Zoe

Actually I'd get a kick out of it. Some urban planner in Houston has a weird sense of humor. I'm wondering if anyone in our Texas posse has already been initiated!

Lost half a pound, so I'm holding at 206. This is a major victory, considering my trips to Coldstone and Dunkin Donuts last week. Ah, hormones. . .

Thank you so much for posting your message, Kim. You're right -- everyone hopes they'll be one of the lucky ones that loses a lot of weight without much restriction, but most of us have to get more than one fill before that happens. You've done LBT a big favor by telling your story. And congratulations on getting to Onederland!

Hi Vauren -- The first week after banding is rough for most of us. I'm glad one of your friends could take care of you for a day. Right now you need rest and a chance for your body to heal. You're probably still pumped with abdominal gas from the surgery, not to mention sore from the incisions. The dry heaves sound nasty. I didn't experience that, but believe me this board has members who have experienced just about every possible reaction after being banded. Rest as much as you can and try to be patient. Most of us feel a lot better after four days or so. Meanwhile, welcome to Bandland!

Well, Kaz, congratulations. You have been initiated into the world of the mighty PB. I don't know how long they usually last; I think my longest one was almost an hour, too, but usually mine are over in a few minutes. Lots of us have trouble with meats, especially if they're dry. And we all have certain foods that just don't work, no matter how much we chew. For some of us, it's meat; lots of people can't handle bread; and eggs are tricky for many too. I'll leave the medical analysis to the professionals. Meanwhile, know that what you experienced was, alas, normal. May this be your only PB!

You bet. For some of us -- for me, anyway -- leaving food on a plate is a new experience. I'm probably an average bandster: Yes, I PB and slime sometimes. But it doesn't ruin my whole day. I'm not obsessing about food or eating huge quantities (just because it's there) the way I used to. Sure, I still have my "foodie" moments, but they're infrequent and I usually can keep them in perspective; they aren't controlling my life anymore. These life-altering changes are, in my case anyway, the psychological results of a physiological change thanks to the band. I no longer am constantly hungry. And I finally feel free to get rid of my oversized clothes because I have hope and confidence that the band will help me keep the weight off. That makes for a pretty easy day.

Pati, LMAO with your tennis ball comment! Thanks for the Kohl's fashion tip.That top is cute -- and it's exactly what the BBC's "What Not to Wear" girls say someone with my shape should get. I think I'll buy one in every color!

You, my friend, need to pull yer socks up. You are not bad. You can stop thinking about "cheating," "bad," "off the wagon," all those ugly diet words that have plagued just about all of us for years. 'Cause this is not a short-term diet but a new way of life. Guess what? I'm no longer having a pint of ice cream every day -- just one really good serving whenever I get an impossible craving (once a month, if ya get my drift). I just went to Coldstone, and I don't feel guilty! For the first time ever. And neither should anyone here who's enjoying a little seasonal sugar. Look at all of us on this board who are still indulging on occasion and still losing weight. So Miss Daisy, tomorrow is another day. . . and meanwhile, you are getting a kick from the size-11s!

Weird, isn't it? But what an inspiration you are! This board is one of the few places where we can get excited about being "Overweight" and everyone knows exactly what we mean. I can't wait to join you in Onederland. . . photos, please, so we can see what you look like minus the extra person!

This is a wonderfully thought-provoking thread. Vines, I love your story. Laughter is one of the things that makes life worth living. It's hard to pick just one thing, since I've had many gifts and lucky breaks. Toward the top of my list would have to be a referral to a shrink provided by a dear friend many years ago, which literally saved my life and gave me back my self.

It's wonderful to read about everybody's victories! I have a big smile on my face after reading just the posts on this page. Congrats to Denise, Lisa, and Shaz. And welcome back, Lisa Green. You are kicking some serious weight-loss butt!

Shaz, looks like you're a Chicagoan; check out Lane Bryant. The bras are kinda expensive but honey THEY WORK. They have sizes from 38B to 48DDD, I think. I went to the one on Addison St. (near Target). The Wabash Ave. store has even more. Penni's right -- this particular number comes with little plastic pads that help push everything up and forward. They are removable but mine are staying put forever! The dog would probably just chew them anyway. Alex and Kathy, I know what you mean about elastic waists. My mother used to be a size 10 but wore elastic waist everything. When I was much younger, I had an hourglass figure (an enormous hourglass, but still...) and I thought Mom was a real slattern. How she could be seen in public in nothing but elastic waist pants? Now I know! Sorry, Mom.

Hummus, refried beans, lots of salad . . . oh, and a teaspoon of Metamucil citrus in a glass of water on rare necessary occasions.

Vera, that SUCKS! But I think you're right to demand a new band. Why risk having to go through yet another surgery? Unless there's a compelling medical reason not to place the band you're requesting, go for it. We're all rooting for you.

Thanks, Greg (and Christina) for letting us know about Nancy and her family. Nancy, I hope you are finding the strength and support you need.

Crystal and Christina, I'm sorry to hear that your dogs are not doing well. It's so hard to watch our furry friends' health decline. Astro and Gunnar are lucky to have human companions who care so much for them. And Christina, I adore the group photos! Gunnar must be a Labrador trapped in a Boxer body! I am a big Lab fan; they always make me smile. The big chocolate dog in your pictures looks a lot like my old Lola. My Sophie gives your guys a big sniff and wag, and we both hope they feel better.

Katie, just about all of us go through huge emotions just before we're banded: anything from fear to elation to panic, and that's just in one hour! Your reaction sounds totally normal to me. As for the weight loss, each doc has a different protocol. I think you need to speak to someone at your doctor's office to find out what will happen if you have gained weight, just so you know what you're up against. That said, with the changes you've made to your eating habits, you're probably going to be OK. Just remember, the nerves are a normal part of getting banded. You're taking a big step. BTW, I agree with Kathy on the Water pills -- they're probably not a good idea.

What she said. . . Amen! Most of us go through emotional growth spurts, I think, when a major event changes our perspective on life and ourselves. After such an upheaval, we just don't connect with some of the people in our lives the way we used to. I've been lucky because my thin friends have been supportive and my fat friends are all dieting themselves. . . some are a little jealous, but we've been through enough together that it doesn't harm the strong friendship underneath it all. But like most people I've shed friends over the years either by accident (moving & just losing touch) or design, and I've been shed by others. It's rough, though, if you don't have many other friends around you at a time when an entire circle seems to be leaving. Are there maybe one or two people in this group of friends that you still like a lot and feel you have something in common with? Maybe it's worth seeking them out. And if you're a cards-on-the-table kind of person and you think the friendships are worth saving, you could talk to your friends (probably one-on-one rather than as a group) to tell them what you're feeling and see how they respond. I don't think you're being bitchy at all. Thanks for raising a serious issue shared by a lot of people here. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Crystal/Vines, I thought that particular combination was my unique signature scent. Alas. It turns on only one sensory power, as far as I can tell: My dog knows when I'm coming home a couple of minutes before I arrive. But who knows what secret pheromones are being unleashed in the human population by our mysterious perfume!

Hey, Laura, 3/25 is TOMORROW! You'll do fine. Bring some slip-on shoes because you won't want to be messing with laces, etc.: clogs are good. See you in Bandland.

Great photos! Penni, you can give those goggles to a dog to wear while hanging his head out the car window. I gotta ask: how much did the monovision surgery cost?

OK, it looks as if y'all are really serious about this thing, and that Teresa was genuinely hurt because she was left out. So I hereby confirm that Teresa can be Miss October and I will take my candy-corn gazongas out of the running. Good luck!

Teresa, you can have October... I thought the project was just in fun, but it looks like I'm way wrong.

Hey, DeLarla, the naked guys aren't for my benefit! I'm just thinking of "The Full Monty." There's an audience for this sort of thing, or so I've heard.

Hey, do any of the LBT guys want to get in the calendar? Something for everyone.