Hello fellow banders! My name is Karen and I was banded on Oct 8th by Dr. Tersigni in Coos Bay Oregon. It has been interesting and helpful reading the threads from the different forums; I hope to be able to contribute for others also.

I have lost 17 pounds since starting the 2 week pre-op diet - 10 pounds before and 7 pounds since surgery. I have not gotten back to the starving phase yet as I am 6 days post-op and still have some restriction from the swelling.

I look forward to connecting, sharing, and growing. :Banane10:

Hi Karen!

My name is Maureen and I live in Eugene/Sprinfield, Oregon. If you'd ever like a more direct conversation of mutual support, let me know! I am scheduled for my band on 10/26 by Dr. Valenzuela in Tijuana. My Providence Health Plan will not cover the procedure! Arrgh.... My BMI is a 43. I've been on a very restricted food plan for the last month or so, (with admitted lapses), but am now trying to follow a more focused pre-op plan. On Wed of this week, I'll go to clear liquids. I walk every morning with my dog too, but I haven't weighed myself since I determined my BMI measurement. I have some significant anxiety about the gas pain and recovery period, but a good friend of mine did that and she's doing great.... I hope you are having a good and hope-filled experience of recovery. MP

Hi Karen, I was banded by Dr. Tersigni also. Good luck, I love Dr. T's staff! :eek:

i have been FAT!!!! most of my life. my husband had gastric bypass 2 years ago and has lost 300lbs!! i am considering the band, would like to know what to expect. anything would help, thanks!!:help:

Maureen, Glad to meet you of sorts. I have heard of a lot of people going to Mexico - hope that works out well for you. It would be great to have a connection of support.

Discovered today that my port incision is infected slightly, they told me to use neosporin and keep clean/dry and just watch it... a little nerve racking but hopefully it will clear up soon

Hi there! Wow your husband did great! I too have been fat my entire life (my Mom even put me on Weight Watchers when I was 5!) - a family friend had the LAP Band and has done well with it. I researched it and decided this is the only way I will be able to lose weight and get healthy...sort of a no-choice option to eating.

For me the hardest part was the 2-week liquid diet before surgery because I was so hungry all the time. I have had the band for 7 days now and so far so good. The most important thing to realize about the band is that it is a tool and not a fix all. I LOVE to EAT and I LOVE FOOD, all the things that aren't healthy - the band can't fix that, I have to. It is an addiction for me and each day is a struggle at one point or another but the cravings are passing faster and faster.

Not sure what other information you may be seeking about this - there is a lot of good information within the forums.