Hey Everybody, I"m really getting in to this Ohio Forum. I was thinking it may be a great idea to ask brand new folks to give an introduction of themselves here so that later if we are reading posts from people and we can't remember what's up, we can refer back to here. I'll start and I look forward to hearing about all of you.

Well, first I waned to share more about myself. I am 36 years old, single (well divorced many years ago) and most times, rather isolated. I've let my weight over the many years be the reason I don't get out and do much. I need to lose a hundred pounds to be where I'm comfortable.

I'm living in Columbus, Ohio but this is not my dream to stay here. I'm pursuing a licensure in community counseling (this will officially allow me to a therapist) and I hope to specialize in eating disorders. I also hope to specialize in disordered eating behaviors. By this, I mean that many folks out there may not necessarily meet the criteria for a full-fledged eating dirsorder and I think the disordered eating behaviors they do warrant attention and understanding.

I have a history of an eating disorder, sometimes ranging from bulimia to anorexia to binge eating and simply disorder eating behaviors/thoughts. Fortunately I have done a significant amount of work with food additions and I do believe that the thoughts don't necessarily go away; rather we get stronger to fight against them. Personally, I use food when I am at home watching tv, when I can't sleep, when I've got something yummy in the house (in those circumstances I can't seem to let myself just have one piece). I think the band will help all these issues,

I have two cats, Snickers and Triskett, and they are my children. One of the reasons I chose the band was so that in a year or two I may be able to have a child of my own. I hope, as the weight comes of, that I will be able to increase my social situations because I'm very easy to talk to and have a genuine sense of concern about people.

I am being banded on 1/10/07 with Dr. Schumacher. I go for pre-admission testing the big 3-hour class where I'll get my post-op meal plan. Fortunately, I don't have to be on a pre-op plan.

WHO's NEXT?

sbee, you'll be in bandland in less than 24 hours! Wooo Hoo!

Thanks OHJulie. See you in bandland

Hi I'm Kim. Just had my first visit with surgeon Wednesday. Hoping the process goes fast. BMI is 38 with no other problems. I am 100lbs overweight. Might have a problem getting approved by insurance. Only option for quick approval is to gain 8lbs.

Welcome Kim!!

What city are you having your surgery? Did/Do you have all your testing already?

I was just approved this week and now I'm waiting to be contacted about my surgery date. I practically sat and stared at my phone at work all day, hoping the surgeons office would call! I'm having my surgery at St Vincent Hospital in Cleveland.

Good luck on your journey to the band!

Forestcat

Hi Everyone,

I was banded in June '06 in Florence, Kentucky by Dr. Sonnanstine (Awesome Doc).

Two weeks ago my husband, 4 children (2 step & 2 biological) and I moved up here to Liberty Township (but our mortgage papers had both West Chester and Middletown listed...still confused about the area.)

I had my 2nd fill yesterday. (Got a little off track with all the stess). Doc is giving me two months to try and get back on track. I want to do myself proud.

I am looking for a support group and some fellow banding friends. My exercise has been slim to none, unless chasing around a 2 year old and a 1 year old counts.

Any leads? :mad:

Hi bootboots,

I live in Columbus but I'll be happy to be your band-buddy.

Judy H

Judy H - I'm from just up the road a bit - in Mansfield. Have you been banded yet? You are close to my age and location so it might be fun to track our progress together.

Judy (the other one) :bounce:

Hi Judy,

I got banded June 5 at Ohio State by Dr. Mikami who's very nice. You're right. Mansfield is only an hour away by a speeding beetle!!!!

Judy H

Judy H - I'm from just up the road a bit - in Mansfield. Have you been banded yet? You are close to my age and location so it might be fun to track our progress together.

Judy (the other one) :bounce:

How did the surgery with Dr Myers go?

Judy H

Yes - only an hour and as luck would have it - I drive a Beetle (sometimes a speeding one). Thus my name "Top Down Bug" (she's a flasher - sometimes puts her convertible top down).

So your surgery was in June? How are you doing? Would love to hear about your progress and experiences. You're 4 months ahead of me so you are surely settled into the new lifestyle now. Keep in touch.

Hunter - surgery with Dr Myers was just fine. He's such a great guy as I know many doctors are. He gives us all his personal cell phone number and answers it day or night (unless he's in surgery I suppose). I had a little nausea yesterday and was worried about it so I gave him a call. He called in a prescription right away and told me my blood sugar was probably getting low. I'm going to have a few more carbs today and see if it doesn't help. Haven't gotten to the pharmacy yet to pick up the prescription.

How are you doing Hunter?

Hunter - surgery with Dr Myers was just fine. He's such a great guy as I know many doctors are. He gives us all his personal cell phone number and answers it day or night (unless he's in surgery I suppose). I had a little nausea yesterday and was worried about it so I gave him a call. He called in a prescription right away and told me my blood sugar was probably getting low. I'm going to have a few more carbs today and see if it doesn't help. Haven't gotten to the pharmacy yet to pick up the prescription.

How are you doing Hunter?

Sounds like things are going good! Much pain after the surgery?

I'm going in Tuesday for my all day appointment, so I'm progressing!

Hunter

I had almost no pain after the surgery. I asked for one pill the night of the surgery (which helped me to rest) and since then I've had a total of 4 extra strength tylenol. I've had a couple other similar (gall bladder, hernia) surgeries and had very little pain from those either. I think I'm just lucky.

My biggest problem was on day one and two lots of gurgling when I was trying to swallow my drinks. That went away yesterday so I'm feeling pretty darn normal except I get tired and weak easily if I try to do too much physically.

I hope all goes well for you .. you're getting there !

Judy

My name is Chelsey and I'm 17 years old and I was banded the 23rd of October by Dr. Curry. I have already lost 15 lbs which is so exciting!!! I'm from McArthur Ohio but I went to cincy to have my sugery.

Good Luck to everyone!!!

Chelsey

Hi Chelsey!

Good luck! You'll do fantastically. Go find the young bandster group, they'll give you great support.

So will we. We're here for each other!

Hi, I was banded on October 3rd and just had my first fill today. I've been doing great. I was banded in West Chester, OH by Dr. Mobley. Have a great day and God Bless......