Earlene

Maziemommy, So far I have had no negative or bad experience. I am older so I am not losing as fast as some others I've talked to. I weighed 292.5 and am now at 256 and was banded last November so I am very happy with my results. however, I know of others who have lost much faster. I still haven't exercised that much and I know that makes a big difference. I am hoping to begin soon. I lost my Mother last August 31st, my husband found someone else, my daughter is not well and I help her, and a lot of stressers going on in my life. I know the exercising would help me greatly. I encourage you to thinka bout exercise along with the banding. The banding is just a "tool" but a good one. Some days I even forget to "eat" and that is unreal for me.ha I've always had a weight problem and the last four years have really been rough in that regard. I am still working and am so tried when I get home but I need to figure out a way to get the exercise in as it would make such a difference in my weight loss and my mental thinking. I am so happy you answered my message. I've been at this website several times and haven't "connected" with anyone so this is good. If I can answer any questions or help you in any way, just let me know. I didn't have any problems at all and, in fact, would do it again tomorrow. I've had two fills and that was a good experience, both times. I know everyone is different but in my experience, the only time I have problems is when I try to drink liquids too soon after eating. I can't tolerate bread, either. I dont' think we are supposed to eat it anyway. That has always been a weakness for me. I can leave sweets alone but bread is hard for me. Every time I have tried to eat it, it comes back up. You will soon learn your limitations. It is really easy to follow and something you will wish you had done sooner. Good to hear from you. Good luck! Earlene

MazieMommy, I've never heard anything negative about Dr. Edwards. He is wonderful. You will do fine. I wish you the best of luck. I am a grandmother with three grandchildren and in my mid-sixties and I was really scared but am SO happy I decided to have this surgery. Please keep me posted on your progress. Do you go to the support meetings on the second Monday of each month? It is really helpful to me when I attend. I wasn't able to attend last month but plan on attending the next meeting. Earlene:)

Linda, Sounds like you are doing AWESOME. I'd be so happy if I can lose 74 lbs! I had a difficult weekend as my soon to be "ex" came over to pick up some things. I've always been emotional eater and all I wanted to do was EAT. I vomitted a couple of times this weekend which is something "new" for me but I did TRY to eat things I should not have and I'm ashamed of myself. This is an "emotional" trip for me as well as a "physical" one. OLD habits are hard to break but I'm so very thankful I had this surgery becuase I can't keep the food down. I think I didn't chew my food as much as I should have. I also had a flour tortilla which is a "no-no". I'm telling myself "I'm human and I'm going to make mistakes" and today is a 'new' day and I'm starting over. I will be fine. I had a new grandbaby girl last night so that was uplifting to me. God is good. Thanks for answering my email. I have felt pretty "down" the last few weeks and it was nice to see an answer to my email. I hope you continue to do well and am sure you will. Happy New Year! Earlene

I received my frist fill last Thursday but I notice I can still eat most things. I can't drink and, of course, we aren't supposed to drink when eating. I try to eat Protein first. I am worried I won't lose since I don't feel a lot of restriction but guess time will tell. I'm having a hard time right now as I lost my Mom in September and am going through a divorce right now and want to eat everything in sight but I've been doing really better than I thought. I have 125 lbs. to lose. I lost 18 is all before the surgery and have stayed the same. I need to start exercising but seems like I'm so depressed by the time I get home from work I don't want to do anything. I am a "granny", too and one year younger than you are. I was wondering how you have done with the lapband. If you have any pointers for me, I'd like to hear them. Thanks. Earlene Dr. Hodges did my lapband but left the next day out of the area so I'm seeing Dr. Edwards and I really like him.

Thank you for the advice about the time released pills. I managed to get all my meds down this morning except the potassium and I need to call my doctor to get a prescription for the liquid form. Thank you for the good advice!

I'm so thankful I read your message as I get my FIRST fill this afternoon at 1:00. I'm scared. I'm glad for the info about being careful what I eat. I plan to drink the Protein drinks for a while. I think my Doctor uses Fluro and hope they hit the port with the first stick. I love this website! Earlene banded 11/07/06 290.5/272/170

Monett is my "home" town. I had the banding the first part of November and go "tomorrow" for my FIRST fill. I am SO excited. I have lost around 28 lbs. from the pre-op. Since the banding I've watched what I put in my mouth but can still eat most things, only am using moderation. I'm 63 and waited ALL my life for this and am so excited. I am hopeful that this "tool" will help me THIS time keep the weight OFF permanently. I have a lot of medical issues and Dr. Edwards tells me that I can toss most of meds after losing the weight. Good luck and I don't think you would be sorry if you came to Springfield and chose Dr. Edwards as your doctor. He is WONDERFUL!

How did you all do BEFORE you had our first fill? I'm hungry and I find I can eat but I know after I get the fill, I won't be able to eat. Help!

Thank you for the info. I take Nexium which is about the same size as Prilosec so perhaps it will be okay and I won't have a problem. How much weight did you lose after your first fill? I'm anxious to start seeing the scale go DOWN. Thanks! Earlene:)

Hi, My name is Earlene. I had surgery November 7th and have my first fill this Thursday, the 21st. I am very worried about my medications. Most of them are in capsule form. I take some time released ones and take potassium (six in all) that are the size of a medium button. I am worried about them getting stuck. I know I can get liquid potassium but I'm concerned about the time released ones. I am hungry now and try to eat more slowly. I've lost some weight but not as much as many I've heard about and I am hoping after the first fill, the weight will start to drop faster. Thanks for any advice. Earlene