stevef

Great - sounds like we're all well on our way! Watntolose - in what way are you finding it more difficult? Steve

Hey Guys - It's been 8 months since we were banded and I just thought I'd see how everyone is doing. It took 5 fills for me and we're finally dialed in (10.5ccs in a 14cc band). I finally seem to be making some steady progress. Let us know how you're doing. Cheers! Steve

You're right about the bread. I was told up front that bread would be a problem, but I figured that would be after the fill so I dipped some bread in a soup I was having the other day and was miserable for a couple of hours. You have to love the instant feedback system as you can bet I won't make that mistake again!

I'm 6' 2" and carry most of this in my gut, but I'm big everywhere. I was 180lbs when I got out of college as I played basketball every day. I then started working in the oil field, eating too much and quit working out..... I'd be more than happy to get to 250 lbs. I really just want to be more mobile and able to do all of things I haven't for the past couple of years.

Just walking a bit right now - and I'm thrilled. A month ago if I went to the store I'd be stopping to catch my breath and break out sweating. I started at over 500 lbs so I suppose that could be expected, but you are right - even after a month or so I feel a lot better.

Looks like you're off to a great start Craig. Have you been exercising or walking? I've actually slowed the weight loss a bit, but I guess that is to be expected until I get my first fill.

So how are the rest of the April Bucks doing? I've switched to the "mushies" phase and where I miss the texture of a steak, ground chili or chicken salad taste pretty damn good at this point. It's also nice to have something besides soup, Protein drinks and SF Jello. My wife bought a blender called the Magic Bullet that makes individual portion sized meals right in the cup and it seems to work pretty well. I also started walking a little so I got an MP3 player and have loaded it with audio books so I can be entertained while tooling around the neighborhood. Starting at over 500 lbs I'm taking it easy at first but I'm really looking forward to the hip and back pain going away! Cheers! Steve

The first night I couldn't sleep on my left side as it was sore and it was tough to roll over so I ended up on my back or a little bit on my right side. By the 3rd night I was sleeping easily on either side. Thanks, Steve

The 2's will be great but right now my goal is the 3's! Steve

If you've lost 31 lbs so far I'm sure you notice. Clothes fit better (or are loose) and it's easier to get up and move around. I've lost about 30 lbs so far and feel great about it. I even went for a nice walk this morning and I haven't been able to do that for quite some time as I tired instantly, my hip hurt..... I realize you are a little bit past the "euphoric" state that I am as I'm only a week in, but you're doing great. HANG IN THERE and remember that we're doing this for ourselves!

It's been a week now and I'm feeling great. The excess CO2 all seems to finally be gone, I'm down another 10 lbs and actually went for a walk this morning. The Protein shakes seem to be doing the trick and I went to a restaurant yesterday and had them strain some Soup for me and fill my thermos - it beat the heck out of chicken broth from a box. How is everyone else doing? Keep us posted on the pros and cons! Steve