Bandista

Go Bama, you are on your way! Yippee!

I am pre-band but have started on shakes -- I'm using Thorne Mediclear SGS, which is rice and pea-protein based rather than dairy or soy. It's got a lot of added nutrients and is designed for liver support and detoxification. 145 calories, 23 grams protein. I have the chocolate flavor but am about to order a plain version as well. I mix it with water and have been putting in frozen berries from our garden along with some ice cubes -- yummy.

This is awesome -- I've got a couple of cinder blocks that need to be moved out behind a shed. They weigh 33 pounds apiece. I can't wait to drop off about three of those babies off my body. Will be so nice to be free of that! Congratulations on your success -- 42 pounds is AWESOME!

Yippee! I am a 1961 baby also and I hear you on wishing I had made this change in my life sooner. Will be banded 11/5 and am so grateful for this kind of encouragement. You did it, and I'm going to do it, too! Best wishes......

Hi Kime-lou, I love the title of your post -- so powerful to be in reality vs. the land of fog or pretend. You are doing beautifully -- THAT is the reality. Thanks for a great post. Sugar is such a tough one. I am pre-band and currently outlawing some foods in order to get weight off before the surgery. Once banded I hope to not have that on/off or dieter's mentality but to be able to have a bit of something once in a blue moon. Ice cream, however, appears to be a no-no in my world. Just too easy to say yes, yes!

So happy for you -- thanks for the inspiration! You are doing beautifully. I am really looking forward to getting banded. Best wishes for great time with the mushies. I am a big fan of steamed and whirred up cauliflower.

Hi Courtney, I'm with you! My surgery date is 11/5 and I'm using these weeks to get off whatever I can in advance. My official pre-op liquid diet will only be two weeks, but I figure whatever I can do in advance will put me in such a better position later. I'm doing some cleansing, drinking protein shakes -- have removed sugar, dairy and wheat from my diet. Will do some juice fast days. Also upping the exercise -- I figure that will be good for later. Do you have your surgery date yet?

Hi Jakki, congratulations -- sounds like your pre-op process is moving right along. I met with my surgeon last week and will be banded 11/5. I had him show me where the port will go and I asked questions like can they remove stomach fat while they are in there (um, no, alas!), how does surgery compare with gall-bladder removal which I had a while back, what is medication for pain and will I really need it, etc. mainly it was so great to get to know this guy as we will be seeing quite a bit of one another over the next year. Good luck to you -- exciting times!

What is the matter with people! You are beautiful, inside and out.

Hi Kat, hope you have a nice easy day today -- congratulations on this new chapter in your life. Best wishes!

Hi there, I I have not seen this video -- looks hilarious. I LOVE juicing but it an be a lot of sugar. Apple, beet, carrot is my favorite. I just got my juicer out and plan to do some juicing as part of my pre-op -- wanting a good cleanse. On a juice fast I always have tons of energy, clear mind, etc. Hoping that once banded I can do a juice day here and there, an occasional fast.

Heading in the right direction alright -- way to go. Welcome to the forum. There are so many great people here.

Glad you are doing so well -- congratulations on all! So nice to have some one you really like to work with.

Congratulations -- so happy for you and your new banded life. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

I use natural progesterone cream -- seems to keep me even during PMS time.

Wowie-Zowie! Thanks so much for posting. I will banded November 5th.....can't wait. Congratulations on all your success and on the half marathon. Way to go!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Congratulations on this new chapter opening in your life -- very exciting!

Looks great! Congratulations on all -- you are doing beautifully. Can't wait to get there myself.

Hope you have a good day -- take it easy! And congratulations on the band. New doors opening -- healthy ones!

Yippee! That is wonderful!

I've been reviewing protein sources (lentils, quinoa) and came across this resource for comparing different protein sources -- thought I'd pass it along in case others are interested. What's your favorite protein source? http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein-full-story/

Nice! And they are lucky to have YOU.

A built-in two day a week walking plan! Good for you......glad you can be out enjoying this gorgeous fall weather in New England. Great time to set up a pattern for winter, when we will need our boots.

Hi there, so happy for you and your renewed commitment to yourself. We are on the same track -- so happy to have exercised today and to have had a protein shake AND exercised. Now that's a good day. Here's to tomorrow!