NetteInBoulder

Julie ~ Welcome to the "other side!" Let us know if you have any questions! I remember in my first few post-surgery days missing the sensation of chewing and I asked for advice from some verteran Bandsters. They suggested chewing on other, non-food things and also getting out of the house and going for walks. It helped me get through that stage. I hope that whatever comes up, you know that you're part of a community of people and you can get help just by asking for it : ) Annette

Thanks for the support! It sounds like you and I are similar in our highest weights, our loss so far and our goals. Let's stay in touch for support : ) Thanks for connecting with me, Annette

hey Coloradans! I'm in Boulder and would love some "in person" meetings (lunch, a hike, shopping, whatevah!) with other band-folk. I can drive to other areas (Fort Collins, Greeley, Denver) to help make this wish come true. Post here or email me at BandedMay03@aol.com. Enthusiastically yours, Annette

Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for adding this!!!!

Surgery on a Friday, I could have gone back on Monday but it was a holiday so I went back Tuesday and I was FINE. Worked 10-5 and had no pain but was a little more tired than usual that night. In an ideal world, I would have taken two weeks off, hired a full time masseuse, no make that a studly masseur, and hired a spa chef to blend my Protein drinks for me. Maybe I'll do that when I get my plastic surgery in a few years Annette in Colorado

I'd really LOVE a state board to talk about local issues- who's doing fills, get togethers, etc. Annette in Colorado

Alexis- how do we change our status from the dreaded "Junior Member" to the coveted "MAgically Delicious?"

Way to go on the great weight loss! And congrats on dusting off the treadmill! Keep up the good work : ) Annette in Colorado

I'm glad to see you here and I was one of the people who used to think you were NorthernGeezer! LOL That aside, I've always enjoyed your posts. I didn't know about your filled then unfilled story. Wow....glad it's taking a turn for the better! Keep us updated. Warmest wishes on your journey, Annette in Colorado

Dee, Congratulations on your great weight loss! Imagine how great it will feel next year when the 25th anniversary and graduation pictures get taken! I just got back from a family wedding and was so grateful for the 23 pounds I'd lost since the band. I wasn't hiding from the camera for once. Well, keep up the good work! Annette in Boulder, CO

Diann~ It's cool to see a familiar face here even though we haven't met in person yet. Congrats on your weight loss sucess and continued joy on your journey. Warmest wishes, Annette

hi Dee! Congrats on going swimming again in public! I know what you mean. I recently took my little girl swimming at a local rec center and ran into a business colleague and was not completely horrified to be in my bathing suit : ) Diann! Girlfriend! You know I haven't been to any of Dr. Johnell's groups (mainly because of the 1.5 hour drive each way) and I've been curious and wanting to connect face to face with other local Bandsters. So.....I just asked my husband if he'd be cool doing child care that night, he say yes, so I think I'm good to go! Can you remind me of the day and time? Are you in Longmont? If so, maybe I could pick you up on the way and we could carpool?? :::feelin happy:::: Annette

I'm a woman, 41, happily married with one young child. When I hit 257 (I'm 5'8") I began to research WLS and thought the Lap Band was a brilliant and appropriate solution for me. I had surgery with Dr. Johnell (Greeley, CO) on 5/9/03 and had a super easy recovery. Surgery on Friday, back to work on Tuesday. With the band, I've been able to EASILY lose 23 pounds in 12 weeks, even losing while on vacations. So far, I've never PB-ed though, I have, a couple of times regretted eating so much that I felt pressure or pain. Those incidents taught me to eat less, which is exactly what I had it put in there to do. I must admit wishing I could take it out when I was facing the most beautiful free buffet while on vacation, but in the end, when I lost weight on that trip, I was so glad I had the band. My family and friends have been supportive and excited about my weight loss. I recently attended a wedding and while I wasn't at goal weight (75 pounds away), I did feel and look good enough not be self-conscious about my weight for once in my life. I'm in Boulder, Colorado and would welcome any posts or questions. If anyone is within driving distance of Boulder, let me know and I'd be happy to meet sometime if you'd like to hike or talk about the band. Thanks for taking the time to read this intro : ) Annette

My surgeon was Dr. Michael Johnell in Greeley, Colorado. I was directed to him by my insurance (Pacificare HMO) and have found him to be smart and thorough. He and his staff have answered a million of my questions before and after the surgery, the surgery was a breeze, and his aftercare has been great. Getting a fill was easy and actually kind of fun and educational. I've heard people say that he doesn't have much bedside manner but I found him to be a perfectionist kind of guy more than a gushy, huggy guy and I can live with that, given I wanted him as my surgeon, not my best pal. His wife Patrice is a nurse in the office and she is really warm hearted, in addition to being on top of all the latest bariatric surgery research. If you have questions about Dr. Johnell, email me at BandedMay03@aol.com : )

Just wanted to let people know that Pacificare was so wonderful about paying for my band. I'm 41, had a 39 BMI, two comorbidities: high blood pressure and asthma. I went to Dr. Johnell in Greeley and once they submitted the paperwork, Pacificare HMO approved it within hours! They have paid for the surgery and for fills. I can't say enough good things about Pacificare!