Padanelle

Looks like several of us have had a successful week. This was my best one in ages - I'm down 2-3 lbs. Getting closer to goal.

There must be something in the air. This has been the first good week I've had in a month. I'm down 2-3 lbs.

You are all so wonderfully ambitious to set such goals over the holidays. For me, I hoping not gain any weight between Thanksgiving & Christmas. I know myself too well, and the band won't curb me eating all the holiday goodies/drinks I like. I'm going to have to rely on will power and hopefully moderation. I don't want to push my luck on setting a high goal, as I'll probably wind up binging. Wishing you all will power and success.

Violinist, I can so relate. Every time I loose a few pounds, I struggle for what seems like weeks to keep it off. Those milestone goals - 50, 75, 100 lbs - only add to the frustration when we don't reach them. I had aimed for 50 lbs by Halloween, which seemed quite doable, since I was down 45 lbs at the beginning of Oct. HA! No way, Jose. I know I should rethink how I set my goals, but its not as much fun to aim to loose 48 lbs, unless that brings me to a milestone weight. Sigh...

November is our 5 Month Bandiversary! How is everyone doing? I was banded 5 months ago today and had hoped to have lost 50 lbs by now. I'm aonly 2.3 lbs off, so that's not bad, considering I didn't loose anything in Oct (actually lost & gained the same 5 lbs). Nervous about continued weight loss from Thanksgiving till the New Year. Its going to be a challenge... Joan

Susan, I recommend doing a google search for free Protein powder samples to find one you like. One of my favorites is Designer whey chocolate. The container is not huge, like most are, it tastes good, and I think its about $10 - 12. I also highly recommend

I'm banded 5 months, and find I am most successful when I track my food & calories.

Congratulations! Kepp it up!

The only time I was on "clear" liquids was the day of surgery. My surgeon uses the term "thin" liquids - anything that can fit through a straw - and that's what I had post op, and for 2 days everytime I have a fill. I must admit, I sometimes add mushies a little sooner than I should, but I go slowly and TRY to pay attention to my body's reaction. My problem is I really like mushies, and don't eat enough solids. A work in progress....

Congratulations! Way to go!

I used to inhale my food. Now I just woof it down. If I'm eating alone, its really hard to stretch it out to 10 min, unless I'm working on the computer, and get absorbed in between bites. If I'm eating with someone, I do eat slower, cause I'm usually talking in between bites. I am learning to chew more, which is a big improvement.

What goes around, coems around. Glad they got rid of the bitch. I couldn't take her exagerated phonet reactions to everything. I rooting for Rudy & Danny.

After being on the shakes for 3 weeks on the pre/post op diet, I can't stand the thought of another shake. A lot of people substitute a meal with a shake or other protein supplement. I usually drink a1/2 bottle of Isopure Lemon Green Tea mixed with regular green tea throughout the day.

I'm a couch potato, so probably not the best one to give advice. That being said, everyone is different, but I can still guzzle, though I pretty much don't any more. I'm not really a sipper (except wine), but I try to remember to drink slower, and stop myself from taking more than 2 mouthfulls at a time. Its still a work in progress. You should discuss this with your surgeon. I wouldn't recommend a fill before the marathon and you could always have some Fluid taken out of the band just before the race if you have problems drinking liquids. Good luck!

I'm not going to worry about something that might not happen. I've lost 46 lbs so far, and so far, my skin is looking good. I'm hoping my skin will eventually spring back. But I'd rather have flab, than be unable to walk because of the pain caused by my weight, to be able to bend over without being winded, to no longer have to take BP meds, etc, etc.

I tried several Vitamin waters, and didn't like the taste. I found them either too sweet or too fruity. I'd rather just take a chewable pill to get the necessary vit/minerals. I always have several bottles of the Isopure Lemon Green Tea on hand. I usually mix it with some regular brewed green tea & drink about half bottle most days.

I love those beaded things that hold your glasses on! I can't begin to tell you how many pairs of glasses I lost before I started wearing them.

Your recipe sounds great - and easy. I can't wait to try it. Joan

Hi Beanie, Different surgeons have different restrictions, so yours may permit snacks. At the appointment with your surgeon, he/she will most likely give you a list of what you can/can't eat pre/post surgery. Most surgeons require a pre-op diet, although some don't. This can last from just a few days to 2 weeks (or more). The pre-op diet often consists of high protein shakes (and sometimes addl foods). After surgery, at some point you may be on shakes for a period of time. During this pre/post op period, the shakes are usually a meal substitute. Onced on solid foods, many people continue using the shakes as a meal substitute for one or sometimes even two meals because of the convenience. This is especially common for breakfast, as the band is usually tighter then, so its easier to have a shake instead of solid food. On one of the threads here, people post what they ate that day, so that should give you suggestions. But be forewarned, just because they post it, doesn't mean they are eating properly. Here's the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/share-ideas-what-did-you-eat-today-36828-new/ Also, if you scroll down to the Nutrition threads, you'll find recipes for all of the various food stages - liquids, mushies & solids. I hope this helps. Good luck with your appointment. Joan

If your boyfriend is trying to bulk up, he should be doing it with Proteins, not junk food. Why don't you find out what healthy foods he likes (steak, shrimp, veffies, etc) and plan your weekend menu around that. There a plenty of good tasting healthy foods. Good luck.

Caltrate 600 is a chewable, pleasant tablet with 600mg calcium citrate & 400 IU Vit D.

I don't think they make a difference in my weight loss, but in my health. I am not a big veggie or fruit eater, so I like knowing I am getting enough Vitamins/minerals thru supplements.

I forgot to mention, NYU added a new Bariatric Doctor to their team. Sorry, I forgot her name. She may be able to do the letter for you. If not, NYU should be able to recommend a PCP. Good luck. Joan

I use Dr Charles Paolino, Westside Medical Center on West 14th St. He was very supportive of my surgery. I believe he takes AETNA. I can send you his contact info if you're interested.

Hi Isit, I can understand your frustration, but 45 lbs is something to be proud of. I spent October gaining & loosing the same 3-5 lbs. Are you keeping a journal of everything you eat, including calories, protiens, etc? I did for the first few months, then just startewd listing the food only. I was so frustrated with my weight loss I decided to join one of the online sites where you can track your food (sparkpeople.com). After 2 days, I was shocked at how many calories a day I was consuming - 1600-1700. Yikes! When I was counting calories, I was always well under 1,000. You mentioned you miss real food. What are you eating.? I can pretty much eat anything I want, as long as its small bites & lots of chewing. If you're not eating solid foods, you should be. You need to work the band, as they say. I suggest logging your food for 1-2 weeks to see if you can figure why you have plateaued, which by the way is normal for most. If its not obvious to you, take your food log to your nutritionist to get suggestions from them. Good luck, and hang in there. Joan