Heather Joy

I have been on many diets-from weight watchers to atkins to richard simons=) I even tried Xenical,which was a pooin' nightmare!!!! I tried just about ever diet pill known to man.the craziest thing i ever did though was have an eating disorder for about 3 years. I lost 50 lbs,gained 80 lbs then lost 80 lbs in about 6 months. It was terrible i was constantly taking diet pills and feeling like i was so fat even though i was boney. Somehow i overcame it and gained about 150 lbs. I am now doing it the healthy way and feel so wonderful and confident already=) and this time i will keep it off!!!

My insurance initially denied me,but i called my primary care doctor and my obgyn and asked them to submit information that my surgery is needed-they denied me 1st because i didnt have any illnesses such as diabetes.But because i am 22 i havent gotten that far and probably in a couple years i would have become diabetic. I even wrote them a long letter. Then i got approved!! So,if you DO get denied,dont take that as your final answer!Appeal,appeal appeal! Uusally when they see you want it enough to appeal their decision,they approve you (unless you really dont meet the criteria such as a lower BMI,mine was like 50!) Good luck let me know how you do!!But now im doing great,ive lost 40 lbs and am feeling better then i have felt in years! I have some neasea but its not that huge of a deal compared to all the benefits=)

Oh wow there are a lot of us out there huh?? Thats great!!! (Christine) Trama Nurse-thats so cool we went to the same office!I have yet to meet anyone who has went to Pioneer Valley Surgical! Thanks so much everyone for repling-it makes me feel better knowing there are many younger people getting the band like me.Im really glad i joined this group you are all so wonderful and i have already learned so much! Congrats to everyone also who replied-you all sound like your doing awesome :-D I am so happy with this surgery since its so much less risk then gastric bypass and there are so many more options.. Thanks again everyone for all your responses!!! =)

Hey thats great-at least now i know im not an oddball!LOL =-) Thanks!!! Are you happy with your band? Im thrilled-its like ive been given a new more confident life already!

I was wondering if there are many people in their early 20's (like me)in here who are or have gotten banded-From what ive seen and heard on-line and around where i live that most people banded are late 20's-30 +... Not that theres a HUGE difference-Just curious =-) Thanks!

Add me to THAT list!!!LOL I havent done one of these challenges yet!I weighed myself this morning and was down to 250 woowhoooo 40 lbs!!! But my scale is weird sometimes-it could be more,less,or right on par~ lol. Unfortunatly i dont have very many before pics...I didnt even want to see or have it known my pic was being taken : I`ll track one down though.

What is a PB? Im so confused!Ive heard that a lot!!! Oh and Becky I had my surgery april 29th too=)

I was banded 4/29 and gave up diet coke com pletely.. amonth after surgery i tried flat soda,and i went ok-not great,but not bad either. now im back to drinking it occationally and it doesnt bother my tummy. Imsure once Ive had a few more fills it will =( lol

Wow!!Thanks for such a warm welcome everyone!!Im so glad i found such a great group! I love my band and i would never give it up for the world!=) Losing weight the HEALTHY way is great. Ive done it unhealthy many times before but now i feel better then i have felt in years! I just bought a pair of capries (i havent worn then...well,ever!),and i bought a smaller pair and didnt try them on figuring theyd fit--they were too big! Thnaks again everyone for such a great welcome.i wish everyone the best of luck! Heather

Hi everyone!Im new to this site and would like to introduce myself!MY name is Heather (dUH!LOL). I had my surgery April 29 2005 and have already lost over 30 lbs! I am so excited living my "new" life-I am recently engaged to my wonderful boyfriend of 5 1/2 years, and have already gone down a size in clothes! I am already so much more confident then i have been in years.This surgery has already been a miracle for me. I have had a few problems-my port is still painful but is getting better and i had a fill last week which made me sicknd I couldnt eat anthing but liquids...but,considering what Ive read that have happened to other people--I guess its not to bad! I am very excited to meet other people who have had lap band surgery!