Kate, You didn't misread; I have a typographical error in my statistics. My surgery date is 10/23/06. Thank you, Kate, for catching my unintentional mistatement of fact.

Questions: Why after the 2 years plus are you tighter?? Is this a natural occurrence or did you get a recent fill? A - although I did not expect to need any more fills once I got to goal, I did start to feel hungry again between meals - more so than was easy to handle. I think that although my weight had remained constant I had definitely changed shape so it is possible that I had without realising it lost more fat from round the stomach hence the very slightly looser band. So, yes I had a fill (just 0.1cc, I am now at 3.1 in a 4cc band) Question -Are you saying that you don't feel hungry because of fills?? Do you think that most long time bandster start to feel like not eating?? A - I honestly don't know! I think it is quite possible that people's descriptions of good restriction may vary. For me up till now, I could never easily go between two meal times without a snack. if I did it was pure will power. Many others say that they simply do not get the urge to eat between meals. So it may just be that my band is at a level of tightness that many people experience when they say they are restricted - just not what I meant by it! So not terribly helpful, I'm afraid. Kate

Really happy to hear that you are getting good advice. I know you must feel like a pin cushion by now and that you want to get home. Rest and comfort yourself as much as you can. Think of you and your health for your family. I too would like to meet you and PhyllisC if you come to MD someday. Thinking positive thoughts Diane

((((((((((((Frances))))))))))) If you come to MD, I am going to insist on meeting you. Take care my lovely.

I love fresh broccoli~~~ mostly tender tops and just a little of the top stem parts for tenderness ) sauteed in olive oil and fresh garlic then cover over pan with just a teensy bit of water to keep it moist and free from sticking if necessary till nice and tenderI sometimes add a teeny smidgen of chicken base for extra flavoring then sprinkle with a little sesame seed and serve with fresh lemon juice ,salt & pepper as desired ~~~~ MMM good also fresh asparagus is wonderful ifxed this way.. I just bought some fresh asparagus yesterday and having this with salmon patties for dinner today Salmon Patties ~~ 1 can salmon drained.. about 2 big squares(4tinysquares to a big square) saltine crackers a good sprinkle or two of parsely.. 1/2 small onion chopped small , 1 beaten egg salt & pepper if desired mix well shape into patties fry till nicely crisp and brown in a little hot olive oil ...I make a white sauce and add a small can of drained peas and small can of drained mushrooms to this sauce (can even add a tiny bit of minced pimento for more color and flavor) for hubby to pour over his patties he loves this, but trying to quit the sauces and gravies I know they are very unhealthy for him as well and he really needs to lose weight too .. just can't seem to get him to eat the salmon without the sauce but gonna try again today !!