juliansmom2003

WOW Willow!!! You look amazing! You've lost so much since June, you should be so proud! I'm not in the 'after' stage either. About 40 more to go, but it's good we're all taking pics to keep track of our progress. Congrats again on your weight loss! You've done such a great job!

Kylee -- you look awesome! It definitely looks like you lost more than 30 lbs! Gotta love that weight distribution factor, right? Keep up the good work! You look great!

Thanks so much for posting this. I am losing serious hair and I do a good job of getting around 60 grams of protein every day. I am so relieved that you are seeing it taper off.

I thought it might be some nice motivation for us if we did a pic update (before/current). I have to admit I have been feeling down about losing the weight much slower, so I went through some old pics and suddenly I feel better! I'll go first: August, 2009 November 13, 2009 Let's see some before/after pics from everyone! Honestly, I think it's a nice check for us all that we ARE doing a great job!!

Actually, my doc tells us not to drink until an hour after eating. Maybe extending your 30 minutes will help you. That's great you were able to get an appointment sooner. I'm jealous (banded 10/21 and not getting my first fill until 1/14)! Please let us know how it goes next week! Good luck to you!

I'm not happy about this by any stretch, but it's finally proof that my band is in fact in there LOL! I was eating a few home made meatballs last night (yum) and I chew the way I always have (I haven't really paid attention to my chewing and still eat pretty quick), but for some reason, the unbelieveable pain started, followed by the sliming, then bam everything just came up. Question is (since this has never happened to me before and again, I've not eaten any different since I've been back on solids) --is this a sign of restriction or perhaps the specific food? I am sooo trying to hang in there until my fill on 1/14 and I am noticing that I am not as ravenous as I have been and I'm just wondering if it is possible for me to all of a sudden to have restriction...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What a wonderful accomplishment (not to mention, over the Holidays?!?) How wonderful! You're doing amazing--keep it up!!!

I agree with everyone else in that you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. We are definitely retraining ourselves and trying to get out of habits most of us have had for a significant period of time. I have to laugh a little though. I read your post as we were waiting to be seated for dinner (my husband decides to take me to Cheesecake Factory after I get banded, the bastard LOL). I was thinking all I had today was Cereal, so I am going to have a nice healthy dinner. Well, I got a kids' serving of grilled chicken, potatoes and green Beans and nearly ate the whole thing (which was WAY more than 6 ounces). Then I sampled some of my daughter's mac and cheese (about 3 bites), then split a piece of cheesecake with my husband. Honestly, I think I ate all my calories for the day during that meal. I look at it as a little treat for being so good during the holidays and I KNOW I can't do it all the time. I don't even feel good right now and I'm almost positive I will have a food hangover tomorrow (but it was yummy LOL). I can't wait until my first fill! Anyway, hang in there and tomorrow is definitely a new day...for all of us :-)!

Wow I am 8 weeks post-op and I am still waiting for my first fill LOL! Sorry I can't help. So, were you eating a full 8 oz/cup of food? I'm so scared of stretching my pouch and I don't officially measure most of the time, so I'm thinking I'm eating 8 ounces (when I think it should be 4-6) because I'm starving! Just hoping I'm not doing any damage....

Woohoo! Congrats!!! I'd definitely say that Santa came early this year!! YOU GO, GIRL!

That's awesome! So glad to hear of the great progress you've already made! Congrats on being in onederland too (I am right at 192 myself and I haven't seen that in about 8 years LOL)! Hoping my fill on Jan 14 gives me a new sense of hope! I hope yours helps you!!!

I must say I'm a bit miffed. Of course between the Holidays and his freaking vacation, I got the short end of the stick. I was in for my 6 week checkup on December 8 and THEN he scheduled my fill! And it's not like the appointment was even to confirm whether or not I needed one, they handed me my date as soon as I sat down! I have been stalking them religiously to see if they've had any cancellations, but with the holidays and everything, it looks like I'm just going to have to suck it up until then. I mean, I'm making healthy choices, but the portion size is the real challenge for me. I'm just praying I get through this.....

Banded on October 21. Lost about 19 pre-op and 19-20 post op. I am just at a freaking standstill. My first fill is scheduled for Jan 14 and when I say I can eat ANYTHING and have no restriction, I can eat ANYTHING :-(! I am starving all the time and have to physically stop myself when I get to 6-8 oz for fear of stretching my pouch. This is just terrible. I am really having a hard time now and feel like I'm struggling more after having this surgery. I was losing so well on my pre-op, 1500 cal per day diet and not keeping under a cup of food. I am just so worried that it's always going to be like this.... Sorry, I'm usually more optimistic, but it's really getting tough living with constant hunger and knowing I can't do anything about it right now.

My God, I was about to write the same post. I lost 20 lbs post op (20 before) and I don't get my first fill until january 14. I just had lunch (taking a class today) and I forgot to pack, so what do they provide? Pasta, greasy meatballs and sinful freaking black forest cheesecake treats. They are still calling my name, but I'm staying strong so far, but I think I had more than 8 oz of food (not sure about my sight measurement). The worst thing is, I had to force myself to stop eating because I'm paranoid about stretching my pouch, so here I sit with my belly growling :-(! Hang in there. We all need to lean on each other until we get to that sweet spot!!!

So, I finally got an appointment for my first fill. Unfortunately, with the holidays the first available appointment is January 14 :-(!! My insurance, Keystone Health Plan East (PA), covered my surgery. I wanted to check with those of you that had fills, did your insurance cover them? I called my insurance company with the procedure codes to find out if it is covered, but the surgeon needs to call (and they will in a couple weeks to confirm). Just wondering how many people have had fills that were in fact covered by insurance. Thanks!

This is the same case with me too! I actually have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to assess whether or not I need a fill. I am at a standstill with my weight loss as well (20 post-surgery)--I've been at the same weight for 3 weeks!!! My restriction is non-existent. I ate a whole chicken quesedilla (the insides) today for lunch. The good news it that will keep me full for the rest of the day. The bad news is I didn't measure, so I'm praying to God I'm not stretching my pouch, but I just cannot handle being starving all the time. It's no way to live :-( Hang in there! I hope you get some restriction with your fill! Keep us posted!

okay, so I know this is kind of crazy to ask, but I of course forgot my lunch today and need to buy something, so I was thinking of getting a turkey BLT salad from saladworks (304 calories--I get it dry and use my own FF catalina). the thing is, I don't have my scale with me and have no restriction. I can't find anything online either--does anyone know how much one of these suckers roughly weighs? I'm trying to hard not to stretch out my pouch, but with no restriction right now, that means stopping myself while I'm still hungry :-( thanks for any info anyone has!!

Believe me, I can soooo relate. I had a 6 inch subway sandwich a couple of weeks ago and have NO restriction (haven't had my first fill yet). My worry is that I'd stretch my pouch eating that much, but a lot of people say that their docs have mentioned it takes a lot more than that to stretch the pouch. We shall see soon- I have my 6 week post op appt on Tuesday and from there we'll get my fill scheduled-THANK GOD! My thing is everyone says that hungry is different after the band and stomach rumbling is actually head hunger. Sorry then I don't know what 'real' hunger feels like! I am thinking full is that hiccup, quick inability to breathe and chest pain, but I am not sure. That said, I only had that feeling about twice. I'm with you- my scale isn't moving either. Hang in there!!

So, I've done pretty well today. Had my oatmeal this morning, some almonds and apricots for a snack, some grilled chicken for lunch (LONG day at the airport with layovers and major delays--was in the air/airports ALL day). It's now 7 pm and I'm freaking starving. Right now I have 680 calories in and have been moved to 800 to 1,000. I am ordering me some room service. I stayed away from the burger and rigatoni primavera that was calling my name and am going for the tomato bisque soup and club sandwich (minus the bread). I deserve it, right? Saw the nutritionist on Monday and she can't seem to figure out why I stopped losing except that I'm good and ready for my first fill. I agree! I'm ready to lose some more!!! I can't wait to see the doc next week to get this puppy scheduled. Anyway, just wanted to say that day 1 is okay....hope I can figure out what to do tomorrow while I'm in my business meetings!!!! It's so tough measuring portions on sight!!! Anyone have tips on that?

I know this sounds like a silly question, but I am really looking to figure out WTH is going on with me. So, restriction...is it something you all feel in your stomach or is it higher, like in your chest? I recall someone at support group mentioning that full feels different to her now, but I have no clue what that means LOL. I am in the final days of the soft stage and moving onto lifetime on Wednesday (day 43--wow! never thought I'd see the day!) Ever since Thursday, I have been getting a very weird feeling. It's not pain, it is uncomfortable, and it comes and goes. Nothing in particular triggers it, it can be an hour after I've eaten, when I'm eating, just any old time. I get this weird feeling sometimes in my chest area like I almost can't breathe and it gets intense if I'm yawning or breathing in at that time. Again, it doesn't hurt, but it's very uncomfortable and it's not something that's constant. I posted before about a "lump" in my throat and I apologize for any confusion. I don't have an actual lump in my throat from the anesthesia tube, as I'm almost 6 weeks post op. This crazy feeling just started out of nowhere and nothing in particular triggers it. I'm not sure if it's an indicator of something major or if it can just wait until I see my surgeon on 12/8 (when we discuss if I need to get my first fill). I have been "one of those" who can eat anything and feels no different than before I was banded. No pbing, no vomiting, nothing! I'm so confused right now that I don't have a clue what full truly feels like or why this feeling is happening all of a sudden. I'm just hoping that someone can give me some ideas. I've been all over the internet this weekend trying to find anything remotely close to what I'm having and I must be crazy because I can't find a darn thing! I hope someone has an idea! This is all so strange to be happening now! I just hope there's nothing wrong! :confused:

Here are the ones I promised. The cheesecake is only 163 calories per slice and 15 g of protein! You better believe that has been my Breakfast the last 3 days. Anyone else have some good band friendly recipies to trade? Kickin' Cranberry Sauce PER SERVING (1/3 cup): 63 calories, 1g fat, 20mg sodium, 13g carbs, 2g Fiber, 8.5g sugars, 1g Protein -- POINTS® value 1* Dab or pile this stuff on top of your turkey. Or just eat it plain! (There’s so much good fruit in here, we wouldn’t blame you.) P.S. For quick day-of assembly, start this off the day before... Ingredients: One 12-oz. bag whole cranberries One 11-oz. can mandarin orange segments in their own juice 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples 1 envelope (1/4 oz.) dry unflavored Gelatin 2/3 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) 1/4 cup Water. Set stove to medium heat, cover pot, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes, uncovering to stir occasionally. Meanwhile, in a small dish, combine gelatin with 1/4 cup cold water, stir well and set aside. Turn off heat and stir in gelatin mixture, stirring until dissolved and thoroughly combined. Stir in cinnamon and apples and mix well. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and refrigerate for at least 5 hours (overnight is best). Once chilled and set, remove mixture from the fridge and give it a good stir. Drain juice from the can of orange segments. Roughly chop orange segments and drain any excess liquid from them. Slightly crush almonds so that they break into smaller pieces. Add chopped orange segments and almond pieces to the cranberry sauce, and mix thoroughly. Serve with lean turkey, pork, or chicken, or anything else you like cranberries with! MAKES 12 SERVINGS HG's vanilla Crème pumpkin Cheesecake PER SERVING (1 slice, 1/12th of cheesecake): 160 calories, 3.25g fat, 579mg sodium, 20g carbs, 5g fiber, 7g sugars, 15g protein -- POINTS® value 3* HG Heads Up! You'll need a springform pie pan for this recipe. You can usually find 'em cheapie-cheap at any supermarket, or Cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in a blender or food processor 1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Smart Balance Light or Brummel & Brown); melted & mixed with 1 oz. water 3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1 tsp. cinnamon For Filling 32 oz. fat-free cream cheese; softened 1 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters) 1 cup canned pure pumpkin 1 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1/4 cup light brown sugar (not packed) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice For Topping 3/4 cup fat-free sour cream 1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all crust ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spray a nonstick springform pie pan (about 9" wide) lightly with nonstick spray -- make sure to get the sides as well as the bottom. Then evenly distribute crumb mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust along the bottom of the pan. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, mix until completely blended and lump-free. Pour mixture into the pan. Bake in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (or until set). Allow pie to chill in the fridge for at least 3 - 4 hours (overnight is best). Once pie has chilled, carefully release and remove springform top. Mix all topping ingredients together, and spread topping evenly over the pie. Return pie to the fridge until ready to serve. Cut pie into 12 slices.

It's weird. Every now and then it happens when I take a deep breath. Now I'm having a protein shake and I have to go really slow or it feels worse. Hope I didn't do any damage over the Holiday (although I was REALLY good about weighing everything!)

I have no idea how to describe this feeling. It comes and it goes. The best way to describe it is that it's almost like a lump between my throat and my chest. It doesn't necessarily happen when I'm eating either. It's been like this for a couple of days now and I'm not sure if it's anything to be concerned about. Has anyone had the same issues or know of anyone that has? Trying not to freak out, but I'm not sure if it's a symptom of a real issue here...

I feel like I'm on here asking a million questions per day LOL! So, ever since Thanksgiving (when I think I may have taken one bite too many causing that God awful pain), I have had this intermittent chest pain on my left side. I'm not sure if it's related to this incident or it's something else, but could this be gas too? I take a deep breath every now and then to see if it's gone away and sure enough it's still there (doesn't affect my ability to breathe in deep, but it's how I can tell whether or not it's gone). Is anyone familiar with this one? Definitely a new pain for me.... Thanks!

I did the cooking here, and I was proud that I managed to handle myself very well- had 4 oz of turkey, 1/2 cup stuffing, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes and some corn/green Beans. It was so nice to feel human again (banded Oct 21). I ended up taking one more mouthful of my mom's stuffing and then I felt this uncomfortable feeling I've never felt (I'm the one with absolutely no restriction) so I left the room and did my mile in 15 minutes on demand lol. Of course I never had dessert- I was full for the rest of the night. So of course today is worse--I have been laying around watching tv with my daughter all day, but twice I've been up, I've been picking at the pies :-(. Mad at myself because I've been doing so well and then I go and do that! I do have a couple of GREAT recipies which I will post soon. One is a vanilla pumpkin cheesecake that's 163 cals per slice, 1.5 fat grams and 15 g of protein!! It was a big hit last night- most popular dessert (figures). Anyway- hope you all had a great Holiday!!