New Hope

Well, I want to see the WHOLE darn picture!!

You are doing so good! And cooking for others when you can't eat is tough! But you are so wise to be sticking to your liquids. Your body will heal properly and it sounds like you have the willpower and determination to be a very successful bandster. How long do you stay on clear liquids? Have you tried gatorade, crystal light, propel water for some variety? Warm decaffeniated teas are very soothing, add a little lemon and honey. There are several different types available. Full liquids will give you quite a bit more variety. Great weight loss and it will only get better! Hang in there! This is the toughest part, but it's temporary and the end results are well worth it...for you and your family!

I'd need a whole lot more than weight reduction to look like that!!

Hope all goes well. Does your dr. know that you're sick? Please take care!

You're a doll now and I love your puppy! Is he a Boxer? Man, I'm going to go get a second band so I can look like your inspiration!!

Emmy, Congratulations on getting your band and the 11 pound loss! Your above statement is so true!!

I don't think so, Pat! I've been "poking" along for about two months now.

Great avatar, Paula! But, Leatha, can I have joint custody of your Band-daughter? I'm kind of partial to her, too.

Probably for the same reason you don't drink liquids with your post-band meals.

Becca, you're doing great! 10 pounds is awesome! Try not to weigh yourself more than once a week. It will save your sanity!

Pat, sounds like your restriction is making itself known.

Shaz, our very own Bush Baby (Rica) got her band last June because she was looking at double knee replacements. Now 50 pounds lighter, she's doing great. If you do a search, you can find her thread showing her before and after pics. Of course, she was gorgeous before her weight loss! If you pm her, I bet she could give you some good info.

Anastasia, it's great to have goals, but be realistic in what you set. You will do this, whether in one or two years, and you'll be healthier! Hang in there, girl!

Congratulations! How tall are you? I'm small-boned, also. So I know that weight is so hard on your bones and joints! You won't regret this one bit!

Leatha, that sounds bad! I hope you're feeling better now. Do you try to drink a few ounces of water before you take any meds. Then follow them with a few more ounces of water to wash them through? How about trying the Hood's Low Carb drink instead of the yogurt? It's more liquidy. I've started taking my night time meds before I take my evening shower so they hopefully have time to move on through before I lie down.

I'm such a sucker for a good love story! Paula, he doesn't love you because of your band or weightloss. He loves you for you!! Since I've had the privilege to meet you, I know he's a very wise man! I have this quote setting in my master bath, "The Longer We Love, The Stronger We Love". You've built a rich history together. And you have your "Golden Years" still ahead! Enjoy this three-day weekend together!

Just can't emphasize enough, please do your research BEFORE banding...check several different resources on your choice of drs., hospitals, aftercare plans. Don't just base your decision on the cheapest price. You have the final say in taking care of your health! Research, don't make hasty decisions, and regain your health.

With steak, please be sure it is lean and moist. Use a steak sauce if necessary. Take very small bites and chew, chew, chew before swallowing. I'm in Houston and have to have my steak! Grilled pork chops are great also. My one and only sliming experience was on a dry chicken strip. I should have had a dipping sauce.

Vicky, I get choked easy and have asthma. But I haven't noticed either increased my chances of pbing. Nor, when I have pb'd, has it led to a coughing spell or asthma. Pbing is usually caused from eating too fast and/or too big a bite. We need to take our time between each bite and chew the smithereens out of it before we swallow! A too tight fill can cause pbing also, and is relieved by a slight unfill. On the choking, have you ever been checked for gastric reflux? (Just a thought.) There is a thread here on lifestyle changes to help deal with and avoid reflux, "Reflux, Esophagual Gastric Reflux." You can find it under "Search". Good luck to you on your banding quest!

Tammy, that is wonderful!!! Now get to drinking that water and walking. Good for you!

It sounds like you need a slight unfill as soon as possible. It's certainly not practical to not be able to eat or drink. Please take care of yourself. Just removing 0.2cc can make all the difference in the world. Sounds like you best stick to liquids until you see your dr. and get that unfill. Will his office be closed for MLK day? Best of luck to you!

Nancy, I think that is a wonderful compliment! It means, like Leatha has often said, "I ain't no quitter!"

Yes, Jonathan, I hear you! Food is so associated with comfort. I remember my grandmother not ever having a lot of $$. But she would make homemade light bread and cream gravy and that was the most delicious feast in the world to me! You'll still be able to eat most of the foods you enjoy, just smaller portions and you won't feel miserable or angry with yourself afterwards. Getting in touch with your feelings can be tough, but it is also empowering and releases you from a lot of self-made prisons. You can do this!

Darcy, please be gentle with Pat!!

You might "pm" Whippledaddy. I think he's been working on something similar. I personally prefer to remain "unanimous".