strikeuptheband

ChristaO, I was self pay with Dr Pitt. Its been just over a year ago and I paid $12,500 plus a few other little things...I think a copay on the psych eval or something. Not sure what he is charging now, you will find out at the seminar. Good luck! I also got free fills for life because I got the Realize band and it was brand new then. What a deal!!

ksp, I used to live in trenton but moved to Jefferson City a few months ago. I am going up to get a fill this wednesday, my last one was a couple months ago. Last time I went, Tina thought I was doing good so she didnt give me a fill. Lately I think I have gained back a few lbs and am hungry more so I think its time for another one. Do you go to the Thursday support groups? They meet the 2nd thursday each month and they are great meetings. Hope to see you at one soon!

Hi Arb, Are you from the Columbia area? I still get to most of the support group meetings there.

Great, Tweety! I am going up for a fill this afternoon. Hope this is the one that gives me better restriction. Hope to see you at the support group!

Wow, you are doing great, tweety! You will start feeling better every day. Be sure to go to the monthly support groups. They are really fun and motivating. I go every month. Its the 2nd Thursday every month. Sylvia will email you to remind you if she has your email addy. Good luck and hope I meet you at a support group sometime.

Hi Junies, Wow! 6 months already! I have learned that I am a slow loser and thats ok. I am just now starting to see how loose my skin is...ewwww so I know I better find time for more exercise or things wont be pretty!:biggrin: I have learned that on rare occasions when I find myself in the fast food lane, a kids meal is even too much! I have learned that an occasional dinner out when I try to eat a regular serving, its waaay too much, but just eating more that one time usually shocks my system into dropping a pound or two. But I cant do that often of my body will be shocked and gain instead! I have learned that there are some really great folks on this forum and I am blessed to call them friends. You have been the encouragement I need to keep going some days. Love y'all Junies!

Sure, plain, Adjusted is your middle name! Did you know you could tell if a girl is a virgin or not by the way she handles cucumbers at the produce dept? I am sure you will now go and make your own independent observations on this. I look forward to hearing you validate this theory. And man, that clothes pin thing is kinky.:smile2:

My little binge demon tells me "clean up your plate!" I have been banded almost 6 months and I still struggle with telling myself NO YOU DON'T need to clean up your plate. Now that I have good restriction, the pain stops me. Haven't had any PBs just pain in my chest if I overdo it. Or if the first 2 bites are too large or too fast, I might as well tell myself to give it up for a few hours cuz anymore and I will be hurting! Yes its a learning curve and looks like it will be for quite a while. Still love my band tho!

Some have had surgery, some are still thinking about it or waiting for their surgery date. Just send off an email to Stacie Cloven (src3791@bjc.org) and ask her to put you on her mailing list and you can find out when the next meeting is. I think its Dec 11th. They meet from 6:30 - 8pm at the Broadway Medical Plaza #3 in Columbia. You can come earlier because they have the clothing exchange at 5:30. Stacie can answer any other questions you might have. They were talking about the Dec meeting being a potluck where we can all bring a small 'band friendly' dish and recipies to share. Sounds like fun so come and meet everyone!

Congrats on the 70 lbs! Thats awesome! Boone County Hosp has a weight loss support group, think its called Through Thick and Thin...we meet the 2nd thursday of each month. We have a clothing exchange also. Let me know if you are interested and I will give you details. I have met a few people there that also chat and post on here. Its great to put a name to a face and also meet people who are going through the same process. Lots of fun too!

I would love to come to a convention, but NY would be too costly at this time. If there is one somewhere in the midwest, I would really be interested. I live in Missouri, so Kansas City, Columbia, St Louis or even as far as Chicago might be doable for me.

Not sure of the cost, but my doc is Dr Pitt in Columbia, just a few hours away for you. Sorry it isn't working for you. I was really impressed with him and Boone County Hospital. The nurse coordinator's name is Sylvia. She could probably give you some information if you call her. See my sig below... and good luck.

I like to use the small containers because I take my lunch to work. If I put a tiny bit of food in a larger container, it looks so pitiful and I feel deprived and want more. Haven't used them to freeze things tho. Leftovers get eaten up pretty fast at our place.

I was able to drive myself home the next day. It was a 3 hr trip but it took me closer to 4 since I stopped 3 times to get out and walk. I was very sleepy. You only have a one hour drive so if you drive yourself home (I could not have done it the same day as surg), watch what pain meds you get upon checking out from the hospital and dont take anything that makes you sleepy till you get home. I just took it easy and got home without a problem. Also, went to work the next day (2 days after surg) for just a short meeting, went half a day the next day and then had a weekend to rest up. Try not to overdo things! Housecleaning and laundry can wait. Just get your rest and recouperate! If you want lapband enough, you will find a way. Good luck!

Welcome Anniegirl, I am also 56. Theres lots of fun folks here to talk to. Just jump into any conversation you find interesting. I think there is a thread for 50's here. Try looking on the home page, there should be a list of all threads and topics there. Good luck on your weight loss journey.