I am still pre-op, but was curious if there were others in St. Louis area? Once I am post-op and feeling a little better. I would definitely be interested in getting together with other local banders. I think this journey will be a whole lot easier with support. Shout out if you are in the area, and are looking to get to know others with lap band! Best wishes and good nutrition and no cravings!!! Haha.

Hi suzeeq67. I am in the St. Louis area and was banded on Aug. 14.

Hi suzeeq67. I am in the St. Louis area and was banded on Aug. 14.

Congratulations! How are you? Are you feeling okay? I hear the first few weeks are rough! I am seeing surgeon for final visit on Tuesday! Hopefully get my band by end of September! I'm so anxious. Hope you are doing well. Chat me up, when you can.

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I am from St Louis. I was banded on July 9th. To date I have lost a total of 40 pounds. Starting weight: 278, weight day of surgery: 265, today's weight: 238.9. Where are you having your surgery?

I am in st louis also..had surgery June 18 starting weight 287 surgery date 271.today 247..im curious also where r u having your surgery at?

I live in the area also and am waiting for my band. I hope by the end of October. It is a slow process (or so it seems)

Im starting the process today...going to my first seminar. I hope to be banded by the end of the year. I really hope my insurance will approve it!

I was banded almost a year ago (10.26.2011) and am in STL. I love my band! If anyone is looking for support or has any questions, just let me know

Thank you soccermonster31. My surgery is scheduled for the 29th. I start my prediet this coming Monday (15th). One minute I am scared to death and the next minute I am looking forward to it! I think I am dreading the next month the most, the prediet, the surgery and the healing. After that I think I will be fine. I keep telling myself it will be worth it cause when I lose the weight this time - it won't come back!

Hi, ladies. I'm also in the St. Louis area. I was banded a little over a year ago. I would love to chat with any of you that have questions or just want to talk to someone else that "gets it". Where are you having (or had) your surgery? My hospital has a support group, but I'm so uncomfortable around new people, I haven't been. Isn't that horrible? Do any of you know of a good one around here? It'd be awesome if I could find one during the day. I think it would help tremendously to get myself to one.

Hi Alli

I'm actually having my surgery in Festus and they have a support group there the 3rd Thursday of every month but its in the evening. I haven't gone yet - I havent been banded yet - but I am thinking of going next week.

I just started my liquid pre diet on Monday of this week. I am having trouble with the protein shakes giving me diarreha. Did you have that problem or know of anyone that did? I'm not sure what to do about it so I guess I am going to have to call my Doctor. I know I can't go on like this for two weeks or I will get dehydrated. Other than that I guess its going ok but its only day three!

Well, honestly, I never tolerated the protein shakes well. I'm very allergic to aspartame and don't tolerate other sweeteners very well, either. I do know that I had loose stools while on liquids. I just went with the theory of liquids in, liquids out. I think that it could be a side effect of a sweetener in your shakes if you're not using unflavored powder. Just make sure you drink drink, drink to avoid dehydration, but definitely call your dr if it's getting out of control.

ok, thank you. I was drinking this horrible protein powder I got at one of those health food stores on Lindbergh. It was so nasty, there just wasn't anything that was going to make it better. Then someone on here (love this website) suggested I try the Atkins Advantage protein shakes and they are awesome! What a life saver! So far I've only tried the Dark Chocolate Royale because I wanted to make sure I liked it first. I do. I was worried about not getting enough protein. I am not working right now so I don't have to worry too much about not having a lot of energy but I would like to be able to stay out of the bathroom!

Roxa, how are you feeling? How's the liquid diet going for you?

Roxa, how are you feeling? How's the liquid diet going for you?

I was doing pretty good until yesterday! I was starving! I was having such a problem with the protein shakes so I wasn't getting enough protein. But thanks to Jeff I found Atkins Advantage shakes and they are wonderful! What a life saver. So today I will get at least 3 in and that should help.

How are you doing?

I'm good! I got a fill the day before yesterday and I can sure tell a difference. I'm sure I'll loosen up some more as the swelling goes down, but I'm thinking that I might FINALLY be in my green zone.