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It's so great hearing everyone's perspective on this! Nice to get some previews for things I may have to deal with. I can easily imagine that I won't be able to resist telling everyone who will listen about it once my weight loss is noticeable, but for now I do think I'll keep it on the down low. Jann - I hope your hubby gets used to the new you soon. I can imagine it's a big adjustment for him and I'm sure he's trying his best to be there for you and accept the loss of his food buddy. I hope in the end your changes will have a good effect on him too. Thanks again for all the feedback and suggestions!! > >

Thanks Kittycat! That's great advice - I think I'll use that language to speak to those I haven't told yet.

Thank you ladies!! You've confirmed my thinking - that I shouldn't share too widely for now. If I worked at a smaller company I think I would, but at my place with over 100 people, I know if I'm open with my immediate team it will still quickly spread to the whole agency, and that would make me feel uncomfortable. I feel lucky that I have plenty of support outside of work - my family and friends have been very supportive - and I'm getting banded with my sister! So we've been talking every day about it - and will continue to do so afterwards too. Also, my dad is coming with us for support. Thanks for helping me figure this out!! Congratulations on all the success you all have had - I look forward to getting to know you all better. > Off to spend time with my awesome dad. Hope all have a Happy Father's Day!!

Hi all, I've started posting recently, but haven't really introduced myself. I'm Susan, I live in NYC with my boyfriend and work in advertising. I've struggled with my weight since I was a kid. Like many of you, I've been a bit of a yoyo dieter, although the thinnest I've ever been as an adult is about 180 pounds - size 14/16, and I always gain the weight back. I'm so excited that I'll be banded very soon - 6/24! I've been inspired by so many of you - and learned so much about what to expect from all of you! > So here is what I'm hoping you all can help me decide. So far I've only told my boss and two close friends at work about getting a lapband - and I asked them to keep it quiet. I'm debating as to whether or not to tell my other key team members at work - or my client - before I start my time off, or if I should just be vague about it. My first thought was not to - I just dread having tons of people asking me about it - or scrutinizing what I'm eating . My concern with keeping quiet is that, as I lose weight I'll get lots of questions anyway, in which case it might be better to just be straight about it from the beginning... but my worst nightmare is that I won't lose much weight - or lose very slowly - and then I'll have a whole company of people looking at me and wondering to themselves why I'm still fat - even after getting WLS! Although I'm committed to following the rules and taking care of my band, so this may be a silly thing to worry about. I'd love to hear how all of you have dealt with this - and your experiences (good and bad) with WLS and work. Willi333 told a good story about intrusive colleagues - I don't want to have those conversations at work either! Thanks all!

That's awesome! I'm so inspired! =D> A size 12 is the smallest size I've even fantasized about wearing in recent years - I can hardly get my mind around the idea of being a size 6! But I just might need to start thinking more about that idea... It'll be great to see you do it!

Awesome! Thanks for all the advice! Sounds like fun!

Do you need cash to shop on Revolucion ave? Or does credit work? What sort of stuff is for sale there? Also - how much did you all tip the driver and other folks at the hotel? I never know how much is appropriate. I'm happy to hear you all felt pretty safe - thanks!

I had been wondering what those were too. I just googled baby hedgehog and found this site with a larger version of the same pic - in case anyone wants a closer look. They're pretty wild! http://claritydefinesyou.blogspot.com/2007...dnaso-cute.html Congrats on your progress!!

I agree with the gang. Hopefully the doc will be experienced enough - and patient enough - and will make the best decision, whatever that is, that will work best for you. Good luck!!

I hope all is going great for you today! I've got just over a week before it's my turn...

Ooh - those are great tips! I've been focusing on what to eat during the liquid stages - obsessed with the food of course I also bought liquid tylenol and chewable vitamins. Not sure when I can use the vitamins though... Thanks for the tips! I can't wait to hear how your surgery goes!

Gluey dirty bellies - oh goody - something else for me to look forward to! Oh - it'll all be worth it - I know!

That's awesome! When I dream about food I usually wake up hungry. That's great that your dream was so satisfying all by itself!

Hee hee! These boys sure do bring some nice spice to this forum.

Love the stories! I'm impressed that the annoying family member actually got the hint and apologized. She probably just wanted to have something to talk to you about and thought that losing weight with the band is like some magical potion where you wake up 10 pounds thinner every morning. I love the tip about having a planned response to questions about weight - I need to start working on that!

Thanks Erin!! <' /> So many things to plan for! -Susan

What's phyzamine?? I'm getting all my stuff together in advance - don't want to miss something important! Thanks!

Great tips - thanks!! Amberlam - I just watched your video - I love it! So fun - and of course very inspiring - congratulations on your success! =D>

My sister Anne and I are scheduled for June 24th. She's in California and I'm in NY so we talk on the phone every day to share excitement and tips/ideas about how to prepare. I can't wait!

Hi Scared, Thanks so much for all the useful info and suggestions!! It never occurred to me to try submitting the surgery claim to insurance, but I'll give it a whirl - what the heck! Great tip on getting a letter of necessity! About the copays - I guess I should look up on my plan and see if she participates - that would just be awesome to be able to just pay copays. Sorry to hear you had to wait so long - I'll def keep that in mind. I've read on lapbandtalk that she's great - really caring and wants to make sure you get exactly the right fill amount, so hopefully she'll be well worth the wait. Thanks again! Susan

Hi Scared and Jetdeck - I'm in nyc and planning to go to Dr. Ren after my surgery (coming up 6/24!). I'm curious about a few things about your experience with her: - When I called the office I was told they would need 2 things - an operative report and esophagram - did you both receive both of those at the OCC before leaving? - You both mentioned paying copays for your fills - did your insurance cover your surgery too? Mine did not, so it never occurred to me that they would pay for fills, but I have to ask since you both mentioned it - Anything else I should know about going through Dr. Ren? Did you have good experiences? Thanks!! Susan