Kitt3000

Give it time, you will adjust your mind eye too! Now, I look at the quantity of a "normal restaurant serving" and feel astonished that I ever ate that much in the first place! One of the tricks I use is to use a tablespoon to serve myself, instead of the traditional serving spoon. Also I spend a lot of time cutting up my food. It slows me down before I ever start to eat, and when I leave food behind, it's so much smaller- I don't feel like I am wasting as much. Think about this, it's not how much food you can eat and get away with on the scale, but how little can you eat and be satisfied? You can always go back for another small portion. Good luck, it will happen for you too!

As long as you are able to have mushies and liquids, you should be ok. Give it time. After a fill, even a week later, I can still be tight, especially if under stress, flying, etc.. You can survive and thrive on what you are getting down now. If you have reflux, can't get water down, or pb ... You might just have to unfill a bit. It seems like most peeps here have been told to have fluids for the first 24??

I am for sure trying this recipie this week! Thank you Tom!

I would think not only would you be tired, but if you take your pain meds, you will be commuting under the influence as well as not having a clear mind to accomplish your accounting duties accurately . There is no almost right when it comes to numbers. And meeting with clients? I say and do unusual things when I take pain meds... How about you? I wish you luck and best wishes that all goes as you plan! :-)

Food for thought... My naturally thin daughter once told me, she found it insulting and hurtful when someone said she was too thin, did she have an eating disorder? She did not. She always had difficulty gaining weight. At 13, she said "mom it's just as bad when someone calls you skinny, or anorexic ,as when they call you fat, it hurts the same"

My no can do.. Of all things, black olives! Go figure!

For me, that means I am finished. Sometimes, it taste so good I want one more bite,,,wrong choice for me! Good luck, as B52 always says"listen to your band" !

"I have to wonder was it all about the money or does she now have another eating disorder to be concerned about. I feel bad for her because it's like damn if you do and damn if you don't." I felt like this after spending a long weekend with my siblings... Everyone had an opinion about what I eat, was not eating, how I looked great, or too skinny, how my collar bone showed...etc.. I felt under a microscope. I don't know why, it was all very depressing, truthfully, I don't care what they think or say it won't change what I do or don't do. It would be nice to feel they were happy for me and supportive. Maybe if that was the thought process when we were growing up, instead of a competitive jealous environment . Could be a window into Rachael's situation too.

I'm so thrilled for you! You look so much younger and thinner, of course! Wow! Way to go!

Stress and flying does this for me, maybe fluid retention is the culprit !

Thank you for sharing this with us! Congratulations on your accomplishments!

This is definitely one to consult with your doctor. Hope you get the answers you seek. Good luck!

Happy with my band too! Probably the most exciting thing about my new life, is knowing this time, I will be successful. This time, I no longer need to keep the three or four sizes of clothes in storage. I have a tool that is working for me. For the first time, I feel I can control my hunger/ eating, it has created confidence in other areas of my life, if I can do this ... Maybe, I could do that...I am back to life again, not hiding from it! I credit my attitude, my hopes, my dreams with a timeline- to help from the band. I hope you find what you are looking for too! Big hug!

This morning I started my daily protein shake/ smoothie. A little water, the last of the Greek yogurt, scoop of protein powder, frozen strawberries and voila! Blend in the Bella Rocket Blender! Only this morning, the threaded cup locked tight in the machine (which is the on switch). Unplugged , tried with all my might to get the cup out of the machine! No luck! I'm laughing at myself for "fighting" with the blender - After all- THERE IS NO MORE YOGURT! And I don't live in town! Went into hubs tools, found a small flat screw driver and finally , broke the seal! :-) you can guess, it also broke the lock on the blender... So as I sit here, enjoying my breakfast, any suggestions for a small compact one or two serving RELIABLE blender? Cost not an issue, it's about convenience and portability. Thanks in advance! Hope you are enjoying your protein today!

If you look a little closer...you might find out what's on your mind, Do you think it has anything to do with your statement title of this thread? Are you grieving your best friend, food? Hang in there hon, we have had these days too. BTW, I totally get the sweet treat and the potty. We used m&m's, and both of my adult children are in amazing condition! My daughter, a psy. Says" you wouldn't do your job if you did not get a paycheck, would you?" Even my horses expect their carrot for a trick!

Your proteins shake if you are allowed, with yogurt and frozen fruit blended together......nice thicker consistency, may keep your hunger at bay...good luck!

Oops! Suzie - was attempting to quote you- not have it look like my post! :-)

#5 Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I to fell back into my old habits. After having 4 surgeries in 2 and a half years, I found myself laying in bed wondering what ever happened to the old me. One night I was in bed and came to this web site and started reading post after post and it finally dawned on me that I had the power to change. And change I did. First thing in the morning I called my band Docs office and made an appointment. I took my husband with me so he could make sure I told the Doc every thing I had been through and that I was serious about getting back on track. That was 8 months ago and I am happy to say that I am back to losing again. I actually had gained back about 70 pounds and I have lost 35 of it so far. My Doc was so understanding and has really been encouraging me with each visit. I wish you luck. This is exactly what I'm speaking of when I say you never know where inspiration, tough love, etc. will come from! This is an awesome forum, with amazing people walking the talk!

Hmmmm....if it ain't broke....

No matter what I am eating or drinking, if it's too fast or one bite/ drink too many, the band sure lets me know! I didn't know how to be mindful prior to the band, regarding eating and drinking. Having the early months to replace old behaviors, was critical for my getting to the restricted green zone. Funny thing about it, I am more aware of how fast my husband eats . We both are working on slowing down, taking the time to enjoy and savor the food, the company. It's not a race. I love the mental pictures you all paint, thinking of a minute hour glass timer between bites, etc, these small suggestions have made changes for me and I thank you all!

You might want to check out the web site, real self. Type in "tummy tuck" what to expect. There are ladies who journal from consult to months after the procedure. Good luck! Hope you share your journey with us!

Yep, agree with everyone else. No need to share it. I have coffee all the time with ff milk for added protein. Since a cup of soup is plenty, I have no problem ordering the cream of...mushroom,broccoli ,lobster bisque etc. my husband cracks up every time we eat out- because the bill is usually under 5 dollars for my meal. So many restaurants put their menus on line now, you can figure out ahead of time what item to choose that's right for you. Good luck! Awwww so sweet...first date!,,,,

Maybe hand over this thread to your grandma to read , starting with your comment? She would see how you really feel, hear what a wonderful tool the band is, and how successful we all have been. Grandma loves you, she wants the best for you, and like others she needs more information to feel comfortable with the lap band. Good luck!

Fabulous! Aha, that would be YOU,

Yes! You will feel better soon! And how happy are you to be down 23 pounds! You are rocking it!