bxlisa

I just read your post and can you be my band buddy/mentor, too? My name is Lisa and live in Newington, CT. I also was over 300lbs and I want to be like you next year... :thumbup: I'm going to start the "regular diet" stage next week. Any tips you can give me?

With the lap-band - The carbonation from soda expands the pouch and the goal is to keep the pouch as small as possible. It is actually dangerous to your health! Here are ten of the many reasons to kick the soda habit. Phosphorus found in most sodas contribute to bone loss by inhibiting the absorption of Calcium. High fructose corn syrup is linked to high blood sugar and diabetes. High fructose corn syrup is not absorbed like other sugars. It is processed through the liver and is the sugar that is most easily converted to fat. Carbonated drinks are linked to acid reflux, and esophageal cancer. Kids who drink soda on average have more cavities than kids who do not drink soda. Caffeine and sugar both cause dehydration. If you think diet soda is better think again. Aspartame is made from formaldehyde and and menthol. These toxins are known to cause nerve damage, headaches, and blurred vision. New studies link Aspartame in diet soda to sugar cravings. Experts believe that tricking your palate with artificial sweetener can cause the body to want the sugar in another form. Drinking either regular or diet soda is linked to obesity. There are so many better (and tastier) things to drink than soda!

Things You’ll Need: Jello Instant Pudding mix, Fat Free, Sugar Free Fat Free Milk Protein Powder Graham Crackers Fat Free, Sugar Free, Whipped Cream ------ Step1 Place 2 cups of fat free milk in a bowl or blender. Step2 Add package of Fat Free, Sugar Free, JELLO instant pudding, I prefer chocolate. Step3 Add 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder. Step4 Mix with a whisk or blend in your blender until creamy. Step5 Pour into bowl and refrigerate for about 5-10 minutes to thicken. Step6 Service in your favorite bowls with graham crackers, topped with whipped cream. Or just eat by itself. OH SO GOOD!

I was told soft deserts such as ice cream and pudding should be avoided in most cases as the LAP-BAND is not designed to restrict such items.

I found morning protein shakes are not helping me lose weight. When I switched to tuna or eggs in the morning I started dropping pounds again. Do you stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before and 1 hour after meals? Are you choosing protein foods 1st? And lastly are you taking all your vitamins?

Which is better for you for protein: regular eggs, Egg Beaters or Egg Whites?

I usually watch FitTV :: Home Page - All Star Workouts - I really like Sarina Jain presents her world famous Masala Bhangra workout. It's great for dancers and beginners.

I personally have been using "Stevia" which I got from Trader Joe's. I was told “low–sugar” or “sugar–free” products can make it difficult to lose weight because of constantly high insulin levels, which causes the body to store excess carbs as fat. According to the information I read one thing is certain: some of the chemicals that comprise artificial sweeteners are known hazards — the degree to which you experience side effects just depends on your individual biochemistry. Manufacturers are banking on the fact that our bodies won’t absorb very much of these compounds at any one time. And many of us don’t. For more info take a look at this article: http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/splenda.aspx

I will make an appointment with a pulmonologist to get my sleep study. Please double check with your insurance if you need a referral to a specialist. I had my lap-band with Connecticut Surgeons Center for Obesity Surgery and all patients must schedule consultations with a nutrition consult, pulmonary consult, psychiatric consult and cardiac consult.

My GYN doctor recommended Dr. Barba because his team is really good with getting approval for the lap-band procedure. Dr. Barba's staff was the utmost professional and Dr. Barba is very pleasant and truthful. The staff is very caring about the patient's needs and concerns. The practice now has a monthly support group and the office nutritionist Melissa was super nice and very informative. She will always call you back and even takes emails. I hope people find this helpful - Feel free to contact me at if you have any questions. For the month of June 2008 only, the support group will be held in the Gengras Auditorium on the 1st floor of the 1000 Asylum Ave building in Hartford, CT. This support group is open for everyone. For more info: Connecticut Surgeons :: Home

10 Ways to Jazz Up vanilla whey Protein powder Make Protein Powder Taste Better! By Lisa Thibault Pietsch, published Aug 17, 2007 If whey protein powder is a staple for you like it is for me, you're looking for ways to dress it up a bit. After all, you can only drink so much vanilla anything, right? Following are some tried and true suggestions on how to mix it up with vanilla whey protein powder. Spice Cake In a shaker bottle or blender, mix one dash each of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with one scoop vanilla whey powder and eight ounces of Water or milk. Blend and enjoy. Pumpkin Pie In a shaker bottle or blender, mix ¼ cup canned pumpkin and one dash each of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well and serve cold. Orange Creamsicle In a shaker bottle or blender, mix one tablespoon sugar free marmalade with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well. Cherry Vanilla In a blender, mix ¼ cup sugar free cherry pie filling with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well. Banana Bread In a blender, mix 1/2 banana and one dash each of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well and drink promptly. Banana/Strawberry In a blender, mix 1/2 banana and ¼ cup fresh or frozen strawberries with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well and drink promptly. Cheesecake In a shaker bottle or blender, mix one ¼ cup prepared Jello sugar free cheesecake flavored pudding with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well. Pina Colada In a blender, mix ¼ cup drained crushed pineapple and one tablespoon shredded coconut with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well and drink promptly. Latte In a shaker bottle or blender, mix one teaspoon instant coffee crystals with one scoop vanilla whey protein powder and eight ounces of cold water or milk. Blend well. Great for a pre-workout pick-me-up or mid-morning snack. Vanilla Pudding Did you know you could make pudding with your protein powder? Yes, you can! Just place one scoop of vanilla whey protein powder in a small bowl and add about ¼ cup of water or milk. Mix thoroughly. This usually mixes up into a nice pudding consistency but you can vary the amount of water/milk to your taste. There is no need to settle for plain old Vanilla when you can make every liquid meal an adventure! 2008 © Associated Content, All rights reserved. Web Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/347749/10_ways_to_jazz_up_vanilla_whey_protein.html?cat=51

Thanks for the info!

My new addiction is looking at my scars especially where the port is. I keep on thinking it's going to open.

You can contact me anything!

If you have Intermountain Healthcare then you need to schedule an appointment, or ask for more information by calling (801) 314-2926.

I heard this book is good - Susan Spungen's Recipes: A Collection for the Modern Cook.

Has anyone been able to go back eating ethnic food during the "mushy" and regular diet stage? I love Spanish, Indian, Italian and many others. Chicken Broth and Tomato soup dinners have been my best friends for a while but I need something new.

I just updated my info -- thanks.

Hi Everyone, I know we are supposed to be sipping Water all day but I'm a little confused. Do we have to stop sipping 30 minutes before eating food? Also is swallowing pills considered gulping? -Lisa

Hi All, My surgery was last week - Tuesday, May 13 - I just weight myself and I lost 10 pounds already. I'm happy but is it too fast? I have been having a Optifast drink (Protein 14g) in the mornings (around 10 - 11am) and chicken broth for dinner (7pm). I been having sugar free jello's and Popsicles for Snacks plus Water. I know I should be drinking more protein but I just too full. I'm finishing up my last few optifast drinks and will be get my Protein Isolate powder tomorrow. Are there any side effects since I haven't been taking less protein? -Lisa

Well, I made it through with my two week liquid diet. And I'm still alive! I will be going into the hospital in a few hours and I can’t sleep. Wish me good luck!

Well, I made it through with my two week liquid diet. And I'm still alive! I will be going into the hospital in a few hours and I can’t sleep. Wish me good luck!

I'm having problems with my pre-op diet. I do have an OrangeCrystal light drink in the mornings but I'm too full to drink water or just forget to drink some. I don't want to get dehydrated. :rolleyes2: Today is my fifth day and I really surprise I don't crave for solid foods. I even went to BJ's Wholesale Club today with my husband and I was able to walk pass those food samplers with no problem. It's a little shock that I had more will power than I thought all along.

I'm having problems with my pre-op diet. I do have an OrangeCrystal light drink in the mornings but I'm too full to drink water or just forget to drink some. I don't want to get dehydrated. :crying: Today is my fifth day and I really surprise I don't crave for solid foods. I even went to BJ's Wholesale Club today with my husband and I was able to walk pass those food samplers with no problem. It's a little shock that I had more will power than I thought all along.

Connecticut Surgeons :: Home My name is Lisa and I'm having my surgery with Dr. Carlos A. Barba on May 8th at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. The staff is great and Melissa Sullivan the registered dietitian is super nice.:thumbup: Anyone having surgery soon?