Hi. I just joined the site and was banded March 14, 2007. I live in Northern Michigan in a small town called Grayling. My doctor is Dr. Featherstone from Traverse City, Michigan. I currently have 1 1/2cc in my band and have lost 38lbs. I'm married and have two children ages 14 and 12. I am excited to have a place to go for support.

Welcome. My son-in-law is from Grayling. His family is still there and my little granddaughter is buried there. I was talking with his mother a couple weeks ago and she mentioned someone from the bakery had had lapband. Is that you?

Is it hard? I am so worried I am going to do this and fail. I am having a hard time doing the 10lbs. pre-op diet I need to do prior to my surgery. I am so confused! I had a girlfriend that did gastric bypass...she never thought twice. Is it bad that I am second guessing myself??

Les

Second thoughts, third thoughts......That's normal. I went back and forth between lapband and gastric bypass. Then I decided lapband. This was something I wanted to do...Had to do...but decided gastric bypass was just too invasive. What if it didn't work out. With the bypass, you are stuck. There is no going back. At least with the band, you can keep it unfilled or even have it removed. I made up my mind and was banded July 16,2007 and I have already lost around 35 lbs. I've yet to have my first fill. It took me a while to find a doctor to do it since I went to Mexico....but I hape to make an appointment on Tuesday.

Welcome to the group!

I was just banded 6/25/07, and am fairly new myself. I've gotten a tremendous amount of support from this site, as well gaining a lot of information. Good luck to us!

Peggy

I'm also new to this group. I had lapband on Apr 20, 2007 and have lost 30lbs to date. Just wanted to say hello.

No that is not me, but I've heard about her. I don't know her personally. Funny to hear of someone who knows little old Grayling.

Hi Les, I've questioned myself only in the fact that I want the weight to come off faster. You know losing the weight is not easy even with the band. It is really just a tool and like all tools it sometimes doesn't work the way YOU want it to. Example: I really thought I'd loose more weight at a faster rate or at least I wanted to. I've had two fills, the last one being in May when i was taken up to 2cc. In 2 days I was back at the doctors getting 1/2cc out because I couldn't get water down. Since then I haven't been able to have a fill. My doctor sticks to the 1-2lbs a week weight loss. I was there last month and had loss 5lbs in 3 weeks and again no fill. I go back tomorrow for another check-up and I'm hoping to have a fill then. I'm only down 2lbs since the last time. I know it's the right way and all, but I want those numbers to read more. But in the long run I know I am doing this in a safe and better for my body way. I am thankful to have a dcotor who really is watching out for me, because if left up to me I may not make the right decision.

Welcome to LBT! You'll find lots of support here, just join right in!

hello , my name is Andrew i live in central new jersey i was banded december 2006

lost 64 pounds wnt to lose at least 50 more

Skizer- Did you grow up in Grayling? If you did, you probably know my son in law, Tony. I think he is the same age as you are.

Welcome. My son-in-law is from Grayling. His family is still there and my little granddaughter is buried there. I was talking with his mother a couple weeks ago and she mentioned someone from the bakery had had lapband. Is that you?

So sorry to hear that you lost your precious granddaughter.

Hi Skizer,

I just joined the site today! Getting Banded 9-26-2007, I've been reading this site for weeks, great resource.

My sister did the Gastric, she lost her spleen, and had a few other issues, but would do it again in a heartbeat! It's been two years now, she looks great, and it did wonders for her self esteem. She lives in Roscommon, as do my parents, so I know right where Grayling is! We were Rival schools growing up!

38lbs, sounds like you're doing great!

Hi Just joined the site today. I have just started the the process of getting banded. My 6 month diet plan starts Thursday. Feeling a little scared. Insurance company says that if I can not take 30 pounds off in the next 6 months they will not cover the band.....

I am glad to be here and hope to get lots of great advice and information.

Hi all. Hi les... I have the same issues. I am new to this site and I think it is great but I am getting worried, scared about being banded. My surgery is second week of Oct. I was so excited when I booked it. But I go up and down everyday. Some days I am excited others I am scared. I get scared when I read that someone can not keep water down! Will I get past the pre diet and liquid after surgery?

Crispy,

Don't turn back! This will be the smartest thing you have ever done. I was banded 6 weeks ago today and I have lost 46 pounds. I just had my first fill today as I was eating too much. The process is a little tough psychologically, but not physically. I haven't had any issues with vomiting or nausea. John