Just introducing myself. I'm new to this forum, absolutely in love with the support here! I'm in Tampa, getting my surgery Jan 16. Would love to find some buddies!

I just had my banding on 12/14 at Tampa Memorial Hospital. Who is your surgeon? I loved that hospital and staff!

Hey SkinnyCubanChic!! How is life after banding? Do you LOVE it? Any tips, advice or anything to say? I am going though Suncoast Bariatrics self pay program. Dr. Ache is my surgeon so I start my 2 week water diet on Wednesday. I am so excited. Please update and let me know what life is like for you!

Hi,

I was banded Dec 4.

I am in the east coast of Florida in Jupiter area..

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!!

Wow, look how fast you dropped weight IP9! Well done!!

Hi guys I am getting banded on 1/16 by Dr Ache too!

I too live in the Tampa bay area... I was banded December 2010 at memorial hospital by Dr Aguilla. I am at goal and wish all of you the same successes I have had. It's a wonderful new life!!! I am excited for you all to join me.

I too live in the Tampa bay area... I was banded December 2010 at memorial hospital by Dr Aguilla. I am at goal and wish all of you the same successes I have had. It's a wonderful new life!!! I am excited for you all to join me.

My surgeon will be Dr. Aquilla as well. I am hoping for a Jan or early Feb surgery date. The staff has been so helpful there.

I can't wait to be on the other side of this rainbow Floridays

Welcome SaltLife

This is a great site for information.

I've met some great people here.

Here's some information that I've posted here before for new bandsters.

I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters.

Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Remember… take tiny bites (the size of your pinky fingernail) and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.

When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey.

Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger.

Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books.

Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey.

The second book is:

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. --- tomander@bell.net

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

My surgeon will be Dr. Aquilla as well. I am hoping for a Jan or early Feb surgery date. The staff has been so helpful there.

Oh that's wonderful... I just love dr A!!! He is honest and fair and will be your biggest cheerleader if you follow his rules. Best of luck to you,

Thank you. I have to get a physician clearance or referral, Dee was not clear in her message that she left so I made an appointment for Wednesday morning. Hoping she can clarify what is needed for this last hurdle.

Thank you. I have to get a physician clearance or referral, Dee was not clear in her message that she left so I made an appointment for Wednesday morning. Hoping she can clarify what is needed for this last hurdle.

That just means your primary dr or family dr has to write a letter saying you are healthy for surgery....

So not as detailed that I thought. Thank you.

So not as detailed that I thought. Thank you.

It depends on the physician. Mine made me Come in For a full physical ...

Hi I'm allso new and in Tampa Im scheduled for my band on the 17th of January I start my diet on the 3rd I cant wait im supper excited. .my name is Vanessa