knightfl

Jodi, Thanks for the information. Very helpful. I probably started losing hair around 4 months. I'm in my 5 month and I'm definitely noticing the loss. I will try the biotin. I have to admit I have not been very good with the vitamins or the protein. The pills are too big and the protein does not like to stay down. I don't like the drinks. Can you recommend a good protein powder? At my last Dr visit they told me I had to increase both immediately. So I am trying and I have improved the last week. Thanks so much and congrats on your BMI. You are doing great!! Way to go girl!!! Carolyn :thumbup: :thumbup:

Glad to hear the positive words. I am also having hair loss -noticed it this month (5 months out). I know protein is a problem, so I will try to concentrate on it. Good idea to get the powder and put in jello or pudding. What is the best powder? I do not like the taste of the packaged drinks. Thanks for any and all help. Carolyn :thumbup:

It looks like there are 4 of us in the Treasure Coast so far. I'm sure we will have more once the Doctors at Martin start banding. I'd love to have a local support group. Best wishes to all of you and let's stay in touch!! Carolyn

Sorry for the delay. I was so glad to hear from you. Hope you are having success. Do you ever go to the Support Group Meetings at JFK? I believe the next one is March 16th. It's nice to know there are other banders in the Treasure Coast. Hope you are very success. I will respond sooner to your replies. Good Luck. Carolyn

pttcarol, Hang in there. I seemed to lose very slow between my first and second fill. I was banded 9/30/08 and had my second fill on 11/15. I have definitely noticed a difference. Very hard to over eat now. I have been losing again since that fill. I love not being hungry!!

I am definitely interested. I voted maybe, waiting to hear more details. I would prefer NYC, but would settle for NJ. I also think you should consider Florida in the spring or fall. Lots of great places. I'd be happy to assist. Carolyn

Hi MOMFL, Sorry for the delay in this response. I was away for a few days. I'm sure you will love Dr. Larson and the staff. They are extremely friendly, helpful and supportive. You will meet everyone on your first visit and they will explain the process. It's a bit of a drive to Lake Worth, but worth it. JFK Hospital was also very good. With the LapBand, you'll stay one night. The hospital just received the Certificate of Excellence which is great news. I have had 1 fill and that is not bad at all. I'll get my second fill the Monday before Thanksgiving. Great for watching those calories. As you can see, I have lost 20 pounds. I had hoped for more, but I'm still adjusting my life style. The band is only one tool. You do have to change habits also. They have a support group meeting once a month at JFK. The next one is Nov. 17th. You will find this very helpful. People come that are banded and some that are not banded yet. I think you'll really like Dr. Larson and his staff. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask. Also let me know what you decide. Godd Luck!!! Carolyn

I agree - it does finally get better. The back/shoulder pain is gone and I hope it never returns. It is getting easier. I'm starting to get hungry occassionally. They say todrink water when I get hungry. I won't have a fill for 2 more weeks. Good Luck to everyone. Hang in there. I'm going to look for recipes for when I get off the mushies.

I was banded on September 30th. Just wondering if there are any other members from the Treasue Coast area in Florida?

Smashing Pumpkins, Good luck at work. Take it easy. I'm so fortunate that I decided to do this between jobs. So I can move it slowly. You will love the mushies. I have sugar-free Jello double chocolate pudding, straberry yoqurt, applesauce, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, I great variety. Just take it slow when you start. Small bites over a long period. It usually takes me most of the day to eat one pudding. It's my taste refresher. My back is a little better today, but it seems to alternate days. I willl be very happy when the back is back in shape. Your doing great!!! My son and his family live in Tampa. Maybe we can have a Tampa get together sometime! Carolyn :wub:

Hi all - I was banded on 9/30 and was not happy with the pain, tightest in chest and gas, BUT - it does get better. I have lost a lot so far, but note that my Dr. did not put me on a pre-op diet, so I am having a lot of water loss. I'm allowed musshies after 1 week and that is heaven. Helps your spirits tremendously!! Good Luck to all. It will get better. I'm so anxious to see what life is like a year from now. In the Bands, Carolyn P.S. The back and shoulder pains still persist. I am not happy with that.

Ambraberger, I'm also a Sept 30th bander and still in pain. I can sleep on my back, but the gas, swelling, etc. is still bad. Plus I have bad headaches. Port still sore, but that is expected. I have had very little of anything. Every drop of liquid is uncomfortable. The thought of food is horrible. I'm assuming this will change soon - I hope. It's great to hear from others that our pass this stage. You know there is light at the end of this tunnel. Take care and good luck. We'll be happy losers soon!! In the bands, Carolyn

I was banded Sept 30 and have the same issues. Something is not allowingme to eat. So far I've had 2 TBLS of chicken broth, 1 SF popscile and a few sips of water. Everything wants to come back up and causes very, very bad pains. I'm assuming time will answer the issue. My shoulders also hurt. What is that all about? Your help appreciated. Carolyn

Thanks for the wishes. I did attend the Information Meeting. The group is extremely nice. They are very helpful and friendly. A little expensive, but the united services they offer make the difference. Also I was impressed with the discussion we had with Dr. Larson. Very patience, answered all of our questions, didn't rush us. They do take steps to be sure you have theproper attention. JFK is in the final srages of receiving the Center of Excellence rating. They are expecting it any day.

I'm in Martin County, but going to Dr. Larson in Lake Worth. A little drive, but he comes highly recommended. Lots of experience. I'll be banded on 9/30. I hope to find some Martin County patients to car-pool to support group meetings. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer.