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....

Statesville!! We're practically neighbors!! lol

I actually live in Hildebran, but I figured no one but "local" people would know where that was!!

Have you had the lap band surgery yet??

Hey Melinda,

Yes I had my surgery on Oct 22. A word of caution for ya, there is a "new" type of band that is out that may take several adjustments. I expected to have the surgery and maybe one adjustment and feel the restriction. I was soo very disappointed that after the 3rd adjustment I still wasn't feeling the restriction. Of course the old monsters took over my brain at that point and said .." See... You'll never be able to lose weight.' Well if this happens to you, be patient because adjustment #4 was the one that worked. My doctor told me that everyone was different and that we would get it right, but we know how those gremlins in our brains work. LOL Anyway, I am now eating very small amounts. Have to chew food very, very well and as my nutritionist insists, PROTEIN FIRST!! LOL You're on your way to an exciting journey, just remeber it is only a tool and you have to work with it. If you have any questions or if there is anything I can help you with I'll be glad to!! Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from you!!! Sheila PS I do know where Hildebran is and you're right, most people would have no clue!! LOL

I've heard about people having to find their "sweet spot". I know it might take several fills before everything really falls into place.

Who was your surgeon?? The only ones in Hickory doing this surgery is Drs. Cook & Cox from Hickory Surgical Clinic.

Happy Monday!

How is everyone doing today?

We had 28 people at our support group meeting on Saturday. A lot of the people were in the process. I missed most of the meeting because I had to take my daughter to Kings College for a tour.

Just to let you all know, we are having a big band get together the last weekend in April in Concord. We are doing this through band2gether.net mostly.

I will keep you all updated as I get information. Just mark your calendar for that weekend. The meetings will be held at the Embassy Suites in Concord.

I got up wrode my stationary bike for 7 miles in 40 minutes this morning. Got to work before 8. I'm feeling good and energized, lol as I yawn!

As far as fills goes, it takes me sometimes 3 weeks before I can feel a fill. I do know and I have heard that the new band takes more fills but I have heard wonderful things about it. So hang tight be patient.

My Surgeon is Dr Robinson. He is AWESOME and has the most amazing support staff including a nutirtionist that you has access to at any time before during and after surgery!!

Hey Sheila, What hospital Is your Dr with?

Glad to see your doing so well.

Statesville isn't to far from Charlotte. I'm thinking of trying to get a weekly 6-8 week support group started. If your interested let me know!

have you found a dr that will do fills on you yet?

Dr Robinson is out of Davis Hospital in Statesville, NC.

Dianne,

I absolutely would be interested in any support. Dr Robinsons staff has one on the last Thursday of the month, but I would love to be a part of as many as possible. If there is anything that I can do to help, let me know!!!

Sheila

Mel119,

Don't let it get you down. I'm not banded but am on my way to getting approved and I look forward to one day saying I am banded. When you made the decision to lose weight, you did it to get healthy and to feel good about yourself. Your co-workers have no right to rain on your parade by trying to bring you down. Keep your head high, know that you made the right decision for you and keep smiling on the inside and outside.

Who knows, they may be jealous about your success. Working with a group of women at times can bring out the claws and negative comments.

Shiela that would be great! I have a few people who are interested. I'm thinking Thursday evenings may be best. I will let you know when we get started.

Also I'm going to PM you about something work related if you don't mind.

Cheryl I totally agree with you! People are strange Women can be so mean!

How is everyone else doing these days?

Dianne,

I Am Kinda New To This "posting". I'm So Uded To Aol. Lol. Anyway, I Just Added You To My Pm List. If You Tried To Send A Message, Please Resednd. Thanks And I Look Forward To Chatting Soon.

Hi I'm new - and in Charlotte. I don't have the band yet - but I'm really wanting to have it done. For you guys in the surrounding area - can you tell me how much it costs? Insurance wont cover mine but I have some $$ saved and really want to use it for this.

Thank a bunch!

Clementine

Aspiring PhD,

Thanx for the encouraging words! The lady with the discouraging words is now just "keeping quiet", which is fine by me!!

:]

WickedKitten,

I have to pay $1,500.00 up front to my surgeon's office on 2/18 (before my surgery on 2/27). That's for my $500 deductible and the 20% that insurance isn't paying. I think his total fee for doing the lap band is $5,000.00. That's just for the surgeon, though. I have no clue how much the hospital and anesthesiologist are charging!!