AngelaT

From what I heard in this case is to do liquids for a few days, not many and mushies for about a week or two, then solids again max. 1 cup total each meal. the liquid and mushies shoulod help your pouch get back to normal sooner.

I also look forward to going to the regular section instead of plus size! That will be so awesome!

Don't forget they do have the low carb protein bars that are just like candy bars...that should calm your sweet tooth...Atkins and South beach are good and Think Thin makes some good ones also.

Awesome!!!! I am so happy for you!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

People seem nicer, men open doors for me again as opposed to letting them slam on my face, some people at work are nicer, while others appear to be envious or jealous, overall reactions are better than pre-op. Yikes! I know part of my fat was for protection...a sort of man repellent...now I will have to work through my insecurity and my distrust of men....:faint: Don't get me wrong...I like men, but I have been hurt deeply more than once. Time to start fresh!

Thanks Everyone! Could be the estrogen being stored in fat...I almost forgot that it of course could cause PMS-like symptoms such as breast discomfort. I will also watch how I am sleeping.

Ok, hopefully it is all just women looking here.... Has anyone as they lost weight had pain and discomfort in their breasts? I think mine are shrinking some and I do feel some pain...at first it scared me, but it goes away and it changes from one to the other..rarely on both sides. The other thing is I was banded Nov 7 and I still feel left shoulder pain, especially if I maybe ate a bit too much...is this normal after almost 2 months? Thanks!

DR. ACEVES is wonderful!! <.4 complication rate and those were just minor. Great bedside manner...sweet as can be! Great staff all speak english. Great hospital and hotel. Top of the line care and facilities.... i have worked in hospitals for 20 years, and yet i would go back to him for any other G.I related problems or surgeries!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! :clap2: :clap2:

Please do post your story of a life changing event...many times it is not something you might think is life changing... the birth of a baby, a job that inspired you, someone you met, etc. What effect did it have on you in a positive way...

Hi Everyone! I wanted to repost this for everyone to read and participate. Originally it was posted in November Bandsters, but I thought many people here would benefit from stories which show how a then perceived negative experience has changed their life into a more postive fulfilling one. Below is my reply to Tom (Oberhasi) Tom, I had a feeling something like this had been part of your life due to your positive outlook. It is great you learned and are using this experience for yourself and to help others. It is amazing how a difficult time in our life can force us to learn and change...most people unfortunately wait until then to learn these secrets which can change our life for the positive. Although I have been spiritual since childhood and with a tendency more for the positive, I still had bouts of self pity due to childhood stuff... I have always been into reading positive, growth related books...since I can remember... however it was not enough. With my only pregnancy I got sick with severe cramping and seizures...that was the first sign of something wrong...for years I experienced similar symptoms with no one giving me an answer. finally about 12 years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis...In a way I was relieved because I finally knoew what I had... the problem is that M.D.'s essentially wanted to put me in a wheelchair and told me I would probably not live a long and full life...HA!:faint: Their outlook in relation to chronic illness is So negative! I DECIDED I WOULD NOT let that happen to me. I began to do research and to change my life starting with taking yoga, and then meditation and lots and lots of reading about self improvement and learnig how our universe and mind really work. I also got massage and chiropractic and evrything natural. I began to reverse everything wrong! I became more spiritual, which does not mean more religious, and made sure i kept negative out of my life as much as possible...that includes, violence and negative topics on TV, movies and books. and staying away from toxic people... I do live in the real world so I am informed, but I do not replay these thiongs over and over in my mind. The point is, any person CAN CHANGE anything they want to change in their life through positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle. My one weakness has been the weight, in part due to not being able to do hard exercise and ride a bike...but I can walk and hike, etc. so I finally opted for the band so I can control portions...even healthy food is fattening when you eat too much of it After being in western medicine for many years I went back to school and got my Doctorate in Naturology/natural medicine and became ordained so I can help people physically as well as spiritually. Anyway...who has had a life changing experience...something that changed the way you think in any way... and how did it change your life? Sorry about the length, but I hope somehow this story and Tom's story has something click inside any of you reading this and can be a positive change in your life... wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!:dance: :girl_hug:

Tom, I had a feeling something like this had been part of your life due to your positive outlook. It is great you learned and are using this experience for yourself and to help others. It is amazing how a difficult time in our life can force us to learn and change...most people unfortunately wait until then to learn these secrets which can change our life for the positive. Although I have been spiritual since childhood and with a tendency more for the positive, I still had bouts of self pity due to childhood stuff... I have always been into reading positive, growth related books...since I can remember... however it was not enough. With my only pregnancy I got sick with severe cramping and seizures...that was the first sign of something wrong...for years I experienced similar symptoms with no one giving me an answer. finally about 12 years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis...In a way I was relieved because I finally knoew what I had... the problem is that M.D.'s essentially wanted to put me in a wheelchair and told me I would probably not live a long and full life...HA!:faint: Their outlook in relation to chronic illness is So negative! I DECIDED I WOULD NOT let that happen to me. I began to do research and to change my life starting with taking yoga, and then meditation and lots and lots of reading about self improvement and learnig how our universe and mind really work. I also got massage and chiropractic and evrything natural. I began to reverse everything wrong! I became more spiritual, which does not mean more religious, and made sure i kept negative out of my life as much as possible...that includes, violence and negative topics on TV, movies and books. and staying away from toxic people... I do live in the real world so I am informed, but I do not replay these thiongs over and over in my mind. The point is, any person CAN CHANGE anything they want to change in their life through positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle. My one weakness has been the weight, in part due to not being able to do hard exercise and ride a bike...but I can walk and hike, etc. so I finally opted for the band so I can control portions...even healthy food is fattening when you eat too much of it After being in western medicine for many years I went back to school and got my Doctorate in Naturology/natural medicine and became ordained so I can help people physically as well as spiritually. Anyway...who has had a life changing experience...something that changed the way you think in any way... and how did it change your life? Sorry about the length, but I hope somehow this story and Tom's story has something click inside any of you reading this and can be a positive change in your life...

Denise...I can tell!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: PR Brooksie.... get a closer fitting outfit...they will notice.... and smile...that really shows! Every morning look at yourself in the mirror and pick one thing you like about yourself...it does not have to be physical...it can be pretty eyes, a nice smile, what a good friend you are, or a kind heart, etc. you get my drift? Then look at yourself...directly into you eyes and say to youself i am proud of being ME because I have a kind heart, or pretty eyes, etc. etc. a different one very day and you will see your mind changing... repeat it as many times as you need.... when you get the hang of it then you can begin to say things in the present tense that you want for your future as your subconscious will make it happen...but it must be in present tense like: I am slim and beautiful! I am fitting perfectly in a size 12! I am a confident and positive person! I LOVE myself! etc. etc. Actually we all ned to do this...I try to do this at least a few times a week...it does work.

Very cute Tom...very cute! :biggrin1: the hairy legs and little skirt made me laugh! PRBrooksie...way to go!!! That IS a BIG accomplishment...focus on the positive. We attract what we think.... we create our reality...I know you can create a reality where you have complete control of your eating and of your emotions towards food... really it works! If you have not seen What The Bleep Do We Know...rent it, it might take a couple of times to get it, but the concepts are life changing :clap2: :clap2:

Yes you can add additional protein to the shake. However it is important to consume more animal protein as it has nutrients needed...several which will help with hair loss. If you are not getting at least 800 cals most of the days and at times about 1000 your body will go inot starvation mode and hair is one of those things which is not that important in the scheme of things. Also make sure you take supplements...vitamins especially the B's B6, B12, Folic Acis and Biotin to help your hait and overall health. Take care and make sure you are eating enough!

BetsyJAne I think it is a wonderful idea!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Good luck Inner ME we miss you!

Hi Everyone! Hope you had a nice holiday. How di you do with all the temptation? I had my litlte bits of everything...hope the scale tomorrow is kind to me. From what I can tell many of us have been too busy to use the internet much...I hope we remain in contact during our weight loss journey. Will check in tomorrow!

Thanks Everyone!! I hope Xmas didn't ruin my progress!

Jess, You obviously do not need a fill yet. THE PAIN YOU HAVE MIGHT BE DUE TO EATING TOO MUCH and also from not chewing enough. try not to eat close to bedtime also. Make your more solid food earlier in the day, or when you feel less tight while you eat. remember about 1/4 cup- max 1 cup of food and chew, chew, chew even if you do not have a fill, because you still do have restriction. My surgery was Nov. 7 and it is just the past two days I find I do not have much restriction, but I still keep my portions small and chew, chew. I will not have a fill until January. This morning I woke up with a bit more restriction again. So do not hurry, enjoy your restriction and prevent the pain by having little portionas and chewing and on the way you will be losing weight! Good luck!

Here are a few possible reasons: *not eating enough? * not drinking enough water/liquid possible dehydration * low blood pressure- were you taking meds for high blood pressure and need to have the doc check you and maybe lower dose? * Have you had a cold or sinus infection...can affect balance and ears *ear infection- can affect balance and cause dizziness * vertigo-sometimes people develop vertigo out of the blue...is the room spinning sometimes? does it change when you move your head? Sit? Stand? this is another doctor visit... for now you can use dramamine/meclazine to help you out until you can see a doctor

Have a great cruise!! Enjoy! tiny tastes on occassion while on the cruise should not hurt... take pics!

I do not measure exactly, but eyeball it very closely. I bought the Gladware, the smallest round ones...they are exactly 8oz. So I know very closely if I am eating 1 cup or 1.2 cup. They are great because they are portable and reheatable...so I take them to work. I make for example chicken, stewed so I can add different flavorings each time if I want... No skin, no bone.... sea salt, a few spices, chicken broth....boil until chicken is very tender. Then I cut into small pieces and divide servings into the little containers...put them in fridge or freezer... ready anytime! and I know how much I am eating....same goes for anyother food I eat. I also sometimes buy Gerber baby food fruit in the little plastic containers and recycle those for my little portions of carbs, or fruit or veggies...I think they are between 3-4oz...

WOW! I have survived another shift at the hospital. Chocolates, Cookies, cakes, etc everywhere! In between rounds I sit in the lounge with collegues and the table in front of me is FULL, I mean FULL of all kinds of goodies I would have gone for last year. :faint: :clap2: This time...hmmmm I guess it is an NSV I sat there several times a day and did NOT have anything!! I went to the fridge and had only the food I brought to eat that day, plus a light yogurt! I am sure I am not the only one with this experience... how have you handled it? Tiny tastes? big bites? nothing at all? Xmas with my family I will try little tastes of everything.

Welcome!!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: