lassie

1) I was wondering why you signed on to this site?
to learn more about the surgery i was about to get and find people just like me
2) Why are you still here after a year?
for support and knowledge
3) Why are you still here after five years?
hope so
4) How many years have you been on this site?
one and a half

Purpose?
1) I was wondering why you signed on to this site?
To keep an eye out for those who I have made friends with and chat.
Also to read anything that sticks out in forums to see if I can learn from it or help someone else
2) Why are you still here after a year?
Is hasnt been a year and thus the rest of the questions are not valid for me to reply to

1) I was wondering why you signed on to this site?
Because I had just gotten the Lap Band and wanted to meet others like me. I also spent a lot of time reading the success stories. There weren't a lot who'd lost over 200 pounds but there some (like Floridays and Cazzy!) and they gave me the inspiration I needed to think I could do it too.
2) Why are you still here after a year?
Because I've made some great friends here. Also because I see a lot of newcomers who are desperate for facts and information. Now that I'm one of the ones who've lost over 200 pounds, I hope that maybe I can give others the inspiration they need to know they can do it, too. I remember how overwhelming and daunting the task seemed and if I can help someone else to realize it's possible then I'm happy.
3) Why are you still here after five years?
N/A
4) How many years have you been on this site?
Since January 2012, so about 20 months.

I lost enough weight on the six months diet required by my insurance that they denied me. It took me a month to gain some of it back, then my doctor resubmitted the claim. Which was then approved, hugs and good luck.

I have an occasional glass of wine especially when I go out to dinner. Have had no concerns. I do have to count it for calories. hugs

I have an occasional glass of wine especially when I go out to dinner. Have had no concerns. I do have to count it for calories. hugs

Hi everyone and thanks for being so open and honest. It helps to educate and prepare those of us beginning this journey. My surgery date is July 2 and have been on my 2 week pre-op diet for almost a week now. It's not too bad and I can tell I'm losing inches and already feel much better. I am 57 yrs old and weigh about 320. I've always been healthy and active but over the past 6-8 years, have allowed my priorities to change. I hated hearing myself make excuses for my current state (I travel, I work 60 hours per week, I have people I have to take care of, yada yada yada), when in reality, what I should have been simply saying is, "I make bad choices". So, I realized as I "mature" (nice way to put it, no?) things will only get worse physically and I have lots of things I want to do that I've lost interest in (because I physically can't or don't feel like I can). I anticipate my greatest challenge will be redefining my relationship with food. So here I go---wish me luck and best of luck to you all.

I'm an expatriate American living in Europe. I'm extremely grateful to the socialized medical system I live under and pay a lot of taxes for. I have worked here for years and certainly paid my share into the system and now, as I get older, have accessed care for far more than I paid due to an unfortunate accident in 2010 that, had I had it in the USA, would have bankrupted me between the ambulance ride, the emergency surgery, the recovery period and over one year of physical therapy necessary to get me to walk again. It is true that I found the doctors here had zero bedside manner (in fact, there is no equivalent word for that in French) but hey...I don't need to love them, I just need them to get me well, right?
France still does lapbands. But the above commentor is correct; all surgeons moving away from banding as doing so not because it's an archaic type of WLS, or because of complications, but because it requires loads of aftercare that other surgeries do not. A sleeve is basically plug and play, while a band necessitates many postop visits as well as the adjustments. Not as profitable for any practice, even with its fee-bearing potential. Other WLS commands higher fees with little followup so that's what attracts the surgeons and makes them abandon the lapband.

Born and raised in The United Kingdom ~ living in Las Vegas due to Uncle Sam

Ontario, Canada

Ireland anyone else this side of the puddle

I might majorly regret this, but this is what I posted on her fb page:
"I agree about not giving people a free ride, but according to my BMI I am obese. I work two jobs, go to grad school full time and I contribute a lot to society by taking care of sick people every day. I also work out at least 3+ days a week. I can't even tell you how many diets I have been on and how hard I have worked to lose weight. Obesity is generally a result of food addiction, lack of access to quality food due to poverty or just lack of knowledge. I have several patients who struggle with their weight, have tried to diet and can't afford going to a nutritionist, go to therapy, join weight watchers or are working 3 jobs to keep a roof over their heads. If obesity was categorized as a disease these people might get help, lose weight, decrease their chances of getting type II diabetes, CHF, depression, and multiple other obesity related co-morbid diseases. Decreasing their chances of all of the above reduces future medical bills, reduces unemployment, and reduces their burden on society. It's about the big picture, not the short term costs."

Glad to have you on this forum, we all need to vent somtimes but the great people on here keep it in perspective and help us through it, no need to come down hard on anyone we are all in the same boat ( so too speak) hugs and welcome.

I do agree on the Hoffa statement lol
hugs

Definitely the boobs, which are begging for a little lift.

I don't think anyone on here can comment, other than that you did the right thing by calling your doctor.
I hope you feel better soon, and that it's nothing too serious.

To Sharpie: I'm offended because your statement infers a bias. This is the 21st century. You made a blanket statement that is offensive. Our country isn't the only place to receive quality health care in the world. Our system is about to undergo a huge change that is going to be challenging to say the least. I've heard that 30 states are not including WLS in their affordable care provisions...
BTW, I'm 25% Native American, a direct descendant of John Adams and married to a first generation Italian-American. I've traveled extensively and when I needed medical attention in the EU had top drawer care.
To vinncereautmori: I'm planning on having my band gradually unfilled when I've reached goal and removed when I've maintained for 6 months. I'm confident I can continue to live my new lifestyle habits and maintain. One WLS is enough for me.

You know guys, I don't think I would have made it to this point without all of you. I follow the rules, but still enjoy my food. Got in the green on the first fill! It's been awesome ever since. I have incredible support from my friends and family and you guys of course. But guys, I have been toying With the first 50 for about a week and a half. How amazing is it going to feel to get there! So can I get a hell yeah! I'm going to make it happen. No work. Gotta love being a teacher and getting the summer to focus on me and my kiddos. My next goal is 3o lbs by August or a size 10 dress, whichever comes first. I work out everyday, but it is time to seriously step it up! Love ya'll. I'm a Texas girl! Rock on. I love my band.

Who are we to guess why Governor Christie chose the Lap Band? Until he personally speaks out as to why he chose it, articles like this are completely irrelevant.
And as far as these so-called experts saying it was a poor choice because of his size and weight loss being too slow- sorry but I'm calling BS. I started with a BMI of 72. I have lost over 200 pounds in 17 months time, despite three (unrelated) surgeries and a trip to the ICU for blood clots sidetracking me. I've lost more weight and quicker than a lot of people I know who've had Gastric Bypass.
Mr. Christie needs our support, not pessimism and negative opinions.

Wow, Doesn't take much to get some people off topic and devolve a site from an educational resource into a bully pulpit. I suppose it needs a serious moderator. Thanks to those of you who took my question seriously. I think I''ve gotten all I can from this topic. BTW, I am quite real and I have a weight problem and looking for help, but I guess unless I fill out the form to some of your satisfactions, I am under suspicion.

i re-read your post
and you were looking for (answers and researching)
do you have a lap band dr in mind? if so, asking them would be a great place to start
they are dr's and can answer any medically type questions and not just copy/paste internet sites.
ANY surgery has can have complications (USA or Europe or where ever)
it goes with the territory. as i stated, sometimes the risks
to make one's life better is worth taking that step
is it for you..?

I'm a bit offended by your comments, to be honest. The fact remains that Lapband and Realize Band were developed in Europe. As for everyone going back where they came from, if you're not 100% Native American, see ya later...

Bands were developed, implanted and studied in Europe long before they were approved here. Europe isn't a backwards place, just different than here. I have lots of family there and the medical care in most countries is excellent.

OH my Labwalker, I thought it was ok to ask any question on this forum, he was asking a question and deserves answers without being told to get a life. I think you owe that person an apology.

OH my Labwalker, I thought it was ok to ask any question on this forum, he was asking a question and deserves answers without being told to get a life. I think you owe that person an apology.