My name is A.J., and I am a 34 year old male. I just underwent the Lap Band Procedure on 11-19-2010, and have already lost 21 lbs since the week before that. Dr Jamie Ponce was my surgeon and I have to say that he and his staff are AMAZING!!!!!!!! I am married and have two little boys ages 4 1/2 and a 21 month old. We live in Hixson Tennessee, which is just outside of Chattanooga Tennessee. Unfortunately our insurance did not pay for the procedure so we were self pay. But at least with self pay, it was about a three week turn around from the first consultation to the actual procedure being done. I have very little pain and have been really suprised at how good I already feel. I was glad to find a site that is dedicated to those that have had the procedure or are thinking about having it. I was diagnosed three months ago with type 2 diabetes and was taking 5 shots a day. I have not had to take any insulin for the last 3 weeks, mostly because of the liquid only diet. But Dr. Ponce feels that within 6 months I should be off of insulin completely. I decided to undergo the surgery not only for my own health, but for my wife and kids. It is not fair to them to have a father who does not have the energy to do things with them. The way that I look at it is that on 11-19-2010, I was given a second chance at life and a second chance to be a good father and good husband. Take care and I will keep everyone updated on my progress.

Welcome! Congrats on your weight loss! I am newly banded as well. I had my surgery on November 15th. I am down 18 lbs. and feel good as well. I am scheduled for my first fill on December 9th. This forum is great so far in answering my many questions. The support is important as well. Best of luck!

Congratulations to both of you. I started lurking around this site about a week before I had surgery 16 months ago. The best thing you can do for yourself is find a support group to join and go to on a regular basis as well as visiting this site as often as you can. It is important to be in touch with people who are going through the same things you are.

My Doctor's support group was too far away for me to go at night due to work and traffic so I found some people on this site who lived in my area and we started our own support group. We meet once a month and talk on the phone and e-mail each other. It has helped us all so much. We are all different ages with different bands, differernt Doctors, and have been banded for different amount of time.

Good luck to you both.

Cheri

Welcome!

Type II diabetes is nothing to mess with. I'm so glad you are taking it's threat seriously and turning your life around so you can live for your kids. Many congrats on your weight loss thus far, terrific work. How much do you have to lose? I am four years out from my surgery and have done very well. I'm maintaining about 10 lbs from my goal and all my co-morbidities are gone. It's wonderful to feel healthy!

Keep up the good work!

Good luck on your journey,

Good job on the self-pay... that's one more incentive to make it work!!! I was banded on 11/22/10 and feel totally normal now. (not so sure my quick healing is a good thing.) Go get 'em, Tiger!!!

Hi,

I am just outside the chattanooga area also. I haven't scheduled my banding yet, but when I do, I am sure I will have lots of questions for ya! Hope you have had continued success!