Hello band sisters and brothers!

Just a quick update before getting ready for work. Four weeks ago this morning was my surgery, and what a difference a month makes! I thought I felt good after surgery, but now I'm feeling so great! Healing is a process, and I've had to be patient with myself. I went back to work on day 5 which went really well, but I live on three acres in Colorado and there were so many things needing done that I started in on one week after my procedure. I found I had to build up my stamina slowly, but eventually it has come back (pushing myself a little every day), and now I'm back in full swing - with even more energy and able to do much more than I could before.

I had the tiny amount removed from my band around day 5 put back in a week ago and it has helped. I've been working out five days a week doing 40 minutes of cardio, striving to stay in my target zone, and feeling good doing that. I've been doing my very best not to eat too much, I do have some restriction, but could still overdo it. I find myself wanting to "graze" all day, and that's not going to be a good strategy with the band, so I've been trying to stick as much as possible to three small meals and one snack in the afternoon, being sure to get in all my protein. I find myself eating too fast which can sure cause discomfort and some trouble, and I realize that old habits really do die incredibly hard. I'm grateful to have this physical reminder of the habits I need to change!

I've lost a total of 19 pounds since my pre-op diet which was a three-day clear liquid fast. Since surgery, I'm down 11. Slow and steady, maybe a pound a week, but my doc says not to worry right now about losing weight so much, so I feel like I'm doing well. They also tell me that those who don't have large amounts to lose will lose slower, and I need to remind myself that the weight WILL come off if I continue to work with my band, and remind myself how good I feel with 19 lbs already gone. It makes a really big difference in getting around and moving through my day!

My fill isn't scheduled until July 18th, and that's a week or so before we're leaving for a family vacation. I'm glad I'll have some time in between to see what works and what doesn't so I don't end up uncomfortable on vacation. My nephew is a chef and he'll be preparing many of our meals, and right now I find that I can handle just about any food as long as I chew it thoroughly, and eat slowly. My goal is to be at -20 by the end of next week, which is a very realistic goal (one pound a week!) though I really secretly would love to see it fall off much faster than that!

I love this site, I love my band and I'm grateful to everyone for their support and for the information I gain here! Thanks everyone, back in a little bit as there is more to report.

Hugs to all

D