kamicola

Hi everyone... it's been quite a while... but life is so busy when school is in and the holidays are now approaching. I am really loving life.... I can't believe the difference losing 62 pounds makes.... I have such a long way to go, but at least it is moving in the right direction. I am down 2 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes... although I like loose fitting clothing, it's a comfort thing.... so I might be down one more clothing size if I liked them fitting a bit more snug. I can finally cross my legs (that are now getting "skinny" as others tell me)... I have never had comments like that. I see the difference in myself and just hope things keep moving in the right direction. I don't count calories, but know a lot about food and know what things I shouldn't be eating or what things contain more calories. I don't cheat myself of the things I like, for example ice cream, but at least I eat no sugar added. My diabetes has been in remission since surgery so when I eat a few M&M's here and there, or some treat, my blood sugars don't go up... it's really weird. So as long as things keep going this way, I won't ever cheat myself... although I know the closer I get to my goal weight, I will have to watch calories more closely to maintain. I look forward to hearing from other May bansters! Kammi in Everett, WA 335+/273/175 3 fills... I have a 10cc band and I have 8cc's with decent restriction... can still eat most things, but just not very much. Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

So, just thought I would pass this info on to you all.... I ran across a post a while back about these things called "Miracle Noodles"... supposedly zero calories.... so I found the website and actually there are a few places to read about them... so I got excited but they were incredibly expensive.... well I was at an asian grocery store today and low and behold they had them for CHEAP! They are a raw noodle (no need to cook) and they are made from Yams. They actually do not contain any calories, thus no carbs either. I bought some *just over $1 for a 7 oz. package) and fixed them tonight for dinner.... they are flavorless, you rinse the fishy smelling liquid off that they are packed in, then you dry them on a paper towel. I put them in a little olive oil and put some low sugar garlic spaghetti sauce and parmesean on them.... I thought they were great... the 7oz package filled me up fine and since they are neutral in flavor, they take on the flavor of whatever you make them with. So if you want a mock noodle with zero calories.... go visit your local asian market! I was impressed! Any questions, let me know! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/285/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

Hi everyone... I haven't posted in like forever, just busy! Anyhow... I just had myt 4 month bandiversary on the 27th of September and am down 50 pounds! I got my first tattoo to celebrate! I feel great, but am going to get another fill next weekend to bring my up to probably 7ccs in my 10cc band as I can eat pretty much anything. I did find these terrific noodles at an asian store... they are Yam noodles and have zero calories and zero everything.... they take on the flavor of anything you put on them... so they are bulk, but no calories... they are cheap at an asian store, but very expensive online... sold as Miracle Noodles.... go to an asian store... they have a fishy scent when you open them.... but rinse them and no fishy flavor.... actually a neutral taste. They are a raw food and are packed in a liquid. Just thought I would pass this info on as a way to save calories if you need to! I am loving life! Hope all of you are doing well! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/285/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

I think so... I usually buy it at Walmart Super Store... it's way cheaper and I do think it is by all the Crystal light stuff..... hope that helps! Kammi

Hope this helps on the nutrition facts on the Tide Me Overs.... it's not the best form of fiber, but it has to do for me right now.... sorry for the large text... Kammi Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 packet Amount per ServingCalories 30Calories from Fat 0% Daily Value *Total Fat 0g0% Saturated Fat 0g0% Monounsaturated Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0gCholesterol 0mg0%Sodium 20mg1%Potassium 0mg0%Total Carbohydrate 6g2% Dietary Fiber 5g20% Sugars 0gProtein 3g6%

I had surgery on May 27th.... after the IV came out the day after surgery, I didn't take any pain meds... wasn't hardly sore at all... I hate meds anyway, but my husband, mom and dad and I were all banded at the same time and none of us needed to take any pain meds.... everyone is different.... I only took pain meds or 3 days after my c-section 6 years ago too.... Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

I am a true lover of Beans now that I am banded.... tons of Protein as well as Fiber.... this is a side dish I often make so I don't want the carb side dishes.... 1 can of refried beans - any kind, I buy the highest protein and fiber brands and those that avoid adding soybean oil.... stay away from soy!!!! 1 small can of chopped Chillies (they are not hot at all) Shredded mexican cheese (I buy the big bags at Costco), put about a handful in, I love cheese... you add more protein too with it.... Then I microwave it until all the cheese is melted.... it is so delicious, even my year old daughter loves it! Hope that helps. Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

Cheryl... are you banded? If you are, you should know what a fill is... but if you are not... a fill is when they inject saline through a port that "fills" up the ring inside your band to restrict the opening into the larger part of your stomach... you want restriction as then your new pouch will get full and you will feel full more quickly and off of less food, which will therefore cause you to eat less and lose weight. However, as I have learned over the course of the past few months after being banded and successfully losing over 40 pounds so far, even at a perfect fill "sweet spot" level, it still takes an incredible amount of will power and smart choices when it comes to eating... you can till stuff yourself, eat way too much and cause issues around the band.... or eat the wrong types of foods that give you calories, but not a lot of nutrition.... it's a learning process for everyone and everyone responds differently to the band and needs to learn how it works best for them.... for anyone who thought that just getting a band would solve the weight issue miraculously (and believe me I have met those that do believe that), are far from correct and will most likely suffer emotional issues along the way and may not be successful with the band.... the most important thing about any weight loss surgery or eating plan is to educate yourself about nutrition, needed daily nutrients, proper ways to eat, and deal with the emotional issues behind your past lifelong habits of eating that led to obesity. Good luck to all of you... the band is a wonderful tool... take care of it and yourself! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico - self-pay

I find it very hard to get all my fiber in, even with supplements when I avoid cereal.... to get all my fiber in... here is what I do.... Chewable Fiber supplements.... 2 tablets = 4g of fiber... I take it 3 times per day for a total of 12g of fiber Start my day out with Go Lean cereal (not the Go Lean Crunch).... it has 13g of protein and 10g fiber for a total of 22g of fiber when combined with the above supplements.... Then I drink 1-2 South Beach Tide Me Over's in my water.... they each provide 5g of fiber... I try to get two in per day... that brings my total fiber up to 32g per day.... That doesn't include my veggies that I eat as well.... usually spinach sometime during the day.... So I estimate that I am at about 40g of fiber per day... which is ideal.... it just takes being aware of what you eat.... all of the fiber I take in is totally enjoyable and a mix of soluable and insoluable which is necessary as well. It's hard, but you just have to understand what you need and how to get it and make it a habit.... Also.... just from drinking the South Beach Tide Me Over's.... I put a packet in 32 ounces of water as less than that is too sweet.... I get in 64oz of water just from that...... I try to hit 100oz though everyday. It's all hard, just be aware..... the protein of 70-90g per day seems pretty easy.... I just make sure what I eat has good amounts of protein.... the Go Lean is a good start with 13g.... then I eat a lot of tuna fish or canned turkey/chicken (they contain TONS of protein)... then a chunk of meat for dinner.... Hope this all helps... I love reading other people's ideas too! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self-pay

I really don't like exercise... but now that I am down 40+ pounds it is becoming easier and less hurtful to walk.... but... to keep me motivated I am going to take a "Love to Exercise" hypnosis class through my local parks and recreation.... I am hoping that it will pompt me to get out more and move! The one thing that I have learned more than anything about the band is that it really is only a tool... it still takes as much self control as I needed before.... it just helps a little bit more with some physical responses when I mess up.... but it is still very hard work.... it's a mental thing and educating ourselves about truly proper nutrition and how to take care of our bodies in all ways. Good luck to all of you! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335+/292/175 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico self pay

I have had 2 fills as I metioned above.... it wasn't until just today (2 weeks after my fill) that I have issues with scrambled eggs... I still am not convinced I do have problems, but this morning I tried to eat them and two times had to make myself spit up in the sink... after the second time I gave up and didn't finish.... but everything else goes down fine.... I hope I truly don't have an issue as I love the Protein I get from those Omega 3 eggs! Kammi

oops... here is my email address kamicola@yahoo.com