hagerteresa

Congratulations Jeannie!!! That is wonderful that you got past that little hump in the road and are now below the 200 mark. Great job! Teresa

Thinking about you!!! Hope all goes well and we'll hear from you soon!!! You will not be in excruciating pain and if you are call for more pain meds. You come out very sore and beaten up feeling for a few days. Best of luck!!! Teresa:)

Hi again Kari, I had my surgery in Mexico but before I had surgery I made sure there was someone in my state that would do my fills. Very important if you live aways from Mexico! Best wishes, Teresa

Hi Ryan, I too wish you a speedy recovery from these unknown little pests and send my best thoughts and wishes to you. We all have days we need to vent. Thank God we have this group of understanding souls, Teresa

Hi Kari, I have been banded just under 5 months and am down 64.6 lbs with very little effort. I have not had any fills yet which is unusual but I am still losing little by little. I am an active house keeper for a living and took 1 week off of work and was fine when returning after that time. It is a fairly short surgery and pain is pretty minimal. There is discomfortness but the worst of it is only for a few days. I had my surgery in Mexico because I knew my insurance wouldn't cover it and didn't want to hassle with them. I started my band journey at 362 lbs. I can totally relate with your current feelings. I am only thirty years old. Good luck on your research and we are all here if you have more questions. Teresa:)

Donali you truly are amazing and wonderful. It always makes me smile when I see you've posted. I am so glad you have stuck around. You were one of the people who gave me advice while I was still researching for my band and I am happy to still hear your words of wisdom since being banded. Thank you, Teresa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY!!!:Bunny I lost 1.6 lbs this week for a total of 64.6 lbs lost. I have been Inn-sitting all week at the B&B so it has been crazy grab and go type meals except for when I help myself to the good ol' candy jar... LOL. I am certainly glad I still lost though. Tried to keep the candy to a minimum. Best wishes all, Teresa

Kathy, I believe it is actually Tom Eubanks but maybe I miss heard and it is shawn. The phone number is 503-353-3005 @ Portland Surgical Specialists. Best wishes and keep me posted on how it goes, Teresa

Yes Nancy! Please keep us posted!!! Would love to hear more from you! Hope everything goes easily and smoothly. Teresa

Hi Angeleyes, I also can pretty much eat anything. I do have to chew a lot better, no fluids with meals or immediately after. Those are minor habit changes. Giving up soda was tough but that is actually up to your surgeons discretion. I don't think all docs say no soda. All in all I am thrilled with my band. I have given up just under 64 lbs since May. I have heard of slow losers but I think as you get closer to goal it gets more difficult too lose. Good luck in your search, Teresa

I'd wait till you get back from Vegas. The band is a long term tool and isn't going anywhere. I am sure your still restricted enough that you won't eat as much as pre-band and considering this will be your first fill I think it would be safer just to wait so that you can be around in case you do feel too filled. Just MY opinion. Teresa:)

Leannie, That is funny that you mentioned that (about writing Oprah). I actually got up the nerve and motivation to fill out the 15 page application, submit pics and video and sent it all to that Makeover show. I was hoping to get a bypass or something done. Never heard from them either. That was about the time I first heard about the band and Mexico. I am glad I kept researching alternatives to the by pass. Teresa

Hi Chantal, I too am sorry to hear about your troubles. That is awful (both the situation and how he reacted to being confronted about it). I hate liars. I know it will be tough for you. I grew up with a lying abusive father who beat my mom. We were only 8 and 2 years old when he left. It was tough financially for my mom and emotionally but she got thru it and later met somebody much more decent. You can lean on my shoulder anytime. Has he moved out yet? Best wishes, Teresa

Those rooms are adorable!!! I can't believe your little girl has such a beautiful bed. I am sure your kids are equally as spoiled in their own ways. Life will always delve things out differently to each of them. Best wishes, Teresa

Hi Tellie, Sorry about your troubles as well. That does stink. I know you'll feel better when your all fixed and healed though. Life is tough sometimes and we just have to learn how to cope with it. I'll be thinking about you, Teresa

Nice to meet you Becky. I went to Mexico too (different surgeon) and it all turned out great. I think you'll be a happy camper when it is all said and done. Best of luck and good wishes, Teresa

Nice to meet you and happy to hear your winning the insurance battle. Best of luck on your upcoming surgery date, Teresa

Vicky, Welcome! I loved your story too. I am 30 and my younger brother is 24 and we love to nag my poor mom too. She is a pack rat and we are always trying to get her to go thru some of her stuff and get rid of it. Her fetish is clothes and shoes. She also struggles with weight and me being banded has inspired her. Best wishes, Teresa

I was shocked yesterday too when I tried to get on and wasn't getting it. I had the same problem of no personal email addresses of others too. Glad I eventually caught up and discovered it was across the board. We do need to talk to Alex and find out what/ if he needs anything from all of us to keep this going. I would happily pitch in. Teresa

I am with you all. I would love to go on Oprah. I don't think she would knock the band. We don't all have millions to hire personal trainers, own a gym and have all our meals made and served to us. I think she would understand why some might need the band. Teresa

Nancy, I too have that evening munchie syndrome and it is a pain isn't it. I try to look for healthier Snacks but that only works about 1/2 the time. You have done incredible well and I admire you for that. I think you struggle with something most of us struggle with and can relate. Hope you figure out what works and keep us posted, Teresa

Hi Vicky, Nice to meet you and wish you the best of luck towards your lap band goal. You won't regret it. Teresa

Hi Terry, I have never found you to be a "whiner" either. I think your an inspirational doll and have missed you as well. I can't believe that little twerp would have dared send such personal scathing remarks to you. How ridiculous and childish. Sorry about all your personal chaos and hope it all improves. Keep your chin up girl and we'll always be around for you. Teresa:)

Hey Tall Guy, I was also a Mexico patient. It is a LOT cheaper in Mexico and I found the hospital I had my surgery in was just as comfortable (even more so in my opinion) than U.S. hospitals. My surgeon had a LOT more experience than most american surgeons. I live in Oregon so not anywhere close to the border but was able to establish after care in a city nearby where I live (before I had the surgery- VERY important). My insurance would not cover the procedure at all, and I didn't want to waste months of time and money fighting them on it. Teresa

Lisa, I don't think I ever got a chance to reply earlier but I loved your pictures. Thanks for sharing them. You are too cute and certainly don't look your age. Teresa:)