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

TESS - WTG congratulations

Special K - I am seeing a big change in watches, rings and bracelets, even necklaces. They all are loose and I feel I may drop them off my hand/wrist.

Mamogram - I had mine a few weeks ago. It was odd not to have to worry about "getting enough breast on the plate" I did thinbk it may be less painfi=ul, but alas, it still hurt like H$LL..:sad_smile:

NSV - smaller clothes...sixe medium pants, and large shirt. YIPPEE

It is nice to hear from so many of you. Rhonda & Tess - congrats on your new "lands"! It feels so good to hit those milestones.

I love reading about what you are all going through, but I don't always contribute because I still struggle with the lap band decision. I don't want my worries clouding the other successes and positive outcomes.

Even with those feelings, it is so nice to be looked at as "normal". Some newer friends have been surprised when they hear a comment from someone about how much weight I have lost. I hope to lose about 15 more pounds, but I am OK with it being slower now. My kids love having lots of lap to sit in and I notice how my 6 year old can now easily hug the whole way around.

I know that I haven't used the lap band like I should. I can actually feel myself get full in my lower stomach - I don't think anything stays above the band. I guess in some way it gives me a bit of hope that if I do get the band removed that I might be able to keep the weight off myself. I will probably get the little Fluid out that I do have in soon - just because I find that I have always had to clear my throat since having surgery. I think that if I had lots of money around, I would probably have the band removed.

That said, I also would never say it isn't a great tool for so many people. I know how much it helps and how it has changed so many for the better. Who knows - I may be the poster child for this some day...

Oh good we can talk about bras. I am still wearing the same bras that I had at 315 pounds. They are stretchy and didn't want to buy them for each size. So here is my problem the old ones were sort of comfortable but didnt do much as far as support. I am now having a horrible time finding one that i like that fits good. So far I have tried on 14 different bras and still didnt buy one. The only one I tried on that even felt comfortable was $32 and no way am I going to spend that.

Any suggestions on a comfortable bra that gives support?????

I was a 54D and I think now I'm around a 40C

Bras are expensive - I have to say that I usually spend between 48 and 60 for each. I hate doing it, but it is the only way I can get one that has support and comfort. I just end up being unhappy with anything I get that is cheaper. Sorry I can't help you with finding less expensive support! My favorite is Le Mystere.

I loved that ya'll want to set X-mas goals! I had actually already set my personal goal to be below 200# by X-mas and as of this morning I weighed 217 so I don't see that as unattainable. Actually, I think I'm going to push myself to try and get there by Thanksgiving. Then see if I can hit my Dr's goal (188) by Christmas, or maybe New Year's.

I got a fill on the 26th and have lost 8 pounds since but I'm too tight. I was actually O.K. the first week but ever since last Friday I haven't been able to eat anything without throwing it up. Used to when I'd get stuck I could just "yak" it up and be fine, but now I "yak" then can't stop and end up throwing up everything. Plus the reflux is killing me.

As for the bras, I went to Lane Bryant and hit their clearance section. I got a couple cotton underwire ( in 40C BTW ) for $6.99 a piece. Of course one is hot pink, the other blue with white apple outlines and the other is neon green with hot pink flowers. Not so much to wear under a white T-shirt but I usually wear black anyways - remember how "slimming" black is supposed to be for a big girl?

Also I had all my hair cut off last week. My DH hates it, hasn't spoken to me since except to tell me how ugly my hair is and if he wanted to live with a lesbian, he would have stayed with the one he had. On the other hand, I haven't been hit on more in my life than I have in the past week! If he's not careful, he's going to get traded in. Real fast! Had some interesting offers, maybe I'll actually consider them. :sad_smile:

Tess, congratulations on making it to Twoterville!!! You are doing so well! Way to go!!

I too finally broke down and bought a bra. I bought two because I know I will be dropping sizes further and can't spend the money again. I wish I could have found something on the clearence rack, but it did not pan out.

I have not bought any new clothes yet, but have gone through all my stuff that was way too tight before band. I really need to shop, but can't see spending the money when I know more weight is coming off. Really a catch 22 because Iknow I would feel better about how I look if I had clothes that fit. Maybe I'll hit a thrift shop or two.

Christine

Thanks everyone for the all support, it really means a lot to me!!!!:eek:

Ronda - I am having a hard time finding a good bra too. I even went to one of those "fitting" days and wasn't satisfied with what they have to offer. I always use 18 Hour by Playtex and the cheapest I can find is usually Just My Size website when they have free shipping.

WCM - I hope you find peace with your band. If you can keep up the good healthy choices without it being filled, I say more power to you!!!! I don't know if I'll ever feel that confident about myself even when I get to goal. Time will tell.

Christine - I am currently in my last size of things in my closet, I too am going to go to some thrift shops and see what I can find. I also hit the clearance racks pretty hard. I never pay regular price for anything.

Mom - I just don't understand why some men have issues with short hair!! I bet you look absolutely fantastic with your weightloss and new hairstyle. Glad to hear you're turning heads!!!

I've been lucky finding cheap "in between" clothes....caught old navy just at the right time and got some jeans for 12 a pair.....bought my current size and a size smaller....so at least I'll be able to cover my ass!

Dillard's had 40% off of their clearance prices the other day and I found some tops for pretty cheap....

Like you guys, I won't spend much money on clothes for a while.

Rhonda--I was very lucky to find a vanity outlet store just around the corner from work. I bought 2 40D and 2 38D's and paid between $4 and $8 for each! I was really excited. They had a TON of $15 bras that looked much more comfortable, but I thought until I am done losing I would stay with the cheepies!

WCMom--I can't imagine how you must feel. I know how much time/money/fighting I did to have this surgery, and to feel like you would want it out must be terrible! It is great to see how you are making positve changes despite the band. You are one tough chick! Please don't feel like you have to filter yourself on here...we all need to hear every side of life with the band...the good, the bad and the ugly!!!

Robin--I am sure your haircut is cute! There are sooo many short styles out there just waiting for the right woman! Sound like your hubby better watch his step! LOL

OMG - bras. They are the worst to buy. Once I find one I like, bam, it is too big, so I find myself holding onto just a few that fit somewhat well.

I can't wait to be able to go and get a "fitting" for the proper size, style and cup...40# to go for goal, so looking forward to that soon

Kerry3, I love your basset!! I have 3, 2 that live here with me and one that lives at my familys home in Canada. I just read a few days worth of posts and don't remember who were the posters but for those that are in a plateau right now, please remember not to limit your cals too much, as if you go to low your body will drop back into starvation and hold onto everything, I would not go much below 1200. Good luck I hope you all get out of your plateau's soon.

I bought 2 bras today got the playtex 18 hour ones paid $40.50 for 2 so I guess not too bad. I took my 9 year old daughter with me and she thought she needed a bra too. She was trying on these padded ones way bigger than her AA size. But she had fun so I let her pretend. I did buy her one at walmart a bra and panty set for $3.88 she was too happy.

I am so stressed out right now and just have time to say....It's more stressful stress eating now that my band is not full than it was to not be able to eat at all! The grass is always greener!

Christine

Way to go Tess!!!!