so I made the assumption that no one had been posting this week. Anyway, imagine my surprise when I saw that several had along with some new people. Anyway, first off, welcome to the new people I've seen. I hope you stay a part of the group and join us today for lunch at Bob Evans. Lisann and Barbara: I'll see you later this afternoon for lunch. Invite to ALL: Bob Evans, 12:00 noon (or anytime within the hour), location is the one at the exit off I-75N at Miamisburg-Centerville Road. OH Rain Tree: I hope you are feeling well. I know you were banded on 1/31. So, I'm thinking (unless you had some minor complications) that you are feeling better by now. Please let us know how you are doing. I'm thinking about you. DiscoDiva and Daughter: Have FUN today at your testing. The class you go to is VERY informative and the instructor is as nice as can be. They do give you a break from about 11:30-12:30 so feel free to join us is you can. As for me, doing okay. No more complications. My weight loss has slowed a bit. I'm losing about 2 pounds per week. I have my first follow up today (hence, the lunch meeting in Dayton). My dietician asked me NOT to get a fill yet. She thinks I'm losing just fine so I doubt Dr. Shu will give me one. I don't know my weight currently because my scale is on the fritz but I have dropped below the 200 mark - YEAH!!! I haven't really started exercising much yet. My energy level is below zero, like the weather. I've gotten a little anemic and until I see my primary doc to check the hemoglobin level again, I still can't exercise. But, if Dr. Shu gives me the okay today, I'll be starting my PT for my back this week. I've been able to eat around 1300 kcals per day. I'm not getting the fluids like I need yet but I'm working on it. Well, to each of you: Have a wonderful day. If you are considering the band, feel free to ask any of us anything. I love my band and it's really doing the job so far, even without a fill~ Blessings!!! Paige

Hi Debbie: Yes, that's Monday, 2/5 at 12noon. Bob Evans right there at the Miamisburg/Centerville exit at 75. Hope you come. So far we have 3 and hopefully more will surprise us and come. Bob Evans is great for being able to find something for whatever phase you on with the food. See you there!

Hey All: Just checking in. Weight loss just hit 20# today. Can't believe it - feels too fast! I'm not experiencing ANY bandster hell and I feel I have a lot of restriction without any fill. Strange. I see Dr. Shu on the 5th so I wonder if he'll recommend anything different. Strange though, my stomach still feels a bit swollen, maybe from gall bladder because despite being down 20# in 17 days, I still can't wear my jeans long and these are the same ones I wore comfortably before the weight loss. Must still be swollen and a bit tender with pressure. I wasn't thinking I'd lose this fast. I'm glad but a little concerned. I doubt it's still Fluid weight. I haven't started exercising yet because I'm still a bit tired and after running errands I feel pretty fatigued - after all it's been only 6 days since the gall bladder came out. Well, see everyone later. So far, Linadu and myself are confirmed for lunch on the 5th, 12noon at Bob Evans near Dr. Shu's office. Anyone else? I think Baby Boomer is coming too. DiscoDiva: Yeah, congrats! Please consider joining us for lunch even though you aren't banded yet. Carolyn: Only a few more days.

Carolyn: Yeah!! I am so excited for you. These last five days will go VERY fast. I was wondering what happened to you lately. Good to see you back. Anyone else up for lunch on the 5th?

Hey All: I've been out of commission once again. Back in the hospital. But, thankfully they found the problem to be completely unrelated to the band insertion. It was my gallbladder. I had another surgery this past Sunday to get it removed and Dr. Schumacher did it for me as well. So, hopefully, once off pain meds and recovered, I"ll be in a good position to start this band race. Although the weight loss has already started - down 10 pounds in 13 days. Miss Banster: Thanks for checking with the support group thing. I talked to them as well and was given the same information. I also spoke more to Dr. Schumacher and Lynn Wiegers of Kettering Bariatrics. They are going to be splitting up the groups. The new structure will be something like this. First, a general session with a professional to answer questions and to present a topic. Then, the groups will break out into bypass/band sections for a smaller, more personal discussion. I think it will be nice. Dr. Schumacher said that he's doing more and more bands and I think we'll see lots more support group options in the near future. For those of you interested, I'm organizing a lunch to meet. FEBRUARY 5, 2007 AT 12:00P. BOB EVANS. The exit at Miamisburg/Centerville off I-75N in Miamisburg. Anyone who wants to join is welcome. PLEASE RSVP. I hope to meet as many of you as possible. Take Care and I'll post more later.

Mike: I know of several in Columbus. There is the OSU Bariatrics Center at OSU. I am comfortable with their expertise but I am disappointed with their bedside manner and how long the process is. I am also familiar with Mt. Carmel's Bariatric Surgeons and I have heard nice things about both. Personally, I chose to commute to Dayton. I had Dr. Schumacher do mine. I wanted the small-town hospital, the superior bed-side approach along with the expertise. But, I know of several who have been VERY pleased with OSU. The doctors are Needleman, Mikami and a few others. Good luck in your search. Paige