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

Hey Tess at least it wasnt a 12 inch sub I used to be able to eat that.

Yay, Christine! A nice landmark before your trip!

Hey Tess at least it wasnt a 12 inch sub I used to be able to eat that.

Scrappy I was seriously thinking 12 inch... and cookies...and chips...etc!!! But I did resist!!!

Special K, sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family are in my prayers.

I had I fill on Monday . Boy do I feel restriction ! Even Water feels like it's going to get stuck . But I needed the fill because I gained 1.5 lbs . What I really need is self control .

MsCathy,

If it feels like Water might possibly get stuck, you're probably just a smidge too tight. I say this from experience. Even last week, I got a small fill (0.2cc) and everything was fine (but quite tight) for 4 days. Then I almost got stuck on something (no PB, just a sudden gush of saliva for a few minutes), and for the next 3 days, I could barely drink water from the swelling. My doc had to remove 0.4cc just to make everything comfortable again. Granted, I want the 0.2cc back, but the margin of error is just too slight if anything happens to get stuck. Tight seems like a good idea, but it's a tricky thing at best.

Mind you, last month, they added that extra 0.2cc (but started by adding 0.6cc), and that had to be removed the very next day because not only did water not go down, neither did saliva. When you're so close to the sweet spot, it becomes very sensitive. That's just my experience...

Hi all

Well all my plans for eating and exercising on the cruise to Bermuda went overboard! I did only use the stairs, no elevators. I tried to pick healthy at each meal. The problem was the amount of courses. I never have appetizer, Soup, main and dessert at all my meals, yet on the ship that is what was offered and it all looked sooo good. I just had to "try" each one.

The result was a 7 pound gain!!!

Good news is that as of this morning I've lost it all. So I think some was Water weight from traveling.

I keep kicking myself because if I had stayed on plan I would be 7 pounds down from pre trip and would have hit my Labor Day weight loss challenge goal.

I did have one interesting thing happen. I had a chocolate malted(yes but it was soooooo good!!!!!) and after I felt really nauseous. I think my system can't handle the fat calorie load anymore.

I am amazed over and over about how supporting this March group of Shamrocks has been to each other since we 'met' in early 2008 when we found out we had March surgery dates. Your many blessings and wishes of peace and comfort were tremendous and I say thank you.

I did eat a crazy diet these past days but I don't think I've gain which is a NSV for sure. I do believe stress makes our bands and restriction tighter but I found room for a donut this morning before the funeral (ugh!!) and a dish of ice cream (at least it was only 1 scoop) before the funeral calling hours yesterday.

Okay Fenton, we both have to get back on the wagon or whatever saying the English or Parisians say to get our butts in line again with eating.

I'm starting tomorrow when I wake up and start a new day.

Again, many thanks for all my Shamrock Support!:thumbup:

I had my second fill today. I have a total of 5cc in a 14 cc band. I sure hope this will break my plateau.

Well... I did it!!! I got a fill today, and boy am I glad I did it. I feel like I am going to be in alot better control!!! I hope this lasts for awhile!!!!!

Sounds like a few of us are in the process of starting anew!!! Lets keep it going shamrocks!!!!

Amanda aside from the food, how was your cruise. Was the weather good? Did you do any excursions? I have always wanted to go on a cruise!

Well... I did it!!! I got a fill today, and boy am I glad I did it. I feel like I am going to be in alot better control!!! I hope this lasts for awhile!!!!!

I know I do better when I am in control!! Go girl!!

Amanda aside from the food, how was your cruise. Was the weather good? Did you do any excursions? I have always wanted to go on a cruise!

Weather was not the best. Mountain biking excursion was canceled due to rain. Kayaking was cut short due to wind/rain.

All in all it was pretty good. We met up with some terrific folks and good company makes all the difference when stuff doesn't go as planned.

I highly recommend cruising. Im headed to Alaska next June.

Well I went to the Drs. yesterday and had a small amount taken out . I lost 3 lbs in two days from being to tight and not eating or drinking . I must say I liked the weight lost but not the pain of being to tight .

Again, today my band has a mind of it's own. Lunc was a good size salad, eggs, cheese, olives, bacon... and had little trouble with it. tonight is chicken and broccoli and I can't finish half of it....

Vacation is next week and hope I do not have ny problems. I usually d not go out to eat on vacaction, so that will not be an issue, but don't want to feel uncomfortable while away.

Special K I'm sorry for your loss. As long as I have been a nurse I can say death is never an easy emotion to process. Especially working in the ED for years in a trauma center. Your move on but never forget....it is tiring at times. I am so glad you and your mom were able to be there.

Fenton, what the hell is the matter with you!!! I think you need a fill before you go to Paris. I doubt that you will have issues....call the damn doctor and get yourself in there sooner....You are just procrastinating. We can all get into a plane and fly there to hold your hand or drive you to your appointment if you need us to....You know you can do this.....the band is there for a reason...and that is to get filled!!!!!

I think were all doing great. I'm at 6.5 cc in my 10 cc band...and I am so happy not to be hungry. I'm down 40 lbs now and am enjoying the luxury of being able to say no. I went into a buffet with mom in Florida and never even thought to go to the dessert bar.

Classes start soon with my new nurses coming in and another year begins.....

I am also having issues with clothing and...sorry Fenton...bras, bras, bras....the girls are shrinking and the bras are too big. That's something you really can't just let "hang" on you like a top or pants....

Lots of good sales these days though and I am taking advantage. Brought a bunch of old clothes to the shelter and it was great to pack them away....

Welcom Betty to our very active and sometimes whiney group....we are all with our own challenges......

I am going to the Antiques Roadshow that has come to Connecticut tomorrow. Actually I am the medical personnel for the event and get the luxury of going to the event free. I kinda pick and choose the events I am interested in. Enjoy what is supposed to be a great weekend...

sharon:)

BRAS, BRAS, yes, the biggest issue I have. In the past I sworeI would never wear an underwire bra, Now I live for them....

I find they are the best and my clothes look so much better when I wear them.

Heading out on vacation for a week, so may not be posting, never know if I can get internet connection,

Fenton - I have your book to read while enjoying the sunshine on the beach..

BRAS, BRAS, yes, the biggest issue I have. In the past I sworeI would never wear an underwire bra, Now I live for them....

I find they are the best and my clothes look so much better when I wear them.

Heading out on vacation for a week, so may not be posting, never know if I can get internet connection,

Fenton - I have your book to read while enjoying the sunshine on the beach..

I'm afraid ladies that even a good underwire won't be supporting the girls when we're done losing weight!!! Enjoy the beach. I too have Fenton's book to read....still haven't finished my other book yet....