I am getting banded at Pacific Surgical in Olympia, WA by Dr. Neal next month and was just wondering if there was anyone else in my area that was active on the boards here? Check in....I would love to say hi.

I'm in Olympia *waving*

I will be banded next month by Dr. Neal any insights or advice???

I will be banded next month by Dr. Neal any insights or advice???

How did it go?? - From Oly too.

I am in Auburn, but Dr. Neal did my surgery in September. I adore him! Surgery went great, his team are very supportive and he is the best cheerleader you will have on this journey! I was having trouble with an eating habit a couple of months ago, and felt like I was restricted enough, so during my monthly visit with him told him I was thinking of going in for hypnotherapy to help with this one issue. He looked like I told him his puppy was going to die! He really was concerned that I didn't think the band was working for me! Anyway, he explained that I needed a fill, and sure enough! I have done much better since then.

One of the things I really like about Dr. Neal is that he recognizes our humanity and doesn't try to enforce things he knows we won't do, he works with what we will do and makes us want to do better. Follow his guidelines as closely as you can and he will work with you on the things you struggle with.

His staff can be sort of goofy sometimes...but altogether they are a good team and will do everything they can to help you succeed.

TiggerGramma,

That's awesome that you had a fill and have succeeded. Keep up the good work. Did you go through with hypnotherapy?

I am headed back in next week for a check in. I feel that I might have stretched my pouch out or need a fill. My restriction is limited and my pants are getting tight. Rut-row.

Chech out this blog, it has awesome recipe links.

http://lapbandgalsjourney.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-ten-list-of-food-idea-recipe.html?m=1

-KC

I have not needed the hypnotherapy, for which I am grateful. The last fill finally started to do what I got the band for in the first place: tell my head to stop obsessing over food! I am still plateaued, but am still losing inches, so still on the right road. I thought I needed another little fill this month, but he disagreed because I had lost a couple of pounds. He felt like I would probably need one next month, so we'll see.

Thanks for the recipe site, and good luck on your visit!

Dr Neal and staff are great my surg was March 4th having my 4 week visit and hopefully first fill on 4/2 will keep you posted!

I just had my surgery by dr Neal on the 17th of this month. My experience so far has been great. Do you all attend the support group meetings?

Hi ! Dr Neal banded me December , 2011 and I highly recommend him and his staff. Great team ,all very helpful and supportive. I was banded at Harrison Hospital in Silverdale, so if you're ever in the area we have our support group meeting the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm at Harrison Hospital in the Iris Room downstairs. I just saw Dr. Neal today in Bremerton for a slight unfill due to a minor issue. He's always so encouraging and thoughtful ! I started at 225 lbs, and I lost 50 lbs the 1st 7 months, and then it slowed down a bit , but hey Im down to 162 now with only 22 more to go !! Best decision ever ! Good luck !