Hi everyone! I have been reading this forum for about a week now. So, I thought I should jump in and introduce myself. I was banded 9/30/2003, so if anyone else has started an email loop for September bandsters I would love to join! I have lost 12lbs so far.

I thought the surgery was very easy. The only pain I had came from my IV blowing. The hospital was great. The pre-op staff were the most kind and caring people I have ever met. A few people at the hospital had some misconceptions, but hey, so did I before I started on this journey. I only stayed over night at the hospital. I wanted to go home the same day, but they had to do the upper GI before they would let me go. And that was the worst part of the whole process. They tell us not to throw up and then force us to drink that barium stuff? Gee whiz!

I haven't told anyone that I had the surgery. The only reason I told my husband was because I needed a ride home from the hospital....lol. The reason for this is, when I first started out I was so excited I talked to everyone about getting WLS. Everyone told me not to do, told me to have more will power, drink more water, exercise more, cut out carbs, go to WW, get rid of everything white in my house, ect, ect. I'm sure you all have been there. Well, I decided since I couldn't have their support, that I didn't need their other junk either. A lot of my friends are over weight and many of them would benefit from this surgery. I sometimes have to wonder if that's not part of the problem. They are afraid if I'm succesfull with weight lose that I won't want to be with them. I know my one friend says she loves to go out to dinner with me because I enjoy food just as much as she does. I still do, I'll just be eating smaller portions, thank you.

Okay, I guess I have rambled on long enough. I'm just thrilled that I found a place that I can talk to other bandsters. I do go to Obesityhelp.com, but most of them it seems have had RNY, and I really want to hear about others who have gone through this and hear back and find out if I'm normal. (that's a laugh!)

Thank you!

Hi Mom!

You didn't give a name, so is it OK if I call you Mom? Seems like there are a few others who do, if your name means what it seems to mean. Wow, six children? You have lots of great motivations for getting healthier!! (I'm a mom of two and they were my reason for finally getting serious about my weight.)

Welcome to the forum, hope to see you around lots! How has your recovery been? You sound chipper; that's a good sign. :cool:

Hi Alexandra!

Thanks for the welcome.

My name is Christina. Sorry I didn't include that.

The recover has been great. No pain, just a bit itchy. The nasty staples were the part I didn't care for.

I do still have some doubts, but I think that those will start to fade as I lose more weight.

I had my surgery in Omaha Nebraska. Dr. McBride was my surgeon. She was great!

Christina,

I wanted to chat with you about Dr. McBride. I have gone to the informational meeting at the hospital and have my consultation with her on Monday, March 15. I hope to hear from you!

Kelley

Hi Christina,

The same thing happened to me with my friends and colleagues. Comments like "All you have to do to lose weight is stop eating so much and exercise". And other comments like "I'm taking the easy way out" made me second guess myself. It took me almost a year to finally get passed all that and decide for myself that this is something I really want to do. I have told only my close friends that support the idea of the band and of course like you, I needed a ride home so I told my hubby. He is actually very supportive of it. Congrats on being banded and let us know about your journey. This web site is a great source of information and all the people are so supportive. It's nice to be able to talk to people that are going through or have gone through the same thing.

Take Care,

Hello! I'm new here too and pre-band. I opened my mouth about WLS and got rolled eyes from my skinny mom, whom is skinny because 20 years ago she had over 60% of her stomach removed for ulcers and everyone else is doing that 'eat less, drink more water, do dis and do dat' stuff. Well, if I COULD do dis and dat, then I wouldn't be fat, would I??

I go to Obesityhelp.com also and there is a forum for lapbanders. Go to main page and click on the link on the top left for forums. A list will drop down that has different WLS, click on the lapband. Good luck with your WLS journey!

Christina,

Welcome to the board. Glad to see another Nebraskan here! I think everyone thinking weather they are MO or not that we are just not trying hard enough. I though the same way. Until I finally realize that MO is a disease.

Wow six children! Girl sometimes I can't handle the three I have! You are Superwoman!

Once again welcome to the group! You will find alot of information and friendships. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.

XOXO~Teresa

Gering, NE

34 yrs young

Banded:5/14/02

Port Revision:9/22/03

Dr. Hollway & Dr. Forney

Regional West Medical Center

Scottsbluff, NE

.80cc's

366/209/180-160 <~~Goal!