ontherighttrack

Right after surgery, when you can't eat solids, it's hard. I didn't cook. And when I had to prepare my kids Breakfast and lunch, I made things with little to no smell (Cereal, sandwiches, etc). Husband popped popcorn about 4 days post op and I thought I was gonna kill him lol.
As for further out, I make the same things for the family as myself but eat smaller portions. My family is eating healthier now because I am. Less bread and Pasta (tho I do still eat it in moderation). More Protein and vegetables. They just eat a bigger portion. And for things like sandwiches, I have low cal bread but my kids have regular whole wheat bread. I have low fat cheese sticks, they have regular ones. (they are very thin and can use the extra fat) etc etc.

I have Cigna and I have now learned that my particular plan with them does not include any bariatrics. (I only wanted a fill, I had already self paid for my lapband). Anyways, before learning that, the office i called made a point of letting me know that Cigna is one of the hardest insurance companies to get approval from. Not trying to be a Debbie downer by saying that, and it may not always be true but just giving my 2 cents. Like everyone says though, it's worth the hoops you have to jump through I would imagine! best of luck to ya!

I've been there to a worse extreme. After I was banded in July 2010(!) I had a fill, had a bad experience/doctor and didn't lose anything for almost 2 years. Was too scared to go back because my doctor made me feel like I was failing and my band was almost full or something. I was back to my old ways Finally, about 6 weeks ago I got a new doctor and new motivation. Got a fill, realized my last doctor was making me feel bad over nothing because he had hardly filled me at all. Now Ive been on track and steadily losing. regular appts are keeping me accountable. And now that I am properly filled, I feel like I have the help I need to do this.
Get back on track! Don't wait so long like I did! It's an awful feeling. Start back on track and do what you gotta do! Best of luck!!

I've been there to a worse extreme. After I was banded in July 2010(!) I had a fill, had a bad experience/doctor and didn't lose anything for almost 2 years. Was too scared to go back because my doctor made me feel like I was failing and my band was almost full or something. I was back to my old ways Finally, about 6 weeks ago I got a new doctor and new motivation. Got a fill, realized my last doctor was making me feel bad over nothing because he had hardly filled me at all. Now Ive been on track and steadily losing. regular appts are keeping me accountable. And now that I am properly filled, I feel like I have the help I need to do this.
Get back on track! Don't wait so long like I did! It's an awful feeling. Start back on track and do what you gotta do! Best of luck!!

Chobani with honey is like the worst one lol. It was my first pick too but the best ones in my opinion are the ones with fruit on the bottom. It really adds the sweetness to it. I LOVE Chobani pineapple but also enjoy all the oikos ones with fruit on bottom. I know a lot of people who say the Chobani pineapple is their favorite so maybe try that flavor
Oh and that's a great idea about the crystal light! I'm gonna try that do maybe I can start buying the plain ones.

Next time she drives somewhere you should suggest she walk instead of taking the easy way and driving her car!

Thanks everyone. I too have been setting smaller goals for now. I think my ultimate goal will be 165. I think it's attainable. I just Don't think 140 is feasible for my body but who knows! Right now I am aiming for onederland by Christmas!

Is your goal weight based on BMI, doctors recommendation, or just a number that you remember feeling healthy at?
According to my BMI, I think I should be in the 140's but I remember being about 165-175 and feeling great and looking good.
I can't decide on a goal weight because I don't know what to go by. I want to have a goal though so I can have an official countdown and a real "moment" when I achieve goal. Just curious how everyone else decided.

I don't blame you! I have told a handful of people and some that I expected to support me, didn't. And vice versa. One friend who is usually compassionate and understanding and has also struggled with weight flat out told me "you could do it with diet and Excercise. My mom lost 80 lbs that way". I had to defend myself an tell her that maybe I could but I want the extra help because it's a long road. Obviously she isn't able to take her own advice. On the flip side, my sister blurted out about my plans for a lapband on accident to a family member and I expected them to try to talk me out of it and surprisingly they were really happy for me and wished me the best.
Since getting the surgery, I haven't told anyone else that didn't know before hand. I don't know what reaction I will get and I think most people don't understand how it really works. Like you said, a lot of people expect the weight to immediately fall off.
Oh and also, my mother in law is at the top of my list of "people who must NEVER know" lol

My kids. Don't want them to be embarrassed of me
My husband. He deserves the woman he married. He loves me as I am now but I want to do better for him.
Jeans- I have not looked good in a pair of jeans since I passed size 16. (size 24 now) I can't wait to shop at a "normal" store and get some cute jeans that fit!

Have only had one period since my fill but from that experience, I agree that skinny cow products are great. I like their ice cream sandwiches. I did munch a little more during that time and my weight reflected it. Overall a half pound or pound gain but for me personally that is not a huge set back for a whole week. I have about 80 to lose so that was a small setback in comparison.

I also had my surgery in Mexico but a different doctor. I was not alone but just giving my opinion... I think it can be done alone. I would recommend trying to pack light and in something wheeled. At the airport, you can tell them that you would like assistance at your destination and they will contact your destination airport and meet you with a wheel chair and push you to wherever you need to be. That was the only physically difficult part of the trip for me was walking through the airport.

Awesome!!! I hope I can see some difference in 2 months or so when I go to grab my sweaters!

I also had my surgery in Mexico but a different doctor. I was not alone but just giving my opinion... I think it can be done alone. I would recommend trying to pack light and in something wheeled. At the airport, you can tell them that you would like assistance at your destination and they will contact your destination airport and meet you with a wheel chair and push you to wherever you need to be. That was the only physically difficult part of the trip for me was walking through the airport.