fran21497

Alexandra, Can you tell me exactly what the dates are for the support group meetings, and what time they start? I really want to start going to them. Also the office is really busy. I had to leave my appointment because they had me wait from 12:30 til 2:30 and I still hadn't seen Bertha, and my kids were getting off the bus at 2:30 (30 minutes away) and no one was there to get them off the bus.(Worst part was that it was the first day of school) I felt like such a horrible mother. I still haven't rescheduled my yearly visit because I can't afford to wait so long to be seen. One good thing was at the visit they had my blood work and stats and there haven't been any problems with the band itself. Do I need to make that appointment again or can I wait? Just looking for some helpful advice. Hope everyone is doing good and enjoy this nice but cool weekend. We took the kids pumpkin pickin in Vernon yesterday. It was soo much fun.

Hi Everyone, Sorry I haven't checked this lately because of my schedule. Got through the two weddings in September. I also just finished caoching about 4 soccer games today for the Columbus Day tournament in Pequannock. It was crazy and tiring but fun for all. Hope everyone else is doing good.

Hi all, I'm Fran, also northern NJ. I'm from Butler. I was banded by Dr. Pupkova in Aug of 05, but she left so Dr. Bertha took me on. It has been an experience, but I never will regret it. I have lost 98lbs in a little over a year and feel great. Eating still can be tricky, but learning to stay away from what I know I personally can't eat. The best part of all of this is the compliments, the energy to keep up with my three kids (9, 7, & 19mths), and my new found confidence in myself. I've had four fills so far and they were a piece of cake. What helps is that my port sticks out and is very easy to find. Usually once I step into the Radiology room they have me out in 20 minutes. They are very good at what they do. Hope everything goes fine. As for the walking, I'm trying to walk more but am always running around. Both the older kids are on traveling soccer teams and I am head coach for my daughter's team and assistant for my son's. This keeps me active for at least three days a week. I also haven't been checking this site that much, but I will be looking forward to checking it more often. Talk to you soon.

About the feeding of the kids thread. I have noticed that now I give my kids smaller portions of food because thats what I'm eating now. I used to give my kids (Now 9, 7 & 19mths) heaping portions of food and expected them to finish it. This surgery has really opened my eyes to how much you are suppose to eat. Also, I don't get mad anymore when they don't eat all of their food because I can barely finish mine.

I was just wondering if anyone knows whether tanning beds will damage the port at all....also if sun tanning will do the same. This is my fear after hearing stories. Someone please help me? I also feel stupid asking my doctor because of the other risks connected to tanning.

I agree with Alexandra. I have Dr. Pupkova from Advanced Laproscopic Surgeons and I really like them. The listen to you and support you throughout the whole process.

Glo, You will be in my prayers also. I am from Jersey-North. I usually am on once a day. Hopefully everything will come out the way you want. I'll be thinking of you.

I forgot to post my starting weight which is 243.

This will be my first weight loss challenge since being banded. I am going to aim for twenty pounds, and will be happy with 15 (I've not had a first fill yet). I will try to post a picture once I figure out how to. Good luck to all.

I am still new. What is PBing? Also is it normal to gain a pound or two when you start soft foods, such as eggs, deli meat, chicken, ect.. And when you hit all regular foods is it normal? I feel dumb asking but I feel a little lost.

Now I'm scared. How can you tell if your port is deep? Right after surgery it felt like my ribs were sticking out, but now it seems back to normal. I am sitting here poking aroung on my left side.....Very Scared!

When were you banded? 8/8/05 What was your weight on day of surgery? 264 What is your weight now? 253 What size do you wear? 20/22(still same clothes-too early) How tall are you? 5'6(always thought I was 5'7 until my first surgical visit)

I had my band placed on August 8th. So far I've lost 9lbs since....Is this normal? How much are you suppose to lose a week?