since we have a lot of new faces.... how about we do some intros

Hi I am Kathie and I had stepped away from the forum for a few weeks because I hav been so busy with work.  I am an HR Director and with the state of the economy the way it is, we have had to make some tough decisions to eliminate jobs; sending employees to the unemployment lines (so to speak)...the last 9 months have been toughest of my career....but anyway I am back on track...I look forward to the PA forum more so than any other.  Everyone is so happy, positive and friendly.

I had Lapband surgery (Dr Beetel-Reading) on May 26th (after being inititally denied, but received wonderful assistance from the Lindstroms from the Obesity Law and Advocacy Center and finally got approved)...all seems to be going well and I am down nearly 28 pounds and feel 100% better than a year ago when my weight loss journey started.  I still do not feel any restriction; just had my first fill (2ccs) this past Monday and I have another fill scheduled for the end of the month.  SO I have been losing weight due to sheer will power, healthier eating habits, portion control and exercise (WII Fit and EA 30 day challenge). 

I live in Lebanon and work in Manheim so I usually attend the LGH support groups as it is more convenient  and closer  to attend after work....though there are not as many bandsters there...

I have a twin brother and a great friend who had  RNY surgery in February and both are down nearly 80 pounds.  Though I must admit I am a little jealous of the fact that their weight loss is going much quicker than mine...I did research all WLS options and I am quite content with the LapBand thus far...though I want to be able to experience that "sweet spot" (restriction) soon,

As soon as I have time (and have lost one more ***** I plan on posting a picture ( I think it is imporatant to place a name to a face) especially in this intimate forum where every one shares so much. 

I am committed to keep in touch and looking forward to chatting with you all on a more regular basis.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

KATHIE (BEACHLADY29K)

Hello! My name is Denise aka Dee, queendee and I am 29 years old soon to be 30 in September. I live in Kirkwood, Ny with my husband Shawn and he is 35. I grew up in Susquehanna County Pa in a small town called New Milford my whole childhood life. That is why I come to this forum to post things and ask questions because I used to live in PA plus that is where I had my RNY surgery. I am 3 weeks post-op and feeling good. I have lost so far 31lbs. I am so happy with the results so far. I am a stay at home wife that is taking college courses online to get my Associates in Accounting. I have 8 more classes left and I will graduate sometime next year. Currently, I am on a break from the classes and will begin to start back up soon. My hubby works for Maines Paper& Food Distribution as a Driver's Helper. Basically, he unloads the trucks of food at restraurants in the NYC and NJ. We have no children together however I have an adopted son name Josiah and he is my love of my life he is 3 yrs old. I have a godson named Zachary who is 2 months old. I have lots of nieces and nephews and my family is a decent size. I love children and I am praying for one of my own as soon as I can get pregnant. Having one of my own has been a life long dream of mine since I was 20 years old..well it has been a long ten years of trying!!! I just pray to God that I can conceive after this surgery and that me being overweight was my problem why I could not have a pregnancy last full term. I have had 3 miscarriages in the past. My dream is to have a small family of my own one day. I swear it is my only dream most ppl dream of being skinny, having money, having a nice car, nice house, nice hubbby LOL....all I want is children!!! I do not care that I am going to be losing weight and looking smaller that is not my dream to be smaller person...that just comes along with having the surgery so I can be healthier to have a baby!!! That is my main Goal!!! Of course being healthy is too.

Dee my Grandparents live near New Milford! They are in Jackson - been there so many time - beautiful area!

Hi Everyone!!  I am Jan, I live in  NoMansLand (actually Titusville, PA) which is in NW Pa, about 2 hours north of pittsburgh!  Very small town!
I am coming up on my 4 year Bandiversary and have lost 203lbs to date....my highest weight on surgery day was 393lbs!  I just finished my final round of plastic surgery and am excited to get healed and restart my life!
I am currently finishing up our last year of business.  After 33 years our family owned corporation will be shutting down at the end of 2009!  Our Contract is up with Taco Bell and they want us to put way to much into the building to stay!!  (long story)  I also run (as part of our family corp) a Fudge & Candy Factory, video store and wireless phone sales!
I am single, never married or have any kids!  I do have 4 nieces and 2 great nieces which I just adore!!  I am looking for Mr. Right!!  But first I must find the next career move....LOL
Unlike some I lurk alot....feeling a little out of place because i am so far out of surgery and not looking for anything but friends and to be supportive!!
I thank god for my Lapband if it was not for that I am not sure I would still be alive today.....I had no co-morbilities prior to surgery but do suffer from Crohn's Disease which until being banded was not in remission for over 10 years......so my band did more than help me lose weight it helped put my disease in remission!!
Good luck to you all.....
Jan

Liz....I am sorry about your miscarriage......good luck in trying wagon!!!

glad to see you come out of lurking!

Thanks!!

Actually, Titusville is a big town compared to Rouseville and Fryberg.  Yep, I know about Titusville!   My grandmother's family is from Fryberg and my cousins used to live in Rouseville!

If we all remember our Pennsylvania history , we should all know that Titusville was the site of the first oil well!

Just got caught up on who everyone is!!!  This is great!!!

My name is Jackie, I'm 33 yrs old.  I'm almost 11 months (holy crap, I had to count that 3 times) post op DS.  I live in Kunkletown, about 1/2 way between the Poconos & the Lehigh Valley!  I'm married to my husband and will celebrate 13 yrs in a couple of weeks!  I have 1 son (sort of), age 7.  I also have a 17 yo daughter that I gave up for adoption when I was 16!  She is driving and graduates this coming school year!  He is soo smart (I have to brag) and has such a huge heart.  He wears that heart on his sleeve, though!  I am a Teller Supervisor for one of the Largest Banks in the US (we are #11)!  I love my job! 

I researched, fought & waited 4 yrs to get my DS!  It was one of the best decisions of my life!!  I weighted 234 lbs the night before surgery.  I'm sitting at 132 lbs as of yesterday morning!  I waiver between 130 - 135.  I'm happy with that!  I've lost 107 lbs (using night before weight & lowest weight)!!  I'm 5' 6", size small shirt, size 4 bottoms!  The only plastics I know I'm going to have is breasts!  Would love to have the legs, butt & abdominal done, but if not....I'm OK with them!  Pre op papers submitted to insurance had me with.....Diabetes, High BP, Sleep Apnea, Joint pain, shortness of breath, GERD & (one more thing).  I have/had PCOS.  Never had it written on paper, but almost 99% sure I've got it!  Everything is gone (except the PCOS, I think)!!!  The only meds I take now are for allergies & my vits!  I'm soo much more confident with myself now!!  I'm looking forward to doing all the things I didn't do pre op, because my weight held me back!!

I am like most others.....I'm very open about my Journey!  I tell everyone & any one!!!  I'm proud of what I did, not proud of how I got there, but proud that I stood up and made a difference for ME!!  I've met a lot of wonderful people on the OH Boards!  They've helped me through a lot!  I lurk more than post now a days.  I find I just don't have the time that I use too!  I remember being pre op or newly post op and seeing that people are popping on that say they are soo busy now.  I didn't understand that....now I do!  If anyone wants to know anything else or just wants to chat....I'm here!!!

Hello...great post Liz!!

I'm Diane, 43, divorced & have 1 son (23)  & live in NE Philly. I also have 6 cats...yes 6 ! Just got 2 new kittens last week---figured I'm getting control of my food addiction & picked up a new one--now I am officially the "cat lady", lol. Love them since they keep me occupied & make me smile 

I'm a nurse by profession & work the weekend program at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in West Philly (7pm-7am). I've been here for 15 yrs & work on a Medical/Surgical/Oncology floor. It's wonderful to only work 2 nights each week & have 5 off. I couldn't ask for a better job!

My wt loss journey began in Nov 08...I was up at 3am one morning & decided to step on my scale...to my horror & surprise--it read 404 lbs! I just cried for hours! I could not believe I had let myself get to this point! While searching online that morning, I saw a banner ad for the Barix Clinic & clicked on it...the rest is history! I feel it was meant to be! I called the clinic that morning & set up a Consult appt with Dr. Boe for 11/24/08...the following week, I had appts for my sleep study, psych, pulmonologist & cardiologist. I had completed all my consults before I was even approved by my insurance! 
  
 I was told I had sleep apnea & as most of you already know..I had to clock 200 hrs on the machine prior to surgery. So...needless to say...I wore that mask most of January & Feb, lol.
I had my PAT's on 2/18/09 & my surgery for RNY on 3/2/09.  To date, I am 312 lbs & have lost a total of 92 lbs!!

I am so happy to have had the surgery & am blessed with wonderfully supportive family & friends! Also...everyone I've met on the OH site & at the Barix Meetings have given me help, hope, advice & strength! Thank you all for that!
Here's to the best years of our lives!! 
Hugs,
Diane

Hi Everyone I am Geoff, your Toys R Us kid, well okay, I am 51 but still feel like a kid.  I am originally from Philly but relocated to North Jersey for work.

I am pre-surgery still waiting to get my surgery date.  I am hoping it will be in early September.  I am going to have the gastric bypass.

I have to say that everyone on these boards has been so nice and helpful that I feel honored to be able to post with you guys.

I hope everyone has an awesome Sunday!!!

:-)