FeliciaLevy75

Hey Grace, Still up for something this weekend? What's good for you? I am open!

Unflavored Proteins powders are everywhere. Try mixing them with nonfat yogurt and fruit (blend the hell out them, no chunks). Kellog's Special K Protein waters are decent, and if you drank 5 of those a day you'd get 25 grams of protein and only 250 cals. Not recommended for everyone, but they are a Water, not a thick liquid, and flavired well. Not too horrible overall if you watch how it all adds up.

I am not a big snacker, so I usually stick to Water. But! I have also popped into my purse a 60-cal SF Jello pudding snack or a small bit of cheese if I am feeling hungry and I know it will be awhile before mealtime. Better that than some of the other choices. If you are going to be eating it within a half hour or so, and you aren't hiking there in the Vegas heat, you shouldn't experience any issues with refrigeration (or rather, lack therof). I have also debated on picking up a grilled chicken salad at one of the cafes nearby and just carrying a large purse! :smile: Then I can have my meal, forget the Snacks, and enjoy the movie.

Hmmm, weird! I live in Las Vegas, and I have pulled out my "she had her stomach banded, please let her have a kiddie portion" card that my surgeon provides... and it works quite often! Whether a buffet or a standard restaurant, I show the card and I have been given discounts, smaller portions, substitutions where none are usually allowed, or a kid's menu (don't recommend this unless it has healthier choices). It's been great!

Sweets, Ice Cream, etc. are not hard to eat once banded... the problem is that the band is a tool to help you eat less and does not perform as a malabsorptive. That is to say, it doesn't negate calories, it helps you to not overeat by limiting physical quantity. Ice cream, shakes, sweets, etc. will go down as easy as anything else, maybe too much so. I forget the post I saw recently, but someone said you don't have to count calories, just mind your restriction. That sounds to me like the biggest myth of all - one that propogates as a result of a lifetime of bad food choices and justification. A bander living on ice cream, burgers, pizza, etc. will not succeed. I am not saying that those posting here will do that, but the point is that too many calories and fat is still too many calories and fat, regardless of whether you have a band or not.

Nneurell, does it happen with certain foods or all foods? How are you tolerating liquids and soft foods? If those are going down OK, what about chewing until the food is essentially liquid in your mouth? Chew, chew, chew, and the food isn't big enough to get stuck.

Some disclaimers: -- This is far from scientific -- This is not about the person, but PARTS of their personality -- There are a lot of generalizations (i.e. what and who is attractive), but I didn't want to make this too long with caveats every third sentence. You get the idea. There was an interesting quote on an episode of House (see, I told you it wasn't scientific) wherein Dr. House states (paraphrasing, can't find the exact quote): "You can't be with him. 9s go with 9s, 4s go with 4s. He's at best a 6, and you're an 11." Generally speaking, one can see this in our society. We're attracted to pretty people, fit people, because it means (a) they're nice to look at and, more important, (:smile: it implies health necessary for propogation of the species. Sure, there are breaks from that standard, but it's pretty fitting (no pun intended), nonetheless. There is more that goes into this than just looks, and I don't even mean general personality. The ugly truth (pun intended here) is that bad habits commiserate with bad habits. That adage about misery loving company? It applies to more than just mental issues, it applies to bad eating habits, justification of sedentary lifestyles, and all of the other destructive habits we carry as burdens, trophies, and shields. Obese people tend to have more obese friends than anyone else. Thin people have more thin friends. My immediate family is a shining example: My father died of ill-controlled diabetes (which caused a number of mental, cardiac, renal, and opthamological issues). He was 64, Type II for 20 years or so, and did so little to control it as to cause a snowball effect. My mother has had a stroke (smoker, sedentary, refuses to go to doctors and dentists and has been like this all my life). She is 60 this year, and on the fast track to not making it to 61. My sister and BIL, older brother and my eldest SIL (who is Type I), do nothing but justify bad nutrition, bad habits, and overindulgence. They support these bad habits, this detrimental lifestyle, as if it is some kind of reward for earlier life experiences. My ex-husband was one of them: eat crap, don't move. The only one of these people who support(ed) me for making good choices was my late father. Everyone else has excluded me as much as possible because, as my boss says it, " am the one walking out of the smoky garage saying don't want to smoke the weed anymore." I am now an outsider, a representative of all the things that they themselves SHOULD be doing but WILL NOT... because in each other they can find a way to accept and be accepted for not trying. I made myself fat and, while I firmly believe that WHO a person is shouldn't be defined by HOW they look, fat is part of who I am. Rather, who I was. They can't be separated because ultimately, it is me that made my decisions, no one else. But I am changing that. I am emerging from that, literally and figureatively. I *hope* that I get more attention as a thin person. I am not angry about that concept, I see it as appropriate. The WHO will no longer be hidden by the WHAT, and I will have every opportunity to expand my support network with people with good habits, good attitudes toward food, exercise, and living the life we were all meant to live. Carrying anger or having unrealistic expectations about the reactions of others is the surest way to add another shield to the already-bulging sheilds that most obese peopple carry. Step away from that, and enjoy what you are doing. If it means more attention and more firiends, great. You don't have to abandon your old friends, it's not about that. It's about adding to your life and moving forward as a healthy and trim person.

Doing great! Down 24 lbs (as of last Thursday), which includes a little weight lost pre-op (no prescribed pre-op diet, just excited and started changing eating habits). :smile: My clothes are starting to hang on me and I am able to wear some I haven't been able to wear for some time. It's so exciting! Never any PBs, sliming, vomiting, or anything. One Brussels sprout stuck, but that's it. Working out more and more. Between walking and balance ball workouts (still avoiding anything where I have to lay on my stomach), I thinking I am doing OK on exercise, but I am looking forward to something a bit more strenuous). I keep track of everything I eat so I can watch my nutrition and my caloric intake. I am a bit militant about it, but I am OK with that. That's what is making this so easy and so successful! Loving this!

Thread started here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f244/anyone-up-meet-greet-weekend-66228/#post880215 Anyone else up for saying Hi this weekend? No date and time specified just yet, trying to see who wants to meet up and when they are available. Please go to the thread linked above and post so we can keep it all together. Thanks!

I have to admit I am not a fan of buffets... BUT, I am willing to go if it means meeting up and saying Hi. I am going to post in a couple of other places as well, see if I can generate some more interest.

So far it has only happened once. I knew it the moment I did it. It was a Brussels sprout. I was not paying attention, popped it into my mouth, chewed quickly, and swallowed. I could feel it going down and I felt it get stuck. It hurt, I didn't want to breath. Thankfully, I haven't had a fill yet. It passed after a short period of time and I was fine. I didn't finish my sprouts, regardless. I was a bit nervous.

Magic bullet all the way. I still do smoothies for breakfast, it's great for homemade soups, and just a convenient little kitchen helper all the way around.

Anyone interested in meeting up for coffee, tea, water, lunch, dinner, etc. this weekend? I think it would be neat to meet (or say hello again) to others who are part of this community.

Ideas: 1. Call your doc to see if you can get in for a fill; it sounds like you need more restriction. 2. Track your food so you can control it. Use FitDay.com, NutritionData.com, or something else. If you can see what you are eating (and the breakdown), you can make a conscious effort to change it / adjust it. 3. If you are hungry, and you have already eaten your 4oz or so for your meals, drink more Water and go do something that will distract you from eating. Water your plants, take out the garbage, vacuum, take a quick walk... something away from the kitchen and food. Just some thoughts. Good luck!

Last night I had my first dinner out. My family and friends took me out to Celebrate my birthday. Everyone there was already aware of what I did/what I am doing. I chose a tapas restaurant so that I wouldn't be stuck with a meal I couldn't eat; tapas affords many choices of tiny dishes, easy to choose just what I want and share the plate once I get a taste. About halfway through, my friend Roman* shows up. Roman and I have dated sort of randomly on and off for about 2 1/2 years with a lot of complicated garbage in between. Because of that, he has never met my family and very few of my friends. Suffice it to say, I was shocked to see him. Anyway, he was there, sitting between me and my mom, getting along with everyone and socializing. We kept doing our thing, passing around plates and having a good time. He finally looks at me and says, "Something's different." I smiled and said I had lost 24 lbs (since consultation - ticker is since surgery). He said he noticed, and noticed that I wasn't eating much and asked me how I was doing it. I told him about the surgery and the changes I have made living with the band. He looked at me and, for a half a second, I found I was a bit nervous of his reaction. He grinned from ear to ear and said he thought it was awesome. I am pretty vocal about my decision to tell anyone who will listen about my choice to be banded. But telling a suitor/SO/romantic friend... that was definitely different. I know there are a million threads out there on this very subject, but I wanted to share my first band confession in the dating sense.

I am in North Las Vegas. I was banded by Dr. Soong on May 15. I haven't been to any support yet because I have school on the nights they hold group sessions. I am up for meeting anywhere; I'd love to meet some locals.

When I go, it's the Venti Skinny (nonfat, sugar free, no whipped cream) Mocha, iced, decaf. 120 cals + I get my milk. It makes a decent-enough Breakfast in a hurry because you get 10 grams Protein without all the other crap. The only sugars and carbs are from the milk. It's not substantial enough for every day, but it's better thank skipping altogether. And because I get decaf, my hunger isn't goaded into reappearing later. I heard that they are discontinuing the already-short-lived SF Mocha, so I bought a bottle and have it behind their counter with my name on it. Two other options I like are brewed coffee, either black or with a little nonfat milk, or iced green tea, unsweetened.

OK, ready to rock with some new numbers! Current: 286 Challenge Goal: 256 (-30 lbs)

Supposed to fill on July 2, but sooner if my non-liquid diet doesn't fill me up.

Will weigh and post tomorrow. =)

I was banded May 15, 2008 at 299lbs. My goal is 140, so I have a ways to go. About me: 33 years old (on Friday!) Divorced (and happy about it, thanks!) Female A full time student A full time paralegal Living with a roommate (Army guy, healthy, great friend and supporter) A little OCD, a lot Type A, and completely motivated I cuss like a sailor I love to travel I live on my BlackBerry (mentor will have to be someone OK with communicating via phone, text, email, chat, and boards**) First, a nod to VegasGrace. FABULOUS post! I would love to talk to you sometime! That said, I am just this side of needing things like Protein powders for my morning smoothie, a gym membership to remind me that I need to (a) socialize and ( get my ass moving since I am paying for it. I know that's not your gig, but please know that I am applauding your posts. =) I need tough love, and prefer it over most "touchy-feely" crap... but I need empathy, too. My mentor will need to be honest with me, but I don't want a drill sargeant. My mentor will need to have their own life outside of these boards and, believe it or not, outside the band. It's a tool, it shouldn't consume you (or me, for that matter). I want a mentor who will be proactive in mentoring, sharing their experience, but not someone who will throw in the towel because I did something my way. I don't do the pity thing, I am not second-guessing this decision. I am here, I did it, and I want to move forward. One of my favorite sayings: It is what it is. You deal with it, whatever it is, and you live your life. As the title says, I would prefer a guy. It's not a deal breaker, but I am guy-friend type of gal. Less drama, more honesty, and usually to-the-point. If you have questions, let me know. Thanks! ** Not necessarily all at once or one over the other, but we both have lives and each medium has its own advantages.

I was banded on May 15 and, aside from my post-surgery follow up, I am not due for another followup or fill until July 2. This was to allow me plenty of time to heal, move slowly into solids, and take my time getting used to everything. That said, they did say that once I was into solids (3-5 weeks depending on how I feel), if 4oz of a high Protein meal didn't make me feel full or if I was hungry again very soon, to call them for an earlier appointment. After the 1st fill, whenever that is, it will be based on my ability to eat my 4oz and remain full. If I am not getting full, then I go back, regardless of when my appointment is actually scheduled. My point is that everyone is different; it's going to be hard for anyone, including the doctors, to tell you for certain what schedules of fills will work for you simply based on their own experience. You should listen to your body first, then discuss that with your doctor.

I made a smoothie this morning that tasted a bit like an Orange Julius.... (not that I am old, but it seems like something the "younger" crowd wouldn't recogize). For those who do remember... I made mine with: 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder (can't remember which brand, from GNC) 2 oz Minute Maid Light Orange Drink (the one with 50 cals per 8oz) 3 oz Nonfat Milk 1 cup frozen Mango chunks Blend until smooth. Add milk, juice, or water to thin to taste. Add more frozen Mangoes to thicken.

Las Vegas, Dr. Soong, $16,100 and it includes all follow up and fills for 1 year.

Sadly, I was an NKOTB fan.... actually, even the word "fan(atic)" is too putting it lightly. *sigh* I saw their Today show (GMA?) appearance and felt sooooo bad for them. They just aren't the comeback kind, at least not trying to relive the 80s and 90s. Maybe the new stuff will be better? I live in Vegas, but I won't be betting on it anytime soon. :sad: There are a lot of 80s bands touring this summer! I saw Bon Jovi in Phoenix about a month ago, and if my timing isn't off, I am hoping to catch Iron Maiden this summer, as well as a few others.