Missouri Bandister?!? Springfield Area?

I need a buddy?!!?

I was banded on 2/19, so just a little over 2 weeks ago. Debbie M. was banded in January, so she's a little further out than I am. I think we're the only two bandsters on here. Dr. Edwards in Springfield did mine and my recovery has gone really well. I cannot speak highly enough of him and his staff.

Dr. Edwards? My doctor too! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, him! Awesome experience! I was banded on Jan. 5th and I had my first fill Feb. 15th. I live in the Branson area so I don't get to go the support group up in Springfield. Everyone in Doctor Edwards office from the ladies at the front desk to the nurses were awesome kind. I've lost 24 pounds since the day of the surgery. It's been a slow....I'm averaging about a pound a week. I just want it all off right now! How goes your journey?

Hey, it's good to "meet" another one of Dr. Edward's band patients. So how did your first fill go, do you feel much restriction? I had a fairly easy recovery. My port incision did come open a little but Dr. Edwards is confident it's superficial and will heal fine, just leave me a nice line for a scar. I go to see him tomorrow just to check on it. It's got to heal before I can get a fill and I'm still praying I can have that done @ 6 weeks. I lost 15 lbs on the liquid diet and as of today, 5 more pounds but I seem to be losing and gaining the same 2-3 pounds. I'm trying not to get too discouraged as I heard/read this could happen. I know what you mean about wanting it off right now - me too. If you can't make the St. John's support meetings, there's another meeting you might consider. It's called Circle of Friends. Just search the MO board for the Circle of Friends reminder. I went last month and it's a wonderful group of people. I know it's probably a little drive for you but might be worth it every once in a while if you're needing support. Well, I've got a 4 year old boy wanting me to come outside so I best go for now. It's great to talk to you and please, keep posting. Regardless of what's happening right now, it's really a great group of people. Debbie

Don't look at the needle when you go for your first fill. I didn't see it until it came out, THANK GOD! I didn't feel anything and the ladies were awesome kind. You are in what I call the four week HELL ZONE. During those four weeks before my first fill I could eat anything and felt like I hadn't even had a surgery. I just knew I was going to have gained. I did! One pound. I've heard some people have gained up to 40 and the lady was getting her fill before me had gained 18lbs. So, I was very happy with my one pound gain. I'm telling myself that jeans weighed at least that... So my advice. Start a diet now and don't fall into that last super syndrome before your first fill. Practice now the baby bites and chewing. I'm paying for it now...there is a learning curve that everyone has to go through...I will check out the Circle of Friends. I'm sorry to hear about your port site. You can tell everyone you got that scar in a Mexican bar fight. Don't get discouraged! I just love my band! It is such an awesome tool. One thing that has gotten me through rough patches is something my sister said, "I WILL RESPECT MY SURGERY! I WILL FOLLOW THE RULES" I live in a world were rules exist for everyone but me. NOT TRUE WITH THE BAND! Say after me, "I WILL RESPECT MY SURGERY!". It is a beautiful day, enjoy. You have a cute little boy, my little boy is 13! They grow up before you know it...hold them whilst you still can. Glad I found a friend on this board

Hey R.R. I live in Cedar Creek which is 30 miles farther south than you are and i go everymonth to the Circle of Friends meeting. It is a little ways but is so worth it. If you would like too ride with me to the next one on the 26 maybe we can work something out. like you meet me on 65 and F highway or something. email me and i will give you my phone number. There are 2 othes that live in Forsyth that come to the meetings. also one lady from West Plains that comes to the meetings so we are all as far or farther than you are. Jan

Thanks for the advice about starting to diet now. I'm really trying to do that (still not supposed to be on anything except mushies although I have tempted fate more than once). I don't want to gain back those 20-17 lbs. and believe me I had enough of that "last supper" syndrome before the liquid diet to last a very long time. Have enjoyed the beautiful weather this afternoon and I'm soaking up every bit of my little guy I can - you're right, it does go by so very fast. I work full-time but am off half days on Wednesday afternoon, as well as the weekends. Wednesdays are our fun times! I had to laugh about the Mexican bar fight - I might just have to use that although I'm fairly certain no one will be seeing my stomach that I don't know. However, I have learned never to say never, so that sounds like a great story to tell! HA Glad to have found a new friend too. Maybe we'll get to meet at a support group meeting sometime.

Deb, the Mexican bar fight will work just fine! Remember, your one of the banditos now...lol Hello RR, I'm just another Bander! My name is Debbie too. I had my surgery Jan 26th. I have lost 24lbs. and yes I have had the 4 week battle too! No restriction, able to eat everything and anything! I finally just went back to my 1000cal. pre-surgery diet plus protein drinks and I have been doing fine now and losting about 2lbs a week! I go for my first fill Friday and I can't wait!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Someone on here will probably ahve the answer! Welcome to the Missouri Board! Deb M

Hi.. I'm from Springfield Mo...scheduled lap band date 4-2-07 ...with Dr. Christopher Edwards..... I have been on other sites, and researched as much as possible. I have yet to hear anything negative about Dr. Edwards. Do you have any information good, bad, or ugly about him, his work, his staff, anything would be appreciated greatly! Sounds like you all enjoy the support meetings. I'm considering attending. luck and health to all