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

I've finally updated the headshot that goes out when I do interviews or for reviews - I'm down 100 pounds, and I don't look THAT different, but I'm definitely looking better.

Leaving Facebook... | Facebook

Im soo happy you put the link up. I wanted to share it with everyone when I saw it. I think you're looking wonderful. The difference from the Precious Blood dust jacket is really obvious.

Scheduled an endoscopy for February 24th. Wish I could get it done sooner, but no ride since DH is in Hong Kong for a while still.

We're both on the Island. If you really want to get in sooner drop me a private message. I'd be more them happy to give you a lift. Really.

Fenton - great interview and a great updated pic. A slimmer version of your original shot

HELP... still not able to eat more than 1/4 cup of solid foods, meats are tough to get more than 3 or 4 bites in. I am going to go back to protein shakes/drinks for a few days to get all my protein in,

No weight loss in close to 3 weeks..even with the difficulty getting food in. Doctor appt on the 17th so we will have a discussion of my issues!!

At this point are you all still counting everything (carbs, protein, etc) or just letting the band do the work? I know I lose more consistently when I count everything but once or twice a month I just say screw it and stop for 4 or 5 days at a time. Ugh.

Hi Jamie

I know I do better when I keep track of what Im eating. Whether it is just logging intake or actually counting nutrition facts (carbs/calories).

Thanks Amanda-

I was much better about it when I had my BodyBugg.

Its such a struggle to work on the emotional part (not letting food control my life) only to log everything I'm eating... one seems to complicate the other.

WyominGirl...I totally understand. The behavior modification therapist I saw before having surgery really emphasized working on eating 3 meals a day. Not having food exclusions (can't have this and can't have that) and moderation. This said I did have to do a journal at the same time. Not just noting the foods I was eating, but my feelings at the time I was eating. Awareness without obscession....that's my goal.

Christine

There is a great book called "The Food and Feelings Workbook" that my shrink recommended....I did it quite a bit at first, but haven't lately....but if you are a "mood eater" it really helps you build an awareness....

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Food-Feelings-Workbook-Course-Emotional/dp/0936077204/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234192878&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: The Food and Feelings Workbook: A Full Course Meal on Emotional Health: Karen R. Koenig: Books[/ame]

You know what I was just thinking? You never really see a shamrock growing all by itself. You see them in groups. Every one of them shining up to the sun. Snuggled next to its neighbor, like its giving it support.

I like being a shamrock with all of you other shamrocks.

You know what I was just thinking? You never really see a shamrock growing all by itself. You see them in groups. Every one of them shining up to the sun. Snuggled next to its neighbor, like its giving it support.

I like being a shamrock with all of you other shamrocks.

Very well said, I totally agree.

we are all here to help eat other reach the best point we can

no, Sharone, I'm right there with you. I just hit my 50lb mark about 2 weeks ago. Don't feel down, I try not to. I console myself sometimes by making myself realize that those 50lbs are gone forever, and if I never lose another pound then at least I've lost those. When I fist decided to join in on the discussion again, I was hoping that my jealousy wouldn't show. I'd love to be in a size 10 by now, but I'm not... I will be someday though. Losing is losing it doesn't matter how fast or slow. Keep going and yours will come off too.

Thanks Special.

I'm glad he's being careful too. I have 3 beautiful daughters and I can't let anything happen to me. Hell, the biggest reason I got the band was so I could be a better mother for my children. I would hate it if they were to miss out on something because mommy was too fat to participate.

I did it for myself too, but those kids need an active, healthy mommy.

I don't keep track of anything... but I should.

I feel like I keep saying that "I should" - but since I've found restriction, I let the band do its job. I watch what I put in my mouth, and know that the band will not let me eat too much.

Harley - congrats on the size 10 - that is a real accomplishment.

I went dancing on Saturday and almost lost my britches. I'm going to have to take in the waist of all my pants. Irony of ironies... band doesn't work for 6 months, so I'm close to giving up. Get new job at new school and my DH says - "Go shopping. I know you didn't want to buy any clothes until you lost weight, but you can't start your new job in rags." So I shopped. 2 months passed and then Oct. 6 rolls around. I get one more cc in the band and here I am 50 lbs lighter and all my new clothes are falling off. I'm not complaining BTW, just pointing out the irony. The best thing though - the pants aren't just falling off, but they are too long now too. WWhhhoooo HHOoooo.

I was thinking about asking for the Wii fit for my birthday. As I've stated, I have 3 kids and between day school and night school, if I leave them with anyone else to work out, then I'll never see them. I need to exercise at home. Is the Wii fit worth it?

Fenton,

English guys are handsome.

Sharona, I never heard of a greek yogurt. What is it and who makes it. Thanks