WOW!!!!  Your clothes are half the size they were last year.  You should toot your horn.  Congrats. Z

Jackson Purchase Hospital in  Mayfield, KY  has a support group meeting on last Tuesday of the month.  I don't know if that is in your direction.

Great news.  I am happy for you.  It's only just begun. Z

I am a former weigh****cher so I also use the weigh****cher scale and spoons which help with portion control.  Using the scale and spoons helps keep me honest with myself. Z

Hey back too you.  Sorry I am not closer to you guys but I enjoy your comments. Z

In regards to eating, On some days I spead it out, depending on how my day starts and others I just eat the 3 meals.  Unfortunately I have been eating what I want and can swallow but limiting my caloric intake.  This may not work well with the band.  When I read your 1/2 to 1 cup volume per day I see my problem.  I am restricted but not so I am unable to eat only 1 cup of anything.  For example, We went out to breakfast at Cracker barrel.  I ate 3 eggs, 1/2 slice of wheat toast, 2 slices of tomatoe, 2 sausage patties.  I ate it slow.  I did not drink anything.  I ate a soy joy bar for snack and I ate 3 chicken wings for dinner (my sister in law had us over).   Later, I drank a whey protein drink,  and a southbeach diet protein water, exercised on the treadmill, and had a Schwan Sherbet mini.  This totaled  1104 calories consisting of 71 proteins, 56 carbs and 64 fats.  I was really hoping to have this off by November.  I will change my whole eating plan this week and see what happens.  Maybe I need another fill. 

Are we all supposed to let each other know the daily foods eaten?  I have been keeping track on the www.fitday.com .

My last straw was when one of my click (a group of  6 women that have been friends for over 30 years) died.  She was the heaviest of us all.  I was the next heav iest.  She was only 58 years old.  I know her weight was a contributing factor, and now I am the biggest.  Also, my husband has diabetes and hypertension and has had two strokes in the past five years.  He is not obese but is overweight.  I have a family history of diabets and hypertension but have escaped it so far.  I realized that I could be next but it would not be due to being overweight and bringing poor health conditions on myself.  Now I am happier with a slimmer future in view.  I will not be the heaviest one and I will do all that I can to maintain good health.   Z

TL, The doctor I went to is in Mayfield, KY and you can check with that office and they will give you the information on what it cost for self pay.  I have insurance but I know some self-pay patients and they thought it was a good deal.  I don't know where you live to justify it being cost effective but look up Bariatrics and Jackson Purchase Medical Center or contact Petra Crutchfield at 270-251-4LAP.  I hope this is helpful. Z

You are not tooting alone.  We are out here tooting for you.  CONGRATS

Jill, You will be fine.  My doctor had me on a high protein diet the week before surgery.  I don't know about your doctor but there are a lot of people who have your doctor and they will probably drop you a line or two.  I did not eat anything I only had liquids the day before surgery.  Of course I had already stopped drinking soda and beer.  I don't smoke so I didn't have to quit.  My husband drove me home from the hospital as I did not stay overnight.  I would have all my liquid foods at home like your chicken broth, liquid vitamins, gas-x strips, milk of magnesia, tums and benedryl strips.  I also had jello and my protein mixes.  I also keep a case of regular and flavored water on hand. Best wishes, Z,  Providence, KY 

Hope all goes well for you.  You have an interesting name.  My husbands people are Woolfolks from Providence, KY you may know them.   Take care, Z. Providence, KY

You will be truly happy once you really become a bandster.  I had Dr Oldham for my surgery and not only is he a good surgery he looks good as well.  I went through surgery with no complications.  I seem to be doing well.  The nurse and other office staff are GREAT!!! Look forward to hearing from you Z, Providence, KY