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

Fenton, I think that goal is probably doable for you. You've made me decide to set my next short term goal for 20 lbs by June 1. We leave on vacation June 1 and I'd love to be 20 lbs less!! Goodluck to you!

Hi all,

I was banded March 24, 2008 and so far have lost a total of 23lbs. I have been in a stand still for the past week and haven't lost anything. But that is Ok, it will come. I think I am ready for a fill though. I need to call the doctor and set up an appointment for a fill and begin the losing again. Another reason I think I haven't been losing, my grandmother pasted away 1 week after my surgery and I haven't been getting all of my protein or all my water in. Hope fully beginning tomorrow, I will get back in my routine of eating the right things and drinking throughout the day.

Debbie, sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. This is a great place to come for support. You've done great on your weightloss so far, welcome aboard.

so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I sympathize with you and the additonal struggle it puts on your weight loss.

A fill already when banded 3/24... seems soon.

Good luck, keep moving forward and ll the best

PAID OFF!

After what seemed like FOREVER (really only five days).....IT MOVED

and I'm officially down TWENTY POUNDS!

Ah, it feels good!

Congratulations Harley!!

Hi, my name is Janet and I was banded on March 17th and I think I'm going great. I haven't had any problems at all. I was on Slim Fast and Water for 16 days post op (no pre op diet required for me). My 16th day post op I'd lost 28 pounds and now I've lost another 4 for a total of 32. I've been walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day. My diet was progressed 4 days ago to pureed foods. I am only allowed 2 oz of food 3 times per day. I'm only eating 3 times per day but its probably more like 8 oz because I am not feeling any restriction. I'm eating baby food (spiced up) and eggs, grits and pureed vegetables. None of my calories are allowed to come from liquids so no more Protein drinks. I drink sugar free kool aid and eat sugar free Jello. Probably taking in 600-700 calories per day along with my exercise. The first 2 days of doing this were rough but I think I'm okay now. I know I could eat much much more but I am exercising self control until my first fill when I hope to have restriction.

I go back to the doctor on April 22 and I hope to get a fill that day. I'll be 5 weeks and 2 days out then. My diet will then progress to soft foods.

I feel great and I know that I've lost an extreme amt of weight for no longer than I've been banded but I'm impatient and can't wait for it to all melt off. I'm sooOOOO excited about this new lifestyle.

Janet:wub:

Congratulations Janet you are doing really , really well. Wish I had even half of your self control!

One cool thing: my 48lb weight loss is 10% of my original body mass!

I should by myself something cool!

Fenton that is so awesome!!! You must feel great. I think you deserve a new toy of some sort.

Christine

OK, Teri - you're on! Let's see if we can both do it...

Debbie, your grandmother's death must have been a huge trigger for bad eating habits - you've done a great job resisting. Generally, I don't think they do fills for a good four to six weeks, to give the surgical site time to settle down, and let all the swelling stop. Just hang in there with your liquid intake - that needle'll budge soon.

Christine, thanks. But I have all the toys I need!

Lisa, you def. did the right thing with regard to your sister. It's tough, but you have to take care of yourself. Yesterday evenign I went through the house and threw away all chocolate. I explained to my eldest son what the issue was and he helped me toss it out.

Went out todaya nd bought some fresh fruit and yogurt and some other stuff to go along with my mushie diet.

Christine

Anyone still having shoulder pain?

I'm tellin' you it's excrutiating today......I can't even take a deep breath.

I've got a hot pack on it right now and it helps, but DANG.

I've had it off and on since my surgery on the 18th, but today it's just horrible.....

And CONGRATS to you SV types (I'm assuming that if there's an NSV, there's also an SV)! :confused2:

No shoulder pain here since about 6 days post-op. Sorry to here you are still having it. Feel better soon!

Christine

Harley, have you been celebrating your scale Victory (SV) with a beanfest? Filled up on Coke and refritos?

It seems odd that you should be so badly afflicted so far out from surgery.

My Number 1 suspicion is that you have done something wrong, and God has decided to smite you with gas. But I could be mistaken.

And CONGRATS to you SV types (I'm assuming that if there's an NSV, there's also an SV)! :confused2:

SV=scale victory, NSV= non-scale victory, such as fitting into a smaller size:)