sherilynn

I'll take salami and FF cream cheese, spread it on and make roll ups!

MY OWN POINT to my comment was: I've been told that I should eat for 20 minutes, then stop. If I've not eaten all my food - so be it. Within 20 - 30 minutes of eating the band begins to empty. Grazing is the enemy. Last night I had a grilled chicken caesar salad. I found myself eating for 45 minutes! Why? So I could eat more. No way...bad habit to get into. I'm much better off giving myself the 20 minutes. Doesn't sound like a long enough time...but trust me - it is.

I love my red meant, and fully came to the conclusion that I may not be able to tolerate it at all after surgery. Here I am months after surgery and red meat gives me NO problem - so long as I chew it properly. Just last Saturday I had a filet mignon (well, 1/3 of it). My plan for this Friday night is cheeseburgers. I buy them frozen at Aldi and they're delicious. Granted; I no longer do the bun, b/c of it getting gummed up. chicken on the other hand...I have to be very, very careful with. That gives me a problem, unless I drown in in gravy - and then what is the point? Eck.

Been there, done that. What you're feeling is oh so normal. You wouldn't be human if you weren't having a ferris wheel of emotions. It's excitement, fear, anxiety, etc. all rolled into one. I remember being in the hospital, IV in arm...ready to go in - and said "What am I doing to myself!?" What I did for myself was: drop about 4 sizes, lowered my blood pressure, lowered my blood sugars, dropped off alot of medications, and put myself in a great frame of mind. I am definately a work in progress; but I wake up now, feeling so good about my decision. Best of luck.

Damn...tighter?! See, grass is always greener on the other side.

Hey all; just checking in. I'm doing the PMS thing right now - and as I've posted - I seem to loose restriction this time of the month. In a way; it's appreciated. I guess b/c it's when I crave - and I know it's all mental - and I think I'd be a lot worse (bitchy wise) if I couldn't eat. I know that is what got me fat to begin with…but I'm just going to look at my momentary laspe of restriction as a gift from mother nature. Thank god it's almost Friday! BTW; saw Jersey Boys on Saturday. Did I tell you that I hated it?

Hey CD (LOVE your name!) Best of luck to you! You're about to embark on one hell of a ride! ENJOY! Let us know how you make out! (We don't all check the Nov. boards).

I was actually going to call for a fill also! I mean; this is just crazy how 'loose' I am. In reality - I'm sure I can't eat as much as pre-band...but it sure feels like it. For lunch today; I ate a whole baked potato. Pre band...that would be a joke. Now - I AM full on it. I find that I'm 'grazing' more during this time, also. Not good. At least we recognize it!!:clap2:

You will be fine! I've flown 8 times in the last months since being banded. I'm good. From what I've read, if anything - you may feel more restriction. And hey...that could be a good thing! Especially in Vegas! Good luck!

Your holidays will be different; but really not MUCH. I think by that time, you'll be able to know your band really well. You will know what you can and can not tolerate. The biggest different you'll probably see it that you're not STUFFING yourself. You're not walking away from the table with the need to unbutton your pants. You'll find that you won't be going back for 2nds, 3rds (Do I hear 4ths!!!). I give a TON of credit to those who are banded this time of year. A TON!! Because as physical as this is, its also very emotional. And if you're an emotional eater; I would think this would be a hell time to do it.

LJM....YOU ROCK! You will do it...we all believe in you! You've accomplished SO much!!!

Are you on meds for blood pressure? If you've lost over the last few months...you may be over medicated, which can cause dizziness.

I have the 10cc band. It wasn't until I was upwards of 8ccs that I felt any restriction. I now have over 11ccs...and I have good restriction. But being honest - I've pushed the limits one or two times...to see how much it would take.

Yes...Crystal Light DOES count toward your water. No cals, no sugar - absolutely. It's the caffeinated drinks that can't be counted. As for drinking with meals...as much as you may want to - you may soon discover how uncomfortable it can be.

I have learned that I am a success (in the works).

Cravings? Hell yes! HATED pumkin flavored things...this year I can't seem to get enough; coffee, pie, etc. I never was a fan of ice cream. Well...last weekend I had pumpkin ice cream! It's true!!! I also get 'spur of the moment' cravings, too. Like in what i'd assume in pregnancy. Mushrooms - gotta have em NOW. Mexican - NOW. Very strange!

I got dressed for work from my boyfriends this a.m. It was a day that I just did not feel like wearing what I had packed to wear. Just wasn't in the mood - if you can relate. :sick In a bag in the corner of the dressing room, I had a pair of really cute cropped pants from Avenue size 16. I bought them two weeks ago, to hold onto them for 'someday'...b/c I got a great deal on them. I thought "Hmmmmm". So I figured with a little luck....BINGO. In the pants with plenty of room. Not too tight - but PERFECT. I astonished myself! Size 16? ME? No, couldn't be. So I took them off to double check the tag. Sure enough!! I bought them in The Avenue, so naturally they're a woman's 16. But SO WHAT! They're mine, and the fit! So now, the plan after work is to go and buy other colors! lol Maybe I'll get one size 14, for 'someday'. :whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo:

Last night before bed, I had a laughing cow chunck of cheese, and took my meds and Vitamins. I took them with Water. I was so tired...so I went to bed, and fell asleep almost immediately (within a half hour). At 3 a.m. I woke up choking on something; not solid but very acidic. It was gross. I am guess that since I laid down so soon after the cheese and pills, the food lay above the band and did digesting there. Then with a toss and turn in the night, caused me to gag. I was horrified, and today am really feeling 'sore' from it. This never happend before - but I've never laid down so fast after eating either. Was this what happened to me??? Please help.

Unlike any other. And these little NSVs...they're like small gifts or rewards along the way.

:whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2::whoo:

Hi Mich... (Just a fast FYI - visit the Introductions center of LBT...TONS of great Q&A for newbies). But Yes, I can totally relate to your 'long wait'. I started my investigating in late summer of 2006. In September of 2006 I went to my first of the string of appointments. I think I did a very, very good - healthy thing by having a long process and plan. First, it allowed me to get educated. Education is the best way to approach the band. So look at this as a 6 month semester. It seems like such a long time, but you can see it that Thanksgiving is upon us, then the holidays. Bam! 8 weeks there - down and out. **Be sure to ENJOY these holidays, eat up! lol (I waited until January for my surgery...knowing that by THIS holiday season, Bandster life would be old hat!) Then comes January, and snow storms. Before you know it, Valentines day...and even spring break. The 6 months will fly! And in the middle of all of that, you'll be on LBT every day and you'll be going for pre-band classes, and pre-admission testing, etc.etc.etc. In my opinion...the 6 months is needed, to get in the right frame of mind. You're about to embark on a life journey. If you were to do it wham bam...I'd be willing to bet I would have gotten overwhelmed emotionally, and tired physcially. Good luck!

I DEFINATELY have had a fill 'kick in' weeks later!

Yup; I can get crazy with out my 'hit' of LBT. I'm back into doing my 'check in'...and it feels good to have it. Without it; I panic. :help:

Not until recently did I start my day with a hot beverage. I find that it helps. Also slows me down. No RUSH to eat my breakfast. There is time for it a 1/2 or an hour later. It definately loosens things, to make a breakfast easier. Again, my breakfast can be a crunchy granola bar of sorts.

A 7 pound gain, in two weeks WITH fill? Could it be PMS? Or perhaps you're retaining water from foods you're eating? Or even a new medication could cause water retention. Be sure to weigh yourself the same time of day, even in the same clothes if possible.