Zoe

Hmmm, that's a tough one. I'm too far from my goal to fully relate, except to the "classic overachiever [who] feels that things need to happen immediately." If you really want to lose more weight, hey, why not? Five months doesn't sound that long to me, though; we're talking late March, plenty of time for shorts and bathing suits next year. You've achieved such a remarkable thing by losing all those pounds. Here's one old newbie who votes for doing whatever you want -- coasting at the same weight, getting a fill, losing slowly. . . the choice is yours!

One suggestion, Betty: Low-fat fudgsicles! They melt, so they're considered liquid. Seriously. And just 60 calories. (They're kinda addictive, though.) Counting the hours for you. . .

How cool! Thanks for sharing the ad. I don't know where you're going to find another 70 lbs. to lose, though . . . you look great!

Cut it out, Selecia, you're making me tired! What are snake drills? They sound like something the Crocodile Hunter keeps in the shed. Marie, if I can stop laughing long enough to find a photo of that triceps exercise somewhere, I'll try to post it . . .

Oh, Marie, stop making us laugh! You remind me of my friend Marcia, who says that in a strong wind her entire body starts flapping. Seriously, you might be able to work on your triceps; one simple exercise involves lying on your back, knees bent, and grasping a weight (say, 5 lbs.) with both hands over your head, cupping the flared end of the weight between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. (Wish I had a picture of this; it's easy to show, but hard to describe.) You then slowly lower the weight behind your head. Repeat as necessary.

Ryan, I hope Patty heals quickly and is back by your side ASAP. . . and how wonderful that she has decided you need the extra time off after your own surgery. Do you have enough vacation days to rush down to Cleveland if you just can't stand the empty house another second? If not, we'll try to take care of you through the cyber ether until the two of you are home together again.

Congratulations, Denise! Please check in with us after your surgery to let us know how you are doing. Welcome to Bandland!

Nancy, my heart's still racing after reading your story. Congratulations for taking control of your body and your life.

Way to go, Deb! After over two months, you're probably ready -- although some bandsters can go for ages without a fill. Let us know how it goes.

Good luck, Jodie, and let us know how you're doing.

Excellent, Janie! Good luck, and congratulations for taking action. Let us know about your meeting with the new guy.

Chantal, I love your idea of printing everyone's story and keeping it with you. I'm going to do the same -- make a LapBand talisman that I can read again and again as a reminder of why I'm on this journey. Thank you! Keep those stories coming if you haven't posted yet. . .

Great thread, Chantal! I was walking in the Grand Canyon this June with an average-sized friend, just taking a leisurely stroll around the flat section -- and I was getting winded after just a few steps. I'm 47, but I felt ancient on that walk. If someone had offered me a wheelchair, I would have taken it! Then I got home and looked at the picture someone had taken of the two of us, and realized to my horror that I had turned into this absolutely huge person! That's what did it -- combined with a blood-pressure reading of 170/95. I had researched the band before, but now that the FDA had approved it, I started devouring every article I could find. I won't bore you with the procedural details. . . but once I had decided on Dr. Rumbaut, I e-mailed and called his office, set up an appointment three weeks from my last call, got banded 8/26, and haven't looked back since. Every time I write a check to pay off the loan I have a smile on my face.

Buongiorno, Sharon. . . and congratulations! Weighing yourself just once a week is a great idea. There's a "weekly scale challenge" thread here that you might want to check out. Meanwhile, I'm glad you're feeling good. You'll feel better each day!

I'm in! Great idea, Penni. I don't know if I'll be able to visit anyone in the hospital during regular business hours, but I'll do what I can. Thanks for starting this!

How exciting, Lainie! You'll do fine. Penni and Greg, I think a "bandster angel" program is a great idea. Could we start threads under our states in the local support section?

Hi Trish -- we have a virtual support group here, so if you have any questions or concerns, don't be afraid to ask. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery date -- that's less than four weeks away! We'll send lots of pre-Thanksgivings thoughts and prayers for all you November bandsters.

Thanks for your nice message, Betty. It's wonderful to see that you're off to such a great start!

Good for you, Melissa, for passing up McD's and Dunkin Donuts! That's a major victory. When you get onto mushy foods it does get easier; if you're craving french fries, you can have mashed potatoes, and if you're craving a jelly donut, you can have yogurt. I know, they don't sound like great substitutes now, but believe it or not they actually help (at least they did for me). . . and while the head hunger doesn't go away completely, it does fade. Hang in there!

Hi everyone -- the late October days have been so gorgeous that it's been a pleasure to walk. I've been going to the park almost every day for a two-mile walk or longer. The best change? I now WANT to get up and move instead of thinking, "Damn, I haven't exercised in days, so I guess I have to do something, even though all I want to do is reach for the remote." It's been fun to follow everyone's progress (and tribulations) on this thread. I'm celebrating my two-month bandiversary today. While I'm still nervous about my minimal restriction, I'm full of energy, my clothes are baggy, and people are noticing a change. I've gotten compliments not just from friends but from co-workers and neighbors who see me out with the dog every day. Most of all, I have hope again, no more resignation and despair about being fat forever. I can't wait to get rid of the next 25 pounds! (That's another big bag of dog food my body won't have to cart around.) I feel as if I have a group of friends here at LBT who know exactly what I'm going through and are rooting for me and for everyone else here. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hi Alex -- I haven't received the info yet. Please send me a private message or, better yet, e-mail me: idiot@buffoonco.com. Thanks.

That's great news! You've inspired me to hit the weight room again. I feel a little weird going to the gym with all those buff guys (and women) in their 20s, but what the hell!

I've been having trouble adhering to the no-drinking-with-meals restriction. I'm on meds that give me chronic dry mouth. Quitting them is not an option. The good thing is, I have no trouble drinking 64 oz. of water each day, because I was already drinking that much before the band. The bad thing is, I'm sipping water constantly. I've tried various lozenges and they don't seem to help. Meanwhile, after nearly two weeks I'm waiting for my first 1.2 cc fill to kick in. . . I just had a whole entree at a Thai restaurant, complete with rice. Any suggestions?

Congratulations! You're headed toward your next downward milestone -- just wait til you hit the 180s!

Oh Rica, I'm sorry to hear your sad news. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, "Leukemia is a malignant disease (cancer) of the bone marrow and blood. It is characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells." Here are two internet sites with leukemia info: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00351 (gives basics) and http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls (has lots of detailed links). This isn't much, but it's a place to start. I hope your father feels better soon.