derbygirl

I've heard it's good cajun-style...covered with blackening seasoning. I'm not a fish person myself, but sounds like I should try the orange roughy.

I've found that carbs make me hungrier and that only meat keeps me totally satisfied for several hours. But eating meat only gets verrrrry boring.

My doc says a Protein shake an hour after a meal is a good way to stay full.

I keep hearing about how I need to eat slowly, but I don't really see why. I chew very thoroughly and I measure out my portions before I sit down to eat.

As long as I'm not getting sick and I'm not overeating, do I really need to slow down?

:rolleyes

Sissy, I guess I've missed your story. Why are you trying to gain weight in order to get Lap Band?

It's snowing in Texas today, so the BBQ is off! I'm a little relieved. I'm not going to be tempted to overeat with a baked ham on the table...hehe. chocolate bunnies, however, are another story. Everyone, try to behave yourselves. And happy Easter!

If it's any consolation, I'm sure there will be something better than the band within 10 years. By then, you'll have 10 happy (and thin) years behind you, and you (like everyone else) will be onto "the next thing".

Even though I was told the band was for life, I've never believed it. I guess all those years of being told that certain diets worked and that phen-fen was safe and yadda yadda made me a little, um, skeptical.

I am very pleased with my results with the Lap Band. If I get 10 happy years, something I've never had in the past three decades, it will be worth every cent.

You guys are so helpful! Thanks so much!

Hi there, I just went for a consult here in the Dallas area. I was quoted $6500 for a Tummy Tuck and $10,500 for a lower body lift. I was told because I have no skin issues or back problems, that insurance would not cover it. I am going to make an appointment with another Dr to I can compare prices.

Thanks! That's very helpful! What is your insurance, if you don't mind me asking. I have BCBS PPO. They didn't cover the band, so I have to assume they wouldn't cover this either.

You can still do everything you used to do--just with less food.

At first I was worried that I was going to tempt myself to overeat, stretch the pouch, etc. But it's just NOT AN ISSUE. I'm okay with eating 4 ounces of food. And you will be as well!

Yay! I finally get to post here! I have lost 102 pounds as of this week. Yippee!

I am interested in ballpark figures for these surgeries listed. I'm wondering if it's something feasible for me. Maybe we could add this to the first post on the sticky?

Holy cow, that looks painful!!! I'm glad the pain hasn't been too bad. Congratulations!

I'm just getting in on the tail-end of this! I hadn't seen this thread until today. Julie, you're amazing, and an inspiration to someone like me--34 this July with over 200 pounds to lose as well. I can't wait to see the results! Congratulations!

Is it at your house? :rolleyes

Are you cooking? :hungry:

Are you apprehensive at all? :help:

I am going to my mother's house. I know Thanksgiving and Christmas are hard on everyone here, but we're barbecuing this weekend. That is my FAVORITE. I have not had BBQ since being banded. My mom's also making potato salad, which I used to overindulge in before the band.

I'm not taking a covered dish, like I used to do. I'm single and since I won't eat much, I don't feel obligated. However, I'm going to try to take a little gift for the hostess.

I'm not apprehensive, but I'm a little saddened. I'm going to want to overeat since this is my favorite kind of food.

Would anyone be interested in forming a clothes exchange club?

I was considering starting a website on my own, but I don't think I can do it without spending a few hundred dollars a year.

I've been looking at this company:

http://hosting.ipslink.com/community.html

This company provides a photo gallery with its community--something you can't get with the free message board.

If anyone knows of any other companies with better products, feel free to share.

Anyway, I think there's probably enough people interested in this that if we had a $10-$15 club dues each year, it would pay for the board with the photo gallery and hosting. Then all exchanges would be free, except for any shipping between the parties involved.

What do you guys think? I am willing to give my time and effort, but I would really like some help. Plus, I don't know anything about setting up a club, so if you are a former board member of any kind, please help.

Everyone's input and ideas would be appreciated.

I was a Coke addict as well pre-surgery. I don't crave it at all now. I switched to unsweet tea with Sweet and Low, so I still get the caffeine.

Drinking Coke always made me want more Coke. It didn't really quinch my thirst, but I drank it for years. One difference I've noticed is that I was getting these sores in my mouth, and I don't since I quit carbonated drinks.

Tann, that's GREAT! I hope I'm doing as well at a year as you are!

Daffodil, we've all feared the same thing. And even once you start doing well, you'll fear that your weight loss is going to stop. But that fear probably is not doing anything positive for you, so try to get past it and focus on the positives. I know it's easier said than done.

I'm glad you feel better about the situation, Dustmouse. After you're banded, you should make another appointment and tell her what a quack she is!

I have the same fear as you, Smurfette. I get really hungry a few weeks before my fill and stop losing weight, and even gaining a little. What happens when the band is full and I'm starving? Since no weight-loss solution has ever been a permanent solution for me, I can't help but be doubtful. But I TRY not to be.

If so, please give me a review. I want to know whether or not to shell out the cash to buy it myself.

Yeah. Stress is really affecting my calorie intake. I've been eating a lot of chocolate lately. It's not just in my head--it really improves my attitude! I feel silly saying it, but it works. And when I don't get that fix, I'm so mean and rotten and bratty at work that I'm surprised I haven't been fired.

How the heck am I supposed to fix this?

Wow, I was thinking this same thing recently. However, I'm wondering...should we go for a lesser point range? It seems like we shouldn't be eating as much as everyone else. But I am anxious to hear how anyone does with WW and the band.

I guess the only reason I want to join is the weekly accountability and pep talk.

I just saw that your surgery was THIS WEEK. Don't let this kind of thing bother you right now. Focus on healing and getting into your new routine (eating, moving, organizing the next day's meals).

You can work on this situation once you're down a few pounds and feeling great!

This month I quit losing weight. I haven't gained. It's bringing me down a little.

How long do you give your plateau before you get another fill?

Is your surgeon stingy with fills? Mine won't give you one until you aren't losing 10 pounds a month. The problem is that they take your weight the last time you were in and divide that by how many months since your last fill. If you look at it that way, I've lost more than 10 pounds per month. BUT I HAVEN'T. I haven't lost any in weeks.

Is this normal? Will it start dropping again by itself without a fill?

I'm unsure what to do.:faint:

I found it nearly impossible to keep up with the house pre-surgery. Even now that I've lost a substantial amount, it's still difficult because, like you said, habits are hard to break.

The one thing that's worked for me is FlyLady.net's rule about working 15 minutes on one particular area. Cleaning house is boring to me...and physically challenging at times. But like FlyLady said, "You can do anything for 15 minutes." And she's right.

It's almost like a game to me. You should check out her website or book and see what you think. The whole "program" is online, so you don't have to buy anything.

I'll forewarn you that she's a little overboard. I DO NOT incorporate all of her ideas. I don't divide my house up into zones, etc. (Although I did try that.) Also, if you register and sign up for the e-mails, you'll soon be getting e-mails in the middle of the work day that say, "Stop whatever you're doing and clean your toilet." So obviously the program was set up for people who don't work outside the house. I have since blocked all e-mails from Flylady. But I love the 15-minute concept.

Here's how I do it:

Once a week, I go through my house and make a list of things that really need attention. Then, I set a kitchen timer and work on that list, one thing at a time, for 15 minutes each. Sometimes I make it all the way through the list, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I do the list over the span of a few days.

What happens, I find, is that I "get into it". It becomes fun and I'm proud of what I accomplish. As a chain reaction, I do a better job of picking up throughout the week and do things that aren't on "the list".

Try it!

http://www.flylady.net/