kkarryall

I modified this recipe for us lapbanders. It is often difficult to get my veggies in so this recipe helps with that! I made one packet of instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions. Next, I cooked a head of cauliflower until soft. Put it in the food processor with salt, pepper, and two ounces of low fat cream cheese. Blend until creamy and mix with the instant mashed potatoes. Set aside. Next, I ran 1 lb ground beef through the food processer--just to break it up a little more. Brown the ground beef and add 1/2 cup chopped onion. In food processer, purree one can mixed veggies. Once beef is browned, add mixed veggie puree, garlic powder, and one can cream of mushroom Soup. Spread beef/soup mixture in 8X8 baking dish. Spread cauliflower/potatoes on top. Top with 1 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

I am not sure of the recipe you are thinking of...but I know when I am on purrees, I make this: 1/2 can of fat free refriend Beans 1/4 cup taco sauce (not salsa--too chunky) 1/4 cup low fat cheddar Microwave until hot and cheese is melted. After that , I add a tablespoon or so of low fat sour cream. It is very flavorful and satisfying. Most of the time I am not able to eat all this, but just refriderate the leftovers.

Check out this website, it might help to shake things up again. I am doing it right now--only on the first week. It is a way for non-runners to start running but gradually.... Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Great job redins!! Here are some new before/current photos of me. I am down about 101 lbs. First at 280, second at 179.

I am at a pretty tight restriction lately and have been struggling to get in my Protein. Anyway, I made the most delicious tuna salad and thought I would share. One can of tuna drained. Ran through the food processer to make it a finer consistency. Add 1/4 cup minced onions, and 6 olices minced (I used Goya jarred green olives). Add 3 drops Tabasco sauce and a squirt of fresh lemon juice. Mix with several tablespoons hellmans mayonaise. Add salt and pepper. That's it. This was much easier for me to eat after I ran it through the food processer.

Hang in there please! I am just curious , how has your weight loss been? At a good rate, or not so good bc you are craving all the junk? I do feel that I am at my sweet spot. For me, I don't eat breakfast regularly--just an iced coffee with skim milk and splenda. Then for lunch, usually greek yoghurt and maybe a piece of fruit. Then for dinner, I have a meat or chili, something high in Protein. Maybe some veggies if I can fit them in. And then I usually do have a snack like ice cream or candy, but a pretty small portion. I know its not the best diet in the world, but I feel good and the rate of weight loss is really good right now--so it's working for me. How many ccs do you have in your band?

I am not a teen, but I am happy to answer any questions you may have. The first appt witht he surgeon is a great opportunity for you to ask him/her anything you want to know!! At my first appt., my surgeon chose the date I would be banded, assured me that my insurance would cover surgery, and answered questions I had. Then he set me up with another appt with the nutritionist to discuss the pre-op liquid diet. Good luck

I am def. not an exercise expert but I have done a bit of research on this myself and I do know two things: 1. the bigger you are the more pounds between sizes. 2. Ab exercises do not make your stomach smaller...only losing fat. I mean doing ab exercises will make more muscle which helps to tone and takes up less space than fat; but bottom line is just keep losing the weight. Unfortunately we can't control where the weight comes off!!! I wish I could!

What you're feeling is perfectly normal. You are going through what they call "bandster hell." I felt absolutely no restriction until fill #4 or 5. Got to my sweet spot at fill #6. Just be diligent about going for your fills every four weeks and you will get there!

I had that too...DOn't touch it. It will just go away, but call your Dr. to be on the safe side.

How many fills have you had? WHat is your restriction level like? Trust me, that helps a lot with motivatioin because you gain self-control. Other than that, go to the lapband discussion boards and look at all the before/after pics...very motivating! Good luck...you CAN do this.

That is completely unacceptable. Not only did they put you through stress/pain/discomfort, but then you had to leave without a fill??? I cannot imagine that. When I go in for my fills, it is a piece of cake--thank God the nurse practitioner really knows what he is doing. Maybe you can get follow-up care elsewhere?

My food intolerances did not start until about 6 or 7 months after I got the lapband. When I finally reached proper restriction.

well said Jachut!! And oh so true...

There are many people on meds for anxiety. I don't think it will effect anything with the psych eval. I think they want to make sure that you are emotionally ready/mature enough to deal with the huge committment and resposibility of having the lapband and that you are ready/willing to follow the program good luck :tongue2:

The best advice I can give you is to be patient bc in the beginning, when you have no restriction, it is very difficult. You have to be diligent and count calories/measure your food etc. Make sur eyou get your fills every 4 weeks. I began to feel restriction at my 5th fill and hit my sweet spot at my 6th fill. I am sure you will do great!

I am at my sweet spot currently...usually I eat three times a day. I don't eat breakfast--usually just an iced coffee. Then for lunch I usually have a greek yogurt and maybe a small snack. Then dinner is my biggest meal, a protein, and a veggie usually. and then I usually have a sweet at like 9 pm or so, myabe an ice cream pop or something. I def. eat under 1000 cals a day.

I used to ....but now I don't anymore as I am at my sweet spot and can eat very very little food!

Yes a sample menu would be good. Also, 4 fills in a year sounds like a small amount to me. I didn't even feel restriction until my 5th fill and got to my sweet spot at my 6th fill. Keep us updated...

I was banded by Dr. Ren's husband Dr. Fielding. I have spoken with Dr. Ren many times, she is great. I had no probs with insurance; and I have nothing but good things to say about NYU. I am very happy with my decisiion to have lapband surgery!

This is what causes the pain: **Your body will be cut open. **Your abdomen is pumped full of gas...which eventually has to make its way out of your body. Gas can be painful! This is the left shoulder pain that everyone talks about. **You will have stitches. **A foreign object (the band) is placed around your stomach which causes swelling on the stomach...you must allow time for the stomach to heal (which is why you are only allowed liquids after surgery). **Your Dr. will give you pain medication; therefore you can expect some pain after surgery. Personally I only took two doses of pain meds and was feeling back to normal after about 4 days. Went back to work in a week. Hope this helps him understand...

Honestly, if you hate Michael Jackson and wrote a post before he died....that's fine. But to bash him after he died because people/media are obsessed and giving him tons of attention...I just don't beleive it's necessary. Michael Jackson was most definitely mentally ill. I hope the media respects his family's wishes to let them grieve privately.

Today is my 1 year bandiversary. I couldn't be happier with my decision to have the lapband! I have lost 86 lbs so far...Here are some pics... In the side pics, the first pic I had probably already lost 45ish pounds. But the first shot and the head shot are heaviest to current.

Well you don't have to tell anyone you don't feel comfortable telling...I only told my family and close friends...people I knew would be supportive. Good luck! By the way, are you a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)...I am and your screen name caught my eye

Happy bday!! You have donw great! But you need a fill. I did not really feel any restriction at all until my 5th fill and once I got my 6th fill...wow!! Finally, it started getting easier for me. Right now, even if I choose to eat bad things--like a candy bar--I can't eat that much. I am at my sweet spot. Good luck!