Zoe

Congratulations, Blossom! Remember, for everyone who pays you a compliment, there are at least two other people who have noticed your transformation but aren't saying anything. You are off to a great start!

Sorry, but I'm going to be visiting family that weekend. I'd love to try another time, though!

Yeah, since my new fill a couple of weeks ago I'm gurgling all the time. Sometimes the noise comes up from my throat, and sometimes it goes down ... kind of like playing a harp backwards, but much less musical. The sloshing noise is at its worst if I have a drink of water just before lying down. On the plus side, the farts are almost gone!

Excellent, Rachel! See you in Bandland. Don't forget the slip-on shoes!

. . . Then you can come to Chicago and strip my woodwork. Take it easy, big guy. It might be laparoscopic surgery, but it's still a huge trauma for your body. Your wife is smart. Now go lie down and rest or else a bunch of us will kick your virtual ass.

I see the faerie side of the demon on occasion. He/she is a playful imp and definitely a trickster. Fat-free fudgsicles can keep the creature at bay, except during those few days of the month when only dark, rich chocolate will do. My latest strategy, which may work for you, Wyld, is to hold off on the junk chocolate and have only the good stuff: one Godiva truffle, say, instead of a bag of M&Ms. I'm trying to move from quantity to quality, but it ain't easy!

Don't laugh -- it works! First wash them in super-hot Water for maximum shrinkage. Of course, the pants may get shorter but no narrower. . . I'm a line dryer myself, but if you haven't had any complaints from Patty, just keep doing what you're doing. You must be a wonderful husband indeed if this is the only thing about you that her complaining friend can whine about!

What's in a number? 170, 155, 160 -- you've come such a long way from where you started. Add my voice to the ranks of Go for it!

Congrats, Ryan! What a great NSV. Maybe you guys can have a clothing exchange at Bandstock so you can all get some wardrobe additions. No exchanging underwear, please!

Cindy, you've lost 87 lbs. in 6.5 months. I've lost half that in 5.5 months and I'm jumping for joy! Please don't use the word "failure," even if it's just to voice your fears, when you have accomplished so much already. As long as you're burning more calories than you're consuming, you'll start losing again. If your insurance pays for the fill, you might as well see the doc to get checked. Meanwhile, consider your ass kicked by one bandster who thinks you've done amazingly well so far and should give yourself a break.

Down memory lane... Back in 1975 I ran away to Mexico with no ID at all except a photo card from the newspaper where I worked part-time. All I had to do was sign an affidavit at the airport (U.S.) swearing that I was 18 (which I was, barely). No fee. Of course that was during the Ford administration, before a lot of you were even born.

Joan, have you talked to Dr. Horgan yet about the fellow's remarks? If so, please let us know how he responded. (I'm especially curious because I go to his downtown office for fills.) Meanwhile, I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow.

Neither are mine, DeLarla . . . but I'm in my late 40s, if you catch my drift. I'd rather deal with the Kleenex than with all those hooks, and I was too sore to put on a stretchy sports bra with no closures. This may be too much information, Daisy, but at least you know a lot of us have given the subject some thought!

I agree with everyone. And I think that not only should you tell Dr. Horgan your concerns about the six-pound loss the "fellow" ordered, you should alert him to what this dude is telling patients. "I must have issues, and must not be serious about losing weight" -- is that anything for a patient to hear TWO DAYS BEFORE WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY? Or ever? I wanna kick this guy's ass!

Make that no bra, period. I wore a muu-muu and flip-flops, but then I was in Mexico in August.

Ladyg, you are a great sister, whether your own sister appreciates you or not. If you are really worried about her health -- and it sounds as if you are, with good reason -- go ahead and contact a doctor, even if your sister gets angry. You may save her life. I mention this only because I demanded care for a relative who had a nervous breakdown two years ago and refused to get help. He thought I was part of the conspiracy against him, but finally (after months of struggle) he was involuntarily admitted to a mental hospital. After he recovered, he told me that if he hadn't been hospitalized, he would have killed himself. Was he pissed off at me at the time? You bet. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. And I'd take even more extreme measures knowing what I do now.

It's a simple matter of physics. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. That's the good old Law of Inertia -- never mind the physics class, it's no news to those of us with recliners in front of the TV. When we exercise, we are taking on the natural law of the universe!

Exercise will probably make a big difference. Not only will you burn more calories, your metabolism will speed up. When our bodies are radically deprived of calories and we don't move much, we go into survival mode -- our metabolic rate drops as a means of self-preservation. You should probably check in with your doctor to make sure your fill is adequate for you. Please don't compare your stats (weight loss or fill) to anyone else's, tempting though it may be. For example, if I had 2ccs in my band, I wouldn't be able to swallow Water, but 2ccs may give almost no restriction for you. And, Karen, not to kick your ass or anything, but what's this about "only" 44 pounds? That's a great achievement, especially if you aren't exercising!

Alas, Jonathan, just a spoon in my case. Crackers and chips are a big no-no during the mushy phase. And a big amen to Alex's comment on TJ's seafood paté -- I loved the stuff. I also ate a lot of instant mashed potatoes, polenta, and masa; I'd split tamales with a friend who only liked the innards, so I'd eat just the mushy cornmeal bits. The masa picks up enough spice from the meat to make it interesting.

Ladyg, there's another Scots bandster who posts here occasionally. Her screen name is Audrey. She and her friend Fiona have lost almost 400 lbs. between the two of them. Try to send her a private message; she may be able to recommend a doctor. Sounds to me as if your sister needs to see a specialist ASAP. Good luck, and please let us know what happens.

Thought I'd bump this up for the newcomers who are graduating to mushies -- please add your favorites!

Great news, Jonathan! Check the food forum for mushy suggestions. Guacamole will never taste so good!

Hey, Vines, you kick ass! How is your husband doing with his band?

Congratulations, Brandi! You are doing the bandster community a big service by posting your story. I know many women are wondering if, or how, they can combine banding and pregnancy. Your son is adorable!

Hi Pat -- welcome to the Chicago bandster club! There are a lot of us around, but we're way outnumbered by Texans! You are coming up on your two-year anniversary. . . any insights you'd care to share?