Zoe

I doubt there's a formula that works for everyone. For one thing, 20 lbs. lost on us taller women looks a lot less impressive than 20 lbs. on a shortie. (No offense to the vertically challenged.) And you can stay exactly the same weight but convert fat pounds into muscle that takes up much less space. Not to mention that a lot of us lose mostly Water weight in the first weeks after banding, and that water might come off our hands, feet, and faces before anywhere else. The good thing about scrubs is you can just keep tightening the drawstring until things get really dire!

ROFLMAO! And the Aussie pups are adorable. Female dogs have it just as bad. My late Lola, a gorgeous chocolate Lab, went into heat the day I brought her home from a rescue. I had no intention of breeding her and guarded her every moment, taking her for only the shortest possible walks. We routinely went past the house of a gorgeous champion Lab, who bored Lola to tears. But she'd throw her entire hind end at little Otto the Chihuahua. He was not interested, and it drove her crazy. After Lola was spayed, she'd growl and issue menacing barks each time she walked past Otto's house; if he was in the yard, she'd stick her head as far under the fence as she could and try to bite his head off! A woman scorned. . .

Some people have all the luck. I'm at work now and I had to throw on a jacket because my cleavage was showing, even in a fairly modest blouse, and I was feeling self-conscious. (We have a very strict office dress code.) But I'm digging it! Estela, if/when I reach my goal weight, I think I'll splurge on one of those Wacoal bras... if I'm not literally reduced to wearing boys' undershirts.

Greetings from another Chicago bandster! You might want to check the "need encouragement" thread here that Jenna started; she had to quit smoking too. How about giving yourself a vacation in the city? Check all museums and landmarks that tourists always manage to see but a lot of us residents miss. Painting a room is a good idea, just 'cause it's something physical, and it's hard to eat when your hands are covered with paint. The liquid fast sucks, but personally I would love to have time off from work and school with nothing to do but amuse myself (and keep myself from going nuts while passing Mrs. Fields and Garrett Popcorn). You can still go downtown -- maybe meet friends at least once a week, even if you're just going to be sipping something. Think of this as a chrysalis period: You're going dormant for just a short while, and will emerge with new wings when it's over. Good luck!

Tanya, you may already be banded as I write this. Please check in with us when you're back home and feeling up to it. Welcome to Bandland!

LMAO! Yeah, that's yet another reason some of us got the band. Weight loss often brings confidence gain -- yes, basic emotional self-confidence, but also confidence in our own bodies. Male or female, coupled or not, straight or gay, it's nice not to fear averted eyes or looks of shock and dismay (even if only in our own heads) once the clothes come off! Thanks for starting this thread, t.

Katie, this whole thing sucks. Yes, your band will be worth it, but your doctor's office has been irresponsible, telling you about the liquid diet at the very last minute, demanding that you go on $200 supplements, then -- only when you insisted -- saying that it was OK to use a cheaper version after all. EAS makes a halfway decent shake (not the clear liquid) in berry and orange flavors, but the chocolate one tastes just as chalky as the strawberry stuff you described. And the Atkins powder is just plain nasty. You WILL get through this. It won't be easy, but we're all here for you. Even those of us who didn't have to follow liquid diets before surgery still had to stick to liquids after banding. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who tried all kinds of horrible liquid diets in (futile) pre-band attempts to lose weight. I like Tina's idea of making this your own personal Fear Factor. . . the band, and eventually a smaller body, will be your reward. You might want to search the food forum for other Protein drink suggestions. Good luck!

Hey Kim, I also started off 40 lbs. heavier, with edema in my feet and ankles! I was lucky (if that's the right word) in that I had no appetite for two weeks after surgery, so I did lose a lot in the first month. Anyway, enough about me. You're doing great!

Hi Lisa -- I agree with Alex. But since you're "21, 5'6 and 250lbs.," the odds are in your favor. You're young and your BMI isn't over 50.

Fantastic news! Just wait to see how great you feel in another few weeks! I see skydiving in your future. . .

Well, Vines, gotcha! 'Cause I'm going to Wisconsin this weekend. And Wisconsin WAS the first place I lost weight (ahem), years ago, back when dinosaurs roamed the plains.

Hey Kyleigh, I'm here, I'm just going incognito in my new push-up bra! I sent you a PM today about the clothes, 'cause I wasn't able to lift anything for weeks so I couldn't carry the box of summer stuff. But now I'm good to go, so please check your PMs when you can sneak away at work (like I'm doing now). Thanks for the nice notes, Crystal and Christina. BTW, I'm in Chicago.

Congratulations! And only 15 lbs. from goal -- that's a real achievement.

[hijack] I just took the Trinny & Susannah test that Bright mentioned. . . One of the funny comments in my result was "Admit it! On a lazy day, you and your elasticated waistband are often seen shopping together." Ouch! [/hijack] I vote for the bronze dress, partly because I look like crap in that color and I think anyone who can wear golds and coppers should do it! The black dress might be good too if you have the chest to wear with it. But I stand by my initial comment about finding out what formal means in your part of the world; sounds like Estela and I are on the same page.

Hey Lauren, congratulations on your great loss! Are you close to your goal weight?

I love Nordstrom, although the retail prices can be kind of high, at least in the stores; I don't know about the online catalog. But what exactly does "formal" mean where you live? Here in Chicago, it means a floor-length dress. Most of the Coldwater Creek stuff, however attractive, would be way too casual for a formal event here. In some places, though, as long as you're wearing a bra and clean teeth you're good to go! Much easier.

Actually I'd get a kick out of it. Some urban planner in Houston has a weird sense of humor. I'm wondering if anyone in our Texas posse has already been initiated!

Lost half a pound, so I'm holding at 206. This is a major victory, considering my trips to Coldstone and Dunkin Donuts last week. Ah, hormones. . .

Thank you so much for posting your message, Kim. You're right -- everyone hopes they'll be one of the lucky ones that loses a lot of weight without much restriction, but most of us have to get more than one fill before that happens. You've done LBT a big favor by telling your story. And congratulations on getting to Onederland!

Hi Vauren -- The first week after banding is rough for most of us. I'm glad one of your friends could take care of you for a day. Right now you need rest and a chance for your body to heal. You're probably still pumped with abdominal gas from the surgery, not to mention sore from the incisions. The dry heaves sound nasty. I didn't experience that, but believe me this board has members who have experienced just about every possible reaction after being banded. Rest as much as you can and try to be patient. Most of us feel a lot better after four days or so. Meanwhile, welcome to Bandland!

Well, Kaz, congratulations. You have been initiated into the world of the mighty PB. I don't know how long they usually last; I think my longest one was almost an hour, too, but usually mine are over in a few minutes. Lots of us have trouble with meats, especially if they're dry. And we all have certain foods that just don't work, no matter how much we chew. For some of us, it's meat; lots of people can't handle bread; and eggs are tricky for many too. I'll leave the medical analysis to the professionals. Meanwhile, know that what you experienced was, alas, normal. May this be your only PB!

You bet. For some of us -- for me, anyway -- leaving food on a plate is a new experience. I'm probably an average bandster: Yes, I PB and slime sometimes. But it doesn't ruin my whole day. I'm not obsessing about food or eating huge quantities (just because it's there) the way I used to. Sure, I still have my "foodie" moments, but they're infrequent and I usually can keep them in perspective; they aren't controlling my life anymore. These life-altering changes are, in my case anyway, the psychological results of a physiological change thanks to the band. I no longer am constantly hungry. And I finally feel free to get rid of my oversized clothes because I have hope and confidence that the band will help me keep the weight off. That makes for a pretty easy day.

Pati, LMAO with your tennis ball comment! Thanks for the Kohl's fashion tip.That top is cute -- and it's exactly what the BBC's "What Not to Wear" girls say someone with my shape should get. I think I'll buy one in every color!

You, my friend, need to pull yer socks up. You are not bad. You can stop thinking about "cheating," "bad," "off the wagon," all those ugly diet words that have plagued just about all of us for years. 'Cause this is not a short-term diet but a new way of life. Guess what? I'm no longer having a pint of ice cream every day -- just one really good serving whenever I get an impossible craving (once a month, if ya get my drift). I just went to Coldstone, and I don't feel guilty! For the first time ever. And neither should anyone here who's enjoying a little seasonal sugar. Look at all of us on this board who are still indulging on occasion and still losing weight. So Miss Daisy, tomorrow is another day. . . and meanwhile, you are getting a kick from the size-11s!

Weird, isn't it? But what an inspiration you are! This board is one of the few places where we can get excited about being "Overweight" and everyone knows exactly what we mean. I can't wait to join you in Onederland. . . photos, please, so we can see what you look like minus the extra person!