Diamondgirl81

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135...........74 BobbieND..............224................210...........150..... .......60 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............292.............250............ 42 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............180............145........... ..35 HummingBird..........204...............182............150............. .32 jenibeni.................224...............208............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............245................198.............160...... .....38 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............175..............150........ ....25 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............217.6..............160...... ....57.6 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............249..............182..... .......67 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150.......... 44.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............284..............225....... ......59 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40

No prob at all. That's what we're all here for, to share and share a like. I recently had Pump's DaySpa salad, which is Mixed greens, 12-hour turkey slices, sweet potatoes, steamed baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and basil vinaigrette. So yummy and flavorful, even though I was only able to eat all of the Protein and just a few of the veggies. They also have salmon fridays.. haven't tried that yet, but maybe this next week. Check out this link https://www.thepumpenergyfood.com. Best, Lauren

Hi Chellz, Congrats on your success so far. Any loss is still a loss. Regarding the stall on the scale, I hear ya. Though I weigh myself every morning, I know I shouldn't. I don't want to end up being a slave to the scale. The body is fickle and weight may not come off every day or even every week. Regarding what Betsy mentioned, I'd have to agree with her. Maybe if you'd try replacing some of your meals w/ higher Protein, low carb, leaner options that might jump start your loss as well. I know that typically frozen meals, even the low fat ones, are loaded w/ sodium. So that can also cause bloat and Water retention, which doesn't help the scale move down either. I think that if you slightly tweak what you're doing now, you'll see even more results. Also hat's off to you for working out so much. That's been the hardest thing for me. I walk and walk...but the gym has been tough to get to given my hours at work/ Best to everyone on this journey. Lauren

I'm from Manhattan but live in Astoria. I try to stick to seafood or chicken when I go out for the most part. It's high in Protein and satisfying. I like Carmines, Oceana, or Atlantic Grill. For chicken, basically any restaurant will have a decent grilled or baked chicken option. For lunch, I recently started going to Pump Energy food in midtown. They specialize in high protein, whole grain energy foods and Protein shakes. Regarding alcohol, I usually go with wine or vodka and cranberry. Best, Lauren

Hi, Though I'm only 4 months out, I do drink and it feels as if one drink hits me like 3 would normally. It does sit in my pouch as well, but as long as I sip slowly, it doesn't bother me. Thanks, Lauren

Banded 12/17 and I've lost 54 pounds since my surgery. I just started having some restriction about 2 weeks ago after my 4th fill. I am now at 5 cc's but it's not too tight. Really should be exercising more... that's been the toughest part for me. Best to everyone on this journey!! Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BigMomma............209.................209...........135...........74 BobbieND..............224................210...........150..... .......60 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............297.............250............ 49 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............180............145........... ..35 HummingBird..........204...............182............150............. .32 jenibeni.................224...............208............165........ ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............245................201.............160...... .....41 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 MaggieGT..............238...............236..............208.......... 30 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............177..............150........ ....27 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............217.6..............160...... ....57.6 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............249..............182..... .......67 SNDYCNRD.............207...............194.5............150.......... 44.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............284..............225....... ......59 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40 __________________

CONGRATS!!! To wrap your mind around that number and know that you were able to loose that. You can do anything!!! Best, Lauren

I had surgery on December 17, 2009 and started walking about 45 minutes straight a day about 2 weeks after surgery. However, I just started working w/ a trainer three weeks ago and started to do some ab work. Best, Lauren

Hi Tara, Congrats on you loss thus far!! Within the past 4 weeks, I stalled for about 2 weeks and then all of a sudden started dropping about a 1 lb a day or so. Perhaps, I was retaining Water at the beginning of the month or it was due to my cycle. Regardless of when it comes of, I'm just glad it's coming off. I did notice that I eat more around my cycle still, so that could be why I stalled a few weeks back. I typically eat bet. 800-1100 calories a day and walk a much as I can. Best, Lauren

For what it's worth, I see a doctor who is listed on all of those top doc listings each year. He'a brilliant surgeon with a great success rate, but questionable bedside manner. Most people in my support group agree that while he is a great surgeon, he can be very abrasive. To that end, he is also a pioneer in the field of the gastric sleeve. He is the gold standard when it comes to that particular procedure. He wrote the book. Last week, I saw him for my three month follow-up, he told me I was doing great, just remember to exercise, exercise, exercise, and that will see me through to the rest of my goal. He gave me a slight fill and sent me on my way. However, 5 minutes before I saw him, I heard a doctor talking to a new patient. The gentleman had about 100 lbs to loose and wanted a surgery w/ the EASIEST follow-up & lifestyle. I think I heard the word easy in about 10 different ways. Of course, the "easiest" follow-up care is w/the sleeve. There are no fills, not many follow-up appointments, and no foreign objects in the body to worry about. However, to me, there is NOTHING easy about removing 60% of my stomach or w/ bypass, rerouting my intestines. I'm not against any of these procedures at all. We all came to a point where we realized we needed some sort of help. However, I am strongly against marketing any of these procedures as an EASY option. Tying this back into the thread, I believe we get out of these procedures, what we put into them. Regardless of the path we take. Best to all on this journey. Lauren

Thanks everyone!!!

Hi, About 3 weeks post-op, I did go out to lunch w/ my boyfriend and I ordered a salad platter (scoop of tuna, chicken, & egg salad). Of course, I could only eat about half of the scoop of tuna and took the rest home. I know those aren't your typical dinner suggestions, but in the beginning I stuck to foods that were soft and high Protein. So I'd stick to a flaky broiled or steamed fish. Now that I'm a few months out, I've had dinners out and have ordered grilled chicken, veggie burger no bun or salmon. However, with chicken, I tend to poor balsamic vinegar over it to add some moisture. No matter what you choose, make sure to take small bites and chew, chew, chew. Enjoy! Best, Lauren

My boyfriend of the past 5 years, has seen me through it all. The lows of me crash dieting on south beach and ww; the highs of me just giving up. Every step of the way, I never felt his love for me or even attraction to me change. He really must love me for me... go figure. Nonetheless, when I made the decision to have a WLS he was very understanding and supportive in words, but not necessarily in actions. My doctor only had us do a 1 day pre-op diet, so on that day, while I'm drinking broth and sucking down ice pops, my bf comes in with a WHOLE cheese pizza pie. Talk about sensitivity. I burst out into laughter and then cried. He just didn't get, how much of a life-style change, I was about to embark on. Since then, he's changed, no more pizza pies, just a slice here and there The ironic thing is, he's now talking about getting the band or the sleeve. Either choice I fully support, it's all up to the individual. I just wish that when the time comes for him, I could taunt him w/eating pizza or a burger.. just a little friendly pay back. Best, Lauren

First off.. Congrats on your success. That is something to celebrated over your fashion choices. If you feel good in what you're wearing, that's all that counts, regardless of what size you are. This goes to show, that even once the weight is no longer "the issue", people will always have something to say or criticize. Best, Lauren

Each practice seems to be different. So I'd follow whatever guidelines is office provides. My doctor has me do liquids following the fill for that day and then move onto the regular, solid food diet the very next day. As long, as I chew, chew, chew, things gone well. Best, Lauren

Today was a really good day. For the first time in 4 years, I haven't tipped the scales at 300lbs+. I am officially 299!!! I'm so proud of myself... cause we all know the band DOES NOT do it all on it's own. I even got unsolicited compliments from my co-workers, both male and female today. These folks have seen me through it all for the past few years. Sometimes a little acknowledgement can go along way and it is a great motivator. Though, I know we are all not doing this for vanity sake, but for health, wellness and whatnot.. it still feels damn good to like the body your'e in. I love me... all 299 lbs of me. Best to all on this journey!! Lauren

Adjua....................347...............337...........240......... ....97 Angie64.................270...............270...........210....... ......60 Astrasmom............254...............254...........170............. .84 Babe....................265...............265...........199.... ..........66 Band_Groupie........172.5.............157.5..........0-148........0-9.5 BetsyB.................226.6.............206.8.........109...... ......97.8 BobbieND..............224................210...........150..... .......60 Bree99.................259................259...........155..... .......104 Brigette................198...............198............150.... ........48 Bristlecone............157...............157............130....... .....27 crzytchr................217...............217............180..... ... ...37 Dana36.................233...............229............160....... .....69 daqui26.................274...............274............200....... .....74 destined4thinness..215.5.............215.5..........150............65 5 Diamondgirl81........317...............299.............250............ 49 ericanda1973.........198.5............198.5..........130......... ..68.5 Fourme.................189...............188............145........... ..43 HummingBird..........204...............186............150........ ...36 jenibeni.................224...............208............165....... ....43 Jennih...................232...............232.............130.... ......102 KDEE....................240................240.............150...... .....90 kyleegirl01.............211................209.............160...... .....49 Lady LAP...............217................217.............125...... .....95 Lisa65...................174.5............165..............145..... ......20! Liz........................193.4............187..............155...... ......32 lotzasunshine.........247...............245..............175........ ...70 newdicarlo.............187...............174..............135...... . ...39 Northernmist..........289...............265..............175.......... ..90 ol55andahalf..........184...............184..............144...... ......40 Peggy1.................308...............308..............225......... ..83 RandaPanda...........194...............180..............150........ ....30 RAYNE913.............234...............225..............160....... ....65 RobinAnn.............232.4...............217.6..............160...... ....57.6 scoutmama...........270...............270..............180........ ....90 shadst8................333...............317..............217........ ....100 skinny31................261...............255..............182..... .......73 SNDYCNRD.............207...............197.5............150.......... 47.5 sueinne.................220................212.............180.... ........32 Tabithan................244...............234..............190....... .....44 TARASGIRL.............305...............289..............225....... ......64 tdtucker................256...............256...............160...... . ....96 Teacher2010..........192...............183...............150...... . ....33 Tealeaves..............305...............289...............150...... . ...139 TeriLu....................215...............212...............150.. .... ....62 TIGGER71G............224...............224................130....... .....94 unshackled............277...............277................180....... .....97 Valerie.................190................190................150... . .......40[/quote

I'm too new at this and afraid to find out. I'm more concerned that all of those foods would go down well and from the point it would only be a slippery slope. Heavy carbs have given me a lifetime of trouble and I'm not Enlightened enough to trust myself w/ just a little taste. Best, Lauren

The only time I miss it is when I go out for dinner. Even then, I think it's the social aspect that throws me and not actually missing a beverage. In the past, as soon as I'd sit down, I'd order a drink with my friends and we'd finish them before the main course was served. Now, I sit there and chat while everyone's drinking. One positive thing is that my dining bills have gone down, no more $4 for a diet coke. Water is still free in NYC...for now :thumbup: Best, Lauren

Like many others, pills plagued me about 3 days post-op. There was also a rogue banana 2 months ago that didn't go down well in the morning. It took six, insanely uncomfortable hours, for it to pass. Finally pineapple juice helped. I'm taking my fill process slowly (3.5 cc's over the past 3 months), so that I can really learn what my new "fullness" feels like and to avoid over-filling. From what I gather, the tighter you are, the higher the likelihood of stuck incidents. Best, Lauren

Hi, First off, congrats on all of your success and hardwork :thumbup: Regarding your post, yes my doctor definitely told me to stay away from soft or liquid calorie foods. However, in speaking w/ my nutritionist, she stressed staying away from HIGH calories sliders. I make my shakes at home for breakfast and they are usually around 300 calories, after I've added 1 cup of skim milk and a piece of fruit for bulk. I don't look at their nutritional value as being as hazardous as say ice cream or any other high cal. slider food. Also, since I do bulk my shakes up w/ fruit, it definitely keeps my pouch full. I find that the bottom line to this band is portion & calorie restriction. So as long as I'm not going over my calories set for the day while making healthier choices, I've continued to be successful at losing weight and maintaining a solid protein average. Also, on those days when the band is tighter than normal, a healthy shake is the only way I can even imagine getting in my nutrients and not damaging my band by forcing solid food down. It's all a journey, but definitely at times a personalized one. Best, Lauren

I like schedules :smile2: So I try to stick to one M-F and have a little freedom on the weekends. Unlike some of the other bandsters, I don't stick to 3 square meals. I add 1-2 high protein or veggie snacks in if I need to. Breakfast: 9:00am -protein shake made w. fresh fruit to add fullness. Lunch: 12:30pm or 1pm - 1/2 cup some sort of protein, tuna, salmon, or veggie burger over a little greens Protein snack: 4:30pm or 5pm - Though, I'm 9-5, overtime until 7pm or so is becoming the norm. So I must have a low-cal snack. low-fat cheese stick, cottage cheese, or hummus Dinner: 7pm - 8pm or so - 1/2 cup protein of course: grilled chicken, veggie patty, fish, etc. Dessert (2x a week) 1/2 cup greek yogurt w/ flaxseeds Best, Lauren

My nutritionist has told me not to worry about my carb intake, as long as I'm consuming "good" whole grain carbs (fruits, dark leafy veggies, etc). However, since I have PCOS and insulin resistance issues, I try to stay below 100 grams a day, which is supposedly in the right range for weight-loss. So far so good. Best, Lauren

Since my surgery on December 17, 2009, I've lost 45lbs. No real restriction yet, but as long as the scale keeps moving down, things are great. Like someone else mentioned, I think that the speed at which we lose, may have a lot to do with how much excess weight we have to begin with. Nonetheless, stay focused and stay on program regardless of your restriction level. Best, Lauren