tonya66

CES - You know, this has baffled me for quite some time, but after doing a lot of research on this and reading books by people who have the lap-band, I find that this is common. I believe it to be because as a woman, we fluctuate with our water weight, during our monthly, we bloat a little more etc. I think thats why the restriction levels change. I find mine even changes from meal to meal. I'm the tightest during bfast and lose around dinner time, however, I seem to get tighter as I am heading to bed. I am not sure why. Its just something I have learned to accept and deal with, I wish it was more consistant, but for me it is not.

I'm a firm believer in journaling, here is an interesting article on that very subject. I hope this helps you with your struggles, it sure does help me. Write Your Way to Weight Loss Find out how keeping a journal can keep off those pounds. By Madeline Vann, MPH Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH Writing down what you eat can double your weight-loss success and help you keep those pounds off permanently. After all, maintaining your weight can be harder than losing it, so you need all the helpful tools you can get. Keep Your New Weight: Why Journaling Works A study of 1,700 overweight men and women showed that those who kept a regular food and exercise journal, along with eating a low-fat diet and exercising 30 minutes per day, lost 18 pounds in 20 weeks, compared to a nine-pound loss among those who did no journaling. Researchers believe food journals work because: They make you accountable. They help you identify where extra calories are sneaking back into your diet. They can act as a deterrent — if you know you have to write down that you ate a second generous wedge of double fudge chocolate chip brownie pie, you might not eat it! They provide a concrete record of your success. One of the lessons many people take from their experience of food journaling is the difference between a serving size as printed on a nutrition label and the amount of a food that they consider to be a helping. For example, a serving of Pasta is about a half a cup, so you may be surprised when you start keeping your food journal that your usual helping of spaghetti could be as many as four servings. Keep Your New Weight: Find Your Best Journal Format Be creative with your weight journal format if that also helps keep you on track. The word journal may conjure up the image of a leather-bound diary tucked under your pillow, but 21st century dieters can get the same benefit with a high-tech twist — texting. An eight-week study of 31 families showed that tech-savvy teens were nearly twice as likely to stick to a diet plan if they could text-message about their diet and exercise choices. The study's authors concluded that an immediate response from a nutritionist helped keep them motivated. You could achieve the same results by texting a diet buddy. Another option is keeping a log of your dietary choices online, which may also give you access to interactive tools such as calorie counters and weight trackers as well as personalized meal and exercise plans. Keep Your New Weight: What to Journal Whether you're a next-generation smart phone texter or a spiral notebook traditionalist, you need to keep track of specific details for the best results. Here is a general guide for what information to track in your log: Your weight at the start of maintenance and at your regular weigh-ins. Your goals and any specific guidelines for your meal plan. Specific measurements you are tracking, such as your waistline. Portion sizes of foods — remember to make it servings, not helpings — and food groups. Nutritional information associated with the servings you are eating, such as calories, salt content, fat content, Fiber, and carbohydrates. Minutes of exercise expended, plus any other exercise data you record, such as heart rate. Any other habits that you believe are relevant to your weight, such as the time you spend watching TV or playing video games. Any other details about your eating experience, such as where you ate, who you were with, and how you were feeling emotionally at that time. Write down everything that you eat or drink, including Snacks and Water. And another success tip: For greater accuracy jot down what you ate right after you eat it. By keeping a food diary, you'll be able to see if you're about to go over your allotted calories for your current weight on any given day, as well as if you're eating too many or too few calories over the course of a week. Since it's important to shake up your exercise routine periodically to keep your body challenged, your journal will also allow you to review past workouts and alert you when you’re due for a change. Journaling is a great motivator, keeping you on the straight and narrow and preventing you from slipping back into old patterns that caused your weight gain.

The beauty of the band is it is a tool there to help you when your ready to use it. The good news is you know you CAN lose the weight, you've done it before. So, you lost 170 lbs, then gained back 70, so now instead of losing 170 lbs, you only have 70 lbs to lose. You can do it, you've proven it to yourself you can do it. I try and set myself a limit of 5 lbs gain, when I'm up 5 lbs, its back to strick basics until I lose the 5 lbs. Unfortunately, I broke my own rules and let myself gain 10 lbs.......eeek. So, now its back to the strict bandster diet, lean Protein, fresh veggies and fruits, no exceptions, until I lose that 10 lbs. Start tracking what you eat, how much you eat and this will help and keep you accountable to yourself, it helps me anyhow. Best wishes! PS - I was banded in January 07 too.

Well, my restriction is staying pretty good. I have loose days, and I have tighter days. It even changes from meal to meal. Some mornings, I just stick with oatmeal, this morning, I woke up starving, so had to eggs over medium and 2 slices of bacon. Normally, I would only eat 1 egg. Last night I noticed I was hungry and very lose around 7pm, but then around 9, got very tight again. Strange. But its something I've learned to accept and deal with. Eating has been going great, sticking with my proteins first, exercise, not so good. I know what I need to do, so just need to quit making excuses and DO IT! As Nike says "Just Do It". Menu today: Bfast 2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon Lunch: baked chicken - 3 oz few carrot sticks Snack: yogurt Dinner fish - baked green beans

Well, my restriction is staying pretty good. I have loose days, and I have tighter days. It even changes from meal to meal. Some mornings, I just stick with oatmeal, this morning, I woke up starving, so had to eggs over medium and 2 slices of bacon. Normally, I would only eat 1 egg. Last night I noticed I was hungry and very lose around 7pm, but then around 9, got very tight again. Strange. But its something I've learned to accept and deal with. Eating has been going great, sticking with my proteins first, exercise, not so good. I know what I need to do, so just need to quit making excuses and DO IT! As Nike says "Just Do It". Menu today: Bfast 2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon Lunch: baked chicken - 3 oz few carrot sticks Snack: yogurt Dinner fish - baked green beans

Tonight will be interesting to see how everyone reacts to Tracy. Not sure if I will get to watch it tonight, I will be recording it, so if I don't get to watch it tonight, will have to tune in tomorrow night.

I thought this was an interesting read, speaking of “Set Point”, so I thought I would share: Change Your Weight "Set Point" By Kathleen Goodwin, RD As if it’s not hard enough to lose weight and keep it off, now we know that many of us must contend with battling our "set point" too. The set point theory was introduced by a group of researchers in 1982. The basic premise of the theory is that the body has a built in weight regulating mechanism, largely genetically determined, that will tend to keep your weight in a physiologically established comfortable range. Many dieters contend with trying to drop weight beyond their bodies’ set point after following a important healthy diet and exercise regimen for a time. Initially, for most, body weight will come off steadily and easily when following a reduced calorie diet and exercise program. However, for those of us with genetically determined set points beyond our desired weight goal, losing beyond this weight plateau can be quite challenging. How the weight set point works One premise of set point theory is that after the onset of adulthood the body will maintain a constant level of body fat. This involves a complex set of interactions between the brain, nervous system and the fat cells. This communication can cause a reduction in metabolism when the fat cells signal that too much fat has been lost during a period of dieting and/or exercising. On the converse side, the brain can also be signaled to minimize hunger and eating when the fat cell build up extends beyond the comfortable set point level. Following a weight loss diet for a period of time can also trigger the body to cling to its set point. After dieting, the body’s metabolism—or daily rate of calorie burning—can decrease, particularly when a dieter chooses the “no exercise” route. Once the body reaches this point, the same amount of calories that initially led to weight loss, can now lead to weight maintenance and/or gain. Much of this has to do with the fact that the now smaller body size (due to weight loss) requires less calories per day to maintain. With these two factors working together, it can be difficult to reach a goal weight that is lower than what our genetically inherited set point would like. 3 ways to defeat your weight set point While it’s true that many inherit some genetic predispositions that can make it more difficult to either lose weight or attain a goal weight than others, your set point is not in control of your destiny. Rather, there are many things you can do to combat and defeat your set point. 1. Keep a food record before cutting more calories First of all, do not cut more calories from your diet than the level you used to lose weight initially. Cutting back on calories too drastically can put your body in “starvation mode” and significantly reduce your metabolism even further. Try keeping a food record instead. Evaluate the nutritional value of your current diet. Even though it may be reduced in calories, you may not be eating healthily. Perhaps you need to cut back on the refined, processed foods you have in your diet. Perhaps you need to limit your fat intake or drink more Water or add more fruits and vegetables. Another good idea to give your body a metabolic boost is to try 6 light meals or Snacks daily instead of 3 large meals. Every time you eat your body increases its metabolic rate. 2. Continue to exercise regularly Secondly, you absolutely cannot omit exercise and expect to lower your set point. Exercise is the only mechanism proven to help lower set point. You must get into the habit of exercising for at least an hour several days a week in order to lower your set point. Use your large muscles as much as possible—that is, the thighs and buttocks. Try walking, jogging, swimming, and biking. Weight training using the large muscles in the legs and buttocks is a must too. The more muscle you add to your body, the higher your metabolism and calorie burning potential will become. 3. Vary and intensify your exercise routine - your body gets "used" to your workout If you are already working out regularly, you must begin to vary your routine. Perhaps your body has gotten “used” to your workout and the benefits of exercise to your metabolism have slackened. A great way to boost your metabolism is to begin to include increases in intensity to your workout. For example, if you have been running 3 miles at a steady 30 minute pace, try adding a few periods of one minute sprints in transit. If your workout has become too “easy,” it is imperative that you find ways to make it moderately difficult again if you want to drop your set point. Your weight set point can be overcome In conclusion, there is a strong body of evidence that suggests that each individual has a predetermined weight set point. Your individual set point may be difficult to overcome. However, the majority of people who continue to eat healthily, increase exercise intensity and not give up, eventually press past their set point closer to their desired weight. The actions you take and the level of persistence you demonstrate will determine whether you can conquer your set point.

My meals vary. I usually have a low fat/no sugar yogurt with a spoonful of granola for bfast. lunch, lately its been a chicken tender and mixed veggies, or a small frozen WW meal, I usually cannot finish it. Today its a small container of tuna (2.9 oz.) with some FF mayo - just a little, and a few multi-grain crackers to go with it. I will probably wait a few hours and have a pealed apple too. dinner, I can eat more, I have to watch my portion control for dinner. I usually have whatever we are having for dinner but put it on a small plate and force myself to eat very slow. This helps me not overeat. The one thing I have noticed, I could always eat more even with great restriction, but I try and listen to my body. When I'm no longer hungry, I stop, I try to see how little I can eat vs. how much I can eat. The key I've also found is Protein FIRST!!!!!! Also, when you first get banded, you will only be able to eat a few tablespoons, enjoy it.....that will end. Try and get your fluids in too. I try and sip Water all day, this helps my pouch stay busy.

I always try and eat at least 3 hours before bed, then rinse my pouch out with some water about 30 to 45 min before bed.

Well, I've had my share of surgeries - In the past 4 years, I've had a total of 8 surgeries. Four on my arms alone, I have some major nerve damage in there. This guy I work with calls me "HH". Stands for Hospital Ho - he said I've done been in every hospital bed there is. lol. I take it with a grain of salt and I'm hoping losing weight and getting into shape will keep my body from falling apart any further. I believe its around 3.9cc, my band is a 4cc band. It might be a tad over 3.9, but I'm pretty sure thats where it is. I've come to the realization that the band will never be consistant for me, the restriction level that is. Mine changes on a meal to meal basis. In the evening, I'm a lot looser, so I really have to watch my portion control, and i'm perfect during the day. I've also noticed that about 1 week or 10 days out of the month, I'm very loose. I think this is when I would be having my monthly, however, I had a hysterectomy and don't have those any more. I still have my ovaries, so I still have the hormonal thing, so I think thats why I still have the same symtoms. I think when I'm loose, is when I would be having my monthly cycle and even though I don't get them any more, my hormones still go thru the cycle. I think that I really need to focus on me making better choices, and exercise. The band will keep me from going too crazy, but its not going to take me to goal. I'm going to have to do that by eating right and exercising.

Well, i'm back at work today and recovering from my sickness. Busy busy busy..... Still, did not make it to they gym! Nor did I get up this morning, will try and make it tonight! I have to do some grocery shopping and a big purchase at Sams tonight for a wedding I'm catering on Saturday, so working out is on my list, but not sure I will get to it. I know, I know, I need to make it a priority. On a good note, this fill sure is feeling good! Eating a lot less, and getting full a lot quicker. I am having to slow down while eating, which is a good thing for me. So far, I think this might be the sweet spot I've been trying for over 2 years to get to. I think I might have finally found it! I sure hope it doesn't leave me. I think this could get me to goal if it stays this tight. Menu today: Bfast protein shake made with soy milk lunch WW meal - ate about 1/2 of it, and threw the rest out. Couldn't finish it all snack string cheese dinner: grilled chicken tender spinach salad

Well, i'm back at work today and recovering from my sickness. Busy busy busy..... Still, did not make it to they gym! Nor did I get up this morning, will try and make it tonight! I have to do some grocery shopping and a big purchase at Sams tonight for a wedding I'm catering on Saturday, so working out is on my list, but not sure I will get to it. I know, I know, I need to make it a priority. On a good note, this fill sure is feeling good! Eating a lot less, and getting full a lot quicker. I am having to slow down while eating, which is a good thing for me. So far, I think this might be the sweet spot I've been trying for over 2 years to get to. I think I might have finally found it! I sure hope it doesn't leave me. I think this could get me to goal if it stays this tight. Menu today: Bfast protein shake made with soy milk lunch WW meal - ate about 1/2 of it, and threw the rest out. Couldn't finish it all snack string cheese dinner: grilled chicken tender spinach salad

Deb - that is pretty good price. I am going to start going to some consultations in January. I will see what they say. I have a quote from a doc in Mexico, and it was $5100 for TT and lipo in my thighs. And I would have to pay for airfare to Cali. Confused - yes, take it easy. You don't want to injur yourself further, I know its hard, I was on crutches for 6 weeks after my knee surgery and couldnt do any exercise for 3 months. Now ive torn my rotary cuff and and its been 6 months and it still hasn't healed completly.

Yes, you called it, Manatee, you had her number from the beginning didn't you! As I was watching the show, I was thinking about your post and you stating you didn't like her, I thought you are so right! I hadn't formed an opinion until tonight. I'm with you Manatee - I am not a Tracy fan. I was hoping she would go below the yellow line, when she does, she will be gone. Sean, the youth pastor lives in my city - Tulsa, OK. I was wondering where he works out at. I'm going to ask around and see if he works out at my gym. I thought him and Antoin looked really good, and looks like there is a love connection too for Antoin.

hey Debbie, glad to see you online. I agree, its so easy for the old eating habits to start creeping back on us, I know its happened to me more than once. Especially my emotional eating, I really have to watch that. Too bad the band doesn't fix our thinking. What PS did you have? I am really wanting a tummy tuck next year, or my arms done, or my thighs, I can only have one I think because of the cost. But we'll see what needs it more. lol.

I've read that somewhere too, not sure where. But I have plateau at every weight I stayed out for any period of time. For instance, for years I was at 195, so when I got down to 195 I just stayed there for about 2 months. I kept pushing and finally broke it, I flew past the 180's and then got stuck in the 170's, which was a weight I was at for a time too. I'm currently stuck in the 160's which is where I was at 20 years ago for a time. This is my longest plateau yet! Of course, I keep not making the best choices too. I know once I can break out of the 160's, the 150's will be a peace of cake. My weight before I got married and I was maintaing was in the 140's so I expect to get there and stay there. I don't think I will ever be smaller than that, and I'm okay with that.

Sounds like you are inflamed, irritated. I would stick to mushy, soft foods. You are a tighter now because of a fill, how big are your bites? Make sure thay are no bigger than a dime, put your fork down between bites. What did you get stuck on? Now is the time you need to make notes of foods that you get stuck when you eat. These foods might become off limits to you, if you eat the again and you get stuck, then you have to make note that you won't be able to eat them. If you are still having issues and the PB episodes become more frequent, you will need to go see your doc. PB episodes are not good, so you don't want to be too tight that you are getting stuck with every meal. But really make sure you are taking small bites, that your chewing and you are waiting a little bit between bites. With each fill you get, your eating will need to change, so remember that, that was hard for me to remember.

Well, eating has been going good, my restriction level seems to be good. I do have to slow down a bit, and I just don't eat as much. I've trying to make good choices on my eating, making sure I eat my protein first and that does make a big difference. I grilled some chicken last night on my george Foreman grill, and I had 1 1/2 tenders and I was done! That was about 2 oz of meat, I had a sliver of cantelope with it as well. My acid reflux is gone, no more waking up in the middle of the night coughing, so things seem to be good with this fill. I don't get too excited because this has happened to me before, then all of a sudden the restriction leaves, but we'll see how this one goes. Exercise - well I need to be more consistant. I have been sick all weekend, but feeling a little better today. I'm going to go to the gym today and get some cardio in! For me, its all or nothing, and lately if I can't do it all, I do nothing. I'm trying to change my mindset, one of the suggestions that Dr. Vuong's book made was to take some baby steps, just incorporate some type of exercise in each day, whether its taking the stairs, or parking further away at the store. I am going to have that attitude instead of "I blew it today, didn't make it to gym". Weight - I go thru spurts, most of the time I'm a total scale whore, I have to weigh every day, every evening, and sometimes in between. I'm going thru a phase where I just don't want to see the number. I am just not interested in that damn scale controlling my mood today, so I've stayed off it. I am just focussing on eating right and hoping when I do weigh, I will be pleasantly surprised and happy. I did wear a size 8 dress this weekend to my assembly and did I get a lot compliments, made me feel good. The dress was a little tight, but it wasn't too tight that I couldn't wear it. So maybe the scales are bouncing up and down, or maybe I haven't made it to the gym on a consistant basis lately - but what I can say is my size 8 dress is long way from my size 18 dress I used to wear. I've made a lot of changes in my life since getting the band, and a lot has changed on the inside of me. I still feel like a fat cow, and have a hard time thinking "I'm skinny", but then sometimes when I slip into a dress that I can look at and think "there is no way I'm fitting into that", and I do, wow.....it makes me realize how far I've come. I seem to focus on that ending number, that goal weight but today I'm going to pat myself on the back and say, Good Job Tonya, you've come a long way baby! No negative talk today....

Hi Sandie, a fill is an adjustment to the band, to make it a little tighter so you have more restriction. I think I felt a little sick because the band just got a little tighter around my stomach, I usually feel that way for a day or two after my adjustmens/fills, but I never throw up, just feel a little quesy for a day or two then it leaves. I hope this answered your question.

Okay, I got fill #15 and had GREAT restriction, then all of a sudden I felt like I had NO restriction, I was eating anything and everything, hungry all the time. Stepped on the scales and was up to 170! What the heck? So I went in for yet another fill. I explained the situation to my fill doc and he usually takes a small bit of fill out before he adds some in. He believes an air bubble was in the tubing on the last fill so this time he did not take any out at all, he just added 2/10ths of a cc and I immediately felt a huge huge huge difference. I think this was the first time I actually hurt when he made me eat the peaches. I noticed how much restriction I had when we went out for dinner, I stuck to some mashed potatoes and I was full all night long. I was a little nausiated this morning, but still felt that tight restriction. I know I get my hopes up high and hoping that this restricition will last, and then I get disappointed when it doesnt. But for some reason, this fill really fills different. So we will see. I am mordified to be back up to 170 again. What in the world? I feel so fat today, bloated and just miserable. My feet are very swollen too. I will keep my blog updated on my progress. Below is my fill history so far. Fill #1 - 3/6/07 - 2.2cc's Fill #2 - 4/17/07 - 3.0cc's Fill #3 - 7/6/07 - 3.5 cc's (I think it was only 2.5cc's because when I went back for fill #4, he could only w/draw 1.8 cc's) Fill #4 - 7/20/07 - filled me back to 3.0 ccs - He should have filled me more! Fill #5 - 8/17/07 - 3.4cc's Fill #6 - 10/08/07 - filled me to 3.8cc's - the best restriction I've ever had,but still could eat big bites of food, so I figured I needed to be tighter. Fill #7 - 11/21/07 filled to 4.0 cc's. By the evening could not hold anything down, not even my saliva. PBing all night - horrilble experieince UNFILL #1 - 11/23/07 - unfilled to somewhere between 2.5 to 3.0 cc's - NO RESTRICTIONS AGAIN Fill #8 - 1/18/08 Went in and the doc filled me back up to just right under 4.0, according to Flouro, it was perfect. Well, by next morning, could not hold down saliva again, ended up back in hospital UNFILL #2 - 1/19/08 - Doctor had to unfill me to 3.0 again because of the swelling from all the PBing for being too tight. Again, NO RESTRICTION - Fill #9 - 2/12/08 - 3.5 cc's - was tight for about a week, now feel lose again. grrrr, still have "some" restriction, just not quite enough! Next fill scheduled for 4/7/08 - I hate that it takes sooooooo long to get in to see the fill doc. FILL #10 - 4/7/08 The doc just added .4cc's, making me at 3.9cc's. I think this might be the one! FILL #11 - Was scheduled on 6/25/08 - but the doc did not fill me up, I was leaving for a cruise on 6/27 so he didn't want to risk me being too tight, so did not get a fill. FILL #11 - 8/5/08 Went for a fill, this time the doc took all my fill out and all he could get out was 2.4 cc's. Filled me up to 4.0 cc's, I left, had to go right back because I could not drink, he took out a little over .2 cc's, he said I'm somewhere between 3.5 to 3.7 cc's. - I had great restriction for 2 weeks, but It has now loosened some. I feel I might need a tad more. I'm worried I have a very slow leak. UNFILL #3 - 8/5/08 - Took a little over .2 cc's out, had pretty good restriction, but still a tad too lose. FILL #12 - 9/17/08 - Added just 1/10th of a cc - I think I'm somewhere between 3.8 to 3.9 cc in a 4cc band. I am hoping and praying this is the fill that I stop with! I do not have another appointment for another fill, will wait this one out and see. Fill #13 - 10/06/08 - Doc added about 2/10's of a cc. He took everything out and put it all back in and said I was about 3.7 to 3.8cc's. - which is where he said I was last time. FILL #14 - 11/10/08 - Doc took everything out and I had about 3.6cc's, which is pretty good. He then filled me up to just under 4.0cc's I believe I'm about 3.9cc's. I ate some canned peaches and set around the office for a bit, made sure none came back up. Seems to be doing good so far. I hope this is my last fill! FILL #15 - 08/10/09 - Added about 1/10th of a cc. I think I'm right at 4.0 cc. Wt on the morning of my fill was at 165. But was very bloated from steroids I was on for the previous week. FILL #16 - 8/31/09 - My last fill lasted 2 weeks then I felt wide open. Went in for another fill, this time he did not take any out and just added 2/10th's of a cc. I think I'm just a little more than 4.1 cc's in a 4.0 cc band. I feel great restriction so far. I'm hoping this last. I'm sick of fills. lol. - I could tell my fill was wide open, I was starving all the time, wt at the time of fill was 170! grrrrrrr

Well, my fill is back to normal now. No problems, so far I don't think I need another one, so I'm going to just monitor it and hopefully this one will help me get to goal! JUNO - CONGRATULATIONS ON HAVING A BABY BOY!!!! Thats cool you will have one of each, I have a boy and a girl and so happy it worked out that way. You have done great on your pregnancy, did you get a complete unfill? I can't remember? I am still working on getting my exercise in, a miss and a hit here and there, I know I need to be more consistant. Eating has been pretty good. I just finished reading Mahamad Ali's daughter's book, "Fighting Weight", she had the lapband. It was a good book. She looks great and hit her goal, it took her 3 years, so I was kinda glad that I wasn't alone. lol. I also read Dr. Duc Vuong's book, Ultimate Lap-Band Success. It was also good and informative, made me realize I am not a failure and the band will work if you use it, the band doesn't fail you, you fail the band. Anyhow, I need to eat my Protein more and make sure I eat it first!

Your right, not as much interest when there is no drama. lol. I agree, sometimes I just wish they would just eliminate the lowest loser, but then again, its a game, so they have to make it interesting. I really haven't formed an opinion about any one individual yet, so I can't say I don't like her yet, but I can say she is not my favorite either. I am liking Abby, just because I can relate to her and I like Daniel, but I'm sure as time goes on, my mind could change. I remember last season, I was not that big of Tara fan, but then I saw her determination and her will and it made me become a big fan. So, its still early for me to make any decisions yet, but this season looks like there are going to be some dramatic changes, since they are so big. Can't wait for the finale so I can see how much everyone has changed. Thats always my favorite part!:scared2:

Hey, thanks for the link, I've been dying to know who she had a crush on. They used to have Biggest Loser on fancast.com, however, now they have taken it off. Weird. I have to dvr it every Tuesday because I have a standig meeting I attend on Tuesdays, but as soon as I get home, gotta watch it! Tuesday nights, I'm up too late watching the biggest Loser, but I just can't wait until Wednesday to watch it. lol.

My DH is leaving for Canada Friday - going geese hunting....He'll be there for about a week. Have fun! :thumbdown:

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great! I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser. Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.