Playful Psychic

I did it. I was 196 in January. 5'6". Today I weight 155. I couldn't be happier about it. It wasn't happening (at least it wasn't STAYING OFF) on my own and this way I have discovered a new way of eating and it has made a tremendous change in my life and the way I feel. I am part of the clinical trial being done in the U.S. on BMI's between 30-35. My BMI today is 25, which they tell me is normal. I feel great. I could lose another 20 pounds and still be normal, but if I don't, I am happy as I am. Before it hurt to walk around and carry all that weight. I have a bad back from a car accident. Today I am off of all my meds for blood pressure, pain and cholesterol! No more meds! Does it get better than that? So my answer is YES people at or under 200 pounds should do it if they cannot get lasting results on their own. Cindy Banded 01/27/08, Memphis Bariatrics, Dr. Woodman

Hi Julio! Our study last for 5 years. I wonder if it is the same one. We start getting paid after the first year. Not a lot. Something like $50 a visit or something. We have 30 people in Memphis also and I think there are 4 guys in this one. One of them is my hairdresser! LOL! I get free hair cuts for the rest of my life for getting him in!

Hi Yvonne! The more the merrier! I've been banded since January and it's been a slow go for me. I am going back for a 3rd fill on Monday. It is strange, but the only times I have lost any weight to speak of is the two weeks after a fill when you basically cannot eat anything. I am not a big eater (never really was) so it isn't as though I am stuffing myself after that two weeks is up. I only became large after I turned 50. I blame a lot of it on my age. I have changed my eating habits though. I read all the labels and try to stay away from all fat (although you can't exactly eat ZERO fat). I also stay away from sugar, Splenda items only. And I cannot eat bread because of the band, so that is out now. I am disappointed that the band isn't helping my more, BUT I have lost 25 pounds so I don't wish I hadn't done it. It is just going to take me longer than some of you. Welcome! Cindy Memphis TN

I'm new here too, but welcome! You and I seem to be about on the same level. I've lost 25 since January.....but you had to go through Thanksgiving and Christmas!

You know, the part of my brain that actually controls THINKING, knows you are right. I could do more and I should do more. I will try harder, I promise!

I guess I am just eager to get on with it! Exercise is my biggest problem. I hate doing it. Plus, I don't have any time to myself as it is, maybe an hour a day, and if I use it to exercise my toenails don't get polished, my face doesn't gets it's daily moisturing mask, and I don't get to watch any TV. Yes I know that is just an excuse. To hear my doctor tell it, I am lazy. I work two jobs PLUS I have a 6-year-old adopted daughter. :thumbup: That is exercise enough for me! It isn't as though I don't want to do it, but I've come to accept that I am probably never going to with the exception of walking 30 minutes at lunch. So, if I don't lose fast enough, exercise IS probably the problem.

No I haven't read that thread, but I will now. I didn't realize you lose it around your stomach first. My legs, arms and face are noticeably smaller, but my stomach is still fat.....not AS fat, but nowhere near flat. Am I really psychic? Well, some would say if I were, I wouldn't need to ask these questions! LOL! But, the answer is yes, but not like Melinda on Ghost Whisperer or John Edward. I dream things that happen and know who will be on the phone when it rings, who is lying and who isn't, that sort of thing. It's helpful. I use it as a tool. Saves me on caller ID! LOL!:thumbup:

I am 53 and banded in January. After close to 3 months, I've lost a total of 25 pounds. Not much is it? The only times I have seen the scale move down is like RIGHT AFTER a fill. For the first couple of weeks I cannot get much down and, of course, the scale moves. After the two weeks is up, the scale doesn't go back up, but I don't lose either. Luckily I don't have a huge amount to lose but I am wondering is anyone else has this problem and if it is due to my age. Cindy

Hi Debbi, Can you tell me about the long term effects of the band? Is it easy to keep the weight off? Do you still have a fill in it? Is it still tight? I just wondered how it will be once my weight is normal. I have 30 more pounds to go before entering the normal range. Thanks! Cindy

I used Dr. Woodman also and the assesment from laurend is right on the money. My surgery was free though, so you can put up with a lot for that price.

Hi Kristy6! Congrats on 40 pounds! That is so much better than my sucess of 22 pounds since 1/23! Keep up the good work!

Kelly brought food from salad's and sandwiches. The salads were from Wendy's, grilled chicken, but I can't eat lettuce without it sticking so none for me. The sandwiches were from just about everywhere except Sonic. She said there is NO low fat food at Sonic! With sandwiches the tip was stay away from mayo and the like. Ketsup and mustard only with lettuce and tomato. Of course I can't eat the bread so my "sandwich" was just the insides! She also brought a baked potato and chili from Wendy's. She poured the chili over the baked potato in lieu of butter or sour cream. It was interesting. I think I can grow to like that! Her next meeting will definitely be on Saturday from noon to 1:00, but you'll need to stay turned on the website for when.

Dr. Woodman is my doctor too. I am going to one of his Kelly's Kitchen's meetings today at the seminar room at the hospital. Have you gone to one yet?

You have to be patient. All that weight didn't come overnight and it won't go overnight either. You are doing great for only a couple of weeks. Just where you should be!

Hi there! Just introducing myself. I am from Nesbit! Mississippi Rocks!