Windfury

I was the same way....when I first started, I thought 6 months would be like 6 years! But honestly, they flew by and lo and behold, I was having my surgery.
Take the time to take all necessary steps to get mentally and physically ready. Start making changes in your eating habits, and read up, ask questions, etc.
I stopped drinking Diet Coke during my 1st month, I took a few cooking lessons during the next 2 months, so I could "learn" to cook healthy. I made myself try new foods like: couscous and quinoa. I started drinking almond milk, and the list goes on
Hang in there and enjoy the journey! Six months will be here sooner than you think!
Glad to have you here!

I was the same way....when I first started, I thought 6 months would be like 6 years! But honestly, they flew by and lo and behold, I was having my surgery.
Take the time to take all necessary steps to get mentally and physically ready. Start making changes in your eating habits, and read up, ask questions, etc.
I stopped drinking Diet Coke during my 1st month, I took a few cooking lessons during the next 2 months, so I could "learn" to cook healthy. I made myself try new foods like: couscous and quinoa. I started drinking almond milk, and the list goes on
Hang in there and enjoy the journey! Six months will be here sooner than you think!
Glad to have you here!

I made this for lunch today and it was quite tasty. I got this from the "Band Friendly Recipes" website.
Enjoy!

Broiled Eggplant Parmesan

1 15oz can diced Italian tomatoes
2 medium eggplants
salt and pepper
6 oz part-skim mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup Italian- seasoned bread crumbs
Preheat broiler to high; place a rack about 8 inches from heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray. Drain tomatoes and puree in a blender or food processor. Set aside.
Slice eggplant into 1/3 inch thick slices. Mist both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray and sprinkle salt and pepper. Broil eggplant until golden brown, turning once, 10- 12 minutes total.
Remove baking sheet from oven. Spoon on some Tomato puree, sprinkle with both cheeses, and top with bread crumbs. Place back into oven and broil until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are toasted, 1- 2 minutes. Serve immediately
266 calories, 11 g. fat and 18 g. Protein



Note: This makes a ton. Two eggplants is a lot. I split the recipe except for the can of tomatoes. Plus, the skins of the egg plant were a little hard to eat. Next time, I think I might peel the skin off before cooking.

Hi Karen~
I just went for my 1st fill, two days ago. I now have a total of 4cc's in my band. I wish I could tell you that I'm doing all these exercises, and that's what is helping me, but I am not. Once I get below 200lbs, which is my mini-goal right now, I will start exercizing daily. For now, I'm just letting my band do the work and using it to its full potential. I have made a lot of changes in my eating habits, both in how I eat and what I eat. Portion was never an issue for me, junk food and erratic eating schedule were my downfall. I'm a junkfood girl! I LOVE, LOVE LOVE potato chips, dips, crackers, etc. I also love cake and Cookies, and of course, could also not resist the occasional coconut cream pie, or raspberry pie. When I first made the decision to get the lap-band, I put my mind to making changes during my 6-month waiting period. I stopped drinking pop, and chocolate milk. I hate Water, but I made myself drink more every day.
I switched from 2% milk to skim milk, or almond milk.
I eat little meals throughout the day and most of them consist of Protein. I eat 1 fruit a day (apple, orange, or 1/2 banana).
I've also started trying new recipes, and now make the time to cook meals. It's only my husband and I (no children), so it was so much easier for us to order out 3-4 times a week, vs. cooking. Now, we only order out on weekends, and when we do, they are decent meals. No pizza, no fried foods, no pastas. We only order chicken, steaks, or fish and our sides are usually a sweet potato, or a salad. That's it.
We are no longer buying sweets, and we have NO junk food in the house, except for microwaveable popcorn, which I don't eat, but hubby likes it.
With that said, I still believe in having a "treat" on occasion. So last week, I went to the bakery and bought banana bread. I sliced a normal slice, then cut it in half. I had one half and hubby had the other, and I was satisfied.
I watch my calorie intake and try to write down all I eat on my Fitbit Dashboard.
If you have not looked into a Fitbit Zip yet, I would suggest it. It is such a neat little gadget, as it motivates you to keep moving...
I know I wrote a ton, and I'm hoping I have helped you
Every day, make yourself do something new or different. Eat something you have never had before, try a new veggie, a new fruit. Keep track of everything you are eating.
I love my Protein shakes as well. I buy powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury in chocolate Splendor and mix it with almond milk. It is very satisfying and will keep me feeling full for at least 3-4 hrs. I start my day with that
Be proud of what you have lost so far! That's awesome!
Have you had your first fill yet? Do you feel like the band is working for you, meaning, do you still feel restricted?

It is hard. Actually, it's been harder than I expected. I am on Day 11, 4 days to go. I've had great days and somewhat miserable ones. Such a roller coaster in such a short time! But it's reminded me that I do not NEED food, and that is something I'll have to draw on once I'm banded. I wish you well and hope the pre-op phase is enlightening for you! Keep in touch - we're here for you.

Will it be easy peasey? No, it will not. Will it be worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
You need to truly want this, and you need to change your mindset about food. Food will never go away, so, if food is an addiction for you (I was a junkfood addict), then you need to change how you see food.
It's all in your mind Wozzie, and you control that. You choose your actions. You took the step towards making a lifetime change for yourself. You are so worth it!!! Focus on what needs done, and why you are doing it. Your health will improve, your self-image will improve, your confidence will increase.....that's what you need to think of when you sip your shakes.< /p>
It will get better, but it will not be easy. I hope you have a good support system at home, to help you with your lifetime goals. My husband is very supportive and he's the only one that knows about my lapband- I made a personal decision NOT to tell family and friends. However, the people on this website have been nothing but encouraging and supportive. So make sure to come here often, and make some friends. Read up, look at people's photo albums and see the amazing transformations. Be encouraged and inspired by then. I know I am!
Like the previous posters said: Be positive and know that you CAN do this. Stay busy and focused.
We are here for you!

if you think you can't (your right)
so begin to think you CAN
when was on my pre op, i was whining to my old man and he said something i will never forget and it got me through and woke me up. he said you wanted this (this surgery) so do what you have to do to make it happen.
hope this helps.
it will get easier although while you are on it, it seems like its forever but in fact its only for a short while.

Stay busy! Time to clean out closets, write in a journal, read a book. Do anything to take your mind off food.< /p>
You want this and you can do this!
We'll be with you every step of the way.

This too shall pass. It does get easier each day. You will maybe find yourself not thinking so much of food, but more of why you might have wanted that food to begin with. It was very eye opening for me personally.
Good Luck, stay strong and fight the good fight.

I use it as I would sour cream, if I am eating yogurt, I go for one of the flavored varieties. The plain, I use to give my cooking added nutrition and flavor.

That's fantastic!!! Celebrate that success girl! Good on you!!!!

I Lost Another 12 Pounds in One Month and I am so Proud of Myself!!
I Lost an Ex Husband!
I Lost Weight!!
I Lost Negative Friends!!
I Lost Loving Myself and Making Wise Life Choices!
But Gained a New Me!!!

I am about to start on my 3rd month of the supervised diet and I wish it would hurry up I'm so ready to get banded!! Although I will say I'm learning a lot about restriction.

I just did my month 2:(

Well, I got my first fill today, so I now have 4cc's in ..Yay!
While it wasn't the most painful thing, it certainly was not a breeze either. That's a big friggin needle...and it was a BIG pinch! LOL...
Anyways, I survived

I LOVE Jillian Micheals 30 day shred. It's wonderful!
It burns 360 calories in 28 minutes!!!
I also LOVE Leslie Sanson's Walk at Home DVD's. you can get both at Walmart in the fitness section for under $10.00 each.

I was banded this morning! Yippee!

I made this for lunch today and it was quite tasty. I got this from the "Band Friendly Recipes" website.
Enjoy!

Broiled Eggplant Parmesan

1 15oz can diced Italian tomatoes
2 medium eggplants
salt and pepper
6 oz part-skim mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup Italian- seasoned bread crumbs
Preheat broiler to high; place a rack about 8 inches from heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray. Drain tomatoes and puree in a blender or food processor. Set aside.
Slice eggplant into 1/3 inch thick slices. Mist both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray and sprinkle salt and pepper. Broil eggplant until golden brown, turning once, 10- 12 minutes total.
Remove baking sheet from oven. Spoon on some Tomato puree, sprinkle with both cheeses, and top with bread crumbs. Place back into oven and broil until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are toasted, 1- 2 minutes. Serve immediately
266 calories, 11 g. fat and 18 g. Protein



Note: This makes a ton. Two eggplants is a lot. I split the recipe except for the can of tomatoes. Plus, the skins of the egg plant were a little hard to eat. Next time, I think I might peel the skin off before cooking.

Sam~ I hope you are having a better day today. Thinking of you xoxoxo

Sam~
Sometimes, words are not strong enough to convey the emotions we want to share. All I can say is that you will have better days ahead. Know that you are loved, and you are beautiful inside out.
No matter what, you will get through this.
It's ok to cry, let it be a cleansing cry. Then, when you are ready, wipe those tears, stand tall and be proud. You are so worth it!
As far as your boyfriend breaking up with you.....when you think about it, do you really want someone like that in your life? One who will not think twice about leaving you when you need them the most? I don't think so. You deserve more, much more!
For now, it's perfectly ok to cry, let it all out.
I'm sharing with you, one of my favorite poems. It has helped me a lot in the past, when going through rough Patches. I hope you find some comfort and solace in it. Sending you a big hug xoxoxo
~After a while...~
After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child
And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers
And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.
Veronica A. Shoffstall

I made this for lunch today and it was quite tasty. I got this from the "Band Friendly Recipes" website.
Enjoy!

Broiled Eggplant Parmesan

1 15oz can diced Italian tomatoes
2 medium eggplants
salt and pepper
6 oz part-skim mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup Italian- seasoned bread crumbs
Preheat broiler to high; place a rack about 8 inches from heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray. Drain tomatoes and puree in a blender or food processor. Set aside.
Slice eggplant into 1/3 inch thick slices. Mist both sides of eggplant slices with cooking spray and sprinkle salt and pepper. Broil eggplant until golden brown, turning once, 10- 12 minutes total.
Remove baking sheet from oven. Spoon on some Tomato puree, sprinkle with both cheeses, and top with bread crumbs. Place back into oven and broil until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are toasted, 1- 2 minutes. Serve immediately
266 calories, 11 g. fat and 18 g. Protein



Note: This makes a ton. Two eggplants is a lot. I split the recipe except for the can of tomatoes. Plus, the skins of the egg plant were a little hard to eat. Next time, I think I might peel the skin off before cooking.

Sam~
Sometimes, words are not strong enough to convey the emotions we want to share. All I can say is that you will have better days ahead. Know that you are loved, and you are beautiful inside out.
No matter what, you will get through this.
It's ok to cry, let it be a cleansing cry. Then, when you are ready, wipe those tears, stand tall and be proud. You are so worth it!
As far as your boyfriend breaking up with you.....when you think about it, do you really want someone like that in your life? One who will not think twice about leaving you when you need them the most? I don't think so. You deserve more, much more!
For now, it's perfectly ok to cry, let it all out.
I'm sharing with you, one of my favorite poems. It has helped me a lot in the past, when going through rough Patches. I hope you find some comfort and solace in it. Sending you a big hug xoxoxo
~After a while...~
After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child
And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers
And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.
Veronica A. Shoffstall

I'm so sorry for your heartache but just think you are doing this for YOU and above all you should love yourself! You are beautiful and although it hurts today on day you will look back after your surgery and realize this was all part of Gods plan. Please stay focused and your in my prayers.

(((((samskiles))))) We know this is painfull for you and we can't take that pain away, but we are here to help you through it.
Everyone is right, this is your time. The time to make you healthy and no one can do that but you. Do what is best for you right now.
You're young and taking part in a life changing surgery, it's going to be so amazing for you.
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight. Something good is coming your way.
Months before my surgery, actually Easter morning, I was praying for
God to just let me die. I had a bad car accident and I couldn't stand the pain anymore. Months and months of treatments made no difference. I was faced with living the rest of my life in agony. Since my insurance deductible was met I decided to get LB surgery, my only hope of relieving pain. Jan 10 is 1 yr anniversary of accident and I'm so blessed to be alive. I have a life again.
I know your pain is just as real as my pain was to me, but having this surgery is going to be a blessing to you, just as it was to me. Don't let anyone or anything take that from you.
God Bless

Sam~
Sometimes, words are not strong enough to convey the emotions we want to share. All I can say is that you will have better days ahead. Know that you are loved, and you are beautiful inside out.
No matter what, you will get through this.
It's ok to cry, let it be a cleansing cry. Then, when you are ready, wipe those tears, stand tall and be proud. You are so worth it!
As far as your boyfriend breaking up with you.....when you think about it, do you really want someone like that in your life? One who will not think twice about leaving you when you need them the most? I don't think so. You deserve more, much more!
For now, it's perfectly ok to cry, let it all out.
I'm sharing with you, one of my favorite poems. It has helped me a lot in the past, when going through rough Patches. I hope you find some comfort and solace in it. Sending you a big hug xoxoxo
~After a while...~
After a while you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child
And you learn
To build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way
Of falling down in mid flight
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers
And you learn
That you really can endure
That you are really strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every good bye you learn.
Veronica A. Shoffstall