redrum602

Okay - I was finally able to find a full before picture of me. I was deathly afraid of the camera so it's sooo hard to find old pictures of me (that aren't just my face!). I was banded August 07. Highest was 263 (I think that's where I am in this picture). Surgery weight 240ish (lost 20 on Jenny Craig). Now down to 173. It's been a while, but I'm still loosing! Slowly but surely! Oh ps - no exercise thus far. I plan to kick up the exercising soon to start toning and hopfully get off another 10 or so. So here it goes.... Before: After: Woohoo! I uploaded some other recent pics. The one of me getting my groove on is hilarious. :thumbdown:

My new favorite high protein is the Greek Yogurt! It comes in a variety of fat levels (non-fat, 2%, full fat, etc). The interesting this is that the non-fat varieties tend to have more protein! I am currently munching on Oikos brand Honey flavor Non-Fat greek Yogurt. 5.3 ounces for 13 grams of protein, no fat and 120 calories. Perfect for breakfast. I have also tried the blueberry. Also the Fage brand is good too.... just make sure to get the 2% or non-fat version. The full fat version has 12 grams of fat!! Craziness.

Doc took out .25 cc's. We'll see how it goes! I am excited to get back into the gym and start eating better!!

Hi Fellow August's! I had surgery 8/9/07 and so far have lost 75 pounds! I feel great! I had a slow spot for about 6 months last year mostly because of poor food choices (ice cream and chocolate WAY too much). The last fill I got was in September 08. Since then I have lost 25 pounds with little to no effort which is great. I am going to see the Doc on Tuesday for a routine follow up and am going to ask to get some fill removed. I really want to start working out and getting toned. I have had a ridiculously hard time eating the things I should be (meat, fruit, veggies) due to being pretty tight. Last fill I got was 0.5 cc's. I've had a Vitamin test done in Feb and all looks good, I just can't deal with being sooo tight anymore. (I don't think my esophagus can take much more either.) I am going to start with getting 0.2cc's taken out and see how it goes. Then I hopefully can up my good food intake and get my booty back in the gym. Wish me luck!! :thumbup:

Below is the 2009 tentative support group schedule for Northshore University Health System aka Evanston Northwestern Healthcare's Bariatric Surgery Support Group. Each session is 7-9pm and is either patient facilitated or discussion guided by specialist. The groups are free to anyone - you do not have to be a Northshore patient to attend. Locations are: Vernon Hills - 225 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills (Near Kohl’s and Sam’s) Glenview - 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, Conference Room A on 2nd floor Highland Park - 777 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, Meeting Room 1B Evanston - 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Meeting Room G954 Schedule (through April): January 2009 Jan 5 Vernon Hills Jan 14 Vernon Hills - Lap Band Group Jan 15 Glenview Jan 26 Highland Park February 2009 Feb 2 Vernon Hills Feb 11 Glenview - Lap Band Group Feb 19 Glenview Feb 23 Highland Park March 2009 Mar 2 Vernon Hills Mar 11 Highland Park - Lap Band Group Mar 19 Glenview Mar 23 Highland Park April 2009 Apr 6 Vernon Hills April 8 Vernon Hills -Lap Band Group Apr 16 Glenview Apr 27 Highland Park As I find out more info on these sessions, I'll update this posting.

Just a reminder - tonight at 7pm at the Highland Park Hospital location - LabBand specific support group! The room has changed to the Board Room (Room 1172). I am told this room is right off of the main hospital entrance. I'll be there tonight - see you there!

This thread is pretty interesting! I work at a major credit card company as a project manager in the IT department.

I ended up taking max strength zantac. That seemed to help the issue for a while. I called the doc on Monday and they had me go in for an upper GI. I am not sure why he wanted to do this, since they pain seemed to come from the bottom part of my stomach and not around my band or pouch. It came back fine. I haven't had anymore pain, but I have decided if I do, I will take a zantac asap. Maybe I'll call the doc again, it depends on how bad it happens again.

Have you had any pain associated with the puking? I am just wondering because I think I may have Gastritis. It used to just come and go sometimes but now it seems to be more frequent and for longer. I don't have any acid in my mouth or puking problems (except for PB'ing when not chewing enough). It's like a churning pain in my stomach. Usually accompanied by alot of gurgling and bubbling in my stomach. It feels like a ton of gas, but I don't think it is because Gas-X won't do a thing. Burping and farting help a bit, but not totally. Tums calms it for a little, but it starts right back up. I am going to call my doc tomorrow. Last time I saw him I mentioned it, but he didn't seem too concerned because it wasn't that often. I am deathly scared that this is what my problem is and I don't want to have to deal with anymore surgeries etc. I hope that I can just get on some meds to make it stop. Today has been terrible. It's been non-stop since this morning and has only gotten worse.

NEW UPDATES TO SUPPORT GROUP MEETING SCHEDULE: Bariatric Surgery Support Group 7–9 pm – Patient facilitated and/or discussion guided by specialist from 7-8 pm January 2009 Jan 5 Vernon Hills Jan 14 Vernon Hills - Lap Band Group Jan 15 Glenview Jan 26 Highland Park Julie Klitzky, MS RD LDN February 2009 Feb 2 Vernon Hills Dr. Karol Gutowski, Plastic Surgeon Feb 11 Glenview - Lap Band Group Dr. Woody Denham, Surgeon Feb 19 Glenview Dr. Michael Ujiki, Surgeon Feb 23 Highland Park Dr. Michael Ujiki, Surgeon March 2009 Mar 2 Vernon Hills Dr. Michael Ujiki, Surgeon Mar 19 Glenview Mar 23 Highland Park Liz Farwell, RN, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC April 2009 Apr 6 Vernon Hills Liz Farwell, RN, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC April 8 Vernon Hills - Lap Band Group Apr 16 Glenview Apr 27 Highland Park Dr. Woody Denham, Surgeon LOCATIONS Vernon Hills 225 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills (Near Kohl’s and Sam’s) Glenview 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, Conference Room A on 2nd floor Highland Park 777 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, Meeting Room 1B Evanston 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Meeting Room G954 Contact Info Call 847-570-1700

Dr Ervin Denham is my current doctor. I didn't have surgery with him (had that done in AZ) but I have been seeing him for about a year now. He's a really nice guy. He really listens to his patients - which is nice. He practices with NorthShore University Health System, formally Evanston Hospital. He is the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgey there. I hope this helps!

Hi - I would love to meet up as well. I live in Chicago. Unfortunately I have responded to these a few times but we never seem to meet up. Anyone want to spearhead scheduling this? Weekends are best for me.....

Hi Cheryl - I posted a thread on the IL thread earlier today with the schedule of some up-coming support group meetings. They are mostly in the burbs, but if you can make it, next Wednesday is a strictly LapBand group in Vernon Hills. I live in Chicago, but work in the burbs so it works out for me okay. Did you just move to Chicago?

I'm a 1 1/2 years out and my hair still falls out when I shower. I pick up a glob of it in the drain every time I wash my hair (every other day). My hair is thinner than pre-surgery - but not terrible. It must be growing back. I have chewable Vitamins, but I don't take them very often. I am going to try this Biotin stuff.

If it's around that time of the month, I get really extra tight - and thus have a tendency to PB alot - like probably 2 times a day. Sometime, if I drink something too fast I have to throw up. One time when I was even trying to take a pill I had to throw up! When I was first banded (< 6 months in) I told myself that I would never force myself to throw up and I would just wait the pain out. However, after a few more fills, I gave up on that very fast. It is so much easier to just go get it out then wait in pain for it to pass through (if it ever does). My husband hates when I have to PB. I feel bad that he has to listen to me in the bathroom throwing up. But - you have to do what you have to do. It's not that bad at all. When it's not around that time of the month, maybe once a week I will have to PB. Usually from not chewing enough.

Hello! My doctor has a weekly support group that is conducted at a few different locations in Northern Illinois. I got confirmation today that it is open for any bariatric patients, not just his patients. So - if any of you are interested in joining any of the meeting - come on down! Tonight will be the first meeting I will be attending. The address of the locations are at the bottom of the schedule. NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM Bariatric Surgery Support Group 7–9 pm – Patient facilitated and/or discussion guided by specialist October 2008 Oct 6 Vernon Hills Colleen Diamond, Physical Therapy Student Oct 16 Glenview Colleen Diamond Oct 22 Glenview Robin Ross, Ph.D. Lap Band Group Oct 27 Highland Park Colleen Diamond November 2008 Nov 3 Vernon Hills Group Run Nov 19 Highland Park Woody Denham, M.D. Lap Band Group Nov 20 Glenview Dr. Karol Gutowski, Plastic Surgeon Nov 24 Highland Park Dr. Karol Gutowski, Plastic Surgeon December 2008 Dec 1 Vernon Hills Group Run Dec 18 Glenview Dec 22 Highland Park LOCATIONS Vernon Hills 225 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills (Near Kohl’s and Sam’s) Glenview 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, Conference Room A on 2nd floor Highland Park 777 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, Meeting Room 1B Evanston 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Meeting Room G954 Contact Information Dr. Woody Denham – Bariatric Program Director (847) 570-4120 (office)

Hey All - my Dr has an out-going support group that meets weekly. It is open to any bariatric patients - not just his patients. I was given the okay from his office to publish this information on the site. If anyone is interested in attending - feel free to come out! Tonight will be the first meeting I will be attending. Addresses for each location is at the bottom. NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM Bariatric Surgery Support Group 7–9 pm – Patient facilitated and/or discussion guided by specialist October 2008 Oct 6 Vernon Hills Colleen Diamond, Physical Therapy Student Oct 16 Glenview Colleen Diamond Oct 22 Glenview Robin Ross, Ph.D. Lap Band Group Oct 27 Highland Park Colleen Diamond November 2008 Nov 3 Vernon Hills Group Run Nov 19 Highland Park Woody Denham, M.D. Lap Band Group Nov 20 Glenview Dr. Karol Gutowski, Plastic Surgeon Nov 24 Highland Park Dr. Karol Gutowski, Plastic Surgeon December 2008 Dec 1 Vernon Hills Group Run Dec 18 Glenview Dec 22 Highland Park LOCATIONS Vernon Hills 225 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills (Near Kohl’s and Sam’s) Glenview 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, Conference Room A on 2nd floor Highland Park 777 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, Meeting Room 1B Evanston 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Meeting Room G954 Contact Information Dr. Woody Denham – Bariatric Program Director (847) 570-4120 (office)

Lynn - I once was a patient of Dr Shayani's - he was my first Band doc after moving to Chicago from Phoenix. I loved Dr Shayani!! I wish he was still excepted on my insurance plan - I hated having to leave him!

I loved Dr Shayani! He was the first doctor I went to after moving to Chicago late last year. He made me very comfortable for my fills for the 4 times or so that I went to visit him. Unfortunately I found out after 4 fills that my insurance would no longer cover him since he was practicing at Day One Health instead of the address United Healthcare had on file. So, I had to find a new Dr. However, I wish I could have continued to go to him. He was great! :biggrin::thumbup:

I relocated to Chicago from Phoenix late last year. I received this email the other day (7/11/08) looking for LapBand patients in Phoenix to participate in a Focus Group. It says they will pay $150. If you are interested, below is the email info I recieved: Schlesinger Associates, a national market research firm, has partnered with ALLERGAN and is conducting a study with men and women who have had the LAP BAND surgery. ALLERGAN is interested in understanding your opinions regarding internet sites for weight reduction surgery solutions. The interviews will be conducted in Phoenix, AZ and we are offering an honorarium of $150 for your time and participation. If you are interested please call our office so that we may screen you to see if you will qualify to participate. We understand that this can be a very sensitive topic for some people and we want to assure you that everything you say during the interview is confidential. If you are not comfortable answering any of the questions, please let me know. You can contact Connie at 602-366-1105 x-210 Jessica Cons | Assistant Project Manager Schlesinger Associates - Phoenix 2355 E. Camelback Road, Suite 800 Phoenix, AZ 85016

I can do that. Someone pick a date.... I am open this weekend - but it might not work for everyone on such short notice. Next weekend is 4th of July - I am also open, but it might be family time for most. The weekend after I'm in Seattle. Any ideas?

I'm in Chicago. I haven't met up with any of you yet - but I would like to! However, I will be going out of town from 7/8 - 7/14 - going to Seattle. No kidlets here - just 2 cats (I call my kids).

I am I am!

Just curious.... did you try the warm/hot liquids? If so, did you see any difference than drinking cold liquids?

Yes - I am too a slow loser. However, I understand why I am a slow loser. And until I decide to put more work into loosing, I will continue to be a slow loser and I am okay with that. I got my lapband on August 2007 with 3 other friends of mine. A few months after getting the surgery I moved 1/2 way across the country. I know 2 of my 3 friends have lost alot, and fast. I do not know exactly what they have done different than me, but I know our journey's have been different. I am okay with all of this and I am sooo happy for them. For me, I am happy. I am happy #1 because I am at a comfortable weight. I am down about 70 pounds since last year (20 pre-op with Jenny Craig). I love that I can do pretty much whatever I want and I don't have to be inhibited by my weight. I am also happy because I am in a new place. I don't have my friends near me to constantly compare myself too. Also, I don't have people around me that know what I looked like before -- I don't enjoy the praise - the pointing out, that 'oh my gosh you look so good' - I know it sounds weird, but it makes me feel like there was something wrong with me before, but now I'm better, I'm acceptable by others. I know it may sound weird, but that is how I feel. I am also happy because I feel great. And I know, that because I eat around my band, I am not loosing consistently. That is causing my calorie intake to be higher than it should, so my weight is not coming off. Also, I am not exercising much, and I need to get back into that - for at least the stress release. So, I guess what I am saying is that I am extremely happy that I have my band. It is MY tool. I can choose to work and it will help me. I can choose to not work at it, and it will STILL help me by helping me maintain. I plan on continuing to enjoy my new life, and when I decide I want to keep losing, I will put in the effort. Good luck to all of you! :ohmy: