There is a Bandsters support dinner this Thursday night (9/21) at Mercado Juarez in Arlington.

Contact me for directions if you are interested. It starts at 6:30 and they give us a private room.

This is a good place to ask questions about specific doctors, surgery centers, etc. We also have people who were banded in Mexico and other places.

Hello - I'd be interested in finding out about the next support group meeting. Is it always in Arlington?

Pumpkin 5,

I recommend that you join up at the yahoo group dfw bandsters. They have a calendar which shows meetings in Plano (usually lunch), dinners in Dallas, Arlington, Burleson and maybe some others. I say "they" but I'm feeling like I'm more part of the group now that I've attended 3 dinners (1 in Dallas and 2 in Arlington and I may go this week as well...have to check the calendar to make sure this is the right week for Arlington.) There are many "seasoned" bandsters on the dfw site and they have been a supportive and friendly group to me and many others, too!! I've met Carlene at the Arlington dinners, along with her hubby, Bob. My hubby went with me to the Sept. meeting.

There you are, Mary. I lost you because I didn't know your LBT name.

The Arlington dinner is always the 3rd Thursday of the month. In October, it's the 19th.

Hey Carlene,

I made it to the meeting tonight, late but I made it.

I met Mary and some others and I really enjoyed talking (mostly listening) to them and hearing their experiences and getting validation that I am indeed making the correct decision for me.

They were very helpful and graciously answered my questions.

Hopefully I'll get to meet you some day also.

I look forward to the next meeting.

Sheree

I live in Shady Shores. I am wondering if anyone knows of a support group for lap-banders in the Denton area?

I drive in Dallas as little as possible.

I live in Shady Shores. I am wondering if anyone knows of a support group for lap-banders in the Denton area?

I drive in Dallas as little as possible.

I have done a little research, and haven't been able to find a support group closer to Denton. If there is one available, I haven't yet located it.

I believe that I probably NEED the interaction and proximity that a support group might provide.

What does everyone else do to keep their momentum going ....so to speak????

Do support groups help?

I struggle with my diet daily. Although I am certainly doing much better than pre-band, this has not been as easy as I naively thought it would be.

My mother had banding 5 years ago, she makes it look so easy. She lost over 100 lbs in her 1st year, over 140 lbs total and has maintained that within 10 lbs or so.

I still struggle with portion control as well as craving sweets and breads.

I am considering joining weight watchers, which is somewhat ironic, because I had surgery thinking that I would never need to join WW .....again..........

Still trying....still hoping....but a little discouraged.

I live in Grand Prairie and would love to get more information about the dinners in Arlington.

When is the dinner in the Month of November

Go to Yahoo groups and join the DFW Bandsters group.

They have dinners/meetings all over the metroplex. Once a month at each location, I believe. I personally have not been to one yet, but I am working fulltime and going to school fulltime. I graduate in December, so I plan to breathe and attend a meeting or two for support. They are wonderful people. I can't wait to meet them and put faces to the names on their postings.

BTW, you don't have to live in the DFW area to join the Yahoo group. There are people from other states as well as other countries. Check it out.

MissyC,

They have a dinner meeting at Jason's deli in Dallas right off I-35. That isn't too bad of a drive. They also have carpools for people that live in the Denton/Lewisville/Flower Mound area. Personally, I live in Flower Mound and when I start going, I wouldn't have a problem carpooling.

Thanks for the info,

Jules

I will definitely be interested after to holiday rush.

hope ya have a happy day.

Missy

I belong to DFW Bandsters and attend the support dinner in Arlington on the third Thursday of each month (at Mercado Juarez). It's a great group of people.

There have been a few get-togethers out my way (North Richland Hills/Grapevine), but none on a regular basis. If there were enough people interested, I would host one, though.

This is Madine and I am a new member. I live in Bedford, Texas, and I am considering Lap Banding after the first of the year. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and they will start covering this procedure in 2007. I'm looking for a doctor in network, if you know of any, please advise. Thanks.

I used Dr Fox at the Richardson Surgery Center - maybe a bit of a drive for you, though I feel he is worth it.

good luck with Blue Cross. I am glad to hear they are taking a more Enlightened approach to banding in 2007. You let me know if you have any trouble with them.

:]

This is Madine and I am a new member. I live in Bedford, Texas, and I am considering Lap Banding after the first of the year. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and they will start covering this procedure in 2007. I'm looking for a doctor in network, if you know of any, please advise. Thanks.

Welcome! I used Dr. Cribbens. He is located next to Presby-Plano (North Tollway and Park (I beleive)) I am not sure if he does BCBS or not. He is in practice with Dr. Hamm. I have a lot of friends and co-workers who have used both and get good reviews. Their website is:

www.yournewhealth.net

Good luck in your journey.