Am I the only one here from MA

[Vickie1177]

Hey everyone,
I thought I would post something here because I do like to browse the local bandsters threads just as much as I like the other threads.
So come on peeps and start posting here so we can get to know each other
Vickie

[Diva]

Hellllooooo!!!!!
I just forgot about this thread. I think there is someone else from Boston here. I hope she shows up.
Nice to meet you Vicki, you are doing awesome with your weight loss. I hope I do as well as you. I was banded August 4th and had my fill cherry popped today. 1.5 in 4 cc band.
How come you chose Lawrence Memorial? How long did it take you from your first appt to surgery?
I started the end of April with the whole process.

[Vickie1177]

Diva,
Thank you for posting and the compliment. It is nice to meet you too.
I started my journey with Dr. Randall in June of 2005. At that time I was 339 pounds. I went to him because I had lost my dad in April of 05 due to a heart attack but my father had had ongoing problems most of them due to weight. Let me back up a little bit...So after he had passed I started talking with my DH about him having the surgery at the time my dh was pushing 475 pounds and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I told him if he didnt do anything about his weight I was going to leave him. I did not want to be a widow...... Your probally saying people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones but I did not have any health issues He did and I did not want to loose yet another to obesity... So my hubby finally decided that he would do it but asked if I would go with him...Of course. So when we met up with Dr. Randall we were looking into the gastric bypass for Niko but he did not like the whole rerouting of the intestins and everything else. THat is when the DR. said that he was just starting to do the lapband surgery and that I (me) would be perfect for it. I said to him that we were not there for me. He said he knew and asked me to consider it. Now Niko in the other hand he would not attempt to do it unless he got under 400 pounds. He had to loose 75 pounds to get it done and he said to me if I decide to do it he would want me to loose 20 pounds. Thant was in June of 05. DH and I went home that night and read all the booklets and googled it and found lots of information. We talked about it for a while and then decided that we would do it together. We started dieting hardcore. When I had lost the 20 pounds I called the doctor and told him that I would like to see him again for yet another appointment. I went and he set me up with th dietician and the pysch evaluation. I completed both by the end of August and I had dropped another 5 pounds. Then I said to myself that if I was loosing the weight why did I need the surgery plus at the time the doctor still did not perform any lapbands....So then I stopped considering the lapband because I thought I can do this myself well over the next few months I dropped another 11 pounds then the weight lost stopped. DH was still going strong he had dropped 41 pounds. SO in March I went back to the doc and told him I was ready. He weighed me and I was at 303 pounds and he told me to make an appointment with the dietician again and get the liquid diet info. I got one immediately (2 days later) 1 week later he called me and gave me April 11th (the anniversary of my Dad's death) as a surgery date. It was an ohman. I knew my dad would be watching over me. Whats even more freakier my time of the surgery was the same time they pronounced his death.
i did it. Now the reason I chose Dr. Randall is because he was the first Dr. in the US to perform the gastric bypass. So i knew I was getting a great doctor.
As a matter of fact the day that I was having my preop test there was a lady there who flew in from Netherlands to have him perform the RNY on her and she did not want anyone else to do it.
So now your probally wondering about the hubby. He had dropped 52 pounds and when I went on the preop diet he piggybacked me. He went down to 375 pounds. He went with me to my follow up appointment and the doctor made him get on the scale and he then said to Niko do you want the lapband or do you want the gastric. Niko said that he wanted the lapband. Niko had his surgery on June 20th he has lost an additional 27 pounds. He looks unbelievable. We are banded happily ever after.
I will post my before and after pics tomorrow for you but right now I am going to bed.

[Diva]

That is such a great story! I chose NEMC on the reputation of the surgeons and their zero erosion statistics. I like the program but it takes a while. You have to do 6 weeks of group behavior modification. But they have a great exericise guy and he structured exercise specifically for my body.
My DH is trying to piggyback but isn't being too successful. I wish he would go for the band but he is not ready for any surgeries (he's had 2 in the last few years).
We'll see if anyone else shows up, I am sure they will!!!

[DebbieChoos]

Greetings girls - thought I'd pop in here for a change. Yes Diva, as you could tell from my other posts I am originally from the Boston area. Born and raised in Haverhill. Went to UNH, Amherst and then onto the Navy. I live in the Tampa Bay area now, lots of sun, no snow. I spend alot of weekends in Boston, but I can't imagine living there now. Will never give up my Sox though, people get really upset with me here. (just what the hell is a devil ray...)

I have never lost my accent, I get called on it all the time. I tell them in MA the alphabet goes "...p q arrh s t..." Sometimes I think they believe me!!

I wish you girls the best of luck on your lapband adventures, I know sometimes it can be a challenge. In a couple of months I'll send some sun your way!!

[Vickie1177]

Welcome dascjpl....
So have you had the lapband yet?
If not when is the big day..
And all the questions that go along with it..

[DebbieChoos]

Vickie

I am not banded, I piggyback and support my partner in her adventure. We went to Dr. Zapata in Monterrey (May 06) through ready4achange, it was a great experience. Her sister came with us and was banded at the same time - talk about competitive.

I have three close friends who are also banded, they have lost over 325 pounds combined! Their success really was really a catalyst in our lapband decision. I use this board for support, not only for her but for myself. My job is to get as much info that I can to support her on her journey. After 25+ years she quit smoking, mostly for me - then 2 years later she was 70 lbs heavier. So whatever I can do to help her through this I do.

Debbie

[Vickie1177]

Debbie that is awesome.. My hubby piggybacked me for 4 months and he did awesome. He recently had the surgery in June
Life with the band is great but it is even greater when you have the people you love supporting you 110%. How is your partner doing with the weight lose?

Hey Diva and Debbie check out my before and after pics
http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h63/Vickie1177_2006/?action=view&current=1158462810.pbw

[DebbieChoos]

Vickie

Her weight-loss is slow, her fill doc here likes to be really conservative on the fill amounts. She has had too many impatient patients and has seen people damage their bands by demanding a tighter fill, so she does "lite" fills.

Both her and her sister are about on the 25lb mark each but without that proper restriction she still is pretty much able to eat a much as me. She was a lower BMI patient; 32, so she does have less to loose than most. I try not to nag, but I know how easy it is to eat around the band. She goes in next week for another fill, maybe this will be "the one".

BTY - 81 freaking pounds, that's awesome!! And you were only banded in April, you must be so proud of your accomplishment. You can really see the difference in your pixs!

[Vickie1177]

Thank You Debbie for the compliment....
The weight lose is slow with the first fill
Wait til she has her second she will start dropping usually the first fill is the adjustment to the band. That is why they fill you with the min (at least that is what my doc told me)

[Diva]

Hi Debbie,
I lived in Tampa for almost 10 years, went to USF and then stuck around for a while. Loved it. My family is from Ybor city (settled there when they came over from Sicily). Do you know Funny/Amy in person? I'm not from Boston, came up here from NY to marry a guy. Vanna White couldn't buy him an "R". He's from the Merrimack Valley. He is trying to piggy back but its slow. Trying to talk him into the band soon! Who knows?
::waving to Vicki:: Maybe we'll get some more MA people here soon.

[aaamom]

Hi all,

I'm from MA. When I mentioned where I had received my lapband, I received a very nasty comment from another user from MA, so I just backed off for a while. Glad to have found this board

[Diva]

HI!
Glad to see you here! I am sorry somebody gave you a hard time about your hospital choice, how rude & ignorant of them. You weight loss is really inspiring. Congratulations! 10 pounds from goal. I can't even imagine that. It seems like a dream.
I hope we get more from MA. Maybe we could all get together sometime?
I don't post my real name on the web because I had a very bad scary experience a few years ago that spooked me good. But I don't have any problems sharing in person.

[aaamom]

I hear ya about posting your name on the internet........you NEVER know who's out there. Freaky freaks.
I did get the ignorant comment, but it was on the other board. I didn't respond after that and just didn't post on the MA thread anymore. No big deal. I was pretty satisfied with my surgeon and the hospital, so people are entitled to their rude opinions.

Are you in northern/southern/western or eastern MA? Seems like alot of MA people on both boards are from the Springfield area. I am NOWHERE near there. Would be nice to get a group together !! Maybe somewhere in between?

[Diva]

I'm in Woburn, Vickie is in Arlington so we are both super close to Boston. Are in the city?

[aaamom]

Im in Norwood, but raised right in Boston. Seems like Arlingtn is right in between the two of us !!!

BTW- I didn't have my band placed at NEMC, but gave birth to my first child there and loved it !
Anyone else from MA around????

[Vickie1177]

Hey guys we should pick a date and a time to all meet up what do you say?

[Diva]

Yeah Vickie! I'm trying to see if there is anyone else out there or that just joined. Then lets pick some dates. We'll have our own B2G get together. But I'll be the only one who is still fat!

[DebbieChoos]

diva you are too funny. Whenever you guys get together I will be with you in spirit! Since the Sox are playing so badly, my scalper that I use is calling me! I may take him up on it and take in a weekend.

I had lunch at the Columbia today in Ybor, didn't see any divas though. Like your husband I too am from the Merrimack Valley area, small world we live in. Between Tampa and Boston we seem to be traveling in the same circles, just in different time zones!

Funny is organizing a BBQ here in Oct - you so should come!! A bunch of freaky b2g'rs...

[Diva]

Honey, there are always Divas in Ybor City!

I would love to get back to the old stomping grounds in fabulous Tampa. I lived there 100 years ago. I was graduated in '76 from USF. Back when Las Novedas resturant became El Goya and then that become the Monster and now who the heck knows? Many a very fabulous night spent at El Goya fighting the queens for lipstick mirrors. They had little "business" cards with the Ybor 3 globe street lamp and "we met at El Goya" with a space for your name/phone #. Many a memory that can't be shared here! LOL!
That was Ybor for party time.
Then with the family we would go for lunch and dinner at some smaller places. Columbia was for guests. Wish I could remember the name of the place my g'father would go with the men for coffee on a Saturday morning. Old cuban men with that rich cuban coffee served in a glass, dipping cuban bread in while they gossiped in Italian/Cubanese mixed all together.
Anyway I would love to go back haven't been in years.

[Diva]

I remembered-The Tropicana for Sat mornings.

[Vickie1177]

Hey whatever day is good for you
The only time I am not free is Monday - Friday 9-5...
I am pretty flexible.
I am still fat too Diva so dont worry about that

[aaamom]

Same here.........I am available weekends or nights.
This should be fun...lets get others together
C'Mon MA people................where are you???

Anyone have suggestions for a place to meet?

[Vickie1177]

Hey there are only 3 of us so it is always good to meet somewhere for llunch on weekends or dinner weeknights
I am game for anything
There is a Panera in Woburn right off of 95 that could be a great place I always stop there after work to get an onion soup and an apple I dont miss the bread but i love the smell
any ither ideas

[DebbieChoos]

Diva - Ha too funny I had a grande café con leche from la tropicana this morning!

There are so many things that I miss about Boston and New England in general. Seasons have to be at the top of my list. Followed very closely by winter clothes!! I barely have any clothes that would even be called fall. Spring/summer clothes do get old, sometimes I just want a big bulky sweater, down parka or anything fleece!

I grew up in Haverhill, its sad the changes that have transpired. When I was in college I lived on Salisbury Beach, I bet I wouldn't recognize it now. I am an avid people watcher - there is no better place than at Faneuil Hall/Quincey Market. I love L.L. Bean, just about every time I come home for a weekend we make the trek up to Freeport. Ipswich clams are a big weakness, there's nothing like a big ass plate of clams, fries and onion rings! Filene's basement - nough said. The White Mountains, I can say that my ass has actually climbed Mt Washington. The feel of the Atlantic lapping/freezing my feet as I try to bury my feet in the sand, here the Gulf is like bathwater - it doesn't really have any feeling.

Fenway will always be sacred, the Boston Pops on the Common. Pizza. Real, hand tossed pizza. There really aren't any family shops here, they are all the large franchises - doesn't even compare. Sam Adams, just doesn't seem to taste the same here. Snow, not blinding 3 ft drift snow, but that magical evening snow that just seems to warm your insides.

But like I have said before, living in Florida means I will never have to own a shovel again......

Debbie

[lainer]

just got my surgery date. October 6th -- just a little over a week away. exciting and scary all at the same time.

Glad to see so many massachusetts folks on here.

[shackdog]

Hellllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooo from Idahoooooooooooooooooo

[Diva]

Hi Lainer!
Not too many MA people here yet! You make four. Not sure where Springfield is though. I'm not from MA. Congrats on your upcoming surgery! That is terrific. What hospital is it? Ask any questions you want. I am only 2 months old in band years. SoI'm still learning.

[Diva]

Holy lapband Lainer! I just went back to read you other posts. Your partner is having the band surgery the same day! That is so fabulous!!!! I am jealous though, I wish to crap my DH had it done too. I'm working on him though.
Do you all have to stay overnight or go home the same day? You'll need someone there to help you both out that first day but then you'll be fine. Repeat after me "Percocets are our friend".
I was incredibly nervous since I'm old as dirt and hadn't had surgey since having my tonsils out at 5 years old. It was much easier than I had thought.
It will be so much better and easier when you both are on the same program. Great support. Is your partner on the b2g too?

[Diva]

Who can meet up on Friday night October Six??? After work? What time is good for you both? We can toast to Lanier.
I am working Saturday the 7th so Sat afternoon is out.
Panera's in Woburn was suggested. Its fine by me since I'm in Woburn. Its casual and has something for everyone. What do you all say?

[aaamom]

Woburn couldn't be any farther for me. (about an hour away)............can we maybe meet somewhere in the middle???

Diva~thinking of you, just haven't been around much. Hang in there.

[Diva]

Thanks, I'm trying-its getting better day by day-I'm just happy I'm getting another fill.
How about meeting in Boston? We can figure it out. Can you take a train in?

[Vickie1177]

you guys tell me where an when and i am in

[aaamom]

ok, Woburn to Norwood is app. 30 miles.............Where is 15 miles???

[DebbieChoos]

Auburndale , Woodland or Wellesley all off 95 are half way between for you guys by car - you'd have to check the T schedule for another route. You guys have fun...it was only 88 today...cold front moving through....

[aaamom]

I'm up for driving to any of those. Newton/Wellesley are both about 15 moiles from me

Anyone interested?

[Diva]

Hi all!
Love to get together. Is there any way we can meet up in Boston? North End-Cafe Vittoria? Faneuil Hall restuarant? Any other place in Boston? It doesn't have to be those areas. I can take the train in and meet up anyplace, no problem.
I've only lived here a very short time, I'm not familiar with Newton/Auburndale etc. or where Norwood is located. I'm not a great driver at night (eye problems) esp when I don't know where I am.
Boston anyone?

[aaamom]

hmmm..........I will drive closer to you if we go somewhere right off of 128.
Know of any place right off the highway?

[Diva]

I just can't tell you where we should meet except for Boston. I thought there was train into South Station from Norwood (where I think you live right?) If that doesn't work-throw out some suggestions. I will try to get there. I would really love to meet you all but I am out of ideas because I don't know the area that well. Sorry!

[aaamom]

I have a coworker who lives in Woburn (that is where you live, right?).

I will ask her if she knows of some restaurants right off of the the highway that I could get to. Honestly, I would rather drive than take the train, so I don't mind driving a little further. Just as long as I can find my way home !!!!

Anyone else up for a get together????

[Diva]

You guys want to give this another shot this weekend sometime? Maybe Friday night after work at 6?

I'd love to see the fabulous aaamom before her TT, cause she may be too sore to come out and play for a while after.

Everybody give out 1 meet up suggestion and we'll choose the best one?

[aaamom]

Hmmm.........friday the 13th???

Ok, I'm not superstitious, so I have no problem with the date.

I think 6 would not be good, though. Getting from Norwood to Woburn at the height of rush hour...........aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Can we do 7???

[aaamom]

Hey Diva-I sent you a PM yesterday

[chrispygal]

Hey MA girls! Looks like I make the 5th MA girl. Aaamom, I live in Mansfield, so we're pretty close. Did you ladies meet up today??

[Diva]

No we suck LOL!-just kidding, we just can't get our sorry selves to find a time and place that works for everybody. We did try though. I am not giving up-Massachusetts or bust!

[Berry]

Hi Everyone,

Another Mass person here! I haven't been banded yet...still thinking about it. I just found out my insurance now covers it so I need to get in touch with my doctor.
Have any of you had any problems? What hospitals did you go to?
I have a ton of questions!!
Thanks,
Berry

[mizfish]

Hi all,
Another MA person here. Dedham to be exact. Have not been banded yet. I have gone through all of the other evals. I am meeting with the surgeon at the Faulkner Hospital on 1/11/07. I am new to this sight and just learning how to navigate around. Your stories are so inspiring and helpful! Thank you

[aaamom]

Hi mizfish!! I am right around the corner in Norwood !!!! Ask as many questions as you have. Hopefully we will have the answers !!

[SherryW]

Count me in from Mass :) Just trying to find my way around this website hahaha.

[SherryW]

I think people moved to the Massachusetts thread aye?

[JudeX]

Hey!
I am from Boston and am waitng for my band date which now looks like sometime in Sept./Oct.07
Dr. Edward Mun at Faulkner Hospital.
I am 330 now and on a liquid diet 10 days so far and can feel that I have dropped weight..clothes feel more comfy. I do not own a scale and will not buy one. Easy way from me to drive myself crazy!
It has been helpful to see people my size/weight having success with the band.:nod: Very encouraging for me.
Would love to hear more from you MA banders!

jude

[Robbin261]

hi Vickie,,,what a GREAT STORY,,,Im new here so I hope I can still write to you about this topic,,,,,I just got my band on aug 7th 2007,,,my husband is just in the begining of all his tests,,,,,,,,he also is about 400 lbs,,,he is 6'5,,,,but his primary care physician suggested he looked into one of the surgeries,,,when he came home and told me I said "you arent going to go getting skinny on me without me,,,lol",,,,,,,so as time went on I started looking up all kinds of info and when I would tell him he would say,,,,oh Im not really gonna go do that,,,,and by that time I had found out so much info that I liked that I said well I am,,,,he didnt think I would go thru with it but here I am,,,,once he started seeing I was really serious and going to all my appts he decided to start his,,,,so he is a few months or so behind me but hopefully it will all go fine and soon he will be banded too,,,,,,,,I saw your pictures but they are about a yr old,,,,how about sending me some new ones please,,,,,,,,,thanks and congrats again,,,,,,Robbin