Boo

Betty, I was drinking tea today, also. Beginning Monday, I will have a crazy schedule again. There are a number of concerts I am involved in right in a row. So I must squeeze the exercise in. It IS a priority. We must drink Water, too. I made a big pot of chicken chili today. That usually helps to drop some weight, too. I big can crushed tomatoes 1 can kidney Beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can black beans 1 can white beans 1 can corn 1 small can diced green chiles Cilantro, if you like it Add it ALL together, DON'T drain the LIQUID! Add: 1 envelope ranch dressing mix (or less to taste) 1/3 of a package of Lawry's taco seasoning (more/less for mild/spicy) 1/2 cup sugar Chicken, if desired To make it really yummy, serve with a little diced avocado, tiny dab of sour cream and one tortilla chip. But it is great just as is! I ran for 50 minutes today to get warmed up for April! I think running after children IS an exercise of the body and of patience! (I know you are kidding about counting it.) How do you fit in a workout with little ones? Do you get a babysitter?

Eficka, I liked your post. Do you have any ideas for cutting down on chocolate? Having just a little each day has helped me to not feel deprived. I'll have a couple of Hershey kisses and feel like I'm being very decadent. The problem is that I've been doing that for so long, that now I EXPECT to have my chocolate, rather than it being a special treat. And with the different holidays, etc., then I think I can have a little more. I have to buckle down and give up some new habits if I want to shed these last thirty pounds!! Betty, I noticed your TICKER!!! 140 pounds??? Let's do it together! I'm going for the gold, too. My fill is so small that I don't even know I have one. Maybe I can concentrate on really healthy raw produce and some Protein smoothies. That usually works for me. Also, being super busy with no time to eat works. (Ya know that new job? There are some "politics" going on right now to oust someone to make room for me. It is sticky. It is also not my concern, even though I feel badly for them. Higher forces may supercede the offer, so I am still waiting...weird, huh? If it doesn't work out, I think I'll have a TT!!)

Betty, I've done the same thing. I need to seriously look at what I'm eating in order to break the plateau.

Hi Babygirl! We started an exercise challenge last fall. I joined in walking, and within three weeks was able to run a bit. By November, I ran in a 5K!!! Our exercise group has truly helped us to change our lives, AND we have become good friends. On some months we have varied the challenge to include Water or Protein intake. Good luck to all of you!!! (We are the April 2006 Bandits)

Happy Bandiversary, April 2006 Bandits!!! also...Welcome to our '07 Newbies! Can you believe it has been a year already? (How things have changed!) Usually, Julie starts this thread, but she is recovering from her TT and so I will substitute for her this month. We are adding a few new elements to our challenge so that it can accommodate everyone (go Newbies!) CHALLENGE: Bronze Medalists: 14 Exercise Sessions for 35-40 minutes Silver Medalists: 17 Exercise Sessions for 40+ minutes Gold Medalists: 20 Exercise Sessions for 45 minutes RULES: 1. Count only one session per day. 2. Exercise the specified number of minutes. You are allowed to split your time, if needed. 20 morning minutes + 20 evening minutes = 1 session SO HERE WE GO!!! Any questions?

Hey Newbies! April is just two days away! The '06 April bandsters are all shouting out, "Woohoo!!!" with excitement and encouragement. PLEASE get some walking time in before your surgery date. The exercise will help your bodies to be strong and recover quickly. It also diminishes appetite and lifts the mood. Walking will be a key in aiding digestion AND aiding any PB's you may encounter. Also, you can walk the day after. We are inviting you to join in our "April Bandits' Exercise Challenge." The thread will be in the general discussion, just to make it easy to find. We have altered it a bit to accommodate you newbies! Hang in there!!! It's a new day for you!

Have you had a total unfill? I just went through the same thing and was unfilled for three weeks to heal. The blood is from irritation. My doctor compared it to irritated gums and how they bleed. I feel for you! You must be awfully dehydrated and anemic.

Terry, you took the words right out of my mouth!!! Haha! I just noticed your surgery date!!!! That is so exciting! Seriously, Betty, you are amazing. Yeah, we all would have gained going through such trauma. I hope you are all gently healing. Good thoughts are coming your way. XOXO Dawn, I have the same fear of gaining it back. And your clothes shopping addiction is totally what I'm going through. It is so fun to try everything on. Odd to think that when I was on my way up, I was repulsed by what I saw. Now, I am just so grateful!

Thanks, ladies!! I'll start it on Saturday (today). I just want to hear if anyone wants any changes or additions??? I'll be the substitute for Julie while she is post-op and can't exercise this month. I keep grabbing at that roll/flab of a belly and am imagining how awesome I could look...hmmmm...getting ideas. HEY, I ran 2 1/2 miles non-stop tonight. I've got two weeks to prepare for a 5K/ Can I do it??? DAWN, was it your post about shopping? It's probably on the Bandiversary thread. I was laughing. My husband keeps calling my cel (wondering when I'm coming home) and I'll be out "running errands." I try not to buy much at this size, but it sure is fun to try it all on, huh? Shopping!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Very sweet, reassuring post, Victoriana. Thank you!

Wow! You are all being protected! I can't imagine how you are dealing with this. I just hope your nerves can find some calm peacefulness soon.

WHEW!!! I'm glad it was just Bluehill's hard drive that broke down. I can't imagine going through all the infections! Bluehill, when you read this, you are missed! It does not feel right having you gone! That goes to Roberta, too!! Julie, we are all hoping for a comfortable recovery for you. I got a fill yesterday, but it is very conservative. I can hardly feel it. My determination is building to break this plateau!! Who wants to start the tread for April? I'll do it, unless someone else really wants to. I want to incorporate our idea of having bronze, silver and gold levels of achievement. Bronze: 14 sessions (35-40 minutes?) Silver: 18 sessions (40-45 minutes) Gold: 22+ sessions (45+ minutes) I am TOTALLY flexible on # of sessions and minutes of workout. I think our goals should be set personally and if we have different levels, we can all achieve! (We don't all have the same goals or workout needs.) We just want to challenge and support each other!! We can also invite new bandits to join in and not expect them to perform at an advanced level. How does that sound??

Hahaha, Betty! Here we go AGAIN! :welldoneclap: CUTE!

The BEST restaurant is right in the Lucerna next to the pool. The food is exquisite!! There is a pianist that plays while you eat. Now this is grilled fare. If you want Mexican food, there are plenty of those around, too.

Sasha, It is wonderful to feel this way now, and it is just the beginning of a new life!! There are some super-inspirational thoughts in a thread "April 2006 Bandiversary!!" I know it is a weird title, but there are very deep reflections, tips, and advice for newbies written by those who have been banded a year. You would probably enjoy reading! Congratulations!!

Kyethra, I drink hot chocolate regularly when I am in a weight-loss mode. It satisfies me. And if I have a tight day, I know the warmth will help the milk to go down. Another yummy replacement is hot vanilla milk. Just heat your milk and add a few drops of vanilla. It is wonderful and adds sweetness without sugar (but no chocolate, either.) WASAB.B., I really liked what you had to say. When I first came to this board, I was criticized for going to Mexico. I thought that was ridiculous! We read and post for mutual support! Why claw anyone down?? This forum has been a tremendous blessing for me, especially because I have kept my banding private from friends and most family members. This is the only place I can go to get/give help, support, and to find others who are sharing the same experience. I have found wonderful people here!!

Well, there is no way I can meet the challenge without cheating. It was not safe for me to exercise when I was so dehydrated and bleeding. I am up and running now, and that is good news. Tomorrow includes a little trip to TJ where a conservative fill is waiting for me. I think I have gained four pounds in the last two-and-a-half weeks! I'm NOT complaining, just hoping that eating normally has kick-started my metabolism. We'll see. A Message to all the Runners: Buy new shoes! It seems that after six months they start to wear out. Especially if your knees or ankles start to hurt, changing shoes is the FIRST thing you should try. ALSO, when you buy shoes, bend the toe towards the heel. If the shoe bends at the arch, it is not a good shoe. (It should bend more at the toe, but the arch area should be stiff) I got that tip from my podiatrist who runs marathons. LAST tip, in addition to good shoes, wear padded athletic socks for running. (The more shock absorbers you can add under your feet, the better.) I just bought a pair of Nike shoes that LOOK like there are shock absorbers on the bottom. They look CRAZY, but it feels like I am running on a cloud!! I'm still holding out hope for an improvement over my last 5K!!! The next race is in two weeks. I REALLY wanted to try for a trophy, but that will have to be my next goal. I just want to finish this race with a better time than the last one. (I think it was 33:00 or 34:00, but I'll have to look it up) SO Dawn, and Julie...YOU will both be urging me on in my head!

Good question, Edie! I want to know the same thing!!

Hey, Susan, I think you have done a fantastic job this year! You are right, it is NOT a race against others. This is a personal journey that we are sharing with each other. I love the story of hiking to the waterfall. You will get there and it will probably be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I passed a Lane Bryant store today and had a little chuckle to myself as I turned into banana Republic instead! Wonderful, heartfelt post!

Hi Everybody! I've been out of town. Dawn, WAY TO GO!!!!! You ran with an excellent time! That is great!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Betty, tell Alan he has a group of women all impressed by his quick recovery. Maybe you can post his picture, too! We all send love to you both!! I am going for a fill this week. Living without a fill has been quite an experience. (I can eat ANYTHING as FAST as I want to...yikes!) The salads have been heavenly, but so has the bread. So now I'm feeling like the "F" word again. This experience has helped me to realize that my appetites are not cured and that someday, after the weight is all gone, I can have less fill. I'm ready to live the banded life again. Julie!! Your surgery is two days away. You've worked so hard for this and you deserve a fantastic result. I am so thrilled for you! (Not for the pain part, though) We will be here for you, no matter how scared or rotten you feel. All the training you've done this past year will bring on a miraculous healing rate. Just hold on! Don't turn back, and don't doubt yourself. You have performed like a super-hero!!! We are all in awe of you! Good luck and keep us "posted."

YEAH!!! Heather!!!!! I'm it, your big/little sister! That is the most exciting thing I have heard all day! It made me cry, and you will understand why next year at this time. After I've adjusted to the banded life, and have enjoyed the benefits of the work I've done, a tremendous appreciation has grown inside me. My life has greater meaning. Each day is full of awe, instead of self-loathing and fear. Now, I want that for others (YOU!). I love going to Mexico for check-ups. Going to Ortiz' office for a fill has another purpose. Every time I go, someone is sitting waiting for surgery. Of course, I receive compliments even though I have only lost about 40 pounds (size 10 jeans, though!) The satisfying part of these day trips is to reassure the nerves, answer questions, and put a friendly face on a banded stomach. I won't lie and say that this next month will be easy. Being on liquids for six weeks was very difficult for me. And I truly beat myself up for being so sneaky and weak to choose TJ for surgery! You will try to talk yourself out of it, and afterwards you might blame yourself for making a mistake. But hold tight! You have to dig down to the depths of your soul and cling to that resolve to CHANGE! We all choose this course of action because we don't want to live with the handicap anymore, AND because we envision another life. Keep telling yourself to be patient. Be patient with your hunger. Be patient with your band. Be patient with your weight-loss. Be patient with yourself. There is no rush, we just have to comply with the rules and plan given by Dr. Miranda, Dr. Ortiz, and Dr. Martinez. Soak up EVERYTHING they have to say. They really do know what they are doing in the O.R. and in how they advise their patients. One other thing about Ortiz that patients don't know, you can make a request for music as you go under. First I listened to Andrea Bocelli. I love "classical" music and also requested the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah." I thought it appropriate and was singing "Hallelujah" in a full operatic voice! I went under laughing and in a good mood, and woke up the same way (minus the singing). But if you love country or mariachi or Snoop Dogg ("drop it like it's hot), just let them know. They will change it and listen to what they want while they operate. I wish I could come down and meet you that day. I will be there a week earlier for a fill. (I am completely unfilled at this time...MAJOR temptations abound!!) But we can exchange e-mails and also post. It is extremely helpful to have mentors through this process AND peers!! Again, YEAH!!!!! Go, HEATHER!!!!!

I received several requests to open this up to all bandsters and newbies. It was originally written for a "April 2006 Bandiversary!!" thread. Please forgive me for not knowing how to forward the posts to this thread! Thanks! BOO

<!-- logo --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / end content table --><!-- post #422433 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422433 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422433 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 16 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 07:56 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Kat817 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422433", true); </SCRIPT> Come on Spring..... </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 46 Posts: 1,650 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422433><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To consistently weigh in below 200 What have you learned this past year? That I CAN do this!!! That my life does not have to center around food. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? I take no more prescription meds for high blood pressure, or diabetes. My back doesn't hurt. I FEEL healthy! What is your biggest challenge? To eat enough veggies, and some fruit. I havre a tendency to eat meat...and other high Protein foods, forgetting my body has other needs too! What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? To enjoy the year---yes we all want to be at goal NOW!!!! But getting to know yourself and your body along the way, is wonderful. Seeing how far you can push your new abilities---is eye opening! What is your greatest fear? Losing my band! I try really hard to make the way I do things into a habit, so if something should happen, I would KNOW what to do, to keep from going back where I was. What goals do you have for the future? Taking my grandbabies to amusement parks, and Water parks, and not embarrassing either of us! To be the best support I can for others following me on this weight loss experience. How has your life changed? I breath easier, I feel healthy, I don't feel people staring at me, I buy clothes in Misses sizes. I wear jeans again, I can wear flip flops without my feet hurting. There are so many of these little things---there are also big ones. I upped my life insurance, and did not require a Dr. exam to do it! It has been full of changes---wonderful, dream filled changes! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes, I didn't go in with a lot of expectations...this was not as involved (the board) then. I expected not to be able to eat some things, that I have been able to eat. I read about all the PB's---only to find out they are not a daily occurance! I expected the surgery to be more painful---all in all it has been much better!!! If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! I had failed at so many diets, I really doubted myself going into this too. I would explain the why's and the hows that I have learned along the way. Knowing why you are on a liquid diet, makes it so much easier to stay on! Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary. I researched, but I learned so much by experience!! I would share my own experience!! Banding is without a doubt one of the best things i ever did just for me---i would do it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks me!!! Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Banded 4/24/2006 Celebrating being an "overweight loser"!!! 5'9" 55 3/4" lost 29 miles Challenge..12 down 7 to go <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422433 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Kat817</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Kat817 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422433 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422433 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422433 --><!-- post #422445 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422445 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422445 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 17 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:02 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422445", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 414 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422445><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Go, Kat!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422445 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422445 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422445 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422445 --><!-- post #422460 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422460 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422460 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 18 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>sophie123 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422460", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422460><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->All of you are helping me decide on what could be one of the best decisions of my life! Thank you! <!-- / message --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422460 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add sophie123 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422460 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422460 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422460 --><!-- post #422463 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422463 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422463 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 19 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 08:19 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>sophie123 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422463", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422463><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What did Kat mean by "Knowing why you are sliming, makes it less scary."? <!-- / message --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422463 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by sophie123</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add sophie123 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422463 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422463 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422463 --><!-- post #422522 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422522 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422522 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 20 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 09:51 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>kity <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422522", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 39 Posts: 45 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422522><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- icon and title -->great thread <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->The posts are so honest and heart felt...you made me cry too. Keep em coming. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Pamela Surgery Date April 3, 2007!!!!! Dr. Bobby Basker-Rau Palm Springs, CA "I wish I'd know from the beginning that I was born a strong woman...born to take on the world; I wouldn't have run from it for so long, but run to it with open arms." :kiss2: Sarah Ban Breathnach <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422522 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by kity</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add kity to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422522 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422522 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422522 --><!-- post #422547 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422547 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422547 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 21 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 11:09 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422547", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 414 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422547><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Sophie123 and Kity, you ARE making one of the most important decisions of your lives! Our stomachs may be banded, but we are also banded together by our desire to overcome weaknesses and fully engage in life. We can relate to each other because of our struggles and desires. Please check in with us. We want to help our April '07 newbies because we have found great success in our association on this board. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422547 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422547 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422547 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422547 --><!-- post #422604 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422604 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422604 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 22 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 05:35 AM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>TerriDoodle <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422604", true); </SCRIPT> April 07 Bandwagon </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 48 Posts: 113 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422604><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->This thread is so very inspiring to all of us that are anxiously awaiting our banding. You probably remember your anxiety, too....second-guessing, worrying, wondering, mourning, etc. Every time I have any doubts I just hang out on LBT for awhile, maybe go look at the before/after thread or the 'would you do it again?' poll, and I'm right back at the place where I know without a doubt that I am doing the right thing. Thanks to all of you for taking the April 07 Bandwagon under your wings. It helps more than you know. :love: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ XOXO, Terry Scheduled for surgery 4/4/07 Dr. Spivak - Houston, TX 215/212/150 5'6" BMI 35 <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422604 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by TerriDoodle</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add TerriDoodle to Your Buddy List</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Visit TerriDoodle's Lap-Band Journal</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422604 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422604 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422604 --><!-- post #422964 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422964 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422964 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 23 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 01:34 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>Sara Mos <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422964", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2007 Age: 40 Posts: 91 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422964><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. Om my gosh, this has made me cry. Thank you so much for saying these words. I hate myself at the moment, and the thought that I could emotionally feel like this/you in a years time opens up a new lease of life I truely desperately need.<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ x Sara x Surgery Date: 2nd April 2007 :Bunny Weight before surgery: 245lbs Height: 5ft 4" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422964 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Sara Mos</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Sara Mos to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422964 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422964 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422964 --><!-- post #422998 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422998 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422998 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 24 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 02:21 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>JulieNYC <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422998", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 643 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422998><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by Sara Mos Om my gosh, this has made me cry. Thank you so much for saying these words. I hate myself at the moment, and the thought that I could emotionally feel like this/you in a years time opens up a new lease of life I truely desperately need.<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Sara, you're very welcome. And you WILL feel this way about yourself in a year. Probably even less than a year. After about 3 months, when I got good restriction and stopped being so driven by food, I started truly feeling better about myself. True, the weight loss wasn't so noticeable to the outside world at 3 months, but things were starting to change within me about how I felt about myself. Believe me, the time FLIES. You'll be feeling so much better about yourself much sooner than you think. April 2nd is really soon. Just hang in there. You're going to make it and you're SO SO SO doing the right thing! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ________________ Julie-NYC banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding April Bandits' March Challenge: Seventeen 40 minute sessions completed. <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 422998 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by JulieNYC</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add JulieNYC to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 422998 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422998 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #422998 --><!-- post #423037 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #423037 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post423037 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 25 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Today, 03:04 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Kat817 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_423037", true); </SCRIPT> Come on Spring..... </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 46 Posts: 1,650 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_423037><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Hi-- Sophie what I meant by that remark---knowing why you are sliming makes it less scary---is this--- When I was banded I had researched thoroughly the process, and my Dr. all of that. I had a fairly good idea of what a PB was---but when I failed to chew well enough following my first fill, I began sliming---and if not for the helpful souls here on LBT, I would have been even more scared!!! Lucky for me one of the older (band wise, not age) members was up late that weekend, and told me what was going on, that it was ok! FYI---slime is VERY thick, VERY sticky mucus. Your body produces huge amounts of it, if your body senses something is stuck or you overeat. It is trying to "slick" the obstruction up to help it pass. Unfortunately, when your pouch is full, there is nowhere for all the slime to go...so spitting it is the best option, if you try to swallow all of it, it will 9 times out of 10 throw you inot a full blown PB and you will lose it all. When you do swallow it, and then PB it, it often comes up in long strands referred to as ropes...it is heavy, it all sticks together, and comes up....sounds nasty, it is...BUT...the slime is tasteless, and odorless....just an annoyance! It does not choke you to PB (vomit in a way) it up....it is just bizarre looking---I know that sounds gross....but trying to be 100% honest here!!! My point was just that the more educated you can get on this site as to what might happen to your body, the better prepared you are, and you aren't sitting at home at 11 PM worrying that something is wrong, because you are "foaming at the mouth"!!!! You guys are right when you say we can probably remember a year ago--how nervous and excited we were!!! I Can! I remember sitting in this exact chair, at this computer looking at the before and after thread....not believing for a second that I could have my own pics there! I remember telling DH that the average/suggested weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I told him, can you imagine me being 50 or more pounds less in a year? As it is- it is closer to 100! For every pound and every inch lost I have gai

LAPBANDIT Great idea, BOO! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To get into Onderland! 21 pounds to go til Onderland...wish me luck! What have you learned this past year? food should remain a source of fuel, not a source of entertainment. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Shopping for clothes in the regular section...I have NEVER done this, honestly. Even as a kid I had to wear "Pretty Plus" size from Sears! What is your biggest challenge? Social eating-DEFINATELY! I still haven't mastered this yet. I still get carried away when I'm at parties/social functions. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Eat, just eat good, healthy foods. What is your greatest fear? Never affording the plastic surgery I need to get rid of this excess skin. What goals do you have for the future? To hit my goal weight, of course! How has your life changed? In every possible way. Mainly, I've learned to take care of myself and set priorities to make my health a no-compromise concept! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I'm proud of my success but this idea of "restriction" still hasn't set in and I have never experienced it for any extended period of time. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say "You're doing the right thing...stick with the band and not the bypass." And, I'd throw in..."You need to excerise even more because it'll pay off!" HAPPY BANDIVERSARY CLASS OF '06!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Starting Weight February 2006: 392 Current Weight: 220 Total Lost Since February 2006: -172 Banded April 2006 <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to LapBandit</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419212 popup menu --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419212 --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419243 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419243 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 3 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 07:05 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419243", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419243><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Lapbandit, WOW!!! You have accomplished so much this year! I am also learning to take care of myself. Great advice given! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419243 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419243 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419243 --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #419443 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post419443 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 4 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-18-2007, 10:56 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>waterlily1072 <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_419443", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 34 Posts: 579 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_419443><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? Originally it was to lose 100lbs in my first year, but that isn't gonna happen. Now my goal is to get as close to that as I can! What have you learned this past year? I have learned that without the support of fellow bandsters this is a difficult road. Lifting up and encouraging others is what makes us all stronger together. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Most rewarding is that my back and knees are in so much less pain, in fact most days I don't even notice them anymore. When I started I couldn't push a vacuum without crumbling to the floor in tears from pain. What is your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been to try to learn to deal with life's ups and downs without turning to food. I never could have known how hard that would be. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? 1 - Stick together and take care of each other. 2 - Get fills when you need them and when in doubt ask your fill professional their opinion on whether or not you need one! 3 - Participate in a support group with other banded people like this one! What is your greatest fear? That I won't know who I am without my padding What goals do you have for the future? To live, to run, to laugh How has your life changed? I am healthier, I can now see me reaching my goal. I always could picture myself thin but not how I got there, now I can see the way to get there. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? Yes and no. I really thought that because I started at a higher BMI that I would lose faster in the beginning. On the other hand, I am totally moving steadily towards my goal weight now that I have good restriction and the band is now helping me, finally. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? Don't feel like other peoples numbers affect you personally. You are an individual and your adjustments are individual to you! You are not like anyboy else, no one is. Some people lose 10lbs in there first year and others lose 150lbs, the good news is that it's ok to be an individual, we all are losing (barring any medical conditions that prevent it) and that is what matters. We can all reach our goal if we are willing to put forth the effort to work with our band and not around it. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ~ Molly ~ Banded 4/11/2006 - VG 10cc 6/5/2006 - 4.5cc's 6/19/2006 - 6.5cc's 7/17/2006 - 7.5cc's 8/28/2006 - 8.5cc's 2/13/2007 - 9.5cc's <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 419443 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by waterlily1072</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add waterlily1072 to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 419443 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #419443 --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420165 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420165 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 5 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 04:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420165", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420165><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->I agree! It is not a race to lose. And each of us is an individual with unique weight-loss issues. After surgery I wrote in my journal to appreciate whatever loss I had at one year because I will have not gained! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420165 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send email to Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Boo</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Boo to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420165 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420165 --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420437 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420437 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 6 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 09:24 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>Irish Girl <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420437", true); </SCRIPT> RedHeads Rock!! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 174 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420437><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->What is your "Bandiversary" goal? I would love to be at my goal weight of 135. It is looming so close. What have you learned this past year? That I can succeed at weight loss...all I needed was some help. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? There are so many. I have found the self confidence that I thought I lost, no more cholesterol medication, the restless leg syndrome is gone, bye bye sleep apnea, hugs from my son because he can get his arms around me, shopping in normal sized stores, enjoying shopping because I can find things that fit, mowing the yard without getting winded in the first five minutes.....the list goes on and on and on. What is your biggest challenge? Trying to keep eating the "bandster" way. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Make good food choices, but don't deprive yourself of a small treat once in while (this is for your sanity). Drink lots of Water (dehydration is a bad thing.....kidney stones are not your friend). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The best people to get banded information from is from another bandster. What is your greatest fear? Slipping up, eating too much, and falling into the same bad habits that got me to where I was in the first place. What goals do you have for the future? My biggest short term goal is to participate in the Danskin triathlon in Seattle in August of this year. How has your life changed? I am definately more active and outgoing. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? I didn't really have major expectations to begin with. I read so much about only losing a portion of the weight will be lost. But I truly believe the weight you lose will depend on you. I am so happy I did this and I would do it again in a second. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? To not be so afraid about doing something for myself. Be a hero to yourself as this will be a life changing experience. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Irish Girl Banded April 28, 2006 (BMI of 39 - morbidly obese) 1st fill 6/8/06 - 2.25cc 2nd fill 07/11/06 - 3.25cc 3rd fill 8/15/06 - 3.50cc (BMI of 30 - overweight) 4th fill 9/26/06 - 4.25cc No fill - 11/9/06 (BMI of 28) No fill - 12/7/06 (BMI of 25.9 - Almost Normal) No fill - 1/8/07 (BMI of 25.8 - Almost Normal) 5th fill - 3/6/07 - 4.45cc (BMI of 25.5 - Still Almost Normal) <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420437 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead>Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>View Public Profile</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Send a private message to Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Find all posts by Irish Girl</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option>Add Irish Girl to Your Buddy List</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420437 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420437 --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420489 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420489 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 7 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:14 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420489", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420489><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Wow! Irish Girl, you are amazing and an inspiration. I have been stuck at the same weight for over two months. It is time for me to get tough. I can't imagine getting to 135, but I need to start seeing it! That is where I want to be. Good luck on the Triathalon. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420489 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420489 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420489 --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #420490 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post420490 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 8 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-19-2007, 11:16 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_420490", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_420490>Irish Girl, what size is your band? Mine is unfilled at the present time, but was filled to 1.4 cc. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 420490 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 420490 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #420490 --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421123 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421123 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 9 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 02:54 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>JulieNYC <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421123", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 643 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421123><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->This is a cool idea for a thread. Thank you, Boo! What is your "Bandiversary" goal? To be recovered from my tummy tuck and breast lift (March 28th) enough to schedule my flight home (to actually be home is a stretch). What have you learned this past year? I've learned that it's better to head off a binge than to fight it. It's like turning a boat. You might not be able to turn on a dime, but if you plan, you can still get the boat turned. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? Flying without a seatbelt extender. Walking anywhere in the City just because and not worrying about breaking out in a sweat even in the cold. What is your biggest challenge? Learning how to not act like an adolescent in my new body. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Measure your food, at least some of the time. It keeps you accountable. Also, if you're not losing as quickly as you'd like, consider counting calories at least for a few days. It'll let you see where you can make adjustments to meet your goals. What is your greatest fear? Regaining the weight. I know it's not likely, but I still fear it. What goals do you have for the future? To figure out what goal weight is and reach it. To run a 10K. To run an average mile in under 10 minutes. How has your life changed? Oh my gosh, what a question! I fit into life again. I don't worry about finding the "right" seat on the bus or whether a folding chair will break under my weight. I can shop anywhere. I care about my appearance. People treat me with more respect, even just walking down the street -- it shouldn't be that way but it is. I got a new job making triple salary. Triple! Men hit on me. I'm excited about tomorrow. Has living with the band met up to your expectations? It's far exceeded my expectations. I expected to be about 250 or 275 now. Instead, I'm in the 190s. All I expected from the band was to get back to Twoterville. Actual day-to-day life, the band exceeds my expectations as well. I thought I'd have way more limitations on the types of food I'd be able to eat. If you could talk to yourself a year ago, what would you say? I'd say be kind to yourself. You're a pretty cool person and even though you don't like yourself a lot right now, you've got the potential to love yourself. I'd also say, self, since you've got this ability to talk to yourself a year ago, try to see if you can talk to yourself 5 years ago and get a band then. Don't waste time trying to find another option. You're going to exhaust them all and still wind up 350+ and banded. Save yourself the emotional and physical trauma. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ ________________ Julie-NYC banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding April Bandits' March Challenge: Seventeen 40 minute sessions completed. <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421123 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421123 --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421381 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421381 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 10 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:20 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>TracyinKS <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421381", true); </SCRIPT> Ready! Set! BAND ME! </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 37 Posts: 888 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421381><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->From an April 07 bandster............ THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!!!!!!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ 267/267/160ish Surgery Scheduled 4/26/2007 APROVED BCBS on 1/30/07 Dr. Malley, Mission, Kansas I Look forward to finally having a HEALTHY relationship with food, instead of the obsessive stalker I seem to be right now. http://www.myspace.com/lowcarbbandster <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421381 popup menu --><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR><TR><TD class=vbmenu_option></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- / post 421381 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421381 --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #421396 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post421396 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 11 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> 03-20-2007, 07:28 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2></TD><TD noWrap>Boo <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_421396", true); </SCRIPT> Who ya gonna call? </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 413 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_421396><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- message -->Julie, that is beautiful! I loved reading your thoughts! Thanks, Tracy! I hope this thread will help the April '06 bandsters to reflect on our journey, and to clarify new goals. All of you newbies and upcoming bandsters, see what you have to look forward to!! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ March Exercise Challenge: 9 Down, 10 to go! Banded on 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz Then 208/Now 167/1st goal 142 5'6" <!-- / sig --> <!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --> <!-- message, attachments, sig --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / post 421396 popup menu --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --> <!-- / close content container --><!-- / post #421396 --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><!-- post #422300 --><!-- open content container --> <!-- this is not the last post shown on the page --><TABLE class=tborder id=post422300 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead> # 12 <!-- [sTART HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --><!-- [END HACK='vB Pager' AUTHOR='UAEWEB.COM' VERSION='3.0.0' CHANGEID= 6 ] --> <!-- status icon and date --> Yesterday, 05:45 PM <!-- / status icon and date --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><!-- user info --><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap>amourette <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_422300", true); </SCRIPT> Registered User </TD><TD width="100%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 36 Posts: 266 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- / user info --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_422300><!-- message, attachments, sig --><!-- icon and title -->will also answer <HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Buthope our new chicklings in the Apri

Let's come together and share our successes, thoughts and dreams! Banding is a journey and we each have a story to tell that can inspire others. Bandsters, pause and reflect where you have come from. Newbies, look ahead and have hope! How long have you been banded? What have you learned from this experience? Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? What is your biggest challenge? What tips or advice would you pass on to newbies? What is your greatest fear? What goals do you have for the future? How has your life changed? Has living with the band met up to your expectations? If you could talk to yourself prior to being banded, what would you say? Thank you, my friends for all of your posts and for your successes. I feel a kinship with you. Each one of you is an inspiration to me! Good luck!