how have the last two and a half weeks treated you? I know that Jack has provided us with a wonderful and inspriational running commentary about that week's NSV.

How are the other members of the 12/21 posse fairling? How is your weight journy going? Have you hit any unexpect things in your way?

I know there are several of us going in the next few days/week, and I know it would be benificail to see how you as a group are doing.

Hey Crystal,

Not sure where the rest of the posse is besides me and Jack. I was banded the same day but in Tijuana. I have lost 28 pounds and am feeling great. I've gone from some size 26 pants to 22s most of the time and one pair of 20s. I either walk or ride my bike just about everyday and some days I do both. I have so much more energy. I sleep so much better (most of the time without my CPAP). Actually my sleep doc says to keep losing the weight and he won't have me on it at all. My back doesn't bother me near as much. Used to be so painful first thing in the morning....my back and my feet, but no more!

I had my first fill Feb 12th. Not sure if I need another right now. The band is a bit fickle...sometimes I'll be just fine with a food and another time...no way. Still working on my mindset. I still struggle with the brain hunger. It's getting better. PBing is not as bad as I thought although it's not something I care to do if given a choice. But I have learned that if I get the sensation, to let it come up. Don't try to keep swallowing hoping it'll go down. For me, it just makes it worse and prolongs it.

I had people notice my weight loss when I returned to work after winter break (I had lost 14 pounds at the time). I'm sure it's because my face didn't look so puffy anymore.

For me, my weight loss has not been steady. It'll stay the same for a couple of weeks and then I'll lose 4-6 pounds. Then it'll go thru the process again. KInd of weird. My band has given me a sense of hope. It helps me know that I'm not going to see that 300 pound mark on the scale again and that I WILL see onderland someday.

Sorry this rambles....not sure what you want to know.

Take care Crystal. Here's to a quick and painfree recovery. Cheers!