PattyGirl66

Congratulations to you all! Keep us all informed and post post post...,.

@Jachut, you are soooo lucky! be thankful you don't care for it as much. Bread, whether it be doughy breads, italian bread, english muffins, pasta, cakes, etc.. its allllll got that stuff we love so much 'enriched white flour". If eaten in moderation it is not an enemy, but for most it is the evil of evils...

I like it, but its a personal perference when it comes to taste. You can buy the package already cubed up. I like to sautee' it in extra light virgin olive oil and fresh garlic. Now, I did trick someone into thinking it was chicken, but they did keep asking are you sure.. LOLOL

I refer to bread as my 'other' lover. LOL I know once I am banded I will probably no longer be able to eat it, but to be honest i don't care its what got me to where I am So, I shall have my last affair with bread before I am banded and say my goodbyes and we shall part forever...

I got my two week pre-op as well, I was so shocked to see I can eat food. On the day before I eat up till 1pm, then its liquids for the rest of the day. Sample: 1200 calories daily Breakfast: 4 egg whites, 1 cup skim milk 3/4 cup of cold Cereal or oatmeal Lunch: 4 oz. lean meat (ex. chicken, fish, turkey)- 1 cup raw veggies- 2 slices of low calorie wheat bread Dinner: 5 oz. lean meat- 2 cup raw or cooked veggies Snack: Choose only 1 - 18 nuts, or yogurt (greek), Protein bar (less than 200 cal), or sugar free pudding or Jello. NO fried foods, fastfoods, soda, plaintains, corn, peas, yams, winter squash, drink plenty of Water

Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress

This is a great story ... Had you not called who would of known! Best of luck to you and keep up the great job you are doing great. 20 lbs down in one month is a huge deal, congrats!!!

I mix the unflavored protein powder in sugar free drinks, such as crystal light etc. I also mix it with low sodium chicken broth. You can add it to almond mild (unsweetened) skim milk, really whatever liquid you are drinking. You can also put make it in your sugar free jell-o (instant boxes). I even heard some people sprinkle in their yogurts and Cereal.

@Choy, congrats!!!! Keep us all posted on your progress, and the best of luck to ya!!!!

I was thinking of when I weighed 169 pounds right before I had my daughter, although I was only 17 I remember being very firm and very athletic. I would deff describe my built as a large frame. I haven't been under 200 pounds in over 29 years so I have no clue what it even feels like. The closest I ever got down to was 259, I have to say I really felt good and comfortable even at that weight, even though it didn't last long before I would jump right back up to 300. This is my heaviest ever right now, i had gained 70 pounds in 9 months of 2011. I was soon diagnosed with having an underactive thyroid and I don't know if that amount of weight gain contributed to it. I think out of everything I learned with my ups and downs with the weight is how tiring it becomes, the feeling of being so uncomfortable has to be the worse. Moving, simple things like bending and just getting around is complicated at this weight.

@eyeononederland - I really came up with a number that was realistic, although when I met with the psycologist he told me I would still be obese at 190 for what my bmi would be. Well, I will take 190 compared to what I weight now anyday. To me that is realistic, if I can get lower that would be awesome. However, I will just take it one pound out a time

@Mrstrips, that is an amazing weight loss! Congrats!

whooohooooooooooooo great reason to celebrate

Hi Chrissy, Northern NJ here but wanted to stop by and wish you the best of luck in your new journey! Keep us posted on here and Welcome!!! -Patty

ooo Peanut Butter mixed with the shakes I have to try, it sounds delish! I have been doing the soups with a scoop of Protein powder now as a Meal Replacement,its not so bad. I but the low sodium and no sodium and just mix them together, or I just add extra Water to the low sodium because honestly even at 480 mg of sodium (x) how many cups we have to drink that really does add up. I have controlled high blood pressure and don't want all that salt triggring a spike, and I really don't want to retain water (even though I do take a water pill). This weekend I am making my own protein sugar free jell-o and eager to see how they come out and taste. I will let everyone know once I done this, LOL. I have so many ideas of how I am going to pull this getting protien in since I hear so many have this major complaint about getting the recommended protien they need to intake daily. That will be the challenge!

Hello everyone! You can purchase Biotin pills at any store, anywhere. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, your local grocery store, etc. Check with your pharmacist, or doctor first before taking them just to make sure they don't interact if you are taking any current meds or may have an ailment.

Yes, my nutrionist affiliated with my surgeon also recommended Bariatric Advantage. Really I had no clue and purchesd a large bag like a fool $59 and don't like it. Through trial and error I have found so many other Protein powders out there that are delicicous (to me). I really perfer "UNflavored" protein powder because I can mix it with anything. I found unjury and Now's unflavored protien powder is the best for me. Now, I have found for myself that "Pure Protein" chocolate protein powder is very good and at $17 for 2 pounds of it you can't go wrong. The nutrional value is great, and you get lots of protein in a scoop. Honestly, it is going to be through trial and error you will find your favorite, best of luck

@Jim, congratulations to you as well!!! You are also doing a fantastic job with your band..whooohoooooo!

@Jennifer, that is marvelous news on your weight loss!! Have you started to lose hair right after the surgery, or have you notice it falling out little by little. yes, many people on here swear by taking Biotin supplements, it can't hurt. Any issues with your thyroid in the past? You look amazing by the way! Keep us posted and congratulations!!!

Congrats to all the newbies, I too have a tentative date of June 13th. I have been going through the process since Nov 24th, 2011. Long haul but I am sure it will be all worth the wait to finally start leading a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for the tip on bending and lifting. I have 2 cats so I will be making sure my hubby does the cat litter box daily. got my daughter to come over and help me as well. I just wish I knew how long will I be able to resume back to my daily chores? Keep in touch everyone! -Patty

Hi Jean, Your menu looks yumcious!

Hi Tom, you are deff a success story. Congrats on the weight loss

@Secondchanceatlife: Congratulations on your surgery date, the first day of your new life. I hope I will be the day right after you Keep us posted on your progress!! -Patty

Yessss, this is why I love so much to read these stories! You are an inspiration to all of us! I think I should take your pic and put it on my fridge as a reminder, LOLOLOL. Thank you for sharing ShelleBell!!

@Rainenroses - I did the same thing you did. I went to a seminar 2 years ago, loved the surgeons and put it off because of the same fears. How I wish I could take it back because in those 2 years time frame I developed severe arthritis in my left hip and the weight only made it worse to where I will have to have another hip replaced ( I had my right hip replaced many years ago). Imagine being in my 40's having both my hips replaced like an 80 year old! The main thing is, that is the past and we learn from our mistakes, we don't have to beat ourselves up anymore. You've made the right decision, and I know I have as well. Whatever the outcome is we will fight to keep ourselves fit and healthy, and most importantly never give up on ourselves. Keep us posted on your progress, -Patty