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

I was banded last Wed. and actually went to the office for a few hours on Thursday. I have my own biz and my wife drove so I could check in and do a few things while sitting at my desk. I wouldn't recommend it but I would have been sitting at home worrying so I figured I'd rather be miserable at the shop than at home. I put in a full day on Friday and that went very well. I'm fortunate to have a desk job in this situation. I actually think that the routine of work makes the diet part much easier. It's tough sitting at home over the weekend with the kitchen just around the corner...

I was banded this past Wed. and the only pain I have had was in my shoulder which apparently is caused by the CO2 that they use to inflate the abdominal area. This mostly went away after a couple of days and I haven't had any other pain at all. I really like the comment about having the discussion beforehand with your Dr.

Mystro - I'd love to have the pre-diet now although I know I wouldn't be able to eat any of it. Good Luck. I played poker with some buddies last night 3 days after getting banded and had my Jello and Protein drink while they had pizza and beer. They were very supportive and I wasn't having pizza envy. The shoulder pain from the gas is mostly gone. I spent Thursday night burping and farting all night long and finally got most of that out of me. I'm surprised my wife didn't move to the couch!

Good Luck Jimbo and hang in there cmexlr8 - we're pulling for you. Keep us posted on how you deal with the hunger. I was banded yesterday and everything went well. Since I was over 500 lbs there were some higher risks, but the Doc rocked and I'm feeling pretty good today. I haven't had any nausea and the only thing bothering me is the sharp pain in the shoulder from the gas. For those who aren't squeemish they took a picture of the band during the surgery and it can be seen at: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/texascans/SFLapband.jpg I look forward to reading about how y'all are doing. Cheers! Steve