PharmaGirl

Hi JT, I feel your pain!! GERD became an issue for me too - especially at night. I was taking Nexium plus sleeping with my head elevated just to get through the night. I had the same concerns as you about the band maybe having slipped so had a gastroscopy and, fortunately, no damage anywhere but I did have a dilated pouch. I had all the fluid removed from the band and instantly felt loads better. I was supposed to go back weeks ago to have a barium swallow to check that my pouch was back to normal so I could start the fills again but, bugger it, I feel too good without any fill and I haven't returned for any refills. Yes, I've regained about 10 pounds but, for me, the upside from feeling better outweighs the downsides associated with that gain. I'm enjoying living normally again. Like a few others I never really lost a lot of weight in the first place though I lost enough to feel better and everytime I need to carry the 30lb litter bag for our kitties upstairs I think to myself - my god, no wonder I was always exhausted. Love and my best regards to everyone Lili

Hopeful - I am worried about my pouch being stretched too. What is the 5-day pouch test and how does it work and what does it tell you?? JT - not good to hear about the reflux and H.pylori - good news is it just takes a week or two of two antibiotics (usually amoxicillin & clarithromycin) + an acid-reducing medicine (usually omeprazole) and it is usually all fixed!

Hey Jersey, thanks for the welcome back. You look fabulous in your new avatar - you look so happy!!

Thanks BG. You are such an inspiration and such a great support to me and so many others on this journey. I also love hopeful's contest - I also love foot massages (and head massages too). Here's the other reminders in my phone: Do it or don't do it - there is no try. Losing weight is not just a goal – it is a discipline If you want what you do not have, you must do what you have not done My health is my first priority – let me be my priority TODAY PLAN what you will do to lose weight today & take action Enjoy and savour each bite – it’s the quality not the quantity Today, don't sacrifice long-term success for momentary pleasure Today, don’t trade what you want the most for what you want at this moment Go for that walk – just today The band has pointed you in the right direction – you just have to put one step in front of the other and you will get there Persevere and you will get there A plateau is just a landing on the stairway to success Success doesn’t come to you – you have to go to it Today is a good day to SUCCEED! Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it. You cannot fail if you put your mind to it. Insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result Feeling healthy and feeling good about yourself is not a luxury - it's an absolute necessity. Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. Things happen when you realise it's your choice and your attitude Nothing tastes as good as being healthy and full of energy feels. Everyone makes mistakes – just get up and keep going. Life is not a rehearsal. Don't let it pass without giving it your all. You have a body that can stand most anything. Today, you just have to convince your mind. Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your Destiny There is no one giant step that does it. It's a lot of little steps Don't concentrate on how much you can eat with the band - concentrate on how little you can eat Life is not a race. If it is - do you know anyone rushing to get to the finish line?! Always looking for new ones so if you have one, please let us know

Hopeful - I put the reminders in my phone by making an appointment (mine is at 9am) in my Outlook calendar on my computer and setting "Recurrence" to monthly. I then synchronised the calendar on my phone with the calendar on my computer and voila!! You can do this directly on most phones too but it is a bit tedious to use type stuff in using the phone keypad. Either way, once you've put them in and set them to recur you never need to put them in again! Today's message was: Today, don’t trade what you want the most for what you want at this moment.

Hey there JT, thanks for the welcome back - it is good to be back. Lucky K - would love to see Abu Dhabi/UAE. Sex & the City 2 has firmly put that region on my "must visit one day" list (though I believe that the Abu Dhabi scenes was actually mostly filmed in Marrakesh, Morocco!). You might need to be working the angles better to get to be able to tag along at least for some of the trips! I believe you could do with some lessons from Lisa - somehow, every time I have to go on a work trip somewhere nice, Lisa manages to make me feel like (maybe that should read "stooges me that"!) I'm going on a holiday without her - so, before I know it, I have booked a ticket for to come along too - the outcome being that she gets a super holiday while I work my ass off! Seriously, I am never not happy that I brought her along - it is nice to have someone to share the down time with when you are far away from home.

Interested to know how much weight people lost in their first year of being banded. Would be great if people banded for more than a year would respond to the poll. Whoops - there's a small error in the poll - the third option should say 30-40lb!

Me again - have set up a poll to see how much weight people lost in their first year of being banded - go here

Thought it would be interesting to see how much weight people lost in their first year with the band. It would be great if all those people banded in April 2009 would respond to the poll.

Hi everyone, Butterfly & hopeful - I've decided to post again after seeing your posts - I am another one from the official slow-loser brigade. After the problems my partner Lisa had with the band and from which she has not yet fully recovered (still on precautionary antibiotics to prevent recurrence of the infections), I have been reluctant to get too many fills. My band is filled to the point where I have no trouble eating a small meal (but I am satiated at the end of it) and where I have no problems with any food type as long as I chew properly and don't eat too fast e.g., last night I had a cereal bowl size serving of pasta alla matriciana and then a slice of chocolate cake (hey, it was my mum's birthday!). I very much like that I can go out with family and friends and still partake like a relatively "normal" person where I am not limited to noticeably small portions. Before this I did not partake like a normal person but was more like a great big Hoover. I know I could be filled a little more and would lose weight more quickly that way but I know that the quality of that life that goes with that doesn't appeal to me. My weight loss has been slow but very steady and I continue to lose about 1-1.5kg (2-3lb) per month - see graph (banded 23 April): I try not to be disappointed with my rate of loss because 43lb is nothing to sneeze at and it is noticeable though I am still jealous of those of you who have lost over 100lb in 1 year! You are real inspirations. To the other slow losers, we should not measure our success by comparing ourselves to these exceptional people. We are works-in-progress and need to remind ourselves of what we have accomplished so we don't get discouraged. Hopeful, I very much relate to a lot of the things you say about pushing things too far. Something I found very helpful was someone (can't remember who) said - don't focus on how much you can eat with the band (i.e., testing the limits of the band) but instead focus on how little you need to eat before you are satisfied. Thinking this way when I'm eating (i.e., focussing on when I feel satisfied instead of when I feel full) has helped me avoid those episodes where I would eventually throw up. I still indulge in things I shouldn't (like the chocolate cake last night!) and am not exercising as much as I should. Like you, I hope that coming here will help me be more accountable to myself. I also have 31 different reminders programmed into my phone - each day one of the reminders pops up to help keep me on track - today's was: Don’t aim for perfection – just aim to be better today than you were yesterday - so I'm keeping away from chocolate cake today! JT - sorry for the loss of your cousin; it is scary when people we grew up with start to pass - it is a stark reminder of our own mortality but it is also an opportunity to remember that life is not something to be taken for granted so we should take the trouble to ENJOY it.

Hi everyone, BG - it's great to have you back. I too have missed your blogs and posts. I've attached a copy of the case report for you. As it says, consideration should be given to a course of antibiotics as a preventative measure should a person with a band need to undergo a potentially contaminating procedure. This doesn't mean that the antibiotics are always going to be necessary if you have a colonoscopy but if there's a chance they will be cauterizing polyps etc, then it becomes more important. The risk of this type of infection is low but probably a wise move to raise the question about whether antibiotic prophylaxis is a good idea with the doctor before any procedures. Lisa's doing a bit better each day and she is certainly a lot better than she has been over the last two weeks. She is walking around the ward a bit now and is able to shower herself but she tires still easily and doesn't have a lot of energy. This may be because she's not eating properly - she still gets nausea (and occassionally vomits) after she tries to eat - her stomach is probably still a bit inflamed after removal of the band. Our surgeon (who we think is just the best) says her appetite will be back with a vengenance soon enough! Everyone is working toward a tentative discharge date of Sat 1 Aug. Ciao for now Lili Case report - strep milleri & band.pdf

Hi everyone, KMCD - sorry to hear of your family's loss. As JT says, it is great that you have a supportive partner and that you've been able to rally as a family to support your daughter. I'm feeling extra appreciative of partners at the moment so everyone, please give that other half a great big kiss tonight. Thanks everyone - JT, BG, jersey girl (yes, you do look good in your photo - do you have any before's and after's to see the change?), KMCD, hopeful and vegas girl - for your kind thoughts for Lisa. Here's the latest update on Lisa - it was wishful thinking that Lisa would get better after the drainage of the abscesses. They ended up doing a laparoscopy on Saturday - they washed the abscesses and found infection around the band so Lisa is now a former bandster - yes, they removed the band (and she's decided she's never taking the risk of getting another one - I don't blame her). This morning she phoned from the hospital to say she actually feels like getting out of bed for a shower so I'm on my way to help her - hopefully this time she really will have turned the corner. For those who are interested in specifics they isolated the bug Streptococcus milleri from the infection around the band and in the abscesses - this is a bug usually found in the gastrointestinal tract so it indicates that somewhere along the line the barrier between gut and the abdominal cavity was broken allowing the bug through. The question is where and how? She hadn't had any procedures except for a fill. Found another case report with a similar complication but this woman had had her band for two years and only got infected after a colonscopy that involved removal of a polyp (which led to a breaching of the barrier between gut and abdominal cavity). The recommendation in that published case report is that, in patients with intra-abdominal foreign bodies such as gastric bands, antibiotic prophylaxis (ie, preventative course of antibiotics) should be considered if endoscopic polypectomy (i.e., removal of polyps from the colon) or other potentially contaminating procedures are performed, in order to prevent dissemination or translocation of intestinal bacteria. I know, on the basis of this, that I'll be having a preventative course of antibiotics each time I need a scope and dental procedures, etc. I would recommend that everyone else consider this too - according to all the specialists we've seen over the last 10 days, the risk of an infection travelling to the foreign body (the band) should there be any breaching of the barrier between gut and abdominal cavity is high. Lots of love to all Lili

Hi everyone, Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers for Lisa. Lisa got back from radiology after the CT drainage exercise last night in very bad shape - she was having terrible trouble breathing and nothing (including 150mg Demerol every 3 hours) could take the edge off the pain. They managed to aspirate 300mL (about 10 US fluid ounces) of disgusting & stinky pus from the abscesses and more is still draining out. I stayed with her overnight as I was really worried that she might get worse and that she'd need to be transferred to the intensive care unit. Thankfully, that didn't eventuate and she seems to be starting to feel a bit better this morning (though she still looks and feels awful). We're hoping the multiple antibiotics she's on will have a chance to work now that much of that pus is gone. Thanks again and I'll keep you posted (hopefully with good news). JT and BG - your updated avatars are fantastic - you're both looking not just slimmer but also younger. The scales are finally starting to move down for me after too much fun and frolicking in the USA. Lisa has lost a heap of weight over the last week but this is no way for it to happen. Lots of love to all and thanks again Lili

Hi everyone Haven't posted in a while. Lisa and I have been busy trying to catch up after the holiday. Unfortunately, I have some bad news to report. Lisa, who was banded on April 9, has had a serious complication that the specialists believe is related to the banding procedure. Last week she felt as though she had a flu (generalised aches and pains, bad headache, spiking fever, nausea). We took her to the doctor on Friday (10 July) and he sent her straight to the hospital where she has remained since. They found that she has a sepsis (infection in the blood). She was very fortunate that a very experienced physician was supervising that night. The doctors were treating her thought it might be secondary to the flu. They didn't suspect the band because it was 3 months post-surgery and she has had no real problems (except for the initial bad time she had) but the physician ordered a CAT scan to check that it had nothing to do with the band. From the scan, they found that the sepsis is related to three abscesses (pus-filled cavities) in her abdomen (one in the liver, one near the gall bladder and one near her diaphragm). It is very serious. She is having the liver abscess aspirated today and having drainage catheters put in the other two. We're both hoping she starts to feel better soon after that. Anyway, the bottom line is if you feel as though you have a flu, make sure they do a CAT scan to make sure you don't have anything wrong inside. Lili

Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 276lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 249lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 19 June --------------------- 259lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 14 June --------------------- 273lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 5 June --------------------- 207lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 19 June --------------------- 261lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 5 June --------------------- 285.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 199.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb ----------------------2031b ------------------ 31 May ---------------195lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------13 Jun ---------------------- 176lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 11 June --------------------- 186lb --------------------175lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 14 June -------------------- 245.0lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb

Hi everyone, Lisa and I have just returned from holidaying in the wonderful US of A. Most of our time was spent in Palm Springs but we also spent 4 days in San Diego and 5 days in Vegas. Neither Lisa nor I have lost any weight but we didn't gain either - we're pretty happy with that considering what we ate and drank and the amount of exercise we did! We both had our first fill just before we left but that first fill didn't give either of us much restriction (though we have both experienced being "stuck" when we've eaten too fast or not chewed enough - not nice). Palm Springs was really hard work (yes, that is pure sarcasm) - Our exercise regimen there consisted of only two exercises - (1) lift that pina colada to your lips and take a sip, return glass to table next to your poolside chair - repeat MULTIPLE times; (2) when feeling a little too warm, dip yourself in the swimming pool, move around in pool until body temperature returns to normal, get out of pool and return to poolside lounge to repeat exercise (1)!! Gotta love life in Palm Springs!! San Diego had us eating ice cream and fantastic fish (I ate my first Maine lobster - sweeeeet!) at Coronado island and in the harbour respectively. (Don't bother with the lectures - we know we broke the bandster rules). The most exercise we had in San Diego was yelling to the guys running the ferry "please hold that ferry" and then running (maybe more like stumbling) some 100 yards along the jetty to catch the ferry that was about to leave. Las Vegas saw us drinking more pina coladas (they are even better than usual when they are free!) and the exercise regimen was extended to include walks to and from the poker room at the Mirage. Anyway, today starts life back to normal -we will be re-starting the exercise regimen of walking at least 30 minutes each day and will be drinking less and eating healthy. Wish us luck! We go for our second fills on the 30th June and hopefully the weight will seriously start coming off then. We did buy our surgeon a new bow tie and we're hoping that might stave off the lecture he might otherwise want to give us. Will keep you posted how our visit to him on the 30th goes. Cheers to all Lili My Weight Chart: >

Hi everyone, Lisa and I have just returned from holidaying in the wonderful US of A. Most of our time was spent in Palm Springs but we also spent 4 days in San Diego and 5 days in Vegas. Neither Lisa nor I have lost any weight but we didn't gain either - we're pretty happy with that considering what we ate and drank and the amount of exercise we did! We both had our first fill just before we left but that first fill didn't give either of us much restriction (though we have both experienced being "stuck" when we've eaten too fast or not chewed enough - not nice). Palm Springs was really hard work (yes, that is pure sarcasm) - Our exercise regimen there consisted of only two exercises - (1) lift that pina colada to your lips and take a sip, return glass to table next to your poolside chair - repeat MULTIPLE times; (2) when feeling a little too warm, dip yourself in the swimming pool, move around in pool until body temperature returns to normal, get out of pool and return to poolside lounge to repeat exercise (1)!! Gotta love life in Palm Springs!! San Diego had us eating ice cream and fantastic fish (I ate my first Maine lobster - sweeeeet!) at Coronado island and in the harbour respectively. (Don't bother with the lectures - we know we broke the bandster rules). The most exercise we had in San Diego was yelling to the guys running the ferry "please hold that ferry" and then running (maybe more like stumbling) some 100 yards along the jetty to catch the ferry that was about to leave. Las Vegas saw us drinking more pina coladas (they are even better than usual when they are free!) and the exercise regimen was extended to include walks to and from the poker room at the Mirage. Anyway, today starts life back to normal -we will be re-starting the exercise regimen of walking at least 30 minutes each day and will be drinking less and eating healthy. Wish us luck! We go for our second fills on the 30th June and hopefully the weight will seriously start coming off then. We did buy our surgeon a new bow tie and we're hoping that might stave off the lecture he might otherwise want to give us. Will keep you posted how our visit to him on the 30th goes. Cheers to all Lili My Weight Chart: >

Hi everyone, Sorry for taking so long to update. I have been on holidays visiting the beautiful US of A. Was fantastic to escape from the winter here here in Melbourne (Australia) and spend time in gorgeous Palm Springs, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Here's the latest updated list (updated: 10am, 20 June 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list or if I have you as an unconfirmed bander but you've actually had your surgery. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue, REALIZEinCT Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall, K-11-Rock, sallyjean Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough, godsbride, FoxTerp Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007, jaysmommy1106, azdolfin03 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons, nyygrl76 Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat, leesmarty Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea, vagabond, Sarahbethlane Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally, DaveTownsend, Donna2153, readmymind, susiep Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn, Txquiltlady, miss_me Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny, Okiebrat, Soon2BSexy, RBENZ Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag, iculookin Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc, VogueLibertine, lekekari, 4luci, dawright1, CJRUBI029 Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem, Souleman Sat April 25 = shell1 Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = rcher, boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822, ALuv82, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap, mngirl0044, KRISPYKREME, Pure_Fabulosity, pencilneck,Barbiej@hotmail.com, fatty777, kandy1167 Tue April 28 = MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad, wncarpenter26, friery, TheMagus, kandy1167, kmmr, judas1026 Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb, mscoco22, stephyv, mscoco22 Thu April 30 = kath17268, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365, marc29, mystro70 Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Hi Tamara, Yes, well on the way to recovery now. Lisa is 100%. I still get some pain in my stomach muscles at night especially if I lay flat on my back and then try to turn over - hope it goes away soon. We're both back to eating all types of food (steak, fresh bread and Pasta included) and though we eat less than we used to (we get full sooner - we're full after a plate of food in a sitting where we could really pile in the food before - appetiser, main and dessert) and though we're exercising, our weight loss has stalled too - I don't get that. Lisa is going to see the surgeon today but she may not get a fill because we're going on a holiday to Perth next week and then we're off to the US at the end of May. We'd hate for there to be any complications while we're away. Anyway, we'll see what the surgeon says and take his advice. I'll probably definitely wait until the end of June (after we return from the US) for my fill. Great job on the weight loss so far. Slow and steady weight loss is much better for your body than a rapid loss. Good luck with your fill tomorrow. Ann has had her surgery by now. Am keen to hear how she's going. Haven't heard anything from Sare - hope she's doing ok.

Hi everyone, For all July 4th challengers, don't forget to update your current weight every now and again. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE. Here's the latest updated list (updated: 4pm, 11 May 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue, REALIZEinCT Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall, K-11-Rock, sallyjean Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough, godsbride, FoxTerp Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007, jaysmommy1106 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat, leesmarty Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea, vagabond, Sarahbethlane Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend, Donna2153, readmymind, susiep Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn, Txquiltlady, miss_me Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny, Okiebrat, Soon2BSexy, RBENZ Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag, iculookin Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc, VogueLibertine, lekekari, 4luci, dawright1, CJRUBI029 Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem, Souleman Sat April 25 = shell1 Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822, ALuv82, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap, mngirl0044, KRISPYKREME, Pure_Fabulosity, pencilneck,Barbiej@hotmail.com, fatty777, kandy1167 Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad, wncarpenter26, friery, TheMagus, kandy1167, kmmr, judas1026 Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb, mscoco22, stephyv, mscoco22 Thu April 30 = kath17268, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365, marc29, mystro70 Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 1 May --------------------- 272lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 297.5lb ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 7 May --------------------- 216lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 275lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 296lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 288lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 209lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 1 May ---------------------- 203lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 205lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 259lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 232lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 249lb ------------------- 229lb

terelbel, i'm in the same boat. Almost 2 weeks out and I am definitely eating less than I used to - probably around 1200-1400cals/day but I have not lost any significant amount of weight since my surgery (just 1lb) however I can see my bracelets are looser and my shoes are not so tight - unfortunately my stomach still feels swollen (and I still get a fair bit of port pain when I lie down at night). Like you, I'm trying not to get discouraged and am just keeping on trucking. On the issue of 'restriction' and what is enough restriction, I really don't know if I have it or if I don't. I'm feeling very confused about the meaning of 'restriction' and the concept of what is 'enough' restriction. I haven't had a fill yet but I definitely cannot eat the same portion sizes as before - I'd say I'd can only fit in 'normal' size portions now compared to what I could fit in before (one ham and salad sandwich for lunch instead of 2) and I find I am full on these 'normal' size portions and I don't get hungry again for 3-4 hours after a meal. Is that enough restriction? I was hoping that it was and I have been really happy with the fact that I would be living like a normal person and not always thinking about what I am going to be eating next - I really like that I can go to a restaurant with friends and eat a normal size meal (where if serves are large, I end up leaving food on the plate) but no more than that - maybe just enough room for a bite of a dessert but definitely not a whole dessert. Also, it seemed in line with what the nutritionist explained we should aim for. However, I'm worried that my expectations of how much I should be (and am) eating are different to (and a lot more than) what people who are successfully losing weight with the lap band are actually doing. I'd be very interested to know what everyone else here thinks "restriction" is and to hear people's thoughts on whether eating "normal' size portions is too much.

Hi there I was banded on the 23rd April and am in exactly the same boat as far as pain around the port area goes. Can't wait for this pain to go. You may already be aware - there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Hi and welcome and congrats on your surgery. There's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 276lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 253lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 1 May --------------------- 272lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 297.5lb ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 1 May --------------------- 218lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 275lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 296lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 288lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb--------------- 1 May ------------------------- 209lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 1 May ---------------------- 203lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 205lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 1 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 251.8lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 259lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 ------------- 15lb ----------------------- ?lb--------------------1 May -------------------- ?lb ------------------------ ?lb knighmo --------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May--------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo --------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May -------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb