DeltaDawn

Thanks for the suggestions guys. You guys are the best. Dawn Banded April 4, 2006 Montreal

Good luck to you nanniemidder. The journey is amazing and long but so worthwhile. I too self-paid (not covered by any insurance in Canada and only a few provisional plans). Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal [/ur

Hi guys, I am reporting how I am doing on my goal (see the ticker...) and wondering if this is the place to ask about this. I am dizzy... has anyone else felt this way? I am wondering if my blood pressure is low. I was going to get a fill in two weeks and then I thought... no I am doing okay with no problems so I won't muck around with it yet. But, this week I notice that I am full really quickly (i.e. 1/2 an English muffin is too much today). Anyone have any ideas about the dizziness?? I would love to hear your thoughts!!! Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal Fill June 9th 2006 Christmas Goal

No I don't get tight when I fly. I am just wondering if I should wait on the fill... I am still doing well and expect to see a loss this week and suddenly I am thinking I don't need it and I can wait for a bit. I will be down in Montreal again in January so I could postpone it until then. Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006 Christmas Goal

Hi Guys, I too am having fill questions. I have done well so far, but I am wondering if I need the next fill? I am scheduled for a fill in 2 weeks (I have to fly to Montreal from the Arctic), but I am losing and am scared a lot of being too tight. I have had no problem with getting stuck or pb's so I am wondering too. Any advice out there would be appreciated. Dawn Banded April 4 2006 Montreal

I too hated the opti-fast... actually had to plug my nose to drink it. I ended up calling the office and they recommended I mix it with crystal light. It was a life saver for me. As well, I was told I could have light Jello and clear broth!!! Best of luck to you!!!!! Dawn Banded April 4th Montreal Christmas Goal

Hi, I usually just post on the local Canada site, but I thought I would share my experiences to date. I was banded April 4th, 2006 in Montreal. It was a 1 1/2 in the process from beginning request date to surgery, so I was really ready... but it was worth it. It has been challenging.... really, but so far so good. In fact I would say that it has gone better than I expected. I have had 1 fill so far, and willmost likely have another one in 2 weeks. What has been easy: believing that (finally I can do this), support from my amazing (did I say amazing DH), buying new clothes !!!!, eating less What has been hard: stopping eating at times, not knowing to share or not to share about the banding, getting exercising, getting used to feeling like this about me!!! Well... myvticker tells the story. Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal

Losingjusme, I am just sending a word of encouragment. It sounds like you are doing great!!!! Dawn Banded in MTL April 4, 2006

Amazing Wheetsin, You have encouraged me to take my own pics... it's hard to really see yourself. Thanks, Dawn Banded april 4th, 2006 Montreal

I thought I would finally add my name to the list. I am so happy to be part of this group. My goal for Christmas is 220... I think I am going to make it!!! I find you all a great inspiration!! Dawn Banded April 4, 2006 Montreal

Best of luck to you Doriana. I was also allowed to have clear broth which I found better than expected. Dawn banded April 4, 2006 Montreal

Congrats on the huge inches lost Argon. I can't belive it!! A waist in the 30's... you should be really proud. Just amazing!!! Dawn Banded April 4, 2206 Montreal

HI Sue, I agree with Wheetsin, for me too it was a long process... really a journey. I also knew that I had tried to some things and that it wasn't working for me. I finally asked my amazying dh if he ever thought I would loose the weight on my own... and with great sadness he said no. It was then that I decided, with his support to look into other options. I wasn't an easy decision for me and it really is life altering... but I know it was the right one (my size 18 jeans !!!!!! down from a 34 ain't lying!!!) Dawn Christmas Goal

Thanks Argon, Next time I will put the whole bit up!!!!! (It's a pain when I write from home because everything is saved on my work computer!!) Thanks, Dawn

Hi, With the help of my dh I figured out the goal related ticker... so here it is Dawn Banded in MTL April 4, 2006

I've been monitoring my Christmas goal and I am happy about my progress. I just wanted to share that with all of you!!! (you are so supportive of me) Well. Check out my ticker and it will tell the story!! Dawn Okay.. I can never get the tracker of the goal loss to work... can someone help me and give me the step by step on ticker factory??? - apparently I am challenged!! So... the upshot is my goal is 12 lbs by Christmas and I am down 5 now!!!

Jello light was a god send to me during the clear Fluid stage!!! It tastes great and it feels like such a treat!!! I agree with the others... listen to your doc. S/he may have reasons for specific differences in your case!!! BEst of luck to you!! Dawn Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

Argo, A size 16... you should be sooo proud. Bte... I found a great bra store on line. I am a big busted girl (40 G) and I have been hunting for good, supportive, pretty bras. It's from the states but low shipping costs (4 bucks and I paid no duty). It is http://www.laurensilva.com/ Dawn Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

Hi Strictlyred, I grew up in Woodstock and still have a rental property in Lodon (although I live in the Arctic). I go home every summer! I had my surgery in Montreal and it cost $17,000. My insurance company paid $3500 for the cost of the band (deemed a medical device... but I think I was lucky). There are many medical financing companies that will lend the money for the surgery - if you go on some of the sites like TLBC in Toronto, I think they have links to it. The rates are high, but worth it I think. I choose to get a line of credit for half of it (lower interest) and paid the rest (there go my savings!!) I wish you the best of luck!!!! Dawn Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

Hi Terry, I think your goal is very realistic. I had my surgery in April and weighed 358 (at 5 ft 5 in) and am now 232! My goal is 180- It's what I weighed in college and I felt great- a size 16 but in good shape and healthy. I do not want to kill myself to maintain a weight that is hard for me. Good luck with your journey!!! Dawn Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

Hi Sunsreturn, I was just wondering where you live and if you are from the arctic or moved there? I live in Kuujjuaq!!! I would love to share info and stories about being in the North and having banding. Let me know and maybe we can share emails?? Bye for now!! Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

Thanks for the great infor Susreturn. BTW... did you get my note I sent to you about the arctic?? I can't wait for the summer. Dawn Banded April 4th 2006 (Montreal) Fill June 9th 2006

I am not sure why, but I seem to not have this problem. I do make a big effort to eat slow and chew, chew, chew... but I think maybe I am just lucky. I have only had a carrot piece stuck once ( when I swallowed it incredibly quickly in a vain attempt to stop my 4 year old from putting a cherrio up her nose!!). I will be having another fill in a bit (when I can work out my travel schedule), so maybe then it will be different. Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal

Okay guys, I will give this a try... but I am really crossing my fingers on this one. I would like to be 220 by CHristmas, which would be a 12 pound loss. Here's hoping!! Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal

I usually just post on the Canadian site, but wanted to say a word of encouragment to those here, like me, who are starting in the high numbers. Good luck to you all and may it go well!!! Dawn Banded April 4th, 2006 Montreal