Hello new friends! I had Lap Band Surgery on 5/15/06 in Chicago at NW Hospital. I have been actively working with their Wellness Program for over 2 years before deciding to take the next step. It has been a long road. All my life, I have always worried about my weight, but did not really have a sigificant weight problem until 7 years ago. While I began the program at 239 lbs (5' 6"), and got as low as 208 lbs, I just could not make progress after several ups and downs. My doctors encouraged to take the next step to free me from this overwhelming burden in my life.

On 5/15/06, I went into surgery at 222 lbs...and as of today, I am back down to 208. I had my first fill at the end of June, but have been struggling to lose because of travel & work entertainment. So, as of today, I am still at 208, but thought I should reach out to some potential friends for support and guidance. I have every hope in the world that this is going to work for me, but I think I have to modify a few behaviors to make the progress I need. So, I am signing off to run to gym (a behavior that I need to be consistent with) and hope to have some replies when I return......

Welcome 2bthin! You have come to the right place. I'm a new bandster myself. I applaud you in going to the gym! I'm pretty much just doing the walking thing right now - and waiting to get my first fill!

Visit often - lots of fun folks here!

Terry

Hi 2bethin,

Welcome to LBT. Congratulations on your life-changing decisions. I've been banded for a little over 4 months and, despite a couple of little bumps in the road, couldn't be happier with my post-op progress.

Keep up the good work and good luck on your journey.

Thanks for the replies! Donna B, can you give any advice regarding your bumps in the road?

Hi, I am from Chicago, I just got banded july10th and i won't get a fill for 3 weeks! I started at 220 in the hospital and as of today i weigh 210! so ten pounds is all good! I look forwards to getting out of the 200's yay!!! Anyway I would love to be a support, we all need someone who can relate! Take care of your self!!!!

Welcome. This is the place to be. When I first started this journey I found so much support and care here on LBT. These are some wonderful people. Good Luck to you.

I know what you mean about the 200#'s! Glad to hear from someone in Chicago. From the sounds of it, we both are starting at the same place and have similar BMI's! I believe I was down about 10lbs at your time as well. Isn't is such a great feeling? Good luck to you!

And I got on the scale this morning and it appears that my hard work at the gym is paying off...down 3 lbs. Yeah! Only a couple more until I am out of the 200's!!

Thanks much for your welcome and kind words!

Hi,

I have just joined the forum and am very new at this. I have never posted on any forum at all so I am not sure how to navigate the system. I have been contemplating having Bariatric surgery and am having trouble deciding which is for me, the Lap band or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. I would really appreciate hearing how others came to their decision and if the lap Band has been a good choice for you.

Thanks,

Hopetbthin

Hello from Idaho/////

Welcome to the world of banded. I was banded on April 17,06 and have lost 80lbs thus far. My goal is 100 by xmas. The tip I have for you is work the plan given to you by your Doc, dont work anyone elses plan. You will get lots of info from this forum, some good some grt and some that are not so good. Read them and let those of us that have gone befor you be the test subjects. Listen to the pitfalls and steer clear, I have found that by do my exercise daily and eating correctly daily, and lots and lots and lots and lots of water...........................It is working. Keep up the work and if you ever need an encourageing word U can find me at boiseman2001@yahoo.com snd me a note once in a while to show the progress.

Hello and Welcome to LBT!! THis is the best place to find support and friends going through your journey with you! I wish the best of luck with your band and it's already changed my life over the past 3 1/2 months. If I could give any advice or words of encouragements: Remember tomorrow is only a day away and don't fret the small stuff. A brownie today is still a brownie tomorrow. (meaning it's ok to say no to "comfort foods" because they will always be there and there are a time and place for them:) )

:welcome:

:help: I live in chicago too. What doctor did u go to?