Hi, my name is Shannon. I am also participating in The HeadsUp obesity study though Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA. My surgeon is Dr. Andrew Hargroder.

I have not always struggled with my weight. In high school and throughout my 20s, I remained between 130-140lbs. After the birth of my third child at age 29, I failed to lose weight. I remained around 195-205lbs. Then it seemed each year, I packed on a few more pounds, in addition to health issues (high blood pressure and acid reflux.)

When I was accepted into the study, I was at my highest weight of 254 lbs at 5'3". During the initial phase of the study you are placed on a two week liquid diet and at that point I lost 11lbs and was advanced to the second phase of the study. During the month and a half wait for the surgery approval I managed to keep off all but three lbs of the 11 lbs loss. So at my presurgery consultation with Dr. Hargroder, I weighed in at 246.

I was banded on 5/23/12 and everything went well with no complications. I had my two week post surgery check up 6/6/12 and I had lost 19 lbs!!! I was so excited. I have transitioned to soft foods and I am nervous about eating something that doesn't agree with my band and also counting calories. I am really glad to find this site because I haven't found any support groups in my town. I live in northwest LA but my surgery was done in Baton Rouge. I am looking forward to reading the interesting articles and making new friends so please feel free to add me as a friend!

Hi Shannon.I was banded on 6/6 and I am in the Pennington research too. Dr. Bellanger is my Dr. When will you get your 1st fill?

Welcome everyone !! There is a lot of support here !! Goodluck on ur journey !!

Hi Shannon.I was banded on 6/6 and I am in the Pennington research too. Dr. Bellanger is my Dr. When will you get your 1st fill?

My next appointment is 7/18/12 for my 1st fill.

Hi all, I am new to this as well! I started my pre-op diet on 6/8 my meet the surgeon is 6/12, my egd is 6/19 and my surgery date is for 6/29! Im excited and nervous but putting all effert into it! My pre-op diet is 2 protein shakes (still trying to adjust to taste and cover it up..lol) and 1 low carb meal a day! I've just told my family and on my facebook page as of yesterday, but scared something will make it not possible to have surgery so didn't want to tell about it! I praying for best outcome and willing to do my best, my minds set just nervous!

Hi all, I am new to this as well! I started my pre-op diet on 6/8 my meet the surgeon is 6/12, my egd is 6/19 and my surgery date is for 6/29! Im excited and nervous but putting all effert into it! My pre-op diet is 2 protein shakes (still trying to adjust to taste and cover it up..lol) and 1 low carb meal a day! I've just told my family and on my facebook page as of yesterday, but scared something will make it not possible to have surgery so didn't want to tell about it! I praying for best outcome and willing to do my best, my minds set just nervous!

welcome and I will also pray for you for the best outcome.

lassie

Hi I know you will do great good luck

welcome chelley I was also a wee bit nervous but it all worked out, hang in there will be praying for you

lassie