Ok since we have some many people join the group I thought it would a good thing to start a little intro thread. Just to introduce yourself and get to know the others....Plus it helps me keep up w/ everyone. I have such a bad memory.

Ok so here goes:

I am Kim - wife to Mike for almost 7 years and mother to Curtis for 3 years. We live in Concord. I actually work for my surgeon now started in March. Before that I was in accounting @ Wachovia.

My weight...well the stats are below and I have been big my whole life. It's Mike and Curtis that made me see I wanted be along to see my kids get grow up. I wanted to be here w/ Mike to help w/ the kid(s). So the band is the best thing that that I have ever done and I would do it over and over and over again.

Ok so that is me in a nut shell....

Hi Everyone...

I just found this web site and forum today. Wow...this a great find this is! And then to find North Carolinians is an even bigger bonus.

I just posted everything about me on the Introductions Forum but I'll kind of sum it up here: I'm 59 years old and have Lap Band scheduled for 8/15/06. Yay. I'm getting it done by Dr. Bradshaw at Mission. Like many of you, I have BCBS of NC and they won't pay, so I have to. The good news is that the surgery is scheduled pretty quickly...the bad news is that I have to lose the pre-op weight pronto.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Lyn

Welcome Lyn!

We have a pretty good group around here.

Ask us and we will try to help

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself. I was banded about 4 months ago and have been doing great. I'm almost halfway there and am really motivated. The weight loss has seemed to slow down this past month and after my last fill eating has become a challenge but I am starting to get used to the new restriction. Is there anyone else in the Wilmington area?

I'm not sure.. the most of us are in Charlotte. But Welcome!

Katie,

I live in Cary, probably not real close, but feel free to correspond. I get my first fill this Wednesday.

Vickie

rerickson5@nc.rr.com

Katie I go to N Myrtle Beach every so often we have a house down there. Next time we go I will have to let you know.

Welcome everyone!!!!

Diane, have you found a surgeon yet? I'm pretty sure there's one in Ashville. Someone on here somewhere in the MV Forum was banded in Ashville.

Lyn, just another month! It will fly by, you'll see, and you'll be on your way! I'm having a good banded day today, I guess, so I'm looking forward to it for you! LOL

Hey Katie B! Welcome to LBT! We may not be very close to you, but thank God for the internet! Pop in if you have questions and pass along some inspiration, okay?! Your weight loss is great!

Welcome everyone!

Hello,

My name is Donna, I live in Monroe NC, with Jim my Husband of 13 months, I have not had surgery, but am checking it out, and so far I think it is really what I want to do, I just have to figure out where to begin.

Obviously I have no stats but I can say that I have been dieting since my son was born..that was in 1980. Like most everyone I have tried everything and....Well we all know the and part of this story. Anyway I'm really anxious to know everything about this procedure and move forward with a happier healther new me.

Hi and Welcome,

My name is Vickie. You did the first best step by connecting to this site. These people will be the best for reassurance and suggestions on all kinds of things as you go through the pre-op and post-op steps. I had my surgery done the end of this May and I refer to the PROs on the site a lot! I had my first fill last month and will be getting another in September. I haven't lost anything since the initial operation, which I lost 13 pounds, but they tell me and you must be reminded that I won't see fast progress especially until the doctor can adjust me with the proper fill for my stomach. I chose this lap band over the rouxen-y because it seemed less risky and I would have to learn some life long changes. I also had two friends that had the other surgery and after two years they were beginning to regain their weight. I can't say I am a success story, yet. Their are a lot of those on the different sites and you need to view them all because they will answer many of your questions. If you don't know a particular site to go to, just ask when you are in one web site and more than likely the "PRO's" (ones who have had the lap band longer) can direct you. Suggestions realize that the paper work is a long process and it can be frustrating, do everything you can to get that moving along. Make sure to see all the pre-op physicians, your doctor will tell you who and get those tests done quickly. Also, try to make sure you find the right doctor for you that has done this operation before, the more times he has done this procedure the better.

I look forward to being healthier and happier as well. Their is a wonderful group of ladies that meet together in Charlotte once a month, they would be a great group to meet. I live in Raleigh/Durham area so we don't have as active of a group as I have read in the Charlotte area, although they invite everyone. Everyone will tell you that it really comes down to your personal decision. You can find a lot of pluses and minuses as you investigate, each with their own individual experiences, but in the end you will make the final decision. Don't let all the negatives overwhelm you but it's good to be informed.

Best of Luck in your endeavors as you progress forward.

Vickie

Okay, help me not to be discouraged. I got my first fill last month but I can still eat any amount I want. Sometimes certain things have a more difficult time getting down, but that's not too often. I haven't lost a thing since the initial operation and I keep losing and gaining two pounds. Admittedly I haven't been on any regular exercise routine, I am in the process of moving and I am totally focused on that, so I hope to get consistent on the exercise after the end of this month. Does it take a couple of fills some times before you can start progressing? Do I need to get serious and join like a exercise and weight class? Will their be progress once I'm better filled?

Thanks ya'll

Vickie :clap2:

Banded May, 2006 with hernia repair

Filled July, 2006 1cc

Lost: 15: pounds

Thanks Vickie.

hello every one im new to this . ive had my band for 8 months now doing ok just thaught i would say hi to every one

loopyloulou x

Hi Loopy!

Welcome, and congratulations on your success thus far!

Hi Welcome we have a lot of fun here. Hope you'll join us on the 9th.

Oh my, I'm missing intros!

Hi Donna in Monroe! How's your "option checking" going?

Hey Vickie! yup, for some folks it takes several fills to get good restriction. Please be patient and hang in there. The weight WILL come off! Log your food, keep your fat intake low. Don't sweat it. Don't knock yourself out. If exercise isn't your bag, don't do something drastic, just start walking. 15 min at a time. Have you had another fill since you posted last? Please update!

Welcome loopyloulou! Are you in Belgium? I think you may be, I see you are measuring in Stones. You have less than 30 pounds to go! Well done! Welcome to LBT!

Welcome all of you!