DivaStyleCoach

Dyesha, If I'm approved (I think I've got an excellent chance) it will be done in New Haven at Yale...they have an excellent reputation, and so far, everyone I've met has been wonderful. :cry_smile: I just am impatient to get the surgery done with so I can start with the 'getting healthier, getting off the diabetes meds and getting a new wardrobe' part!:thumbup:

Count me in as well, Ladies - I'd love to have a group of CT Lapbanders to hang with...though I haven't been banded yet, it would be wonderful to be able to talk with others about the experience.:thumbup:

Jazzy4Health, Not to hijack the thread, but I've been natural since January - started growing out my last relaxer actually before that, but I grew my hair out for about 3 months, then did the BC (Big Chop) and went down to a TWA (Teeny-Weeny Afro). Talk about a change! My relaxed hair was down to my shoulders, but started breaking off because I wasn't taking care of it. I found a great website - www.nappturality.com - where there are tons of natural-haired sistas and they have tons of advice on keeping your hair healthy. Check them out - I've found wonderful products via recommendations there, and my hair is so healthy now...:thumbup:

Hey Dyesha, Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on deciding to investigate the procedure. Just a quick note - all caps reads as 'shouting'...I know you're excited, but...:cry_smile: I joined the forum not too long ago myself, and I'm located in CT, so we're regional neighbors! I am part way through the process of getting my band (as you'll see by the dates in my signature) and I'm getting more excited by the day. There are some really inspirational stories on this site - women and men who have lost tons of weight, vastly improved their health, and who share a LOT of themselves and their journey for us newbies. Welcome to the 'hood, and I wish you all the best!:thumbup:

Awesome, CurvesinCali - keep on givin' us the real so we pre-banders know what to expect! Thanks so much for the update, and I pray you continue to feel better every day!

Hi Sil, Even if you do - don't let SOME people's negatives deter you from the process. After listening to all of what they had to say, I did come away with some positives: 1. Follow your Doctor's advice - to the letter! Ask if you have questions 2. Don't try to eat what you ate before the surgery - look at it as a way to change your eating habits for GOOD 3. Plan some fun things to do while you are transitioning - some of the folks in the group set intermediate goals at 25 lbs lost, 50 lbs, etc. 4. Stay focused on WHY you are doing this - for me, it's my health first, my appearance second. Good luck with your process - stay in touch!:thumbup:

What a story! Thank you Hillary, for posting your story and the awesome photos. I love the morph effect - I think I'll use that for mine when the time comes! I have my psych eval this week and nutritionist next week - hopefully I'll get scheduled soon so I can start my own journey! Great job, girlfriend!:thumbup:

Congrats! You've lost a ton really quickly - how much exercise are you doing? Have fun with your new house and your new YOU! :thumbup:

You look mahvelous! I'm about the same height as you (though considerably older :cry_smile: ) and have the same amount to lose. I hope my results are similar to yours - in fact, I'm gonna work my tail off (literally) to make sure that they will be! I'm not banded yet, but hopefully soon... Thanks for posting your inspirational story!:thumbup:

Congratulations - you have such a nice smile. Time for some new clothes - those are falling off of you, skinny girl!:thumbup:

BooBooKitty - I'm officially a fan! I read your story in the forums, and just wanted to add my kudos to those of your other visitors. Thanks so much for posting your story, and from one tall gal (5'11") to another, you look mahvelous!:thumbup:

You Go Boy! I've often thought about doing a triathlon - I was a swimmer in college and worked summers as a lifeguard, but haven't swam much since the kids arrived - 24 years ago! You've inspired me...I'm going to set a goal for myself after surgery to complete a mini-triathlon first, then go for a full-fledged tri. Who knows - maybe the two of us will wave across the Ironman course some day?:thumbup:

Awesome job - I hope to be able to toss out my diabetes meds eventually, too.:thumbup:

Go 'Head On Girl wit Yo' Bad Self! That 'after' picture is just awesome...congrats on all your hard work and success. You are an inspiration!:thumbup:

Congratulations on your success - so many people would have given up. It makes me realize that no matter how hard I think I've got it, there is someone out there working with a challenge more difficult than mine. Awesome pic on the mountain!:thumbup:

Congratulations! You look awesome - happy and much more fit. I'm glad you didn't let the complications take away your resolve - and you've inspired me to keep on pushing no matter what. Thanks for sharing your story!:thumbup:

Nicely done, girlfriend! You look great, and you're right - you look younger! I'm hoping for similar results... Thanks for sharing your story!:thumbup:

Congrats on your loss - and THANK YOU for posting the real deal about exercise! I am determined to lose this weight - I have not been banded yet, but feel it's the final block in the wall I'm going to build between the formerly fat me and the strong, slender me that is going to be. I already walk several days a week (I see myself upping the time and the speed) and I love the weight room - I'm looking forward to the operation (hurry up and schedule me!) and can't wait to post my own success story. Thanks again - you look awesome!:thumbup:

Thank you Lisa, Sharing your story helps those of us still waiting to be banded. I look forward to the day when I can post my own success story. Your loss is awesome - are you doing anything special regarding exercise? Do you feel you'll have to have cosmetic surgery for any loose skin? Forgive me if these questions are too intrusive...:thumbup:

Mornin' Ladies, Bellasmommy - what kind of routine (exercise, etc) are you following? You've had awesome results and I'd love to duplicate them! I know the band does different things at different paces for different people (how's that for recognizing differences! :confused:) but that might give me a starting point and inspiration... I haven't been banded yet - hopefully soon!:thumbup:

Hey Ladies, This topic was very helpful - my psych eval is next week, and I was wondering what to expect...seems like it'll be okay - I'll report back if my experience is different from the rest of you.

YOU GO GIRL!!!! Congrats on breaking the 300 mark - keep on going, and 199 will be there before you know it... I'm not banded yet, but I can't wait to get into the under-200 crowd!

LiveLoveLaugh - I applaud you for your restraint...I don't know that I could have been as kind as you were. That said, the next time she wants to "treat" you, make a loud announcement that she needs to stop. Embarass the heck out of her and if she doesn't like it, so what! She may very well be jealous - and sabotaging you, ever so slightly, is her way of dealing with it without referring to it directly. If she can get you to cheat, she can say that the procedure wouldn't help her, because after all, if virtuous you can't be good, how will she ever make it? Don't let her do it to you! You could, alternatively, try telling her one more time that she should NOT bring you any such thing, but after that, get loud and ugly and make it plain enough for ER'BODY to hear!:tongue2: Good luck - and you're doing phenominally well - keep up the good work!

CurvesinCali, Best wishes, mountains of blessings, and I'll be thinking of you - when you feel up to it, let us know how you are doing...:tongue2:

Hey Ladies, Lemme see...Talbots ('cause I ain't paying their retail for clothes that I'm going to have to toss after I get my band), Saks, Neiman Marcus, someplace that has FIERCE leather clothing (I have a killer red and black leather dress I'm gonna hate to give up, but oh well), Spiegel (catalog, online), Frederick's (cause I need to show hubby some love too), Nordstroms... I also love shoes and accessories, so when I hit my goal, I'm trading all my costume jewelry in for the real stuff - I love white gold and sterling silver! I'm also planning for a new car - something curvy, fast and sexy - like I'm gonna be! :tongue2: