Vessa,

I have lived in North Dakota my whole life - until March 2006. I wore long johns under my dress to work on Monday - and I am living in Africa!! So, yes, not having those layers of fat make a difference. Good luck on your journey. Celeste

Did I fail to mention I had just moved from North Dakota to Minnesota?? How interesting what you said! I lived in Cando, 30 miles (about) from Canada, and winter was insane. Entire towns would shut down for days. My skinny husband would cry about the cold. I once had to put gas in my car at -40! It felt like the wind was a solid sheet of ice pushing against me. Usually, the car wouldn't even start in that weather! The last winter in Minnesota was great! I was waiting almost until February for the wind (but Minnesota has trees! Awesome!) I grew up in Wisconsin, but out of the 3, I like MN best. but not the Vikings,:omg: (SORRY) One a cheesehead...well, you know. You are in Africa? Has it got no trees like ND? What Is the wind like there? JUst hot?
p.s. Did you know that N.D. has one of the highest percentages of overweight people? Because it's so cold! Now that I no longer live there, I no longer need to aclimatize to that weather - so adios adipose!

Hello All!
Good to see all the minnesotans! I was banded in Feb at Fairview - Dr Lederer - and have nothing but good things to say about the program. Other health problems made me decide on Lap band over rny and i am glad i did. Weight loss is slow and steady - I am down about 65 lbs and even when i plateau my clothes still seem to get bigger and the pile of unwearables on the closet floor is growing. Other then the occasional PB which is all my fault- chew chew chew! Sometime i will learn!:D It has been a very positive experience and i would do it again.:)

Vessa,

Even tho cold in ND is unbelievable, I am finding that it is relative. Without my layers of fat, I am cold here in Lilongwe alot. Of couse, its probably in the 40s right now (its 3 am) and they don't have furnaces, etc. Although the altitude isn't real high (1/2 mile), I think its enough to make it seem even colder.

Ask me about hot in a few months from now. I came here in April which is one of the transition months. It was probably about 80 during the day and 60s at night then. and a little rain.

We have not had rain since the first of May and won't have any until December. Right now it is cold and dry but in late August it will start being warm (turning to hot) and dry. The rains will start in December and then it will be hot and wet.

The wind doesn't blow much. Some days around 5 pm it will seem windy but that lasts about 10 minutes. Big difference from the upper mid-west. I am coming to ND and Mn in August and will be riding motorcycle for a couple of weeks. I am sure that I will be ready to return here after that.

Celeste

Hi, I am doing some checking on the Lap Band surgery and I like to get other opinons. Since I live in Mn, I would like some support. Thanks.:D

Hi, Your email caught my eye, because I am thinking about the Lap Band and I want to have it done in Rochester MN. I live in the Owatonna area, so would be fairly close to me. I haven't talked to my DR. yet, as I am gathering information and glad to see that Rochester does this surgery. How did your interview go, if I may ask? Thanks for any information you would like to share.............

Hey fellow Minnesotans!

I grew up in the Twin Cities and have lived in Superior, WI for the past 18 years. I did, however, have my banding surgery in Duluth, MN at St. Mary's Hospital, on July 5th by Dr. Jay Lenz. I'm doing exceptionally well so far. Had they not had this option in Duluth, I would have gone to Unity Hospital's Bariatric Center. They just started doing the Lap Band surgery on March 17th at St. Mary's, and they are having very good results with it. If you live in the Northland, I would highly recommend Dr. Lenz :)

Dear whiskers, I have Dr. Que in Rochester, and she suggested lap band because of my age, and it is less complicated. As I know it right now, she is the only surgeon there doing it (right now) I went through the hoops at rochester (phsyc stuff for 12 weeks, doctor ok (I called the endocrinology dept. and they got the ball rolling for me- # is in Mayo website. They got me a regular doc at mayo, and set up any and all other docs I had to see (orthopedic and sleep) All in all, it took about 5 months (physc stuff the longest) and they worked all my appointments together because I live 2 hours away (mankato) and work at night, so they really do everything for you, the most important I think is dealing with the insurance. The pre-authorization "team" moves quick, in late June I seen Que for the first time, she said , the soonest she had at the time was August, ( she schedules very quick ) and Mayo had the paperwork sent and I had my approval from blue cross/blue shield in 12 days (even over 4th of July). She seems like a great doctor, very matter-of-fact. I went in there 100% serious and she was too, and now I am only 15 days away from surgery!
I say good luck to you.

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I have a physcial on the 29th of Aug and will talk to my regular doctor about this. I don't know this doctor very well and will have to feel him out. (we not litality) I may have trouble because I don't have hi blood presure or diabetes. But I have a lot of back pain and leg problems, beside being tired and not being able to do much. I could stand to lose 130 lbs. Not real crazy about all the phy counseling, but sure I will have to go thur it. Well It can't hurt. They may find something really crazy about me.......Ha,Ha. I do know that I am an emotional eater. We will see how it goes with the physical first. I find myself changing my mind quit often. But once I make up my mind I'll go the whole route. I am 60's old and have been fighting this weight battle for years and it is always winning.

Hi Everyone,

I notice that the messages here are all a bit old. I am meeting with the surgeon this Thursday. I have made up my mind that I want to do this. I have 100 lbs to lose. Now that the date is getting closer, I need some reassurance from those of you who have already had the procedure. Talk to me....would you do it again? Did you have any complications?

Sorry - This is my first day here and I was, of course, starting at the beginning and reading the oldest postings...I'll figure it out eventually!

I am down to 163 from 211. Had my surgery Feb. 24, 2006. in Crosby. I am at a plateau right now and need to bump up my exercise to start the loss again. I have not had any complications and no regrets to those contemplating this surgery.

I have done a lot of research on the Lap Band. I am hoping to have the surgery within the next couple of months. I have chosen Dr. Fortier for several reasons. Among them: He is the closest to my home and for frequent followups that was important to me. He has done more or these procedures than anyone in Minnesota. I've spoken with four women who have been banded by him and they are all very satisfied. He lives in Little Falls and does surgery in both Long Prairie and Morris. Anyone here have any experience with him?

I did a lot of research. MIMIS in Crosby is THE center to have your surgery in Minnesota. The personal touch is HUGE -- why deal with Park Nicollet BS?

I had my band done by Dr Fortier May of 2005. I have nothing but good things to say about him. I have no problems with my band unless I do not chew well enough.
I am now at my goal weight and loving it!