OH Juli

You get used to it because you have to. Keep the glass off the table. Actually it's a great cost saver when you go to restaurants because you're not spending an additional $2 for a beverage.

I'm a double shot of espresso over ice. I have them fill the cup with ice and I add skim milk and sweet-n-low at the free bar. That's my iced coffee. Otherwise I'm a no-fat, no-foam latte for my Hot drinks. It's a lot of milk but I count the calories as part of my day.

BTW. Babygirl and I bested our Muddy Buddy time by 13+ minutes from last year. Was it the new course? Was it our super strength and agility? Who cares! We did it faster!

Hi Maw, I'm a fan of the Cliff Blocks. They are little gel blocks with sugar and sometimes caffiene. Also, I make sure to have either a protein drink or oatmeal before I set out. 50 miles I can do without eating on the ride, more than that I need to stop and eat be it a chicken sandwich or burger minus the bun or something. I tend to ride with people to restaurants, then turn around, or on organized rides where there's a lunch stop. Hope that helps. J

Hi kids. Babygirl and I are doing the Muddy Buddy on Sunday in Detroit. You all remember that from last year? Should be fun and DIRTY!

About not wanting an unfill--- It's an "adjustable" band because you'll need to have it adjusted at different times in your life. It's not a "just keep filling 'er up" band. Let go of thinking that an unfill is failure or something like that. It's about getting to the ultimate restriction that allows you to eat well, lose weight and not hurt your body in the process. This is part of the learning curve with being banded. Well wishes for you- J

Jeni, Thanks for posting the rules. I read every one of them! It's been a while since I've done that. I needed the jolt! Hope my fellow Marchies are having a good summer!

peas are hard to eat. And yes you can be swollen from surgery. Just stick to liquids for a few days. You didn't make a mistake.

I've been seeing my therapist since I started this process back in January 2006. She's been more help for me to get a hold of this process than you can imagine. And if you frame your thinking like you're dealing with an eating disorder you might find going a bit easier. If you were anorexic would you not go get your head looked at eventually? Same coin, different side.

I'm COLD all. the. time.

Just a note about nutritionists and registered dieticians. Jahut was right-o. A nutritionist need not be a RD, anyone can call themself a nutritionist. An RD is licensed and certified. If you want to be a pain the woman's behind, ask her about her professional experience and make her squirm. Just nod when they tell you'll die with out meat and go about your merry way. You'll be fine. I also agree that mega pounding Protein is silly.

awe shucks.

Jennifer, I so know where you are coming from. I've had some crazy moments too, looking in the mirror, seeing the woman I always wanted to be looking back. It's fantastic. You are the same you as you've always been, just happier and healthier. Congratulations on your weight loss. w00t!

Thanks. I'm happier than I thought possible.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/befor...ml#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page. That one is in shorts and a T-shirt. No swim suit.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/befor...ml#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page. I know I'm not a Mt Carmel lapbander, but this site gets all the central Ohio people on it. Thought I'd put that link up here since I can't seem to make it to the monthly meetings. Juli

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-lap-band-surgery-pictures-only-4642/index109.html#post1255319 My before and after on the pic page.

This is now: At my highest I weighed around 350. Now I'm at 160. That was then.

It could be a better picture. My thighs don't look so hot, but I didn't get plastic surgery on them. And sorry it's so large. I'm working on new photo cropping software etc.

Josie, Good to hear you're happy you had the surgery. It took me a full 8 weeks to utter those words. I didn't think I was a baby either...but we are all wired differently. I actually thought about buying a bikini too. But I don't see it happening. My tankinis work just fine. XO J

Hi March people I've been busy as a bee. Sorry that I've not checked in recently. It's nice to see everyone doing well. I'm hanging in there as well. Exercising and trying to avoid ice-cream. Who knew I'd still want to eat the garbage this far out. Alas, it's always something.

Jeni, Take it easy girl. You'll do well. Those drains will be out soon! Thanks for the June thread. You're a rock star. Hey all you Marchies from 07 come on now. Let us know what's going on. Xo. J

Hi my Marchie pals. Here's our new May thread. Please share your ups and downs. The support we give one another is so important. Hope everyone is well.