Julie_Dizz

I'm blessed, blessed, blessed! Thank you God for modern medicine and caring health professionals!! Here are two pictures of me at my highest weight and me at GOAL! (who woulda ever thunk it??) Moderator... please make my pictures magically appear on this post. I have't got a clue how to do that :cross-eye Hugs,

Thank you Kathy and Kathy! You're sweet! I would LOVE to post my pictures on the before/after forum... but I can't figure out how to make the picture show up without having to click on a link. So do you actually know where Oneonta or Cooperstown are? I live in Oneonta. I've been here for 13 years. The last time I was on Long Island, I took the ferry over from CT. Is was a nice ride. I must say, it IS a long way from Oneonta... including the Ferry ride, it took me 6 hours to get to my destination. Oh... and I did notice that we're all 40-something! hmmm.... not getting older, but getting better? Yeh.... that's about right! Hugs,

That is SO strange! I hardly ever drink cold liquids any more. I love Propel, but I like it at room temperature. My band is not terribly happy with cold liquids. Sometimes, I even drink a hot tea before eating my meal so that my band is relaxed. Isn't it interesting how our bodies react differently?? Hugs,

When I was early in my post op phase, I measured EVERYTHING! I might have even been a little fanatical about it. However, it really taught me what correct portions look like. That has really stuck with me over the last year. Personally, I think measuring is a good strategy for the first several months. It keeps us honest Hugs,

Greetings, New Yorkers! My name is Julie and I just celebrated my one-year bandiversary! Yipeee! I had my surgery in Cooperstown, New York at Bassett Health Care. They have a 3 year-old bariatric program and do both the bypass and the band. I am SOOOO glad I chose the band. I am incredibly happy with my results. I have lost 125lbs since starting the program, and am down 160lbs from my highest ever weight. My BMI (which started at 43) is now 26, and I'm down from a size 26/28 to a size 12/14. I have attached (I hope) a before/after picture to this message. I am 43 years old and am 5'8". I love my band. I can't even begin to talk about all the major, positive changes that have happened in my life as a result of this life-saving procedure! Beyond my weight loss... here's a little more about me: I am happily married to a wonderful, supportive man. I work in the field of substance abuse prevention and provide workshops all over New York State (including Port Jerivs!) I sing professionally in a contemporary Christian band, and play keyboards and woodwinds as well. I don't have kids, but I do have poodle . I'm originally from Georgia... so, I am COLD ALL THE TIME! And now that I've lost my insulation, I'm even colder! I am currently working on my PhD in Psychology and hope to have my dissertation completed by Christmas. I look forward to chatting with other New Yorkers who have the band! Hugs,

Hello group! I was banded on May 19, 2004 and have lost 125lbs. I am currently at goal and am now thinking about plastics. I will have to self-pay for my plastics because I don't meet the criteria for medical necessity. That means I have lots of options in selecting a surgeon. Here's my question. Is is unwise to have my TT done in a hospital that doesn't have a Bariatric program? I'm concerned about having to have my port moved by a plastic surgeon. (and mine will HAVE to be moved... I can already see it poking out when I look at my profile in the mirror). When a band patient has a TT in the hospital where I had my band placed, the bariatric surgeon comes down and does the port revision. However, the plastic surgeon in that hospital is the MOST expensive in the area... sheeesh. Do plastic surgeons have the expertise to move a port? Is it wise to even consider going to another hospital to save a few thousand dollars? I would love your input! Thanks, Julie banded 5/19/05 296/170/170

Hello Group! My name is Julie and I live in upstate NY. I was banded on 5-19-04 and all is going well. I think my worst post-operative "complication" is my anxiety at wanting to do this right and not causing any harm to my pouch. Even that is getting much better with time! I have lost 24lbs since surgery, and 26 lbs pre-op. I have been FORCED to buy new clothes (oh darn!) because I'm looking like a frumpy, baggy ole woman! Other than being a bandster, I am a musician, a public speaker, and a lover of arts and crafts. I'm 42 and am happily married to God's precious gift to me - Jeff. We celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year. I have four nieces, a nephew and a poodle. lol I look forward to getting to know you all as we work together on this exciting adventure! Hugs to you all, Julie 5-19-04 Dr. Weiss, Cooperstown, NY 296/246/"normal" clothes

HI Barb! I go to support group in Cooperstown, NY. It meets on the first Tuesday of every month. I don't know if Cooperstown is any closer to you. But, if you want more info, let me know! I saw that someone here is in Ulster County.... I was JUST down your way the other day, doing some work. SMALL world! Julie Banded 5-19-04 Dr. Weiss, Cooperstown, NY 296/246/"normal" clothes