PhotoNut

Doc, it only hurts when I.... *snickers* I know you know the rest of that! Seriously, I saw this as I re-read the post and wanted to suggest that you only keep healthy Snacks in the house. That way, you can view wearing out the carpet as exercise! :clap2:

Too bad you're so tired huh? *winks* Welcome to LBT and best wishes for positive results!

I knew a couple who put their kids to work in the house from very young ages. For punishments, they would make the kids do a specialty chore such as empty out a kitchen drawer, wash out the drawer and everthing that was in it before putting it all back. I swear, that woman never had a messy house! Ok, she did have 7 kids....

Sherri, when copying the code for your ticker... Copy the text in the bbCode box and ONLY from [ img] thru [ /img]. Leave off all of the http stuff and it should show up correctly in your siggy.

EmileeKaye - Can you get out and take a couple of walks during the day? I can just imagine how hard it must be for you, not having control over your meals and all. I'm getting ready to go back to the South for a week, and I'm telling you what.. I am in fear of the foods! LOL! So I can sympathize! Morsaille - Of course I wouldn't delete you! Silly! Six pounds in one week is a pretty good way to jump off of a plateau! Good job! Glad to have ya back with us. *hugs* Kat - What happened to those Healthy Kat Meals you were going to make up? I'll betcha your eating challenges are coming from not having what you need to be eating when its time to eat. Am I right? And Kathy (the best me) is right. You don't suck. Cause if you do - then she does! She is the Queen of Maintaining! hehe

Okie Sherri... I've got ya added to the Members Page now. Welcome to the family! *hugs*

*snickers* I do that! As far as I'm concerned. If it's a lane, I can drive in it. (Go on.. throw rotten apples at me!) It's better than the jerks who ride the middle turning lane to get to the left turn lanes a half a mile from the light! We see near-misses and head on's all the time around here because of this.

Oh you'll still be able to gorge yourself, but it will only take a little over a cup of food before your "gorge fest" becomes a "pain fest"! Of course that comes when you start getting fills and get good restriction. I used to eat so much it frightened and appalled me. Now? My 2 year old grandson can out-eat me. And I don't miss eating enough for three people at all. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to adjust to that.

Gah!! I hate it when the car/truck door opens on the car ahead of me at a red light, and then this head appears and a big ole lugie slops to the ground. I just want to puke! I'll vote for that law Wheetsin! There out to be a law about keeping children safely secured in moving vehicles. Oh wait. There already is one! Ok, those caught breaking that law should lose their driver's license for 6 months!

:welcomeB: to the Gone for Good Club, Mysherrijo! Have a look at page one of this thread. I'll get you added to the Members Page as soon as you let me know what stats you want by your name. If you want to join June's Challenge, just copy the blank score card (also on page one) and paste it in to a new post. You won't get points for the first week, but that doesn't mean you won't have a good chance at winning! Also, you won't find any negative here about your Dr choices. In fact, FunnyDuddies is going to be banded by Dr Sanchez in Monterey in October! Just be sure to do your homework before-hand and get an after care/fill doctor set up locally. After care will be vital to your health and the success of your band!

Yep, here it is again... Weigh-in Day for the Gone for Gooders! For all you new folks, here's the format for reporting (this is mine): C 231.5 (-75.5 lbs, -2.5 this week) (you can copy this portion of your stats from the members page and then just make the changes for this week in your weigh-in post)

Ive done the cabbage soup diet before and my friend (unbanded) swears by the sacredheart diet. It is designed for rapid weightloss and apparently it works. Its just a matter of how long you can tolerate it before you start gagging at the thought of soup. *grins*

Guess what, guess what?! I went walking again today. My friend and I walked the entire upper level of the mall, then I walked down the escalators (they weren't on yet) and then quickly walked up the other side! 30 stairs! I thought for sure I'd tire at least half way up. But I did it! And then we walked the mall again! I know it's not 16 miles on a bike or 200 leg lifts (raspberries all the super jocks in the club) but for me it was a HUGE accomplisment. Each day I'm going to do those escalaters and try to work my way up to doing the complete loop (down and up again) 5 times. I'll let ya know when I reach that goal! hehe I even tanned again today. And Dawg and I are going to the gym tonight. I'm FINALLY getting fired up again about exercising. July 9th will be my 6 month bandiversary and I hope to lose 15 pounds by then. That will put me at 217 and 90 pounds down!! WOOT!! Can you say motivated???!!!!

Happy Birthday to Ladysplenda and Feel2Young2B40!! I hope you both had a wonderful day of celebration! :happybday: :happybday: :happybday:

How exciting! The wait is finally over! :clap2: I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Let us hear from you when you get home. And stop worrying... you'll do great!

A reminder about signature lines. Signature lines are awesome! I love seeing how creative everyone gets and even more so I really love seeing everyone's progress in their tickers. However, when we do these kinds of threads that continue to grow for a whole month, all of the signature lines begin to make it difficult for people on dial-up to read all of the posts because it takes so long to load each page. So we ask that you not include your signature line in every post. Only your first post for each month. Remember, this is only for our GFG thread. Below you'll see screen shots that will show you where the "Show my signature" options are. Click on the check mark to turn it off.

How to fill in your scorecards. (using a sample score card) Step One Place the cursor in the middle of the line after the date (the red V by 5-31 indicates where to place the cursor) Points earned for Rule 1 For each day that you drink a minimum of 64oz of Water, you earn 1 point. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 6-01__V___6-02_____6-03_____6-04_____6-05_____6-06_____6-07_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-08_____6-09_____6-10_____6-11_____6-12_____6-13_____6-14_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-15_____6-16_____6-17_____6-18_____6-19_____6-20_____6-21_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-22_____6-23_____6-24_____6-25_____6-26_____6-27_____6-28_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ ________________________________________________________________________ Step Two Type the number of points you earned. Points earned for Rule 1 For each day that you drink a minimum of 64oz of water, you earn 1 point. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 6-01__1___6-02_____6-03_____6-04_____6-05_____6-06_____6-07_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-08_____6-09_____6-10_____6-11_____6-12_____6-13_____6-14_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-15_____6-16_____6-17_____6-18_____6-19_____6-20_____6-21_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-22_____6-23_____6-24_____6-25_____6-26_____6-27_____6-28_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ ________________________________________________________________________ Step three Notice that the line is one space too long now. If the space isn't removed you will have a screwy looking score card when the lines grow even longer with each day's points you type in. So, before moving your cursor, press the delete key on your keyboard to remove the extra space. Points earned for Rule 1 For each day that you drink a minimum of 64oz of water, you earn 1 point. You may earn a bonus of 5 points for a perfect week. 6-01__1__6-02_____6-03_____6-04_____6-05_____6-06_____6-07_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-08_____6-09_____6-10_____6-11_____6-12_____6-13_____6-14_____Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-15_____6-16_____6-17_____6-18_____6-19_____6-20_____6-21_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ 6-22_____6-23_____6-24_____6-25_____6-26_____6-27_____6-28_____ Bonus____Week's Total_____ ________________________________________________________________________ Other tips for making your card a bit fancier: While your number is selected (click and drag mouse pointer over the number) you can change its color by selecting a color from the drop box by the A button in the edit window. You can also make it bold by typing Ctrl and B at the same time or by clicking once on the B button in the edit window. You can also underline the number by typing Ctrl and U at the same time or by clicking on the U button in the edit window. I hope this has helped. If anyone needs further help, PM me. I'll be happy to lead you through it.

Hey Donna B -- Baldrick and Percy... Where's Black Adder??

What Donna said! :clap2: I also feel that this check list is something we should all use as a plumb line. Have a peek at it and see where you stand before you go in for another fill. Since you said you can't eat much at a time, it might just mean that you already have enough restriction and just need to tweak other areas. Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, Pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention

Mo - You're very welcome. I enjoy this club so much! Kristin - I am 5'5, weigh 232 lbs, and I have 1cc in a 4cc band. Get that slight unfill, girl! You don't want to risk your band slipping or damage to your esophasgus from PBs. And you're weight loss will slow if you have to rely on higher calorie foods that you can get down. Beacheegirl - Be cautious about overdoing it for now. Have you contacted an atty yet? I'm sure you'll be referred to therapy right? You might want to hold off on much activity until you hear what the therapist recommends. (I used to work for an accident and injury atty *grins*) :welcomeB: to the GFG Club, Trip2bme - I've added you to the Members page. I really enjoyed your mini bio! I'm afraid to lose weight too. Tell ya what. let's just go for it anyway. If we don't like it when we get there, we can always gain it back! Dcprincess - You've come to the right place for butt kicking support! You said you wanted to join the club, BUT... So does that mean you dont want to join? If it's the challenge you aren't sure of, being a member of the GFG club doesn't require you to participate in the challenge. That's just an added fun thing we're doing. I hope you do want to stick with us, and if so do you want your stats on the Members Page (page one, post 1)? Mystjin - Those pics were made with Microsoft GIF Animator, which you can DL for free. Just Google it. I opened .jpgs in MS Paint, saved as a .gif, added the gifs to the Animator. Then you just adjust the timing on each frame and there ya have it. Enjoy! I hope to see one from you soon! hehe HeatherGurl - You suck! :pound:

Twoterville! I love it! *laughs* Good job everyone!

Protein shakes are an important part of the liquid and mushy phases of the post-op diet, but I get all of my protein from fish, chicken, cottage cheese, and beef so I don't need the suppliment. If you can get between 60-100 grams of protein per day with your food (animal protein, not vegetable protein) you shouldn't need to worry about needing a suppliment.

*chuckles* Don't just take my word for it. Do what I do and google it! Before ya eat anything, find out what it really is and what its nutritional value is. Most products provide a list of the contents and nutritional values. Here's a great site for ya that will help a lot: www.nutritiondata.com

Maybe boost your lunch with protein. What are you having for lunch now? Perhaps you are getting hungry before dinner because breakfast and lunch were "light". Many people seem to eat lighter in the mornings and graduate to the big meal of the day at dinner time. If that's you, try eating a "heavier" lunch and see if it takes away the urges. If that's not the case... then perhaps it's boredom? What are you doing between lunch and dinner? If it is boredom, try to think of something you could do that would keep you busier. Like walk or exercise. (I'm a good one to talk.. Ive been so bad at that part of this journey!) hehe Love the swimsuit. Very classic.

Looks like it adds 35 calories per 2 Tbs. Do that three times in a day and youre looking at an additional 100 calories. I know it doesn't sound like much, but 100 calories could "buy" you some great protein that will help you stay full longer.