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

Fenton, I look forward to seeing you post your latest results -- I'm sure it's not as bad as you think it may be.

You know how much we all missed you while you were gone, but you're back now and we need your humor, advice, and encouragement on a regular basis. Just this last week, in fact, I've started making my morning shake with chocolate Protein, milk, frozen ripe banana, ice, and (gulp) salt, per your instructions. It's really good, especially the boost to the texture with the frozen banana. :ohmy:

You've given us lots of support this far, and we're not going to let you struggle out there alone!

I think it'll be fine, but July was a bit of a right-off month for me. I'll find out tomorrow if I've spiralled upwards again. I hope not.

Either way, I shall post the gory truth here!

Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to be bratty and point out that it's a "write-off". Can I edit your next book?

Fenton, I'm having the same problems. For so long it was just easy to make those good decisions. It's becoming harder and harder and I'm not sure why. I'm not gaining, but I'm not losing. And I've hurt my foot and can't exercise. Maybe that's the key to it all, I keep telling myself that when my foot gets better I'll get back on track.

Chica, I wouldn't have minded you being remiss!

Well, I'm hovering between 6 and 5 pounds over my century mark, which is pretty bah. But not the end of the world, at least not quite yet.

My preference is actually for the *vanilla* SFO as a base for that drink - all of the diet/nutrition-y chocolate beverages taste like crap. The vanilla doesn't taste great either, but it's a pretty good vector for the flavour of banana and Peanut Butter, which is what makes that shake so durn tasty.

3rd fill today, only a small one 9.5cc added to my 14cc band. now at 5.5 cc. weight is at 190# woohoo :tt2: Dr wanted to add nothing but I said just a bit, please, so we will see if there is any change in restriction. but now liquid for the next few days.

For goodness sake Fenton GET A FILL!!!! you'll feel so much better. I can't believe you've gone this far and haven't had one. WHY WHY WHY...we ask....look if your afraid of the doctor we girls can come up there or down there depending on where you live, and we'll fill it for you!!! GET going......

I just got my third fill. I am hoping this one makes a difference because my weight loss has really slowed. That's another reason to get a fill sooner rather than later, Fenton. It takes several before they make a difference. That is just my experience!

Fenton--I know what you mean re: the level of stress---being tired--overwhelmed--out of control---pushed--pressured. Eating whatever I jolly well wanted and whenever I jolly well felt like was my way of exercising SOME control in my world when everything seemed out-of-control. I also felt things were just too hectic to eat healthier. I was always on the run and grabbed whatever drive-through was on my way. But--then I felt so bad (physically and emotionally) that I decided that eating right and trying to establish good sleeping habits was the ONLY thing I really had ANY real "control" over. I knew that if I let my work/schedule chip away at my health then I was going down big time. So--I'm with the others on this one --- get a fill ASAP! It will probably take least a few before you get a good effect. Here it is Aug and I STILL only have the same amount I had at my first fill in the beginning of fill because of mistakes that have been made by my surgical team! I STILL am not at a sweet spot! SO--the point here is -- don't delay. You have been working hard and you deserve this. Be GOOD to yourself!!!

oops,, it was only 0.5cc added with my fill, if it were 9.5cc i would be in real trouble

Hey Fenton,the slow loser here,go get a fill.I am still on vacation,went for a fill at the beginning and lost 11lbs.I am finally at my sweet spot had the fill and the restriction has lasted. Almost 3 weeks now It is amazing,I now have a love /hate relationship with my band I sure love the weight coming off finally. I have not done any excercise so it will be insteresting to see what happens when I get home and get into the exercise again.

Fenton,go for a fill and let that wonderful tool help you.You will hit the 100 mark in no time.Keep your chin up how wonderful to get this far without a fill.

Pat

Wow! I have been reading the posts from the last several weeks. I have had company as well as going on a vacation so I got way behind. I was afraid I had gained some weight back because I haven't been eating very well, what with being on vacation and all. I got on the scale when I got home and managed to lose 6 pounds while I was gone. I still feel like I eat too much at my meals so I have an appt on Tuesday for another adjustment. I currently have 2ccs in a 4cc band. I agree that you should try a fill Fenton. It is there for your help and you'll be surprised how much it helps you. Good luck to everyone.

I'm going to the Drs. next Monday and I'm going to get another fill . I thought I had my " sweet spot " but I don't . These last few weeks I've been eating like a pig . I go to the gym 6-7 days a week and I keep gaining and losing the same 3-4 lbs.

I just got back from my run. I am doing the Couch to 5K challenge. I am back on week 4 since I had EVLT (Endo Venous Laser Treatment for varicose veins) That surgery has put me two weeks behind. I did okay, but I did not finish. Maybe next time.

Tess - How goes the c25k program for you?

I took a scale challenge not to weigh until Labor Day. 3 more weeks, I am not sure I will be able to hold out that long. But, I go to the doctors next week for a fill, so I will get a sneak peak. I have been thinking about having them not tell me. But, I do not think that will work. I would not be able to stand it.

Fenton - I have lost 83 pounds with one fill, but you have lost 94 w/o a fill. That is amazing!! Go get that fill, it will put you over the top.

mscathy - I thought I had my sweet spot after my last fill. It was wonderful for a few weeks, then bam, I am hungry. Why is that?

I don't know . I just hope I'm not stretching my pouch .