indacrucible

I can really tell it in your picture! You go, girl!

I can really tell it in your picture! You go, girl!

What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing! You should be SO proud of yourself!

I was banded Oct 11 - in the Dallas area, too. Ready to try a regular diet later this week and awaiting my first fill next week. Very excited to add this tool to my armamentarium against obesity.
I've been walking, but excited to be released to do more - not sure what that will involve yet....
I also threw away my scale - at the advice of my eating disorder therapist. I have not regretted it for a second! I'm less focused on the number and more focused on taking care of myself. I am in this to win it, so I started therapy the week after my band was placed. Compulsive overeater - learning to reward and comfort myself without food will be challenging, but I am up for it!
Good luck, everybody!

So, I had my third therapy session with my eating disorder specialist last night, and I have to give mfp, for my mental health. I discarded my scale, and replaced my obsession with the scale with mfp's calorie counter and am restricting again - only 500-600 calories a day. So, today I start working with my nutritionist on a meal plan that's not based on calories - I will still track every bite that goes in my mouth - just not the calories. It's my second step to a healthy relationship with food and my own self-image.
I am also to track my non-food victories - quality time with my kids, doing things for myself like take a walk outside, take the exercise class I want, etc. I am very anxious about not knowing the calories for my food, but I have to trust my nutritionist and my therapist or I'll just end up sabotaging myself.
So, goodbye MFP! Wish me luck everybody! I am nervous and, quite frankly, terrified of the future, but I am proud of myself for taking these steps to healing and not letting my eating disorder control myself and my family anymore! I have 3 little girls who are watching me and learning from me and I want them to learn to love themselves and that their worth is NOT tied to their appearance, but to their character - which already amazes me everyday!
Last night at dinner, one said, "mom - you have to chew longer!" The other handed me my Vitamins this morning, and my baby said, "Be careful of your tummy!" Sweet, but my goal is for them to not notice any of this in the future...my eating should be invisible to them...That's my goal....
I'll still be on the forums, but no more mfp. It's important for my recovery...
Thanks - and good luck everybody on this journey!

So, I had my third therapy session with my eating disorder specialist last night, and I have to give mfp, for my mental health. I discarded my scale, and replaced my obsession with the scale with mfp's calorie counter and am restricting again - only 500-600 calories a day. So, today I start working with my nutritionist on a meal plan that's not based on calories - I will still track every bite that goes in my mouth - just not the calories. It's my second step to a healthy relationship with food and my own self-image.
I am also to track my non-food victories - quality time with my kids, doing things for myself like take a walk outside, take the exercise class I want, etc. I am very anxious about not knowing the calories for my food, but I have to trust my nutritionist and my therapist or I'll just end up sabotaging myself.
So, goodbye MFP! Wish me luck everybody! I am nervous and, quite frankly, terrified of the future, but I am proud of myself for taking these steps to healing and not letting my eating disorder control myself and my family anymore! I have 3 little girls who are watching me and learning from me and I want them to learn to love themselves and that their worth is NOT tied to their appearance, but to their character - which already amazes me everyday!
Last night at dinner, one said, "mom - you have to chew longer!" The other handed me my Vitamins this morning, and my baby said, "Be careful of your tummy!" Sweet, but my goal is for them to not notice any of this in the future...my eating should be invisible to them...That's my goal....
I'll still be on the forums, but no more mfp. It's important for my recovery...
Thanks - and good luck everybody on this journey!

So, I had my third therapy session with my eating disorder specialist last night, and I have to give mfp, for my mental health. I discarded my scale, and replaced my obsession with the scale with mfp's calorie counter and am restricting again - only 500-600 calories a day. So, today I start working with my nutritionist on a meal plan that's not based on calories - I will still track every bite that goes in my mouth - just not the calories. It's my second step to a healthy relationship with food and my own self-image.
I am also to track my non-food victories - quality time with my kids, doing things for myself like take a walk outside, take the exercise class I want, etc. I am very anxious about not knowing the calories for my food, but I have to trust my nutritionist and my therapist or I'll just end up sabotaging myself.
So, goodbye MFP! Wish me luck everybody! I am nervous and, quite frankly, terrified of the future, but I am proud of myself for taking these steps to healing and not letting my eating disorder control myself and my family anymore! I have 3 little girls who are watching me and learning from me and I want them to learn to love themselves and that their worth is NOT tied to their appearance, but to their character - which already amazes me everyday!
Last night at dinner, one said, "mom - you have to chew longer!" The other handed me my Vitamins this morning, and my baby said, "Be careful of your tummy!" Sweet, but my goal is for them to not notice any of this in the future...my eating should be invisible to them...That's my goal....
I'll still be on the forums, but no more mfp. It's important for my recovery...
Thanks - and good luck everybody on this journey!

Wow! Awesome! Keep up the good work!

NSV = nonscale victory.
Sorry for the confusing verbiage initially and I see how it can sound like I was trying to reward myself.....
Thanks for the encouragement, EVERYBODY!
Didn't mean to sound so attacked - just trying to savor my own little personal victory....

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

NSV = nonscale victory.
Sorry for the confusing verbiage initially and I see how it can sound like I was trying to reward myself.....
Thanks for the encouragement, EVERYBODY!
Didn't mean to sound so attacked - just trying to savor my own little personal victory....

While I appreciate your input, it was not a reward. I no longer have "rewards" or "cheats" as per my eating disorder therapist and my own resolve. I have LIFE. I plan to go to the same restaurants I've always gone to, just to eat less and count every calorie. So, I am incorporating the foods I like into my life in a healthy way. Some days will be better than others but I REFUSE to beat myself up for living it or to say I'll never have another margarita.
I have lived the "never have anything high calorie again" lifestyle, got down to a size 4, and it's not sustainable long term. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed at the negative feedback, when I specifically posted a NSV. Margarita 400 calories. I was at 1050 for the day and exercised 200.

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

While I appreciate your input, it was not a reward. I no longer have "rewards" or "cheats" as per my eating disorder therapist and my own resolve. I have LIFE. I plan to go to the same restaurants I've always gone to, just to eat less and count every calorie. So, I am incorporating the foods I like into my life in a healthy way. Some days will be better than others but I REFUSE to beat myself up for living it or to say I'll never have another margarita.
I have lived the "never have anything high calorie again" lifestyle, got down to a size 4, and it's not sustainable long term. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed at the negative feedback, when I specifically posted a NSV. Margarita 400 calories. I was at 1050 for the day and exercised 200.

While I appreciate your input, it was not a reward. I no longer have "rewards" or "cheats" as per my eating disorder therapist and my own resolve. I have LIFE. I plan to go to the same restaurants I've always gone to, just to eat less and count every calorie. So, I am incorporating the foods I like into my life in a healthy way. Some days will be better than others but I REFUSE to beat myself up for living it or to say I'll never have another margarita.
I have lived the "never have anything high calorie again" lifestyle, got down to a size 4, and it's not sustainable long term. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed at the negative feedback, when I specifically posted a NSV. Margarita 400 calories. I was at 1050 for the day and exercised 200.

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I went to my VERY FAVORITE mexican restaurant last night for the first time since the band and did well! I put all the food I allowed myself on a single plate and did not even eat it all! I had a margarita, too, which still kept me under my calories.
I was feeling deprived, so I really needed this indulgence within my guidelines to kind of prove to myself that I can eat what I want and still reach my goal. Before, it was all or nothing. If I went to this restaurant, it meant I ate until I was so full I couldn't stand it or I just didn't go.
I'm in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive gray area - life not mandated by rules OR complete overindulgence. I found it last night, but I know that it will be a constant pursuit until I incorporate it into the core of my being - my habits.
For now, I'm happy with the little wins.
Thanks!

I bought the Fuze at a gas station, but I've also seen it at Walgreen's.
I will try the shaking up soda to rid it of the carbonation, too.
Thanks!

I agree. My goal is peace without sacrifice. I am changing my eating habits but don't plan to have any "off-limits" foods (unless my band prohibits). I want to ditch the idea of "cheating" and learn to live my life. As in all of life, I do good most of the time and occasionally have a bad day. I'm reading "eat what you love, love what you eat" and I'm trying to change the way I think about food. Of course, I'm using a therapist to help me, but I finally have a vision of "success".
Here's to all of our success!

So, the hardest part for me seems to be the drinks. There aren't any non-carbonated drinks I like. I hate diet koolaid, those little powder mixins, tea, and I'm sick of Water...
Any brilliant suggestions?
Thanks!

I'm not quite a seasoned lap bander, in fact, I'm still a newbie! However, my surgeon is very informative and his practice has support groups, nutrition groups, etc. The nutritionist even takes us to the grocery store to teach us how to shop healthy and out to dinner to assist us with implementing our new dietary lifestyle! Anyway, here is what I can share with you based on my personal experience: (It will vary a little from patient to patient as not all doctors advise the same exact post op instructions)
The first two weeks after surgery I was on a full liquid diet. From 2-4 weeks post op, it was mushy foods only. This meant foods blended in a blender or foods that were of baby food consistency. Scrambled eggs were allowed at this point as well. From the four week point, I could begin eating soft solids and begin transitioning to regular foods. I was instructed to eat bites no larger than the size of one die, and to eat three times a day with no Snacks in between or if I really felt the need to snack, two Snacks per day, one between Breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner but no more than 100 calories per snack. Portion Control was stressed. It was suggested to eat no more than one cup of food total per meal. This was to be broken down into Protein first, then fruits and vegetables, then a starch. Protein, such as chicken for example, should be no more than 3 oz. total. I was advised to weigh my food, and to eat small portions very slowly while chewing at least 15-20 times before swallowing. No liquids from the moment the food touches my lips until two hours after I eat. After the two hour point, I can drink as much as I want until the next bite of food touches my lips at the next meal.
No carbonated beverages and limited or no caffeine. I was told to drink at least 8 8oz. glasses of Water per day. No juices or sugary drinks. Skim milk only as far as milk is concerned. I was advised to eat at least 50g of protein and to take a mulitivitamin (chewable) and viactiv with Calcium (one or two per day but not taken at the same time because your body can only absorb so much at once).
I was advised to make sure my chicken or any other meat for that matter, was very moist so as to limit the risk of getting stuck. I was advised to stay away from asparagus, the stringy part of oranges (the pith as it is called), breads, unless they are very thin and toasted such as weight watchers wheat bread, and to avoid slider foods which are foods that slide down easily and are unhealthy (ice cream, full fat puddings, etc.) I was advised to make healthy, low fat choices, to stay around 1200 calories per day and to exercise at least 30 minutes every day.
I hope this helps, but if you want more specifics, I would be happy to share particular foods that were recommended to me. I also have to mention the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder. (www.unjury.com) I have at least one shake a day, usually for Breakfast when my band is tightest, to meet my daily protein goal. One scoop of vanilla Unjury with a cup of skim milk and ice. I often blend a banana in as well. It is delicious and one scoop of Protein Powder contains 21g of protein.
Finally, I did not feel restriction two weeks out either. It usually takes a few fills to find the right restriction, but for others, fills aren't even necessary as they feel enough restriction with just the band. It is totally an individualized thing. You'll figure out what's right for you. I would suggest keeping to the portion sizes and dietary guidelines, even if you don't feel restriction. Otherwise, what's the point, right! I would also suggest finding some support groups for lap band patients if not a doctor and/or lap band nutritionist who can guide you in the right direction. Post op support is so very important as there are bound to be questions and concerns that will arise, and simply to help keep you on track. Good luck!