ajoneen

I know those numbers will be going down soon! That is a really good meal plan today. :hungry:

What kind of protein are you getting? I've read that Whey Protein Isolate is better then Whey Protein Concentrate. The concentrate contains lactose which converts to gas in the belly. You perhaps are becoming lactose sensitive. Just a thought.

That's great about the referral. Some might say it is the first step but it sounds like you've taken a few in the right direction already. Journaling is a great way to get to know yourself.

I'm not looking forward to that feeling. You were lucky that nothing happened at the restaurant. I've read a lot of posts about embarrassing trips to the restroom. Now you know what to expect if you push yourself too far. Good lesson I guess. Sounds like you're getting your exercise in too. Way to go!!

Today you are smaller and banded with hope. One year ago you were bigger and unbanded perhaps looking into Lapband. Two years ago bigger, unbanded, thinking about trying another diet. Three years ago bigger, unbanded, kicking yourself for overindulging over the holidays without a clue as to how to help yourself. You get it. It took a while to get to your heaviest it will take a while to get to your lightest. I'd say good luck but you don't need it. You have the band!

All of my orders have arrived. Kind of like a late Christmas. Now what to do with it all. I started to poke around in the cabinets in the kitchen. I've got a lot of junk. Every flavor of pudding and Jello I like, boxed mac & cheese, six shapes of pasta, a bunch of sauces and marinades that looked good in the store , three boxes of swiss-miss cocoa, a few cans of nuts, and tons of other stuff I would really like to munch/snack on. Every door held another taboo food. This is not good. No matter where I put all my new food (protein drinks) next to it will be something more tasty. It's all got to go. My husband walked in on me tossing his chocolate covered cashews in the overflowing Hefty bag. Not good. Just because I have no willpower doesn't mean he can't pick a snack out of his kitchen. So I compromised and through out all my old bad stuff, put his stuff back and cleaned out one cabinet for all my new stuff . I've been working on not drinking with meals and eating at regular intervals (thanks to my nifty new watch). I've having a protein drink each morning for breakfast and sometimes lunch if I 'm really busy. The weather here is quite cold, I'm busy and I haven't been getting any exercise. It's just hard to move this big body around. Differently something I have to work on. TTFN Comments are always welcome.

All of my orders have arrived. Kind of like a late Christmas. Now what to do with it all. I started to poke around in the cabinets in the kitchen. I've got a lot of junk. Every flavor of pudding and Jello I like, boxed mac & cheese, six shapes of pasta, a bunch of sauces and marinades that looked good in the store , three boxes of swiss-miss cocoa, a few cans of nuts, and tons of other stuff I would really like to munch/snack on. Every door held another taboo food. This is not good. No matter where I put all my new food (protein drinks) next to it will be something more tasty. It's all got to go. My husband walked in on me tossing his chocolate covered cashews in the overflowing Hefty bag. Not good. Just because I have no willpower doesn't mean he can't pick a snack out of his kitchen. So I compromised and through out all my old bad stuff, put his stuff back and cleaned out one cabinet for all my new stuff . I've been working on not drinking with meals and eating at regular intervals (thanks to my nifty new watch). I've having a protein drink each morning for breakfast and sometimes lunch if I 'm really busy. The weather here is quite cold, I'm busy and I haven't been getting any exercise. It's just hard to move this big body around. Differently something I have to work on. TTFN Comments are always welcome.

Welcome to the journals! Sounds like you're on the right track with the exercises. Doesn't sound like you're in much pain, so that's good. Be careful with the "regular" food. From all I've read on the boards it's important to let your new pouch heal. keep up the good work.

Hi Trina We have the same date! I used a program called Balance log on my palm. I used it for a year and loved it. There's a link to a review BalanceLog - wikidietinfo Welcome to the thread.

Relax and take it one day at a time. It's not like you have to go have the procedure done all over again, just a little tweak. Good luck!

Im over on the other thread. My sister lives in Kansas City, MO. Lovely state. If you look over on the food boards there are threads on protein drinks and the like. So far the big winners are Unjury (unjury.com) and Body Fortress vanilla (Walmart). Muscle milk light for pre opt. I just ordered a few different types(from the web) to give them a try before I buy the quantity I will be needing. Unjury has a unflavored protein powder that can be added to any liquid as long as it is not heated past 130*. So think savory soups! Good luck and Welcome.

I found my way to your journal via a comment you made about reviewing the protein drinks. (thanks for that) I enjoyed reading about your journey. I'm curious to know how you're doing now. Horses all bundled up in the barn for the winter?

I'm looking for opinions on protein drinks that taste good. Please name brands and if you know good/inexpensive places to buy them. Nutritional values if you them also. Thank!!:hungry:

You lucky duck!! I was on the same timetable as you but when they called yesterday I found out my Doc is going on vacation for a month and the earliest date I can get is the first week of March. I sounds like you're on track for a spectacular 40th!

I hit the web hard today. I ordered a bunch of protein shakes/puddings from different brands because I'm not sure which ones I'll like. I REALLY like food and variety is the spice of life. I've read on the boards about a few different brands and everyone seems to have a favorite. Soon to be arriving at my door are; Unjury(I liked that they have sample sizes), Medifast, and Focus 28. My big problem is that when I eat it is everything on my plate and maybe what is left on my husbands. A smaller problem is remembering to eat. The first will be solved with the band. The second will become a very large problem if I don't address it. I get very focused at work and skip lunch. When I get home it's --GET OUT OF MY WAY-- as I head to the frig. The nutritionist suggested I get a timer that reminds me to eat. Hmm good idea. It would also work to remind me to drink. So I hit the web again and found this really nifty watch that has a alarm setting. I thought about a kitchen timer but if I leave my office or am out and about I'm not going to take that with me. I'm looking into elliptical trainers but I don't think I will buy that on the net. tomorrow is -make some sense of the basement day. Comments are welcome and appreciated. TTFN

I hit the web hard today. I ordered a bunch of protein shakes/puddings from different brands because I'm not sure which ones I'll like. I REALLY like food and variety is the spice of life. I've read on the boards about a few different brands and everyone seems to have a favorite. Soon to be arriving at my door are; Unjury(I liked that they have sample sizes), Medifast, and Focus 28. My big problem is that when I eat it is everything on my plate and maybe what is left on my husbands. A smaller problem is remembering to eat. The first will be solved with the band. The second will become a very large problem if I don't address it. I get very focused at work and skip lunch. When I get home it's --GET OUT OF MY WAY-- as I head to the frig. The nutritionist suggested I get a timer that reminds me to eat. Hmm good idea. It would also work to remind me to drink. So I hit the web again and found this really nifty watch that has a alarm setting. I thought about a kitchen timer but if I leave my office or am out and about I'm not going to take that with me. I'm looking into elliptical trainers but I don't think I will buy that on the net. tomorrow is -make some sense of the basement day. Comments are welcome and appreciated. :cursing: TTFN

It sounds like your eating well. Good work. How is that elliptical trainer working for you? I'm thinking of getting one.

Happy Anniversary!

Hi all My name is Amanda and I just received my surgery date, March 4th. I was hoping for an earlier date but my doc is going on vacation the month of January. I don't have any bmi restriction with my insurance so I'm going to go ahead and start working (again!) on a healthy lifestyle and lose some weight before the surgery. Win win for everyone. I figure by the time my willpower is cutting out it should be time for the surgery. I can do 2 months on my own easy! (she says while munching on peanuts) In ancient Rome March was the first month of the new year and named after the god of war Mars. I will be starting a new year of big change in the war on weight! Welcome all who join me!!

Water is good. My Dr. said you can't successfully lose the weight without taking in alot of water to help wash it away. good luck

I was sitting at my desk hunched over the year-end numbers and my cell phone rings. Very absent-mindedly I answered. It's about 10 seconds in when I realize that its the desk lady from the Dr.'s scheduling my surgery date. "How's March 4th?" "Is that a good date?" "Okay how about the next week?" Now I focus in. Excuse me, what would you like me to do when? She says she's sorry, she knows she talks fast. " Your LapBand surgery. Would you like to schedule it for March 4th?" Now she's got my full attention. I was hoping to have it sooner but the Doc is going away on vacation for the month of January so that's the best they can do. I scheduled the surgery and the meeting with the hospitals nurse educator and ask to be put on the waiting list. So again I wait. I'm VERY glad to find that the nutty psych doc didn't sidetrack me. So now I'm thinking maybe I will knuckle down and start the fitness part in January like I was planning. Maybe even start the liquid part in February, just to jump start things. I was really pumped to get this thing started at the first of the year. New Year, new start and all that. It looks like fate has a different path for me. I called my sister to moan about the delay. She was really good about it and redirected me to the fact that it's going to happen, it's just delayed. She said March was a better time anyway because then she could fly out and take care of me for a week. How sweet is that?! My husband will be very happy. I don't think he was looking forward to that first cranky week. Me hurting and only drinking my food. Him a big strong fireman having to forage for himself (My sister is a good cook- he won't go hungry). I guess that's enough of a rant for today. TTFN

I was sitting at my desk hunched over the year-end numbers and my cell phone rings. Very absent-mindedly I answered. It's about 10 seconds in when I realize that its the desk lady from the Dr.'s scheduling my surgery date. "How's March 4th?" "Is that a good date?" "Okay how about the next week?" Now I focus in. Excuse me, what would you like me to do when? She says she's sorry, she knows she talks fast. " Your LapBand surgery. Would you like to schedule it for March 4th?" Now she's got my full attention. I was hoping to have it sooner but the Doc is going away on vacation for the month of January so that's the best they can do. I scheduled the surgery and the meeting with the hospitals nurse educator and ask to be put on the waiting list. So again I wait. I'm VERY glad to find that the nutty psych doc didn't sidetrack me. So now I'm thinking maybe I will knuckle down and start the fitness part in January like I was planning. Maybe even start the liquid part in February, just to jump start things. I was really pumped to get this thing started at the first of the year. New Year, new start and all that. It looks like fate has a different path for me. I called my sister to moan about the delay. She was really good about it and redirected me to the fact that it's going to happen, it's just delayed. She said March was a better time anyway because then she could fly out and take care of me for a week. How sweet is that?! My husband will be very happy. I don't think he was looking forward to that first cranky week. Me hurting and only drinking my food. Him a big strong fireman having to forage for himself (My sister is a good cook- he won't go hungry). I guess that's enough of a rant for today. TTFN

Let's see she had it put in Oct 05, had a gastric bleed in Jan 06, then had it removed in July 06. So not quite a year.

I've been hanging around, reading posts and journals for a while now. I really respect the folks that are recording their lives here. I don't know how long I will be able to keep this up. I'm not much of a writer and I'm sooo glad there is spell check. But Im going to try. Maybe someone will read something I write and get something from it. I know I've got a lot from the journals I'm currently following. So here goes: My name's Amanda. I'm 41, married to a wonderfully supportive guy and have 2 step sons (30 & 31)I'm very close too, and we live in the Northeast. I am the CFO of a small company, so I work at my desk, in my office, all day and it doesn't leave much opportunity to move around during the day. My weight has been up and down all my life. Mostly up. I'm at my heaviest and not liking myself much lately. My husband and I like to keep busy and we do many sports together (golf, biking, walking, shopping(involves lots of walking!!)) and I love everything to do with the water (kayaking, sailing, fishing, boating, swimming). In 2005 I was on a 3 person team that completed a triathlon. My goal is to do the triathlon again. (UPDATE ON AUG 2, 2008 I COMPLETED MY FIRST SOLO TRIATHLON!!) I've been looking into the LapBand for about 2 years, ever since my sister-in-law got it. She has since had it removed because it was eroding, but says she would have another put in if she could. About 2 months ago I went to my first information session and consultation with the surgeon. I have since jumped through all the hoops (psych,nutrition,upper GI,pulmonary and cardiac clearance, diet history, blood tests). So far so good. I stopped by the Dr.'s office to see how things were progressing last Friday. They have received all the information and will now submit to insurance. Then they will call with a surgery date. The desk lady said I should be hearing in a week. So I wait. I've been working on eating meals without drinking. It does make me feel full faster. I'm going to sign up at the gym after the first of the year. I've lined up with my company to take a week off after my surgery, hopefully in mid January. A word about the pre-tests. I breezed through the cardio, pulmonary, blood, nutrition and diet history. It was the psych that messed me up. I've had some hard times these past few years. Many deaths (a very dear friend from suicide and all grandparents, a daughter-in-law, my father-in-law and mother-in-law. I guess I'm a bit depressed. This Dr had me thinking I have some real problems and they might get in the way of her passing me for the surgery. I figured I flunked the psych part. Is that possible I asked my husband? Well I didn't hear anything further from her so I guess I didn't flunk. But gees I am an intelligent person that goes to work each day, am very successful, happily married and don't beat my dog. This lady had me doubting myself. I'm just fat, not suicidal! I'm glad I don't have to see her again. So I wait. I've decided not to tell most folks about the surgery until it happens or someone asks after. My business and all that. My close friends and family know. I'll need their support. Well I guess that's it for now. I hope to chronicle as often as possible or when the facts allow. Comments are welcome and appreciated. TTFN

I've been hanging around, reading posts and journals for a while now. I really respect the folks that are recording their lives here. I don't know how long I will be able to keep this up. I'm not much of a writer and I'm sooo glad there is spell check. But Im going to try. Maybe someone will read something I write and get something from it. I know I've got a lot from the journals I'm currently following. So here goes: My name's Amanda. I'm 41, married to a wonderfully supportive guy and have 2 step sons (30 & 31)I'm very close too, and we live in the Northeast. I am the CFO of a small company, so I work at my desk, in my office, all day and it doesn't leave much opportunity to move around during the day. My weight has been up and down all my life. Mostly up. I'm at my heaviest and not liking myself much lately. My husband and I like to keep busy and we do many sports together (golf, biking, walking, shopping(involves lots of walking!!)) and I love everything to do with the water (kayaking, sailing, fishing, boating, swimming). In 2005 I was on a 3 person team that completed a triathlon. My goal is to do the triathlon again. (UPDATE ON AUG 2, 2008 I COMPLETED MY FIRST SOLO TRIATHLON!!) I've been looking into the LapBand for about 2 years, ever since my sister-in-law got it. She has since had it removed because it was eroding, but says she would have another put in if she could. About 2 months ago I went to my first information session and consultation with the surgeon. I have since jumped through all the hoops (psych,nutrition,upper GI,pulmonary and cardiac clearance, diet history, blood tests). So far so good. I stopped by the Dr.'s office to see how things were progressing last Friday. They have received all the information and will now submit to insurance. Then they will call with a surgery date. The desk lady said I should be hearing in a week. So I wait. I've been working on eating meals without drinking. It does make me feel full faster. I'm going to sign up at the gym after the first of the year. I've lined up with my company to take a week off after my surgery, hopefully in mid January. A word about the pre-tests. I breezed through the cardio, pulmonary, blood, nutrition and diet history. It was the psych that messed me up. I've had some hard times these past few years. Many deaths (a very dear friend from suicide and all grandparents, a daughter-in-law, my father-in-law and mother-in-law. I guess I'm a bit depressed. This Dr had me thinking I have some real problems and they might get in the way of her passing me for the surgery. I figured I flunked the psych part. Is that possible I asked my husband? Well I didn't hear anything further from her so I guess I didn't flunk. But gees I am an intelligent person that goes to work each day, am very successful, happily married and don't beat my dog. This lady had me doubting myself. I'm just fat, not suicidal! I'm glad I don't have to see her again. So I wait. I've decided not to tell most folks about the surgery until it happens or someone asks after. My business and all that. My close friends and family know. I'll need their support. Well I guess that's it for now. I hope to chronicle as often as possible or when the facts allow. Comments are welcome and appreciated. TTFN :cursing: