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I bought $10 worth of baby food. Only attempted to eat one --- and donated the rest to a food drive. It was NOT for me.

I have had a hard time since a trip to Europe the beggining of Oct. Then of course there was thanksgiving, christmas, new years. I have put on 30 pounds from my lowest weight. I was told by a few people I lost a little too much weight. I have going to loose 20 and see how I look and if my jeans fit. I can't workout right now because I just had a boob job 12/21. I had my trainer put me back in the schedule 1/10. I hope the doc. okays that. It will be 3 weeks. Yesterday and today have been great eating wise. I have broken up my daily food into 6 mini meals. I think this will work well for me. I also started journaling again. Let's hope my motivation continues. I think I'll be in a good spot if I can just put 3-4 good days together. I never want to be fat again! Thanks for listening.

I bought some 2.5 oz jars of the baby food meat. I haven't tried as surgery isn't until 5/21. The small jar has 8-10 protein.

Hello! I am new to this forum. I have decided that I can’t win this weight battle on my own. I need help as I am convinced that I am doing great harm to my health. A few months ago, I knew nothing about banding. I’d heard about gastric bypass but I never really thought of myself as “that overweight” (by the way, I am) and focused on being a failed dieter. I gave up dieting. I only gained the weight back after killing myself to lose it. No more WW, Nutrisystem, Atkins, South Beach, and so on. I’d lose weight with a great deal of effort and gain it back the minute I felt a modicum of success. I learned that I was pre-diabetic about three years ago. Blood fasting sugars about 120 each day. Pre-diabetic – well heck..that’s not so bad. I mean, I am not truly diabetic I told myself. Of course today, that number has jumped to 182 some days. But still under 200! I am not REALLY diabetic! Right? Wrong! I was seeing the gastro doc because I have developed “fatty liver disease”. Isn’t that a pretty name for a disease? Hey folks, I have fatty liver disease (but remember, I am not diabetic, only pre-diabetic!). So now let’s count my co-morbidities – pre-diabetes (just had my Metformin dose increased to 4 tabs), high cholesterol, high blood pressure (just doubled that dose) and fatty liver (my daily martini has changed to an occasional glass of wine but I haven’t stopped eating like a Viking. (no offense to any Vikings out there). What a mess I’ve become. And every visit to the doctors – PCP or specialist, ends with “if you could just lose 10 lbs…” Incidentally, my BMI is 41 and I am 5’7. I wear a 20 to 22 and 1X to 2X. I am a big girl and have been for most of my 58 years though never as big as I am right now. My husband loves me no matter what size I happen to be thank goodness but I know that he wants me to live a long time and that he is worried I will not. My gastro doc mentioned that if by the next time I saw him, I did not lose some weight, I should consider surgery. I think that was the dose of reality I have been waiting for since hearing I was “pre-diabetic” a couple of years ago. This time the words were not as softened as the word “pre” softened diabetes. It was just out there. You are obese and are unable to lose weight and you will die if you don’t change things. After feeling totally shocked that he recognized that I could not fight this battle without help, I began to research my options and found myself here on this website lurking every evening and reading all of your thoughts, prayers, concerns, and successes. When I read between the lines of what you all write however, I see HOPE. You all share hope that things will be better and can be better with a little help. I’d reached the point that there was no hope anymore but now, thanks to you and my gastro doctor, I can see that even at my age, there can be a future without obesity. So, I have taken control of my health and have decided to be banded. I attended the Weight Loss Information Session at Brigham’s and Women’s in early Dec. I scheduled my consultation with Dr Ali Tavakkolizadeh for Jan 21 along with the Nutritionist that day. I have an appt with Dr. Cynthia Worth end of Jan for my weight management behavioral evaluation. I have called Aetna and learned that I am covered for 80% and that there is a 3 month and a 6 month program. I am not sure yet what the difference is between the two programs but most certainly would prefer the 3 month one. I saw my PCP last week and asked for my medical records. All of these appointments were scheduled within one day with little effort. I take it as a sign that success is in my future. Thanks for reading my story. If anyone has experience with Dr Tav, Dr Worth or Faulkner Hospital which is where Dr Tav does this surgery, please write. My thoughts are with all of you fighting this fight.

I don't want to sound mean or cold hearted... but I see people on here saying they can't be around people eating food , well this is life it is going to be here and you need to just get used to it. Just tell yourself NO !! I know it is very hard but you can do it , you did it at first and now you can keep doing it. Just belive in yourself . I have a long way to go myself, but I would never stop cooking for my husband or have him to eat in another room. That would be like putting on blinders for the rest of your life. That's life and we just have to adjust to it. We may lose 10 lbs and then gain 1 or 2 lbs back but just look ahead and Never look back. I am so sorry if I sound cold hearted. I am very proud of every one on here .

I just found this: Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Horacio Guajardo, M.D. He's only done 85 sleeves. That's not very much sleeve experience. There is a surgeon in TJ and she isn't very experienced either and her patients can eat an entire chicken breast 3 weeks after surgery, I'm 10 months out and I can't eat that much and my stomach has already stretched out. Can you imagine how much she'll be able to eat when hers has stretched? Experience means everything in the world with this procedure. I have NO clue if this surgeon is great or horrible. I've never heard of him before I read you post. He's in a safe location, that part is good. He states on his OH profile that he trained Dr. Rumbaut. I'd call Rumbaut's office and verify that. Rumbaut has farrrr more experience than this guy... it kinda doesn't add up. Just research and verify everything.

#9grammy in TWO WEEKS you went from a size 14 to a 10?? WHOLEY MOLEY! I started at an 18-20 in March and am down to a 14-16 now. I would be thrilled if I could get in to a 10 in 2 weeks! Awesome for you!

I have PCOS.... I have never been regular. I took Metformin (Glucophage) for the last 10 years, and found out that what we thought was Celiac Disease with me (chronic bowel issues) ended up being a sensitivity to Glucophage.... non-resolvable diarrhea. (sorry if TMI) I went off Glucophage this past January. I've had every period since then. It started every 50 days..... then every 40ish..... Had my LB placed in August... now getting my period about every 32 days. I even FELT my egg pop in September. I've also known when I was ovulating, so I was able to fend my husband off (name is tripletmomma for a reason!) Your hormones are starting to shift/normalize, and while they do that, you may experience many things! It's weird.... but isn't it nice getting your body into some sort of rhythm?

My hubs was 12/21 and I was 1/9. We could have easily done it at the same time (and we have 4 kids). It was hard not being on the same page food wise for the first few weeks but now we are past that hurdle. We have both lost about 70 lbs since starting our pre op diets. It's been a blessing. I just did a 10 mile fairly difficult hike on Friday. Def couldn't have done that 70 lbs ago.

I got through this stage with eating high protein foods like fish, and eggs. For me, going back to work and being busy and not home thinking about being hungry helped a lot. When I got home I would eat a small meal, go walking, bathe and then straight to bed and not have to think about being hungry. For me, it was all about getting into a routine. I was a lot like you. I wanted to cheat SO VERY BADLY but I got scared and never did. The pay off was a loss of 10 pounds the first week. Hang in there. Read a book, blog on this site, keep busy, busy, busy!!

Thank you! I hope I can at 10 days - just a little something!

All Bran makes a drink mix similar to Crystal Light that has 10 grams of fiber. It comes in 2 flavors. I've only tried the pink lemonade it's really good and you can have it while on the liquid diet. It helps a lot. Benefiber is good too but one serving only has 3 grams of fiber.

March 30 here!! Start my liquid diet on March 19. Feeling hopeful and excited!!

I was banded on Oct. 9th. Hate to burst your bubble but appetite does return after about 6 or 7 days. Glad you guys have had good experiences. Mine was great too. Very little pain, very little nausea and the gas pain has gone away now (finally). I get gassy when I eat some things now (like applesauce, who'da thunk it) and some things I tolerate incredibly well that I didn't think I would (like beans). My incisions look great and I'm back at work having everyone tell me how good I look. I've lost 19 pounds so far including 11 from pre-op diet. Best of luck to us all!

Thank you everyone...I appreciate your responses. Only 10 days to go!! I am praying constantly and know that God paved the path ahead of me. I love that there are so many people that are in so many different places and we can all come together and share w/each other.... may we all be on the loosers bench <3

Yes! I am 10 days post op and around day 6 -7 was craving food. I think it was just that i though i was hungry. I had a couple of days where i had extra serves of soup but, then i had no weight loss. Yesterday i kept myself busy all day and stuck to my shakes and soup and it was a much better day. I also keep diet jelly (jello) in the fridge to eat when i need something. Returning to work next week will help so i wont be sitting around thinking about food. It is also hard when you have to cook for the rest of the family.

Hello, I'm 2 weeks post-op with my band and my doctor has recommended a timeline of weeks 1-4 only clear liquids, weeks 4-8 pureed foods. Week 9, begin regular food. From what I have seen, this seems a bit longer than most. Did anyone else have a longer clear liquid time like me? If so, were you able to start pureed foods a little sooner with success? I did liquids pre-op for 10 days and have been on liquid for the 2 weeks post. Feeling good that the weight is coming off (27 pounds) but have little energy and am seriously sick of Jello, broth, strained thin soups and protein shakes. Any advice?

Hi - i get banded on May 19th and I am on day 6 of the pre op liquid only diet....when after surgery can I eat a little something? 10 days after surgery is our annual BBQ and daughtes 7th birthday party...will I be able to eat something soft and little, may a deviled egg or if I make really mushed up chicken salad - can I eat 10 days out???? thanks

Parrothead probably had her gall bladder taken out before they could do it laproscopically. That's how they used to do it probably 10 years ago, the way she had it done.

**I would like to preface this by saying that the story may be long, but I have been on this sight for about 3 months and have yet to post anything substantial. I loved reading peoples in-depth stories and wanted to share mine the same way. Take what you will My journey actually began 3 short months ago when my parents confronted both my younger sister and I about having the surgery. My mother was overweight and has RnY gastric bypass in 2003 and it completely changed her life, and ours, for the better. My parents saw us going down the same path and did not wish for us to have that kind of lifestyle. Having said that, there were times in my life I was fit and healthy, but no matter how much I exercise or watch what I eat these pat 5 years, I never seem to lose more than 20 lbs. The weight always came back. I have tried multiple weight loss systems and had no positive outcomes. I'm about 20 lbs smaller than my sister, weighing in at 240.8 at 5'6" and 28 years old (size 18/20 jean/dress). Which makes me approximately 100 lbs overweight and a candidate for laproscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy with Dr. Aviv Ben-Meier at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center for Bariatric Surgery in Cleveland, Ohio. This is where my mother had her surgery done, so she made a few calls to her advocate there and got both my sister and I a consultation with the surgeon. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to do this. The topic had been brought up to my sister before and I had considered what I would do if I ever had the opportunity, so when I was approached with have VSG in May, I knew I wanted to. Thankfully, my parents were able to pay for this surgery so I didn't have to jump through insurance hoops and was able to have the surgery quickly. I did check into my insurance in case it was a possibility, but found that it wasn't, by any mean, paid for. Having said that, a consultation, psych eval, sleep study, and 3 nutritionist appointments later, I was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, August 17th, 2011. My sisters short story will end here seeing that she is in college and planning on having hers the first week of Christmas vacation. PAT's were scheduled 2 weeks before my operation in which I had no qualms whatsoever about the surgery. You should know that I am the last person you would find in a hospital, around needles and blood, but I was not nervous about this surgery AT ALL. That is, until PAT, when I passed twice getting blood drawn and heard about the tube and catheter I would have after surgery. Let alone the IV I would be getting beforehand (which I was aware of but thought I would be fine with until the fainting incident.) I went home that night after surgery education and was quesy and nervous for the first time. I was a pile of nerves and couldn't allow myself to think about it at all without feeling nauseaus. I couldn't back out now! Thankfully the next morning I woke up with a new sense of ease and was fine once again. I am so gracious to have this opportunity to get my life back, I didn't care what I had to do to get it. The day before surgery came and I had to drink 3 bottles of Magnesium Citrate on a clear liquid diet. I mixed the COLD cherry Mag. Cit. with Crystal light lemonade, and honestly, it wasn't that bad. I encourage those of you who still have to do this to try it that way. Also, since its nasty, you want to drink it quickly...but it's carbonated and may make you feel a bit nauseaus. fyi. That night I took my mind off things by visiting my 5 day old honorary nephew. Unfortunately they were eating homemade roastbeef and mashed potatoes for dinner!! The morning of I was up at 4:30, showered, hair done, and ready to head to Cleveland. I actually arrived at my surgery 15 minutes late! I was praying for an early surgery so I wouldn't have to wake up and wait around...well, I got what I asked for. 6am surgery! During pre-op they gave me a gown and asked me to take a pregnancy test, then put me in a bed where they took my blood pressure and found my heart rate to be an extremely high 119. I was worried about the IV at this point, could careless about the surgery. The nurses and anesthesiologists come around and introduced themselves, I was given warm blankets, then left to wait about an hour until they came back to do my IV. Maybe one of the worst parts for me was that hour long waiting-for-the-inevitable anxiety. Finally the actual anesthesiologist came over and began. He said they WERE GOING TO NUMB ME FIRST! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I actually reached up and grabbed his shoulder to thank him. He numbed my arm, and literally 4 seconds later the IV was in and I didn't feel a thing. I told him he was "amazing" which had the entire open pre-op room full of about 20 people laughing. He kept it going for awhile. Next thing I know, my surgeon, another amazing man, Dr. Aviv Ben-Meier, was at the foot of my bed asking if I had questions, saying that I would do great, and he would see me in a few minutes. They gave me a shot of heparin in my belly (which created a now 6" awful looking bruise) and some of what my surgeon calls "I don't care medicine." I was wheeled into the operating room and asked to maneuver over to the surgery table. Let me tell you, without that anxiety medication, there is no way I would have freely moved on over and allowed them to strap me down the way they were. I do remember calling them a bunch of friendly busy bees before they told me goodnight... Next thing I know I'm being wheeled to recovery in the hallway with nurses yelling my name. Honestly, this is exactly what it feels like waking up from fainting. I felt like they were screaming at me though they were just trying to keep me awake. Once in the preop area I was immediately given morphine through my IV which didn't help a bit! I was in pain! I'm a pain baby, just so you know. It is just intense soreness in your abdominal area. I will say that I didn't cry or beg for more medicine, but it was pretty miserable. Just prepare yourself. Thankfully every 10 minutes the nurse came with more morphine until the morphine pump was hooked up, but my guess is it took a good 45 minutes for me to feel any relief. It must have been about 2 hours, the last I was able to sleep through after the pain meds started working, and I was taken to my beautiful room. St. Vincent Charity Medical Center has remodeled all of their rooms to look like hotels! My husband, mom, and friend were then there with me. I was awake enough to hear that the surgeon found I had hiatal hernia which he needed to repair before the actual VSG took place, so the surgery took longer than expected. I was actually glad to hear that it got fixed! I'm sure that attributed to many of my preop symptoms. The rest of the day was pretty boring between pushing my morphine pump every 10 minutes and falling to sleep. My husband would push the pump while I slept which was awesome. I recommend you have someone on top of that if that is your line up of pain medication afterwards. The pump doesn't get pushed if your sleeping!!!!! I found that out the first night. The night of surgery they also had me up walking twice, which was unimaginable until I actually got up. Walking made me feel so much better. The first lap around the floor was difficult, but then they started to make me feel really good. I encourage the walking big time. The night of surgery went ok until I woke up 2 hours without pain medication. I don't understand this and probably never will. I tried to stay awake for 40 minutes to press the button 4 times but I would always end up falling back to sleep. Most of the time there are orders to push an extra dose of morphine if needed, so don't hesitate to ask your nurse. The next day they took away my morphine pump and put me on 2 separate pain medications that also helped with inflammation since I had the hernia repaired. The nurse came in and gave those through the IV every 6 hours. That was much better. I walked a lot the next day and also slept. The medication really didn't give me a choice to stay awake though I wanted to. My mom came and gave me a manicure and we watched the Bachelor Pad. That day I also had the catheter removed. I want everyone to know who is like me and never had one before, to not worry about it. I didn't even know it was there and it was no big deal when they took it out. My issue was that I was unable to urinate for a good 9 hours after and was told that if I didn't go they would have to put it back in. THAT WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN. lol. Also, the abdominal tube you do not feel in you at all. I was not allowed to drink anything today which was the second day without any liquid. Cotton mouth was an annoyance for sure. The swabbie's helped me the most, and also brushing my teeth a lot helped at all, just make sure not to swallow anything. I sounded like a frog. The third day in the hospital I woke up and was taken down for a barium X-ray at 8:00am. It was far too easy, but also extremely gross. Thankfully they gave me anti-nausea medication before I went. After not having anything in my throat for 2.5 days, barium was not my drink of choice. 6 small sips later it was over and by 9am my surgeon had approved me for liquids and had a glass of icechips by my bedside. Ice chips were a God-send and lunch was great. I found that I was taking really small sips too soon together though. The top of my stomach was gurgly. My surgeon came in that night and said that the rest of the day I should time my sips every 5 minutes, then the next day every 3 minutes. It was this time I was put on liquid percocet which is now my pain med of choice. lol. The rest of the day I walked, walked, walked. I was called speedy by more than one other patient The next day was Saturday and time to go home. I had been worrying about my tube being taken out but by now I was a nervous wreck. I was told that it doesn't hurt, it's just a really strange feeling. When the doctor walked in at noon I had to buck up and make my own judgement. He said the same, that it won't hurt, but feels like you're going down the hill of a rollercoaster. Would you know, that is what I would compare it to! What a doc! Also, I did not have bad gas pain in the hospital. I was warned the first day after surgery that I might since having the hernia repaired. I've noticed it in my shoulders when it appears but it is not that extreme. I find that walking and doing shoulder/neck circles helps. I guess I was one of the lucky ones! Again, if you are nervous about that, don't be...it's not worth it. I was still on percocet, and walking, as my discharge instructions were given. Then I was in the car and headed home. Nothing compares to lying in my own bed, propped up on pillows, relaxed by percocet, with my pup and husband. I do believe I told him that night that I was in heaven. My time home has been going really well. My surgeon wants me drinking 6-8 8oz. of full liquid per day, one of those servings being a Protein drink. As of right now, I find that impossible! Yesterday I had about 4 servings and couldn't bare to drink anymore. I am finding that I still have drink at a rate of about every 5 minutes, but I believe that may be due to the swelling I also have from the hernia repair. I may also be taking larger sips than I should. I'm still trying to tweak that. The Protein drinks I am drinking are from Arbonne and are absolutely delicious. I'm also drinking some Diet V8 Splash berry Blend (which takes most of the yucky taste away from crushed pills), tea, Water, crystal light, and broths. I think I'm able to have diluted creamed Soup but I'm afraid to try that as of yet. The medications I am taking upon coming home are liquid percocet when needed, flintstone Vitamin +Iron daily, 4 chewable Gas-X daily for the first week starting the day I come home, and chewable pepcid twice daily. The most shocking thing I've noticed since being home is the amount of gurggling my digestive system is doing. I think it is just the mix of gas and liquid, but it sounds like a washing machine dinosaur, and I have multiple people that agree with me! I'm so embarrassed by it but am glad that it doesn't hurt. I start grad school classes next Monday and am unsure what I'm going to do about this! The other issue I'm facing is head hunger. There is no way I could fit anything in my stomach, but food is absolutely everywhere and I want it! I get sad that I will never eat pizza...but have to tell myself that one day I will be able to have a portion of pizza. Food comes to mind that I'm not even a huge fan of, like oreos, and I want one so bad. I realize that this is my addiction talking and that I will be able to enjoy food eventually, but life is more important that chips and chicken wings. When I have these feelings, I just think...wouldn't you rather put on a pair of skinny jeans, or wouldn't you rather be able to cross your legs? etc. That helps. Today I am 5 days post-op and am actually at work. It's not typical work, but I'm still not at home resting. I take care of my grandmother who is suffering from Ovarian Cancer. I drive 45 minutes to and from her house each day to help her. I got up early today, drove out here, and we are taking care of one another. It's been nice. I haven't had to take any pain medicine today which I am thankful for and am getting in more liquids since I didn't sleep in and haven't napped. My surgeon said that each day I should feel better and so far I am! I hope this post is at least a little helpful for you all. I'll continue updating on my journey and reading yours! Attached is a picture of me from a few months ago with my sister and mom. My sister is on the left, me on the right with the red hair. Hopefully soon I'll be adding before and afters!! WOOOHOOOO! Can't believe I'm on the losers bench!

It's totally normal to be scared and worried! I totally was when I had my revision on December 10--and I'm 63 years old, so I was afraid that would complicate things as well. Thankfully, everything went well--a little damage to my stomach from the band so my pouch is a bit larger than the surgeon wanted it to be, but, other than that, everything went well. I'm six weeks out and still figuring our how to eat correctly and how to get in 60 grams of Protein and 64 oz. of Water every day. Believe me, it's a huge challenge. It definitely is a learning process! Good luck to you. If you are like me, after the surgery you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

I lost 10 pounds in 11 days of liquids. I also did the protein shakes like mentioned above and then I did jello, pudding and popcicles for snacks, but I do like greek yogurt now that I am post op, never tried it prior. Oh and I loved sugar free popcicles, especially after surgery when it is difficult to drink and get your liquids in they were wonderful and went down with ease and taste good Good luck on your journey, you will be happy with your decision, I still have some days, but I am so happy I made this decision for myself.

My doctor told me that after 10 days the chance of a leak is less than 1% and after 2 weeks it 0%. He said if I had a leak after 2 weeks, he wouldn't even treat it surgically. It's very important to follow the liquids after surgery. I had to do 10 days of clear liquids. My doctor is very conservative, which is fine with me. He also uses a drain. The purpose of a drain is to alert you to a leak even before you get symptoms. The drain stayed in for the first 10 days then was removed in the office.

Welcome aboard, Captain, and enjoy the flight. Generally, we have little problem overshooting the mark on our weight goals with the sleeve; indeed the more common problem is to fall short of the goal, though as a guy with a low/moderate BMI, rapid loss is more common. The typical loss pattern is for declining loss as we progress, since we have less excess mass to move around and that burns fewer calories (think of having to retrim to maintain altitude as your fuel burns off.) Occasionally someone will get over-hyped on exercise, working toward marathon goals or the like and will experience stable or increasing loss as they progress, but they are the exception. Assuming a nominal sleeve (one without defects like a stricture or twist that blocks things up,) after things are fully healed and flowing smoothly (a few months' time) it is fairly easy to adjust our diet to meet our needs. The restriction that we get varies with the composition of the food that we eat. Your basic meats will still be fairly restricted, 3 ounces, give or take an ounce or so, as the pyloric valve in the bottom of the stomach closes up to let the stomach process it. However, there are lots of "slider" foods out there that require minimal stomach processing and slide on through with little restriction; unfortunately, most junk food fits into that category, but so do a lot of good things like fruits and many vegetables. Drinking calories, using "meat lube" (gravies and sauces) along with slider foods can be used, in the negative sense, to "eat around your sleeve" or in the positive sense to help you get in the calories and nutrition that you need to be stable. These are variables that we learn to play with attain stability. Given that our sleeves mature to be of similar size, (there's variations depending upon surgical technique, starting point of the patient, etc., but we are all much smaller there than we started out at,) some people will wind up maintaining at 1000-1200 calories, while others will be at 2000 or more, and anywhere in between. Yet these variations can be accommodated by how we adapt our eating technique. As a reference, I can eat about 4 oz of meat if that's all I have, but cut that back to 2 oz and thrown into a salad, that salad can be around 10 oz and often pushing 500 calories (quite a bit of avo and some cheese in there boosting that count, and I could easily make it more caloric if I were so inclined.) Isolating other variables, as a tall guy, your stomach is typically longer than average to start with, which leads to a longer and overall larger stomach capacity once the surgery is complete and things have healed, so you will likely be able to eat somewhat more than average. Compensating some is that your metabolism is likely higher than average, and will remain above average. In short, overshooting the mark for any length of time is rare with the sleeve (more common with the DS if they get a substantial mismatch between the malabsorption part and the patient's metabolism.) Typically the only time we see such problems are when the patient develops an eating disorder where they are so afraid of regain that they can't stop dieting - but that's a psych issue rather than a physiological one. Enjoy the ride an please remain seated until the captain brings the plane to a screeching stop at the terminal.

Well I went to the Dr last week and he told me I didnt need my next fill yet. I've lost 19 pounds in two months and he was pleased with the difference. He said to keep going with what I have for another month or possibly even two. I went ahead and stayed on my liquid diet for the rest of the day, mainly just to give myself a jump start for the next two months and partially since I'd already psyched myself out for it all day. :mad2: I'm down to 220! Hard to believe that a year ago I was abut 270.