New Hope

Brighteyes, best of luck Tuesday, January 11, when you get your band! Now get that hip replaced and you'll be good to go! Really, take care, have a smooth surgery and easy recovery! Please come back here and let us know how you're doing!

Best of luck to you on your surgery! Losing weight and getting that hip replaced are going to open up a whole new world for you! Take care of yourself, follow your surgeon's instructions, and you'll be back on here giving others answers before you know it.

I love those and most vegetables. I think I've eaten up all the junk food in the house by now. Is there a Betty Ford Clinic available for Bad Bandsters?

Shaz, when you get to mushies, you can eat anything that can be blended well. Whatever your family is having, blend and enjoy. Of course, try to choose wisely. Those first bites are heavenly!

I found low-sodium V-8 juice seemed more filling (if you're not on clear liquids).

Bright, glad to see you've got those necessities budgeted for...like Ikea Shopping! Too funny!! Glad to see you back on here!

Well, there you go! I bare my soul and Becky and Leatha get extra gold stars on their Food Chart!

Leatha, with the trend toward more bloodless surgeries, lasers, and laproscopic techniques, shorter operating and anesthestic downtimes...hopefully by the time you're ready, it won't be such a dangerous procedure for you.

Don't tempt me!!

Best of luck to you, Leatha!!

So, Leatha, you're saying that this problem is a MALE? Well, that explains everything! Here's my deep, dark confession: I had a chili cheese tator tot pie for lunch yesterday (Leatha's fault about frito pie), oreo cookies for a late snack last night (Paula's fault about King cake), and blackberry cobbler after lunch today(I'll blame Betty since I can't think of an excuse). Now if I could just quit being influenced by all these sublimnal food messages on LBT! LOL

I guess I'm outside the DFW area. Boo-hoo! But I am in the same state. Does that count?

The King Cake is iced in gold, green, and purple. This represents the 3 Wise Men. The different rises in the dough on top represents the Wisemen's journey through mountains and valleys to find baby Jesus. The cake has a little plastic baby doll inside (representing the Christ child) and the person who gets that piece gets a prize. I have these facts from a true Cajun, our very own Paula! I love knowing the meaning behind different foods and traditions!

Now, slow down! No need for anything that drastic! You won't need any other weight loss attempt. This one will do the trick. Please give yourself time. Your band is still wide open (no fill) and you're able to eat just like preband. Please try to make healthy food choices. Keep drinking that Water (but not w/meals or one hour afterwards.) You'll get the hang of this, Really!

Betty, look at you!!! Didn't I just see you in Galveston in November? You have a waist, girl! How many inches have you lost in your hips and waist? And you look even prettier and younger than you did. I am so proud of you!!!:banana :banana

That Leatha is such a show off! LOL Leatha, would you come and give me lessons? I've lost my Bandster rules - along with my willpower!

Helen, congratulations! We have other bandsters here from across the pond. Look forward to getting to know you. How much weight are you wanting to lose?

I don't have those bad headaches since banding. Eating less carbs and more Proteins and vegetables seem to have helped. My energy level is so much better, getting some of that weight off my joints and bones. But if I go too long without eating, I want to eat NOW. If I make a conscious effort to eat at consistent times, I'll avoid that. Getting off of cokes can cause headaches. But, again, once you're "detoxed", they stop.

Those carbs are hard to let go of. Is there any healthy snacks that you can tuck in your purse and take to work? I waited 2 months for my first fill, just my personal decision. You want to be sure that your band is well-anchored (healed) and that you've been on solids long enough before you get a fill (to prevent band slippage).

Stop it, Paula! There's a package of Oreo cookies in the pantry calling me. I'm trying to fight them off!

I love them! I guess Mike will be forced to buy another one now!

Paula, tell Mike bringing home that King cake is dirty pool. I'm sitting here w/a sweet tooth and those are so good!

Katie, you're a cutie. Your DH is too, but we just want your pic in the avatar. LOL Janie, great job! That jacket will be too big before you know it. Great pics and beautiful children!

Start planning those outdoor activities, because you will feel so much better, more energy, not overheated, able to move more freely, more confidence to get out there and try things that you've put off for so long!

You are very wise to check and double check your surgeon. Research as much as you can between now and your surgery date. There is so much to learn and a lot of information available in old threads. Best of luck to you!