ElfiePoo

I have to say that I love getting up and going to work every morning, but then I've worked for myself for 15 years and have never regretted the decision since I was *miserable* working for people who not only did not appreciate the effort and pride I took in doing a good job for them, but actually wanted me to take short cuts and do a less satisfactory job. Gotta love those government jobs. I have a busy morning planned. We start off by taking Piglet (aka Sophie the dog) to the groomers since she decided to go mud puddle jumping yesterday afternoon *and* she's smelling a bit like fritos (her aroma when she needs a bath). While she's doing that, I'll head to work and pay the company bills. Then off to my cello lesson. Then home to do some straightening up and then I think I'm going to either veg for the afternoon or take my idiot child (the 17 year old) off to see Sherlock Holmes. My only regret yesterday...chinese food. No, I didn't over do it, but the sodium in that 3/4 cup of lo mein must've been a whopper because I'm puffy with holding water and up 2 lbs! Now, there was a time I could take a water pill and drop 7 lbs, but this is ridiculous from 3/4 cup of chinese food. (Making note: no more chinese unless I make it at home). Hope you all have a great day! Oh...and Leigha...up your calories. Studies show women who eat 1200-1400 calories per day lose faster and with less plateaus than lose who eat 1000 and less. Bob, a big DITTO on the positive attitude. Years back I noticed that I was constantly looking at life from a negative perspective. Then I noticed that my entire maternal family does the same thing...which has landed a number of them in the mental ward for attempted suicide, depression, etc. I started to deliberately smack myself when I was being negative and look for the silver lining and expect to find one. Now it's habit and I have to say...life is good. Oh sure, bad things still happen, but there's always a silver lining to be found. Have a good day everyone! .

Feel free to 'interrupt' on a regular basis. Join in! :sad: .

It's still hard work...sorry. :sad: The band won't keep us from eating high calorie slider foods, sweets or just generally making bad choices. It basically comes down to "calories in/calories out" so you will have to 'move' whether that's just getting up off your butt and doing things around the house, yard, etc...or a formal exercise program. If you have a desk job and then come home and sit in front of the tv, your calorie requirements will be quite low. The problem is, depending on 'how' low, dropping your calories to accommodate a very sedentary lifestyle may result in a much slower weight loss if you have to drop them below 1000 per day. The band helps me in a couple ways. First, it controls my portions. After my last fill, I'm eating 2 oz of protein and 1/2 cup of steamed vegies. At dinner, I'll only eat 1/4 cup of vegies because I really do want my 1/4 cup of carbs (pasta, beans rice) and both won't fit these days. Usually, there's just something in my head that 'knows' I'm full and not to take another bite...even if there's food left on my plate. It also helps control my carbs because so many of them get stuck and I've had to just avoid them completely for that reason. Recently, I've also discovered the band helps me in another way. It's taken eating from a hobby that I enjoyed to something I do because I have to. Don't get me wrong...I still enjoy food but not with the intensity that I did pre-band. As for your doctor 'guaranteeing' you'll lose 100 pounds...it's a false guarantee. With a bypass, they guarantee you'll lose 2/3 of your excess weight because of the malabsorption. That's not true of the band. In fact, read through the forum and you'll find some people have only lost 25 lbs. Your doctor's guarantee sounds a lot like those diet ads where they 'guarantee' you'll lose weight with their little pill but if you read the teeny print along the bottom of the screen it says "when used with a low calorie diet and exercise". It is worth it though...really. .

Then don't wait. If you are hungry between meals and can eat to excess, then you need a fill. The whole purpose of the band is to restrict our portions. Until you get restriction, it's just a piece of plastic. Makes no sense to me that people will go through all of this hassle to get the band and then not make it do its job. I had my first 3cc fill 4 weeks postop, another 3cc two weeks later, another 1 cc a week later and then .5cc every week or two until I hit restriction at 8.5cc. At 3 months post op I had restriction. Try eating 2-3 oz of steak, 1/2 cup of vegies (like broccoli) and 1/4 cup of carbs (Pasta, Beans, rice). I say steak because many of us have trouble with chicken sticking. You should be full by the time (if not before) you finish that meal. If you aren't, you probably need another fill. 5cc in a 14cc band means you most likely need a fill. Keep in mind that after every fill you may have temporary restriction for a few days to a few weeks...or not at all. It varies with the individual. .

I would disagree. One pound in 3 months, without band restriction, means she *is* doing the work or she would have gained back or gained more during that time. Once she has restriction, then the band is working with her to control portion sizes. The combination is when we lose weight. No, it's not a magic wand. It is a tool, but until that tool is calibrated and we have restriction, it's just a piece of plastic. I'm not denying that some people are motivated just by getting that little piece of plastic, but those who aren't are not doing anything wrong. By the way...I don't work out and I reached restriction 5 weeks ago and have lost over 18 pounds. Our weight loss is pretty much about calories in vs. calories out. Eat fewer calories than needed to maintain your current weight and activity level and you will lose. Eat more and you'll gain. .

I'm too tight in the mornings to eat, so I do a double scoop of Protein powder in milk and that gives me about 50gm of protein right there. Then I do a low carb/low cal (3, 110) Protein shake mid-morning, mid-afternoon and in the evening. It not only adds 60 more grams of protein, but keeps me from being hungry due to the additional protein, stabilizes my blood sugar and boost my calories. I know, the last seems weird, but without the shakes, my calories are only coming in at around 900-1000 and we lose faster and more steadily at 1200-1400. By the time I add in my protein from my two meals, I'm getting about 130-140gm of protein each day. .

ROFL...no...that would be the bass. The cello is actually quite manageable, although it does take up the whole back seat of the car! .

While I love the pink lemonade, I have a problem with it if I drink more than 1 glass a day. Too acidic for me. But I drink *lots* of the Fruit Punch and Cherry Pomegranate without any problem. .

Ahhhh...love my morning shake. It's the one point in my day when I know I won't get stuck, slime or PB. You know, I use to look forward to each meal while eating the current one. Now...I don't look forward to meals at all. I don't dread them, but I don't take the same pleasure out of them that I used to. They're just something I have to do like brush my teeth, take a shower, etc. I *expected* the band to aid me by controlling my portion sizes physically. I had no idea it would do so with psychology. Oh well, whatever works. I'm feeling pretty good this morning considering I've spent the last 5 days cleaning and rearranging cupboards, washing walls and cleaning carpets. Shhh...don't let anyone know I said the exercise must be making me feel better cuz you know *I* would never admit to any such thing. :thumbup: However, I can kick back and relax the rest of the week. My husband is in Florida helping my oldest son and wife move into their first new home and I told my 17 year old son that he's on his own this week as far as food. I am not cooking. Fortunately, my little future chef is perfectly capable of managing. Have a good day everyone! .

Betsy: Whoa...just read the posts on Mark. Lots of prayers and good wishes winging your way. Jen: Congrats on no 'camel toe' and yes, you did say that. I'm going to giggle all morning over that one. IllumLady: 14"! Woot! You go, girl. That is an incredible difference! You must feel mah-velous! Lizzy: Frighteningly, according to the rising number of drivers getting in accidents as a result of talking on cell phones, these moments do not stop when they start driving. Leigha: Sorry your husband's tired of hearing about your weight loss. Next time he says so, ask him if this isn't better than hearing about your weight *gain*. Besides...you have us and we love to hear about your weight loss! Ok...page 10...back to reading... Cocoa: Ok, I am laughing about your stuck episode and husband's response but only because I've 'been there, done that'. It's getting to the point where I just don't want to eat out anymore because I'm never sure what's going to do it next. Congrats on being so close to goal! Wow...how did I miss that?! As for heading your way for the cleaning...my method of organizing involves getting rid of anything I haven't used in the last year. I stick it in a box and put it in the garage...and if nobody misses it for the 2nd year, out it goes...and I don't even open the box up first cuz you know how that will go...back in the house. BT: LOL on creating blender masterpieces. One of my band books has a bunch of recipes that are quite...ummm...creative. If you get a craving for a cheeseburger, try this one. Take one Wendy's single with cheese and remove the top bun only. Tear/cut the rest up and put in blender. Add beef broth and run until you have a slurry of whatever thickness you like. Voila! Cheeseburger shake! GACK!! These people must honestly think fat people will eat *anything*. Good luck on your 'create-a-shake'. HB: I used to love bowling, but found at some point that I just couldn't bend enough to get that ball off right because I did worry about splitting my crotch. Guess I just didn't have my priorities right, eh? :thumbup: All the rest, forgive me if I missed commenting. Soooo many posts! Ok...off to make my shake and I will be back...

...gotcha :thumbup:. I decided that I need a hobby to keep my hands busy and my brain occupied. So here's my new hobby and my new baby...sorry if the pic is too big...I don't know how to change them. And yes, it is a cello. I figure you're never to old to learn and it will definitely keep my hands...and brain cells...occupied.

Astrasmom gave some very good advice. My Protein intake is around 150gm a day and I really think that's why I have no hunger or cravings. Most of that comes from my morning and mid-meal shakes. Our motivation to do this has to come from within. As so many have already said, you don't have to give up your chocolates, just eat them in moderation. I'm not much of a sweet eater, but I've found that having a 'treat' to look forward to in the evening helps me get through all the little temptations of the day. Sometimes my treat is one piece of Dove chocolate. Last night I actually splurged on 1/2 cup of a gorgeous wine. Probably won't do that one too often as I forgot that I wake up in the morning *starving* and with a serious case of the munchies. Get your protein in, drink your Water, eat healthy/nutritious meals and save your treats (and make them small ones) for the evening as a reward. .

Ok...here's my baby. She's a 'rescue' doggie. It's a long story but involves me threatening a relative with the law if they didn't give me the dog. They didn't physically beat her but she was abused and neglected, nonetheless... Yes that is snow on her nose. She loves to eat the stuff.

I don't think I ever had a cat that lived less than 13 years and they've all been indoor cats. Female, spayed and into the vet every year for their checkup and vaccines. Most of my cats started as strays that just kind of showed up on our doorstep and *somehow* found their way into our home...and hearts. The one we have now is going on 10 years...we think (since she was a stray and they made a guess based on her teeth) and we've had her for about 9 years, give or take. .

No you haven't stretched your pouch. Give yourself a pat on the back for calling your husband and telling him 'not' to bring you something home and for moving forward! .

Nope...right there with you, Betsy. I went on WW back in 1980 and that was when I could honestly look at the 'volume' I was eating and wonder how the heck I could possibly weigh 200 lbs. Long story short, it had more to do with loving carbs, junk food and all the wrong things combined with a low metabolism from lack of activity. At any rate, I joined WW and was horrified at the amount of food they wanted me to eat. I asked the woman if there was a revised plan and she said no and basically said that I was lying to myself. That I really eat more than I admit I do. Ok...30 days later, I'd gained 12 pounds and I'm telling you I was a fanatic about measuring everything! When I got up on the scale and showed a 12 pound gain and the woman told me I was not being honest about recording what I was eating...and was booed by the group...I walked out and haven't had any use for WW since. I try to keep my carbs below 50 even though I know that 25-35 would be better as far as my blood sugar is concerned. .

Yes sir. :biggrin: .

I was told 4-5 hours. At about 5 hours my stomach tells me it's time to eat *but* I also drink a Protein shake (low carb, low cal) between meals. I don't think I'd last the 5 hours if I hadn't had a Protein Shake 2.5 hours before. .

HB, are you talking about 'throwing up' or does this also include when we slime and it comes back up. Is the slime acidic also? .

I have never *vomited* since being banded. Vomiting, as far as I'm concerned, involves stomach heaving...which is not good for the band. I have had the occasion when something got stuck and I took a big gulp of Water which immediately came right back out with the stuck item, but that is not vomiting. It's more like a rebound effect. I haven't figured out how to eliminate these occurrences since they happen with something I was fine with the day before...and I always pay attention to taking small bites, chewing well and waiting between bites. Some days my band seems tighter than others so I'm putting that down as the cause. I can and do, however, lessen these occurrences by paying attention to the problem foods...those foods that generally give me problems -- eggs, breads, tuna -- and avoid them. I suppose some people are lucky to never have this happen, but I'm not one of them. .

Nothing wrong with real mayo or real butter or real sour cream, etc. Everything in moderation. I use real Hellman's without a tinge of guilt and I put butter and sour cream on my baked potato. Given that I can only manage 2-3 bites of said potato, that's not a lot of butter or sour cream. :biggrin: Oh...and I have had Hellman's lite mayo and it's pretty good despite being half the fat. .

Zero, zip, zilch. However, I lost 14 pounds from my seminar to the date of surgery (no special diet) and maintained my surgery day weight until 4 weeks postop when I had my first fill. From that point until I reached my first temporary restriction (about 3 months postop), I lost another 12-14 lbs. After reaching restriction, I lost 18+ pounds in 3 weeks. Of course, I haven't lost anything in the last 2 weeks, but hey...I can live with that. .

Kerri, It will vary by individual, doctor and insurance requirements. After surgery, I went through each phase of the postop diet in 2-3 days at each phase so by the end of the 2nd week, I was back on solid foods. I have restriction and my typical day looks pretty much like yesterday: Breakfast: Two scoops of Protein powder in 1 cup 2% milk mid-morning: EAS ready made protein shake (110 cal, 3 carbs) Lunch: 3 oz Gorton's herb & garlic fish filet, 1/4 cup steamed broccoli mid-afternoon: EAS protein shake Dinner: 3 oz porterhouse steak, 1/4 cup garlic green Beans, 2 small bites of a baked potato mid-evening: EAS protein shake late night snack: 2 strawberries I usually aim for 2-3 oz of protein, 1/2 cup of vegies and 1/4 cup of carbs (potato, rice, beans, pasta) for dinner and same (minus the carbs) for lunch. Lately, though, I've had to cut my vegies back to 1/4 cup and I don't always get to the carbs at dinner. I just had a fill though so I'm thinking the temporary swelling is the cause. I have a hard time with chicken no matter how it's cooked, tuna fish and bread are no-no's...although crusty french bread I can do now. Most likely because it doesn't get as gummy as regular bread. I've given up on eggs completely. I never drink with meals because I'm asking to upchuck if I do and I always drink my 64 oz of Water. I still can have most of the things I could pre-band...just in smaller quantities. We stopped at Whole Foods on Saturday and got a tomato and basil pizza. It's a thinner crust pizza and I was able to eat about 4 bites with no problem. Then I was full. There was a time when I could eat 2-3 huge slices. Progress is wonderful. .

JT, You probably don't have restriction yet. I have a 12cc band and have 8.75cc and I didn't even get any temporary restriction until I reached almost 8cc. I was told most don't get restriction until between 8 and 9 and a fair number not until they're over 9. I didn't lose hardly anything prior to restriction. Once I had restriction, I lost 18+ pounds in 3 weeks. Restriction makes the difference. Until you have it, you're in the same boat you were pre-band as far as losing weight.

I agree with the Greek Yogurt comments and this is from someone who loves Feta cheese. Give me Dannon any day. .