ddrobins

In April, when i stepped on the scale, that I had been avoiding all winter, I weighed 287 lb. I knew that I had to do something drastic. I had tried and tried and failed and backslid, for the last 10yrs. I decided on lap band, as it seemed less invasive than the other types of bariatric surgery. I found a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Chris Coburn, in Mississauga, Ontario. The day of my consult, June, 21st, I weighed 284lb. My surgery was scheduled for July 27th, because I was a self pay, I didn't have a lot of preliminaries to take care of , besides a general medical check up and a two week full Liquid Protein diet. I think the liquid diet was very beneficial for me. Besides getting my liver into shape, I totally turned around my thinking and cravings about food. It was like doing a cleanse and a lot of my bad eating habits fell away.
The day of my surgery, on July 27th, I weighed 271 lbs. Now, here it is, just over 5 weeks from my surgery and I'm down to 256lbs. I couldn't be happier. I was just in my hometown visiting family and already people are noticing that I am losing weight. I'm down like 2 sizes and I've lost a lot of weight off of my stomach. I can bend over without feeling like my eyes are going to pop out...lol
I'm also amazed and delighted just how easy this journey has been so far. The surgery itself was a piece of cake. I slept on my recliner for about the first 3days and by day 10 post op, I was better than I had been even before the surgery. I have stuck to my doctor's guide lines and now am eating most solid foods. Still can not eat grilled steak, no big deal. I make sure to get all of my Protein, at least 70 gr. a day. I keep my carbs low and make sure I get in some Fiber. My appetite has been tamed to that of a thin woman. I have my 3oz. of protein, and usually two small servings of some kind of veggies. I am using a divided childs plate to eat on and that works good for me and keeps my portion sized in line. I am learning to listen closely to my body and as soon as I get the first feeling that I'm done and satisfied, I stop. If there is still food on my plate, that's ok, I leave it.
As, my doctor says , the idea is not to see how much you can hold, but how much you need to feel satisfied and able to hold over to your next meal. I never snack in the evening anymore, ever. I have no desire to do so. I actualy sleep great, with no heartburn or acid reflex, since I have not been stuffing myself with food all evening.
This has been way easier than I ever imagined, and I think its probably one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

In April, when i stepped on the scale, that I had been avoiding all winter, I weighed 287 lb. I knew that I had to do something drastic. I had tried and tried and failed and backslid, for the last 10yrs. I decided on lap band, as it seemed less invasive than the other types of bariatric surgery. I found a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Chris Coburn, in Mississauga, Ontario. The day of my consult, June, 21st, I weighed 284lb. My surgery was scheduled for July 27th, because I was a self pay, I didn't have a lot of preliminaries to take care of , besides a general medical check up and a two week full Liquid Protein diet. I think the liquid diet was very beneficial for me. Besides getting my liver into shape, I totally turned around my thinking and cravings about food. It was like doing a cleanse and a lot of my bad eating habits fell away.
The day of my surgery, on July 27th, I weighed 271 lbs. Now, here it is, just over 5 weeks from my surgery and I'm down to 256lbs. I couldn't be happier. I was just in my hometown visiting family and already people are noticing that I am losing weight. I'm down like 2 sizes and I've lost a lot of weight off of my stomach. I can bend over without feeling like my eyes are going to pop out...lol
I'm also amazed and delighted just how easy this journey has been so far. The surgery itself was a piece of cake. I slept on my recliner for about the first 3days and by day 10 post op, I was better than I had been even before the surgery. I have stuck to my doctor's guide lines and now am eating most solid foods. Still can not eat grilled steak, no big deal. I make sure to get all of my Protein, at least 70 gr. a day. I keep my carbs low and make sure I get in some Fiber. My appetite has been tamed to that of a thin woman. I have my 3oz. of protein, and usually two small servings of some kind of veggies. I am using a divided childs plate to eat on and that works good for me and keeps my portion sized in line. I am learning to listen closely to my body and as soon as I get the first feeling that I'm done and satisfied, I stop. If there is still food on my plate, that's ok, I leave it.
As, my doctor says , the idea is not to see how much you can hold, but how much you need to feel satisfied and able to hold over to your next meal. I never snack in the evening anymore, ever. I have no desire to do so. I actualy sleep great, with no heartburn or acid reflex, since I have not been stuffing myself with food all evening.
This has been way easier than I ever imagined, and I think its probably one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

I understand your apprehension about the pre op diet. I'm on a medical grade Liquid Protein, 3 pkgs a day gives me 107 gr.of Protein. I can also have green leafy veg. cooked or raw, but just plain. Yah! I have yet to get down all 3 pkgs. of the protein in one day, but I'm doing about 2.5 pkgs. I'm not hungry at all. This stuff is very filling.
I was really worried that I would not be able to stick to the pre op diet. I was doing a bit of whining about it to my friend the evening before I was to start and she pretty much gave me the talk that I needed. She reminded me of what my surgeon had already told me , how important it is to shrink that fatty liver down as much as possible to make the surgery less complicated and safer. It could mean the difference between having just a few small incisions or having to be opened full abdomen or having to be closed back up if your liver was in a poor condition and the surgeon felt he didn't want to take the risk of you bleeding. I'm sure none of these things happen often, because we are grown ups and know that we must follow doctor's orders. After she told me all of that , I said, YES MOM, and I've been following my docs orders to a T.
You'll do fine. Have some distractons set up to fill in that time when you would have been snacking. I'm a quilter, so I have a new quilt on the go. Some great books downloaded onto my Kindle, and two different window shopping trips planned with a couple friends. I'm going to check out some clothes that I hope to be wearing this time next year.

I'm 3 weeks post op and have lost 10lbs since surgery. My appetite has changed drastically. I'm eating pretty much regular food now, but on the soft side. I eat about a cup of food per meal, some times a bit less. When I get about half way done with my portion, I really focus on each bite and as soon as I feel satisfied, I stop. It's a subtle feeling and I'm still learning when to stop.
My relationship with food has changed dramatically. I don't think about food all the time, like I did before. I'm using food as nourishment instead of a hobby and a friend.
I hoped with all my heart that this would be doable for me but I was very unsure. I LOVED to eat. I still enjoy my meals, but when I'm done, I'm done and not thinking about the food that I just put in the fridge and feeling the need to finish it off. I know it will still be there for my next meal and I don't have the need for it until then.
Since I'm eating such small amounts, I cook 2 to 4 portions of whatever I make for myself and save or freeze the extra, that way I need to think about food , even less.
I know its eary on, but this is working for me. I feel normal and not obcessed by food. I can easily make it from one meal to the next and even beyond and with no hunger.

Now this is what worked for me. I'm short waisted and a couple of my small incisions were in my bra band line and my port incision was right where my waist band sat. So, for the first week I wore mostly cotton yoga pants and capris and tucked the front underneath my stomache. I wore long enough shirts that it was not noticeable. I also wore a front closure bra and left the bottom couple hooks un hooked.
24 hours post op, you are really going to want to go for comfort so make sure everything is soft fabric and loose. I had a lot of left shoulder pain and it felt better if I kept it covered and warm, as for me it felt not so much like gas pain as muscle soreness. Make sure you have a nice fleece jacket or small fleece blanket you can throw over you if you get cool. I found this to be necessity. Also, I would take a pain pill half hour before boarding.
Good luck. You'll feel so much better once you get home to your own bed. You will be wiped out after your trip, so plan on getting rest.

Nine days should be plenty of time to kick your cold and cough. Drink plenty of fluids and tea.
I understand eating with your meds, I'm the same way and if I dont eat, I get very nauseous. I would not eat Ritz crackers, as I think they are high in fat .. You would be better off with dry wheat bread toast or Rye Vita crackers.

I bought a plastic two part dish that you put your egg in mix with a fork, a sprinkle of cheese on top and about 40 sec. in the microwave gives you a nice soft scrambled egg. Just rinse and wipe the cup out and you are done with breakfast and cleanup. I got it from Wall Mart for about 5 dollars, use it all the time.

I can't feel mine either. Don't care as long as Dr. can find it. I sure don't want to have to worry about bumping it ..I think it is still underneath a lot of fat.
Muell, you look great.....I'd like to hear your story.!!!

It is very normal I have been able to feel mine since I was about a week post op. On the plus side, it should be easier when you go in for a fill Good luck to you!

Does anyone else absolutely love their Lap Band?
I was banded on July 27th. Very new, I know. I feel great. Almost completely back to normal. First 3 days, mostly laid around and slept. Then started getting energy back. I started on my pureed food, last Thursday. I'm up to about half a cup of food per meal. A little less sometimes. I eat slow and try to pay attention to how my stomache is feeling. After eating, WOW, I have no appetite , whatsoever, until my next meal. I'm eating 3 meals a day. No Snacks. I still have Protein drink for Breakfast and then two pureed meals. Incredible! I think for the first time in my life, I am lasting until my next meal with no thought about food or being hungry or having any cravings. I'm sitting at night, watching tv, reading, using computer, whatever, no snacking whatsoever. And I don't feel like I could snack if I wanted to. I am very satisfied with my small meals and the thought of eating more food does not interest me in the least. I am praying that this will last. I keep expecting to wake up ravenous. I'm praying that I don't. I have had no nausea or vomiting episodes at all. I can drink Water freely, with no problem. My food goes down good, I just need a small amount. Twice, I probably overdid it by maybe one or two bites and had an uncomfortably full feeling. Not pain. Just like I had overeaten. I'm trying to really learn that first feeling of when I have had just enough. I have never eaten more than half a cup at one meal.
I have lost 19 lbs. in 3 weeks. That is my two weeks of pre op Protein and one week and 2 days of being banded.
What has everyone else's experience been like this early into it. I'm thinking this is really going to work for me.!!!! Yea!

Does anyone else absolutely love their Lap Band?
I was banded on July 27th. Very new, I know. I feel great. Almost completely back to normal. First 3 days, mostly laid around and slept. Then started getting energy back. I started on my pureed food, last Thursday. I'm up to about half a cup of food per meal. A little less sometimes. I eat slow and try to pay attention to how my stomache is feeling. After eating, WOW, I have no appetite , whatsoever, until my next meal. I'm eating 3 meals a day. No Snacks. I still have Protein drink for Breakfast and then two pureed meals. Incredible! I think for the first time in my life, I am lasting until my next meal with no thought about food or being hungry or having any cravings. I'm sitting at night, watching tv, reading, using computer, whatever, no snacking whatsoever. And I don't feel like I could snack if I wanted to. I am very satisfied with my small meals and the thought of eating more food does not interest me in the least. I am praying that this will last. I keep expecting to wake up ravenous. I'm praying that I don't. I have had no nausea or vomiting episodes at all. I can drink Water freely, with no problem. My food goes down good, I just need a small amount. Twice, I probably overdid it by maybe one or two bites and had an uncomfortably full feeling. Not pain. Just like I had overeaten. I'm trying to really learn that first feeling of when I have had just enough. I have never eaten more than half a cup at one meal.
I have lost 19 lbs. in 3 weeks. That is my two weeks of pre op Protein and one week and 2 days of being banded.
What has everyone else's experience been like this early into it. I'm thinking this is really going to work for me.!!!! Yea!

Does anyone else absolutely love their Lap Band?
I was banded on July 27th. Very new, I know. I feel great. Almost completely back to normal. First 3 days, mostly laid around and slept. Then started getting energy back. I started on my pureed food, last Thursday. I'm up to about half a cup of food per meal. A little less sometimes. I eat slow and try to pay attention to how my stomache is feeling. After eating, WOW, I have no appetite , whatsoever, until my next meal. I'm eating 3 meals a day. No Snacks. I still have Protein drink for Breakfast and then two pureed meals. Incredible! I think for the first time in my life, I am lasting until my next meal with no thought about food or being hungry or having any cravings. I'm sitting at night, watching tv, reading, using computer, whatever, no snacking whatsoever. And I don't feel like I could snack if I wanted to. I am very satisfied with my small meals and the thought of eating more food does not interest me in the least. I am praying that this will last. I keep expecting to wake up ravenous. I'm praying that I don't. I have had no nausea or vomiting episodes at all. I can drink Water freely, with no problem. My food goes down good, I just need a small amount. Twice, I probably overdid it by maybe one or two bites and had an uncomfortably full feeling. Not pain. Just like I had overeaten. I'm trying to really learn that first feeling of when I have had just enough. I have never eaten more than half a cup at one meal.
I have lost 19 lbs. in 3 weeks. That is my two weeks of pre op Protein and one week and 2 days of being banded.
What has everyone else's experience been like this early into it. I'm thinking this is really going to work for me.!!!! Yea!

Does anyone else absolutely love their Lap Band?
I was banded on July 27th. Very new, I know. I feel great. Almost completely back to normal. First 3 days, mostly laid around and slept. Then started getting energy back. I started on my pureed food, last Thursday. I'm up to about half a cup of food per meal. A little less sometimes. I eat slow and try to pay attention to how my stomache is feeling. After eating, WOW, I have no appetite , whatsoever, until my next meal. I'm eating 3 meals a day. No Snacks. I still have Protein drink for Breakfast and then two pureed meals. Incredible! I think for the first time in my life, I am lasting until my next meal with no thought about food or being hungry or having any cravings. I'm sitting at night, watching tv, reading, using computer, whatever, no snacking whatsoever. And I don't feel like I could snack if I wanted to. I am very satisfied with my small meals and the thought of eating more food does not interest me in the least. I am praying that this will last. I keep expecting to wake up ravenous. I'm praying that I don't. I have had no nausea or vomiting episodes at all. I can drink Water freely, with no problem. My food goes down good, I just need a small amount. Twice, I probably overdid it by maybe one or two bites and had an uncomfortably full feeling. Not pain. Just like I had overeaten. I'm trying to really learn that first feeling of when I have had just enough. I have never eaten more than half a cup at one meal.
I have lost 19 lbs. in 3 weeks. That is my two weeks of pre op Protein and one week and 2 days of being banded.
What has everyone else's experience been like this early into it. I'm thinking this is really going to work for me.!!!! Yea!

Does anyone else absolutely love their Lap Band?
I was banded on July 27th. Very new, I know. I feel great. Almost completely back to normal. First 3 days, mostly laid around and slept. Then started getting energy back. I started on my pureed food, last Thursday. I'm up to about half a cup of food per meal. A little less sometimes. I eat slow and try to pay attention to how my stomache is feeling. After eating, WOW, I have no appetite , whatsoever, until my next meal. I'm eating 3 meals a day. No Snacks. I still have Protein drink for Breakfast and then two pureed meals. Incredible! I think for the first time in my life, I am lasting until my next meal with no thought about food or being hungry or having any cravings. I'm sitting at night, watching tv, reading, using computer, whatever, no snacking whatsoever. And I don't feel like I could snack if I wanted to. I am very satisfied with my small meals and the thought of eating more food does not interest me in the least. I am praying that this will last. I keep expecting to wake up ravenous. I'm praying that I don't. I have had no nausea or vomiting episodes at all. I can drink Water freely, with no problem. My food goes down good, I just need a small amount. Twice, I probably overdid it by maybe one or two bites and had an uncomfortably full feeling. Not pain. Just like I had overeaten. I'm trying to really learn that first feeling of when I have had just enough. I have never eaten more than half a cup at one meal.
I have lost 19 lbs. in 3 weeks. That is my two weeks of pre op Protein and one week and 2 days of being banded.
What has everyone else's experience been like this early into it. I'm thinking this is really going to work for me.!!!! Yea!

Tomorrow is my big day! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm all ready to go and I think that I have everything that I will need for the first two weeks post op. I'm so excited!, not feeling nervous. If I'm nervous about anything, it's that we will oversleep in the morning, have a flat tire on the way to the clinic, I'll wake up with a fever, etc. That would be the only thing that would throw me for a loop, if something happened that would make my surgery not happen tomorrow. However, I'm very confident that around 9:20am, in the morning, I'll be having my surgery. I have many people that have promised to be thinking of me and saying a prayer: that my body will be strong, my surgeons hands will be steady and sure, my anesthetist will be vigilant and I will have little pain and heal quickly. I trust in God's will and know everything will go smoothly.
My real challenges will come afterwards. As I read these messages and blogs, I've come to realize that I am entering a whole new life style. I'll need strength and encouragement along my journey. I'm a food addict and have been for a long time. Food has a calming and almost numbing effect on me at times. It's what I turn to when I'm tired, bored, anxious, stressed, etc. It's also a big part of family get togethers and celebrations. My two grown daughters are overweight also. They are very supportive of my decision, as they know how much I want this. I'm hoping I can inspire them both to change some of their eating habits before they are my age. I come from a family of large women. We all love to cook and feed ourselves and anyone else who walks through our door.
My husbands family had a family reunion last weekend. Right in the middle of my Protein diet. It has been planned for months and I knew it was coming, of course. I signed up to bring all the plates, napkins, cups, etc. I did not cook, like I normally would have. Several of my inlaws commented on my missing brocolli salad, homemade meatballs, choc. cake with butter cream icing. They were a bit dissapointed. But they survived, and I was able to survive also. I ate my Protein Drink and veggies, along with one bite of my husbands hamburger. I called that a huge accomplishment for me, as there was tons of mouth watering and fat laden foods. I still had a really good time and so did everyone else.
I know this is not going to be easy and I will have some hard times and a few set backs, But one step at a time I'm going to climb this mountain. On the other side lies better health and a new me.

I'm just recently banded and my head is whirling. This is what my doctor told me when I asked him what kind of diet I would be following post lapband. He asked me to name a few of the diets I had been on: Low carb,lowfat, high Protein, etc. He asked me if any of those had worked long term for me? Well, no Doc, that's why I'm here getting surgery. He said, Ok, you are officially done with diets. You will eat what you feel like eating, but only until you feel satisfied, and that doesn't mean stuffed. He said he will adjust the band to make it possible for me to still eat and lose weight. Im taking him at his word. We'll see how it goes.

What is your doctor or nurse practioner saying about this problem. This doesnt sound like something you should have to figure out on your own. I would give them a call and tell them what you are experiencing.

Did you guys get access to the Lindora site when you got banded? I did and after reading through their website I found that if I do low fat that I can have 40-50 carbs a day and still lose weight. If I do high fat like Atkins I have to do 20 carbs a day. I base my meals on 3-4 oz of Protein and usually only a 1/2 cup of veggies. Breakfast is a poached egg and 2 turkey sausage links. lunch today was a taco salad made with lean ground beef, reduced fat cheese and a homemade low fat/ low cal/ low carb Salad Dressing. I used a 1/2 cup of lettuce for the salad. My treat at night is unsweetened almon milk with Hershey's cocoa and Splenda.
As for convenience: I buy lean meat in family packs. Then I repackage them. I freeze 1 piece/ portion of meat per bag. Then it's super quick to thaw and cook. I precook a pound of taco meat and then freeze it in 4 oz portions. It defrosts in just a few minutes and you can have a small Protein rich meal in under 10 minutes.

Ok, glad I found this post. I'm right there with you guys. I was banded on the 27th. I felt fine yesterday and overdid things. Even out visiting with neighbors. Today, I'm as weak as a newborn bird. Taking my shower totally did me in. I'm having a hard time getting many liquids in, and so I'm concentrating on getting my liquid Protein down as I was told I could start back on it today. I just had my second scoop of the day and I mixed it with milk instead of Water, thinking that would be more nourishing. Then after drinking it, I thought Geez the milk will probably give me more gas. I haven't had a BM since Thursday, so I started taking some Milk of Magnesia too.
I have a lot of gas pain today and a lot of pain across the top of my left shoulder. They say that's very common and may last for awhile.
I weighed myself this morning and I'm up like 3lbs since friday, which was my surgery day. I know that's nothing to worry about, cause I haven't had diddly to eat. I'm totally not even the least bit hungry either.
I'm just hanging out in my recliner today. Walking around the house a bit every hour, so no blood clots develop. But not as perky as I was yesterday.
God Bless us all

Wow, thanks for the recipes. I'm not there yet, but when I get to the mushy stage, I'll definitely be trying your recipes. I've been trying to think of some high Protein food that I'll actually be able to eat and not have to depend on my Liquid Protein drink for all of my nourishment? Do you feel any restriction with your band or are you just using will power at your stage? You probably don't have much of a fill in yet, right?

Hello everyone,
Yes, I'm officially one of the Banded now. I had my surgery yesterday on the 27th. Everything went very well. I had a bit of the left shouler pain. I found having my husband give it a good rub with the arthritis cream I use for my knees helped a lot. I also had some pain pills too. Today, I'm feeling fine. I have a bit of bloating in my stomache and have been using the gas x strips. I've definitely been passing some of the gas, so no problem there.....ooops TMI.
I couldn't have asked for a more attentive and professional medical staff. I was treated like a queen from the time I entered the clinic. I had my own nurse with me from start to discharge and my Dr. and anesthesiologist were just wonderful. They both described in detail what would be happening to me in the OR and afterwards. I had my surgery at 9:30 and was on my way home by 1:30pm. The doctor called me at 8pm and then again this morning to see how I was doing. He said he'll be giving me a call on Monday too. And the I'll see him in two weeks for an incision checkup.
I'm on Clear liquids for the first 3 days and then I can have full liquids for a week, including my Protein Drink. He likes to take introduction back to food slowly. He says he wants abit of scar tissue to form around the stoma before taking any kind of a chance with food getting stuck or what not.He said if I follow just what he tells me to do, I should have no vomiting or discomfort. I also have a dietician who is working with me and she gives lessons over the internet. My first one is August 1st. Just like a classroom with hand out sheets that she has already emailed to me. I couldn't have found a better clinic. I'm very happy with how I've been treated and expect to have a long and lasting relationship with my weight loss group.
Tips: drink plenty of Water after surgery, have a pillow to hold against you for your car ride, gas x is a must. I found the most comfortable way to sleep last night was in my recliner as they don't want me laying flat for 3 days. You won't have any trouble with the Clear Liquids after surgery, as I have zero appetite.
Just think , this time next year we will all be so much healthier and look better too.

Tomorrow is my big day! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm all ready to go and I think that I have everything that I will need for the first two weeks post op. I'm so excited!, not feeling nervous. If I'm nervous about anything, it's that we will oversleep in the morning, have a flat tire on the way to the clinic, I'll wake up with a fever, etc. That would be the only thing that would throw me for a loop, if something happened that would make my surgery not happen tomorrow. However, I'm very confident that around 9:20am, in the morning, I'll be having my surgery. I have many people that have promised to be thinking of me and saying a prayer: that my body will be strong, my surgeons hands will be steady and sure, my anesthetist will be vigilant and I will have little pain and heal quickly. I trust in God's will and know everything will go smoothly.
My real challenges will come afterwards. As I read these messages and blogs, I've come to realize that I am entering a whole new life style. I'll need strength and encouragement along my journey. I'm a food addict and have been for a long time. Food has a calming and almost numbing effect on me at times. It's what I turn to when I'm tired, bored, anxious, stressed, etc. It's also a big part of family get togethers and celebrations. My two grown daughters are overweight also. They are very supportive of my decision, as they know how much I want this. I'm hoping I can inspire them both to change some of their eating habits before they are my age. I come from a family of large women. We all love to cook and feed ourselves and anyone else who walks through our door.
My husbands family had a family reunion last weekend. Right in the middle of my Protein diet. It has been planned for months and I knew it was coming, of course. I signed up to bring all the plates, napkins, cups, etc. I did not cook, like I normally would have. Several of my inlaws commented on my missing brocolli salad, homemade meatballs, choc. cake with butter cream icing. They were a bit dissapointed. But they survived, and I was able to survive also. I ate my Protein Drink and veggies, along with one bite of my husbands hamburger. I called that a huge accomplishment for me, as there was tons of mouth watering and fat laden foods. I still had a really good time and so did everyone else.
I know this is not going to be easy and I will have some hard times and a few set backs, But one step at a time I'm going to climb this mountain. On the other side lies better health and a new me.

Tomorrow is my big day! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm all ready to go and I think that I have everything that I will need for the first two weeks post op. I'm so excited!, not feeling nervous. If I'm nervous about anything, it's that we will oversleep in the morning, have a flat tire on the way to the clinic, I'll wake up with a fever, etc. That would be the only thing that would throw me for a loop, if something happened that would make my surgery not happen tomorrow. However, I'm very confident that around 9:20am, in the morning, I'll be having my surgery. I have many people that have promised to be thinking of me and saying a prayer: that my body will be strong, my surgeons hands will be steady and sure, my anesthetist will be vigilant and I will have little pain and heal quickly. I trust in God's will and know everything will go smoothly.
My real challenges will come afterwards. As I read these messages and blogs, I've come to realize that I am entering a whole new life style. I'll need strength and encouragement along my journey. I'm a food addict and have been for a long time. Food has a calming and almost numbing effect on me at times. It's what I turn to when I'm tired, bored, anxious, stressed, etc. It's also a big part of family get togethers and celebrations. My two grown daughters are overweight also. They are very supportive of my decision, as they know how much I want this. I'm hoping I can inspire them both to change some of their eating habits before they are my age. I come from a family of large women. We all love to cook and feed ourselves and anyone else who walks through our door.
My husbands family had a family reunion last weekend. Right in the middle of my Protein diet. It has been planned for months and I knew it was coming, of course. I signed up to bring all the plates, napkins, cups, etc. I did not cook, like I normally would have. Several of my inlaws commented on my missing brocolli salad, homemade meatballs, choc. cake with butter cream icing. They were a bit dissapointed. But they survived, and I was able to survive also. I ate my Protein Drink and veggies, along with one bite of my husbands hamburger. I called that a huge accomplishment for me, as there was tons of mouth watering and fat laden foods. I still had a really good time and so did everyone else.
I know this is not going to be easy and I will have some hard times and a few set backs, But one step at a time I'm going to climb this mountain. On the other side lies better health and a new me.

I'm so proud of you. Has it been harder or easier than you thought it would be? You need a 1 month reward. Anything in mind?

Today is my one month bandiversary!!!!! I am doing great and moving into regular foods. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I have an appointment with my doctor on Friday and I am hoping for a fill as my will power is about to run out. I'm down 20 pounds and I am so happy with my progress so far. Here's to another 75 to go!