FeliciaLevy75

Salads are great! I haven't had any issues tolerating them. Just be careful not to sabotage yourself with all the stuff you don't need; quite a lot of fat and calories (and carbs, if you watch those) hide in salads in the form of additions, garnish, and dressings. Lettuce, spinach, etc. are great, but not doused in weight-loss-unfriendly ingredients. Chew them well, eat slow, and you'll find what you can handle best.

Get over yourself. That had nothing to do with you or your posts. I would have posted that if anyone had said something similar on any other thread. I found what George said funny, it reminded me of a joke amongst friends, and I responded. If you don't like it, stop reading it.

hahahaha George. When I hear "clandestine" I think (and you have to whisper it, according to a friend), "espionage!"

Haha Brad! A cute PA certainly is nothing to complain about!

Mama, did you forget to add your name and info to the list?

Interesting! (Says the TV guy) "Here, let's analyze these and create a stir over 14 lbs, then proceed to remind everyone that you need balance to succeed in the long run." *shakes head* Must be nice to be an "expert....." =) Thanks for sharing!

Gigem.... no words, man, no words. Well, maybe just "Ouch!" and I am sorry you had to go through that. I had my second fill today. I lay on my back, she palpitates the spot under my ribcage where my port sits, and she sticks me. The first time she used a port finder ("like a stud finder," she says) to be sure, as my port was not in the usual spot near the incision line. Today was much quicker and over fast. Thankfully, it has been a "so far, so good" experience.

I had a little hunger in the beginning, then I was in basically the same boat as HeatherO. I didn't truly feel it until I was about a month out. After my first fill 2 weeks ago, I still was feeling hungry. I called my doc and they had me come in today for fill #2. My original date for #2 is July 30... so we're keeping that on the calendar in case I need #3 sooner rather than later.

Ha ha Mary, I knew you could do it!! *hugs* Grats to everyone, awesome job! I went in for my 2nd fill today and confirmed that I lost another 2lbs or so since I posted!. I'll update next week, though my ticker is correct now. LOL

I read about this on the NYTimes.com site this morning. The problem with the study is that the controlled meals were only once a day, lunch, and it doesn't talk about calories. (I'd like to see exercise, too, but I realize the focus is on types of diets). All other meals were on their own based on their education in regards to their specific diet type. 2 years and only 10-14 lbs? You can do that on any diet if you modify the calories properly. Did they have different calorie levels? Did everyone have the same? I am not posting against you, Renewed, just thinking out loud after reading that article. Did the TV version have more info?

Fran, you just made my point more clear. Thank you for that. It's not about "our" group versus "your" group. The offense is taken in the exclusivity and separation created by your post. Your choice of words makes it clear that this was the intent. This is supposed to be about opening up support channels for everyone, open and inclusive of anyone who wants to come along, and finding new venues to support the support network(s). The previous meeting at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba and the upcoming meeting at PF Chang's are still open to anyone and everyone in the area, regardless of what other meetings people choose to attend. Seems a pretty easy way to offer support to our fellow banders and LBTers.

Hey MSnika, I guess it comes down to watching all of it. Calories still count - expend more than you take in and you will lose weight, regardless of the type of diet you prefer. I watch my caloric intake, keep it within my preferences as noted above, and follow my/the band rules. Track everything, too. It helps you keep an eye on what you are eating. You can do it!

My point is that you've created a separation instead of an additional group to offer support. The tone is very "us vs. them," supported by a secret ballot instead of an open invitation to everyone who is looking for support. Why not just post that you are hosting an additional get-together, offer it up, and let those attend who wish to attend? That would be supportive. And, since you are planning it, you choose the venue. Simple enough, yes? No need to bemoan the (total of only) 2 planned events that happen to be at central restaurant locations. It's not about fighting, it's about common courtesy. The other events may not be for everyone else, but neither are they posted in such a way as to create a separation of groups. Everyone is invited every time, and the information is posted publicly so that people can see what's going on and make that decision themselves. No need to hide it, no need to compare one group to the other. Just open invitations to meet your fellow LBTers. That's support.

Track your food. Quantity and quality are not the same thing: you could be eating less, but what are you eating? It's one thing to say that you are eating better/healthier, but until you see it laid out, can you be sure? Remember, calories are calories - and calories still count. Take in less than you need, and you will lose weight. Also, as the previous poster asked, how do your clothes fit? Are you gaining muscle while losing fat?

Renewed, my style is also a modified lower carb versus a straight low carb. Once in a while, I need more carbs because of activity, stress, female monthly stuff, etc. I watch my carbs and eat no refined sugars, no bread (the occasional tortilla/wrap is allowed), no cereals... but I include fresh fruit, Greek yogurts, and fresh vegetables. I choose Protein supplements with 0-2 carbs max, I don't eat sweets, and, except as noted for the wraps, eat no starches (potatoes, breads, pastas, etc.). I also (fairly militantly) watch my fat and calories, making sure that I get vegetable Fiber, plenty of lean protein, and just a small amount of "good" fats (whether from fish or produce) to balance it all out. Doing all this, I am losing 4+ lbs per week while feeling great. I try to have less than 40 carbs, but some days I go for more and cycle things around. I have found this to work for me, so I keep doing it. The long-winded point is that, regardless of what you read or research, you have to do what works for you. I feel very strongly that low carb is great... adapted, as needed, for an individuals needs. If it works, then it works, and that is what you need to focus on. Good luck with the changes!

Why private messages and digs at the outings already planned? Support is everywhere, regardless of where you meet and regardless of whether or not you eat while you are there. Private messages after this kind of post tells me that (A) there is a level of embarrassment at previous behaviors and ( support is only available if you hide it from everyone else. Going out to eat is not the reason we gained weight and find ourselves here. We are here (usually) because of unhealthy practices and unhealthy management of food. You can eat out and be healthy and successful. The problem is not as complicated as that... it's not the food, or those serving it.... it's the person eating it. I think it's great that more groups are popping up, but wouldn't it be healthier (the real reason we're here, by the way) to include everyone, promoting meetings in addition to - instead of in competition with - the other meetings that people enjoy? Where the hell is the support?

congratulations!!!

First... GRATS!!!! For the photo, click on MANAGE ATTACHMENTS at the bottom of the screen when you are replying to this thread. It will walk you through attaching it. If it's too large, you may need to resize it first; the system allows JPG and JPEG file formats that are up to 1.95MB.

This is how it is for me, too.

LOL My thoughts, exactly! We aren't losing it, nor are we looking for it.... we know where it's going and we don't want it back. I prefer to say that I have now abandoned about 50lbs. hehehe

I am down over 45 (on my way to 50!) since the week before my surgery on May 15; 40+ is post-surgery. I have my 2nd fill on Thursday morning as I have no restriction after my first. We also have a third fill scheduled (as needed) for the end of the month... just in case. Very exciting!

Not a big change, but it's been less than a week, so I can't complain. Happy happy Monday, 2 more lbs gone! Name.............Current......Goal.........To Go Bunkey1965......207..........189...........18 dreamsize8.......216..........190...........26 FeliciaLevy75....257.4.......240...........17.4 laura bough......215..........190...........25 liz_hager..........168..........150...........18 NukeChik..........227..........197...........30 thininside28......271.5........245..........26.5 Cadets71.........231...........219..........12 Wannabthin......199...........179..........20 scrappy_friend..222...........200...........22 TexGirl.............198..........180...........18 Gayle21...........190..........175...........15 MMarg.............216...........199..........21 Jeni 85............189...........169..........20 Newhope4me....163.6........150..........13.6

Gah, checking calendar. I said yes, but I am supposed to be in NYC. Will repost when I know for sure.

Restriction won't change the foods you eat, so if you find yourself eating too much, focus on eating healthy foods. Distract yourself when you feel hungry between meals. Drink plenty of water. Focus on your choices, your control. You can do this. Also, try finding out why the strict "no-fills between fills" rule. The band is meant to serve a specific purpose, and a doctor that won't support that purpose is working against the band. I have had one small fill and feel no restriction. I called today and they are fitting me in next week, 2 weeks before my scheduled fill. We'll keep the original appointment, too, just so we can evaluate the 2nd fill and determine the need, if any, for a third. If you aren't happy, research your options (i.e. fills with someone else). Good luck.

hahahahaha I'll have to test that next Friday OMW to Chicago! =)