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

Okay, survived day one of the five day pouch test.....liquids again! Wasn't that bad....I remember that feeling of empowerment that it gave me!

Back on track, life is good!

Harley---That's a really good idea. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow AM---if I can.

Hi Everyone, I am checking in. I weighed myself today and I am now at 98 LBS lost. Just 2 away from 100!!! I can not believe that this is happening. I keep trying to update my ticker and the computer will not let me. :tongue2: I wish everyone GREAT successes in 2009.

Wow! Potatie that is great results. Hey has anyone else had a problem with acid reflux? I had a hiatal hernia repair at the time of my surgery and was told I wouldn't have a problem anymore. But a few weeks after my last fill I started getting acid reflux every night. I have been taking meds and they were working but the last few weeks they haven't worked too well. I find myself popping tums during the night to settle things down. Any suggestions? I have tried lots of acid reducers and Pepcid Complete which always worked great.

Kathy....could it be that you're a little too tight? That's one of the questions my doc always asks before she gives me a fill......

I have to say that I've had NO indigestion or reflux since my surgery and it has been HEAVEN! I battled it quite frequently before!

I also had a hiatal hernia repair.

I guess that could be it. I hate to think I have been going through this for the last 5 months because I was too tight. At my 6 month checkup I mentioned to the doctor and he didn't seem concerned. Said as I lost weight it should stop. Hello!!! I read about taking a tablespoon of cider vinegar to neutralize the acid so I may try that tonight and see if it helps. I try not to eat after 7pm but I can still feel the acid during the night.

Nice work, potatie! We shall prepare the bouncing smilies and the balloon animations for your Century!

Kathy, how about trying one of those preparations that coat the stomach wall... I'm blanking on names. Mylanta? Pepto Bismol too.

I'd be a bit wary of the vinegar - it's just acetic acid.

not much weight loss lately, but have increased my exercise, so maybe it is muscle weight!!

It's funny being back on the wagon. Day 2, I feel a lot clearer, but also a bit angsty and tense.

I guess in part I'm having a busy, stress-y day, but it's also the way I always feel when I get back on the horse. And I'm hungry - not starving, but there's a pit in my stomach demanding attention. This will last another day, I think, and then I'll be used to not having my stomach full.

Then over a couple of days I'll be getting rid of all the excess Fluid, and hopefully by Friday weigh-in, I'll have actually lost, rather than gained (which is what I deserve!)...

Thank you Wishin 4 and Fenton!! I really appreciate it. I have had a hard time believing that this would actually work for me. As for the reflux, I have also been having the same issue at night. I told me doctor and they told me to take pepcid or tums. The seem not to care about it. It is annoying waking up at night and chocking on acid. The good news is that I am now off of my C-Pap machine and my acid reflux has gone down since I stopped using my machine. I think that my pressures were way too high, but I am sleeping better without my machine.

potatie - What a thrill to be off that blasted c-pap machine. That thing drove me crazy. I know it was keeping me alive, but I just never got comfortable using it. I am so glad that I will never have to use that thing again.

Also, congratulations on being almost at 100 pounds. What a awesome accomplishment.

Potatie..congrats on doing so well!!

As for the reflux I had it when I was too tight. Once I got my unfill I was entirely better.

Christine

Potatie- fantastic job!!!! Can't wait until I get to post a century mark!!!!

I am not having any reflux issues... can't really offer any advise, hope you guys feel better.

I think that it is fantastic that a few of you have been able to put away the cpap machines!!!!! How wonderful for you!!! What a NSV!!!!

On another note... My DH asked me today how much weight I gained since Thanksgiving, as of today my answer is NONE. However, when he got on the scale he has gained 8 pounds!!!!:thumbup::thumbup::lol::cool2::tt2: I know... pretty childish, but I have never had this happen before, and he was a little upset!!!!!

I have been having a hard time with wanting to eat all the time. I have always had some junk in the house but I was able to just overlook it. For christmas I made Cookies and had a bunch of stuff here and I figured its christmas time I can eat a little and then I will start new after the first of the year. Well its not so easy I want to eat it. I also think I'm ready for another fill cuz I am wanting to eat real food after about 2-3 hours. I hate this so bad.

My goal is to be 150 pounds my my bandiversary. Right now I'm up and down from 170- 172

Rhonda, You have done so well. I think this is always going to be a battle for us all. I baked cookies also and when Christmas was over, I tossed them in the trash. They were too tempting and I was determined not to have a weight gain. We will just have to get a handle on it before it gets out of hand. I know you can get to your goal by your bandiversary. Keep up the good work.