Hey all.

So there's a bunch of us in this group, all split up into our different banding days. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to have one master thread as we move through the month, in which all of us could post as we go, from the pioneers going on March 1st to the finalists on March 31st.

I'd love to talk about our anticipation and any worries as we approach our banding date, for people to talk about exactly what happened from the moment they walked into the hospital door until the second they walked out, about how recovery is going, about weight loss and plateaus, about non-scale victories and challenges.

I was thinking that if we all contribute to one thread, it'll form a more substantial channel for information and support. At the moment, I was thinking that we might be too spread out into individual date, and that a central thread would be a really good backbone for the group, in addition to the date-specific threads.

What do you think?

Fenton

Picasa Web Albums - Rhonda - weight loss

heres a link that shows my weight loss if anyone is interested

WOW! Congratulations on the century mark!! You are the incredible shrinking woman!!!:thumbup:

That's fantastic, Rhonda - next stop Onederland!!!

And while I'm in the mood to post and not just lurk...

Amanda, WTG on the triathlon! That's truly a great accomplishment! Oh, and nice job saving your husband's life!!! :biggrin2:

Fenton, Welcome back (belatedly), um, uh, congrats(??) on passing your stone... Now we'll just wait to see you hit the century mark... and without a fill! How do you do it? You're already 1/3 of the way done!

SpecialK, You must feel awesome in Twoterville! How nice to pass a major milestone in your journey...

All you other Shamrocks, keep doing what you do best. I love reading here while I'm trying to make progress of my own.

It feels slow, but I may have finally broken my plateau the hard way -- I had a small fill that was okay for 12 hours, and had it taken back out the next day when I couldn't swallow spit or anything else. I had to go on Clear liquids and then gradually work my way back. By starting out with a little more fill (0.6cc) and backing it down to 0.2, it caused major swelling 24 hours later. Kids, don't try this at home! But the good news is that we now know that I must be close to my sweet spot...

Scrappy - WOW, what a transformation. You are doing great, keep it up!!!

Picasa Web Albums - Rhonda - weight loss

heres a link that shows my weight loss if anyone is interested

wow you look fantastic WTG :thumbup:

Scrappy, You really look amazing! Congratulations!!!

Scrappy-Amazing job on the 100 lbs, you look fantastic!

Amanda-Glad to see that your hubby is still around! That had to be scary, make him earn it ever single day!

And huge props on the Triathlon! You are my new Idol!!!!

Cathy, vnj on the 50 lbs! I am 5.6 away myself, and I can not wait until 50 lbs. are gone forever!

Special K, you know that you are near and dear to my heart, welcome to Twoterville! We are sooo happy to see you!

Okay all, how tight is tight enuf, but not too tight? I had my 3rd fill on Thursday, 9.5 in a 14cc Band. I am tight, nicely tight, but I am afraid that I am not getting enuf food in. I had maybe 1/3 of a cheeseburger for lunch today, and maybe half a small side salad. On a good day. But is this really enough? I am super tight in the mornings, drinking only a Protein Drink and maybe half a bar for bfast. But I feel amazing, and soooo totally not hungry. Is this my sweet spot? Have I gone too far???!?!???................

Thanks for any input you may have!!!!!!!!!!

Scrappy Fantastic work!!! You are an inspiration!!

Scrappy congrats on reaching the 100 lb mark and twoterville, you are truly an inspiration!!

Amanda congrats on your triathalon, what an achievement!! You go girl.

As far as myself, I am steadily losing each week and for whatever reason, the last 2 weeks have been very good weightloss weeks for me as I've lost 9.6 lbs those 2 weeks. I'm thinking it has something to do with my treadmill routines which I changed up a bit the last couple of weeks, regardless I'm not complaining. I'm closing in on Onederland with less than 14 lbs to go and I'm stoked, Onederland here I come!

All of you Shamrocks, keep up the good work, sounds like our band's are doing what they are supposed to. Hip, hip, hooray!!

Thank you all for the compliments. I hope to add one more picture by next summer that has my goal weight on it.

BNL--Do you know how many cals/protein gms you are eating? It is hard to say, but I would guess that you have found that desired "sweet spot." Congrats!

I am not far behind you! I have 7.5cc in a 14cc band, and have lost that hungry feeling most days. I was able to eat a cheeseburger (no bun) and about 1/8 cup potatoe salad last night. I guess that might be a little much for one meal, but I had not eatten much the rest of the day. I am thinking about skipping my next fill later this month if my restriction stays this wonderful. I would hate to be too tight!

Rhonda--You look amazing. Congrats!

Hi Shamrocks!

Scrappy - woohoo! Congrats on 100 pounds!

Special K - Awesome! I know that must feel great to be in 2 ville! What a great job!

Amanda - WOW! You are really making a new life for yourself! I can tell you that 6 months ago I would have never even considered doing such a thing. Now I am walking 5ks. Congrats!

FILLS

I have to say that my latest fill seem to be doing its job. Sometimes I a full after only a few ounces of food. I can still eat more, but I am learning to be satisfied with less. I am hoping that this will kick the weight loss into gear. Of course, I have to admit that I GAINED 30 pounds last year while dieting! So, the fact that I have lost almost 30 pounds to date is a great thing. I am finally back down to the weight I was last year in the Spring.

I honestly believe the tightness is a personal preference. If you are losing and you are getting enough Protein and liquid, you should be ok. If you are weak and not getting all your protein in, you may want to get a small un-fill. I happen to need the band tight. For the first time, I am not sure that I will get a fill at the end of the month. Up til now, I have always wanted a fill.

Have a great day shamrocks!

Rhonda=beautiful!!