Rebeccalee

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Pat, My loss has slowed at this point. I lost zero pounds through the holidays -- but that was because of what I was eating. Getting back on track, I lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks, but some of that is probably Water. At 4 monts out I was still losing an average of 2 pounds per week. I don't really expect to return to that level. It really doesn't matter that I don't have a fill. What matters is whether there is restriction. Having a decent amount of restriction and following a sensible bandster eating plan do the job!

Paula, thanks for sharing such a touching moment. You are indeed blessed. And your new avatar is really cute.

Fantastic progress! Way to go. :Bunny

Too cool, Betty! It's wonderful that you have such a supportive husband. Man, oh man, what will he do when you reach goal?! I smell a second honeymoon on the way!

You look great, Kyleigh. You gloat all you want. I think everyone here understands how exciting it is to be where you are. Awesome!

That's great, Penni. Cute suit, too. I'm so glad you are feeling better.

Thanks Betty. I was pretty thrilled to see that number. I haven't weighed this little since I was 20-something. That's way over 20 years ago! It's amazing how this band works. AMAZING!

Carol, I'd like to have DH drive me to San Jose and fly with you, if possible. He can visit his mom. It cost quite a bit more to fly from way up here. When you get a flight, let me know what number and I'll try to hop it, one way or another.

I have the fat monitor in my scale. Basically, it measures electrical conductivity in your feet, I think. I don't keep track of body fat. I think we lose some muscle with weight loss no matter what. I know I feel weaker, and I have kept my Protein fairly high with supplements when needed. I think you're right about the weight lifting. That would probably make the difference. I can't even think about doing that since I'm on my way to physical therapy in a few days because my tendonitis is acting up again. Nancy, maybe you could try some resistance training. Does that build muscle? Do you have a community college nearby that has weight training? That might take the place of the gym. I'm starting a Pilates class next week. I hope that will build some for me.

I'd love to share a room. If any of you guys are toasty warm like my hubby, I'll sleep with you! Otherwise, I'll bring a heating pad and we can share it. Renting a car sounds great. Are we flying out? DH will drive me down to you so I can have company the whole way. I can hardly wait! Is the Bay Area Bash happening this year? I heard someone say it wouldn't be until 2006, but that was a few months ago.

Trish, that's too funny about Californians. It reminds me again how far north I am...might as well be in Oregon. Funny how some of those things seem so normal to me...like...wow, man...you mean it's not that way all over the country, dude?

One woman had hers open. She found out when fills never worked. It's very rare and a defective band or surgeon error is usually suspected. A normal band will not just pop open...no matter how good the sex is!

My doctor flushes the tube with saline during surgery, so there's no air in there. He put in 1 cc and then removed 1.5. He said some must have been in the tube from surgery. The air in the tubes thing is very interesting to hear. I'm one of those lucky people who has restriction without a fill. I had one for a little while, but it had to be removed because I had problems with it. It makes me feel a little weird to be 80 pounds down with no fill in sight. It's a mixed blessing; sometimes I wish I was more normal. Vera, I hope that your kink works out and you get your restriction back right away.

Betty, you are losing at the same rate that I did at 3 months. Doesn't it feel great!? Keep it up, Girl! :Bunny

That's great, Vera. I'd love the company. I'm looking forward to it.

Alex, you look so good. You look young and happy. What an accomplishment! You really have done a wonderful job. It seems you have really kicked it into gear in the last couple months. Congratulations on joining the century club.

I will be there -- if hubby doesn't make me go on a motorcycle run. :ermm I'll be back from Mexico and ready to party.

Good news on your possible date. The pics are sure cute. Have you seen Jack's thread on bad breath....time to brush up for ketosis!

I've tried following that method of measurement as described in a magazine. It turned out I am a size H cup. Yeah, right! It didn't work for me. I was wearing a C cup at the time. I like the pendulum idea Penni mentioned.

I used unjury Protein powder. The chocolate is good warm for hot cocoa. I also blended frozen strawberries or blueberries into it for a change with ice. (Cheap blender. ) I also got the unflavored and mixed it in Soup or with yogurt in the blender. They have 20 grams of protein per serving. It's sold at www.unjury.com I also used Isopure liquid from GNC. It is like koolaid. I only like a couple of the flavors. I'm using these now once a day to make sure I get enough protein. I only drink half of one because they have 40 grams of protein per bottle. I'm tired of losing my hair! I don't like any of the other Proteins that I've tried.

Even though I don't vomit (or pb) I test my band by overeating or eating unfriendly foods. Alex is right, though. If you ignore the irritation it could get worse and you could end up on liquids and even medication for a long time. I've done this myself. It's much safer to obey the band. Take care of band and it will take care of you. P.S. It sounds like you are doing very well, otherwise. Congratulations!

Great start, Samy! Keep up the good work.

After all this discussion, I realized I have not been wearing underwires. They are padded push-up bras. I need the push to get them up there. If the men start wearing underwires, they'll look like they did in junior high! :laugh

That's probably a good plan to stay home and play. The belly can be fairly uncomfortable for a few days. So nice that your mom is coming down to see you. I went on liquids for 3 days before to be sure nothing was in my stomach, hoping to avoid the gas. It didn't really help too much. It did get me in the mindset, though, so I'm glad I did it. Hope all goes very well. You have certainly done your part!