annecolorgreen

I've lost 28 lb (four this past week). I saw a man tonight who had surgery the same day that I did...he's lost 60 lbs! The doctor did NOT do my fill today as he said I'm doing great and I should "save my fills for when I need them". I agreed but can come back whenever I want. Good luck Glenny!

I do an easy chai tea that doesn't make me miss the expensive chai tea lattes! I just use a chai tea bag (with or without caffeine depending on the time of day), brew it, and add a small amount of SF vanilla creamer and enjoy! Hope this helps! ~~anne

Sweet Potato Casserole Large can of yams—2 lb 8 oz (drained) 1/3 cup ICBINB 2 eggs ½ cup skim milk ½ tsp vanilla Mix in mixer—put in sprayed casserole dish Topping: One cup brown sugar (I used brown sugar splenda--the conversion is only 1/2 cup) 1/3 cup flour (I used WW flour) 1/3 cup ICBINB (soften don’t melt) Fork it together Cup of pecans mix in and put on top Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon Bake 350 for 40 min without a lid (can be prepared ahead--when ready to bake, add the topping)

OK, this is weird. My teeth have been hurting and nothing I've done is helping! It hurts to chew! I've had a dental appt fairly recently and have no issues. I've been brushing, flossing, and using a waterpik with warm salt Water when it's really sore. Any thoughts? Thanks! ~~anne

Well...it's almost time for my first fill and I'm still doubting whether or not I need it. I guess that's a good thing. I've been trying to exercise 5/7 days a week and am losing regularly and doing well with my eating. Thanksgiving day, I went on a 2-mile plus fast walk and then had dinner with family (I ate all I wanted...small quantities) and lost a pound that day! Two days later, I had my second T-day dinner after going on a hike with a friend that morning...and lost TWO pounds! I think I know what's going on...I'm pretty sure I'm building muscle and that increases metabolism. Initially, I had 49% body fat...I'll be anxious to recheck that (I'm going to do it this week). I would bet I've increased muscle while decreasing fat. I'm not doing any big muscle building exercises...just using some hand weights and doing some basic things like curls. Hope this helps someone!

Well...it's almost time for my first fill and I'm still doubting whether or not I need it. I guess that's a good thing. I've been trying to exercise 5/7 days a week and am losing regularly and doing well with my eating. Thanksgiving day, I went on a 2-mile plus fast walk and then had dinner with family (I ate all I wanted...small quantities) and lost a pound that day! Two days later, I had my second T-day dinner after going on a hike with a friend that morning...and lost TWO pounds! I think I know what's going on...I'm pretty sure I'm building muscle and that increases metabolism. Initially, I had 49% body fat...I'll be anxious to recheck that (I'm going to do it this week). I would bet I've increased muscle while decreasing fat. I'm not doing any big muscle building exercises...just using some hand weights and doing some basic things like curls. Hope this helps someone!

I have to share this with someone and thought it might bring encouragement to you all as we go through the holidays! I was worried about Thanksgiving but made it a point to get up that morning (actually I was still up as I work nights and didn't go to bed) and walked a little over two miles in the cold sunshine. I went home and prepared my part of the "feast" and then went to my mom's house. I ate everything I wanted...just small amounts and spent more time TALKING than EATING! The next day...I lost a pound! :cursing: Fast forward two days and it was time for Thanksgiving day #2 at my in-laws. Again, I went out in the morning and hiked with my friend (cold day--sunny) probably about two miles but I don't know as we were in the woods. Finished the prep and then went to dinner. I ate what I wanted (including DRESSING and an iced sugar cookie) and weighed today...I lost TWO more pounds! :blushing: I really think my gym time is catching up as building muscle increases metabolism. Just an idea to help us get through! Focus on exercise and enjoying the company more than the food! Happy Holidays! ~~anne P.S. My first fill is Monday!

I ate what I wanted (turkey, ham, dressing, a bit of gravy, sweet potatoes, yellow pepper slices, hummus/baked pita, a taste of ww mac/cheese, probably a small handful of caramel corn/peanuts/m&m's, and a very small slice of carrot cake) all over the course of about six hours. Today, I got on the scale and weighed a pound less! Woo hoo! I must add that I also walked 2 miles that morning and the first part was uphill! My first fill is Monday. I hope it goes well. I'm a bit nervous...probably more nervous than I was about the surgery itself! Weird, huh? Happy day after Thanksgiving! ~~anne

I'm so sorry . Did you ask if you could eat soft foods Thursday? Call tomorrow and ask. ~~anne

Sounds like you are ready!!! ~~anne

I did think of that one! I'm actually on one (and have been for years) that states on the label not to drink alcohol with it! I think it's easier in large group settings. ~~anne

Well, I did have a Thanksgiving lunch at work last week but that was easy. No one paid attention to what I ate or drank. Last night, dh and I went out to dinner with some friends we regularly eat/drink with. Although my doctor said it's okay to drink alcohol in moderation, I have decided not to for now. We arrived at the restaurant late and 3 of 4 people were already drinking (the 4th was the designated driver). One immediately started pushing me to order a drink and when I quietly said, "no", pushed again. About an hour later, he started pushing again. Of course, when he did this, everyone paid attention to me and the fact that I normally drink but wasn't. I halfway wondered if I should have bought a drink and taken a sip occasionally? Hmmm. These same people will be at a holiday get together with us on Dec. 13th. I did well with dinner. Dh and I split a meatloaf order and he got a side and I did (creamed spinach). I drank lots of Water before eating and then quit. ~~anne

Congrats on both realizing you needed someone else AND finding someone else!

:smile2: everyone is doing so great! Don't they say that "patience is a virtue"? Hard, isn't it? Have a healthy holiday everyone! ~~anne

I called the office and they were shocked that the girl had scheduled me for right before Thanksgiving. They said that would not be a good idea as sometimes the first fills can be too restrictive and it may be difficult to get back in with the holiday. The first day I would eat solid food would be Thanksgiving. I'm scheduled for Dec. 1st now and happy even if I may eat a little more or be a little hungrier for the next week. Thanks for your help! ~~anne

I take tiny bites of mine.

I did see the Oprah show and thought it was great that most had learned great new habits. Ali is amazing! ~~anne

When I drink Water too quickly, it makes my throat "tickle" and I cough...does anyone else experience this? Thanks, Anne

Julie-what you might get are some small handweights (like 5 lbs) and just do some arm curling while watching tv or something. It definitely won't bother your incisions and will start to build muscle in your arms (you may need more weight-but I didn't! :cool:). I am using some at the gym but had some at home and use the lighter weights just randomly. OR, you can use canned veggies!! ~~anne

Speaking of which... Question: I am not able to each much without becoming full or feeling like it is starting to come up (same thing I guess). Anyway, my doc scheduled me for a fill a week from Monday (before Thanksgiving). Do you think I should keep that appointment??? The trainer at the gym said some people have restriction just from the swelling of the surgery and it sounds like I do. I don't want to be SO restricted I worry about eating even a very small amount at t-day dinner. What would you do? ~~anne

Funny story (I thought): our local XXX shop has a sign out front that says, "Everyone needs a stimulus package...let us help you find yours". :eek: About vibrators, ever since my vaginal hysterectomy, I can only manage something fairly small. Unfortunately, that does not describe my dh so it took awhile before we could comfortably have intercourse (and lots of lube!). I still prefer small. How long did you wait for sex after your surgery? ~~anne

My surgery "package" included 8 weeks in the cardiac rehab gym at the hospital where I was banded. It's a bit far from my house (30 min each way) but is worth it as the trainer walks every step of the way with me. I started last Monday and walked and did the stationary bike and, today, did 45 min on the treadmill and 35 min on the bike along with starting some small handweights. I managed 5 out of 7 days last week. I think exercise is very important even if it is a short walk each day. ~~anne

Thanks for the ideas--I am up for ANYTHING! I have been taking miralax, benefiber, AND senna-S with very rare results. Today I just couldn't stand it anymore and bought some milk of mag and took a dose with good results. BUT, it always makes me want to throw up when I take it! :eek: NOT a good thing! Tomorrow, I am heading to the store to buy some dried apricots and, if that doesn't work, flaxseed oil! ~~anne

Sounds good!

Oh, I always loved the teriyaki chicken sandwich...so it makes a good salad? Hmmm. Thanks for the idea! ~~anne