CallMeJim

Well, it looks like we have about 38 people with surgery dates and 27 votes so if you haven't voted yet, please do so! I can live with any name--honest!

...just my dw and pastor. I have also told my older kids and plan to tell the younger ones soon. I have just had so many failures in the past. Major weight loss followed very quickly by even more major weight gain. It's so humiliating (and public). Beyond a small "inner circle" I'm going to play it by ear. One of the great things I have read about the band is that even when people are not strictly following the "rules" they are at least not gaining 5 pounds/week as I do when I am "off the wagon." They seem to maintain or gain/lose just a little.

Are they kidding? This (WLS) has been a very difficult decision for me, as it is for most. I see it as a last resort, and wish I could have maintained any of the large losses I have had in the past. I WISH it were the easy way out because I'd have been all over it long ago! Besides-- what if WLS was the easy way out? Would that somehow make it wrong? Do folks who say that just think we need to suffer a bit more? Hmmmm.....

I actually prefer daily plate at this pont. It's really easy to use and I have yet to try to add something that isn't already there. Lots of nice bells and whistles too. Thanks for noticing my ticker. My "high" actually represents my all-time high weight from a few years ago. I have been struggling simply to avoid gaining at this point. With me, dieting, or simply being diligent to eat carefully depends on getting myself mentally prepared. Once I do that, I am usually pretty successful. Wish I could just "turn it on " whenever I want to. I'm really gearing towards 12/28 and the start of my pre-op diet. Life changes at that point and I am going to give it my best shot.

Are any of you using software or a website to track your eating, exercise, measurements, etc.? What are your favorite sites? I recently started using food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate and it's pretty cool. They have virtually everything already in the database. I also like FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal. How about you? Any other related sites you really like?

It's getting close. Anyone nervous at all? :omg: I am. Still disappointed in myself that I have to resort to surgery, but glad I have the option. Had my final pre-op appointment yesterday. Love my surgeon-- she is awesome. Next up is my pre-op diet starting 12/28.

Good for you! Looks like we're up the same day!

Sounds good. I tried to change the end date for the poll but couldn't figure out how to do it. Do you know how?

Luvs- you will be fine! Do you have a pre-op diet? Mine starts 12/28. Can't say I'm looking forward to that part of it, but it is getting exciting!

Here are a bunch of names folks came up with as possibilities. Vote now and the winner will be determined on Dec. 26!:clap2:

I'm going to go ahead and try to create a poll-- hope that's ok.

New Year's Knockouts! That is awesome! Time to call the question and vote?

Good ones all! Here are a few possibilities-- New Year's Resolosers Dump the W8 in 08! January Gypsy Band(sters) New Hope in the New Year January Jump Starters

Race-- Welcome aboard! You are in the right place. I have been researching this thing for six months and have dealt with (or am still dealing with) many of the same questions. I too am a self pay and while the surgery itself puts a real dent in my finances, the thought of also having to cover things that could arise due to post op complications is a real concern! Lots of wisdom on this board though, and I want to regain both a quality of life I have been missing and extend my life so with much prayer and research I am forging ahead. I have found who I think is an outstanding surgeon and I intend to do everything in my power to make pre/post banding a complication free success. Godspeed to you and keep us posted! Jim

Alas, I am among the 96%+ who gained back all my weight (and more). Lost >100 pounds on four (count 'em FOUR)separate occasions. Felt fabulous, swore I'd "never go back," truly believed nothing tasted as good as being thin felt, yada yada yada. But..... down in flames each and every time, more and more disgusted with myself. I am to be banded in January and really looking forward to having the "odds" in my favor for a change! I admire anyone who can lose weight and keep it off the old-fashioned way, and I have struggled mightily with the realization that I cannot, but it is what it is. I'm going to give it my best shot to finally turn things around with the band!

Congrats! Stay in touch. I see the surgeon again on 12/21 and then start pre-op diet 12/28. Coming fast!

My understanding is that it depends on what fits the individual best APS(mall) or APL(arge), and that is evidently determined during the operation.

Sweet-- it's coming fast and I still wonder what the heck I'm doing to myself (and what else all that money could be spent on). But, I watch my friend (banded last February) continue to shrink day by day and I know I need to do this. I am having my labs done Monday and then a second meeting with the surgeon in a couple of weeks. I guess the pre-op diet will start 12/28. How about you? Jim

Good luck!! Will/can you self pay if insurance doesn't come through? Jim

Wow-- isn't is amazing how we ALL have similar thoughts/experinces/fears? A chair collapsed under me in a fraternity meeting once (30 years ago) and the guys were just ruthless. And these were my friends!!! I have never forgotten it. In fact that experience comes flooding back whenever I have to sit in a chair that doesn't appear up to the task of supporting me. I wind up sort of sitting/crouching to avoid putting my entire weight on the chair. Ouch! More often I just find a place to stand. Oh to be "normal"...

Thanks rebandit. That's good advice. How did the cost of the revision cost compared to original banding? Also-- just to be sure I understand, are you saying you had a slip because the band was too tight, and then you didn't eat properly because you weren't aware of how to properly take care of the pouch? Thanks very much-- I really want to learn from those who have been through it! Jim

Thanks Denise822- that makes sense. have you heard any stats on "average" rates of complications these days? I understand they continue to decrease as techniques, bands, etc. improve and as surgeons gain more experience. Jim

...the potential for WLS complications (e.g. slippage and erosion)? I must admit, as the time draws near, the stories of problems I read are rather unnerving. As a self-pay, I'm on the hook for WLS and any "fixes" that need to be done. Has this crossed your mind? Have you talked to your doctors about it? I know the chances are remote, particularly compared to the chance of serious problems related to my morbid obesity, but I'd like to hear what everyone else is thinking about it. Same for any long-term bandsters out there who might be reading this. How did you resolve any concerns you might have had? Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving!:hungry:

Wow-- it doesn't look like you're getting much protein at all. Are you sure you're not missing something? I thought at this stage you don't even worry about losing weight. It's all about healing.... I get banded in January and I don't think I'd survive on what you're having. Hang in there and stay away from the rice!

OK January Bandsters- it will be great in '08 for all of us!! Where are you starting and where do you want to go weight wise? What co-morbidities are you hoping to gain relief from? For me, I'm currently at 381. My "ideal" weight is 176 :eek: I'd love to get to 220 though, and am hoping to be done with high blood pressure and many of the joint aches and pains that seem to grow by the day. I am also looking forward to a more positive self-image and outlook. I know all that is possible because I've been there before when I lost weight in the past.......... but sadly could never keep it off. I'm really looking forward to a fresh start and some serious help from my new best friend! So, what's your story?