PattyGirl66

I haven't had a fill and I am deff.no expert other than what I read on this forum daily. Just logic makes me think that if something was tightened around my delicate stomache I would want to wait at leas a full day or so, in case of swelling before eating any solid foods, but thats just my opinion.

I like NSV's like this ... (hugs)

Yaaa for the Bandsters!!!!

If you are not over eating, taking small bites, chewing really good, then more than likely you are too tight and need a small unfill. Don't wait, take care of it now, a tight band around the stomache is only going to cause major problems (including slips) down the road..... Best wishes,

OHHHHH my god! Samoas are my favorite girl scout cookies! I feel ya TMF, I would of bought a box of those too if they came to the door. Now, give the wife back the other half of the box and tell her to hide them, LOLOLOLOL

whooohoooo!!!

Hard work pays off! You did it! very proud of ya Dee!!! (Hugs)

BTW, I forgot to mention if you didn't already know there are is some pretty great apps out there to track your foods, etc. Loseit and myfitnesspal.

You look GREAT! Keep up the good work!!!!

I am a carb addict, always have been so I can relate. I turned my eating habits around in full swing. I told myself I am going to make this work, my life depended on it. Being this heavy is crippling enough, I won't let my weight take control of me anymore. I took the control back. What worked for me- I track every single food/drink I put into my mouth. I feel accountable for this, it helps me to see what I am eating, how much, and if I need less or more. I keep an extra special eye out on my calories, proteins, fats, and carbs. I work out every single day 45 minutes on my edge gazelle and I do upper body workouts with dumbells. There is really no magic to this honestly there isnt'. Its discipline! If you are able to see a Nutrionist I suggest doing so that you can sit down and discuss a food plan that will fit right into your lifestyle. You have to change your eating habits, proteins always first, then work your way down - NO more than a cup of food (8 oz) per meal. You can do this! Believe in yourself! Best wishes,

Okay, I experimented with fresh Strawberries to make this tasty low calorie/low fat delish treat! Perfect for Valentine's Day - Enjoy! Ingredients: 1lb. Fresh Strawberries (large) and firm 4 oz. cream cheese (1/3 less fat) *softned* 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 2 full sheets of low fat graham cracker (crushed fine) I whirled mine in a mini food processor. Directions: Wash/air dry the strawberries - cut the tops off of each strawberry (disgard tops), using a paring knife "carefully' remove the insides/guts of strawberries. - In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fill each strawberry (I used a baby spoon), or you can use a butter knife, or pipe it in). Dip each 'filled' strawberry cheesecake 'side down' into the graham cracker crumbs to coat the tips - Refridgerate/serve chilled - Best if eaten the same day! Calories: 35 (for one stuffed) Fat: 2 grams Carbs: 5 grams Protein: 1 gram **you can find this recipe and many other @ www.emilybites.com

Thank you so much for sharing! You are doing a magnificiant job! (hugs)

Found these at Walmart I wanted to share.... First is NEW from Kellogg's" Fiber Plus Antioxidnts Protein Bars. This is a MUST have! Packed with flavor, satisfying, Fiber, and super delish! (I had this when I was out around lunch time) Hit the spot! Nutritional Facts: Calories: 170 Fat: 8 Fiber: 7 <----whopping amount of fiber in a Protein Bar, yeeeaaaaa! Carbs: 18 Protein: 10 Sugar: 9 Next Item I found at Walmart is also NEW, From Minute Maid - Peach Calories: 15 per serving Carbs: 4 Sugar:3

Oh, I loved creamed spinach during mushy stages. I would add them to Soups , ricotta cheese, or put it in my eggs....

Cottage cheese, tomato Soup with a dollop of ricotta cheese (part skim), applesauce (unsweetened), strawberry & banana smoothie with Protein Powder, Ricotta cheese with a spoonful of marinara sauce and sprinkle grated cheese (nuke in microwave for 30 seconds). You can have pretty much any of these for breakfast, just because is not considered breakfast foods

You are doing fantastic!

Ask your surgeon did he 'pre' fill your band during surgery. Like Missy said, if they did you may need to have the Fluid removed. Hang in there and don't give up. There has to be a reason this is happening, talk to the surgeon about it and find out what is going on and don't give up until you do! Best of luck, keep us posted

Hi Adrian, I hope you stick around on this site and keep reading. Its very useful information and everyone on here is friendly and can be of motivation to you. You should be proud of yourself that you will take care of things now, before it does get out of hand "healthwise". You are very young and you have your entire life of ahead of you. There is so much more for you to do in this life, you have to live! Like Destynee said, self paid you will not have to wait that long. I have heard some people even getting the band done within a month. Keep us all informed and best of luck to you! (hugs)

Karen, looking at your pictures of your arms is just amazing with the short time you are out getting this surgery done! You are healing super nicely, your scars are almost transparent to your skin! Your surgeon did a wonderful job! I am so happy for you

My husband tonight found a SD card laying around and had no idea what was on it. So, of course he naturally placed it in the disc drive and "poof" there was a picture of me I hadn't seen, amongst other pictures we forgot. The picture was taken on my granddaughters Kindergarten graduation (2011) in June. I wasn't upset and I didn't cry. I just stared at the picture for a long while, remembering how I felt and how uncomfortable I was that day. The shirt was so pretty and barely fit. My black blazer didn't even close/button. I am sure the jeans were tight. I may have looked happy on the outside, but I know on the inside I was miserable. I looked at how my stomache was bulging out of that pretty shirt and I couldn't even hide it! Sometimes all it takes is an old former picture of yourself to say "look" how far I have come. I am not that same person anymore. I feel different, I look different. That puts everything into perspective, completely! Today, that same black blazer is big on me and can fold the one side over to the other side of my body. That pretty blouse is loose, and those jeans are now too big to wear.

<---- Cheerios didn't get me fat, just sayin'......

I am agreeing with MiniMi on this one! The challenge should be a 'full' month, not short a day, two, three etc.. (this month still has 3 more full days) and we all know we could lose up to a pound or more in these last days. Hate to be the stick in the mud here, LOL I would like a full month to do the challenge Now, February is a short month (28 days)....

Cheerios (reg) are an excellent source of fiber/oats. 1 cup is calories: 110 Fiber: 3 Fat:1 Carbs: 22 Sugar: 1

I think you answered your own guestion. If you are asking us, and you already have a bad gut feeling, I suggest you go with it. First question a patient should find out about a surgeon is "mortality" rates. There are tonsssss of bariatric surgeons "good' ones that are out there, do your research.... Best of luck,