galati25

I've got a fill that's a little too tight. I called the dr.'s office last week to get a little taken out - they made the appt for 27th. At first, I asked if I could come in sooner, but decided it might be best that I couldn't eat too much for Thanksgiving and left it for that date. Thanksgiving day meal: 1 slice of turkey 3 tablespoons of dressing 1 tablespoon of green Beans 2 teaspoons of apple pie Definitely a first - on the one hand, it was kinda painful watching everyone else stuff themselves (I admit, I miss that too full feeling sometimes) - on the other hand, I didn't gain any lbs, oz or fat for Thanksgiving - . Also, I wore an outfit that I bought before my surgery - 2 sizes smaller - that I couldn't close even halfway across my chest - I could close nicely and the pants are almost too big now. I love my lapband!!!!

I've been wondering lately what's going to happen when I go out with a new guy and food possibly gets stuck. Won't he wonder why I have to run to the restroom twenty times? Also, how far into talking do you tell them? So far, I've been too scared to go on a restaurant date. I've been meeting at coffee shops and jazz cafes - lol. Any suggestions?

Hi all - looking to start a far southwest support group if anyone's interested. I was banded on April 24, 2007. Looking forward to meeting fellow bandsters in the area. Elaine

Welcome to Bandster Heaven Pammycakes!! SchexyMomma, we had our surgery around the same time - be fun to get together and swap stories of the adventure so far - Nancy, see that tickers moving right along - congrats! Becca - thanks so much for posting the fill video - I was just saying that it looks scarier than it really is - but I'm just really squeamish around needles - always have been. But, the fill never hurt, it's more in my mind than anything else.

I pulled this thread from one of the other months. Thought it would make a good start for us. It's challenge time: Pick a target level for how often & how long you plan to workout, and we’ll be off… I’m shooting for Level 2~Intermediate this month! April ’07 August Exercise ChallengeLevel 1 ~ 3 days a week (14 days)Level 2 ~ 4 days a week (18 days)Level 3 ~ 5 days a week (23 days)Level 4 ~ 6 days a week (27 days)Level 5 ~ 7 days a week (31 days)Beginner ~ 20 minutes a dayModerate ~ 30 minutes a dayIntermediate ~ 45 minutes a dayAdvanced ~ 60 minutes a dayElite ~ 60+ minutes a day

Ok, I've had 2 fills and that clip scared me - yuck. It's a lot easier when you're not looking.

Law Bandster, you are hilarious!! Had a really great time at the meeting - looking forward to seeing everyone next month. I'm sure we'll all have great results to talk about. Elaine

Josie, any month, pre-post banded - all are invited. Elaine

At the top of the board is a Search thread - click on it and type Katy Support. It will take you to the Wanting to start a West Houston Support Group. We're meeting today at 6:30-7:00 at Los Tios Restaurant, on the corner of Memorial and Kirkwood - (down from I-10 and Kirkwood) today if you want to join us.

<p>Hi All - well I've sent each of you a private message or email. Let me know if it doesn't come through. As of now, we have a meeting set up Monday, August 6th, 6:30-7 ish, Los Tios, off Memorial and Kirkwood. (off I-10 & Kirkwood) Hope to see everyone there! Elaine

From Nancy - I don't know if this is a good idea or not but the Los Tios Mexican restaurant on Kirkwood and Memorial has a party or meeting room at the back of the restaurant. It is free. Hi All - Nancy, so glad to hear all went well with your surgery. As far as the gas goes, just walk, walk, walk. Really helps. This is the group I see so far Amber Nancy Becca Elaine Heymsparker Law Bandster Spogden MomMiranda Agonzalesjoy JosieB Well, I figure there are ten of us interested, so we do need a place big enough for all of us to sit and talk - Nancy, please go ahead and call the restaurant and see if we can get in. Let's cancel the Monday, the 6th and wait to see when the restaurant is available. All agreed? If someone has a suggestion of a place that works before whatever date the restaurant gives us, let us know. Til then,

Hi Heather - I'm trying to get a West Houston support group started - maybe Monday, Aug 6th around 6:30 - we're still kicking around the place though - why don't you come on over to the thread and put your 2 cents in - if the locations convenient, you're welcome to come. Just search West Houston Support

Well, we've got the date and time - Monday, August 6th - around 6:30, 7 ish. Anyone want to name the place?

Banded 4/24/07 45 lbs down I can climb 5 flights of stairs at work without feeling like i'm going to die. I can bend down to paint my toenails without cutting off my breath I can go longer on the treadmill I can feel the bones in my hands and face - what a treat My rings are falling off My blood sugar/blood pressure has gone down to normal Tried on some clothes that I hadn't worn in a long time - 22/24 - and finally feel like I'll never see the previous 30/32 again I can finally use my scale that goes to 300 cuz I'm in "twoterville"!!!!

Hi Sarah and Ange - you're in what has been referred to as "Bandster Hell" - lol - before the fills, I wondered if I even had a band. I couldn't eat anywhere near what I could before - but I sure didn't feel like I had been banded. Wait until your "most likely" 2nd or 3rd fill - you'll find that restriction everyone is talking about. First one didn't do anything for me. I had my second one a little over a week ago - I'm actually eating from a small plate - can't get anymore than that in - and down five lbs. So, don't worry - it will happen.

Good luck Munkincan on your surgery tomorrow. I'm sure you're come through with flying colors!!!! Welcome to Bandster Heaven!!

I'm three months out and 44 lbs down. I know that if I had not done this, I would be going up instead of down. It takes getting used to - I sometime think this band has a mind of it's own - lol - but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's so nice to pull out the clothes I haven't worn for quite awhile. I am already able to see some changes in how I bend down without feeling like I'm going to pass out, I take the stairs instead of elevators, have more energy. This is just with this loss - can't wait to see all the things I'll be able to do down the road. For years I said I'd never take such a drastic measure - mainly talking about the gastric bypass, and even when a friend suggested I look into the lapband - actually got mad at her for suggesting I might be 100 lbs overweight (boy, was I fooling myself) - thought, no way. Now, I just wish I had done this sooner. The relief you feel from a lot of the aches and pains, blood pressure down, blood sugar down. It takes getting used to, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hi all – great to see the responses – ok – looks like through the week after work would be good for everyone. Let’s say 6:30 pm on Monday, August 6th – Agonzalesjoy – can you suggest a coffeehouse? (This is not set in stone though) Munchkinkan (Nancy) – I apologize – I hadn’t set my preferences to email, but it’s on now. I thought it would be a great idea to have a group, so I suggested it, but I’m not sure I’m the best to be the leader – would love to assist the leader though – lol. So, if there’s anyone who has the time and inclination, you’re most welcome to pick up the baton. (fingers crossed) - J Let me know what you think Elaine

Glad to see there's some interest in starting a group. Let's start off with some polls: Time: Weekend or weekday works best? - if weekend - morning, afternoon, evening? Venue: Restaurant, coffeehouse, other type of place? Location: Katy (right off I-10), Highway 6, along Westheimer? I know we'll have different ideas, but maybe a common thread will pull through. If we seem to have enough interest, I'll set a date, time and place and we'll see who shows. Hope we can get a group going - I've attended a support group - unfortunately it was all the way in the medical center - but, it was great talking to someone who really understands what lap band life is like. Elaine

Hi Heymsparker - hopefully, others will join us - would u like to wait until we get a group or do you want to start now?

I was banded April 24, 2007 - I lost 19 lbs the first week - holding steady at 30 lbs now. Just got my first fill Thursday - hoping to see some positive results now.

Hi All Edie - that sounds wonderful - I'd love to be able to quit taking these meds - especially since they all have to be crushed now - lol Hi Nikki and Vickie - thanks for responding - We've all chosen to live healthier - and posts like Edie's really gives us encouragement. Can't wait!

Hi Everyone My name is Elaine from Texas. I was banded 4/24 by Dr. Felix Spiegel. I got the band to help deal with some health issues - diabetic and high blood pressure. I'm really looking forward to talking and reading the board. It always helps when you can talk with someone who's going through the same things you are. Let the journey begin. Elaine

Good Afternoon everyone I was banded on 4/24/07 - not doing too bad - just have to get things moving First day back to work - wasn't too bad - left at 11:00 am - glad i'm only half days this week. Real glad to see this board - I had a hysterectomy in 2000 and the board hystersisters was an invaluable tool to help me along. Look forward to chatting with the April bandsters. Elaine