waitingpatiently

Belly or even face...I have lost 37 pounds from everywhere but my belly. I just look pregnant now. I have the skinniest legs and even thighs...but I'm at 199 at 5"7 and STILL wearing some size 18 !! because of my waistline. I have add an ab workout these last couple of weeks. we will see how that goes. ---but it makes my port site hurt a little.

Omelettes should be good. At a month out I was given the ok for regular food and told to be cautious when trying anything knew...and chew, chew, chew. I found that they gave me heart burn....never did before surgery, so I started using egg whites instead (never thought I would like them, but I did).....they work much better.....I usually add turkey sausage and bacon bits along with spinach, pepers and onions, mushrooms and a little low fat cheese.........I can make the whole thing for around 150 calories/4 fats/2carbs/17 Protein holds me until late afternoon.

You know what you need to do!! So get to it!! No more beating yourself up. It does no good to change the past. Get rid of the negative comments of "i'm a failure"......you'r not!!! (unless you say you are). Plug back into this site and start reading. You have a lot of work to do. You have probably forgot a lot of the stuff that makes you a sucessful bandster. Step 1- call your doctor and make an appointment he can check the band out ---but I'm sure its fine...its band new waiting for you to use it. Step 2-In the mean time start making those first few changes that every bandster needs to do *Protein first (at least 70g) *cut out the bad carbs----no more for now---you should try to break the adiction-----bad carbs are emoty calories and make you want more bad carbs. *stop drinking calories---no more soda or other high calorie drinks *start moving- just something!! start making new routines so that they can become new habbits Step 3 -Join www.myfirnesspal.com this is a great place to log ALL your food choices and exercise. you can add buddys to help you out along the way---feel free to add me same username:waitingpatiently. If accountability is an issue or if you want help making food choices....make your food journal open and others can see it. I have found that its great for finding healthy foods I didn't now were out there...like carbmaster yogurt. Step 4-Get excited!! You have made the decision that CAN change the rest of your life!! Attitude is everything!! If you are bound and deterimed that the band is not working or isn't for you....then you are right. If you are bound and determined to make this work regardless....you will. Step 5- If you are spiritual...then pray. I do. I find it has helped me the most. I promised my God that I would fix this if he would help me. Breaking a promise to my Savior will not happen-----that alone will hold me accountable. Breaking a promise to friends, family, husband.....isn't easy. but they have all broke one to me, so I no they won't mind. But my Savior.........he has never broke a promise.so I take just a few mins every morning to set my mind straight. What is really important in life. Step 6- find at least one person that will encourage you when you need it and hold you accountable when its neccesary. Good Luck!! If you ever need to talk....or you need a buddy. Just inbox me.

Hey roro you might want to check out the may flowers thread.............we do a monthly challenge where you set a goal for yourself and then check in once a week. heres a link if you are interested....its ok to join in late. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/146422-may-flowers-challenge/page__pid__1764483__st__160#entry1764483

Congradulations!!! I'm at at 200 and can't make the scale show 199.....I think its broke!!!

I haven't had either surgery so I can't help in disscuss recovery times. But It sounds like you really in your heart want to wait untill next summer to do them both. But because your husband mentioned maybe getting the breasts done this summer you are second guessing yourself. I think you are putting too much into your husbands comment. I daubt he hates your breast the way you do and his comment wasn't meant to make you feel as though they are so bad that you need to fix them now. And being the good wife I think you are, you are trying to please him too. I think you have already made your mind up and would like to wait, but are looking for a few to agree with you so that you can give yourself permission. Wait untill next summer. thats when it will feel like the right time. If you really are considering what your husband wants, then discuss it with him.....if it is something he really wants you to do then work it out if possible....but if you can't I think he should understand. Good luck!! I'm saving now!! I told my husband I claim dibs on the next 3 income tax returns!! I want I TT, Perky breasts and a small chin lift.

I'm 2 months out and still have moments of disscomfort. For some reason first thing in the morning it is very pronouned and is a little sore. then as the day goes on it feels better. Also if I wear jeans, they tend to sit right on top of the port site and since they aren't stretchy if I sit a long time and then get up, I will again have a sore feeling. But nothing is ever permanent. I asked my NP about it, but she didn't seemed concerned. Said little pains were to be expected.

Bean soup would not have been on my list of approved foods for a liquid diet (at least not the beans)---I was on clear liquids for the first 2 weeks.So 5 days out might be pushing it. I would also consider the gas as well. If it were me, I would stick to the bean broth untill i was on purees.--just my 2 cents worth.

Thats a good point to make about follow up care. As a military family myself, you never know where you might end up. Or if you will remain on a base with a hospital or end up in a town somewhere no where near a base hospital. And not everywhere has direct access to a skilled band surgeon to do your fills and follow ups. Something to consider if you are likely to be moving around. The band does require follow up visits pretty regularly for the first year or so.

Sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini are good choices too. I just ordered one myself. My friend has one and it does pretty good. The veggie chips can't sit around too long or they loose their crispyness. But definately worth using when you are wanting a chip.

My thoughts are similar to those of lovetheneme and deblockzprbabii. The thought of 2/3 of my stomach being thrown in the trash scared the beejeezees out of me!!!!there would be no going back!!. At 40 I just couldn't figure out the "exit" plan if 10,15,20 years from now something went wrong and I kept having this voice run through my head sayiing "well if only she had a stomach" maybe things would be different" haha....So I guess I was good with adding something that could be taken out---in the worst case sererio....but not so good with the idea of "what do I do now"....but that me....I'm not a very adventurous person and usually tend to play it safe. I also was fine with the idea a slow weight loss. I had about 70 pounds to loose so at just a pound a week I would be at goal in a year and a half and at 2 pounds a week I would be there in just 8 months!! In reality I started this process in January was banded may 19 (2months ago) and I'm already half way to my goal. I figure I should be very close by the end of summer. But you are right....the band isn't for everyone. Its important to educate yourself and make sure you are able to embrace the band lifestyle. Knowledge is EVERYTHING!!!!

Doesn't necessarily need to be "large amounts"....My friend had stopped smoking and took to chewing sugar free gum. She kept insisting that her body must be going through withdraws because she stays in the bathroom all the time. Finally she mentioned that she had been chewing on sf gum (3 pieces a day) after meals (because thats when she would smoke)....I went and bought her regular gum and told her to see if it made a difference...it stop instantly. She thought I was a genius...I told her I was-haha Some people just seem to be very sensitive to it....It doesn't bother me at all

Just found I site on line that you can buy there products at. http://www.nutmegstatenutrition.com/index.php/cPath/32?osCsid=96e1d9f6d4398d8c6379c3bec289f33b

I just looked up the protein chips. They have 9-11 net carbs (depending on flavor) per serving. Definately something that can be worked in on occasion if the chips are calling your name. was surprised to see they have 10g protein. I tend to try to stay away from these type of foods because I tend to want them more if they are in the house. I do allow myself a day or two each month to enjoy some higher carb foods that I do miss...like an english muffin or a bowl of oatmeal not usually chips and sweets. Just because once I have them...I seem to develop a taste for them again. But once every now and again I will break bad and have a cookie or brownie. I usually keep calories between 800-900 and carbs at 35

Ok... I worked hard theis week to undo the the 4 pounds I gained from the cruise. So I weighed in at 200 this morning. Realy? could it not be 199!!! I have been trying now for 3 weeks to land on this elusive number.....Maybe my scales don't go that low....that's probably it.--haha Anyhoo......200 it is..I better see 199 tomorrow!!

I was told that I should have some form of liquis sitting beside me from the time I wake until the time I do to bed. Sip,sip,sip. Now as for what was "sitting' beside me. After 72 hours, I was expected to start with the high protein liquids. I did the unjury chicken broth and the new whey protein because they are of water consistency and where much easier to get down than the thick protein powders. I found sipping on the protein drinks really helped with the hunger. I slowly added in a little of the thick protein powders as I progressed. If I made the 60 grams of protein in a day, then I would allow my self the sf jello, and sf popsicles (and anything else that was allowed that I wanted) but I tried real hard to rely on the protein products first.

Hi everyone. Tomorrow I will be 2 months post-op and have lost 36pounds(counting pre-op). I'm very excited I am half way to my goal weight of 165. And will hopefully see 199 tomorrow when I step on the scale. I have learned a lot these last few months. First thing I would do is join www.myfitnesspal.com it is a great way to track your food and exercise.....feel free to add me as a buddy, my username is the same (waitingpatiently)But the best advise I can give those about to join us on this journey is to educate yourself....read everything!! That way every pain doesn't freak you out and you have comfort in knowing you are prepared for the journay. To help you on your way I have copied my Pre-op shopping list below. Don't feel like you need to go buy everything on the list, but these are just suggestions of things that made things easier on me after surgery. I have posted these numberous times (sorry if you have already seen it) but I still get about 5 requests a week for a copy. If you have something that helped you along the way, please feel free to let me know....I will gladly add it to the list. As for the stage1-3 food list.....every doctor is different.....it is YOUR responsibility to know if a certain food is not allowed by your physican....they are all different. I would suggest you take the list to your physican and have him mark off/add the things he wants. If you want a more printer friendly copy emailed to you, please inbox me your email. I have tried so many times to figure out a way to attach the list to the thread...but it just keeps telling me I'm not autherized. Good luck to everyone!! If you have any questions feel free to inbox me. General Items to Have on Hand Digital scale Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja Heating Pad Peewee Pillow pet-to hold against your stomach when you cough Chewable Calcium Chewable Daily Vitamin Gas X Liquid Tylenol Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s protein mix below)Metamucil Clean and Clear Milk of Magnesia (MOM)-to help with constipation Papaya Enzymes- to help later when if you were to experience a “stuck” episode Stage 1 clear liquids Protein Power: This is just going to be trail an error. Looks like the most popular are (Unjury, Jay Robin, Premiere, NewWhey) Canned Chicken Broth (the night before your surgery, consider simmering it with some veggies like carrots, onions, potatoes, even some of your favorite herbs. I would leave all the veggies in the broth until the next day. Then have someone strain them off, saving the broth for you) Favorite Soups Consider lower salt versions(use the larger size cans of soup if they make them in your band. Then mix a couple of cans of chicken or beef broth with your favorite soup. simmer and strain) SF Jello (both premade for convenience and boxed for when you feel like making it) SF Popsicles Pedialyte Popsicles Kellogs water ready protein mix (link below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-K2O-Strawberry-Kiwi-Protein-Water-Mix-4.7-oz-10ct/10891803 SF Water Flavors (Crystal Light, Great Value, Etc) Gatorade G2 or Propell Hebal Tea Diet Fruit Juices NSA-Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix Skim Milk SF Syrups to flavor shakes Stage 1-Full Liquid -All of the above+ Cream Soups (thinned with water or skim milk) (consider sprinkling ½ scoop of unflavored protein power into soup and blend…watch the temp of the soup….the protein power may clump at high temps.) SF Pudding (premixed for convenience and boxed for later) Yogurt (thinned out) (light or Greek) blend well Baby Foods (add a jar of baby food fruit with your protein powder and thin with water or skim milk) Stage 2-Puree Egg Substitute Oatmeal (thinned) Grits (thinned) Applesauce other Fruit Sauces Canned Fruit- juice packed Instant Mashed Cottage Cheese Stage 3-Mushies Canned Tuna Canned Chicken Ground Beef in a sauce Real mashed potatoes Mashed sweet potatoes Mac And Cheese (consider using the unjury protein cheese sauce) Cooked spinach Cooked and mashed cauliflower Mashed green beans

skim milk was ok with my doctor.

My daughter is a competive soccer player; her team physican willhave her eat about 300 carbs within 12 hours of a 90min intense game. She likes to eat whole wheat Pasta loaded with veggies. And she will down a couple Protein bars as well. She won't eat anything 1 hour before the game. She also drinks gaderade about 2 hours before playing. Hope that helps.

HI gang....Like most of you out there I am learning to embracing the high Protein, low cab diet that my surgeon has recommended. In the process I have found a few foods out there that have really helped me along the way. It wasn't untill adding several of you bandasters to my fitness pal that I was able to see what other people are eating and you have secret favorites too. Several products have become my daily staples others are great when you are in a hurry. I wanted to share a few with you and hope that some of you will do the same. Oscar Meyer Turkey weiners 98% fat free I was very skeptical--I hate chichen in hot dogs---these are nothing like that. calories=40 fat=.5 carbs =3 fiber=0 protein=5 Johnsonville Smoked Turkey and Chedder Sausage calories=120 fat=6 carbs=4 fiber=0 protein=10 Ole Extreme Wellness high fiber/low carb Torillas calories=71 fat=2 carbs=17 (5 net) Fiber=12 protein=8 Daily Chef Mesquite Grilled chicken calories=110 (for 3 oz) fat=2.5 carbs=2 fiber=0 protein=20 Carbmaster Yogurt calories=60 fat=1.5 carbs=4 fiber=0 protein=8 sugar free Syrups These have saved me from a life of nasty tasting Protein drinks..now I actually look forward to making one.

I know this must be a very flustrating time for you guys. Sounds a lot like my husband and I. And NO I wasn't cheating on him!! We actually started dating at 14, married at 18 and will be celebrating our 22 anniversary this fall. I know there were definately periods of time during our marriage where I just wasn't there for him. Sex was the absolute furthest thing from my mind. And it was the #1 thought in his mind. It was very hard to work, raise children, maintain a house AND put out at night. He was so patient with me. He is in the military so it was hard to be away from him for months at a time and then suddenly be connected when he returned. I was under so much pressure to handle everything when he was gone. I know its probably not the exactly the same in your family, but is she under a lot of stress? I think you could definately benefit from some councelling.....I will be glad to share with you what was the changing point in our relationship if you like...I just didn't want to put it out here for all to see. Just inbox me. --just know that there is hope....Me and my husband are more connected now than we have ever been.

I have a long term plan to simply be 5 pounds lighter than my husband!!haha that would be 165. I will be very satisfied at that. As to the short term goals to get there, I was told to think of 1-2 pounds a week AVERAGE as a realistic goal and that has proven to be a good number for me. I have had a few weeks where I have seen 4-5 pounds lost and a few where I saw nothing so it has all balanced out to that 1-2 pound average. Im half way to my goal...I have 35 more pounds to go and should be able to make that hopefully in the next 5 months.

Thats Awesome!! I know you must feel so much better(inside and out)!! Do you have any tips/advise to share? You never know what might help someone else that is struggling.

same here...I never burped before surgery. Now I'm kind of opposite of some others a i have read about that burp after eating. I tent to burp when my stomach is empty. Every morning I wake up with what feels like a air bubble traped....and a strong desire to burp.....but if a force a burp the feeling just come right back until I have something to eat or drink. then it goes away.Same thing happens after about 4 hour after each meal and before bedtime. As for the straw....I think for some people it can be a real issue, for others (like me) its not. My doctor said to use caution the first few times using it and if I didn't have any trouble, it was fine. He also just told me to be aware if suddenly i felt a lot of presure after I was drinking or if anything changed to the negative then to do away with the straw and see if it made a difference.