Hi everyone, my name is Sara I'm living in Bergen Co. NJ. I have my surgery day set for June 15th from Dr. Gritsus at The Valley Hospital in Paramus. I'm looking forward to joining the group. I've been reading post for a few days and have found a lot of great info.

Hello to Sara from another Jersey girl!! Welcome to LBT and good luck with your surgery. We're saving you a seat here in bandland! :D

Hi Sara...I am scheduled for June 17th.....alittle nervous but very excited!!!.......this took alot ot time and effort on my part to make this work out between consults, insurance and working ....I cannot wait to be on the road to weight loss...........are you excited too???

I am extremely excited and nervous. Getting more nervous as the day gets closer, but I'm trying to think of this as the first day of the rest of my life. Its good to know that someone is going through this at the same time you are. Hopefully we can keept in touch and share some notes.

Sara

Welcome and good luck!

jayme

I haven't been home for years, but I'm a Bergen County gal myself. If you are truly afraid, is it because you have a bad gut feeling? If your instincts are telling you to run and hide, then I think you should reschedule your surgery for another date because maybe the stars or the moon or whatever force you believe in is sending a message not to have it done on that particular day. Even if you only postpone it for one week, that might give you some relief. However, if it's just regular jitters, don't be afraid, be exicited. Everyone's gonna be here waiting for you & cheering you on. Good luck.

Thanks DeLarla, I'm more excited than scared. I'm looking forward for it to be over with and join the rest of the bandsters here.

I had band surgery on May 18th by Dr. Gritsus. I can't say enough about him. He was excellent during the whole thing meaning before and after. You have nothing to worry about your in great hands

Banded 05/18/2005

BEFORE SURGERY361

Goal 220

-36

Thanks ANEWMEAK, I really like Dr. Gritsus also. I even found out that he was out of network for my insurance co and they gave me some in network doctors. I felt so comfortable with Dr. Gritsus that I'm paying out of pocket to see him. Your doing a great job with your weight loss, keep up the great work!

Welcome to LBT. Glad you have joined us. What an exciting time for you!! Best of luck.

Hi Sara,

I too am a Jersey girl and just had banding on May 2nd. My doctor was Dr. Bertha and my surgery was at Morristown Memorial.

I was terrified to have the surgery because it was so permanent...not like weight watchers...where only the scale knew if you cheated! I felt like I was losing my best friend...food. It was always there for me when I needed it, when I was sad or happy or depressed or, well, anything.

Unfortunately, my best friend was killing me and I developed diabetes, heart disease,and high blood pressure. I have 2 teenagers at home and realized that if I want to see them marry and have children that the time for half hearted diets and broken promises was over.

I So far, I've lost 25 lbs and am so excited. 50 more to go and maybe many more years of happy, healthier living.

Welcome, and keep in touch!

Rosemary

Good luck ladies. Carolyn, you're getting banded on my birthday! Sounds like you're both in great hands. Wishing you an easy recovery,

Hi Rosemary! I hope all the Abkin/Bertha bandsters will make it a point to attend the support group meeting on the last Wednesday of each month. It's a great chance to just sit and vent and listen to one another and bounce things off the NP and nutritionist who are always there. Come on down!! The next one is the 29th at 7:00 p.m.

Nice to meet you all!!

Hi rosemary, I am ready to let go of my best friend also..haha. You seem to be doing great, keep up the good work!! Even though I'm scared a little because i've never had any operations before, but I'm ready to recieve my band with open arms...

Hey Alex,

We met at the last support group meeting. I was sitting next to the elderly man who shared so much. I came in late because it took me forever to get there. (I stupidly took back roads because I didn't want to travel 80)

I will definitely be at the next meeting. Now that I'm on solids I have so many more questions!! Mainly because everything is going down so well, I'm afraid I have no restriction.

I have a Vanguard band because my liver was very enlarged due to diabetes. He said that the liver will shrink and that there's absolutely no difference between the bands. Then he said that if I get a fill I have to tell the folks who do it that I have a Vanguard. So, if there's no difference,why do I have to tell them?