PATCHELTON

I spent a lot of time looking for something I could carry around in case I got hungry and couldn't eat soon. So many protein bars are loaded with sugar. It is a trade off. I tried to strike a balance with fat, salt, sugar, protein and carbs. Kashi TLC bars are like granola so they are highest in carbs (19g), not as high protein as some (7g) but only 5g fat (0.5 sat), 115mg sodium, 5g sugar, and 4g fiber (1 soluble, 3 insoluble). I carry them with me all the time. I find a lot of the protein bars lean toward chocolate flavors and tend to be high in sugar. I buy the TLC bars in a bulk box at Costco (has 3 flavors--Honey Almond Flax, Peanut Peanut Butter, and Trail Mix).

For those who were discussing probiotics, Bariatric Advantage recently started selling chewables. A ninety day supply is $19.95. Strawberry flavor. Quite tasty.

I am not much of a cook either, but I think my turkey chili is pretty good. I start browning the meat while frozen on a low heat. This cooks off some more of that gross looking fat (I use 97% fat free turkey) and my cats love it so it doesn't go to waste. As it cooks I scrape away the fat and start breaking up the meat. When that is done I add: 1 15 oz can tomato sauce, 1 can of dark or light kidney or pinto beans, juice and all, a package of reduced sodium taco seasoning (I haven't found reduced sodium chili seasoning, and I don't notice any real defference, plus I am lowering the salt content), a small can of chopped green chilis, and if I have some choped onions in the freezer I throw some of them in too. I let it heat and simmer for a while. When bubbly I sprinkle Kraft fat free shredded cheese on top and let it melt. After I have eaten and the balance has cooled I divide into containers and I bring to work for lunch to reheat in the microwave. Works great, and it is a one dish meal (if you don't count the storage containers for what is left over).

I whole heartedly agree with the thrift store approach, especially while you are still losing. I bought a lot of stuff from Blair catalogs, but finally decided to try the local thrift store. One of the first things I bought was a pair of Anne Taylor Loft jeans that looked like they had never been worn! Full thrift store price was something like $6.99 but they were having a 50% off sale so I got them for $3.50. I love them and wear them all the time. I have gotten some casual tops and shorts for summer. The store near me has tons of jeans, and they sell dressier stuff too. Definitely try that. This way size transitioning won't take you broke.

Another benefit of walking outside is you get a natural dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine. Something we all need, right? Before surgery I would workout at Curves, then pick up a 12-15 inch pizza on the way home and eat the entire thing for dinner. When I decided to have surgery I knew I needed to bump up my exercise program. A coworker told me about a public park near where I live, and told me to be sure and take peanuts for the squirrels. I started walking the nature trail (a little less than 2 miles around) and feeding the squirrels. I walk briskly but stop when the squirrels show up for their treats, so it is more like interval walking. I get some passive weight lifting from carrying a large tote bag of peanuts, and I try to do a mininmum of twice around the trail. On days when it is nice and I have time I will do more laps, up to 3 or 4. One weekend day recently I made 5 laps, my personal best. Now that it is dark after work (EST) I am back at Curves and walk on weekends/holidays/days off. I also joined the rec center fitness room (costs $2 a month) as a back up for when I can't walk outside (my preference), and I have a Water aerobics class that I attend now and then. Mostly I love walking outside. I bundle up in the winter and go too. By date of surgery I had lost 25 pounds, and since surgery (3/25/08) I have lost 107-110 lbs. I feel much more fit (for an old geezer) and my arthritic knees feel almost normal. Flat abs, however, are only going to come from plastic surgery. The loose skin left from massive weight loss may snap into place if you are 20 something, but we older folks need a bit more than crunches and weight lifting to have the toned body described. I keep playing the lottery, and walking, and Curves will keep me going until then. I for one think walking is an excellent way to exercise. A good pair of sneakers is pretty much all you need. In my case a 25 lb box of peanuts helps too. Good luck on your respective journeys.

I don't cook Thanksgiving dinner, but have had it at other family or friends houses. I take a little of what is passed around, and on holidays I allow myself some dessert, just not a huge helping. At one friend's, where I am going this year, we have dinner with her relatives and go back to her house for dessert. Her mother in law is diabetic, so she always has a sugar free dessert for her, so I try to eat that. If not a little sweet stuff doesn't ruin my new eating lifestyle. I don't have a big sweet tooth so other days if I want something sweet, I have a sugar free popsicle or a protein smoothie without guilt. I save the sweet stuff for holidays and very special occasions. That seems to work for me.

I know that waiting is the hardest, especially those waiting for insurance approval. Some of what I would suggest has already been mentioned: support group is a wonderful idea. I started going to them probably six months before surgery. You meet people at all stages pre and post op, some who are thinking about it and want more information, others with issues they want to share, and successes. It really helps. Read as much as you can, here, at Lapband.com, or books (I have two, The Lapband Solution and The Lapband Companion, both available on amazon.com), and read here. Here you will read the good, bad, and ugly. I was so ready by my surgery date I joked that I could probably do the procedure on myself. It is normal to have mixed emotions. You are taking a big step towards a healthier life. I have gone from taking 2 BP meds, 2 cholesterol meds, a reflux med, and pain med for my knee arthritis to 1 BP med, 0 cholesterol med, pain med as needed. In clothing I have gone from 2X or Women's 22 to Small-Medium and size 10 Misses. Other than being broke from buying clothes, it has been so worth it. My problem was portion control. Even if I ate something healthy I ate too much. The band has helped me curb the quantity, making it easier to eat good stuff, just less of everything. Hang in there!

I didn't realize this was a 20-something thread, but I thought I would post anyway. I was banded 3/25/08 at age 63.

The Greek yogurt ideas are great. I am not too imaginative, but I did come up with this. If you live near a Trader Joe's, they have a house brand of Greek yogurt in 2 cup containers. There are two, one with a burgundy and blue design, the other with shades of blue. The blue only design gives you the best bang for your $2.99. It has a whopping 22g protein per cup, and only 6g sugar (naturally occuring milk sugar), I get the plain fat free and divide it into 4 half cup servings (11g protein, 3g sugar). I then throw in some cinnamon and a heaping tablespoon of Smuckers Sugar Free preserves (no added sugar and about 10-20 cals). I buy all different flavors so I have Cinnamon Orange Marmelade, Cinnamon Blueberry, Cinnamon Apricot, etc. You can't buy a commercial fat free yogurt that gives that much protein for that little sugar. I will have to try it with the ranch dressing mix as a dip. Sounds good.

As for the B12, I think all surgeons put post-ops on B12 supplements as a precaution, but having a deficiency would just reinforce the need for supplementation, IMO. I don't think it would prevent your surgery from happening.

In rereading your post, I think you were looking for a recipe to make your own refried beans. Sorry. Hope you can still use the Mexican dip recipe.