Introduction

Hello all, my user name is coke (like the pop ) I am a post-band but had some complications and had to have my band released, for appx. 6 mos. at any rate I gained 38 of the 117lbs. I lost back. At 306 I am still 82lbs. in the clear. My weight verys due to CHF (Water retention) so sometimes its hard to get an exact weigh****er retention can take me from 306 to 338, but thats ok because before the banding it was 360lbs to 398lbs. I banding starts now at 31lbs as of July 25th 2006. My next weigh in was 306 ( with water weight it's now up to 324lbs ) The doctors said if I can lose 100kbs more, I will no longer retain water. :) My first mistake was, I thought the lap-band was going to be a quick fix. My second mistake is I did not become a part of a support group. I am starting all over again as of July 25th 2006 and this time i'm seeking help. i guest thats were you guys come in. :)

Hi COKE!!! Welcome to the boards! The Illinois board is not all that active - but there are GREAT people here. I encourage you to check out some of the other boards as well. I wish you much luck in your journey this time. 31 pounds is AWESOME!! Take care. patty

Hello, welcome to the the IL board. I am not too far away from you, about 15 miles north. Chris

Hey Coke! That's my old neck of the woods! (Downers Grove actually) ... I agree 100% that support groups ARE necessary ... at 15 months out I thought I could get by without support groups, journaling food/exercise, seeing my nutritionist, weighing in ... yadda yadda yadda ... and boom. A 20 pound weight gain within a 10 month period. I've since lost that and more, but I do have some eating "issues" I'm trying to deal with ... and I am currently seeking out as many support groups that I can (basically to see which ones work best for me ... I'm sure I won't continue going to all of them). BUT ... it is great that you're back on track, and although we might all be at different points in our journeys, we are still on the same journey and we all can learn a lot (and support) one another. Good to have you here! Karyn

hello. I am new to this site. This is my first post. I was born in Hinsdale, raised in Downers Grove. I now live in Pontiac, IL. I am in pre-op stuff. Waiting for insurance approval and psych eval to be scheduled. Looking for advice and stuff. If anyone wants to email I would love it! Kolleen

Kolleen, I too am new to the IL site. I have just recently moved to Downers Grove from Phoenix, AZ. I am just over a year postop. Have lost a total of 87 pounds. Have been at 203 since March. What questions do you have? I will try and answer if I can. Email me if you would like. Dawn Cueto RNY 8/24/05 Dr. Juarez Phoenix, AZ 290/203/175 -87

Hey Kolleen ... my first obvious question -- Downers South or North? I'm a DGS girl (1980). I'd like to encourage you to fill out your profile as you go along ... its a great way to initially get to know someone. Which surgery are you looking into? Feel free to email me anytime, I'd be happy to share whatever I can with you. Karyn