Gypsy girl

I've been following this post for awhile too. You have taught me so much - must be because you are all Buckeyes. I was banded Nov. 3 and am doing well. 21 lbs so far and I am so, so grateful for this surgery. I feel free for the first time in my life. Anybody in the Dayton area? I live in Beavercreek.

I wasn't 100 lbs overweight or had a 40 BMI, BUT i do have some co-morbidities (sleep apnea, back and neck pain, knee pain, reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a pretty strong string of diabetics in the family. I am 58 and have tried just about every diet with varying levels of success. I think what got me approved was that I was and still am so pumped by the opportunity to have this surgery. Staying with the 3 month program and showing that you are compliant is very, very important. Losing weight, beginning an exercise program and documenting your food intake shows that you are ready to do what it takes to be successful. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I was banded on Nov. 3 of this year, have had no problems and just had my first fill on Dec. 16 resulting in a 21 lb. loss so far. God has been good to me and has heard my prayers for many years. Weight has been the #1 stumbling block to me. I feel so grateful that I was able to have the surgery. Beautiful changes are coming your way. Stay strong and be faithful to the program. Don't be afraid to follow up with your doctor or the insurance company. If they deny you, appeal. Again and again. If that still doesn't work, you have the option of self-paying. Don't ever quit. You deserve to have the beautiful body that God created for you. Anything that matters is always a struggle. Hang tough and let me know how you are doing from time to time.

I have Aetna and did the 3 month program. However, it took about 6 months to get all of the appointments scheduled around my travel for work. Just jump in and do the 6 months if you have to. It might be frustrating to you, but I learned a lot in 6 months and pretty much knew exactly what was going to happen. Toward the end I couldn't think of anything else but my surgery. I was out of the country on business when I was approved and I can't remember the flight home because I was so happy and excited. There are some good books out there to help us. I think my 6 month wait made it sink in that this is for life. There is before the surgery and after. I am so grateful that I have been banded. I thank God everyday. You will do fine. Keep moving forward with your plans and don't look back. That 6 months will go faster than you think and you will be wiser for it.

Hi All, It's good to see that others are struggling and not just me. However, even though many of you are looking for motivation know that you have motivated me to get moving again. I've lost on diets before and of course regained it all ++. My band is relatively new (Nov. 3) and I have only lost 16 lbs, but I am happy with that. I have learned that weight loss and fitness aren't a race and if I don't enjoy the process, I won't succeed. Granted there are days when it is easier to take a nap. There are times when I just about count every second, but I'm committing to the doing - just get up and go. I spend more time griping about it than it would take to just get off my duff and move. You have all been an inspiration. You'll hit it again and be motivated. For now, just pat yourselves on the back and know that you helped someone new to her band. Thanks, Ladies!

Hi CoachCher, I was banded Nov. 3 of this year and stay plugged into various web sites, blogs, books, support groups etc. It's great motivation and I meet fantastic people. We all have a story. Different, but the same too. I am a professional event and meeting planner. Unfortunately, I can't make the March conference, but can offer a helping hand as a volunteer as you work through your planning for 2009. My department at my company manages over 350 events/trade sows/meetings per year. There are 9 of us and we scramble pretty fast. Perhaps I can attend another 2009 conference. I look forward to seeing your schedule for the rest of the year.

Yikes, Hazeleyes and Kimberly J, I am in Beavercreek too! I ws banded on Nv 3. by Dr. Anderson at KMH. I've lost 15 lbs and all is going pretty well. I would LOVE to go to a support group or connect with my fellow B/C bandsters.

I'm in and I need encouragement. Can't get my lazy duff on the treadmill before work in the morning. it's a real bummer for me because I used to be fit and buff. I am walking most days - just no schedule and discipline. OK, this is it, I'll report in everyday and tell you that I'm workin' it.

I was banded on Nov. 3 and have lost 15 lbs. I used to have it altogether when I sculled and ran. That's over now due to neck and spine injuries. SO, I'm looking for some help and motivation to get back on a regular walking and strength training schedule. I would love to commit to a training partner so we can keep each other on track. Anybody looking for a training buddy?

November 3 for me! It's all I think about.....I am so excited and so grateful for the technology that revitalizes lives.