MissVicky

I'm going for fill #3 on Friday. Right now I have 5cc/9cc band. I feel some restriction... and don't want to get too tight, so hopefully doc will just do a tweak and not overfill me. Good to see everyone doing so well, so far!

Wow Heather!! You are doing a FABULOUS job! And you're pregnant! Way to go! Congratulations!

Hi VeeJee, I was banded on 9/15 at the Miriam Hospital. I started out seeing the nutritionist on staff at the Miriam, but just didn't relate to her so I sought out another NUT based on recommendations from bariatric friends in RI. I see Heather Gagliardi of Netrition, Inc. She is on Taunton Ave., in East Providence. She is GREAT! Matter of fact I go back for a follow up this coming Saturday. I also attend 3 of the 4 WLS support groups that I know of in RI. The Miriam is held the 4th Tue of every month - lapband starts @ 5:30 / general WLS @ 6:00-7:30? There are 2 at RW - One is held the 3rd Wed from 7:00-9:00. The other is the 4th Thurs from 6:00-7:30. I know there is one at RI Hospital as well, and it is held on the 1st Wed but I don't know the start time, as I don't attend it. Good luck with your journey, and let me know how things go for you! Let me know if you'll be attending any of the upcoming support group meetings! ~Vicky

Good luck with insurance approval. I had no problem getting approved, so I'm hoping your luck is the same! I had my Realize band placed on 9/15/08 and have had a great experience with it so far. Down a total of 48 lbs since my all time high of 280 in June 2009. Stay focused... stay determined. You'll do great!

Woo hoo!! Just booked my room and paid the conference fee. I WILL BE THERE!!! Can't wait to meet you all! Hugs! Vicky

Hi! Just checking in... I was banded 9/15/08 in Providence, RI by Dr. Harry Sax. So far I have lost 48 lbs since my all time high in 6/08 (31 lbs since surgery). I have had 2 fills, and my 3rd fill is scheduled for 1/9/08. No problems whatsoever so far. I am very happy with this decision! ~Vicky

I am a REALIZE band patient, too. Had my surgery on 9/15/08 in Providence, RI with Dr. Harry Sax. I've had 2 fills so far, and going for #3 on 1/9. Down 48 lbs now, including the 17 lbs I lost pre-op. How are things going for you?

I too had my first fill at 6 wks out. My surgeon will do fills every 4 wks or more. My second fill ended up being at 5 wks due to Thanksgiving holiday. And my third fill is scheduled for 1/9 because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. I would make special note of any increase in appetite, and hunger between meals before your next scheduled appointment. If you are not being satisfied, and staying full for 4 hours between meals you should say so and request a fill.

I am very interested in attending the NYC/NJ Lap-Band Conference! I was so disappointed that I wasn't able to go to Houston. This is great! I live in MA, so it's an easy drive to NY/NJ. Please keep me posted! Vicky

Hi Lisa! Thanks for reaching out! I'd love to contact you. Look for an e-mail from me soon. Have a great day! Vicky

Hi maryrose! We're almost neighbors :w00t: well, sort of... in the same state anyway.... Hehe I totally agree with being over 50 and having a lot of other challenges as well. You've done a great job with your weight loss so far! Any tips or bits of advice you can offer to a newbie?

No problem at all. The REALIZE band is rather new and I haven't met many people yet that have it, so I was just curious.

Hi Lory! I used to live in Michigan... so not far from Illinois at all. You're doing great on your weight loss, so far. Congratulations, and keep up the good work! I'm kind of anxious to find out what restriction really feels like. I know not to expect it yet... but hopefully soon! Which band do you have? I have the REALIZE band. Hope to hear more from you!

Thank you Saleel for the tip on drinking slowly while at the docs office. Tomorrow is the day! I'm kind of excited, but nervous too! Glad to hear all is going well with you.

Hi all, I was banded on 9/15/08. I am 52 years old, married with grown children. Moved to MA from MI about 2-1/2 years ago. I had my surgery at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI even though I live in MA. Going into Boston for dr appts and fills just wasn't going to be easy when I was working (at the time) in Providence, so I went through the bariatric program in RI. I need to loose about 130 lbs total. I've lost 30 lbs so far. 17 pre-op and 13 post-op (actually in the 2 wks following surgery). Since 10/1 I have been bouncing back and forth, up and down between the same 3 lbs. Typical, I know... but frustrating none the less. I would like to connect with a buddy who has been successful in losing 100+ lbs. I know the statistcs state that we will only lose 40-60% EWL over 3 years, but I would like to become an exception to that statistic, and lose 80-100%. I know it can be done, with hard work and support. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I'd love to hear from you! Vicky

Hi ~ I've only been banded a little over 5 weeks, so don't have alot to offer other than........... I drink right up until the time I eat (my surgeon allows this), at which point I place my glass out of reach from myself. If the waitress did not respect my "no thank you" when she offered more, I would politely ask her to please remove the glass from the table, as I am on a restricted diet that does not allow fluids with/after my meal. Remember, you are the customer... and more importantly.... YOU are in control of your destiny. Have a great day!

LOL! Just a day trip away, Saleel! Congratulations on your success so far! I'll admit I had to look up the conversion of kg to lbs. 25kg = 55 lbs! Awesome job!

Thanks, Tova! I do agree with you about support groups being vital to success. Right now I go to 2 different meetings at Rhode Island hospitals. One at the Miriam and the other at Roger Williams. It's easier for me to get into Providence, than Boston. Thank you for responding.

Hi all, Just thought I'd stop and say HI! I am 52 years old, so that makes me the right age........and I was banded on 9/15/08, so guess I'm in the right place too! I live in Central Massachusetts, having moved here from Michigan 2-1/2 years ago. Any neighbors? So far, so good in band land. I go for my first fill on 10/28, and have lost 30 lbs so far - 17 lbs pre-op and 13 lbs post-op. I'm hoping I stopped in the right place to make some new friends and support buddies!

Hi all, Do you attend support groups? I was banded on 9/15/08, and usually end up going to Providence, RI (I live in Milford, MA) to attend support groups because I don't know where any are in Metrowest Boston. Where do you all go?

Hi All... Guess I should've introduced myself before I posted that last post, right? I had my REALIZE band placed on 9/15/08. My first fill is scheduled for 10/28...ugh, 2 more weeks! I'm really starting to get hungrier now. I had lost 17 lbs on the pre-op diet and have lost 13 lbs since surgery. However, I have lost and gained the same 3 lbs for over a week now. Very disappointing. I was feeling so great losing 13 lbs in like 2 weeks! I know... "results not typical"... so, I will just keep following the rules and hope for continued success.

I'm so sorry to hear about your blood clot! I had one about 3 years ago after bunion surgery. How's everything going healthwise (excluding WLS) since that time? Did you have to go on blood thinners?

Hi all, I am about 2-1/2 weeks pre-op, god willing and insurance is approved! I've been contemplating WLS for a couple of years, but finally got serious about it early this year. I met with my surgeon, Dr. Harry Sax - Providence, RI, on 5/25/08 and finally completed all of my tests in late July. Met with him again on 8/15 and we decided that lap band was the safest option for me. I had a DVT w/PE about 3 yrs ago, and after determining that I do not have a blood clotting disorder he felt that lap band would still be the safest surgery for me. It still doesn't seem "real" while I am waiting for approval. It's been a full week now since the office sent in my paperwork to the ins company. I'm getting anxious to hear that it's all a go!! If so, I am scheduled to have surgery on 9/15. It's nice to be a part of such an informative group of people! Have a great day! Vicky

Hi all, Just wondering......... 1) Who did you choose to do your surgery, and how did you make that choice? 2) How many docs did you consult with before making your decision? I have attended a seminar in Boston at the Brigham, and am attending another one tonight at Roger Williams in Providence. I live in Blackstone. Thanks all, Vicky

Hi - I've kinda been lurking on this site for awhile now. Just beginning the process. I'm going to a Weight Loss Surgery Information Session at the Brigham on Tues 4/22.