Hello,

This is my first post to the group. My name is Shannon. I am scheduled to have my surgery on April 28th, performed by Dr. David Provost in Dallas.

I'm a 48 year old man from Dallas, now in Arlington, TX.

I'm currently at a whopping 286 lbs. I hope to, via lap-band surgery, lose around 120 lbs. in one year. I also intend to document my weight loss in words & pictures, from now until then. I should mention that I have type II diabetes, and congestive heart failure, both of whick I hope will be virtually eliminated by way of weight loss. Either way, It couldn't hurt!

I wish success to all who have been thru, going thru or about to embark on their journey. I believe this will be the greatest challenge I've had to overcome so far in my adult life. Please feel free to post or email me with your thoughts, stories, experiences, etc.

Good luck to everyone!

All the best,

Shannon

It is indeed a small world... and very nice to meet you! After checking out your bio, I had a lovely bout of jealousy of your old-school Minimoog! When I was a teenager, I asked my parents for one for Christmas. Instead of that, they bought me one of those scary Kimball Entertainer organs - complete with the single-octave foot pedals

Congrats on your decision to have the lap band surgery - I definitely do NOT regret having it... and next time you guys are playing on the west side of town, let me know!

HI there congrats!! I am only 7 days post op but as a cardiovascular cath lab personal, I know what you look like inside !! lol yes by all means stop the smoking, ask for patch of wellbutrin, helps with the craving, smoking is a biggie for getting you back in the cathlab for another stent.. not preaching, just stating, I love my job, just don't like to see people coming back, like the social plan, standing up bringing healthy things to eat and visit.:hungry: notice I said healthy lol! As I am new on this journeyI also have alot to learn, but after seeing all I see it scared me to do this for me.

contact anytime if you have any questons!!:clap2:

Hey Pycca,

Having first-hand knowledge must come in handy, as a daily reminder of "what NOT to do" to avoid the ole cath lab. Been there soo many times, I practically know most of the folks on a first name basis. Actually, I have a funny short story about my first experience in the cath lab.

While I was being prepped for surgery, one of the nurses came by to... well....shave the ole groin. Turns out it was a friend of mine, and fan of my band, who had been out many times to see us. I had no idea what she did or where she worked. But here she was, dry shaving my personal area, while I lay practically naked in my gown on the table. We both had a good laugh about it. Like I always say, "it's okay to laugh, as long as you don't point!" I see her for every procedure I have in there now, and she has been a great friend and cheerleader.

Yeah, I should prolly get on the patch. I'm holding out for the "menthol-patch". Thanks for everything!

Shannon

Hi Shannon,

Good luck to you. We need more Texas people. You found a great site.

Hi Mikey,

I was lucky enough to have my parents return the P-O-S Lowery organ they bought me, and help me buy a Hammond B-3 and a Leslie. I sure miss playing it, but not moving it. I was blessed to have it almost 20 years before having to part with it due to poor finances. I'm sure glad for the the coming of digital keyboards. Those old analog ones sounded great, but broke a lot of backs in the process.

Used to play a Pappa Gee's out there a while back, but due to expenses, we just couldn't afford to play there anymore on what they paid. Are there any newer venues out that way?

Thanks buddy! Glad you're doing well in post-op. Keep on keepin on!

Shannon

Thank you, Mary! Yes, more Texas folks, for sure. Best of luck in your post-op. You'll be skinny in no time, I bet!

Shannon