Meri

I agree. For now, I am happy just looking better in my clothes...not too worried about how it looks naked (although everything is getting pretty droopy!).

Hey Denise, when was your surgery and when did you lose/start getting your hair back? I'm hoping I can gauge what's going on. My surgeon left the practice 1 week after my surgery and took most of the staff with him. The people who are there now have not been too helpful. THanks, Meri

The pre-op process was definitely a wake-up call for me also. I had always considered myself a healthy fat person! When I am 6 months post-op I am going to redo all my bloodwork. Fingers crossed that cholesterol, etc will be better. Do you have a surgery date yet? It sounds like you have a much better pre-op plan. I actually only lost 2 pounds in my six month pre-op diet, so good for you!

Tmkey, Sorry to hear you had so many bumps along the road to your surgery. On the good side, you will know ALL about your body and be able to see lots of progress as your diet changes! I live in Reisterstown. Who is your doctor, and where will your surgery be done? Meri

Hi! I live in Maryland and was banded here January 3, 2008. I have done really well so far, but I would love to have a buddy and/or mentor. THanks, Meri

Thanks, I hadn't read anything about hair loss in any of my band literature. I have been getting very nervous about the amount of hair I am cleaning up every day. I will definitely try adding the Biotin and cross my fingers that my results are as good as yours. You must be very excited to be so close to your surgery date. Good luck. Meri

Hi, I couldn't find the start of this thread. Are you losing hair? I was banded January 3 and started losing significant amounts of hair about 3 months in. I have been putting off calling my doctor because I am happy with the weight loss! Thanks, Meri

I have to agree. I have lost much quicker than I expected so far with a very careful diet and exercise, but I don't think you can safely lose 80 pounds in 4 months. Don't be discouraged...this is a very positive, life changing experience!

I have lost almost 64 pounds this year. I went from an 18 womens to a petite 12-10 so far. I have become a frequent visitor to the local consignment shop! Good luck!

Hi Kim, I think, like you, that this has to be my final weight loss journey. I have been very happy every day that I chose the band. I have lost 62 pounds since my surgery on Jan 3. Good luck on your journey.

I have never had a problem with liquids going down at any time of the day. I have to say, I don't know if I want quite that much restriction at any time of the day! Glad to hear things are turning around for you. It is much easier to stay on track when you are seeing progress on the scale. Keep up the good work.

Good Luck - I look forward to hearing how you are doing. I go back on the 19th. Last time I went to the doctor I expected to get a fill, but he said weight loss was fine and not to do it. I almost felt like he was blowing me off until after the 6 month post-op time - maybe so they could bill again?

I was banded 1/3/08 and have felt like I am getting hungrier and losing more slowly this past month. Have you had a similar experience? Thanks, Meri

Good luck tomorrow! I know this is the best thing I've ever done for myself and have not regretted it for one minute! I look forward to hearing how you are doing.

Thanks. I think I have been pretty lucky. I have been careful about food sizes/chewing and haven't had any of those complications. It sounds like we are eating pretty similar amounts of food, but for me the biggest serving is at dinner. For some reason, I can manage with the smaller portions during the day. I was thinking that the hunger at night meant I should get another fill, but my doctor thought with the weight loss I've had, I should hold off until June.

A little afraid to ask, but what is slimming? Thanks.

Have you always been able to eat 1 cup servings? I was banded 1/3/08 and my doctor recommended only 1/2 cup servings. I try to measure it out and stick firm, but I have to say 1/2 cup goes pretty quickly!

Hi Misty, Congratulations! I was banded on 1/3/08 and have lost 40 pounds. I have been going to a local support group in Baltimore, but almost all the people who come are curious about the surgery but have not yet been banded. It is nice to find a site with similar people to "talk" to. Meri

I was banded a few days after you. My doctor's diet calls for no breads, Pasta, potato, rice, etc. for 6 months post op. The dietician in the office says breads may always be difficult. What kind of diet do you follow now? Good Luck

Hang in...3 oz meat. Only 2 oz tuna or salmon. Try not to get to discouraged. It seems like it is hard for all of us on food. Got to give the body time to adjust. I go for my first fill today and I'm actually looking forward to it! Keep thinking next week will be better!

I have found that I really need to measure my food. This week I have been really hungry. I am putting my dinner on a small plate and using a small fork to eat more slowly and feel like it is more food. I should have had my first fill on Monday, but had to move the appt to 2/26. I am a little nervous about how I will feel afterward, but know that I need the fill. How has your weight loss been? I was stuck since the beginning of Feb (when I started on solids), but finally appear to be moving again - although much slower than last month. Keep your measuring cup close. You can stick with this!

I'm sure that one time won't do any damage. I imagine at some point everyone over eats to test the limits. I hope you feel better soon.

What types of things are you eating at this point?

I do agree that the solids are much harder than the liquid/puree to get in. I have measured every single thing that has gone into my mouth, but still cannot lose on solids! I am going to try some tea tonight and see if it helps. I do not feel as full as I did the first month. I had to reschedule my fill for 2/26 and I wish I could get it sooner. Good Luck!

]UPDATED AND CORRECTED LIST Dec 31- Chrisann (honorary member of the Jan 08 bandsters) Jan 1- HAPPY NEW YEARS! Starting the year off right! Jan 2- phowell, Megmarie21, Gingerbug(Victoria), jengland, racetrackweary, rainbowme2(Bunny), RT, jojokitty Jan 3-WOWOX7, Woodsy,momto3, Mommamare, nancy52,AnneElliot, ovahkummer, Meri Jan 4- KUgirl, steviegene, SuzanneG, Songinmysoul, sleclerc (shirley), WendyRae, MamaJava Jan 5- texasbandster Jan 6 Jan 7- CallmeJim, comepickmeup, NukeChik, mamato3, kintime, Shell, destined2befree, babedoe4, ch4251 Jan 8- Fat&thrifty(and husband Joe), itz me, faa31, crackedpepper, flipbarnett, Joanna240, rustymarie, gingydilly Jan 9– Redtulips3, FLMan, TachaBaby505, Lillyanne_M, CJV Jan 10- luvsrocks, Hilary, Jen25bl, jtag10_4, Char1007, Pizzaman citygirl4616 Jan 11- brez1015, Tmusicmaker123, Poopsie, Ready2JustDoIt, B-Man, ganigirl6, Ms.BearKat11 Jan 12- jen6740 Jan 13 Jan 14- CoreynVA, acalpn, srbanker(Suzanne), grayl, cnukaya, Jessthat, Deedle, thinner-or-bust, gilliebean, greeniiii, mitch, WestCoastFatGuy Jan 15- Travelology, Dianegoe, poodlecamper, LKM, greeneyez Jan 16- Kathy, Saleel, back2reality, Cherry_Blue, Dazzle, nadean, with his help, Laurinda; Pikedafoe, Ms.Toya, SMR100 Jan 17- SJK, Alfie, L.A., lwood, tweenwaters, Laurieloo, kcintx,mia31771 Jan 18- RuthE?, shanarene Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21- mo7293 (Maureen), graham, lee41, Sandy Beach Jan 22- purplegoddess, DPJDMOM, bcgates, AmyMT, bcgates, BensonRN Jan 23- min, Ang1982 (Angela) Tigger_Shorty (Rose), WhirlWinds Jan 24- holleyhobby,jst4kel,kimmycrs, Somogyi1, rakes4321, RomeGA3, Road_King Jan 25- Noni(Mary), htay73il (Hope), Thor, rakes4321(Amy), khoffman (Karen) Jan 26- Louise (London) Jan 27 Jan 28- kawanabear(Kalonda), crystalcml, blg200200, justtjohn, PeachesPJ, kpoincon, ANewDayForRose Jan 29- diane-south fla, Milton 5a (Lauren, UK, 21) Jan 30- PortuguesePrincess(Stephanie),Amberwaves(Amber), Tamika(taismommy), jaycee Jan 31- SarahT1982, lkgrubb, sexymama __________________