Introducing b2g!

[dawg]

Welcome everyone to b2g!

This board is intended for supporting individuals interest in the gastric adjustable band.

Whether you are researching the surgery, living with the band, living without the band, or just plain curious about the band, you are welcome here!


Here's my little bio...

I've been living with my wife's lapband since January 9th 2006. When she went on the pre-op diet I elected to change my eating habits along with her and have had some moderate success.

I invite everyone who arrives to take a moment and introduce yourself.

All the best!

[LindaV]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am soooooooooo glad to be here! I have to go to dinner now! TTYL!

[Firefly]

*dances around, showering everyone in flower petals and confetti*

[NotSoFunny]

I have high hopes for this board, and I would really love to see it become the kind, sharing, supportive community that we all long for.

Yay for b2g!!!

[Kathy]

Hey Dawg, Amy, and Sara! Here we are! Yay!

[Firefly]

Hi Kathy! :)

*eyes amy* dont eat the flower petals.. mmk?

[NotSoFunny]

Just don't throw around pansies and its all good. Them's good eatin!!

[PhotoNut]

If any of you have suggestions for stuff please feel free to post it.

If its color changes, I'm working on that. I cant believe how much there is to do! Amy is making new icons for stuff - dont ya just love the logo and icons for new posts and locked threads?

We are trying to get some good foundational info into sticky threads for the new members, so if you think of something we dont have yet, post it in b2g for Improving b2g Forum. :)

[Kathy]

It's looking great...I love the green! Very homey. Oh, I guess I need to get my avatar pic up....working on it!

[DonnaB]

Hi everyone! DonnaB onboard!

Excellent web site. Congratulations on a job well done. I'm looking forward to sharing experiences in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

*smashing a bottle of champagne on the hull of this wonderful, new ship*

Anchors away!

[paula]

I am cracking up over these siggy's....

I once was banned but now I'm home.

Never Explain yourself.
Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it.

Thanks for the invite, guys!

[NotSoFunny]

YAY!!!! I PAULA AND DONNAB!!! Welcome to B2G!!!

Oh yeah and Donna? You waste a good bottle of champagne like that again and you're outta here! ;)

[Stitchy]

Hello again. Glad to be here. TTYL (I'm at work), but had to say thanks to all of you that got this going.

Kisses!

[MoOrLess]

hello hello - what a nice, calm, happy environment! thanks for the invite! not banded - as most of you know - this is still the GREATEST group of people to lose weight with - thanks for the eternal, friendly support!

[dawg]

Hello to all the new arrivals!

As you may guess I'm a little busy and I will read everyones posts.

We're still very much under construction for features etc and the next week or two I might be a bit quieter than normal. Keep the ideas / requests coming in the improving b2g section!

I'm a workin through em as fast as I can! :D

[diva girl]

Hi ya'll....congratulations on getting this up and amazing in such a short amount of time! I'm so glad you asked me on over.

Gratz!

[PhotoNut]

*waves a cheerful hello*

Hiyas Lyn! Glad ya joined us!

[NotSoFunny]

Hey Ya'll...I just wanted to remind everyone that we are in fact open, so feel free to spread the word about us and welcome anyone you think needs support with the band. Lets get b2g rolling and running!!!

[wavydaby]

Thanks for the invite!!! Nice site

[gadgetlady]

Hello everyone! Thanks for the invite, Funny :-)

I'll work on my siggy later but I just wanted to give everyone a quick hello for now.

-Elisa

[nursekathy2u]

Hi everyone!! Thanks for inviting me.. Im looking forward to seeing this site develop.. For those of you who don't know me I was banded April 13th of this year. I hit a brick wall for about 2 months while getting my fills adjusted.. Now I am back on track with the weight loss. Thank God!!!! I have only lost about 32 pounds since April so I am really excited to see the scale moveing again. I've been a nurse (LVN) for 22 yrs and am currently in school again working on my RN. Im married and live with my husband in Texas. We recently had 2 grandchildren born 11 days apart. Our son had a boy, Lathan Charles and our daughter had a girl, Madison Taylor. Im so excited to have grandbabies and falling in love with them more and more everyday!!!

Kathy

[Firefly]

Aw, congrats Kathy :) Nice to have you join us.

[Iziksmom]

Greetings everybody! Thanks FunnyDuddies for the invite. I have been out of the loop due to a very busy schedule and kind of wondered what was going on "over there". I don't guess it really matters though.....just glad to hook back up with you guys over here!! I look forward to keeping up with everybody and enjoying the things here at b2g!!! Thanks again!! (p.s. hope my info & pic show up....I had to try and remember how to set it up! ) :-)

[mysherrijo]

Hey Iziksmom,
I tried to pm you today and my computer kept locking up. About those pants, I wear 18's and some 20's right now but if your wanting to get rid of them my Mom has cancer and has gained lots of weight with the steroids and can wear 24's if you would want her to have them. PM me if your still interested and we can work out something if your still going to Princeton this weekend.

[PhotoNut]

You all ROCK!! Check this out! Not too shabby for being unofficially open for three days huh?

http://band2gether.net/images/buttons/collapse_thead.gif (http://band2gether.net/index.php#top) Currently Active Users (http://band2gether.net/online.php): 5 (4 members and 1 guests) http://band2gether.net/images/misc/whos_online.gif (http://band2gether.net/online.php)Most users ever online was 55, Yesterday at 10:27 AM.


http://band2gether.net/images/buttons/collapse_thead.gif (http://band2gether.net/index.php#top) Band2gether.net (b2g) - Supporting the Gastric Adjustable Band Statistics http://band2gether.net/images/misc/stats.gifThreads: 119, Posts: 981, Members: 55, Active Members: 55

[Jill]

/waves

Thanks for the invite guys :) Maybe I'll actually start reading and posting more than once a week here.

[PhotoNut]

*waves happily* Hiya Jill! So happy to see ya!

[NurseTeresa]

Just wanted to say thanks to my Great friend P'Nut for the invite via FunnyDuddies and all the hard work via Dawg to get the technical things straightened out so I could get in here. For those that don't know me my name is Teresa. I am a single mother working as nurse at a local hospital trying to get money or waiting for insurance changes for approval for this wonderful surgery. I do work on a surgical bariatric floor and take care of the band and rny patients.

[Dterenzi]

Kim thanks for the invite...

Donna

[dawg]

All,

I just wanted to just let you know where we are on things.

Right now familiar faces are all we are likely to see. We haven't formally started listing ourselves on any search engines etc so we won't be seeing to much in the way of unsolicited memberships.

We are going to be listing ourselves shortly, and we even have the google spider visiting us "un-invited" (though we like this spider!).

Feel free to circulate the URL. I will ask that anyone you invite from other forums understands something VERY clearly.

We are NOT out to 'steal' users. This is another forum for support and we aren't out to detract from any other organization.

We've still got a lot of work to do and your presence here is helping us to 'soft' launch. That means we can iron out bugs and issues prior to really pushing ourselves out into the big world.

Thanks for joining us!

[PhotoNut]

*runs around hugging all the new members of b2g*

Hello everyone!

[BigGirlPantiez]

The site looks AWESOME!! Great job guys!

thanks for doing this.

[DrewsLou]

Wow! This site is awesome guys! Great job! I can't believe how much you have done in such a short time!

[Momotrips]

Thank you for inviting me! I was getting so depressed with all of you fun people disappearing. You guys are the life of the party! So good to see friendly faces that I've missed the last few days.

[Vickie1177]

Thanks for the invite...
Dawg and Photnut if there is anyone who can pull off a forum it you 2. Congrats
I love it. The other one is lonely without you guys.....

The green is definately a soothing color and at times that is what we all need.
Again thank you for the invite and I look forward to getting to know everyone better
Vickie

[dawg]

Welcome Everyone who I haven't had opportunity to welcome personally.

As you may guess initial setup has been more than time consuming and this is about my first night off since starting this project on the 9th of Sept (alright, I bought the domain name on the 8th, I admit it!).

So far things have gone pretty smoothly and other than a bit of a glitch with people seeing pictures in threads (we still haven't figured that one out) we're sailing on a pretty even keel.

My next project will be to recode the gallery system to eliminate some aspects (like the random thumb's code). I'll be working on one or two minor add ons before moving into other code ventures on the site.

If anyone has any technical difficulties please place them in the "b3g for improving b2g" forum. I can't read all messages in all forums so, feel free to contact me directly through PM or the contact us link.

You can also speek with any of the moderators or admin at any time.

Thanks for joining us and I hope to catch up with everyone soon!

[diane5467]

Hello, I am Diane and I feel as though I already know some of you from lapbandtalk.com.
I am supposed to be banded in 8 days (my husband was supposed to go after me), but I found out yesterday The Wish Center program was dropped from the hospital due to a new CEO. I am 4 days into my liquid preop diet and evidently "getting all dressed up with no place to go" wondering if they will honor my date, or if I ditch the liquids for a steak and look elsewhere.

Just waiting the liquid thing out until I see what can be done to get a ticket into bandland...

[diva girl]

Oh, Diane...how disappointing. I sure hope that they're going to honor your surgery. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

[NotSoFunny]

Hi Diane!! Welcome to Band2gether!! I am sorry to hear about them dropping wish center. i sure hope they honor your date for you. I would be spitting fire if that happened to me!!

[Richard Froshiesar]

Thanks dawg

[diane5467]

Hello, I am Diane and I feel as though I already know some of you from lapbandtalk.com.
I am supposed to be banded in 8 days (my husband was supposed to go after me), but I found out yesterday The Wish Center program was dropped from the hospital due to a new CEO. I am 4 days into my liquid preop diet and evidently "getting all dressed up with no place to go" wondering if they will honor my date, or if I ditch the liquids for a steak and look elsewhere.

Just waiting the liquid thing out until I see what can be done to get a ticket into bandland...

Hello again e1,

My sweetiepie and I were so pissed off and disapointed when they told us they were dropping the program, I didn't know what to do :flame: BUT they called today and all the complaining, crying, and phone calls worked and I am back on for 9-22!!! :Banane11:

Thanks to Dr Rosen and his staff at the Wish Center, they really pulled all the stops to convince the hospital staff to get through our surgeries with the surgeons we have already bonded with!

Thanks for e1's well wishes and support!

Diane

[dawg]

Thats such great news!

I'm glad you get to visit bandland after all.

[M_Montes]

Great site, very easy to manuever. Much like the other one, now I know why the other one is so quiet and boring...everyone is over here.

[skyeblu1979]

Hi, I am 27 years old and living in Durham, NC. I am currently not banded, but I plan on being banded by the end of February. I am planning on going to Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, CO. I can't wait!!!!

[Debra07]

Hi peeps!! Nice site!! I hope to burn these keys up, with my thirst for everything Lap-band

[Tricia K.]

*waves to Debra07* :wave: Welcome to B2G!!

[Lily]

Heyy and welcome Debra. You've found a good place.

[Will]

Hey hey, welcome to the family!

[Kittycatkitty]

I'm learning alot and not banded yet but yea it's helped me.... Thanks Michelle

[Reesh]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this site but not new to LapBand Surgery - I had my surgery on March 20, 2007. Started at 307lbs and now down to 262lbs. I have had 3 fills so far, and need another one but can't til Sept. 1st til I get my new insurance and am having a bit of a hard time with food. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

[luv2read]

Hi, all! I've been reading the site for a while and decided to jump in and be a part of it all! I have been to "the class" and have an appointment with my surgeon August 22nd -- and with a psychiatrist September 6, which worries me a little. Will I be diagnosed as sane?? :o) I'm nervous about being banded and yet excited. I am so looking forward to getting to a point where I like myself more than I do right now. Know what I mean? This site has helped me and I look forward to getting to know ya'll better!

[spag1952]

Hello everyone. I'm in my waiting faze for test results and surgery scheduling. It will probably be sometime in September 07 if all goes well, but it might be October. I saw this site on the lapbandtalk.com site where they said there were a lot of people from NC here. My home is in Concord NC, but I'm currently caregiving my parents in N. Myrtle Beach. Hope everyone is doing well. I can't wait to get this show on the road. I've started using protein shakes and getting into the exercise routine in preparation. Only 2 lbs gone so far, but I can be patient I guess.

Hope everyone is well and successful.

[spag1952]

Oh yea, I forgot. My surgeon is Dr. Pirillo at Carolina Weight Loss Surgery in Concord NC. They have the "excellence award' from the lap-band company, so they come pretty highly recommended. They've been very nice to me so far.

[rdytoloose]

Hi, I'm Erin and I have been going through all the stuff to qualify for lap band surgery for a year and a half now and my insureance has denied me three times but on my third appeal, they have approved the surgery! Whooo hooo!!! I am so shocked and excited. I don't have my actual date yet but it will probably be within the next three weeks. I can't wait to have my body back!!

[DonHoll1]

Hi, I am Donna, I love this site. Lots of support here. Glad to meet everyone. Donna

[LJjamz]

My name is Cindy and I am having my lapband surgery on January 18th. How do I create a ticker?

[Windy]

HELP. I just want to know if you are going throw this?
I got lap band Feb 2007.
and my Fill Aug 2007.
I have been doing great, untill this last weekend. I took a bit of a hot dog and NOW i feel like my chest..... I mean is like someone hit me in the chest.

I dont know if this is some thing I should freak out about! When i normal eat something wrong I to to bed, and when i wake up the next day i am back to normal.

Not this time its been three days. I have really been eatting very much cuse it hurts.

if you can tell me what is going? Please do I am started to freak out!
Thanks Windy

[Mjvaldez69]

Hello everyone,

I will be going for my band on Feb 14, 2008 and am looking forward to losing all this excess baggage from this hurting body of mine. I also look forward to all the support from this forum group. I just found this website yesterday and it sure is giving me alot of information.

Thanks!!!

[kmh2298]

hi everyone, set my surgery date 2/29/08, getting nervous and not sure how to prepare....

[503-250]

HELP. I just want to know if you are going throw this?

Sorry I just saw this, this is semi-normal....The feeling you have is called being stuck, and this is usually followed by a PB or productive burp. Basically, you would burp out the stuck item your band won't pass.

This happens when you don't chew well, or take an oversized bite.

Best of luck and hope you feel better....

p.s. don't eat right after one of these moments, I normally take the next two meals as liquids only.

[Gerry's Girl]

Hello,
Just joined and wanted to say hi. I need to learn my way around.
I'm having my one year bandiversary on Wednesday and have lost 74 pounds.
Have a great weekend.
Vicki

[jess30]

Hi my name is Jessica. I had lap band surgery in August 2007, I am new to b2g. I have been on other sites and I found this one..I like to encourage as well look for encouragement as I go down this journey...I started my weight loss journey at 349lbs, I have lost 90lbs and I am down to 259lbs. I still have a long journey ahead of me and try to look for some great friends who are walking down the lapband journey with me...

[Milehighgreen]

Hi to all,

I was banded on Dec. 20th and have one fill so far and am living in Bandster Hell at the moment. Looking forward to restriction. I also like to look for places to look for support and share my journey.

Best to all, MileHighGreen

[LisaTchr]

Hi! I'm new to b2g, and new to even chat lines. I've never done either before but I'm willing to learn. I am looking into a band. Trying to see if it's the thing for me. My insurance doesn't cover it so 17 grand is an awful big investment.

[mimi r]

:hismiley:I had lap band surgery Nov 19, 2007. My insurance sent an approval letter 10 days after application, then renigged 10 days BEFORE surgery! :faint:So I had to self-pay at a total of $23k. :drama: Any regrets?? NO WAY! In Asheville, NC, we have great WLS program, very thorough, very conservative. It was 6 months from 1st meeting until surgery, but I needed every day of the wait in preparation of the great change that was ahead for me.
I had never been to any support site or chat lines before B2G, either. NOW......I'm addicted. I am on here at least twice a day. Not writing every time, but looking over new posts for any new tidbits of advice or new bandster hopefuls, like yourself!!!!:neener:
We are so glad you are here!!!!!! Welcome!!!!!!:peace:

Phyllis

[ritacordova1]

RC here I just had my surgery 1/31/08 and am glad I have people to let me know what to expect on my ups and down days..

[MoOrLess]

Hello and Welcome! This is the best place ever! I've been banded almost 6 months and waited almost 2 years to finally get my band (personal/financial/other reasons) and I have to say you won't find anywhere as supportive as B2G!

So welcome to pre/post band land! Jump on in - ask questions - give advice - just socialize - make good friends for life! We are all here for YOU!

1,986 members and counting!!! A heartcount of 2000 will be here in a flash!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Hi.. I haven't been 'banded' yet, but my first appointment is March 3 to get things rolling. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I found this site by googling 'lap band support group' and this is where it brought me. Since that night I've been on here at least once a day, reading and learning. I have friends that have had gastric bypass, and altho they are helpful, I find this is much more informative.

I've attended 1 support meeting so far, and will attend another the end of this month. My husband is very supportive (in fact he went with me to the seminar with the Dr and nurse that will perform the surgery and he's gone to the support group meeting with me) and my 2 children are very supportive as well, and I feel so fortunate to have that. I have yet to tell my sisters and one sister in law. I just want to be so informed and filled with knowledge before I tell them. I was wondering if any others have felt the same way. This is such a commitment, and I'm not taking it lightly. I know it's not a cure all, it's a tool, and the work is up to me. But reading that there are other people out there that have had the lap band done, is helping me in more ways that I can tell you all.

[MoOrLess]

I felt the same way and found another site (before this one existed)...but I'm a diehard member of this board....I, too, have have lots of support -- my daughter and I are very close and it took her a year to "adjust" to the fact that mom was going to get a lapband no matter what - it forced me to educate myself about everything regarding the band which was good - now I know how to answer just about everyone - and yes, my daughter is my #1 supporter and always tells me how great I look! Congrats Nicksgrammy - it's a path you will never regret having taken -- I can't wait to see more posts from you -- best wishes on your journey!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Thank you for your encouraging post ... I'm sorry I haven't responded before now, but we've had some family funerals to attend to here at home. I've really missed being on this site and to be able to get caught up on reading about this wonderful tool. As the day of my appointment gets closer, the more excited I am getting. Tomorrow evening I will attend another support group meeting and I'm very excited about going to that. As of this writing I have told my other sister in law and altho she is very cautious about her feelings, I have her support as well. I've talked to others that have had lap band and and have found out that there is a nurse at the nursing home where my Mom in law was residing, that had lap band surgery. I knew she had some surgery but wasn't sure which one she had, so I will be talking with her as soon as I can. She is such a caring person, and I know her personally, so I'm sure she will give me as much information as she can about how she lost weight with the lap band, and she looks wonderful too. I am practicing eating slowly (which is very hard for me) and also reading labels for sugar content in products. I'm more aware than ever of bite sizes and in general, I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around the changes that I will be doing before I actually have the surgery. I'm hoping that our insurance will OK me for the surgery. Sometimes it almost seems like a dream that this is happening to me, and that I finally feel like I will have some control over this. As I've said before, I know it's not a cure all, that it's a tool, but at least there will be results at some point, and that I'll feel so much better and more in control than I ever have. Thank you again for responding to my post. It means a lot to me.

[PhotoNut]

A big hello and warm welcome to all folks who have recently joined b2g! So many new people on this thread!

I hope you are all finding your way around b2g and making new friends along the way. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

I hope to get to know each of you thru your posts, and possibly get to meet you at one of our events!

Again, welcome! I'm so glad you found us!

[Shawn]

Hello all! I used to be a faithful to another message board, but it has gotten way large and complicated. I've been banded for 2.5 years and feeling great! I want to start getting some support, that I have been missing for the past 6 months or so. I've gained 10 pounds and that worries me.....

Shawn

[Patrick]

Stick with us Shawn and the lbs will melt away, or at least you will laugh them away. Great support here for all of your down and up times. Everybody slips now and again, just remind yourself that the band is still working, even if your head does not temporarily.

[KCV70]

Trying to figure out how to work this site!! HELP:Cry:

[Neal R.]

Trying to figure out how to work this site!! HELP:Cry:

Hi Kelli, welcome to the site. What are you needing help with? Be glad to help.

[munch2much]

Wow Kelli, You are gorgeous! Welcome.

[KCV70]

Wow Kelli, You are gorgeous! Welcome.
Well thank you!!

[KCV70]

Well I just am trying to understand the whole "thread" thing, and how to keep up with the replies and follow along on a topic. Any help would be great!

[PhotoNut]

Let me see if I can help.

A "thread" is an original post to which other people post their responses/comments. Just like you did on this "thread" which is entitled "Introducing b2g". Threads are started in forums. Forums are shown on the home page of b2g, and have titles such as b2g for Living Life with a Lapband (http://band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=6) and b2g for Exercise (http://band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=21) and b2g for Supporting Mothers-to-Be (http://band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=121). As you can see, the title of each forum gives an idea of the topics which are being discussed on the threads within the forum. With me so far? Good!

As for keeping up with a thread... When you post on a thread, such as this one, you subscribe to it which means that you will receive emails when the thread is updated with a new post.

If you want to subscribe to a thread you have not posted on, you can click on Thread Tools which is loated on the top of the first post of each thread. Then just select the options given to you.

If you don't want emails, then you can simply click on Quick Links (located on the green b2g menu bar near the top of each b2g page) and select Subscribed Threads from the drop menu. This will show you a list of all threads on which you have posted a comment.

Also, on the menu bar is New Posts link. This will show you a list of posts that you haven't seen.

That's a good start I think. Let me know if you have any other questions after trying out these suggestions!

[PhotoNut]

Oh, I should have mentioned that each thread can become quite long, making it necessary to use several "pages". If you look at the bottom right side of this thread you will see Page 8 of 8 <<First < 6 7 8 (the bold number indicates you are on that page number) This is how you can maneuver through the pages of this thread. It condenses the actual number of pages to save space, so you wont see pages 1 2 3 4 and 5, but they are there and accessible if you click on the < button.

[KCV70]

Ok, I think I got it.Thank for the leason!!! You should charge. I use another lap band site quit a bit, it as become easier for me to get around in. Its called www.lapbandtalk.com (http://www.lapbandtalk.com) they have active chat rooms, which I have really loved while I have been home recovering from my surgery. You can talk to people right on the stop and get answers to a pain you might be feeling at the moment or a question about foods, I have really loved it. Have you ever been there? I wish this fourm had more people on the chat lines, becuase I know this is the site my doctor and all the girls in him office use. It would be nice to know more lap banders from my area! I guess that is what the support groups are for though. Anayway, thanks for giving so much of your time helping me understand the way all this works!


Have a blessed day!!

Kelli

["Just Jess"]

many of us on this board, also use, or have used the lbt board you've mentioned. there are pros and cons to each. in my humble opinion, although the numbers are certainly larger over there --- you will come to appreciate the smaller numbers and more "close knit family" feel over here!!!! as soon as you become more comfortable with the way the site works, you'll see that you get responses and answers almost as instantanious as if you were chatting! you'll see!!! ;)

:b2gwelcome2:, KCV! hop in, introduce yoruself, and get to know everyone!!! you'll be amazed at the friendships you witness being formed! we're all here for you if you have any questions - don't be shy! (bc the rest of us sure aren't!)

[tnag86]

I joined this site about a week ago and am still trying to learn my way around. I think this site is going to be so helpful in my weight loss journey. I am to be banded on July 17th. I am nervous, but also very excited! I know I will get much support from you guys on this site! Looking forward to being part of your community!!! Nancy B.

[graciesaunt]

I've looked at various sites like this and I can honestly say that this is the best one. Everyone is very helpful.

[kiz]

Hi b2g'ers!

This is my first post, and I'm a banding noob. :signs110:

I've gone to the lap band seminar, and I have an evaluation appointment with the surgeon set for July. I've been thinking about getting a band for about a year, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago, that I got very serious about investigating it. My insurance doesn't cover WL surgery, so I'll be going self pay. The only upside to that is that the approval process is much quicker, so there's a possibility that I can be banded as early as August.
:woo_hoo:
I'm excited about getting to know everyone and to learning all the ins and outs of lap band life!!!

[Oral Janitor]

Hi Everyone! This is my first forum experience and I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone. banded 9/07 Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, Monterrey, Mexico

[~Shelly~]

Hello everyone!

I'm at the beginning of my LB journey. I am going through a WL surgical center, and have attended an informational visit. I have an appt with an NP there on June 30th. I have Aetna insurance, and am doing the 3m multi-discipline thing.

I've been overweight all of my life except for a small time after college (am a nurse) where I got to a size 14 because I starved myself. Of course that didn't last long, and I gained it all back and then some. I had my son 2.5 years ago and was on bed rest from 30 weeks on because of preeclampsia. I gained a ton of weight putting me at the heaviest I've very been.

I'm afraid of getting banded. Not because of any medical aspect however - I'm fairly comfortable with what will happen, the pain, and change in eating habits - and I embrace all of that. I'm afraid of being un-fat. That probably makes no sense huh? But I've never been un-fat, I'm afraid I won't know who I am anymore. But I'm thinking this is something I will work through as the process progresses.

I'm also terrified of loose skin. I'm afraid fat me will look better then loose, saggy skin me. However, I will take being healthy (I have elevated BP) over anything else. I want to be here to see my boy grow up and be the great man I know he will be :)

Thanks, and I look forward to getting to know all of you and your stories.
N:sun_smiley:

[GirlyGirl]

Hey Oral Janitor and Nemesis,

I believe this thread is for introducing the B2g website itself. You might want to try gong to Introducing new members and repost your Introduction so more people will see it. I think it might get lost over here, I'm pretty sure.

See over there!

[Rebrph]

Hello everyone!

I just returned home from Mexico I had my surgery on 8/29/08. I just walked my first 30 minutes, I think I did pretty good considering it has only been four days. I am so excited about my journey to a new life. I have been overweight my whole life and I too am scared of being unfat. I just wanted to say Hi to everyone.

[Dirextor]

Congratulations on your progress. I am in a holding pattern. I have to do my last blood chem panel and the ekg.

[dannyh]

Hi everyone! I'm Danny and was just banded on Thursday Sept 11, 2008. I am the recovery period and have a couple of questions. Sometimes I get these pains in my chest that feel like a knife is stabbing me. I heard that a feeling of "extreme heartburn" is normal, but is this feeling normal as well?

[GirlyGirl]

danny,

Sounds like the gas pains that everyone gets after surgery. A lot of us feel the pain between the shoulder blades and right in the shoulder or in the chest. That's what it sound like to me. The walking around and taking chewable gas x should help, but mostly a few days pass and it finally leaves. That's from the gas they fill us up with when we have the surgery.

Hope that helps!

Welcome to Bandland and on a memorable day, Sept 11th.

[dannyh]

danny,

Sounds like the gas pains that everyone gets after surgery. A lot of us feel the pain between the shoulder blades and right in the shoulder or in the chest. That's what it sound like to me. The walking around and taking chewable gas x should help, but mostly a few days pass and it finally leaves. That's from the gas they fill us up with when we have the surgery.

Hope that helps!

Welcome to Bandland and on a memorable day, Sept 11th.
Thanks so much for the reply. Yes, I think it was just the gas build-up. Feeling much better now. Thanks for the support!

[thinderella]

Hi, I'm Ella. New to this whole band thing. I am not banded yet. I go to the surgeon for the initial consult on Monday. Then they submit to ins and who knows how long after that. So, I found this site for info and friendship and I am very happy I did.
I look forward to going through this journey with people that understand.
Thanks!

[GirlyGirl]

Hi Ella! Welcome! You will find the support you are looking for on this site while you are working your way toward getting your band. Ask any questions, we love to give our opinions and experiences! Also, I recommend going through as many of the old and new threads that you can and most likely any question or concern you have has been discussed somewhere on the site.

Feel free to jump in on any thread you want to or jump in and join in on any chat going on at any time. You will find everyone welcoming and understanding no matter what stage you are in.

Also, be sure to look for Kristina's threads. One called One Step Closer and Fall 2008 Banded.... or almost. Kristina gained a ton of support and encouragement quit a long time before she was ever banded which made her one of the most prepared once she finally did which was just last month in October. So you might get a lot of inspiration from her journey. And.... Kristina....does love to do the posting thing! So I am sure you will find her to be welcoming and never boring! I bet if you read through her past posts... she has probably asked or experienced anything you can think of concerning your pre-band experience.

Good luck Ella and again, welcome, I look forward to getting to know you!

[New Life for me]

Welcome Ella! Glad to have you here as you start this journey!

[befree]

Thanks for putting this altogether.
Just banded 5/12/09
All protein shakes, sips at a time. I know the band is not even inflated and yet I feel tight and like I have to burp after each sip...kinda like heartburn pressure...Is that to be expected?
Kathie

[Cricket]

I had my band surgery on March 9, 2009. I had my first adjustment on April 28, 2009. (3.5cc) I have the realize band with an 11cc max. I have lost 18 pounds but don't feel any restriction or symptoms I hear other people talk about. A lady from at the support group I go to once a month told me I am in lap band limbo. I have also hear that the first adjustment is practice it will get better after the next adjustment.
Shold I be feeling hungry? My stomach growls. I thought the band was supposed to stop the growling and make me feel satisfied with less food. I can eat anything without feeling uncomfortable. I read a posting here from Sara that says if you can eat bread, rice and stringy vegetables you need an adjustment. The nurse at my surgeon's office told me the surgeon is very conservative. He only fills every 3 months. Can you get fills sooner than 3 months?

[rndtuet]

Hi, New to this site, getting banded 11/16/2010, so right now I am starving. My husband hasn't been accepted to have his band yet, which makes this a bit hard for me. The psyche didn't go to well for him. I was unaware of the fact he had problems with that particular doctor back after his first wife and him divorced and he took his kids there, not a good situation. Right now I am worried that I will have trouble being compliant after getting the band since I have always been a fast eater. Also I am worried about excess skin, though the nurse practitioner says because of my age if I exercise enough shouldn't be much of a problem. Hope this next week goes better, I am so tired of protein shakes already.
:neener::faint:

[MommaStone]

Welcome. I think most of us were fast eaters. It gets easier. Once you have restriction your band reminds you with a very uncomfortable feeling or a pb if you eat too fast. Hang in there with the shakes. I make my own with unflavored soy protein a glass of Ny flNor crystal lite half a banana and ice

[art]

Welcome to the site. It's a great group. I also hated the shakes and I still do. No matter what I did I still detested trhem. Stay with it, it will get better. It's all worth it. Once the weight starts coming off you'll know you are doing the right thing.
Art