Hello all,

I've been lurking for a bit and enjoying the site immensely.

I've had my initial consult and I'm in the process of getting tests done before I am finally banded. No surgery date just yet.

I'm currently working with Dr. Fox at SWLC in Tacoma, WA. I'd love to hear from anybody else who has had experiences with him or the facility, good or bad!

Like many here, I'm tired of seriously dieting and actually exercising and watching the scale go down... then right back up again. I'm ready for a positive, permanent change- and I'm willing to put in the effort to make that happen and keep it that way.

I've read good and bad on here, I'm hoping that the band won't be a mistake for me; I'm trying not to pin too many hopes on it just yet.

hiya cascadian good for you ! i think the band is like a little peice of willpower strapped in if you work with it then you cant help but win xx sammy xx

Welcome Cascadian. Glad you're starting to post.

I think the thing to remember, and I know you've heard it over and over if you've been lurking, is that the band is a tool. I know I had huge doubts at the beginning, "What if I spend all this money and it doesn't work?" I lost a fair amount quickly at the beginning and then things really slowed down. However, it is due solely to the fact that I'm a bit loose with the band rules.

You've been through the weight yo-yo. Now is your chance. Good luck with it.

wow, you're a super tall one! Congrats on being banded. You will love your band. It's been a wonderful experience for me. I've never lost 45 lbs so easy in all of my life! Good job.

I think you'll love the band. It's been the best investment of my life!

hiya cascadian good for you ! i think the band is like a little peice of willpower strapped in if you work with it then you cant help but win xx sammy xx

Nice way to put it. It is like that boost of willpower that puts you over the top and in control. Now, instead of having to work really hard to lose weight, a person has to work hard not to lose weight. It is possible to defeat the band, but it takes effort.

I know I'm only three weeks out, but my experience is that I need to struggle to get in enough calories so I don't get weak. Man, is that ever a change. This morning I ate half a portion of oatmeal and 1/2 a chicken thigh and I'm still stuffed.

Hi Cascadian!

Welcome to LBT. The band is only a tool. The tool only works if it is adjusted correctly.

If you can keep these things in mind as you walk the band path, you should be ok.

I have to admit that I have managed to lose without having to put forth much effort.

Marjon is right - unless you go completely NUTS with eating, you shouldn't have much trouble with losing, once you get proper restriction.

Hugs and Good Luck!

Hello Cascadian from the dry side of Washington state (I assume you're a Westsider). I too was an Atkins guy for 2 and a half years.

Dr Fox banded me 1/31. Doing great! I have been real happy working with Dr Fox and have no problem recommending him. I had to self pay so he saved me about 3 grand (I'm allowing $1000 for fills) over my next choice.

Good luck!

Thanks to everyone here for their comments and support!

I had some drama today at the doctor's office, but I'll post that in another, more appropriate forum... Needless to say I'm "doctor-shopping" and getting second opinions while I do some bloodwork and tests. I figure if I'm going to get banded, I want to do it right the first time and avoid any complications...

Hello Cascadian from the dry side of Washington state (I assume you're a Westsider). I too was an Atkins guy for 2 and a half years.

Dr Fox banded me 1/31. Doing great! I have been real happy working with Dr Fox and have no problem recommending him. I had to self pay so he saved me about 3 grand (I'm allowing $1000 for fills) over my next choice.

Good luck!

Yeah, I'm here in Seattle.

Glad to hear you've had a positive experience with him!

I have a friend who was banded about 18 months ago, he was 6'7", and started at 380 lbs. He has lost down to 265, and looks a good 15 years younger!! His wife said she never had any issues with women looking at him before, but she says they are all over him now!!!

I personally went to Mexico for surgery, but had several avenues of aftercare set up here in the states, and I fully believe finding a Dr. who respects what YOU want out of surgery, and who is willing to work with you to accomplish that is a necessity. If that means changing from your original plan---then so be it! YOUR body, YOUR money, YOUR opinions matter!!!

Good Luck to you! Welcome to LBT!

Kat