Boo

Betty, I was feeling the excitement, too, but then woke up and got on the scale to find a two pound gain! I don't feel any restriction. A new doctor did my fill and was being instructed by the regular guy. I hope he didn't mess anything up! I'll probably have to go back for another tiny fill (+.1 cc). NO complaining from me!! Every time I put a leg into my size 10 jeans, I think I am in a dream!! My normal weight was always 125-130, until a medical problem took over my life about 8 years ago. So, I honestly don't know what I should weigh. The face might droop too much at 125, but 140 might be good for me! I am excited and looking forward! April is here!

Betty, March is going out with a bang for me, also. I'm getting back up to speed on the running and eliptical. Today I am going to run trails. Tomorrow is a new month; we wipe the slate clean and start a new challenge!! Everyone, check in and set your goal (you can always change it later).

Oh my! You are amazing, Waterlily! SHEILA!! Welcome! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! If you want to add a "TIN FOIL" medal, that is HILARIOUS! Actually, twenty minutes would be a bare minimum to get the health benefits needed. So you are IN! We want to accommodate everyone's goals, not just our own. If twenty minutes is where you need to start, that is great. I am currently trying to get my husband to start with twenty minutes. (He worked up to running with me last fall, but then quit.) The amazing thing is how quickly your body will build stamina. You will be amazed and delighted! Also, as the weight drops, it gets so much easier to move. The exercise will become very fun. And you get to come on here and share your successes, be accountable to reach your goal, and get advice from others if you slip up. We are a terrific support to each other.

Betty, I was drinking tea today, also. Beginning Monday, I will have a crazy schedule again. There are a number of concerts I am involved in right in a row. So I must squeeze the exercise in. It IS a priority. We must drink Water, too. I made a big pot of chicken chili today. That usually helps to drop some weight, too. I big can crushed tomatoes 1 can kidney Beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can black beans 1 can white beans 1 can corn 1 small can diced green chiles Cilantro, if you like it Add it ALL together, DON'T drain the LIQUID! Add: 1 envelope ranch dressing mix (or less to taste) 1/3 of a package of Lawry's taco seasoning (more/less for mild/spicy) 1/2 cup sugar Chicken, if desired To make it really yummy, serve with a little diced avocado, tiny dab of sour cream and one tortilla chip. But it is great just as is! I ran for 50 minutes today to get warmed up for April! I think running after children IS an exercise of the body and of patience! (I know you are kidding about counting it.) How do you fit in a workout with little ones? Do you get a babysitter?

Eficka, I liked your post. Do you have any ideas for cutting down on chocolate? Having just a little each day has helped me to not feel deprived. I'll have a couple of Hershey kisses and feel like I'm being very decadent. The problem is that I've been doing that for so long, that now I EXPECT to have my chocolate, rather than it being a special treat. And with the different holidays, etc., then I think I can have a little more. I have to buckle down and give up some new habits if I want to shed these last thirty pounds!! Betty, I noticed your TICKER!!! 140 pounds??? Let's do it together! I'm going for the gold, too. My fill is so small that I don't even know I have one. Maybe I can concentrate on really healthy raw produce and some Protein smoothies. That usually works for me. Also, being super busy with no time to eat works. (Ya know that new job? There are some "politics" going on right now to oust someone to make room for me. It is sticky. It is also not my concern, even though I feel badly for them. Higher forces may supercede the offer, so I am still waiting...weird, huh? If it doesn't work out, I think I'll have a TT!!)

Betty, I've done the same thing. I need to seriously look at what I'm eating in order to break the plateau.

Hi Babygirl! We started an exercise challenge last fall. I joined in walking, and within three weeks was able to run a bit. By November, I ran in a 5K!!! Our exercise group has truly helped us to change our lives, AND we have become good friends. On some months we have varied the challenge to include Water or Protein intake. Good luck to all of you!!! (We are the April 2006 Bandits)

Hey Newbies! April is just two days away! The '06 April bandsters are all shouting out, "Woohoo!!!" with excitement and encouragement. PLEASE get some walking time in before your surgery date. The exercise will help your bodies to be strong and recover quickly. It also diminishes appetite and lifts the mood. Walking will be a key in aiding digestion AND aiding any PB's you may encounter. Also, you can walk the day after. We are inviting you to join in our "April Bandits' Exercise Challenge." The thread will be in the general discussion, just to make it easy to find. We have altered it a bit to accommodate you newbies! Hang in there!!! It's a new day for you!

Have you had a total unfill? I just went through the same thing and was unfilled for three weeks to heal. The blood is from irritation. My doctor compared it to irritated gums and how they bleed. I feel for you! You must be awfully dehydrated and anemic.

Terry, you took the words right out of my mouth!!! Haha! I just noticed your surgery date!!!! That is so exciting! Seriously, Betty, you are amazing. Yeah, we all would have gained going through such trauma. I hope you are all gently healing. Good thoughts are coming your way. XOXO Dawn, I have the same fear of gaining it back. And your clothes shopping addiction is totally what I'm going through. It is so fun to try everything on. Odd to think that when I was on my way up, I was repulsed by what I saw. Now, I am just so grateful!

Thanks, ladies!! I'll start it on Saturday (today). I just want to hear if anyone wants any changes or additions??? I'll be the substitute for Julie while she is post-op and can't exercise this month. I keep grabbing at that roll/flab of a belly and am imagining how awesome I could look...hmmmm...getting ideas. HEY, I ran 2 1/2 miles non-stop tonight. I've got two weeks to prepare for a 5K/ Can I do it??? DAWN, was it your post about shopping? It's probably on the Bandiversary thread. I was laughing. My husband keeps calling my cel (wondering when I'm coming home) and I'll be out "running errands." I try not to buy much at this size, but it sure is fun to try it all on, huh? Shopping!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Very sweet, reassuring post, Victoriana. Thank you!

Wow! You are all being protected! I can't imagine how you are dealing with this. I just hope your nerves can find some calm peacefulness soon.

WHEW!!! I'm glad it was just Bluehill's hard drive that broke down. I can't imagine going through all the infections! Bluehill, when you read this, you are missed! It does not feel right having you gone! That goes to Roberta, too!! Julie, we are all hoping for a comfortable recovery for you. I got a fill yesterday, but it is very conservative. I can hardly feel it. My determination is building to break this plateau!! Who wants to start the tread for April? I'll do it, unless someone else really wants to. I want to incorporate our idea of having bronze, silver and gold levels of achievement. Bronze: 14 sessions (35-40 minutes?) Silver: 18 sessions (40-45 minutes) Gold: 22+ sessions (45+ minutes) I am TOTALLY flexible on # of sessions and minutes of workout. I think our goals should be set personally and if we have different levels, we can all achieve! (We don't all have the same goals or workout needs.) We just want to challenge and support each other!! We can also invite new bandits to join in and not expect them to perform at an advanced level. How does that sound??

Hahaha, Betty! Here we go AGAIN! :welldoneclap: CUTE!

The BEST restaurant is right in the Lucerna next to the pool. The food is exquisite!! There is a pianist that plays while you eat. Now this is grilled fare. If you want Mexican food, there are plenty of those around, too.

Sasha, It is wonderful to feel this way now, and it is just the beginning of a new life!! There are some super-inspirational thoughts in a thread "April 2006 Bandiversary!!" I know it is a weird title, but there are very deep reflections, tips, and advice for newbies written by those who have been banded a year. You would probably enjoy reading! Congratulations!!

Kyethra, I drink hot chocolate regularly when I am in a weight-loss mode. It satisfies me. And if I have a tight day, I know the warmth will help the milk to go down. Another yummy replacement is hot vanilla milk. Just heat your milk and add a few drops of vanilla. It is wonderful and adds sweetness without sugar (but no chocolate, either.) WASAB.B., I really liked what you had to say. When I first came to this board, I was criticized for going to Mexico. I thought that was ridiculous! We read and post for mutual support! Why claw anyone down?? This forum has been a tremendous blessing for me, especially because I have kept my banding private from friends and most family members. This is the only place I can go to get/give help, support, and to find others who are sharing the same experience. I have found wonderful people here!!

Well, there is no way I can meet the challenge without cheating. It was not safe for me to exercise when I was so dehydrated and bleeding. I am up and running now, and that is good news. Tomorrow includes a little trip to TJ where a conservative fill is waiting for me. I think I have gained four pounds in the last two-and-a-half weeks! I'm NOT complaining, just hoping that eating normally has kick-started my metabolism. We'll see. A Message to all the Runners: Buy new shoes! It seems that after six months they start to wear out. Especially if your knees or ankles start to hurt, changing shoes is the FIRST thing you should try. ALSO, when you buy shoes, bend the toe towards the heel. If the shoe bends at the arch, it is not a good shoe. (It should bend more at the toe, but the arch area should be stiff) I got that tip from my podiatrist who runs marathons. LAST tip, in addition to good shoes, wear padded athletic socks for running. (The more shock absorbers you can add under your feet, the better.) I just bought a pair of Nike shoes that LOOK like there are shock absorbers on the bottom. They look CRAZY, but it feels like I am running on a cloud!! I'm still holding out hope for an improvement over my last 5K!!! The next race is in two weeks. I REALLY wanted to try for a trophy, but that will have to be my next goal. I just want to finish this race with a better time than the last one. (I think it was 33:00 or 34:00, but I'll have to look it up) SO Dawn, and Julie...YOU will both be urging me on in my head!

Good question, Edie! I want to know the same thing!!

Hey, Susan, I think you have done a fantastic job this year! You are right, it is NOT a race against others. This is a personal journey that we are sharing with each other. I love the story of hiking to the waterfall. You will get there and it will probably be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I passed a Lane Bryant store today and had a little chuckle to myself as I turned into banana Republic instead! Wonderful, heartfelt post!

Hi Everybody! I've been out of town. Dawn, WAY TO GO!!!!! You ran with an excellent time! That is great!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Betty, tell Alan he has a group of women all impressed by his quick recovery. Maybe you can post his picture, too! We all send love to you both!! I am going for a fill this week. Living without a fill has been quite an experience. (I can eat ANYTHING as FAST as I want to...yikes!) The salads have been heavenly, but so has the bread. So now I'm feeling like the "F" word again. This experience has helped me to realize that my appetites are not cured and that someday, after the weight is all gone, I can have less fill. I'm ready to live the banded life again. Julie!! Your surgery is two days away. You've worked so hard for this and you deserve a fantastic result. I am so thrilled for you! (Not for the pain part, though) We will be here for you, no matter how scared or rotten you feel. All the training you've done this past year will bring on a miraculous healing rate. Just hold on! Don't turn back, and don't doubt yourself. You have performed like a super-hero!!! We are all in awe of you! Good luck and keep us "posted."

YEAH!!! Heather!!!!! I'm it, your big/little sister! That is the most exciting thing I have heard all day! It made me cry, and you will understand why next year at this time. After I've adjusted to the banded life, and have enjoyed the benefits of the work I've done, a tremendous appreciation has grown inside me. My life has greater meaning. Each day is full of awe, instead of self-loathing and fear. Now, I want that for others (YOU!). I love going to Mexico for check-ups. Going to Ortiz' office for a fill has another purpose. Every time I go, someone is sitting waiting for surgery. Of course, I receive compliments even though I have only lost about 40 pounds (size 10 jeans, though!) The satisfying part of these day trips is to reassure the nerves, answer questions, and put a friendly face on a banded stomach. I won't lie and say that this next month will be easy. Being on liquids for six weeks was very difficult for me. And I truly beat myself up for being so sneaky and weak to choose TJ for surgery! You will try to talk yourself out of it, and afterwards you might blame yourself for making a mistake. But hold tight! You have to dig down to the depths of your soul and cling to that resolve to CHANGE! We all choose this course of action because we don't want to live with the handicap anymore, AND because we envision another life. Keep telling yourself to be patient. Be patient with your hunger. Be patient with your band. Be patient with your weight-loss. Be patient with yourself. There is no rush, we just have to comply with the rules and plan given by Dr. Miranda, Dr. Ortiz, and Dr. Martinez. Soak up EVERYTHING they have to say. They really do know what they are doing in the O.R. and in how they advise their patients. One other thing about Ortiz that patients don't know, you can make a request for music as you go under. First I listened to Andrea Bocelli. I love "classical" music and also requested the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah." I thought it appropriate and was singing "Hallelujah" in a full operatic voice! I went under laughing and in a good mood, and woke up the same way (minus the singing). But if you love country or mariachi or Snoop Dogg ("drop it like it's hot), just let them know. They will change it and listen to what they want while they operate. I wish I could come down and meet you that day. I will be there a week earlier for a fill. (I am completely unfilled at this time...MAJOR temptations abound!!) But we can exchange e-mails and also post. It is extremely helpful to have mentors through this process AND peers!! Again, YEAH!!!!! Go, HEATHER!!!!!

Let's come together and share our successes, thoughts and dreams! Banding is a journey and we each have a story to tell that can inspire others. Bandsters, pause and reflect where you have come from. Newbies, look ahead and have hope! How long have you been banded? What have you learned from this experience? Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? What is your biggest challenge? What tips or advice would you pass on to newbies? What is your greatest fear? What goals do you have for the future? How has your life changed? Has living with the band met up to your expectations? If you could talk to yourself prior to being banded, what would you say? Thank you, my friends for all of your posts and for your successes. I feel a kinship with you. Each one of you is an inspiration to me! Good luck!

I received several requests to open this up to all bandsters and newbies. It was originally written for a "April 2006 Bandiversary!!" thread. Please forgive me for not knowing how to forward the posts to this thread! Thanks! BOO