chichigirl

You know, I've often thought about it and a friend even suggested it, but I haven't tried it --- yet. But darnett, you have my mouth watering for that steak so bad right now, I'm ready to head out to the closest steak house and order take out(of course). Cindy

DeLarla, My sweet friend I've come to know from this board. Sugar is absolutely addictive, never, never underestimate it's power to suck you in and then kick your cravings for it into high gear. But I have seen your before pictures and I know how strong you are. You are absolutely gorgeous and have a gentle, kind heart too. Don't allow the sugar demon take hold. Drinking the carbonated beverages is just about as addictive as you have found out. Get rid of it, don't keep it in the house fix yourself your favorite non carbonated beverage and enjoy that. I know you're booming business puts you in temptations way with the food and drink, but why not take a thermos of your favorite beverage with you, so you don't have to drink the other stuff at the party. Bring along a big try of crudities with a spinach and yougurt dip, start a new trend. What could be better than maintaining your own healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do so as well without preaching to them. I don't know if any of this helps. But I am sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and that will help. You have no idea how influencial you have been for me on this board. You not only went from beautiful to ravishing, but you're bright, witty, and tons of fun. Thank you for all of that. Cindy:Bunny

Welcome and congrats on a super job of losing weight so far. Let the momentum help carry you through the holidays and just imagine ringing in the New Year's below 200!!!!! Wouldn't that be wonderful! I think you will love it here, awesome, supportive and smart people here. Great advice and everyone is friendly. See you around the boards! Cindy

You can eat citrus fruits, but you must be very careful of the membranes because they have a tendancy to get caught in the stoma and it takes a while before you can get them loose enough to completely go through. Realize those membranes, when you chew them, don't really break up a whole lot, they just kind of mush together, but they maintain their stringy quality. I know, tangerines are my favorite, I love them, but boy do I have to be super careful. Cindy

Fibrous foods vs stringy foods are two totally different types. Fibrous foods like sweet potatos, broccoli, caluflower, cabbage, etc are not a problem if well chewed. Stringy foods, like celery, citrus fruits, mangos and things like that you have to be extremely careful with. I have found that I can eat them, carefully, but as you know everyone is different. I can't eat bread but others can for example. So you have to use your judgement. However if you are blending the soup in a blender, then I certainly see no harm as it will already be pulverized to the point of being easy to swallow and slide through the stoma. Cindy

Plateaus are the body's way of reestablishing a weight set point. What that means it is resetting the metabolic rate at which you body works at. The reason for the stall, I believe, is the body is making sure that this is a set weight, not a flucuating weight. Everyone thinks that plateaus only occur during weight loss, not true, it also occurs during weight gains, it's simply we don't notice it because when we're gaining, we're usually not paying attention to the scales like when we were loosing. Many people (experts) believe that changing your eating and exercise routine during this time, often restarts the weight loss and waits until you reach what the body considers to be another set point. How, why and if the body deteremines the set point is something I am not familiar with. I only know this bit of information as I took a nutrition course in college and was quite fascinated with the metabolic process, wonder why :-] I do know there is not a particular amount like, 25 lbs, and then you go into a plateau. I believe it's as individual as we are therefore varies. I also believe that exercise plays a major role. If you notice, there have been some people on the boards lately that have been complaining of not being able to get the scale to move. Finally out of frustration they slightly elevate their caloric intake and boom they drop 4-5 lbs in a week!!! That's because the body realizes due to the slight increase in food that it is not starving and there is no need to hold at the present weight. This is only my opinion, based on a class that I took and further research I have done reading fitness articles and watching fitness shows. But as you know, these are most often contradictory, so who knows? Hope this helps. Cindy

Nykee, I have just sent you a PM inviting you to become friends with me. I really would like to get to know you better as I think you have a powerful heart and are a really good person. Something we have in common. I am sending this in the event you do not read your PM, but please feel free to contact me, my email address is cspiller@earthlink.net and you can email me at any time, and I promise I will respond. Cindy:)

Okay, I will try to help you get yourself organized, as I know you are being pulled in some many different directions right now, it isn't easy to think straight. Please understand, these are only my suggestions and I am basing it on how I eat, you may choose to eat other foods and that's okay. I am just trying to give you a general idea. First - calorie counting is not a necessity, although many of us resort back to old habits and find that more comforting. But you don't have to. Second - The amount you should be eating is to eat when hungry and just as soon as you are full, stop. You don't sound as if you have had a fill yet, so you probably don't have any restriction. You are going to find it darn near impossible to control your eating if you have no restriction. Do you have any idea when you will be able to go for a fill? You see the restriction is what tells us we are full and lets us know when to stop eating. Third - As to what everyone else is eating, is as varyied as the people here. I do know that you should maintain a high Protein, low fat, and low carb diet. You should be basically have some sort of lean protein at every meal, followed by your vegetables (not potatos), followed by your right carbs, such as whole grain products with Fiber. Once you eat your meal, you should avoid drinking anything for at least 30min but up to 1hr to keep the food in the upper portion of the stomach. Avoid all carbonated drinks as they may expand your upper pouch. A lot of people here use high Protein shakes and high Protein Bars. They are great for grabbing and going, no prep if you buy the prepared shakes. They are great meal replacments or Snacks but you will still need to eat some low fat meat, veggies and the occasional piece of fruit, as well as your dairy products. eggs are also a great source of protein and I particularly like 'Scrambler' they're like eggbeaters but I like them better and they are lower in fat than real eggs. For Breakfast I would start with a good start to the day, you appear to have time for that, so a veggie omelet with cheese if you like, a half a piece of whole wheat toast or english muffen toasted. You might even enjoy some fruit, like a small bowl of melon or berries. This should hold you until lunch time, but if not, have a Protein Bar Lunce should be the biggest meal of the day so here is where you should have like grilled chicken, tuna, lean lunch meat of any type, a large salad or bowl of veggie Soup and a suger free Jello for dessert. On the way home you may want a Protein shake or protien bar. For dinner you may want a bowl of chili and a small salad. For the munchies later in the evening, sf jello, or sf popsicles are always a good choice. If you are feeling hungry before going to bed, have a thin slice of lean meat or some string cheese. I will do a search for you tomorrow to see if there are any menus listed on the boards.

It's always been like that, no one ever seems to use it. I too would like to be able to have a one on one with someone once in awhile, but I guess the only way that can really happen is if you are talking to someone and you both agree it would be easier to switch over to the chat room, then you could both use it, with very little chance of being interrupted. Cindy

Hi Micki, Glad we were able to help and that you were able to hear what we had to say. That's a step in the right direction, now just keep moving forward one step at a time. You can PM me anytime you feel like you need some extra help. As for calling us friends, I am sure that I can speak for the others when I say it is a privledge to be considered friends. We can never have too many. I know you are still having a stressful time, and it's hard to focus on yourself when things like that are happening. But if you can do one positive thing for yourself each day, no matter what it is or how small, then you will have succeeded for that day. In the midst of problems, it's hard to notice the positive, but it's there, it always is, you just have to look. It may be something as simple as a bird's song that makes you smile or the fragrance of flowers from your garden, but there is always something positive to find. Take care of yourself. We are all here for you if you need us. ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Cindy

Kare, Thanks for the suggestion, but I have one problem, I live in Miami. It never gets cold here, unless you turn the air conditioner down :-] But thanks for the info about building up on your eliptical. I have to keep reminding myself that I have just started and need to take it slow. Thanks everyone for all of your help. I at least feel like what I am doing is worthwhile and that in time I will be up to a 'normal' pace. Cindy

I have really just gotten back into exercising and I have a really nice treadmill here at home. What I want to know is how fast is a normal pace? I am pretty big and I also have had heart problems in the past, but I would like to know what the average pace people walk at. I can only do 2 miles an hour and I usually can only go for 20 minutes. I'd appreciate anyone elses experience with this. I often watch fitness shows and read fitness magazines and it looks like a leisurely pace is suppose to be 3.5 miles per hour? Anyone know? Thanks for your help. Cindy

I don't know where you live and what the weather is like there, but he could be an Indian Brave if it's warm where you are. Or Tarzan would work too, both are in loinclothes(with shorts or pants underneath of course). Does he like any particular sport, you could dress him up like a football, baseball or hockey player or even a wrestler. I'll have to think about this some more to see if I can come up with anything else. Good luck. Cindy

Heart issues are scary, but be glad they found out before the surgery and then have something go wrong. It probably isn't anything big, or they would have slapped you in a hospital bed with oxygen and tubes everywhere. By any chance, do you smoke or have you ever smoked? If not, it's unlikely that it would be anything that serious. I'm glad they're checking everything out though, better to be safe than sorry. They'll pretty much know tomorrow, although they won't have a report for a few days. Are you doing a walking stress test or a chemical stress test? The hardest thing about these stupid stress tests is having to lie on this very narrow machine with both of your arms over your head for like 20 minutes. Man my arms get sore when I have to do that. But other than that, they're not so bad. Also, do you have diabetes? If so are you on insulin? I am only asking because if you don't smoke and don't have diabetes it might not be anything to worry about. Please let us know how things are going. You can PM me if you need someone to talk to about this cardiac stuff, as you can tell I have some knowledge (understatement) of all of it. Been through more heart issues than I care to discuss, but they still banded me!! So it doesn't necessarilly exclude you as a canidate for being banded. Welcome to the boards, lots of really nice and caring people here. Cindy

Oh, you poor dear. Maybe it's just allergy, sometimes that can seem like a cold. Have you taken anything for it? Why not try a non-drowsy allergy med to see if that helps. I don't think they'd cancel the surgery unless you were running a fever, then they couldn't do it. Drink a lot of liquids, enough to float to Mexico on. It helps dilute the 'bugs' in your system and elminate them faster. There's also Cold-Eze, they're some pretty nasty tasting lozenges, but they say if you start them when you first start feeling the symptoms, it can shorten the time. Well girl, I'm all out of ideas. Gee, I wish there were something else I could do for you. I'll keep you in my prayers. Feel better. Cindy

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming surgery!!!! You are lucky the insurance is covering most of it, it seems these insurance companies really give people a hard time about coverage. I am glad to hear that you're excited as well, you should be. This is an exciting adventure you have chosen. There will be sad times, angry times, and happy times. But the best will be those exhilerating times, they almost make up for the sad and angry times altogether. When the low times hit, just come to the boards, even if you just want to 'lurk' and not post. Sometimes I am laughing out loud at some of the things people write about, especially Jack and Vines, they are sooooo funny!! This is an awesome and supportive group like nothing I've ever seen before. Everyone here is genuinely concerned about each other and they offer the best advice, because no matter what you're going through, they've been there. They understand like no one else could ever hope to. Good luck. Hope to see you posting whenever you have a question or need. Cindy:Bunny

Yes, are you on Clear Liquids or just liquids. That would make a huge difference because with liquids you can have the Protein Shakes and they are actully quite sustaining. Plus there are Soups that you can run through the blender so they qualify for liquids. Sometimes having something warm helps ease the hunger pains and just makes your stomach feel better. Cindy

WTG!!!! That's a remarkable accomplishment, I'll bet your clothes are just falling off you. Is it time for a new wardrobe already? Wishing you and all the rest of us continued success!!! YA HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cindy

Welcome to Lap Band Territory!! Always glad to have another new friend and supporter here. I think you find this group to be sooooo awesome. They give tons of support and really great advice. But sometimes we just have fun and games! I love it here, hope you do as well. Cindy

I think that they're also making sure that you're being realistic about the weight loss. You know, that you know it's going to take a lifestyle change, that the weight isn't going to magically disappear. Just that you're being realistic and as stated by others, that you don't have an eating disorder. Cindy

Thanks to both of you, you've been very helpful. I don't feel badly about doing the 2 mph for 20 min as I am just beginning. I am patient and know that I can slowly move up in speed and time. Cindy

I've been thinking about you all weekend! I am so very glad that the costume worked out for you and that your cousin was able to save the day for you. Send pictures!!!!! At least one, in complete costume if possible. PPPPPPPPPlllllleeeeaaaasssseee. Sorry to whine, but I am dying to see your charcter come to life. I wish I could be up there and see it in person. I am glad that you sound very happy and positive about. When you first got the costume you thought everything was ruined you poor thing. I remember how disappointed you were, but like I said, thank goodness for your cousin coming through for you. Cindy

I agree with everything Vines said, but have a little suggestion that may also help. Do you go through the drive-thru, I'll bet you do as you're on your feet all day. If that's the case, then whenever you go to get into your car to go somewhere, lock your purse in your trunk. You won't be able to use the drive-thru that way and it will force you to have to get out and go in, something that takes a little more work on your part. Also, as Vines has pointed out, you could have one of their salads or even a grilled chicken sandwich with nothing on it. Sit down, get a fork and knife and you'll have a healthy piece of chicken. For dessert you can have the apple/walnut salad or the yougurt/berry parfait or even a small cone. The use low fat ice cream so it's no so lethal in calories or fat. If you're in the mood for beef, order a plain hamburger and don't eat the bun. There are lots of ways to be creative. But I suggest you make up your mind before you get there as to what you're going to have and stick to that menu. If you don't you will be bombarded with the smells and pictures of all the food you should stay away from. Hope this is helpful. Cindy

Congrats! And wishes for whatever else you want. I know it's been a long battle to get here, but it's so worth it, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your wonderful news, it's an inspiration to us all, that if we're patient, it will happen. (((((((HUGS)))))))) That's for you great achievement and also for understanding about your husband. I will keep him in my prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Cindy

Well Micki, Anyone can clearly see why you would be feeling overwhelmed. Life is a @#$%^ some times and it seems it all comes at once. I am so sorry to hear about the health problems all your loved ones are having to endure, that is really stressful. That means you have to be extra vigilant in your resolve to take care of yourself. Your loved ones need you to lean on and they can't if you're falling apart. Even more importantly, who will be there for you if you fall apart? It is extremely important that you take care of yourself right now, and that doesn't just mean eating right and exercising, but allowing some alone time with yourself, even if it's simply taking an extra long bubble bath with scented candles and a calm, soothing CD in the player. Heck, you might even enjoy a glass of wine with it just to calm you down. As for the husband thing, if you want a scale, why don't you just go buy one for yourself? Don't depend on others to give you what you need, learn to give yourself what you need. Personally, I am not sure having a scale in the house is a good thing or not, because most of us just get obsessed with the numbers. There are lots of other ways you can tell if your loosing weight. Regarding the intimacy matter, have you tried sitting down calmly with him and asking him how he is feeling? He needs to know that it's not just about you, it's about both of you in this issue. I don't know your husband so it's hard to say. You both are going through some major changes in your life and counseling may be needed. Maybe he's feeling insecure about your loosing weight. He wouldn't be the first husband who had issues with that. I am just guessing, as I said I don't know anything about your relationship. But no matter what, during this extremely sad and stressful time, where everything seems to be out of your control, you take control of yourself by eating right and exercising. You know the exercising gives off endorphins, which are feel good chemicals the brain puts out, so you can think clearer and more positively. Aren't you glad I responded to your post? Sorry, I can talk forever, just ask some of the others on the board. You can PM me if you need to talk some more. I would be more than happy to lend a sympathetic ear. Cindy