Greetings all,

As a faithful reader of the last month or so, I feel I know many of you already. I really didn't expect to find myself actually messaging; thought I'd just gather info about this banding experience and get on with myself. Anyway, banded by Dr. Ortiz on 1/14. All went well - on the beach within two days and back to work the nest week. Basically followed the requirements of clear liquids week 1; mushies week 2 & 3 (although one might question my interpretation of "mushie"). Only lost about 5 lbs but knew I was in the healing phase and when the real food came all would kick-in. Well, that hasn't happened. It seems I've been able to eat lots (right from the beginning I could down a can of soup) and now that I'm on solids, all seems fair game; even gained back 3lbs. Clearly there is little restriction going on in my world - and I'm playing it for all it's worth (I'm being really bad now and testing it out constantly). Although, thankfully, I'm not going through anything like Jonathan and hopefully will never experience what DeLarla has, I'd like to think $9000+ would result in something more than this.

So here goes, for those who respond so patiently to the questions of we newbies, do you think there is anything to be concerned about here and can I expect a considerably different reality after my first fill?

Was really hoping to be in a pair of shorts by June....

Darcey - I'm really envious now - my best buds live outside Portland and a trip up there for a fill would be awesome. But feel I must return to Ortiz for the first - just to make sure all is right in bandland. Maybe this summer we could rendezvous during the blues festival and tighten up!!!! Good luck to you; give me an update after this fill and I'll cross my fingers that it's good for another 20.

Jonathan, as to the soup thing - I think that's the culprit for my weight gain - well that and the elimination of Diet Coke. Good luck to you; if you begin gaining refer to these posts and wait it out patiently till fill #1.

Marla