sue in ne

Hi All, I am upping my exercise and have lost 1# so far ( better than gaining like the last few weeks)

Your DH must be related to mine. I let him select which ones ( e.g. mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or stuffing) he wants at the dinner. The day after, I will make only 1 more dish to go with left overs. The 2nd or 3rd day, only 1 more new dish; by then he is satisfied. I occasionally will make one of the "traditional " dishes later, for an occasion, not just a holiday. He then doesn't miss it and the children get a taste of the family dishes. I lighten every dish wherever I can of suger, fat, and salt. Low fat ingredients work better than non-fat; very little taste difference. If I didn't tell him, he wouldn't know it was reduced fat. Double churned no sugar added frozen yogurt has half the calories and more grams of protein than ice cream; Better for everyone. Do check the internet I did that to one of the "mandatory" casseroles and he now likes mine better than his Mother's. I also have cut the quantity prepared whenever possible. A Turkey breast is better for us 3, rather than a whole turkey. He still buys me no sugar added apple pie-I 'm the only one that eats apple pie (ate a little filling, and got rid of the rest.) I simplified my cooking, and prepare a # of stews, soups, etc. We also use pasta mixes which they eat and I don't (the mix helps control the amount prepared). We have a lot less bread in the house, and one storage container for cookies, chips, etc. They have to buy it and put it in there; I don't want to see it. I have had to take more control of the grocery shopping and plan more (not wait until I'm driving home from work). Do check the internet for recipes. There are several sites. Also, you will want a supply of alternatives for yourself, in case the band is not as tolerant of the dish (e.g. cottage cheese, non fat yogurt) It is a struggle, but you can control yourself. and change your children's future. Good Luck

Jachut is correct. always check the fat content for ground beef or turkey. That is always more critical than type of meat/poultry. The generic ground stuff is usually parts left over, parts that are getting old, or parts not usually sold separately, like lips, ect. I use both ground beef /turkey and will combine both in a dish at times.

This is great!!! I am trying it tomorrow!!

Why isn't this forum about ways to reduce carbs in one's diet? I could not do a low carb diet consistently but I am ssooo addicted to the foods with flour/sugar/ fat, I have to limit them. No diet works forever and no one diet works for everyone. Just went on a carb binge the last 2 days and am trying to stay away from the stuff.the stuff

Happy NewYear!! I want to set a goal of 90 miles, walking. Even with the nastyweather, this should be doable!!

You Are inspirational!! Bill Oh , Any suggestions for those of us who cannot run? I trashed my knee 2X in my youth ( lost cartilage) was told no jogging. But I'm walking about 2-2.5 miles a day and want to set a goal of a race ( not a marathon). Am told the local running club allows walkers if we meet the minimum speed) Thank you

HAppy New year ALl, I met my challenge ( 50 miles) by doing almost 68( 67.75) miles. Am doing more than I thought !! New Year here i come !

Am Glad you are feeling beter. I know itis a lot to learn and deal with all at once. When something seems to go wrong, It is easy to fear the worst. Rest helps. the New Year should look better already

Glad to hear you are feeling better a bit better. Other than the quantity issue, what your Doctor and nutritionist laid out sounds pretty normal. If your doctor allows it, there are probiotic capsules (they are rather large) to take when antibiotics, affect the good bacteria. Been there. My doctor recommended them but I didn't have this problem post surgery. health food stores carry them in the refrigeration section.

[ I did break down and took some of my prescription pain medication a little while ago. Hopefully that will ease the pain and help me get some rest. Thanks Sue! Any other advice is welcomed! Amy, You must talk to your doctor. He should have given you a list of foods, menus, and consistencies to eat. Do NOT try to eat any solids, even applesauce, at this point. Sometimes yogurt is not allowed immediately after surgery(i had only clear liquids for the 1st 2 days, and wasn't allowed yogurt (no fruit, sugar, or lumps) until day 3, post op). Strained soups, sugar free popsicles and fudgesicles may be tolerable. i could also have thinned cream of wheat, and thinned mashed potatoes ( soupy). If you have any liquid protein drinks, i.e. slimfast high Protein, or EAS, do take those, slowly. My doctor said no more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup for the the meal, 3 meals/day, and something to drink ( about 1 cup) almost every hour in between. The goal I had was for 6-8 cups of fluid (including the 3 c. of protein drink) and 70 grams of protein a day. You have a couple of things going on, any of which can upset your stomach. Your stomach was inflated to help with banding. Your stomach has had a major shock. You may be consuming too much at one time or moving too quickly to more solid food consistencies( you should be at the all liquid, no lumps stage). If your stomach is easily upset, or does not tolerate some foods, this may be part of the problem, too. i would urge you to back off, try clear broth or protein drink, and call your doctor. If you are drinking any coffee or tea, caffeinated or not- stop. I couldn't tolerate cocoa, either, for a while. These can upset your stomach. Hope you get some rest tonite. It will get better. Did the doctor give you any information about post op eating, protein, caffeine? it is a new way of eating and usually nutrition education is a must for candidates.

Okay I am confused as to some terminology... 1. What is the "sweet spot" and how will I know when I get there? 2. How can you vomit so much and still not lose weight? 3. What is "pb"? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? 4. My Dr. said if I vomit even one time I am to call his office right away or go to the emergency room, don't all Dr want this? I was told my goal was to never vomit again..EVER. Can anyone help unconfuse me???? Thanks. :smile: Hi, Everyone is different and every doctor has different instructions. 1) The Sweet spot is when you are losing weight, you feel some restriction and do not vomit. It is elusive. as weight loss changes the restriction. 2) PB is productive belching and a good thing. It means something is stuck and your body is trying to dislodge it. That alone is fine. The Sliming ( Excess salivation ) to help dislodge it ,and vomitting, is not fun; but it happens. i have had it occur as a single episode and am fine. I have had a sinus problem and could not stop vomitting (nothing was stuck). In which case I called my surgeon. 3) one will vomit because a food item is stuck but only the stuck item(s) will come up. There are lots of other high calorie things that will not make you vomit. You will not lose weight by sporadic vomitting. You only vomit the item that is stuck, NOT the entire contents of your stomach, ( It is not the gut wrenching flu vomiitting we have all experienced.) 4) do follow your Doctor's instructions. Sometimes, when a food is stuck and vomitting won't relieve the discomfort; the band must be deflated. I had sinus drainage that filled my stomach to the point I could not swallow. Any vomitting that does not stop, yes contact your doctor. (You will soon learn the difference)

Hi ALl, i need a kick in the rear. since Turkey Day have gained 8 #:smile:, and had gall bladder surgery. just want to get back on track!!!

My Dec Goal is 50 miles, Am at 49 miles but have been off with gall bladdder surgery and snowed in for 4 days. January has to be a higher goal.. I plan to walk at the gym tomorrow... Am tired of being cooped up!!

Very normal!! Walking helps. Even indoors if you are housebound with snow. Use Gas-X, if you have it; a lot of us used that. The gurgling is very normal. Just slow down you drinking, a bit.

Umystifyme, Congrats!! :welldoneclap:Even if you are going home, sometimes they hold you overninght. Don't know how far you'll travel but that may be a good thing, considering the weather. I, too, found oral surgery more difficult. This was less painful. Do stay on top of the pain and take any pain meds offered!! You just have to drink and watch what you drink. Do rest As soon as you feel like it. Walking is good. Merry Christmas !! It will be a great New Year:cheers2::tongue:

Hi All, 215 for Dec may have been reasonable but this gall bladder thing is a real pain ( literally) I can eat mashed potatoes and yogurt. Anything else causes problems. Am about 222# at the moment. I haven't felt like exercising,or walking. Surgery is Tuesday, hopefully I can get back on track.

Hi Am at 219 # at the moment. nhave had problems with my gal bladder and it comes out on the 22nd. Hopefully that will make the weight loss easier A the moment, I think 215 # would be a resonable fogoal for Dec.

JWhipple,Well, It hurts now, but it is over. You can choose to keep her out of your life. Just keep thinking of all her other ex's when she tries to contact you. Don't wait for her any more. She isn't worth any more of your time, emotions, or money. She willl get hers. ( karma does work) - AS they say- living well is the best revenge,:willy_nilly: for now, focus on living well. Go out and be with others. Volunteer, at something- doesn't have to be anythng formal, Offer to hepl your neighbor or co-worker.. Helping others will help you. Celebrate the Season with others, maybe your daughter. You have had a heckuva year- time for some peace of mind. Good Luck !!

Hi, My bandiversary was Dec 1st. since being banded, I've lost 69 # with 70 more to go,. But with exercise, am still shrinking in clothing sizes (Really an upper for me) NSV- have to quit closet shopping as I am about out of clothes that still fit; of all BP meds, and my CPAP is dropped 4 points. I out walk my DH. Now I need my gall bladder out (Dec 22, it's complcating what I eat and itis better this way ) . What I've learned: Exercise is key, I really can change, this is only a tool and I have to make it work. I still feel like I'm juggling exercise, diet, and life - still need to change things daily to make it easier (evreything is in flux). also maybe it isn't me, my job is horrid. I will be better off when they decide who is laid off

Kim, only you can decide. Do it for you, not a dress size. I am older but Makulafamy says it better in her video. Some of my family objected, too9 hey wouldn't do it even they need to) ; later, others asked about it forr themselves and their inlaws. You are a pioneer- someone has to break the barier. It was worth every penny for me. I have 70# s to go but this is the thinnest I've been in 6 years!!. Anyone who thinks thisis easy , needs to try- it isn't simply a matter of banding your stomach, you must watch what you eat, drink, check yor internal sensations while eating, exercise, and keep it up. It is a committment. But it is successful!!

Hii am still here. No weight change. Found out I need my gall bladder removed.- (DEC 22) Not thrilled witrh surgery but tired of this constant queasiness.

Guess i get to join the club. have been having problems since summer9 And befpre ) I get my gall bladder out 1 year post banding, 12/21/09. I struggle to find things I can eat and either belch, fart, or have diarhea (yecch) .

Well, I was 7 miles short of my goal for aerobic walking in Nov. Let me set a goal of 50 miles ( all walking styles ) in Dec. I still track my steps just haven't set a goal ..