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

Hmmm... A Magic BUllet is a good idea for traveling. How big are they?

I'll stop whining. I'll be staying in my own place in Paris; I should just buy myself a blender there. The thing is, my new apartment is so tiny that even installing a blender is a big deal!

It's more the hassle of trying to continue established practices in a new environment - in NYC, I know how to feed myself and where to get the stuff with which to feed myself - I like having access to things like Isopure Protein drinks. In Paris, I'll just have to set up new patterns.

There HAVE to be health nut stores there, too. Just a question of finding them.

I'm kind of blue at the prospect of restarting hair loss, though! Here, I mean.

The website says they are 4 x 4 x 10.......

I bought an off-brand, much cheaper version at Penney's and it's worked great. They come with a bunch of crap you don't need....but such is life. I use the base and one glass....that's it....so it wouldn't take up a ton of room. Maybe you could have it shipped to you over there?

It's all I've ever used to make my drinks....

I do envy you spending time in Paris......

I spent a week there in 2000 and it wasn't long enough!

We walked so much that I don't remember gaining any weight in spite of the incredible food....and wine, of course!

Paris seems great..I envy you Fenton

Right now I am making plans to attend a lapband conference in NYC in March. Looks like it could be fun and finally get to meet people that we talk to on the threads..

Jonathan you are not the only person with this problem apparently. I found this answer over on OH when a banded American traveling on business asked about 'safe foods' in Paris.

"If you can communicate in French, it's a lot simpler, but if you have facilities to make your own food, it's not difficult. Simply choose the same things you would eat at home. If you are eating out a lot, eat the Protein stuff first, veggies second, carbs last. One thing you will find out about Paris is that if you buy food at the local supermarket (I remember Felix Potin!), you can find absolutely wonderful produce and dairy. You can buy a slice of lean ham at the charcuterie (place to buy pre-cooked things, and pork products). You can find part-skim milk cheeses at the cremerie. You can buy a single egg there, for that matter. I know it's hard but try to stay away from the patisseries (pastry shops) and boulangeries (bakers). If you eat the simply prepared steak (the French love good minute steak) and a fresh vegetable, you will do very well. French people in France do NOT eat rich food, heavy sauces, and sweet Desserts every day. Many people follow a very simple "regime," and simply do not snack the way Americans do. Onion Soup minus the crouton with all the cheese on it will be low in calories. Eat clear Soups and bouillion. Eat grilled fish and chicken. And ENJOY!!! I loved living in Paris, and I hope you will, too. Margie B"

So sounds like you're going to be ok.

PS Isopure makes a powder you could ship there.

Ha! You guys are great!

Really, don't worry about me. I'm whining, and I'll find a way. It's a beautiful place to walk, and before Xmas it's at its most sparklingly beautiful, with lights and greenery. It's not as over-the-top and commercial as it is here in the US (but it's getting there!).

I speak French, and know restaurants, so I'll be fine. I'll concentrate on fish, and eat steak tartare at least twice a week - who can turn up minced raw beef??? But I must tell you: there will be patisserie!

I have my pedometer, and my apartment is in a really beautiful location, in the medieval center of the city, all narrow streets that you can barely squeeze a car through, let alone the pedestrians. So I'll certainly walk at least four miles a day.

To be specific: 1.7 miles to the patisserie I love, and 1.7 miles back, plus 0.6 miles wherever!

I kid. But really, I will be walking a lot. And I've restarted yoga, both shorter and longer DVD sessions, so, voila: exercise!

It'll actually be good to be out of the office over the holidays, when it becomes a minefield of chocolates and home-baked goods and holiday parties...

Yipee Skippy....100 pounds gone today.

It has been awhile since I have checked in. I have to back up and read and see how everyone is doing.

I got a fill a few weeks ago. I am tight, tight. I have been very comfortable with my band, eating big bites and too fast. Boy have I had to go back to the band basic rules with this fill.

Whoa! Sugar Bean! FANTASTIC!!!

That is MAJOR!

Congratulations! And ENVY!!!

good job sugarbean did u lose that just since surgery?

Congratulations Sugar!! Way to go!!

Christine

I was going to skip my workout this AM, since I am off today. But instead, I convinced myself I love the energy jolt it gives me for about 4 hours each day....it really wakes me up. So I did it....3 days in a row!

Christine

WTG Sugarbean, congratulations

Start Monday with my fitness evaluation, to see how bad a shape I am in. Then getting a trainer to get an appropriate workout set up. I definitely need to do something about the flapping arms and the saggy belly skin...great visual

SugarBean!!! That is WONDERFUL!!!! You must be walking on a cloud. That is the kind of magic number we have all come here for and it's wonderful to see it happening.

Lynn--you are doing so well and you are my inspiration. We have the same banding date and about the same goal.

I'm in NYC right now for some work and then an opera tonight and home (MA) tomorrow. I'm also feeling MUCH lighter because I just got a huge proposal out at work that has been bone crushingly stressful for such a long time. BOTH tenure and promotion depended on it as well---- so this not only is more money---more than that it actually means that I will not be laid off from work!! So I'm starting to feel like a human being again. I also love walking in the city (and don't like it in the country which is where I live). Now that I have a good head start back on exercise and a bit more time to do it --I'm going to start Pilates when I get home.

Edited November 22, 200817 yr by Desdemona

Excellent, Desdemona! That feeling after finishing a big project is SO satisfying!

Everything's going well, I think. Certainly, all the signs are there - constipation and hair loss. Victory is mine!

Where IS everyone???

I had a calorie splurge yesterday. I went with a friend, weepy because she'd been dumped, to Otto, which is a popular and noisy Italian/pizza joint. I didn't restrict myself, but ate a lot less than I've ever eaten there - a couple of slices (minus the edge crust) of superthin crust pizza with prosciutto and balsamic vinegar, a third of a tiny portion of linguine carbonara, some parmesan custard, some olive oil ice cream with lime curd and grapefruit bits.

It wasn't as much food as it sounds, and I left some of everything behind - kind of a first. All told, I'm well under 2000 cals for the day, plus I walked a lot, so I'm pleased with how it all went down.

Hi everyone,

I've been a lazy girl, not checking the boards! Too much going on I think. But I've missed you all with your sage advice!

I've finally finished my postgrad, have my graduation ceremony in a couple of weeks and I'm now just waiting to hear about work for next year. The worst part about the education system is that they only have to give you 2 days notice to start work anywhere in the state -- so I could be given 2 days notice that I have to move 15 hours drive from here! Bah!

Anyway, I'm impatient and frustrated with work etc. Otherwise, my weight loss has been going well, even though some of my food choices haven't been that great. Weird, huh? I guess that's the beauty of restriction -- even when I DO decide to eat something naughty, I sure can't eat much of it!

Anyway, I've been pretty down for a while, but I'm hoping I'll come back up again soon. Glad to see that we're all surviving here.

Much love to all,

Annie.