Longhorn

Hummus is a kind of bean dip made with chick peas. It's a light yellow/ivory color and very smooth. "Plain" hummus usually has some lemon juice added but you can add other flavors as well. My former son-in-law is from Lebanon and he introduced us to it and it's yummy (and I'm a picky eater!) You can make it yourself (lots of recipes out there) or find it premade at any grocery store these days.

I think so, too! Congratulations! :clap2:

Oops, I'm sorry, Lisa! My fingers must have slipped in that "t"! Welcome!

Please add to THIS list. 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 Foofy 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 -acl- (Amy) 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) carleah2 emnasmom 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 MusigalF lisawatch 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee hungryforchange 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess HAJohnson1 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 4mykidzinVale (Surgery in Bend, Oregon) 30th WorththeWeight samorelli

You've got some good advice there! But I am one who used to weigh daily, if not twice a day, and this time, I am only weighing myself when I see the doctor each month. I am not "easily discouraged" but I refuse to allow a number on the scale to be the only important measure of my success, especially when that number is not really a good indication of my progress. It's terribly unreliable due to daily, if not hourly, fluctuations in Water retention and whatever else is going on inside of me. And for that reason, I don't want to use it as a motivator either. I want to be motivated whether the scale says I'm gaining, losing, or no change. It's too easy to use that number as an excuse for bad behavior, too. Yes, I want to see that number go down because, like it or not, that's the "currency" of weight loss. But rather than see all the little ups and downs, I'd rather see a bigger loss once a month. And if there's no loss in a month's time, then I can be pretty sure that it's time to make a change, whether it's exercise or a fill or food choices rather than wondering if I'm on a plateau after three days. Now, that said, I did weigh myself the other day, about two weeks after I was last weighed at my one-week post-op appointment. And I was pleased that I am losing weight, which I already knew based on how I look and how my clothes are fitting. But I have no idea how my scale compares to the doctor's scale so I won't post it or consider it official until my next doctor's visit on December 14. I lost 70 pounds four years ago and it is such a relief for me to forget about the scale and focus on other indicators this time! When I get to the point that I am not seeing the doctor monthly, then I will start weighing myself at home, probably no more than once a week.

I couldn't (and didn't!) say this better! And I think that we need to be clear that this isn't a matter of "blame" or "fault" or "responsibility." I fully take responsibility for the shape I'm in but I do not really believe it is my fault. That is, I -- and most of us, I'm sure -- did not set out to gain weight. I've been fighting it nearly all of my adult life. My husband and kids are sick of me being on one diet after another. But for all of the reasons you stated, I got on the diet rollercoaster and made it worse and that was my responsibility. I tried to educate myself as best I could and but what they're saying now is not the same as what they were saying then. I've told my children many times that if they ever begin to gain weight, DO NOT GO ON A DIET! Instead, make better food choices and exercise. I truly believe that if I had known then what I know now, I might be 20 pounds overweight but not 60 or more. I agree that there are different reasons why some of us are overweight. There are some overlaps of these issues, too, but I've read enough of this and other weight loss boards to see that some people have issues that I have never had or even considered. My heart goes out to anyone who was abused or neglected, especially if he or she is still living with the pain. I don't think any of us intend to judge others for their situation. As Kity said, we're all in this together!

I like the Low-Carb SlimFast shakes and I plan on giving the Atkins shakes a try since there's more flavor variety. I also like the unjury unflavored and chicken-flavored Protein powder. The unflavored can be added to anything, such as cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and pudding. I add the chicken flavored to broth when I'm tired of sweet stuff. Congratulations! Take care!

I told all my family but I haven't told anyone else, not because I care what they think one way or the other but because I don't feel like explaining it to people over and over. As a college professor, I see dozens of people every day and that could get old. Eventually, if I'm asked about how I'm losing weight, I may tell some people if it's someone with whom I would normally confide that kind of personal detail but otherwise, I'll just say I'm eating healthier food and smaller portions.

Please add to THIS list. 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 Foofy 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) carleah2 emnasmom 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 MusigalF 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess HAJohnson1 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 4mykidzinVale (Surgery in Bend, Oregon) 30th WorththeWeight samorelli

Two suggestions: Atkins shakes and Low-Carb SlimFast. I haven't had an Atkins shake in a long time but I thought I'd try them again the next time I go to the store. But I do drink the Low-Carb SlimFast. It has 20 grams of protein and only two net carbs (4 total minus 2 grams of Fiber.) They only have chocolate and vanilla, though, which is one reason I want to give the Atkins a try. Good luck!

When I first brought up getting the surgery, I thought my husband would be against it. Now, we have the kind of relationship that even if he hadn't liked the idea, he would never have tried to stop me. But we don't make such big financial decisions without discussing it with one another. When I told him later that I didn't think our insurance would cover me (turns it, it doesn't cover any bariatric surgery for any reason,) he said he thought it was worth the money if it made me feel better. I've been tired and lethargic and he knows how sick I am of looking like this. He also knows that I had researched the surgery and wouldn't do it if I didn't think it was safe and effective. We all have different relationships. I can't imagine not sharing this with my husband but I only walk in my own shoes.

I could not have gone back to work the next day. I was banded on Thursday and went back to work Tuesday and it was doable but I would have loved another day or two. I'm a teacher and on my feet a lot but I have some time between classes when I could rest a bit. A lot depends on your job.

I can't think of anything that I actually needed someone else around for. I wanted to get up frequently to walk so even when my husband offered to get things for me, I declined. I think doing it together is a great idea, but do try to get things ready ahead of time. For example, I hung out in the recliner in my bedroom so I had a TV tray next to it and the heating pad plugged in and ready to go. Just try to anticipate any lifting you might need to do and get those things ready. If you do it within about five days of each other, you'll need someone to drive each of you home. My doctor said I needed to be off of pain meds for 24 hours before I could drive. I was banded on a Thursday and drove to work on the following Tuesday. Good luck!

I was surprised that I wasn't nervous at all! The only other surgery I've had was a tubal ligation 23 years ago and I wasn't nervous for that either. But I remembered that it was a very easy procedure and recuperation, even though I had four kids age five and under. This time, I was a little more sore and tired but now that it's been almost four weeks, I'm amazed at how quickly I felt normal again. It's already getting difficult to remember all the details. Take comfort in knowing that the operation is pretty common now and complications are very rare. You may be uncomfortable at times -- take your pain meds and stay ahead of the pain the first few days. But you'll get better each day and pretty quickly. Good luck!

Sorry, Candy! I'm sure you'll be welcome in the December group. Good luck next week! Please add to THIS list. 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 Foofy 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) carleah2 emnasmom 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess HAJohnson1 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 4mykidzinVale (Surgery in Bend, Oregon) 30th WorththeWeight samorelli

I take one in the morning and one in the evening. You can also break them in half. I would start out with a smaller dose and see how it feels. Long before I had surgery, I had to cut back from two at a time.

The main thing I'm glad I brought is a pillow to hold over my belly for the ride home.

I got a lot of information from this board. I emailed a couple of members who were kind enough to share their experiences. I also googled the doctors in whom I was interested and found sites that rate them, such as Obesity Help - Weight Loss, Surgery, Support Groups, Forums, Surgical Procedures. I found a news article about the doctor I ultimately chose -- a patient of his is the food editor of a local paper and her description of him and his philosophy impressed me. Finally, I checked out his website, talked to his office manager, and met with him and I was sold. I never was able to go to one of his seminars but he does have them and I think that's another way to form an opinion.

We went out to eat for the first time since I got my band last Friday. We were having brunch at a Mexican restaurant. There were several choices I could have but most came with so much food. So I ordered a migas taco off the sides menu. Since I'm still on pureed foods/full liquids, I didn't eat the tortilla. For those who don't know Mexican food, migas are eggs scrambled with tortilla pieces, so I did eat some bits of soft tortilla. I ate slowly and didn't have any problem during the meal or after and it was great to eat so little, especially seeing all of the other plates piled with food. Frankly, their plates looked obscene! It's ridiculous how much food they serve at restaurants these days but I know people would complain if they didn't.

It's on the board that has the FAQs, two boards above this one on the list.

I had an infection about nine days post-op. It was a Saturday so I called my doctor and he phoned in a prescription to the pharmacy. Due to a mixup at th pharmacy, I didn't get the pills until Monday evening. I took them for a week and the infection went away and the incision healed completely. Yours must have been a fast-growing infection to required emergency care! My doctor told me that if mine didn't respond to the antibiotics, he would lance and drain it but that wasn't necessary. I hope yours clears up and doesn't require removal of the port!

I still haven't been hungry the way I used to be but there are times when my stomach sort of rumbles and growls and I feel a little weak and lightheaded, if I let it go too long. It also happens to me about mid-morning and again in the evening. The good thing is that, so far, whenever I've felt hungry, it really was time to eat again!

One way to set goals is to tie it to a reward rather than a date. That is, as soon as you lose x pounds or exercise x times or whatever it is, then you treat yourself to something (mostly like, non-food!) You can't always control how quickly something happens but you can control what you do about it when you succeed! Good luck!

My turkey and macaroni and cheese were pureed but everything else was mushy. I ate very little but it was plenty for me! Congratulations! There are more Thanksgiving stories here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f99/thanksgiving-stories-45703/

My doctor said the same thing but he said that if I must have a snack, it should be a piece of fruit. (This is later, when I'm on solid foods.)