(No subject)

[Guest guest]

17 KILOS!!! My God, Kim...People are doing Craig commercials who have

lost less than that. Congratualtions you big (smaller) smarty.

Steph.

[Guest guest]

Grace,

I have been on this list since August, and so far I have never heard of anybody

saying they regret having the band. We have All lost weight too, and much less

painfully than on a conventional diet. However, we do have ups and downs, and

that is what the list is for, to voice them and reassure each other. It would be

a shame for you to go in to the procedure thinking it is all rosey without

hearing about the negative side. There are absolutely negative sides and

difficult bits for all of us, and if you don't realise that now, you are going

to think you are a failure when it inevitably happens to you, rather than a

completely normal phase that many of us have also been through. I understand

your frustration, and am sure you didn't mean it to sound as if we had done this

specifically to vex you, but the best thing about this list is that we share

each other's frustrations. Also, people tend to post more with their concerns

than with " everything's A-OK " , because that would be boring, and not indicative

of the nature of the band.

All the best,

Steph.

[Guest guest]

Grace,

I have been on this list since August, and so far I have never heard of anybody

saying they regret having the band. We have All lost weight too, and much less

painfully than on a conventional diet. However, we do have ups and downs, and

that is what the list is for, to voice them and reassure each other. It would be

a shame for you to go in to the procedure thinking it is all rosey without

hearing about the negative side. There are absolutely negative sides and

difficult bits for all of us, and if you don't realise that now, you are going

to think you are a failure when it inevitably happens to you, rather than a

completely normal phase that many of us have also been through. I understand

your frustration, and am sure you didn't mean it to sound as if we had done this

specifically to vex you, but the best thing about this list is that we share

each other's frustrations. Also, people tend to post more with their concerns

than with " everything's A-OK " , because that would be boring, and not indicative

of the nature of the band.

All the best,

Steph.

[Guest guest]

Grace,

I have been on this list since August, and so far I have never heard of anybody

saying they regret having the band. We have All lost weight too, and much less

painfully than on a conventional diet. However, we do have ups and downs, and

that is what the list is for, to voice them and reassure each other. It would be

a shame for you to go in to the procedure thinking it is all rosey without

hearing about the negative side. There are absolutely negative sides and

difficult bits for all of us, and if you don't realise that now, you are going

to think you are a failure when it inevitably happens to you, rather than a

completely normal phase that many of us have also been through. I understand

your frustration, and am sure you didn't mean it to sound as if we had done this

specifically to vex you, but the best thing about this list is that we share

each other's frustrations. Also, people tend to post more with their concerns

than with " everything's A-OK " , because that would be boring, and not indicative

of the nature of the band.

All the best,

Steph.

[Guest guest]

hey, do not dispair, I had my operation January a year ago and only op'ed to

have 2 small adjustments...loss 35 lbs the first year I still have 100 plus to

go. will I do it?

don't know don't care...i intend to get the premium adjustment this year and

go for it...if I lose another 35-50 this year I will still be happy because S

L O W means never having it come back...:} keep going it will

happen~~~~~~~~~~~~ibselle

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo,

We are here to share so dont ever feel like all you do is post

problems.I'm afraid I cant help with the exercise bit as I loathe any

form of physical activity other than sex.........LOLMaybe you could try

a little more of that??????????????

I am a bit of a grazer too.When I get like that I find if I tell myself

I am thirsty not hungry and drink water not only do I get the water I

need in a day but I also graze less.Hope this helps out.It may be worth

a try.

KIM

[Guest guest]

Kim,

No waaaaay! I'm going to miss you. Will you be coming back on at some stage?

Steph

(no subject)

>

>

>Hi All,

>

>Just thought I would write and let you all know that due to

>circunstanses beyond my control I will be off the net for a while as

>from the 10th of feb.I will be unsubscribing from the list at that

>time.There is nothing wrong it is just a matter of needing to prioritise

>at the moment and unfortunately the net is one luxury I wont be able to

>have for a little while.I will however be posting up until the 10th so

>you all dont get off that easy...lol.

>

>I too live in Australia and have no knowledge of the Dr you guys speak

>of but I think a Dr is a personal thing and so long as your happy with

>who you have.I have to agree with Steph.The Drs I saw and even the one I

>went with had the personality of a brick but hey he seems to have done

>the job.

>

>I will say good bye properly as the time draws closer to my exit.I just

>thought my new found friends were owed a little notice.

>

>Chat soon

>

>KIM

>

>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Steph,

I really hope so.....lol.........You have my home number so if you want

to ring me feel free....I will miss you too

KIM

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori,

i cant begin to thank you...thank you...thank you. I too had my band placed

by Dr. G. and due to the problems with that site am on my way to New Orleans

this month. i had my surgery 1/4/98 and have lost about 35 lbs...no real

adjustments due to the time schedule/allowance in NY by that site and also the

suggestion that I let the band scar, settle, whatever. I have to say i am

thrilled Dr G did my surgery but the support there..well there was none. I

was misguided in making a decision to wait for the REAL adjusments, but none

the less it was my final decision and i only look forward at this time. i was

frightened at the thought of slippage so opted to wait for this amount of time

to get adjusted ( i have .2 cc or ml in my band) so i eat almost the same

quantity as before with one exception, i CHEW my food now and eat more slowly,

this is novel for me lol. i can only say im excited about the upcoming trip a

group of us are anticipating and i for one am truely greatful to kim and sue

(fellow bandster) who were instrumental in getting me on the right track. i

also must express my appreciation to Dr in taking us on when other

another Dr would not accept us for whatever reasons. you have given me hope

that once this band is adjusted and doing its' job (and i am doing mine) i

will see the true success i started out to achieve.

OOXXOO

Ibselle

[Guest guest]

Lori: Dr. At Alvarado...you??

Success=Hope for the Best, Be Prepared for the Rest. Much Luck, Debi

----------

>

> To: bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com

> Subject: (no subject)

> Date: Friday, February 12, 1999 9:32 AM

>

>

>

> Hi Debi!

> Just for knowledge, who did your band surgery? I have about 3cc in my

> band and I am doing about the same as you, I have lost 80lbs. I too

> cannot eat and have liquids at the same time, I have to wait at least 15

> min. as well.

>

> Lori

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Lori: Yes, as I understand the situation, Dr. G was an excellent

surgeon,however, his people skills left a lot to be desired!!! Most

everyone has had much improved success with the new doc in N.O. Congrats

on your losses and continued success!!!

Success=Hope for the Best, Be Prepared for the Rest. Much Luck, Debi

----------

>

> To: bandsters (AT) onelist (DOT) com

> Subject: (no subject)

> Date: Friday, February 12, 1999 11:18 AM

>

>

>

> Hi Debi!

> I had my band done by Dr. Greenstein in New York, I live in Florida.

> However, due to the circumstances with Dr. Greenstein, my new Doctor is

> Dr. in New Orleans. I have done well with my band, I feel.

> However, I have done substantially better since I switched to Dr.

> . I will always be greatful to Dr. Greenstein who performed the

> actual surgery I had done which was the band and gallbladder at the same

> time, however, I am seeing much more positive results with Dr.

> and I am getting alot more support from the staff at Dr. 's

> office. I must also tell you that I did not do the liquid stage and the

> soft food stage too well. I did liquid and pureed food in the very

> beginning for 2 weeks at best and I really did not lose anything the

> first three months before my first adjustment. I know I was wrong in

> not doing the liquid phase, but I kept blacking out and getting dizzy

> when I sat up or stood up, so I just ate regular food albeit in very

> small amounts. My surgery was 4-20-98, but I did not lose an ounce

> until 8-4-98. So, esentially, all of my weight loss is with eating

> solid foods and it has only been since August that I started loosing.

> But all in all, I love it, I wouldn't change a thing, and I would do it

> over a million times. It has changed my life forever in such a positive

> way and I am extremely pleased with the band and with Dr. and his

> staff who have helped me and guided me 110%.

>

> Lori

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Stevie,

I went to a public seminar last night, lasted 3 hours. It was on obesity

surgery options.

There are really only 2: the laparoscopic gastric bypass, which is readily

available in the

US, and if you're 100+ overweight, have other health issues (diabetes,

hypertension, joint

pain, sleep apnea, migraines, etc) and can document unsuccessful weight loss

attempts, most

US insurance carriers will cover this. The other option, of course, is the

Lap-Band. As it's

not FDA approved, it's not covered by most insurance carriers, YET. A few

of the interesting

points from the seminar were

1) if a person has 100+ pounds to loose, the success rate of ALL diet

programs is less than 2% when

looked at a 3 year efficacy. That means, only 2 people out of a 100

people have maintained at

least a 50% excess weight loss 3 years after initial weight loss.

How depressing. How draining.

How can the medical community condone this? No other medical

treatment would be even

remotely considered plausible with statistics this dismal.

2) Every attempt at weight loss by traditional means ultimately results

in additional weight, over and

above what the person weighed before the diet.

3) Result: Diets not only don't work, they are a contributing factor to

morbid obesity.

I'm not telling you this to depress you, just so you can make an informed

decision. I am choosing to not

give the diet financial giant any more of my money. Either of the 2 options

above for surgical weight loss

are good choices. Both have positives and negatives. The Lap-Band can be

completely reversible, but the

statistics, long range are somewhat less than the bypass for " kept weight

off " . They're still good, just somewhat less.

The laparscopic gastric bypass is also just a tool, but it provides a quick

" satiety " , or brain full feeling that the

Lap-Band doesn't. The food gets to the upper intestine within 5 minutes

where receptors (which tell your

brain to STOP eating) are located. My brain has never told me to stop

eating! What a concept.

Anyway, do your own research, go to seminars, talk to people. Ultimately

you have to decide for yourself.

If you have a family physician, talk to him/her, take the NIH statement on

obesity surgery, the WHO's statement

on obesity as a disease, do the footwork to GET what you want, which is what

we all want, I think: a healthy

life in a normal sized body.

I'm still undecided myself which of the 2 options is right for me. I have

160 excess pounds. I took it all off with

Medifast 10 years ago, and it took me 5 years to put it all back on.

Financially, I paid about $15,000 for that

service. The experience was positive, in that I know now what it feels like

to be in a normal body, and I was

in group/private therapy for 4 years which is always a good experience,

introspection. What did Thoreau say:

" An unexamined life is a life not lived. " Anyway, I'm leaning toward the

Lap-Band, but my physician will support

whatever my decision is. I've started all the pre-op workup necessary:

chest xray, ECG, blood work, ultrasound,

etc, trusting that the process of doing my part, the research and

appointments, etc, will lead me to the right decision.

Good luck, Stevie. This is difficult stuff. You are to be commended for

looking into a life changing experience.

Those less brave wouldn't.

Janet

Lori Mobley wrote:

>

>

> Hi Stevie!

> I read your post. I too have been to Durham. I was there in 1986,

> 1989, 1991, and never again. I was on the Rice Diet and I did Dupac

> which is now the Wellness center.

> I think the Wellness center is the best program because it is easy to

> adapt to normal life when you get home, you can continue. Each time I

> was in the Program at Rice Diet I lost between 60 to 100 lbs. Each time

> I gained it back and then some. That is why I chose to have surgery.

> If I was going to spend the money-AGAIN, it was going to be permanent, I

> was not going to spend any more money in Durham, plain and simple. I am

> doing quite well with the band. If you are looking for a site in the

> U.S. it is being done currently in New Orleans at L.S.U. University with

> Dr. . He is currently taking patients for Lap-Band, he does work

> (very well, I might add) with insurance companies. So you might give

> him a call. Also, as far as getting pregnant, they reccomend that you

> do not for the first 3 years, then if you do, they just take out all the

> fluid so that you can eat properly and get all your nutrition or they

> can remove the band (which is not a great option). Then after the baby,

> they just refil the band. That is my understanding anyway.

>

> Lots of Luck!

>

> Lori

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Check out our new web site! http://www.onelist.com

[Guest guest]

I work at the duty free store at the Perth International Airport. it's really

good job in that most customers are in agood mood. the staff can get a bit

incestuous sometimes coz we all work funny hours and for alot of them their job

is their life. But I only do part time so i can stay out of it alot.

I used to be an Insurance Broker - fully qualified and all, and now i think

" why did I do that for so long?? " Sure I earned good money but lots of stress

and long hours. Now i go to work, do my shift and come home and get $21.50 per

hour!! pretty good money for a shop assistant (even if we are a bit more " up

market " !! LOL)

My job is one reason I decided to have this op, coz I was sick and tired of

ordering new skirts as I outgrew them, when everyone else just wore theirs till

they wore out! I'm now wearing one of my old ones that i had hardly ever worn

as I had outgrown it in the time it took from ordering it to getting it! i

don't think people realise (at work) that I have lost so much weight (13.9kgs

in nearly 3 months)

cos my skirts always fit. even tho they are different skirts! At work when

people ask how much weight I've lost (they think I've been dieting, I started

telling everyone last year that it was my New Years Resolution), I just say " oh

I don't know, about 6 kgs " sometimes I say 8kgs. I don't want to say 13.9 as

evryone would make a fuss and I just want to quietly become normal. i don't

want a fanfare. Does anyone else feel this?? husbands of course are different

- they HAVE to make a fuss.

hugs

Aly

Dave & Neale wrote:

>

>

> What do you do for a crust, Alyson

>

> Regards

>

> At 02:19 PM 8/04/1999 +0800, you wrote:

> >

> >

> >Hi ,

> >no i finished at 2am this morning (ugh). Up at 7.30 with the kids. Still

> >it's not as bad as when school is on. then I even have to look decent.

> >

> >aly

> >

> >D'Orazio wrote:

> >

> >>

> >>

> >> Hey Ally

> >>

> >> have you just got home from work,,,

> >>

> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >> Share the wealth!

> >> http://www.ONElist.com

> >> Tell a friend about ONElist's 115,000 free e-mail communities!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >Looking for a new hobby? Want to make a new friend?

> >http://www.ONElist.com

> >Come join one of the 115,000 e-mail communities at ONElist!

> >

> >

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

Good luck, enjoy Monterrey!!!! Write when you get back if we don't see you

on the chat tomorrow!!! Take care!!

T.

[Guest guest]

As far as I can tell, you are not subscribed to Bandsters at the moment. I

went into the Members Centre and your name is not on the list. When did

you subscribe?

Regards

At 07:24 7/05/1999 -0000, you wrote:

>From: dorazio@...

>

>,,,I am posting from onelist

>cant post from my personal email....help

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Did you know that

>http://www.ONElist.com

>More than 3.5 million people are using ONElist?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jenelle Maliki wrote:

>

>

>

> YYYYEEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> Today was my first doctors appointment since I got the band in

> Monterrey. And the first time I have been weighed.

>

> I have lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks. ) I am soooo happy!

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> Now I too have fat for sale. Mine is still pretty pricey but the cost

> will be going down and only down. There will be no increase only a

> decrease...

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I was so afraid to get on that scale. I thought, " What am I going to

> do when I am the only person in history that had her stomache altered

> and still gained weight. " But I didn't, I lost.

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> I thought I could tell when I first got back from Mexico and my husband

> says that he can tell but he probably wouldn't say otherwise. And the

> last couple of days when I look in the mirror I have been thinking, " No

> you look the same. " But I don't, I look 14 pounds lighter.

>

> Dorit, I am not going to sell you my 14 pounds, but I can tell you from

> a person that felt hopeless three weeks ago, these are 14 pounds I will

> NEVER gain back. And you too will have a sale on fat, first 14, then

> 20, then 40, then 60 until you are exactly where you want to be. And I

> will be so happy to see all the fat for sale, but I am not going to buy

> any. ) I believe all of us will be okay. But most of all I believe

> in you, and I believe in me.

>

> Thank you so much everyone. Listening to everyones stories and

> achievements has made it so much easier for me. Thank you.

>

> Steadily shrinking~

>

> Jen

>

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Jenelle Maliki wrote:

>

>

>

> YYYYEEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> Today was my first doctors appointment since I got the band in

> Monterrey. And the first time I have been weighed.

>

> I have lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks. ) I am soooo happy!

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> Now I too have fat for sale. Mine is still pretty pricey but the cost

> will be going down and only down. There will be no increase only a

> decrease...

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I was so afraid to get on that scale. I thought, " What am I going to

> do when I am the only person in history that had her stomache altered

> and still gained weight. " But I didn't, I lost.

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> I thought I could tell when I first got back from Mexico and my husband

> says that he can tell but he probably wouldn't say otherwise. And the

> last couple of days when I look in the mirror I have been thinking, " No

> you look the same. " But I don't, I look 14 pounds lighter.

>

> Dorit, I am not going to sell you my 14 pounds, but I can tell you from

> a person that felt hopeless three weeks ago, these are 14 pounds I will

> NEVER gain back. And you too will have a sale on fat, first 14, then

> 20, then 40, then 60 until you are exactly where you want to be. And I

> will be so happy to see all the fat for sale, but I am not going to buy

> any. ) I believe all of us will be okay. But most of all I believe

> in you, and I believe in me.

>

> Thank you so much everyone. Listening to everyones stories and

> achievements has made it so much easier for me. Thank you.

>

> Steadily shrinking~

>

> Jen

>

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Jenelle Maliki wrote:

>

>

>

> YYYYEEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> Today was my first doctors appointment since I got the band in

> Monterrey. And the first time I have been weighed.

>

> I have lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks. ) I am soooo happy!

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> Now I too have fat for sale. Mine is still pretty pricey but the cost

> will be going down and only down. There will be no increase only a

> decrease...

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I was so afraid to get on that scale. I thought, " What am I going to

> do when I am the only person in history that had her stomache altered

> and still gained weight. " But I didn't, I lost.

>

> YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

>

> I thought I could tell when I first got back from Mexico and my husband

> says that he can tell but he probably wouldn't say otherwise. And the

> last couple of days when I look in the mirror I have been thinking, " No

> you look the same. " But I don't, I look 14 pounds lighter.

>

> Dorit, I am not going to sell you my 14 pounds, but I can tell you from

> a person that felt hopeless three weeks ago, these are 14 pounds I will

> NEVER gain back. And you too will have a sale on fat, first 14, then

> 20, then 40, then 60 until you are exactly where you want to be. And I

> will be so happy to see all the fat for sale, but I am not going to buy

> any. ) I believe all of us will be okay. But most of all I believe

> in you, and I believe in me.

>

> Thank you so much everyone. Listening to everyones stories and

> achievements has made it so much easier for me. Thank you.

>

> Steadily shrinking~

>

> Jen

>

> _________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, you are here, .

Regards

At 05:15 10/05/1999 -0000, you wrote:

>From: dorazio@...

>

>test

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori,

Your email means a lot to me and thank you for your sweet words. I will be

glad to help you with your own personal page. Just write me a personal

email to bandsters@... and I will do all the set-up for you. You have

my numbers, so if your stuck just give a call.

Kisses

Kim

Ani Ve'atah n'shaneh et ha-olam..... You and I can change the world and the

rest will follow

The Official Bandsters Home page: Http://members.home.net/adjband/main.htm

The Bandsters Private Home Page:

http://members.home.net/bandsters/login.htm

LapBand

April 1, 1998

Dr. Greenstien & Dr.

start weight 375.5

current 258.2

[Guest guest]

Hey Deb,

When are you coming up for your fill? June 6th is a Sunday, are you coming

on Monday? If so, and I are getting a fill, maybe we could all hook

up?

T.

[Guest guest]

Dear Elaine

FYI, I also had a hiatus hernia and was concerned that the surgeon would

not be able to do the surgery. He simply shrugged in a typical Gallic

manner and said that it was not a problem and it is now cured. I cannot

tell you the relief, no more ghastly acid reflux and I no longer spit blood

through oesophogitis.

I hope this puts your mind at rest.

Love

Janet

You said

One worry is that I do have a hiatal

>hernia. I see by some of the reading material that you can't have one. I

hope

>that this didn't get my hope up for nothing. I will be so disappointed if

>they tell me I can't have the banding done.

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

I'm and I believe you know Alyson. I am having a lap band meeting on

3rd July, Saturday, at 1pm. I had my surgery May 98 and have lost 20 kilos

since the surgery. I started up a lap band meeting because there were no

support groups around in Perth. Hope to see you there.

Regards

At 23:16 13/06/1999 +0800, you wrote:

> I'm 26 and the mother of two , married for 5yrs now My surgeon

>has been great as has my GP and they think that this is definately the

>answer for me . I have approximately 30kgs to lose and i've yo-yo back and

>forth for years now. My heaviest being 135kgs , i'm now down to 106 but

>having a terrible time trying to hold it there....come on July 6th!!!

>I'll keep you all posted on how i go. Hugs a XX

[Guest guest]

Hi paula,

great to see you out of lurk mode! What? ME in lurk mode?? Surely you

don't mean that??

Aly

R&P BARON-HAY wrote:

>

>

> Hi everyone, my name is a Baron-Hay i'm from Perth Western

> Australia. I'm 26 and the mother of two , married for 5yrs nowI'm

> booked to have my band on July 6th with Dr Tony Van Merwyk at Kaleeya

> hospital. I'm so excited about it all , I'm wishing the next 3wks

> away. I've been researching WLS for the past year and was booked to

> have a Bypass but got extremely cold feet after hearing of a couple of

> deaths and the long term problems associated with it. My surgeon has

> been great as has my GP and they think that this is definately the

> answer for me . I have approximately 30kgs to lose and i've yo-yo back

> and forth for years now. My heaviest being 135kgs , i'm now down to

> 106 but having a terrible time trying to hold it there....come on July

> 6th!!!It's been great reading everything you've had to say about the

> band and all that goes with having it, it certainly helped me make an

> informed decision...THANKS . I'll keep you all posted on how i

> go.Hugs a XX

[Guest guest]

Hi a

Congratulations on your decision to have a Band. I hope all goes well for

you. I envy you that you are having this a your age when you have lost

weight already. It is precisely what I wish I had done.

Good luck

Janet

At 23:16 13/06/99 +0800, you wrote:

> I'm 26 and the mother of two , married for 5yrs now My surgeon

>has been great as has my GP and they think that this is definately the

>answer for me . I have approximately 30kgs to lose and i've yo-yo back and

>forth for years now. My heaviest being 135kgs , i'm now down to 106 but

>having a terrible time trying to hold it there....come on July 6th!!!

>I'll keep you all posted on how i go. Hugs a XX