Hi everyone--I thought I'd listen to some advice from one of the other monthly groups and start one master thread in which we have an ongoing discussion/updates. I don't know about you all but I certainly spend most of my time on these boards on the pre-op forum and the general forum, not here. It would be nice to have just one thread to go to once in this forum.

We can maybe start out with introductions?

As for me, I'm going the "online privacy" route for now (paranoid that people I haven't told about this will somehow stumble across me on this site I guess, which is crazy, I know) but I can give you the big picture:

You can call me Penny, I'm 27, single and live in the Washington, DC area. I have a background in politics (which is why I live in DC) but now I'm a librarian which is much cooler and way more fun (trust me on that). Oh, and there's no "Marion the Librarian" thing with me either. One of the things I hear most frequently (besides the cliche "you have such a pretty face") is "but you don't LOOK like a librarian", which is another one of those bizarre backhanded compliments that you never really know how to take.

Personality wise, I'm kind of dorky, big into public radio and books and popular science. Oh, I'm also a little on the paranoid side (as you may be able to tell from earlier in this post). Beyond that I'm just kind of silly and friendly, VERY much so into traveling and I'm an aspiring "green" domestic diva (but that's not going so well).

Since my unfill on Feb 2 and the start of a MONSTER period (it's making up for skipping last month), I've put on 3 lbs. I ain't changing that ticker though because it's coming right back off. I have a fill scheduled for next Tuesday and I'm desperate for it.

I hear ya! I lose..... change my ticker.....the weather gets warm...then I gain a couple lbs in fluid. I have a cold right now and started taking children's liquid sudafed. Now my band is so tight when I try to eat protein, it gets stuck.:tt2: So, I am eating mushies today.

Hi, Butterflies! Without notifications, I forget to come here and see how you are. I'm not losing fast, but it is coming off. No news on the job horizon for my husband, so my band is a little tighter. But that is a good thing, as there was room for that.

I have a surgical D&C scheduled for early March, so I've been doing the pre-op stuff required. I'm trying to get as much done as possible while we still have this really good health care coverage. I'm not sure what we'll have later. I'm going to get my mammogram done, too. Fun, fun, fun.

Congrats on the weight loss Orea. Slow and steady wins the race.

Sorry to hear about the no news on the job front. I hope your D&C goes smoothly.

Thanks. Me, too!

Since my unfill on Feb 2 and the start of a MONSTER period (it's making up for skipping last month), I've put on 3 lbs. I ain't changing that ticker though because it's coming right back off. I have a fill scheduled for next Tuesday and I'm desperate for it.

Update: Even though my period hasn't departed, it's waning and this morning the scale showed that not only did I lose the extra 3 lbs I put on but an extra pound down. Yay!

Terriffic!!

Orea, nice to hear from you again. praying the job search goes ya'lls way. Donna, way to go on getting those extra lbs off.

Is anyone here on Facebook? I'd like to add you to my friend list. :-)

hey all just checking in.. seems like all is well

Donna congrats on getting rid of those extra pounds.. my period always made me gain about 2 or 3 and then lose them after.

Orea- I will be praying for your D&c and the job front. and way to go you are so close to your next goal!

I am feeling alright.. I have started to feel nauseous but I am only hoping it stays this way and isnt a repeat of my last but other than that my pants that were loose from losing are now a little snug in the waist. as long as they dont get a lot snug everywhere else things will be ok!

well keep up the good work ladies..

Orea, when is your procedure? I hope and pray all goes well.

Donna, glad the lbs are off and you are back on track.

Shrinknme, I like that ticker........cool! I wish you a smooth going pregnancy.

My procedure is scheduled for March 2. Your thoughts and prayers are most welcome. :-) {{{hugs}}}

Hey Gals,

What are you doing to exercise? I honestly haven't done any exercise at all. I just wasn't in the mindset to do it the first couple months I was banded. Since November I've had a toe injury and I can't do anything on my feet until it heals which could be many many months. Is anyone swimming? I just love to swim, hate the other stuff that comes with it. Getting out of the pool being cold and the effects of chlorine. I just ordered a fitness swimsuit and goggles and I want to start swimming badly. I know my strokes and I'm a good swimmer, I just don't know how to make it a real workout as I've never really swam for fitness. Any ideas?

Is anyone here on Facebook? I'd like to add you to my friend list. :-)

I'm on facebook!

Hey Gals,

What are you doing to exercise? I honestly haven't done any exercise at all. I just wasn't in the mindset to do it the first couple months I was banded. Since November I've had a toe injury and I can't do anything on my feet until it heals which could be many many months. Is anyone swimming? I just love to swim, hate the other stuff that comes with it. Getting out of the pool being cold and the effects of chlorine. I just ordered a fitness swimsuit and goggles and I want to start swimming badly. I know my strokes and I'm a good swimmer, I just don't know how to make it a real workout as I've never really swam for fitness. Any ideas?

I have taken water aerobics before and it will kick your butt. Anything you do that is moving your arms and legs constantly will increase your heart rate. Also, you can buy aquatic weights to use while you are exercising. Check for them at probably academy sports. I am not sure whether walmart or target carry them.

Kimaly, how do I find you on Facebook? Or maybe you can find me? Orea de Sa'Hana