New Hope

Lauri, you have certainly been hit with a lot of different serious problems. Hopefully, getting resituated with your Mother will help you concentrate on getting well. Sending you and your family (((hugs))) and prayers for a smoother road and some good answers.

You really are doing a wonderful job! Any loss before your fill is considered a bonus. Some people gain during this time. That's great you're feeling restriction. Please be careful w/the pizza. It can be difficult for a bandster (dry, doughy crust) to swallow. Are you on "hard protiens" yet? (Lean, moist meats and vegetables? Pizza's o.k. sometimes, but it's not the best calorie/nutrition choice. Also, check boxed or frozen dinners. They often have a high sodium (salt) content. Too much salt will cause a person to retain (hold) fluids and is hard on the heart and kidneys. Keep up the good work!

Katie, great weight loss! Are you stopping eating when you feel full and not putting too much food in your little pouch?

I'm so sorry that you're having such a time. You do already have your band and it's not going anywhere. Now, let's get that dr. to fine tune it for you! Hang in there!

Betty, so sorry that you're feeling so bad. Please take care of yourself. We miss you when you're not here! Sending you big (((hugs))).

Misty, I went through a short "grieving" period right after getting my band. You don't realize how much you depend on food until it's not there! But it was very temporary. I stopped watching t.v. because of all the food commercials. I understand about your sweating. For years I said my thermostat was "stuck on high". I was hot 24/7, 365 days a year. Always red-faced. Bloodwork showed no related problems. My PCP even suggested I check into a surgery that removes your sweat glands! Now don't we need to sweat for a reason? Didn't do that one! But since banding and dropping weight, I actually get cold! I can wear those pretty sweaters now. Before I would have just "burst into flames". And I've actually gotten goose bumps. My PCP rechecked my bloodwork and all is well. I guess loosing some of that insulation really makes a difference. You will get your life back and be able to get out there and enjoy it again.

Teresa, you didn't do anything wrong! You were minding your own business, in your well-taken care of car, and got rearended by an idiot. Hang in there and get everything taken care of. Once you accept, it's a done deal with the insurance company, even if you find other problems on down the road. The Taurus is a beautiful car and that is good mileage. You need to plan a nice road trip now and enjoy that beautiful scenery there (even just a day trip w/DH, a picnic basket w/ a nice bottle of wine.)

We also have a thread, Low Glycemic Food Lists, posted under the Foods section. Claraluz is concerned that she might have been doing too good on these foods.

Nancy, glad your blood work is so good! But I hope you get to feeling better. Boy, it seems like there's always something to finetune, isn't there?

Teresa, all you can do is try your best. It's nervewracking buying a used car. Hopefully, all will be fine, the insurance company will treat you fairly, and you'll heal withou any longterm, or hidden future problems. After a couple of months looking, we bought our son a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire on Thursday. It has an extended warranty, had an independent mechanic check it out first, bartered on the price. I can only pray that it's dependable and safe for my son to drive. I told my DH that I felt like I'd lost 20 pounds of stress once that thing was finalized. We don't buy cars that often and usually drive them till the wheels fall off. LOL (Now I remember why! LOL)

Those look like postcards! Beautiful! What a fun thing to do! Now, please post some pics of you down there. Please!

In that case, Alex, you have a very nice grimace. LOL

Ann, Congratulations on your upcoming Banding! The protein shake is either premixed shakes (ex. Atkins Advantage canned 11 oz. 20 grams protein) or adding protein powder to your milk/egg beater mixture. I just bought the protein powder from Walmart/Sams. Just plain milk wouldn't give you enough protein. You need to aim for 60 grams of protein a day. After you get on full liquids, you can blend a little fruit in (ex. banana, frozen stawberries, blueberries, etc.) This makes it like a smoothie (delicious), but don't put too much fruit in or it's too thick. Once you get on solids, if you're eating healthy choices (lean, moist meats, and vegetables) - you shouldn't have any trouble getting your daily protein in.

Nancy, those sound yummy! I love squash and that compote really is a pleasant way to get that much needed fiber.

Kelly, I hope you will go see your band surgeon this coming week. This is not something to ignore. I know you've worked too hard to risk losing your band now. Best of luck to you!

It gets better, Leatha! You still have hearing aids and teeth in a jar to look forward to. Then there's hip and knee replacements. But you'll eventually get that AARP discount at Dennys! LOL

Wow, Alex, what will 2005 bring? Great job!

Hi, TrishaS, best of luck to you on your search for better health! You're very wise to head off any health problems now. Because sooner or later you will start having different problems...arthritis (joints), high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, gastric reflux, depression, etc. and just being tired all the time. I've sipped diet cokes a few times since banding, but the carbonation gave me a gassy, indigeestion feeling. Just not pleasant at all. I've had a few glasses of wine since banding, no problems. But they are "empty calories". Can anything be done to fix your foot? Can you use a stationery bike without hurting your foot? Yes, ice would count as drinking water. How about Crystal Light or Propel Fitness Water for a little variety? This is a great forum for support and encouragement. I've come to think of this as my "Bandster Family". Hope to get to know you better.

My goal is to be happy, healthy, and serene. Oh, and have more $$ left over after paying all the bills each month. P. S. Harleynana, you can call the credit card company every six months and ask for a rate reduction. Like you said, they sure won't offer it to you!

Congratulations, Vicky! That is just a month away! Better start wearing your favorite clothes before they are forever too big for you! Looks like a great year for you!

Teresa, is your port located where your seatbelt crosses your tummy? Hope you get to feeling better and stop hurting!

Wow, great loss and beautiful picture!

Girl, you've lost 21 pounds! Congratulations! Your band is wide open and you're still able to eat as preband. This is a temporary stage and you will get through it. Are you eating foods that satisfy you? Any foods that you can blend can be eaten. So whatever you fix for your family can be thoroughly blended. Hang in there!

Hi, Misty, and Congratulations! You definitely are worth being healthier and feeling better about yourself! I was almost your height/weight beginning. I had several co-morbidities, which have been drastically reduced. And less pills/side effects, RX expenses. You really should be taking less pills (RXs) after being banded. I've been bad during the holidays (grazing too much). But I know w/o the band, I would have just given up. With it, you know you can "goof up", but then get right back on track.

Curley, you're truly beautiful and great attitude! I love your hair! How much did you weigh at your heaviest, what are you down to, and how long did it take you to reach that? Hey, could you tell a difference w/the botox? Does it hurt?