An Invitation from ....

[Guest guest]

I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach as many as possible

I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several years.

We miss you!

We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're doing!

For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a special

hand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy to

fall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to help

us again, when we're ready.

We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.

We hope to hear from many of you!

Sandy and Dan

[Guest guest]

Thank you for checking in with me. I have gained most of my weight back since

the surgery. After several fills and always feeling hungry my pouch began to

swell and I had to have the fill completely removed. I went without food for two

weeks so that the pouch would go back to its normal size. After that I got a

small fill and have not returned. Even though I believe Dr, Kuri did a wonderful

job the fact that there are no doctors that will take responsibility in the US

made my weight loss adventure very difficult. I'm very disappointed in the

outcome and do not want to spend any more money on doctors in the US. It has

been so long since I have seen Dr. Kuri I'm wondering now if there is anything

that can be done or should I just resolve that I love food too much to change.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

An Invitation from ....

I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach as many as possible

I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several years.

We miss you!

We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're doing!

For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a special

hand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy to

fall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to help

us again, when we're ready.

We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.

We hope to hear from many of you!

Sandy and Dan

[Guest guest]

I was especially hoping to reach old kuri patients! Great to har from

you!

please join me on the new board for kuri patientss and we'll be happy

to offer suggestions and help:

BandsterSuccess/

I'll also send you an invitation to join.

Sandy r

formr Kuri patient educator

at goal 4.75 yrs

>

> Thank you for checking in with me. I have gained most of my weight

back since the surgery. After several fills and always feeling hungry

my pouch began to swell and I had to have the fill completely

removed. I went without food for two weeks so that the pouch would go

back to its normal size. After that I got a small fill and have not

returned. Even though I believe Dr, Kuri did a wonderful job the fact

that there are no doctors that will take responsibility in the US

made my weight loss adventure very difficult. I'm very disappointed

in the outcome and do not want to spend any more money on doctors in

the US. It has been so long since I have seen Dr. Kuri I'm wondering

now if there is anything that can be done or should I just resolve

that I love food too much to change.

> Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

>

[Guest guest]

Joy, great to hear from you! sounds as if you're doing just great!

It's a very personal decision whether to tell people we have had WLS -

some tell everyone they know, some tell only a few and later on, some

never reveal it. all is fine !

If any of you would like to resume daily emails or daily digests, go

to the " edit my membership " link near he top of the page and choose

what you would like. i op you'll chec ou the files for lots of new

info, too - especially things needed to stay safe for the long-

timers.

Sandy r

>

> Hello,

> Thanks for the e-mail.  I had surgery in April 2005 and am down 68

pounds.  My surgery was at Stanford Hospital, but as my insurance

switched to another company, I could no longer go for followups

there.  Two years later I finally, after three appeals, got to see a

doctor though another insurance.  Because I wasn't with them when I

had the original surgery, they did not want to either send me 'out of

service' back to Stanford nor be seen through them.  Finally, I was

seen for a consultation, and this doctor was wonderful.  He took me

in and has been deligent about seeing me through.  Most of my weightl

oss has been in just the past year, since I have been seen regularly

and had finally reached the proper fill level to aid me in my weight-

loss journey.

> I'm no longer morbidly obese nor obese, but would like to lose

another 10-15 pounds.  I'm happy, healthy, and look as good as I

feel!  My aches and pains have disappeared, my BMI is good,

cholestrol is great without meds, sleep apnea is gone.....on and on. 

I look at the before pictures, and am so happy with the current me. 

It's what I thought I looked like, but then the mirror and scale got

in the way!

> The difficult part is that I've not told anyone about the surgery,

as I wanted to be private and not share at work, etc.  Only a few

friends and family know.  I get questions all the time asking what I

am doing to lose weight.  I am honest when I tell them I eat mainly

protein, veggies, and little carbs.  I do try to eat well and not

late into the evening and drink lots of water. I am not as dilegent

about exercise but I go in spurts with that!  I'm going to get a

regular routine one of these days.

> I would like to hear from others.

> Thanks for the reconnection.

> Joy

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am on special notices only. I do not post because the very few times I

posted I got back nasty and smart-ass remarks....like I was stupid and should

have researched before wasting the groups time. I don't need to be

belittled or made to feel stupid because I asked an question that was asked " oh

so

many times before by others "

I would like to remain on special notices only.I I read from the website if

that is ok. If that is a problem then you can unsubscribe me.

In a message dated 9/27/2008 5:25:40 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

moonshadow.sandy@... writes:

I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach as many as possible

I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several years.

We miss you!

We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're doing!

For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a special

hand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy to

fall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to help

us again, when we're ready.

We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.

We hope to hear from many of you!

Sandy and Dan

**************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial

challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and

calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)

[Guest guest]

Hi, - I'm really glad this reached you!

congrats on the babies ! did you have a lot of nausea and need to be

unfilled? We know now that automatic unfills are not needed, but only

if the mom has trouble with nausea or poor baby weight gain.

But One of the great things about the band is that we can also " re-

activate it " and lose again!

there are lots of new patient ed materials in the files here,

including new Vitamin needs for bandsters. Take a look at them when

you can, and as about anything you wish.

glad you're back - and I hope we can help you do great again!

sandy R

>

> funny i should receive this today. i haven't posted in awhile, but

just had refill last thursday

> following a 2 year unfill due to back-to-back pregnancies. i have

gained all my weight back

> and am starting from scratch. it's going okay so far. they did

upper GI and everything

> looked fine. i am having to work really hard to keep from drinking

with meals. that seems to

> be my biggest problem. well, that and ice cream. any folks who

have regained their weight

> and lost it again would be MORE THAN WELCOME to share their stories

with me!!!!

> wendy

>

[Guest guest]

Yep, I'm living proof that a complete unfill is unnecessary (so far!). I'm a

lucky one who doesn't get nausea or vomiting though. I have 7cc in a VG band

and have gained just 12 pounds so far. We are having a c-section in just over

10 weeks from now!!!

@...: moonshadow.sandy@...: Sun,

28 Sep 2008 02:15:47 +0000Subject: Re: An Invitation from

....

Hi, - I'm really glad this reached you!congrats on the babies ! did you

have a lot of nausea and need to be unfilled? We know now that automatic unfills

are not needed, but only if the mom has trouble with nausea or poor baby weight

gain.But One of the great things about the band is that we can also " re-activate

it " and lose again!there are lots of new patient ed materials in the files here,

including new Vitamin needs for bandsters. Take a look at them when you can, and

as about anything you wish. glad you're back - and I hope we can help you do

great again!sandy R>> funny i should receive this today. i haven't

posted in awhile, but just had refill last thursday > following a 2 year unfill

due to back-to-back pregnancies. i have gained all my weight back > and am

starting from scratch. it's going okay so far. they did upper GI and everything

> looked fine. i am having to work really hard to keep from drinking with meals.

that seems to > be my biggest problem. well, that and ice cream. any folks who

have regained their weight > and lost it again would be MORE THAN WELCOME to

share their stories with me!!!!> wendy>

_________________________________________________________________

Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live.

http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!550F68\

1DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008

[Guest guest]

I was told not to drink while eating because it would help the food go

through the opening faster and easier. This is not the case for me. I've

been real good at not drinking while I eat. Then, one meal, I took too big

of a bite. I thought I would take a drink to help " wash " it down. BIG

mistake! It was like pouring liquid into a funnel that was plugged. I felt

like I was full up to my teeth, it was awful. I've learned my lesson and

now wait at least 20 minutes after a meal before I drink anything.

Jen

" 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper

you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.' "

29:11

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Peek

Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:09 PM

Subject: Re: An Invitation from ....

funny i should receive this today. i haven't posted in awhile, but just had

refill last thursday

following a 2 year unfill due to back-to-back pregnancies. i have gained all

my weight back

and am starting from scratch. it's going okay so far. they did upper GI and

everything

looked fine. i am having to work really hard to keep from drinking with

meals. that seems to

be my biggest problem. well, that and ice cream. any folks who have regained

their weight

and lost it again would be MORE THAN WELCOME to share their stories with

me!!!!

wendy

[Guest guest]

As human bein, mostof us have to learn the hard way! :-)

Most docs, though, want no drinking for a full hour after a meal.

That is about how long it takes the band to empty with a good band

meal. Whatever works for you, though!

Sandy r

In , " Jen "

<jenniferlanderson@...> wrote:

>

> I was told not to drink while eating because it would help the food

go

> through the opening faster and easier. This is not the case for

me. I've

> been real good at not drinking while I eat. Then, one meal, I took

too big

> of a bite. I thought I would take a drink to help " wash " it down.

BIG

> mistake! It was like pouring liquid into a funnel that was

plugged. I felt

> like I was full up to my teeth, it was awful. I've learned my

lesson and

> now wait at least 20 minutes after a meal before I drink anything.

>

>

>

> Jen

>

> " 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to

prosper

> you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.' "

> 29:11

>

>

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Peek

> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:09 PM

>

> Subject: Re: An Invitation from

....

>

>

>

> funny i should receive this today. i haven't posted in awhile, but

just had

> refill last thursday

> following a 2 year unfill due to back-to-back pregnancies. i have

gained all

> my weight back

> and am starting from scratch. it's going okay so far. they did

upper GI and

> everything

> looked fine. i am having to work really hard to keep from drinking

with

> meals. that seems to

> be my biggest problem. well, that and ice cream. any folks who have

regained

> their weight

> and lost it again would be MORE THAN WELCOME to share their stories

with

> me!!!!

> wendy

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, it's tough for most of us not to drink with meals! It'a habit

hard to overcome.

but take a look at the " Water " docment in the files ehre, for tips on

making it easier - and whay fluids are SO important for u, especially

as Bandsters.

Tips include:

- being certain to get the needed 80-100 oz a day of fluidswe need

- drinking a big glass of fluid right before the meal

- making sure foods are soft and moist - use nice sauces, marinades,

and dips

More in the " Water " document.

Sandy R

>

> funny i should receive this today. i haven't posted in awhile, but

just had refill last thursday

> following a 2 year unfill due to back-to-back pregnancies. i have

gained all my weight back

> and am starting from scratch. it's going okay so far. they did

upper GI and everything

> looked fine. i am having to work really hard to keep from drinking

with meals. that seems to

> be my biggest problem. well, that and ice cream. any folks who

have regained their weight

> and lost it again would be MORE THAN WELCOME to share their stories

with me!!!!

> wendy

>

[Guest guest]

I wonder if you are mistaking us for Smart Bandsters? I don't find

any old posts from you here.

you're welcome to take part as much or as little as you wish - but i

hope you will post and let us all try to help you if you need some

support or suggestions.

we're all here for you.

you may also email Dan or me personally, if you'd rather.

sandy

>

>

> Hello,

> I am on special notices only. I do not post because the very

few times I

> posted I got back nasty and smart-ass remarks....like I was stupid

and should

> have researched before wasting the groups time. I don't need to

be

> belittled or made to feel stupid because I asked an question that

was asked " oh so

> many times before by others "

>

> I would like to remain on special notices only.I I read from the

website if

> that is ok. If that is a problem then you can unsubscribe me.

>

[Guest guest]

<Snip>

> I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

> people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several

years.

<Snip>

> For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a

special

> hand of support and help.

<Snip>

Hi y'all-

I just noticed that I had not introduce myself to this board.

I have been having problems with my band/stomach since late July.

Here is some information-

I first saw Dr. Garth in Nov. 07. I gave him a list of my

current medical problems. I have several autoimmune diseases-

Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Psoriasis, and Arthritis- Osteoarthritis

and Psoriatic Arthritis. I have to change insurance at work to get

WLS covered. I go through all the hoops to be given a day 5/27/08 for

an RNY. At the time he recommend the RNY because of my problems. I

informed him 13 day prior to my scheduled surgery date that I had a

blood test that came back with indicators of Lupus (from blood work

because of the arthritis meds- Remicade and Methotrexate). I was not

sure if I should tell, but I did because it was a change in medical

condition. Dr. gave me his reasons on why he did not want to do

the RNY with a possible diagnose of Lupus and why he then recommend

the Lap-Band. I when with his reasons and had the Lap-Band

installed.

I have been having a time since I got my Lap-Band 5/30/08. First I

had an auto accident 18 days post op. Second I had an over fill on

July 31, where I could not keep anything down. I did get an unfill

8/4 of 1 cc, which helped some. I was still slimming daily so I went

back 8/21 for a second unfill of 1 cc. At that time I had 2 cc in

the 10 cc band. The third thing that happened was on 9/4 I ended up

getting food poisoning where I vomited for about 8 hours in a row.

I went to see Dr. Garth on 9/8 where I had a total unfill and

the fourth upper GI since surgery to make sure the band was still in

place. Because the band was still in place, Dr. told me to

come back 9/22 to get a fill after having an upper GI.

During all this I had been having problems with my GERD. It has not

improved since surgery; in fact it was getting worse. I saw Dr.

Meriano, a gastroenterologist, in Aug. where he put me on Prevacid

and Carafate twice a day. I followed up with Dr. Meriano on 9/11

where he told I needed an EGD (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy). I

had the EGD done 9/17 which showed several non-bleeding erosions and

erythemathous (red) in the gastric body and a single polyp in the

third portion of the duodenum.

On 9/22 I go see Dr. to see if I can get a fill. I have the

first appointment in the morning because I am coming from work. Dr.

is not there because his flight was delayed. His assistant

gave me the orders for the fifth upper GI since surgery. After

returning to the office I give Dr. the report from the EGD that

I was given just after it was done. I told Dr. that I am still

having the upper center/left abdominal pain, like the pain I had with

a gallbladder attack - but I do not have one (removed 7/07). He

tells me that he will not do a fill until I am pain free, and he gave

me a new diagnose- Autoimmune Gastritis. He also tells me that a few

people do not tolerate the band, so it might need to come out. Heck,

with out a fill it not doing very much anyway. I asked if he removed

the band if at the same time he could do a sleeve. He told me on me

that he would not cut the stomach with any erosion, so it most likely

would be two surgeries if I get the sleeve.

After I am finished with Dr. I go to Dr. Meriano's office to

see if the results are in from the EGD. I get a copy of the results

and find out that the polyp that was removed is precancerous and I

have to get another EGD in three months.

At the time of getting the band I did not know that having autoimmune

disorders was a reason not to get the band.

Sandy Harper

Lap-Band AP 5/30/08

Highest 350/consult 329/surgery 287/current 254

[Guest guest]

Wow, I've never seen any kind of responses like that since I've been on

(close to 1.5 years). Maybe you got a stupid answer from a

stupid member, but it wouldn't have been something that any of the regulars or

moderators I know on here would have said to anyone. I'm sorry you had a bad

experience.

@...: aclavern33@...: Sat, 27 Sep

2008 23:34:36 -0400Subject: Re: An Invitation from

....

Hello,I am on special notices only. I do not post because the very few times I

posted I got back nasty and smart-ass remarks....like I was stupid and should

have researched before wasting the groups time. I don't need to be belittled or

made to feel stupid because I asked an question that was asked " oh so many times

before by others " I would like to remain on special notices only.I I read from

the website if that is ok. If that is a problem then you can unsubscribe me. In

a message dated 9/27/2008 5:25:40 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

moonshadow.sandy@... writes:I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach

as many as possibleI've been going back thru the membership records, and see

lots ofpeople who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several

years.We miss you!We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're

doing!For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a

specialhand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy

tofall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to helpus

again, when we're ready.We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.We

hope to hear from many of you!Sandy and Dan**************Looking for simple

solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the

latest news and information, tips and calculators.

(http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)[Non-text portions of this

message have been removed]

_________________________________________________________________

See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your

life.

http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093175mrt/direct/01/

[Guest guest]

Hi, Sandy H - welcome again ! I'm sorry you're having such a rough

time. Many docs feel that the existance of an auto-immune diease

should make a person ineligible for banding. I believe that is still

the belief of Inamed, in their written guidelines.

Other docs, depending on the situation, might be willing to give the

person a chance. But I do believe the risks should be carefully

discussed with the patient. In a situastion like yours, with your

being on some heavy-duty meds, some docs would have done an endoscopy

before band surgery, too.

Have you ever had the blood or breath test to detect the common H

Pylori stomach bacteria? I'm hoping you have, with your existing

stomach erosions/ulcers. New reports show that 30-40% of those going

for WLS have this bacteria that casues ulcers, and they need to be

treated.

Many docs (not enough, imo) do this easy test pre-op also. I'd urge

everyone who has not had it, to ask their family docs about it. There

can be few or only very subtle symptoms - a bit of nausea, stomach

pain, etc - things easily blamed on the band.

The overfill and food poisoning were just very bad luck, though - not

the band's fault - or yours either.

good luck with whatever you decide to do. the sleeve is a good option

for some, but also has it's own set of pros and cons, of course.

Glad you're here - please keep in touch an let us know how you're

doing. we care!

sandy

>

> Hi y'all-

>

> I just noticed that I had not introduce myself to this board.

>

> I have been having problems with my band/stomach since late July.

>

> Here is some information-

>

> I first saw Dr. Garth in Nov. 07. I gave him a list of my

> current medical problems. I have several autoimmune diseases-

> Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Psoriasis, and Arthritis- Osteoarthritis

> and Psoriatic Arthritis. I have to change insurance at work to get

> WLS covered. I go through all the hoops to be given a day 5/27/08

for

> an RNY. At the time he recommend the RNY because of my problems. I

> informed him 13 day prior to my scheduled surgery date that I had a

> blood test that came back with indicators of Lupus (from blood work

> because of the arthritis meds- Remicade and Methotrexate). I was

not

> sure if I should tell, but I did because it was a change in medical

> condition. Dr. gave me his reasons on why he did not want to

do

> the RNY with a possible diagnose of Lupus and why he then recommend

> the Lap-Band. I when with his reasons and had the Lap-Band

> installed.

>

> I have been having a time since I got my Lap-Band 5/30/08. First I

> had an auto accident 18 days post op. Second I had an over fill on

> July 31, where I could not keep anything down. I did get an unfill

> 8/4 of 1 cc, which helped some. I was still slimming daily so I

went

> back 8/21 for a second unfill of 1 cc. At that time I had 2 cc in

> the 10 cc band. The third thing that happened was on 9/4 I ended

up

> getting food poisoning where I vomited for about 8 hours in a

row.

> I went to see Dr. Garth on 9/8 where I had a total unfill and

> the fourth upper GI since surgery to make sure the band was still

in

> place. Because the band was still in place, Dr. told me to

> come back 9/22 to get a fill after having an upper GI.

>

> During all this I had been having problems with my GERD. It has

not

> improved since surgery; in fact it was getting worse. I saw Dr.

> Meriano, a gastroenterologist, in Aug. where he put me on Prevacid

> and Carafate twice a day. I followed up with Dr. Meriano on 9/11

> where he told I needed an EGD (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy).

I

> had the EGD done 9/17 which showed several non-bleeding erosions

and

> erythemathous (red) in the gastric body and a single polyp in the

> third portion of the duodenum.

>

> On 9/22 I go see Dr. to see if I can get a fill. I have the

> first appointment in the morning because I am coming from work.

Dr.

> is not there because his flight was delayed. His assistant

> gave me the orders for the fifth upper GI since surgery. After

> returning to the office I give Dr. the report from the EGD

that

> I was given just after it was done. I told Dr. that I am

still

> having the upper center/left abdominal pain, like the pain I had

with

> a gallbladder attack - but I do not have one (removed 7/07). He

> tells me that he will not do a fill until I am pain free, and he

gave

> me a new diagnose- Autoimmune Gastritis. He also tells me that a

few

> people do not tolerate the band, so it might need to come out.

Heck,

> with out a fill it not doing very much anyway. I asked if he

removed

> the band if at the same time he could do a sleeve. He told me on

me

> that he would not cut the stomach with any erosion, so it most

likely

> would be two surgeries if I get the sleeve.

>

> After I am finished with Dr. I go to Dr. Meriano's office to

> see if the results are in from the EGD. I get a copy of the

results

> and find out that the polyp that was removed is precancerous and I

> have to get another EGD in three months.

>

> At the time of getting the band I did not know that having

autoimmune

> disorders was a reason not to get the band.

>

> Sandy Harper

> Lap-Band AP 5/30/08

> Highest 350/consult 329/surgery 287/current 254

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi, Sandy H - welcome again ! I'm sorry you're having such a rough

(snip)

In a situastion like yours, with your

> being on some heavy-duty meds, some docs would have done an endoscopy

> before band surgery, too.

(snip)

>

> Many docs (not enough, imo) do this easy test pre-op also. I'd urge

> everyone who has not had it, to ask their family docs about it. There

> can be few or only very subtle symptoms - a bit of nausea, stomach

> pain, etc - things easily blamed on the band.

(snip)

>

Sandy,

I did have an EGD done Dec. 07 that was normal except for a hernia. I was tested

for the

H. Plyric (sp?) at that time through a tissue sample, and again on the last

scope. Both

test where negotive. I had in the past the breath test that was also neg.

I now have a temp of 101.5 and I do not know what to take for it that will not

harm the

gastritis.

Sandy Harper

Lap-Band AP 5/30/08

Highest 350/consult 329/surgery 287/current 254

[Guest guest]

Sandy, unless you are very uncomfortable from this low fever, you

don;t need to take a thing for it - really!

We are way too quick to suppress mild fvers, when they are an impt

part of the body's defense mechanism. the fever helps kill off the

bacteria or virusthat is making us ill. When we take a fever

supressor, we cripple this part of teh body's immune syatem. only

high fevers need to be treated - more thn 104 in an dult, and more

than 102-103 in a child - depending on the pedicatrician.

but why do you have a fever? that is the question you should check in

with your family doc for tomorrow .

With a gasrritis, ALL oral meds will irritate you further. if you

absolutely need a mediction, only a suppository will avoid more

irritation.

but, again, no need at all to treat this very mild fever. Drink lots

of cold liquids and you'll be fine.

GOOD that you alreaady had the H pylori test - wise doc!

sandy r

>

> Sandy,

>

> I did have an EGD done Dec. 07 that was normal except for a hernia.

I was tested for the

> H. Plyric (sp?) at that time through a tissue sample, and again on

the last scope. Both

> test where negotive. I had in the past the breath test that was

also neg.

>

> I now have a temp of 101.5 and I do not know what to take for it

that will not harm the

> gastritis.

>

> Sandy Harper

> Lap-Band AP 5/30/08

> Highest 350/consult 329/surgery 287/current 254

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Sandy,

Thanks for your message and support- I'm still silently lurking, too busy to

post.

I had a baby in April of 2008, and gained 23kgs. After delivery, I had

the band refilled and have gotten back to almost my ideal weight (3 kgs to go).

Your group is a great one for advice and moral support. As we all know,

being overweight, and losing weight isn't easy, however, having a support group

of friends in the same boat is priceless. Keep up the hard work and efforts to

help people lose and keep the weight off using the band.

Kind regards,

An Invitation from ....

I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach as many as possible

I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several years.

We miss you!

We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're doing!

For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a special

hand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy to

fall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to help

us again, when we're ready.

We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.

We hope to hear from many of you!

Sandy and Dan

[Guest guest]

Hi, jennifer - Great to hear from you!

wow, you ARE busy! Congrats on the baby - and getting to goal..

TWICE!!

Thanks for the update..

Sandy - and Dan too

>

> Dear Sandy,

>

> Thanks for your message and support- I'm still silently lurking,

too busy to post.

>

> I had a baby in April of 2008, and gained 23kgs. After delivery, I

had

> the band refilled and have gotten back to almost my ideal weight (3

kgs to go).

>

> Your group is a great one for advice and moral support. As we all

know,

> being overweight, and losing weight isn't easy, however, having a

support group

> of friends in the same boat is priceless. Keep up the hard work and

efforts to

> help people lose and keep the weight off using the band.

>

> Kind regards,

>

>

>

>

> An Invitation from ....

>

>

> I'm sending this by " Special Notice " to reach as many as possible

>

> I've been going back thru the membership records, and see lots of

> people who have not been active for awhile, sometimes for several

years.

> We miss you!

>

> We invite you all to re-connect with us and tell us how you're

doing!

>

> For those struggling, please know you're not alone. We extend a

special

> hand of support and help. Banding is very hard, and it is very easy

to

> fall back into old habits. But the Band is always there, ready to

help

> us again, when we're ready.

>

> We're all here for you, to help in any way we can.

>

> We hope to hear from many of you!

>

> Sandy and Dan

>

>

>

>

>

>

>