Butterflylady

Glad to see all are doing well, keep up the good work. :wink2: It is wonderful that we have this forum. I read but don't respond much. To date of have lost 70 pounds and down 2 sizes. I have a long way to go, but enjoying every pound that comes off. Have had lots of NSV. Fitting into a airplane seat and putting the arm rest down, still need the extender but it is inches away from being gone. No more extenders for the vehicles. I am 57 pounds from my personal goal of 250. I can now see the light at the end of this long dark tunnel. Regards, Donna

Hi Ronnfia, I was also was banded on March 17th. Welcome to the patch as SpecialK says. Best thing I ever did for myself. Have losted 42 pounds since the middle of Feburary. Had my first fill (.5cc) on the 21st of March. I feel a slight difference. If I eat to fast my chest starts to hurt. Other than that I feel great. Found myself walking straight down some stairs the other day, I have not been able to do that in a long time. I used to have to come down side ways. We have a good group here. I read this forum just about every day. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Donna

miss meliss Dr. Adam Smith did my surgery. I do believe Dr. Ferrara was in to assist with my surgery. I can tell you why I picked them. They really care about you and what you are going through. The staff is great and there after care meetings are wonderful support. If you have not gone to one of the meetings I highly suggest that you go. You don't have to be banded to go. You can learn a lot from the people that have been there. They are great to answer any and all questions that you might have. The meetings are every Tuesday at 6:30. I had Aetna also and they returned my approval in a week. So hang in there. I will look for you at the next meeting. Donna

Just wanted to wish all the St. Patty's Day bandsters good luck on their day. And may you have a speedy recovery time. Best Wishes, Donna

Hi SpecialK and all of our 17th Shrinking Shamrocks, How are you doing today. When you do go for your pre-op? I went for my pre-op at the hospital this afternoon. All went pretty well. Except they could not get any blood out of my veins! Hospital called this past weekend and told me to stop all liquids at 1am so that is what I did. Well that is what caused the problem. So now I have to go to another lab to have it done. No big deal, just inconvenient. EKG came out good. Was very happy about that. On to the next stage. Got my time for the surgery! 9:15 am. March 17, 2008. Hope all of us 17th Marcher are doing well today. Keep your eye on the goal.

I have my pre-op appointment this afternoon. Had to stop all liquids as of 1 am this morning. Could really use a cup of coffee this morning! Getting excited and scared at the same time. Reading about Fenton and the others have helped calm the nerves a bit. I just need to take things one step at a time. Went shopping this weekend to get my Protein drinks ready for next week. DH had been very supportive. Hang in there gages62 (Rachel) it will all be worth it.

Hi suecasb and everyone, My doctor is Adam Smith in Fort Worth, TX. I have started the high Protein diet and have been pretty happy with it. Have lost 16 pounds. Getting nervous. Monday (3/10/08) I go to the hospital for lab, X-ray and EKG. Had surgery last year and my EKG came out bad and had to go a carido doctor. before they would operate. All checked ok. Just thinking to much I guess. Hope all of you are doing well and keeping your spirits up! Butterflylady Going to be banded 3/17/08 Dr. Adam Smith Baylor Surgery Center Fort Worth, TX

janeth57 Mergatroy Welcome to both of you. I also am recieving my band on the 17th. St. Patrick's Day is a fun way to be able to remember the start of this journey. Butterflylady To be banded 3-17-08 Dr. Adam Smith Fort Worth, TX

SpecialK, That is some list you got going there. Most of us can relate to them. Number 10 is just one of my goals on this list. Number 61 is right up there too. One to add is the seatbelt extenders for the car and airplane seats. Oh and smaller feet, they will not be as swollen! Need all the good vibes we can get. Looking forward to this journey and making new friends along the way. Butterflylady Shrinking Shamrocks, Rock! Surgery date: March 17th Dr. Adam Smith

Congrats Lisa! I am planning on wearing green to the hospital that day. Going to tell family and friends that are coming to do the same. Keep in touch. Donna Butterflylady

I to am scared, but very excited. I live in Fort Worth, Texas. Was approved on the 18th of Feb. Pre-op on with Dr. Adam Smith on March 3rd. Pre-op for the hospital on the 10th. Got a letter from the doctor on 2/20/08 and I am to start a "diet" of high protein, low carbs. Which means grilled fish, chicken etc... and lots of veggies. Have been trying the protein powders, just need to learn to mix things better. Going to be a busy month for all of us. Knowing that there are others out there going through the same thing helps. I plan to keep up with all of you.

Hi, I am new here and was looking at all the really good info this forum has. It has been a long hard struggle to get here, but here I am. Finally approved 2-18-08 and surgery will be March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Surely it will bring me good luck, right? Butterflylady