I agree with all of the above. I also like the maintenace factor that we have with the band. If I find myself eating too much a couple of years down the road, I can still go in for a little more fill to help me out. I know I can lose weight - it's keeping it off that I need help with! Jean B.

I have a fill scheduled for the 5th of Feb. and really hope that's how I feel too. I don't think I have ever really hit the supposed "sweet spot" - too paranoid about getting overfilled. But, I need help getting the last 25 lbs. to go! Hope all goes well with your eating over the weekend. Jean B.

What an awesome job! Congratulations!!! It's so nice to see someone share their success. Jean B.

I know when I checked into getting disablity insurance through State Farm, they said I couldn't get it until 2 years after my surgery date. I had told my agent to be real specific about the fact that I had lap band surgery because I had heard of others having problems. What makes me mad, is that they lump all WLS into one category. They don't get that the band just doesn't have the complications that can come with RNY.
Jean B.

Katherine,
You've gotten some great advice here already. And good for you for calling your surgeon. Are there any support groups around you - maybe in in Sioux Falls? I wouldn't be nearly as successful without the help I get from getting together with other bandsters. I know you're too far from the Cities to make it happen here, but check around. And you can always come here to the board - lots of great people, as you know. Take it a step at a time. You've had a lot to deal with, for sure. Hang in there. Jean B.

Jojo-
Not only do I want to leave work early, - I want to get out of Minnesota for the next few days. Oh, if only....
Stay warm! Jean B.

Mike,
I hope you each can find peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean B.

Mine was when I was turned down for insurance. Due to some changes at work, I had to look for individual insurance and at 267 they said I was a high risk. I hadn't had any other issues, but the weight alone, was enough to be denied. I always knew I should lose weight for my long-term health, but it really shook me up when I had to get (and pay so much for) high-risk insurance. Now, I understand, since I've had the surgery, it will be difficult to get regular insurance. Weird, how I've done something to help myself and must continue to pay. Jean b.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!
It does feel so good to say it! Jean B.

Hi ya Mary!
Time for the first fill already? Hope it goes well and you feel some restriction from it. I've meant to e-mail you and tell you how great it was to meet you at the Unity support meeting. That's a long way for you to come especially at that time of the night! Wish you lived closer. Hope to see you again sometime. Jean B.

Oh man, I'm with you, Wendy! I'm so tired of winter already, and it's only December - BooHoo!!!! I still have to get out and walk the dog though - you should see me when I get all the layers on. Fortunately, I can get 4 or 5 extra layers on now under my old winter coat! I have heard that you burn more calories outside in the cold because your body has to work harder in the cold to try to stay warm - I keep repeating that to myself as I'm freezing my butt off. Good luck with staying warm! Jean B.

Happy Bandiversary! You look beautiful - good for you. It's always so great to hear the success stories. Sounds like you have a whole new life and you are obviously happy. What an inspiration. Jean B.