tammar

Congratulations everyone! 2009 was a great year for all of us. For most of us, we have a huge feat to overcome in the next few weeks, but we can ALL do it! Looking forward to an awesome year of goals acheived and second looks in 2010! Remember to chew, chew, chew! Take care!

Welcome to the family, LosingMyVolume. Where to begin? You sound exactly like me! I was 30 when I got the band, about the same weight as you, and like EVERYONE else, had the exact same concerns and questions. Things to remember, you're not alone; you are making this lifestyle change for yourself, and you want to enjoy your thirties and beyond. Optifast, horrible. Doesn't matter when you do the 3 week diet (yes us men get an extra week), there's always an occassion you miss. For example, I was optidasting over Easter, others over Halloween, others over Valentine's day. Think about the fact that in 2010, your New Year's resolution will finally come true. Bread? Some people find that you can toast it, and it's easier to eat without getting stuck, others don't attempt it. I never try to eat bread anymore on it's own. However, every now and again I'll get a Cheeseburger Happy Meal, and if I eat it slowly, take my time, and remember to chew, I'm good. Getting stuck and Productive Burping is not fun. It's the scary part about the band that you'll want to avoid at all costs. To be full or not to be full, that is the question. I struggle with this one, and often ask the docs this exact thing. I'd like to put it out to the rest of the group and ask them abotu their experiences. I rarel feel "full", like I used to. I feel like I'm getting to my tipping point, and another bite will put me into the "getting stuck" category or productive burping. You will learn your limits. It takes time. And time is what you want, right? The rest of your life to slowly lose the weight. Perogies? Sure, why not! Eat them slowly. Enjoy every bite, and remember to chew! Hope this helps! Good luck!

Exercise tip: Costco has the "Biggest Loser" video game for the Wii. It works with the Wii Fit, and without. It starts out light for beginners, and finishes with a good cool down. With Winter approaching, this may be a good inexpensive indoor alternative.

Welcome all new bandsters to the Manitoba community! Since it doesn't seem like Maples is quick to startup an in-person monthly group is anyone interested it doing it on our own? Throwing the idea out there.

Lol...my appointment is tomorrow at 5:10 too.

:thumbup:Just checking in here too. I finally got another fill, since July. I had not lost any weight since August, and kept playing with the same pound (up and down; up and down). With the fill, on October 20, I've already noticed I'm losing some. Keep up the good work everyone!

:thumbup:Just checking in here too. I finally got another fill, since July. I had not lost any weight since August, and kept playing with the same pound (up and down; up and down). With the fill, on October 20, I've already noticed I'm losing some. Keep up the good work everyone!

Thanks for the website tip Diva! We made the slow-cooker chicken fajitas tonight. They were melt-in-your-mouth fantastic! I'm looking forward to trying the tortilla soup, and the chicken fried rice.

Please take the following survey: Winnipeg LAP-BAND® Support Group

IWBAL - I am really sorry to hear about your last appointment, that may have been in part my fault. I was scheduled for 11:40 and didn't get in until shortly after 12. I had a really good long appointment with Terry. I am almost 6 months post op, and havent had a fill since July. I still feel restriction, and end up purging a few times a week. I don't feel full during meals. I always feel like I can eat more. And then...I'm stuck. It sucks. I can usually handle meals well throguhout the day with little excess eating, especially when I'm not at home, but evening are the absolute worst for me. I'm my own enemy. I watch TV and eat the stuff that the band lets through. Right now, my two biggest enemies are Sunflower Seeds (I'm a week sober from them, wish me luck), and Cereal (Corn Pops). I am still eating a lot during the evening out of habit, and I have to break this. On the bright side, I haven't gained anything, but I've been playing with the same 2 lbs for weeks now. Leslee, my next appointment is on Oct 20 in the evening as well. I'll introduce myself if I see you in the waiting room. My last appointment with Terry was great. She told me that the docs/clinicians have been reading these posts and the posts on the Yahoo group, and they've decided to finally organize a support group. She was asking for my ideas, and we discussed the possibility of having those interested meet once or twice per month in person to discuss our experiences, ask questions, and meet with the docs in person if we're interested. I see this as a step in the very right direction. Hopefully this pans out and we can all meet each other formally. Take care and all the best to all the new bandsters. Remember, take it slow, you have the rest of your life to lose the weight and feel great!!!:smile:

I raised that concern with Jen, over the phone. She said that they're booking longer appt. with the nurse, so that she's not running late. She has more practice now, and more people aren't wincing as much...lol... I don't think I need a fill, so hopefully that will give her another 6 weeks practice before I need one...lol... I can update you all again tomorrow.

Anyone going for a fill on Tuesday? I'll be there shortly before noon.

I hit another big milestone today. I officially fit into jeans I can buy at a normal store (Old Navy). I didn't have to go to a big people store!!! Yay for me!!!