March in new England has a lot to be grateful for, we know winter is on its way out and all us hibernators will have to start thinking about getting out and walking ( not today 5 out there) I'm doing fine still learning the ropes on eating have lost 17.5 lbs since my banding in dec. and think each day will be the day I start exercising to help with the weight loss.. hows everyone else doing

Hi Tess,

I can't wait till the weather warms up!!! Braved a few days last week bundled up, but am anxious for higher temps! I have been doing some indoor walking, but not that much.

I actually got a job at Curves the beginning of January (Isn't that hysterical?? LOL!) just before my banding... I haven't been able to do the circuit yet, but see my Doctor tomorrow for first fill. He should give me the okay to exercise again I expect. But I still have some pain when stretching certain ways. How about you? Do you get any pain in your abdominal area at all when stretching? It makes me a little nervous since I don't want to mess anything up at this stage.

SOON the weather will be in our favor... and I know you'll get excited to get out there. Congrats on you weight loss! That's alot and should make a big difference when you start walking!

Hello all you all give me so much hope. I make my appointment to see my doctor today and then we can start the insurance wait. I am very excited to have this done and can not wait. I come on here everyday and read what you all have to say and it is great that there is so much support here. Tess I know you had Dr. Fiallo what type of insurance did you have I have united health care I hope they will be quick about giving a yes. Sheryl said it could be 2 weeks to 2 months depending on insurance company. I have to call Sheryl this afternoon. I wish you all well and talk to you all soon.

hello Mel, it took me 4 months from start to banding and it took the insurance company less then 3 weeks to OK me and then1 month after that for my banding at Bay-State best of luck

Almost missed the Massachusetts March chat Glad I found you all. How are you all doing?

Had my post-op visit today and I've lost 15% of my access weight WAHOO! lol. AND I now get to have mushies for 4 weeks. What was my first meal you ask? .......1/4 of a hamburger cut up really fine and about 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes ...pure heaven hahaha.

Hope your'e all doing well!

Hugs

:omg: easy now, using words like "slip"....that is a scary word in this forum...

Hey guys -- I'm waiting on spring too. The cold usually doesn't bother me, but I am bothered by it this winter. Not sure if it's losing weight, or having less fuel for the interior fires (food) but I have been FREEZING this winter! Recently hit the 50lb mark and I'm pretty excited -- we were at a hotel last week with a pool and I had to don the dreaded bathing suit....guess what -- it was too big! Not too noticealbe in jeans or sweaters, but a too big bathing suit -- not good. I rummaged up an old black tank I had and made do with that even though it was so old the elastic was crackling on the leg holes. I'll definately need to do the hideous bathing suit shopping before summer rolls around. Maybe it won't be as horrifying this time! Think spring everyone!

:eek: :eek: :rant: :drum: Hi everyone,

My name is Vickie and I am from Arlington MA. It is so great to meet all of you. I will be a fellow bander as of 4/11. I am really excited. Sherry I want to thank you for all of your input on the other sites.

But like I said I am happy to be in the MA Forums...

Welcome Vickie, and good luck!!!

Welcome Vickie! Let us know if you have any questions!

Boy do I have questions where do I start

Was anyone scared?

How did it effect you marriage?

What are you not allowed to eat?

I can go on and on

Hi Vickie -- good for you for starting to ask questions!

I am finding that having a band is an ongoing changing situation so I cannot say that there are foods I cannot have. At certain times, however, I have had problems with: bread, meat, chicken, Pasta, raw veggies, pizza, tunafish. Other times I have been fine with these items. It just depends on how they are prepared, what you've eaten already, and if you've had any other PBs (food stuck & possible vomitting) in the last 24 hours. People also say their menstrual cycle makes a difference in their restriction level too.

The band has been great for my marriage -- DH is very supportive and loves his new sassy wife! He is very supportive and I brought him to several meetings at the hospital prior to my surgery so he knew almost as much as I did going into it -- support is VERY important.

I was scared of making the final decision just b/c there was so much unknown and I was afraid of any pain. I look back now though and think "why!?!?!" it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It is not easy, you have to be committed to making it work. There will be times that are very hard, but on the other end there are some of the best rewards -- and only some of them have to do with being thinner! Read more more more!

Thank You for the info I really appreciate it.

I will have my appointment with the dietician 3 weeks before my surgery date. That is when she will be giving me the liquid diet. How long did you have to be on the ld for?

My program does not do a LD prior to surgery. I did liquids for 3 weeks post op and mushies for 3 weeks after that

hello everyone, well as we slip farther and father into March and we get fool by the nice weather this week.. something like my weight lose /gain I'm glad to say we know it only gets better.. I still haven't got myself out walking. I need a good kick in the butt! hope this finds everyone happy and healthy with their choices

Hi Everyone !

I had my surgery done on June 14 2005 @ BIDMC with Dr Jones. That whole department is THE best! I just had my second fill last week and feel great. I had been losing weight very steadily and then WHAM! it stopped. I was working out 5/6 days a week but found I was eating ALOT more food and more often too!

So I asked about another fill and they agreed. Since then I have lost 5 pounds and feel much better. Not as hungry, more satisfied for longer periods of time. YEAH!!!

My husband also had surgery with Dr Jones in August 2005. He had the Gastric Bypass Reun Y (sp???). He's lost 167 pounds. I think my weight loss is awesome until I look at his numbers....its amazing.

Anyway just wanted to say "hi" to you all. I am so happy that there is a support group like this. It been really helpful reading everyones experiences. Even though my husband has had surgery its totally different from the Lap surgery.

Kathy

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