Trish Allen

No insurance coverage. $150.00 each visit or $500/year.

I had Lap Band surgery almost a year ago (8/4/2011). Down 85# and couldn't be happier about my progress. Dr. McDowell of Baptist Metabolic Surgery Center is the best surgeon, ally, cheerleader I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Every time I go see him he is so positive and uplifting. Never a cross word or a discouraging glance. If you are considering Weight loss surgery in Nashville or surrounding area, check them out. They are all amazing! Thanks Dr. McDowell and all the staff at BMSC. I couldn't do this without you!

10 bags of sugar gone from me

I had a medical NSV this week. A1C went from 7.4 in June (Pre-surgery) to 5.8 in October. According to my lab report 5.7 and lower is normal. Good bye Diabetes.

If you really want to cook them in the microwave, Ziploc has a steam bag that you can cook them in. Put them in the bag with whatever seasonings you want, pop them in the microwave and follow the directions on the bag for cooking. Nothing easier than throwing away the bag once it's cooked.

NSV's are the greatest.......Keep up the good work!

I have experienced the same as you. Since my lap band surgery I have not had to take the prilosec. It's wonderful. I also have stopped taking 1 of my diabetes meds and the 2nd med is almost gone. Wish I had done this a long time ago.

I had my surgery 8/4/2011 and am down 46#. Best thing I ever did. If you look at the band as a tool (like a gym membership) you will be successful. It's still totally up to you to do the work. The band just makes it easier. I wish I had done this years ago. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Mkae sure whomever you pick is a part of a Center of Excellence.

Woo-Hoo! C'mon. Keep going. Feels great doesn't it!

Banded on 8/4/11 and it was the greatest thing I ever did, and I was self pay. No insurance to pick up the tab. I have currently lost 40#'s, reduced by diabetes meds to less than 1/2 of what I was taking and feel much, much better. Even look forward to exercise. The band is NOT a magic bullet. For the band to work you have to be committed. It won't stop you from eating what you want, just may make it more difficult. No problem getting ice cream, milkshakes, high carb/calorie food from going down. If you're not committed, don't do it. It won't work.

I haven't completely cut out carbs. I just monitor everything I put in my mouth. I ask myself if i really want it, if it is worth the calories/carbs and if there is anything else I can eat in it's place. If the answer is yes, yes and no then I have it.

I was off the pain meds on Day 2 in the evening and back to work on day 4. As long as you aren't up running around during the shower and playing hostess you should be fine. Take a nap when you get home.

Have had 2 fills and a 3rd is scheduled for 10/19. My surgery was 8/4. I definately noticed the difference after the 2nd fill. I have a 10cc band and currently have 4 cc's in fills (2 each fill). Doctor is pleased as I have now lost 40 pounds.

Checking in this week. Down another 3.5 pounds this week. Looking at 346.5.

5 weeks post op and I have lost 33.5 pounds. Wish I had met the band years ago. My goal is 200 pounds in 2 years. At this rate I should make it. It's a lot of work, but so worth it. Good Luck Everyone! Trish

Name, real or screen~ Trish Age~ 46 Weight on September 1st~ 350 Goal Weight for September 29th~340 Exercise Goal for September~ 30 minutes/3 times/week Dietary Goal for September~ Loose the sugar cravings Personal Goal for September~ Make it to the gym Date Banded~ 8/4/2011 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~ 17# (30# since 2 wk pre op diet)

I had an NSV yesterday also....There is a chair in my manager's office that I avoid. It's one of those computer chairs that has the arms on it. My butt has never fit in that chair. Yesterday it did with ease. I was amazed.

GNC has their version of muscle milk lite and it is really good. Also, I lucked out and found at Big Lots of all places A shake by Jilian Michaels that meets all the requirements and is pretty good. Now that I am able to eat regular foods (10 days post op) I don't do too many shakes but have them on hand just in case. My post op diet was very lenient. I was on regulars by day 7. Good Luck to you. It's will be the journey of a lifetime.

So, I stepped on the scale this morning and boy was I surprised. I have lost a total of 26# since my first visit with Dr. McDowell (7/20/11). Can I just say this man is AMAZING. I am so happy I did this. I put on jeans today that I have not worn in more than 9 months. I am so happy with my band. I withstood both Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Kreme donuts this week at work. And the scale rewarded me. As did my closet of Multiple sizes. Time to celebrate. Think I'll have a protein shake.

So, I stepped on the scale this morning and boy was I surprised. I have lost a total of 26# since my first visit with Dr. McDowell (7/20/11). Can I just say this man is AMAZING. I am so happy I did this. I put on jeans today that I have not worn in more than 9 months. I am so happy with my band. I withstood both Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Kreme donuts this week at work. And the scale rewarded me. As did my closet of Multiple sizes. Time to celebrate. Think I'll have a protein shake.

Good Luck. My surgery is also 8/4 and boy have I been struggling with this diet. I did pretty well with the 1st week but this week has kicked my butt. This weekend was horrible. I am glad i am working the next 3 days. At least it will keep my mind off the diet. How has your diet been going? Any stumbles? What do you miss most?

My surgery is scheduled for the 4th also. I actually started my pre-op diet last Sunday in preparation for my appointment with the surgeon. Figured it couldn't hurt being ahead of the game. I had a headache for the first 2 days, and absolutely NO energy. But then it got better, until yesterday. I thought I would chew my arm off before dinner last night. But I made it and when I stepped on the scale this morning I was 10 pounds lighter than on Sunday. I can't believe it. It get's better. I promise.

When I went it was more like meeting with a concerned friend. They asked what I knew about the surgery, risks, options. Why I decided to do this. How long I had been "fighting the battle of the bulge"/ He asked me the standard, "ever thought of suicide". Other than that it was more like "Do you know what you are getting into and have you done your research? Don't worry, It will be a breeze. Mine only lasted for 30 minutes. I didn't even get to lie down on the couch (ha, ha).

I'm on day 5 and it does get easier. I have 2 more days and then I go to straight liquids. That's the point that I am dreading.