Hey there---any ND bandsters out there? It'd be nice to hear from you!

Hi -- I just got banded Dec. 11th, 2007- I live in ND and have met many other Bandsters in support classes.

Helloooo! I am from North Dakota and am getting banded tomorrow!:whoo: I can't believe it is here--finally! Where are you from in North Dakota? I am from Grand Forks!:clap2:

Hey you it's me. I'm from Devils Lake ND. I think you are in my newstart class if im not mistaken...Good luck and speedy recovery to you! I get my first fill by the way on the 9th....soooo excited...pretty sure im ready for that step.

Where do you guys get your fills from? Do you know if there is a place or person in Minot to do it?

Thank you for reading!

Hi....... I am from North Dakota......I was banded March 1st, 2007. It has been a life changing experience. A road that has had its bumps and detours but I feel I am back on track again.

I have a friend who lives in Grand Forks and is wanting to get banded. I know of one doctor but is there anyone else in town.

Thanks

Chris

Hey guys! I'm back. I get banded one week froom today! In Bismarck. I don't know about doctors in Grand Forks, but I do know there's a great doc in Fargo at MeritCare. Can't remember his name. Also, I am hearing raves about a doctor in Park Rapids, MN--not too far from the great state of ND. I'll see if I can't do a little more digging and get details.

Also, I'm not sure about fill docs in Minot. I know of a bandster in Minot who comes to Bismarck for everything.

Getting nervous and excited! Just realized last night that I've lost 4 lbs in two weeks on a pre-op diet. Might seem small to you all, but to me, it's HUGE!

Enjoy this cold morning--I hear we have a warm spell coming our way by the weekend!

I was banded in Bismark but my doc comes to Minot once a month for fills. I don't know if they take other patients but you could try them. It is the primecare bariatric clinic at St Alexis. Worth a shot maybe.

Good luck

Sorry, Sarah....didn't know it was you. I really miss our meetings and wish that we could figure out a way to keep a regular meeting going....let me know of any ideas!!!

I was banded 1/2/08 and just had my first fill last thursday. I feel great and am glad that I had this done. I am so thankful every day that I have it. I feel like I have a chance to lose the weight and keep it off this time!

Hi everybody from ND. My name is Mark, from Minot and had my surgery in Bismarck, with Dr. Kavlie. I had my surgury July 07 and down about 121 lbs!! I feel really great, I still have about 100 more pounds to go and hope to be at my goal by the end of 2008!

Hey Mark! Awesome weight loss:thumbup:! I am only about 20 pounds down and am trying to decide if I want another fill or not. I had my surgery Jan 2nd in Grand Forks. I say only, but never in my life was it so easy to lose 20 pounds! Glad to see someone else from ND on here!

Trish

Hi Mark! Excellent weight loss! You too, Trish! I'm down 18 lbs. Surgery was 1/29. Had my first fill yesterday, and I still don't feel much difference. (Just a bit sore from the needle trying to find the port). I don't know about you two, but this spring weather has me really excited for a thinner summer! It's in the 50s here in Bismarck! Great to talk with all you NDers!

Banded 2/26 in Grand Forks. Soreness is getting better, but the gas is driving me nuts! Pain med is good though :eek: I have to go back to work on Tuesday and am a little worried whether or not I can. Maybe I'll just do a 1/2 day. My next dr. appt. is Monday - maybe they can give me some suggestions for the gas. Beginning weight was 235 - weight today today is 225 is I can honestly say I lost my first 10 pounds (although I lost 9 pounds prior to surgery and then gained it all back). If anyone has suggestions about how to better get rid of the gas, I'd appreciate it!

Does anyone know of a support group in Jamestown? I've looked but never found anything, is there a hotline or something I don't know about?

I tried GasX strips and Beano and a generic gas pill, but they only worked a little. Mostly, the gas pains went away after about a week or so. I was banded on 1/29, back to work on 2/4, and about mid-day that day, I realized I didn't have pain anymore. I bet within another day or two, you'll start feeling better.