I so hope all goes well with your surgery. I know about the weight gain without the help of my band - I was unfilled for almost 4 months last winter due to a leak in the tubing and gained about 20 pounds, which I'm still trying to get rid of. The heartache of divorice is horrible. For your son, fill out your FAFSA forms and let him get a loan and hopefully some grants. As a single mom I can't help my kids with college at all, but they are going to school. It's not going to hurt them to have a loan when they get out.
Good luck. Sending lots of prayers and warm wishes your way.
Jean B.

luv ya girlfriend! You are so amazing - and an inspirtation to me!
Jean B.

Hi Karen,
I had Dr. Jeff too - 10-23-06 is my surgery date. I live in Shoreview and work in St. Anthony so I know what the weather and roads were like Christmas Eve. Sorry to hear you had an accident that night! Do you know about our support groups and coffee meetings? We just had the Unity support meeting last night (every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month). There's also a group of us that meet every Sunday night at Starbucks on Foley Blvd and Hwy 10 in Coon Rapids. We meet at 6:30 and usually go until around 9:00 or so. It's a great place to just talk and get support (band related, or not). Would you be interested in coming sometime? Let me know. I'd be happy to remind you. I don't think I'd be hanging in there as well as I am, without support.
Stay Warm!!!
Jean B.

I had a leak last winter. My surgeon thought it was the port, but it was actually in the tubing about 10 cm's from the port. He was able to cut out the bad section of tubing and hook it to the port - he did replace the port at the same time, but I still have enough "padding" through my mid-section, that he did not put in a low profile port. It was an out-patient surgery, and I actually did go to work the next day (desk job) for part of the day. Couldn't exercise for a few weeks though. I did gain some weight - when I realized something was wrong, I ate anything and everything to see if I could still feel my band. It took a couple of weeks to get the surgery scheduled and then he only put 2cc's in the band which was in no way enough. So, I was without good restriction for about 2 months and did gain about 10 lbs. that I'm still working to get off. The band is working great. My head got off course during that time though and I'm having a hard time getting back to good eating habits. I'm maintaining though.
Jean B.

Come to coffee Sunday evening at Starbucks on Foley Blvd, just south of Hwy 10. We'll help talk you through this and be there for you. It really does help to get together with others!
Jean B.

I'd be curious to know if you or your doc hear anything back from the band company. I, too, had a leak in the tubing this past January. It was about 10 cm's from the port and my surgeon was able to replace the port, cut out the bad section of tubing and reattach it, so I didn't get a new band. Hope all goes well with your new band.
Jean B.

Another possibility is a leak in the tubing - it happened to me this past January. I suddenly lost all sense of restriction and when my surgeon went in to replace the port, he actually found a leak in the tubing about 10 cm's from the port. He replaced the port anyway and was able to cut out the bad spot in the tubing and hook it up to the new port. A simple, one-day surgery. So, check with your doc. Hope all works out well.
Jean B.

Wow Elena - didn't I just say last night to hang in there and you would break that plateau? That's great. Hope to see you at coffee again soon.
Jean B.

Nancee,
You're off in dream land now, but I'll just add that you are part of what makes our group so great. You have done well and you're a "hoot" besides!
Jean B.

I dare you Joanie!!!! For sure, he'd blush!
Jean B.

Oh, Jennifer, I'm so sad to hear that they had to remove your band. I worry what would happen if I ever lose mine! Good luck with whichever next road you choose. Who does the sleeve here in the Cities? Jean B.

That's fabulous Cristie! And....that's why I got the band. It's so nice to know that it's still there when we're ready to use it. Jean B.