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

(Thanks for the nudge, Amanda - I shut the blog down for a while because of weird circumstances. I'll open it up again.)

Yeah, so the weigh in... Gah. The damage? I gained 17 pounds in 3 1/2 months.

But, OK, that's what I did. Let's see how quickly I can make my 100!

I also started seeing a therapist - a "shrink", I believe they call them. Well, re-started. And that was nice.

SO, yes, back, eating right, walking a lot, taking the talking cure. I think my head's back in the game. I'm motivated, it's going well, and I'm glad to be here among friends.

And I would join you in the NYC meeting in March, except I think I'm going to be in Hawaii.

I will put the meeting on the calendar. I hope I can get there for at least one of the days.

I too have had trouble logging on recently. Glad to know I'm not alone.

I am hosting Thanksgiving and I will be seeing the surgeon on the Tues before, so depending on what we decide to do about a fill I may be on mushies. I will have a little of everything...which means some turkey and a bite or two of my favorite sweet potato cassarole and a cauliflower dish that was in Cooking Light magazine this month. I know mashed potatoes are not worth it and the other veggies will just be steamed carrots and broccoli. I will have a bite of pumpkin pie.

I have been focusing on getting my excersize time worked out. I have decided earlier works better for me. So I have decided to try out 6:30 AM instead of 7:00 PM. it's amazing how distracting an 8, 4, and 2 year old can be while trying to focus on excersize at 7PM. So it's back to the morning routine. With my new job, it's more do-able since I can do it at 6:30 AM instead of 5:00 AM. I will let you know how it goes.

Fenton, glad to hear it's only 17 pounds! In the past I've gone on diets and lost 40 pounds and within 3 months gained it all plus a few extra back! So now let's see if you can get to your 100 pound off mark by the turn of the year. I plan on getting to Onederland by then, but I am running out of time, so how about a little competition?

Christine

For me to get to my hundred will mean losing 23 pounds in 6 weeks, give or take. I can probably do it.

Although I'll be in Paris for a month, without things like a blender, and those meal shakes. Or Protein powder.

But I think I can do it... You're on!

At the least, the competition might help me keep my nose clean.

OK, so I did it. I think it's a good way to start the day.

Fenton, I too would have to lose about 21 lbs in 6 weeks...with lots of baking etc thrown in because of the holidays. Don't know if I can do it, but I'm going to give it a try!

Christine

I would love to come to the conference but that is the weekend my youngest son makes his confirmation, and also his birthday!!!

Maybe next time.

Well, I go to the doctor today...I don't think my number is going to be impressive and I wonder if he will want to do a fill. I have been eating more carbs than Protein lately, and I don't know that a fill is what I need, or a kick in the a**!

We shall see what he says.

Yesterday Valerie Bertonalli was on tv talking about her book, and said there is this saying at Jenny Craig:

It's not about perfection... It's about progress!

I think this is my new motto!!!!

looks like the plans for thanksgiving are getting started. I am going to someone's house so have no control over what the choices will be, but plan on making wise choices with my options and eating small quantities. The quantity part should not be difficult. I am still quite restricted after my fill in Sept. so the coices are up to me. :rolleyes2:

lots of stress to deal with at this time, so making wise choices has been tough. I seem to fall into my comfort foods... BAD idea I know

Well... down another 2 pounds in the past month...not too impressive. I am scheduled for an adjustment on Dec 2nd.

Jonathan- Welcome back, for real!! You keep talking about no this or that in Paris. Well Mr whiny pants- You're in freakin Paris not outer space. I'm sure you can get your hands on a blender. Hell we'll all chip in and order it online and ship it to you as a house warming/You Wrote A Book!! present. What am I saying you WROTE A BOOK- you buy your own blender. As for the Protein order yourself some unjury to take with you or ship it ahead of you. Dude you'll do fine

PS Hawaii? Do they have blenders there?

Tess

I have heard the saying "Practice makes progress."

OK, so I did it. I think it's a good way to start the day.Christine

:thumbup:HOORAY FOR YOU!!!!!

One day at a time.

Haha, Amanda.

I'm one of those people, though, who finds eat easier to stick to a plan when all the tools are there. I'm more likely to eat right if I open the fridge and find Trader Joe's chicken strips in there, than if it's empty. And I'm familiar with Paris as a bit more than a tourist, but I"m not yet a native, so I don't know where to go to get the things I need. I'm certainly going to take a lot of stuff - Fibersure for sure, and, now that I think of it, some PB2. I've been trying to figure out whether or not I should buy a blender; there's a vegetarian joint a couple of streets over from me whcih I bet would have smoothies, and I guess I could bring my own powder if they didn't have any Protein Powder.

I'll just have to nail down a new routine quickly, that's all.

I've started yoga again, which is good.

Tess, you lost two pounds in the last month; I probably gained about eight.

Y'see, as I like to say, it's not about perfection - it's about *progress*.

Understand where I'm coming from?

Yes, I need to remind myself I am not perfect and never will be... just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other!!!!!

Jonathan- you need to make yourself a travel kit to satisfy your new lifestyle... you travel so much, once you get it planned out of the things to have available even in other countries, you will be set!!! You can do it, make a plan and stick to it!!!!

What about a magic bullet, Fenton?

They are small enough to pack and I know they whip up a mean protein shake!