derbygirl

I used to be against PS earlier in life, but it's become so popular and I believe, like someone else said, that mental health is as important as physical. I have suffered severe depression and self-image issues from years of being overweight. I want to look and feel "normal" and I don't want to wait 2 more years for that. I've already waited 34. I don't have money for PS but I am damn well gonna find it even if I have to live without certain luxuries I've grown accustomed to having and now consider "necessary". (i.e. cable TV, having both a land line and a cell phone, Starbucks, etc.) I didn't have money for the lapband either, but I found it. As far as rashes and such are concerned...more power to whoever gets an insurance company to pay for anything. How many times has the ins. company screwed ME over? I've lost count. I rarely get rashes, but I do a lot of preventative maintenance to keep them from happening. Most of us probably do. If simply stopping those preventative measures brings about a rash, then that's totally legit.

Chrispy, you have a great attitude about dating. Derick, there are a lot of shallow people out there, men and women. And, I think everyone in here can relate to what you're saying since we all have the same issue. The last few years it seems like the only socially-acceptable things to make fun of are smokers and fat people. In an effort to find acceptance in the past, I have checked out the BBW/BBW Admirer dating scene and was disappointed to find out that the girls, for the most part, were total sluts. I have an (ex)friend who has been involved with a couple of those groups over the years, and I've heard some pretty appalling stories that made me turn and run the other direction. And, I am no prude. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Since I had a band adjustment on Saturday, I didn't get out and do much of anything. It's awkward being out with other people when you're on liquids and soft foods.

Anyone know? I'm having pain in both the front and back region of where the band is located. I've been completely out of control this past week--eating more than I should and lots of bad food. I think I overdid it. I'm going on liquids for a week or so just in case I've caused damage. But I've never heard anyone mention back pain, so I'm a little concerned this it's serious.

I'll try it! I am not a big fish fan, but I know it's healthy, so I've been TRYING to find something I like. Thanks for the tip!

P.S. Why the heck can't we EDIT on this board anymore????

<p>Glad to hear you're doing so well after surgery, Holiwags. Sorry I can't remember on the intimacy issue. I wasn't getting any at the time of my surgery, so I didn't pay attention...hehe.</p> <p> </p> <p>I measured my food for months after surgery because I couldn't (and still can't) stop myself on my own. If I just make a plate and don't pay attention to portions (like at a family function), I ALWAYS overeat. Anyway, my point is that I don't understand it why surgeons are telling people who obviously never stopped eating when they were full...to stop eating when they are full! What's wrong with this picture? </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Confused" smilieid="11" class="inlineimg" /></p>

I make this a couple of times a month and eat it for lunch all week: Taco Bake: 1 pound lean ground beef Taco seasoning 1 can refried Beans 1/2 jar queso Chopped black olives 2 low-carb tortillas (Mission makes some) 1/2 jar taco sauce or enchilada sauce Cook and drain the ground beef and make with taco seasoning as directed on package. Add taco/enchilada sauce and refried beans. Stir to combine and warm over burner. Spray an 8x8 casserole dish with nonfat cooking spray. Lay 1 tortilla on bottom, pour bean/beef mixture over it. Then put second tortilla on top of that. Then add queso and top with a few black olives. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

I've made potato soup with Betty Crocker Butter and Herb instant potatoes and I like to make Pioneer peppered gravy and pour that into it and add milk until it's the perfect soup consistency. Yum.

I haven't kept up with this thread very well, but I struggle with eating "bad foods" a lot as well. I do notice, however, that I lose a LOT more when I eat low-carb as the surgeon says I should. In fact, there is this particular menu that keeps me losing about .5 pound a day. But it gets old! Zannie, I have PCOS, too. My cycle is back, too. I am kind of wishing it wasn't...hehe. Today I had a fill, and I was excited to find out that my surgeon's scales read LOWER than mine at home (mine are new). My goal is to be at 299 by July 31. I can hardly wait to be outta the threes!

I'm okay as long as I eat a low-fat diet, which is what we're supposed to do anyway, right? So that's the plan. If it gets worse or bothers me more often I will have it removed. Now that I know what it is, I don't really mind. It's like a back-up tool for my band. One day of eating the wrong foods and I'm going to be in severe pain. So far it's been a pretty good deterrent.

Since I last posted on this thread, I was diagnosed with a gall bladder problem. Just thought I'd let anyone know whose having a similar issue.

Chrispy, I've been e-mailing this one guy for a couple of years. We've never met and I've been thinking about meeting him. But as far as meeting new people, I never go out. I hate it. I still feel very self-conscious even though I look so much better than I used to look. In my head, I'm my old size and I think I'm hideous. I've tried talking to a shrink about it, but I got frustrated because I felt like she didn't understand and was pushing me to do stuff I wasn't ready to do. So I've cancelled my appointments with her for now. I don't ordinarily push myself to lose so much in one month like I'm doing this month, but this is a goal I made back on New Year's. I feel like it's important to meet it--it will be a milestone if I reach it. Since for the last two weeks I have been totally off-track and eating bad things, I will likely lose a little without really trying. Not to mention I'm getting a fill on Saturday, which always moves things along.

Yes, been there, done that. Lost my "best friend" a month after being banded. Weird thing is that she had bypass. Get ready--there's more to come from her and other people, too. I can't talk about my journey anywhere except here and in my own personal journal. My mother has even changed. I was always the biggest friend and family member. People are having a hard time adjusting to the fact that they are now the biggest. And people who used to eat with you are going to get annoyed because they're going to feel like pigs when you eat together. Unfortunately, it just goes with the territory. I would recommend not attending any functions or outings for the next couple of months. Why submit yourself to that sort of pressure?

Linda, what you're experiencing is actually not abnormal at all. If you dig around enough on this site, you'll find this complaint over and over again. You won't see big results until you've gotten at least one (if not several) fills. So quit worrying. Watch your portions, but don't stress out. It's just about impossible to stretch the band when there's not any fill in it at all.

I have to somehow lose 20 pounds this month in order to meet my goal. I'm afraid if I don't meet it, I'm going to be depressed. So after a two-week hiatus from the gym, I'm headed back today. Also, I think this gall bladder problem is going to keep me in line. I was eating "around" the band--chocolate, ice cream, bad stuff. But now I'm in severe pain when I eat anything fattening. This could be a blessing. Anyway, wish me luck on the 20 pounds because I'm going to need it.

PigsRFlying, I love the new name. JC, I think you may be insane, too. How are you feeling today, by the way? Little sore? Chrispy, tell us more about these new guys!

Denise, I'm far from an expert at this, but I have heard that sometimes eating more calories helps. You should try it for a couple of weeks and see what happens.

Gayle, yay! I'm private messaging you!!!

Gayle, you don't happen to have BCBS PPO, do you? Please say yes.

Aussie, I would find a calcium supplement and eat soup.

Hi again everyone! I've been MIA a few days...dealing with what I believe is a gall bladder problem. NOT FUN. Sounds like you all are doing great. The floods here in TX have been bad. Would you believe it's still raining?? Practically UNHEARD of for this time of year in Texas. Fortunately, the water near my house has receded. Karla, thanks for the heads up on the next cruise! :clap2:

Mushroom Sausage Stuffing Made this tonight and it was fantastick. It's a slightly altered recipe from one of Suzanne Somers' cookbooks. It takes a little more time than I generally spend on one dish, but it was worth it...and I'm definitely making for Thanksgiving this year. Very meaty, so you're going to get your protein. Also, if you can think of a way to cut down on the fat, let me know. I had to use quite a bit of olive oil to saute the veggies so they wouldn't stick to the pan. Should make about eight 4-ounce servings. But it can be easily halved (that's what I did tonight). 4 onions, chopped 3 T. olive oil 4 cups coarsely chopped mushrooms (I used 1/2 baby bella and 1/2 portabella) 1/2 cup cooking wine 2 T. low-fat butter 1.5 pounds chicken sausage (SuperTarget carries several varieties) 1/2 t. dried tarragon Salt and pepper Saute onions in olive oil over low heat until carmelized (about 30 minutes). Turn heat up to medium and add mushrooms. Saute 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn heat to high and add wine. Let wine cook off for a couple of minutes, then lower to simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir in the butter 1 T. at a time. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the sausage. (Take it out of the casing first.) Combine with mushroom mixture and enjoy. :hungry:

P.S.S. Quit stealing my weight loss ticker!!! :heh: Just kidding. :confused:

Oh, P.S.... I don't know how long it's been since your surgery, but you aren't supposed to get in a pool for several weeks afterward. So you may have a wonderful excuse to not get into the pool.

Well, you don't hafta swim, even though that's what Manatees do best, right? You could go in just some shorts and T-shirt and hang out on the patio and talk if you'd be more comfortable. I can never watch myself get stuck with a needle. I always watch the x-ray monitor instead. I have noticed a small strange sensation when the needle comes out. I guess because it's so big. :confused: