kcmagu

yesterday - (a 24hr+ day - so normally I would have a 4th meal but I snacked too much at work so wasn't hungry this am) B: malted mocha cheesecake protein shake S's through day: jerky, carrots chips & dip, grapes, cookie, 1/2 cheese stick L: 2-3 oz deli turkey meat, 1 oz muenster cheese, 3 hershey kisses D: the chicken and couple bites pasta from a lean cuisine, 3 kisses

So I had a hysterical experience in Target - I found they had my favorite bottled water on sale for $1 a bottle usually 1.39-1.79/ bottle. I went in and asked if I could purchase 4-5 cases which they agreed to but said they did not have any more in back - only what was on the shelf. SOOO I took my cart over and proceeded to place every bottle in my cart (63 in all - interestingly enough about 5 cases). Now I really don't think that had I 5 actual cases (boxes) in the cart of the water or 5 cases of a candy bar would I have received such stares as I did with those loose bottles. By the stares of fellow shoppers and store personnel I believe they thought I had some sort of mental disorder. (or as my mom laughed at later that I had prior knowledge of some impending natural disaster no one had heard of coming) What everyone wasn't aware of is that I just love getting a deal and don't mind buying in bulk and if it helps me drink my 2-3 liters water a day - then I will laugh myself through a store with a cart full of loose bottles. I get a kick out of myself - sometimes! *For those of you who are green-minded - I do recycle the bottles (refill a couple times before they go in the recycling bin) but this is a choice I have made for myself.

So I had a hysterical experience in Target - I found they had my favorite bottled water on sale for $1 a bottle usually 1.39-1.79/ bottle. I went in and asked if I could purchase 4-5 cases which they agreed to but said they did not have any more in back - only what was on the shelf. SOOO I took my cart over and proceeded to place every bottle in my cart (63 in all - interestingly enough about 5 cases). Now I really don't think that had I 5 actual cases (boxes) in the cart of the water or 5 cases of a candy bar would I have received such stares as I did with those loose bottles. By the stares of fellow shoppers and store personnel I believe they thought I had some sort of mental disorder. (or as my mom laughed at later that I had prior knowledge of some impending natural disaster no one had heard of coming) What everyone wasn't aware of is that I just love getting a deal and don't mind buying in bulk and if it helps me drink my 2-3 liters water a day - then I will laugh myself through a store with a cart full of loose bottles. I get a kick out of myself - sometimes! *For those of you who are green-minded - I do recycle the bottles (refill a couple times before they go in the recycling bin) but this is a choice I have made for myself.

San Diego Mom: I am so glad you are feeling better. I can sympathize. Enjoy feeling better - as far as the pics go - I think if you click on my name you can get to my profile and the pictures are at the bottom of the screen when you scroll down.

You know I don't know if I realized I had it so good in regards to the amount of support I have received in having lap band. I was shocked to read other people's posts about not telling people because of them not being supportive (whether actual or perceived). I have had nothing but support from every aspect of my life - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. UNTIL this random experience I had the other day. A person, who will remain nameless that I know (don't even know that well but they know I had the surgery) made a comment that just set me off. A group of us were discussing the People issue where they show people who have lost 1/2 their size - I love reading that every year - I find it inspirational. This person simply made the comment "yeah - they were able to do it on their own, not take the easy way out" and then looked in my direction. Now I am a God-fearing/loving woman - but my thoughts became nasty at that moment. Now I bit my tongue - but didn't want to. SO instead I'm releasing the steam here! Don't ever tell me I took the easy way out! This is a fight! I realized that I was no longer at a place where I could do it on my own. I graciously took the help that was made available to me to make my life healthier - I took back control! I don't care if you lose the weight by doing weight watchers, slim for life, surgical intervention, south beach, diet of the month, jenny craig or dammit - just eating less and exercising more - congratulations on however you do it and the positive influence it will have on your health and I pray you keep up the success and the weight stays off - GOOD for YOU! Don't tell me I failed or took the easy way out - I'm glad someone else had success without surgery - I did not feel that was the best decision for me since it hadn't worked so far. Ok I feel better - Thank you!

You know I don't know if I realized I had it so good in regards to the amount of support I have received in having lap band. I was shocked to read other people's posts about not telling people because of them not being supportive (whether actual or perceived). I have had nothing but support from every aspect of my life - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. UNTIL this random experience I had the other day. A person, who will remain nameless that I know (don't even know that well but they know I had the surgery) made a comment that just set me off. A group of us were discussing the People issue where they show people who have lost 1/2 their size - I love reading that every year - I find it inspirational. This person simply made the comment "yeah - they were able to do it on their own, not take the easy way out" and then looked in my direction. Now I am a God-fearing/loving woman - but my thoughts became nasty at that moment. Now I bit my tongue - but didn't want to. SO instead I'm releasing the steam here! Don't ever tell me I took the easy way out! This is a fight! I realized that I was no longer at a place where I could do it on my own. I graciously took the help that was made available to me to make my life healthier - I took back control! I don't care if you lose the weight by doing weight watchers, slim for life, surgical intervention, south beach, diet of the month, jenny craig or dammit - just eating less and exercising more - congratulations on however you do it and the positive influence it will have on your health and I pray you keep up the success and the weight stays off - GOOD for YOU! Don't tell me I failed or took the easy way out - I'm glad someone else had success without surgery - I did not feel that was the best decision for me since it hadn't worked so far. Ok I feel better - Thank you!

Luluc - Thank you so much! Although I know I have made a lot of progress - I think the latest picture deceptively shows me looking a little smaller than I am - but I'll take it. San Diego Mom - Been thinking about you - how is it going? Today: B: mocha malted cheesecake Protein shake S: trail mix L: cheese and crackers S: 1/2 small bag movie popcorn (w/ butter):tongue: D: about to have leftovers from dinner last night - chicken parmesan

RENEE74 - CONGRATULATIONS on noticing the difference going up the stairs - I love those kind of rewards - it helps in the times when the scale doesn't seem to move very fast! Allright I've put it off long enough - I have uploaded photos of my lap band journey for all to see.

Today: wasn't really hungry when I woke up, then got busy so I ate first at noon B: started with 3 oz deli turkey slices, 1 oz muenster cheese and 1 strawberry - unfortunately some of it came back up and I didn't eat it all - so not sure how much I ate S: snacked throughout afternoon on trail mix and some sweet nuts :wink2: S: grande skinny caramel latte D: not quite a 1/3 of chicken parmesan milanese at bravo, couple bites bread and oil :Dancing_wub: couple bites salad and a bite or 2 of the Pasta under the chicken. S: mini muffin cheesecake and some bacon - weird I know

San Diego Mom: Trust me I know the discomfort of needing an unfill - I'm sorry you might be experiencing this. As to whether or not you are- I don't know. Even after my unfill I still felt tight for 1.5 days (my NP said this would be normal because I would be inflamed and irritated) Talk with your dr - but what I might suggest (in my limited lap band knowledge) is to try a day or 2 of liquids (in case you're inflamed as well from the bringing back up of food) and then when you re-introduce solids - try to avoid foods that others have had problems with (even if they've been ok for you) because in my recent experience as I get tighter some of my 'ok' foods change to not ok (at least in the couple weeks immediately after a fill) - and many people have problems with ground beef (the protein burger could be an issue) - I have known the love of In & Out. For me it's scrambled eggs (which I love and never understood when others said they couldn't eat them and I could for months - now I know) I hope it goes better for you - Good Luck! Luluc: I am so jealous of your culinary background - that has always been a passion for me and you do understand about having to taste. How were the ravioli? I have so much food in the house right now - I can not in good conscience make anything else or bring anything in right now. Yesterday: B: malted mocha protein shake and true to my concern the rest of the day I just tasted as I prepared food for the party and then just grazed through the night - never ate too much at once (thanks to the band) but I failed the band by allowing myself to eat here and there when I no longer felt full - in part I'm sure to the rather dangerous tequila punch I seemed to be enjoying frequently. Today: had a couple nuts around 10 and then snacked on some of the unhealthy leftovers and a couple bites chicken salad as I unpacked and cleaned up my kitchen. Dinner: 2.5 oz deli turkey meat, 0.7 oz muenster cheese and 3 strawberries (I did refrain from eating the ones dipped in chocolate :huh2:)

Today was not a band day - I did not eat a single meal all day - instead I just grazed here and there (I was prepping for a party I am co-hosting and doing all the cooking for for 50 people sat night.) Good news: I really didn't eat very much total (don't think) and at least I didn't graze on top of eating meals. Bad news: I'm not exactly sure how much I ate and the food I did eat is not on any diet I know Worse news: The party is tomorrow and I will still be cooking all day and then have the party food and alcohol during the night

Sand diego mom - I am so with you on the oreo situation. FOrtunately, the majority of my package is going into a recipe for a party :yikes:

LULUC - that recipe looks amazing! You know I love me some wonton ravioli! Thats one of the amazing things about this band I could have 1-2 of those and not care (although I'd make sure my other meals that day were healthier) I was also thinking about trying it with low fat ricotta and instead of all the butter - use a little bit to make a roux, add evaporated skim milk and melt the romano or other cheese and oregano in it - getting all the flavor but not all the fat - we'll just have to see. Today: - based on my diet today don't think I'm too tight now! B: malted mocha protein shake L: 1/2 beef & cheese enchilada w/ cheese sauce S: 0.5 oz beef jerky, 1 oz cheese and a couple chips D: 1/4 c. chicken salad w/ dried cranberries, 2 tortilla rollup slices S: 3 double stuff oreos :wink:

Luluc - hope your unfill goes well for you - mostly ok for me we'll see. Today - odd day - never went to bed after coming home from work this morning so I have been up for about 31 hrs. :thumbup: I just kinda started my meals over: Today: B: quik trip hot chocolate/latte mix, 2 cheese sticks L: malted mocha cheesecake protein shake S: some smart puffs cheese snacks and 2 pieces dove choclate D: about to eat 1/2 enchilada - we'll see if it goes down:eek: (well I got about 1/3 of it down but had extra cheese sauce) - so far staying

It's funny how things can change in a couple days - I had a fill last monday the 5th and really didn't try much solids till around thursday-friday (I had an inkling I was tight) - allright lets be honest - I knew it but wanted to believe that I would loosen after a couple days and then I would lose more weight and the world would keep going round (please forgive my self-rationalizing idiotic mind frame) come the weekend I really couldn't keep anything solid down and knew that part of my new 'healthy relationship' with food (in progress) was to be able to eat solids - we were not meant to live on protein shakes no matter how much protein they have in them. SO - Monday I went in and they took a little over 1/2 of the previous fill out. I still feel a little tight but the NP said I would be irritated/swollen for a couple days. we'll see - so forgive my lack of posting. Today: B: mocha cheesecake protein shake S: 0.3 oz pirate's booty snacks, 2 hershey kisses L: 1/2 c. chicken tortilla soup w/ 3 saltines crumbled and soaked in it - about a tbls came back up (maybe the crackers though) D: malted mocha cheesecake protein shake kawasakichick: my new favorite way to make my mocha cheesecake shake is 1 premade muscle milk lite chocolate protein shake (i've also used high protein or optima slim fast chocolate shakes with good results - muscle milk lite nutrients are better though) i throw the shake into the blender (today it was slightly frozen from being outside in the frigid air and it was even better) and add to it 3.5 oz (1/2 small carton) nonfat plain greek yogurt (i use fage brand), 1 tsp espresso powder, 2-3 packets splenda and puree! i recently started adding 1 tbls malted milk powder (only 30 cal) and it tastes like a ice cream fountain shake. I also add 1/8 c. benefiber - i don't really need the fiber for regularity purposes but my dr has always said even the healthiest people don't get enough fiber.

luluc - well I tried the lite muscle milk shake and it really didn't seem to taste much different than the regular - maybe not quite as sweet but when I used it to make my same shake - it tasted just the same :tongue2: Today: (it will be another >24 hour day) Brunch - mocha cheesecake protein shake snack - handful of cheese puffs (the rest will probably be as follows:) dinner - shake as above snack - cheese, apple and jerky late meal - chicken tortilla soup w/ cheese snack - roasted edemame

LULUC - I was looking at the powder version of muscle milk today - the calories are much more reasonable than the pre-made shake - but I did find the muscle milk lite pre made chocolate shakes at costco today - going to give them a try and compare. I tend to like the pre-made shakes because I throw one in a blender w/ 1/2 carton nonfat plain greek yogurt and it ends up tasting like cheesecake w/ a protein boost. (even better with a little espresso powder) Today: Brunch: mocha cheesecake protein shake S: 3 cheese puffs, string cheese stick D: 1/2 c. chicken tortilla soup w cubed avocado, shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips on top. Dessert: 2/3 c. nonfat plain frozen yogurt w/ chocolate drizzle

Yesterday: B: tried 1/4 apple with some Peanut Butter - not all stayed down S: 1 oz cheese puffs L: muscle milk Protein shake - wanted to try it, much too high in calories for regular consumption but it tasted good - now have found out there is a light one D: 2/3 c. chicken tortilla soup with a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla chips and 1/2 corn muffin 1/2 brownie and some sweet Cereal snack mix

TODAY: B: large hot peppermint tea, 3 sm. chips (weird I know but i was testing if i could keep them down before i went to a bar w/ friends to watch BCS Champ game - since I have been so tight) lets just say the trial went well - the follow up meal not so much - i had multiple attempts at queso w/ chips, bites of veggie burger w/ cheese and potato chips - most of it came back up - earlier I had 1 sm malibu w/ diet - sipped slowly So then I came home and had some chocolate needless to say - a horrible food day - don't even know if I kept any Protein down I will be better tomorrow!

Our Mi Cocina closed - so sad! Yesterday: B: tried 2 bites mac & cheese - not working so - mocha cheesecake protein shake S: various random unhealthiness, couple chips, chocolate almonds and a pretzel - out at nurses station L: was planning on having a smooth chili w/ cheese - wasn't going down so well so had 1/2 kashi brown sugar oatmeal bowl D: 2/3 of a vanilla cheesecake protein shake

Yesterday: B: Mocha Cheesecake protein shake S: 2 bites chocolate, 1 short whole wheat pretzel stick w/ 0.7 oz cheese spread L: 2/3 c. butternut squash soup D: Slim fast optima creamy chocolate shake

Today: (one of my 24 hour + awake days) B: 1/2 c. mac & cheese, oatmeal cookie L: mocha protein shake D: 1/2 c. pureed turkey soup 2nd B: (going to be) mocha protein shake Had a fill this afternoon - feeling a little tight - going to see how it goes for a day or two.

I was baffled by this as well. I actually got rid of 4 jumbo multi packs of my favorite turkey jerky from costco pre-band thinking it was out of the question post-band. it turns out I was at least partially mistaken (thank goodness) I have not tried regular jerky but have really enjoyed the tender cuts style. My absolute favorite is the Pioneer brand, beef terriyaki tender strips. A 1oz serving has only 60 cal. 1gm fat and 11gm protein. I love the taste and tender texture and its even better because its a cheaper brand. My grocery store carries it but I have also ordered it online.

Yesterday: (breakfast was actually more of a brunch, all my meals were pushed back about 2-3 hrs) B: 5 mini meatballs, 1/2 oz cheese, 2 crackers, 4 baby carrots w/ dip L: 6 mini meatballs, 2 chocolate chip cookies D: 2/3 c. world traveler mac & cheese, 1/2 apple S: slice pumpkin pie