MelodyJ

I go to Zephyrhills, FL w/ DR. Grossbard....they charged me $200/fill.....I was not filled in Mexico....but in TN. It was a challenge to find someone it seemed!!!! There is also Dr. Kim in Orlando w/ FL HOsp but he charges $995 to "join" and that does include one fill.....then I was told $200/fill. Dr Jawad in Ocala will not take you if you've been banded by anyone else. God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure happy I had my band!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

I had one living in my house once.....I was so not happy and petrified would be a good word....anyway....he landed in the bathroom and I drew a line in the floor w/ my finger and prayed that he wouldn't cross the line (2nd bathroom I didn't need).....he died w/ his nose on the line!! But I figured he was faking me out.....so couldn't pick him up even w/ a broom and dustpan afraid he was going to jump when I touched him....he was mostly just skeleton by the time someone came along to pick him up!!!! No smell....so don't worry about that!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

I was told the band could go either way....I personally, had lots of heartburn before the band and have only had a couple times since....self-inflicted!! (I overate).....I think since I eat so little that it doesn't force the sphincter (valve/muscle) between the stomach and esophagus doesn't pop open!! I am improved since the band!!! Again...like puddinpie said that it's important to talk to your doc!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Hello. So nice to read everyones' "mini" stories and get to know other 30 somethings!! I am 38ys old.....I am married to the most wonderful husband for all of 2 years!!! We have not had children as we haven't settled down long enough to have a child!! Although, Lord-willing, we are hoping by Christmas to try for one....practicing til then!! I am a Physician Assistant after going back to school 9 ys ago transitioning from a Registered Nurse. I have worked in every conceivable specialty it seems.....have settled into Urgent Care in Orange City, FL. My sweet husband has just passed his realtors state exam and we are figuring out which avenue he is going to pursue....his next class is Appraisal..... we shall see! I have been overweight since birth....and progressed since then!! I have tried all diets known/invented out there....without success until now!!!! God is good!!! Loving this band!!!! I am down 49lbs since March 20th and hoping for 100lbs by the end of the year! I am doing this the healthy way....exercising at least 5 days a week....eating healthy ...most days! Hope to get to know more about you all!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

I did not do a preop diet as my dr didn't recommend it....you will have to ask your dr for the ideal ....it also depends on your weight, height, liver, etc...... God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :cool:

I wasn't going to write....so many good opinions and advice.....but having said that I will write. I have been in many roles. I am a Physician Assistant and discovered teh abuse, I have been on a board for abused children, I have worked in a group home w/ children that had been abused! There is TRULY a difference in spanking and shoving and kicking!! I doubt if this is only his 2nd time....I have a feelingthat he is "escalating"....it will get worse without intervention (counseling, etc). This is a cry for help.....if she really didn't believe this was a problem she wouldn't have called the pastor or told you!! Yes I believe if you know and don't report you will be held responsible possibly....today is messed up and it could be turned and blame you!!!! Stupid but true!!! I have also reported abuse.....it's tough but it's the right thing to do!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

VERY thought provoking question!!!! I have found myself focusing on weight more and thinking they might benefit from WLS....have even spoken to my patients more often about it then previously...just telling them to research and options and just seeing where they are!!! I'm definitely more aware than ever!!! I have noticed I've felt "bad" for people that are so overweight that it produces difficulty!! I'm like Wheetsin on wishing I hadn't seen some people in certain clothes and certain parts that I didn't need to see and would have had a fine day if I hadn't seen so much!!! Good question.....no I haven't gotten mad at skinny people ...well not too often!! Like it was said....each has their own battles/problems!! God Bless,, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Denise-- Are you sure you need another fill???? If you want a bump loss go to liquids on your own as this works when we are filled and must do it....are you exercising?? Are you eating 1/2 cup per meal or less???? Making good food choices???? There are MANY variables!!! This is tough at times I've discovered....worth it for me but tough!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Vickie--- Your doc was VERY conservative....my doc put 2.4cc in my 4cc band on the first fill....he was aggressive!! But 0.5cc is nothing hardly!! I think it's reasonable to ask for a little more!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Hang in there Carrie....30lbs is nothing to sneeze at!!!!! That is great!!!!!!! Keep trying and the weight will follow as you work!!!! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Good tip Carrie....I also had to change the way I think (Wheetsin helped me in this)....I quit asking "am I full?".....I ask "am I still hungry?".....big change in my thought process after all these years!!!!!!!!! I fill my 1/2 cup.....then if I'm TRULY hungry then I eat a little more....but make sure it's not head hunger!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :eek:

Welcome!!!!!!!!!! I love my band and feel it was a gift from God....answer to prayer as I have been at this losing/gaining thing for over 20 years!!!! With the band I am LOSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Nan73-- So glad your losing again....I TRULY understand the head hunger battle... and that is exactly what it is--a battle!!!!!!!!!!! Praying that you and I both "get it"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lesleysmom-- WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So impressed young one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :eek:

I agree w/ everyone else....NORMAL!!!! I was never like this pre-band....and it did settle way down after I started eating food. I had to remind myself that it wasn't hunger...just fussing as it felt different!! ALso I can now belch better than some men!!!!!!!!!! My mom will fall over if she ever hears it....trained ladies didn't do this!! :Banane35: And the other end now makes music routinely...... God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :Banane35:

Yay Kristin....so glad your better!!!! PRaise God Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

You are losing the same amount as I have....banded later and having to lose less!!! You are doing SO GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! You weigh much less than me!!! I weigh almost 100lbs more than you currently!!!! So I AM IMPRESSED!!! Keep up the GREAT JOB WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy w/ my weight loss.....impressed with yours girl!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

I remember that I googled in my search and did find a dr on Beach Blvd I believe before I moved to FL and thought I was going to be in that area... sorry I misplaced that info but am sure you could find it. I am going to Zephyrhills (near Tampa) for f/up. Sorry am not much help!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

1) Florida 2) I was banded in Dalton,GA which would have covered the cost for 1yr...but moved to FL....so I pay $200 w/ Dr Grossbard in Zephyrhills 3) Surgeon 4) Yes he was banded Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Barbara-- CONGRATULATIONS!!! Have already prayed!!! I prayed for peace, joy, life and success!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Kristin-- Hoping your at the ER and getting help currently!!! Praying for you!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Telly and Doc----GO FOR IT.....I'll be in the a/c right now!! That is WONDERFUL Telly....I wish I had your stamina right now....still walking about 2.5 mi---getting ready to add aerobics too it...soon!! How's the weight loss going woman???? Have you passed me yet??!?!? God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :Banane35:

Katherine, It's better to have peace about this....if you have too many questions or concerns you won't do as well.....at least that's been my experience!! When/if your ready you will do it!!! You can do it!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Ronda- I have noticed I want healthier stuff....thinking it's the motivation of loss....I have tasted a couple of sweet things...but not my favorite and that was a struggle before the band....loved those sweets God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

Pam-- Thanks for sharing....I'm praying it goes back too!!!! This is good wisdom for us new ones!!! God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs