New Hope

Actually, the question should be...Whose thongs were those?...Hmmmm....should we tell, girls?

Theresa, that sounds like so much fun! I thought he was a sweetie. Did he leave you a good tip? LOL

Ro, you can pick any day of the week that works for you. Just stay off that scale for a full week! It's hard at first, but it really saves your sanity once you get used to it. V, Congratulations on the pregnancy! You'll have a much healthier pregnancy w/ that 31 pounds gone upfront. Now, just concentrate on eating healthy, consistent exercise, and having a beautiful, healthy baby! Your band will be there waiting on you when you are ready to use it again. This is the first "bandster baby" since I've been here. Please keep in touch so we can follow your progress. Best of luck to you! Sass, I've had some pain problems recently, unfills, gains. So that 6 lbs. was way past due. I think my body was just playing "catch up." Best of luck to everyone this week!

Lisa, sending you (((hugs))) and sisterly encouragement. The heavy flirting sounds like a recipe for disaster. You're a sweet, beautiful, multi-talented woman and I don't want to see you get hurt. Please take care of yourself! You're worth it!

Ryan, sending big (((hugs))) and prayers that your surgery will be uneventful, your recovery smooth and no bumps in the road! Now, don't forget to shave your legs tonight. LOL Best of luck to you!

-6 pounds. So glad to finally quit juggling that 2 - 3 lbs. back and forth for the last month! Great job everyone! Keep up the good work!

And I've seen Nancy also has very graceful, slender hands and fingers. Glad that skinnier Nancy went shopping in a regular store! Congratulations, girl!

My band surgeon said NO slim fast drinks. The Atkins Advantage are premixed canned drinks w/ 20 grams protein each. They taste good and are convenient.

Leatha, Congratulations on a job very well done!!! And I'm here to tell everyone this gal has the cutest little figure now! She's truly a doll inside and out!

Well, the Galveston Overnighter is now a cherished memory. "Beautiful Broken Shells"... Like shells that crack or break in the waves, we may experience brokenness in our lives. But there is still beauty to be found. What a perfect theme for our evening. Leatha, my collection of daily encouragements sets proudly on my kitchen bar. Your inscription is so dear to me!

Precious, precious sisters, what a wonderful time of sharing and encouragement, of laughter and tears. I'm at a loss for words right now. Somehow I just want to keep the warm, cozy blanket of your friendships wrapped around me and not share it just yet. I love you each very, very much!

Welcom, Fran! Where will you be banded and who will your surgeon be? You have made a wonderful decision to take back control of your life! I can honestly say this is the best thing I've ever done for ME! I now enjoy long bike rides and long mountain hikes. My health problems and meds. have been greatly reduced. That alone is saving me a fortune! I have hope and energy and feel like I can do anything that I really want to try. You will probably be on a roller coaster of emotions between now and banding time. You wouldn't be normal if you weren't! LOL It will really help you if you can start now: drinking as much water as possible during the day, but not drinking with meals or 1 hour afterwards, doing some type of exercise regularly that you enjoy, and making wise & healthy food choices. Start wearing all your favorite clothes, because very, very soon they'll be too big for you! Yeah! Best of luck to you!

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Congratulations on getting an easy fill and your flu shot! That's a double bonus! It can take up to 2 weeks for you to feel the effects of a fill. Please take it easy when you're eating solids. Pea-size pieces, chew, chew, chew, protein first, then veg, then carbs. if any room left. Try not to eat too much to avoid packing your pouch. Restriction is a funny thing. All is well, then suddenly super restriction kicks in. It keeps us on our toes!

You will never again feel "Thanksgiving full". Our pouches won't let us hold that much. If you are losing 1 1/2 pounds a week, then you're right where you're supposed to be. Are you getting ALL of your waterload in -EVERYDAY? It takes some doing, but that water helps fill you up between meals. It sounds like you are doing very well with your meals, not overeating, and not feeling hungry. You're doing a great job! It doesn't sound like you need a fill at all. Best wishes!

24 pounds gone! And you're getting all your water in! You are being the perfect Bandster! Congratulations!

I'm bringing some cheese, crackers, 3 dips, and a flat of bottled water for us.

Vera and Michelle, thank you so much!!! I'm excited to be able to put a voice to some of this bunch I've become so crazy about in such a short time. I look forward to the day when I can match yours too! Have a wonderful weekend!

So, Betty, we're going to see if your band is "road worthy"!

Jen, please try to stay on good terms with your PCP and his office. They are vital in helping you. Are you positive that your insurance company covers the adjustable lapband procedure? My PCP closes at noon on Fridays. I know you're in a hurry to get this done, but you need to take time to research and learn as much as you can about it before getting one!! My insurance initially denied my claim, I appealed, and 8 months later got my band. But they're all different. Best of luck to you!

We can get into the condo at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Please bring a jacket and a pre-banding picture of yourself!! If you haven't received directions (by pm) to the condo, please contact me! Everyone, have a safe trip and see you tomorrow!!

Congratulations, Becki! Please follow your surgeon's post-op orders about what to eat and when. It's very important to let your stomach heal and that band to anchor before running food through! Be sure that you are getting your waterload in, to avoid lightheadedness and dehydration. Have you tried blending a very small amount of fruit into your shake? Be sure that it's very well pureed. Atkins "Advantage" Shakes (premixed in a can) taste good and have 20 grams of protein. You only need 60 grams a day. Losing any weight before your first fill is a bonus. Some people actually gain. Please focus on healing and getting your proper fluids in. Best of luck to you!

Okay, tomorrow is THE day!!! We can check into the condo at 2 p.m. If you haven't received the directions (by pm), please let me know. Weather is showing: Saturday 67*/61*, Sunday 73*/63*. Bring a jacket. Everyone have a safe trip and see you very soon! P.S. Please bring a pre-band picture of yourself. Thanks!

Your LAST weekend as an "Unbanded Man"! You're already on your journey and it just keeps getting better!

I feel happier and more alive since getting my band and losing some weight! I have emotions and that's good! I don't want to be stuck on "auto-pilot" any more! There's a whole world out there to enjoy without focusing totally on food. I did go through a brief "grieving" stage right after banding, but it passed. And we've all thought "If I could do this, I wouldn't need help." But we couldn't, and the band gives us that extra boost that we need to keep trying every day. Sometimes we mess up, but it's temporary, and we get back on track.