chichigirl

Just make sure you chose a whole grain cereal, like Cheerios, Kashi, oatmeal, or any of the Chex cereals or shredded wheat. They have a fair amount of fiber, some more than others and you can always unjury Protein powder to it to add more Protein to it. Whole grains are okay in moderation, nutrionally they provide a good balance. Of course milk also adds protien, but try to use skim or at most 1%, try to stay away from the full fat version if possible.

Cindy

Congratulations!!!!!! That is sooooo exciting, I love hearing these things. It keeps me going and really reinforces my desire to work all the harder towards my goals. Thank you for sharing. I'd love to see the pics when you get the chance.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Thanks so much for the update. Really glad your Mom is doing so great, sorry to hear you on the other hand are suffering, but it will pass before you know it. I wouldn't even think about a Big Mac for awhile, I know, you're just hungry as all get out right now, so it sounds good, but trust me, it would never go through and the last thing I'm sure you want is the vomitting to resume.

Have you tried taking the recommened Gas-X? I didn't have that problem either, but more people than not have here and they highly recommend that and lots of walking. Those are the very best things to get rid of the gas.

I responded to your previous post when you were leaving for the surgery. I sent you the name and address and phone number of the doctor in Miami that I go to that I know does fills for patient's banded in Mexico. Sorry it took so long to get you the information. If you can't find it, let me know and I will give it to you again.

Feel better, at least your Mom can still take care of you:-] I wish you both the very best on your new journies and hope to see you posting again really soon.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

You can use the search option at the top of the screen and type in specific topics that have been addressed here before by others. Like the insurance question, you can even type in the name of your insurance company and if anyone has posted anything about them, it should come up.

Hope this is helpful to you, Jack, as always, is right about there being a ton of information out there. Good luck with your research and keep us posted as to your decision.

Cindy

Poor thing, you sound as if you were very miserable, glad it passed though and you're all the wiser about late snacking. We all have to push the envelope occassionally, I know I am very stubborn myself that way. Then that wonderful little darling inside of us, our band, reminds us that what we are doing isn't such a really good idea.

Take care and watch those crackers, they pack a wollup sometimes.

Cindy

What a really lovely post John, you are so kind and thoughtful and we are very lucky to have you here. Your words are so true, thanks for the gentle reminder.

You're definitely a gem around here. Hope you treat yourself as well as you treat all of us all of the time.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You

Cindy

All of the above is extremely right on target. I believe that the majority of us are emotional eaters and have been for quite some time in our lives. You are correct in your thinking to try to find something to replace the unhealthy habit, emotional eating, with a healthy one, exercise. I know, most of us cringe at the word exercise, I use to, but when I started walking on the treadmill whenever an anxiety attack hit, which is pretty often, I not only got rid of the anxiety, but I even felt really good afterwards. Not to mention it's another great tool for weight loss and toning our bodies, building lean muscle, increasing our metabolism and the list goes on. I do understand and totally relate to the hesitency to do this, but if you just go with your head on this one, it really is something you may come to love, I know I do now. Never thought I would be saying this either. I was a couch potatoe before the term ever came along.

Professional help is always an option as well, to help you deal with your stress. A good therapist will help you to develop some really good coping mechanisms which are essential for overcoming stress and negative thoughts and emotions.

Coming here is another good outlet and I am glad you posted this thread. It will be of great benefit for many people here, myself included, so thank you.

Hope you can take some of the suggestions provided to you, find the one(s) that fit you best and you'll be amazed at the difference in the way you feel.

Take care and Happy Holidays

Cindy

Oh Ruthie, that's so great!!!!! Many people here understand the exhileration you are experiencing right now. You go girl, that's sooooo cooool!!!! I kinda know how you feel, I dropped below three myself a few weeks ago. It's the most amazing feeling in the world and it only gets better. The further you get from that 2 the happier you will feel and you'll actually start to believe it's real and not just a fluke.

What a great thread and thank you for sharing. Great news is always welcome here.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Thanks for sharing the information. Hearing from lots of different folks is very helpful. Congratulations on kicking the soda habit, that's quite a coo, well done. Sounds as if you are more than ready to be banded and begin a new lifestyle. You are taking a very commen sense approach to it and that will be a major assest for you. I am excited for you and hope your endoscopy goes well and that you are banded soon.

Welcome to the boards, hope to see you around alot!

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Everyone has absolutely gorgeous children!!!! Thank you all so much for sharing all of them!!!!

The 'babies' are all beautiful too, I have three 'babies' of my own, I just love animals.

Happy Holidays Everyone

Cindy

So sorry you have to go through this. I hope you can keep up your progress through the holidays, I know that's really hard to do. Just try and think about how good you will feel afterwards though if you don't cave in before you get the new port in and another fill done. Really lousy timing for that darn port to go on you, not that there's a good time for that.

I will keep you in my prayers that everything goes well for you on all fronts.

Cindy

Glad to have you aboard. Congratulations and here's to wishing you a very speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you on the boards.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Now isn't the time for you to even be thinking yet about your first fill. You are 100% right though, about not ever wanting a fill that's too tight, it's dangerous and painful, I know, I just had fill removed this week because of it. It's so good though that you are paying such close attention to your bodies warning signals. That will be very helpful to you from now on in with the band. She(the band) can be very fickle, sometimes it doesn't have to be a fill that's too tight. Once in awhile it can be from eating something irritating to the stoma(area where band is around the stomach). You'll know right away that it has happened and you will be able to put yourself on liquids for a few days before attempting more food.

Sounds to me like you have what it takes to become a very good bandster. Sorry you are still having this much swelling since your surgery, I know it's painful, but it won't always be like that. Patience with yourself and the band will come in handy right now and I'm sure you will do better. Just remember, teeny, tiny bites, chew, chew, chew, then swallow. If drinking, sips only, no gulping or large swallows. Try same nice warm broth, tends to be soothing to have something warm and helps reduce the inflammation.

Hope you are feeling better very soon.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Sorry you had to endure that, but I'm inclined to agree with Anwynon this one, it's like some sort of rite of passage. The worst part is it was something healthy. Not good, at least if it were a real no-no food it would keep you from craving it again.

Hope you feel better really soon and watch out for those trees:-]

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Absolutely not alone on that one. I was so thrilled after getting a little unfill earlier this week, not only had I not really eaten solid food for awhile, I was looking forward to Christmas dinner without the worry of Pb'ing or hurting. I don't view it as being bad, I only allowed my self to somewhat indulge for my Thanksgiving dinner, then got everything out of the house. One meal, that's more than enough for me to be happy and I plan on doing the same thing at Christmas, enjoy one really nice meal without going overboard and without depriving myself. Feels like the best of both worlds. I cannot tell you the last time I went through a holiday season without gaining, except for the first year I was banded. It's was so nice to get on the scale after Thanksgiving and not have gained. Life is good.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

That's so great!!!! Congratulations, I am very happy for you. Thanks for sharing the inspiring news!!!

Happy Holidays

Cindy

liquids of course are essential right now, as everyone else has mentioned, as is an unfill.

Try sipping warm broth, the warmth can be very soothing and it is still a clear liquid. Avoid any kind of juice that may be too thick or have any pulp. Even the smallest particle right now, can be very irritating to your stoma.

Sorry you're having such a rough time. Hope you feel better soon. Take care and keep us posted, please.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you here. This is by far the best support board you could ever find with a really great group of people who frequent here often. If you have any questions or concerns, ask away and someone is bound to have wonderful advice to offer.

This is a very serious and intimate decision you are making for yourself. Knowing as many of the facts as possible is key to your decision making. Don't be afraid of sounding silly and when the time comes for you to make up your mind, you should be ready.

Good luck in starting this journey. I wish you the very best of luck and hope to see you on the board again and again.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Well, since you asked, the first time I lost weight right after surgery I totally began to freak out emotionally. I dropped over 130 lbs. and couldn't deal with certain things, so I had the fill removed. It took me around 18 months to lose that weight and less than a year to put back every single pound.

Got help, via therapy, had the fill done again and have lost 85 lbs since August. I am extremely motivated and no longer fear a future without my fat to hide behind.

This time around, I truly am changing my lifestyle. I am following the bandster diet, within reason and exercising daily. It is already becoming a habit with me and I couldn't be happier about it. I got rid of all of my fat clothes and refuse to think about ever going back.

My change is in my thinking, my relationship with food and denying myself exercise. I have been a couch potatoe before the term was ever coined. Exercise, I'd rather eat shoe leather, but now I love it and I love the way it makes me feel. Health wise, I am improved beyond my wildest dreams, no more insulin, reduced blood pressure medications and just more energy than I know what to do with.

Happy Holidays

Cindy

Congratulations on the wonderful accomplishment!! You should be so proud of yourself and you do look great. Keep up the really amazing and inspiring work and thanks for sharing such really fantastic news!!!!

Happy Holidays

Cindy

It's really too bad that others don't respect our wishes sometimes. I can certainly understand your anger and frustration.

As for the HR director, ignore him and don't give his snide comments an audience. People like him are very sad when you have to put others down in order to make yourself feel better. Do you realize how pitiful that is? Yeah, he's still a jerk and no he has no right to do it, but unfortunately there are more out there just like him. If he were pulling a stunt like the scale thing in front of me, I would simple shake my head and tell to grow up. I know it's not easy to ignore the ignorant and cruel remarks made by others. Actually,for me, I have sort of turned the tables. Whenever they behave like that, I feel slightly superior to them knowing that I don't have to do that to feel good about myself.

I hope you get some satisfaction about the big mouth, she really needs to be held accountable for her reckless actions.

Cindy

Congratulations on both the marriage and the good band news. And to think just a few short weeks ago, you were so disappointed. Aren't things wonderful once everything starts going right? Couldn't happen to a nice guy.

The rings are gorgeous!

Happy Holidays

Cindy

First of all, let me say CONGRATULATIONS on the 130lbs lost to date, +15lbs since!!!! You are amazing, second you are a member of this group. There are no rules that say you can't be here unless you are banded. We are all going through the same issues and problems with weight loss, some with the band and some without, for whatever reason. So don't deny us or yourself of the support and advice we all have to offer.

You have a wonderful SO and that is key to this being successful for you. I am very happy for you and glad to hear this.

As for the change in insurance companies, sounds like you might actually be better off switching as this one is being so unreasonable about the entire situation. Things happen for a reason and perhaps this new insurance company will cover you without as much hassle, I certainly hope so. You obviously have a great deal of strong will, dedication to weight loss and persistence, all of which pay off in these kinds of situations.

I had another thought regarding the letter from the doctor. Have you thought about or is it possible to have him do up an affidavit swearing under oath that he has treated you. That's a legal document, so it could be tricky getting him to provide that to you, not to mention getting an attorney to handle it without costing you an arm and a leg. Just a thought, couldn't hurt to inquire about it anyway. You could even say to him that it would be in his best interest to do this, not neccessarily specific to you, but for all of his patients who will be in the same situation regarding his previous care. Then he can provide a letter that is specific to you for the sake of the insurance company.

You may want to contact DeLarla on this site as I believe she is a paralegal and might be able to shed more light on this possiblity for you, as well as letting you know if it is even worth pursuing.

I wish you the very best. Hope you have the happiest holiday ever!! Keep us posted, please.

Cindy

Best attitude for success I have heard in a long time. Please don't shy away from us, even though you may not be banded. I feel, and I am sure I am not alone, that this board is sooo much more about weight loss issues than anything else. Don't deny yourself the support and understanding I know we can provide here and don't deny us your wisdom and caring. We can never have too many people here, so please hang around, we need you and all the others like you.

I admire your faith and acceptance. They will carry you through the rough times, but you already know that.

Please don't try stopping the good fight either. Keep after people, it's the only way we are going to make changes in this world is by standing up for what is right.

Thank you for sharing and being such a positive insipiration for us all. You will succeed, I have no doubt.

Merry Christmas

Cindy

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your positive response to the surgery!! I too had a really super smooth surgery and no real recovery to speak of. Too bad others don't fair as well, but they do all recover and that's what is important.

Welcome to the banded side and feel free to speak up if you have any questions, which of course you will. We are all in this together.

Happy Holidays

Cindy