:bored :bored :bored well well I guess this site has nobody from the chatt. area and let me also guess that no body has been banded at memorial hos. by dr. fromm-paynter-or ponce?? Geez I sure feel like the lonesome stud here lol.

Christmas isn't a problem. I just got back from Virgin Gorda in the B Virgin Islands. Went to a wedding, eat drank and had a great time. Went snorkling and kayaking. When it was time to come back, I left all my summer clothes there because I KNEW that next summer I would not need those sizes any more. I have had my last fling with being heavy and it is now time to be reborn and what a better time to start than at Christmas.

What a wonderful way to think of it. I never really got to have my last supper. I was due to start my liquid diet on 10/02, but they moved my surgery up. Instead I had to start my diet right then (the morning they called) just to have 10 days on the liquid diet. I have to say though that I didn't really miss it. I was so excited about having my surgery. I don't regret it. I am not losing as fast as some people, but I am losing. That is all that matters. With your wonderful attitude about it, you are going to do great!

I can't imagine having to do the liquid diet over christmas. But it will be so worth it when you see the pounds start coming off.

Slim, I know what you mean, it can take a while before you start seeing it. Are you keeping track of your measurements? I have been doing mine once a month since surgery. I measure bust, waist, hips, arms, and legs. I have a notebook that I write it in. I have lost more inches than pounds. When I look at the difference in the numbers, that keeps me motivated.

I measured once. I guess because I don't look different to myself, I figured the measuring tape wasn't going to tell me any different. I should go ahead and remeasure. It can't hurt. Thanks for the tip.

Yea, defintely take your measurements. You will see a difference there. I have actually lost almost 10 inches from my hips since surgery!

10 inches! That is amazing! You are doing so well!

Thanks! I will just be glad to get under 200 pounds.

My goodness, me too. I haven't seen below 200 in almost 10 years.

It's been awhile for me too. I think the last time I weighed 200 was around 2000.

The Gastric Band Institute has finally given me a surgery date - Jan 26th with Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA. I go to my pre-surgery class on Jan 7th and start my pre-surgery "liver" diet Jan 12th.

Congrats! I had been wondering if they had ever gotten you a date once your blood sugars were under control. Keep us posted on your progress. I like to hear from people in our area.

Has anyone ever gotten their $1000 program fee refunded after surgery?

Has anyone ever gotten their $1000 program fee refunded after surgery?

I don't know. Are you thinking about trying? Everything I signed said it was non-refundable.

Well, I called Johnna yesterday because I paid more than I was supposed to for my surgery. I thought I was only supposed to get back around $300, but she quoted me as getting back much more, so I was just wondering if the program fee was included in my refund. I am very confused.

You know you can't trust what Johnna said. She has told me so many things that have turned out to be not true. I hope that you get a good amount of money back though.