Will_B_Healthy

That is one of those "it depends" answers. Here is a free site I found to be really helpful Free Calorie Counter, Diet & Exercise Journal | MyFitnessPal.com. You put in the data: your current weight, measurements, goals, exercise plans, etc. and it will calculate the calories, carbs, fat, Protein, sodium, etc. The food diary is great if you are committed to logging in EVERYTHING you eat or drink: great data base of common products. There is a place to log in your exercise -- again it has a broad spectrum to select from. Very simple, very easy and if you don't cheat (well, we all end up cheating a little) you will lose weight. When you finish for the day it will calculate what your weight will be in five weeks if you continue the same pattern. I am sure there are others but this one works for me. Be strong. Think positive. It isn't where you were that matters; it is where you will be. This is a marathon not a sprint. You will be as successful as you envision it. And forgive yourself by being stronger every day. Regards,

:smile::biggrin::scared2::biggrin::tt2::biggrin: Marty_m: The only thing you seemed to have left out was a good swipe at all the morons who voted for GWB . . .TWICE! I have never understood how anybody with less than $1M in personal wealth can embrace the GOP and their fascist platform. Livin' the delusion that anybody can make it to the top; add that one to the check is in the mail list. Not only am I a lifelong Democrat, but a lifelong Liberal Democrat, a fourth generation Yellow Dog Democrat. Huzzah for Eugene Debs. And like you and anyone sporting more than a double digit IQ, I will be voting and actively campaigning again for President Barrack Obama. Needless to say I loved your post, buddy. Do more and do it often. It gets lonely here with all the predigested FauxNews rants and projectile vomiting TeaParty dweebs and microcephalics who haven't experienced an original thought yet. These are the same douche-bags who get all gooey inside when you show them a video of the Berlin wall getting torn down and then start chanting with equal glee over the building of a wall to keep them nasty "illegals" from coming across the border and taking all the jobs away from our nuclear physicists. I better take another Zoloff. Over and out.

:biggrin:Thanks for wading into this shallow pool. Just a handful of sea life including a blowfish in severe denial populate it; a word to the wise: don't take the bait. Free thinking is still allowed including those who practice intolerance and selective belief. There is much to be said for coexistence. Stay and play or swim away but be mindful of the dangers that lurk within and without. "Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch!" L. Carroll Regards as always,

That is why Gandhi said what he did about Christians: I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. I am a work in progress. Six years ago I got the opportunity to serve the hungry through a mission called Hot Meals. I have missed two servings since - medical conditions. I chair our mission committee and work as a recruiter for Family Promise, a nationwide organization with a focus for providing assistance to homeless families. This is not to suggest I am any better or worse but simply blessed that I can do this and that there are thousands of others like me doing the same daily. We might be as "invisible" as the guests we serve, but most know when you serve those less fortunate than others you are serving God.

Amen! If at all possible, could you consider using another color like green rather than red. I corrected compositions for thirteen+ years and I made a point of avoiding the red marker except when I needed to attract the bull! Otherwise nothing but praise for your retort.

Well said. Proverbs offers up, "The devil can quote Scripture for his own ends" and Matthew 4:6 illustrates this. I bear no ill will towards the PG's of the world; I feel sorry for them but recognize and accept they find a security in their faith and though it is certainly different from mine I understand the need and appreciate their passion. It is, however, so unilateral and inflexible. It is not the only suit a Christian can wear. The Bible is an enigma, filled with beauty, joy, laughter, wisdom, insight, hope, promise and instruction as well as ambiguity, contradiction, and omission. It is peopled with the righteous, holy, and sincere but equally seasoned with the dysfunctional, confused, and fallen. It is the work of many men though inspired by God; hence it is imperfect in the product but perfect in the process. Find your own path to God, make your own personal relationship, and be mindful of the holy spirit as it works in others as well as you. Peace out.

I guess that render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's thing doesn't play in Steward's article. Not surprising. The deeper irony lies in the behavior of the Christian Right (who seldom are BTW). As this article illustrates, the CR will attack the government that has protected the diversity of faith to freely practice for over two-hundred years, but should anyone turn this coin over and suggest applying the law of the land equally to all agencies including the taxing houses of faith, the CR cries foul. The semantics of what defines a non-profit and the difference between an income and an allowance ooze to the surface. The CR have a unilateral code allowing them the freedom to criticize but not be criticized. There are some people who when they offer a critique include a suggestion for improvement. It is not enough to simply find the rats and cockroaches, you need to DO something about getting rid of them or creating a place where the vermin will not invade. That is not the motis operandi of the CR. They may till the soil and spray herbicide but never do they plant a seed let alone nurture it to feed the needy, house the homeless, encourage the downtrodden. The CR often uses scripture to buttress or emphasize their position, but just as often to camouflage. Yet the tipping point is always money for them: they must have it, having it is good, not having it is not, depriving others from having it is acceptable, sharing or redistributing it is unthinkable. They feel entitled to amass it without government intervention or control, suggesting anything to the contrary is socialism. BTW before the Cold War, there was a strong and growing populist movement of socialists, led by Eugene Debs for one. American socialists were the champions for the labor unions and leaders in legislation to provide both rights and protections for our working class. They empowered the middle class and battled the elite in court, in the street, in the voting booths. The Soviets so corrupted socialism that it remains a pariah in the minds (though ever so narrow) of most Americans. The system of taxation which began three thousand years ago is not perfect nor fair but until something better is suggested, it remains one of two constants. Well, make that three: death, taxes, and the Grace of God.

Happy to support you. Thanks for the reading list. I am always open to new approaches and ideas that provide growth. You probably already have one of the works by Howard Zinn like A People's History of the United States (c. 1980). I am doing a leisurely read through A Power Government Cannot Suppress (c. 2007). Bill Moyers had the good professor on his PBS program The Journal about six months ago; I listened to the podcast interview again yesterday. :grouphug: Back to work.

Keep up the good fight. I deal with this mentality every day. I live in one of the few parts of the country that remained "red" -- like the color of Ronald Reagan's hair. My Obama campaign signs were defaced daily; my car has been keyed and spat upon because my bumper sticker was "unacceptable" to my right wing neighbors. Silence is sanction. Although it seems like the myth of Sisyphus to quell the mob, we must - as you so eloquently said, "not . .. allow any of that right wing crap and lies to go unanswered." That resonates like Howard Beale's manifesto from NETWORK: "I'm mad as hell and . . ." Keep the faith. Peace.

Cleo's Mom: You go girl. PG has too much time on her hands. I can't quite figure out if it is hypocricy or insecurity though. I left the Born-Agains forum -- I'd had one too many ladles of her BS. Now I discover she infects this forum, too, offering up the pre-chewed rather than the original; PG lets others do the heavy lifting and simply parrots. Is independent thinking so hard? (That is rhetorical question, PG. I can sense she is poised to extract that quote, ready to launch another sortie of FauxNews wit) Looking forward to other postings, some of which may actually offer up something new and different.:grouphug:

PattyGreen: When someone says, "It's not about the money." It is about the money. The defense of your deep seeded prejudice is equally transparent. Your final statement is literally "damned out of your own mouth" as you re-arrange and selectively choose what you agree with. This is your motis operandi -- sort of costco Christianity, sampling and deciding what you like and don't like. In short and to no one's surprise from your insulated vacuum built of insecurity and predigested homilies, you miss the point -- you don't get it. There is no room for growth when your mind is closed. Matthew 13:1-13:23 So I shall shake the dust off my sandals and move on.:thumbup:

I was writing, actually, not talking but my real beef with you is not semantic. I could be cutting and even cruel, pointing out that for an expert in the "bible (sic)" as you profess, you fail to capitalize the most revered Christian tome, the Holy Bible. But the shortcomings of your "bible college" and "degree in bible (sic)" are evidenced with greater frequency in the intolerance of your postings rather than in the petty and pedantic. Born-agains has evolved as a convenient label used by bigots. In ever increasing numbers, Americans have vacated Christian houses of worship for secular alternatives and "born-agains" have morphed to the pejorative. I pray that you and others of your ilk will eventually come to understand and embrace the concept of being ecumenical Christians: - Recognize the faithfulness of other people who have other names for the way to God's realm, and acknowledge that their ways are true for them, as our ways are true for us; -Invite all people to participate in an open and affirming faith community and worship life without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable (including but not limited to): believers and agnostics, conventional Christians and questioning sceptics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and gender identities, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope; - Find more grace in the search for understanding than we do in the dogmatic certainty --more value in the questioning than in the absolutes; - Form ourselves into communities dedicated to equipping one another for the work we feel called to do: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and restoring the integrity of all God's creations, and bringing hope to those Jesus called the least of his sisters and brothers. As ever,

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. - Ghandi Are the Christians in this silly blog practicing the tenets of Christ or parroting denominational dogma? Perhaps more time spent with the New Testament rather than the Old will encourage us all to grow past the vengeful, spiteful, childish God that matures and nurtures having given His only son who suffered at the hands of His chosen people. Nothing and no one is served when no one listens or opens up his/her heart and mind. The Creator gave you that mind as well as a soul; serve Him by using it.

Thanks for your insight, agiudice! Spot on. :thumbup: Seems in our rush to rid ourselves of all the trappings of our ugly past we are quick to make the same mistakes that led us to the dead ends of obesity. We need to take it slower and smarter; get your information from legitimate sources rather than anecdotal. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea during my early consultation my physician said after about a 40 to 50 pound weight loss I would need to adjust my machine. If I didn't it would introduce too much air and I might spend most of my days expending it from either end (he was much more eloquent than that but the core idea was less gas when adjusting the device). He said it may seem like I no longer need the machine. He cautioned me not to stop until we had discussed the details. There was a possibility I might transition to a static device fitted to my mouth instead. He likened sleep apnea to alcoholism: you will always have it lingering in the background no matter how many days you have kicked the machine. I would have been happy knowing it was "chronic" a tad less pejorative. I got the point. What I can state is I am sleeping sounder and getting the much needed rest. It may be due to a variety of factors but at this point I am not going to start cutting the cord on anything that has got me this far. Keep us informed, agiudice. Regards as always,

I haven't weighed myself in a couple days so I don't know how close I am currently but I am just over six pounds away and I am averaging just over three pounds lost/week. So by mid July I will be there. There doesn't seem to be much of a restriction; had my second fill over two weeks ago and I am back to my goat status: I can eat anything but I choose what goes in.:smile: I spent some time reading a topic on the day of surgery; that brought back the angels and demons of that experience. Considering how drugged I was, I don't think I could offer a decent account without some creative license. Anyhow there is something very old about people going off on the details of surgery like everyone is waiting on baited breath to hear how small your turds got or what medication was rubbed on your dorsal fin:laugh::laugh: I will have to share my personal nightmare of that special day: I awoke in the recovery room getting entertained by the antics of Nurse Mildred Ratchet. She seemed to really get off yanking the catheter out of my flacid Oscar Myer. Even though I was heavily medicated I saw the face of Satan in that nano-second. A few days later I found out that thorny cactus was supposed to have be removed while I was still under. :eek:It was my version of drawing the short straw:biggrin: But that is the past and I will let that demon go. Be good to one another. Count your blessings and be gracious with everyone less fortunate. As always, WB

Staples??? Apparently yours was not laparoscopic surgery. Well, hope your healing is without complications. Sounds like so good so far though. Keep posting. Keep visiting and exploring this site. There are wonderful people, ideas, support, critiques, complaints, etc.

OMG. 4 or 5 cups per meal? What were your portions pre-op? I'm 3 months post op and my meals average just over 6 oz. I am 308 pounds now having shed 79 pounds so far. I also exercise 45 minutes a day. I do have periods of extreme but managed hunger. I am amazed at the 4 - 5 cups / meal though. Has your nutritionist chimed in on this?

I was banded exactly three months ago so my memories of the pre-op anxiety is relatively fresh. By the time I had my surgery, I was ready, truly committed to making a huge change in direction. I am not here to tell you to not worry or relax or anything soothing -- how could I do that? I have no earned "cred" with you. I do hope you have or are building a support team of friends and family from whom that advice has value. This isn't something you can do in isolation. For me electing to get banded was the most selfish decision of my life and the smartest choice I've ever made. Within a few days post-op when I was walking around the block for the first time in years I knew this was a great adventure. It didn't take long to understand what my surgeon told me early on: the band is just a tool, offering a temporary and artificial barrier that most any human can overcome. Homo sapiens are notoriously creative problem solvers and have a superb ability for self-deception, too. We can convince ourselves that what we are doing is really okay even if all the evidence points otherwise. There is post on this site about how a bander was able to eat a Big Mac and fries; all he had to do was chew and chew and chew. My older sister was banded two years ago and has lost a total of thirty-five pounds; considering she still tips the scale at over 200 pounds and is only 5'3" that is not too noteworthy. Her portions are small but it is what she is eating not how much that is her undoing. She is the poster girl for pathetic rationalizing. But I have also read and spoken to hundreds of successful banders who have been down these paths, pranced and preened, and have sometimes run with abandon, sometimes stumbled, even fallen, and yet found something somewhere important enough to get back on the course. It isn't just will power, or commitment, or routine, or any one thing. It is finding what will work best for you. It is taking charge of your life, of learning all you can and not being afraid to ask when you don't know, of setting achievable goals and looking at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. In short it is finding your own way. And understanding we often get in our own way. You have begun a journey that will be unlike any other. Guaranteed. Enjoy the scenery, get actively involved, be bold and open as you gain confidence in what you are doing. And don't forget to post and visit this site. Regards as always, WB

When did you get banded? How are you progressing? You commented/replied to my blog today and I thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Your concern about the flabby stuff is a common thread amongst the former fatties. At least you are doing something about it. I am looking forward to seeing less and less of you. You are photogenic so we will all be beneficiaries of your success. Post when you can. As always, WB

Today marks three months since banding. What a difference! * I can cut my toenails without passing out. * I am wearing a dress shirt with a 17.5" collar. * I have a belt that I last wore two years ago and I am in the fifth notch. * Six trousers are in for alteration --taking them in rather than letting them out! *I can put my socks on without help and no longer am confined to loafers and slip ons -- laced shoes again. * My wife is smiling when she sees me and my daughters tell me how proud they are of me.:cool2: * The dog that used to hide whenever I picked up the leash now cries, barks, and jumps at the front door at the mere mention of "going for a walk." * I wore the heels off a pair of sneakers and wear a pedometer with a goal of 10,000 steps per day. * My tidy-whities are drooping and I fit into chairs that used to require a shoe horn.:thumbup: * To date I am down 79.6 pounds and now am logging my measurements to track the losses in inches, too. * I have not had any insulin since two days after banding, cut my oral meds to 1/4 of my pre-op doses, weaning off one drug at a time under the supervision of my family doctor. Blood sugar is gradually declining and well within the recommended borders.:smile: * In short, I am truly living life again, thanking the Lord for leading me to this path, allowing me to serve others in a multitude of ways. I continue to be blessed through His grace. I had my second fill last week and felt the restriction right away but have adjusted well without ever revisiting what I consumed. Met with my nutritionist earlier this week and I am making smart choices and learning to adjust my food selections to achieve my daily and long term goals. Although I haven't attended the support group meetings and want to, the best I can do is meeting with them once a month (they meet twice each month). I have a time conflict: I feed the hungry with my Mission Committee volunteers the same night the support group meets. Enough about me though. This blog is a wonderful resource and an easy means to share and exchange ideas. Please actively participate. As always, WB

No offense but change the moniker; there is truth in the self-fulfilling prophesy. How about FormerFatGirl? We who have joined this blog and post are here because we were something we didn't want to be, because we value life to that of suicide by eating, because we know there is power in the support from others, because we can find beauty where we once only dreamed. Put on your positive armor and don't fear the unknown. You are headed down a path to success, gaining momentum as you shed the flab. Take a last look at what you are leaving behind. You don't drive your car looking in the rear view mirror do you? An occasional glance to make sure the past isn't gaining on you doesn't hurt but keeping your focus on what you are becoming will plant the seeds for your achievements. As always, WB

I may as well join the chorus: it is a great post. Insightful, honest, inspiring. Thanks for taking the time to share your talents with us. BTW: I am not sure what a DH is though. Perhaps a Designated Husband, Dear Husband, Devoted Husband, Demented Husband, Delightful Husband, Damned Husband . . .

Amen to Maggs79 except the oatmeal and tuna. They both can create more pain than pleasure. Hold off on the oatmeal for a while. The canned tuna or chick packed in water when drained tends to be too dry; mix a 2 oz serving with a tablespoon of non fat/low fat mayo and a tablespoon of pickle relish and it takes on an easier consistency. To Maggs79's point, a small food processor can turn most anything into puree of your imagination. Experimenting is half the fun. BTW: Jello's new chocolate mousse is an answer to prayer. Check out a book you can use through all phases of post-op: Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Patt Levine. Some yummy stuff therein. Keep your focus on the long term goals and you can overcome the greatest obstacles you imagine.

I've been a type 2 diabetic for more than ten years, on insulin for the past 18 months (up to six injections a day) and taking heavy does of oral meds on top of all of that just to keep my BS around 140. I am ten weeks post op. I tell everyone having either banding or bi-pass, you are doing the best and most selfish thing in your life. You, your surgeon, nutritionist, and God are putting 10+ years to your life. The weight loss is fantastic, but for me the best byproduct is I am no longer taking insulin at all -- none since my surgery -- and I am weaning myself off my oral meds with the help of my doctor -- 1/8th of the dosage. That pleases me more than anything else. Of course it is nice to wear clothes not just 4X warmups that fit, sizes from the distant past, even my old everyday shoes are roomy. All in all this is a wonderful gift. Just keep in mind, this is a marathon not a sprint. Time is what you are giving yourself so use it wisely and develop if you don't have it already a positive outlook. There are still many hills to climb and plateaus to cross, but the journey is the joy. Enjoy it. I will say a prayer for you on your surgery date. Hope you don't mind.

Free? Wow! The only free stuff I got was a CD-ROM (cheesy marketing pitch mostly; would have liked a copy of Jurassic Park instead!) along with a spiral bound book on nutrition and hints about the post op phases of diets (which was cool). I don't think I am ready to shell out 55 clams for a plate, bowl and book. Not that I am cheap I just find that ramkins, dessert plates and small cereal bowls work fine for me. I use a scale and measuring cups, too, so having a graduated bowl seems silly and that goofy plate with lines is over the top: I really am capable of dividing my plate with half Protein, one-quarter each of veggies and fruit. I mean how hard is that? Measured portions is the key but whatever floats your boat! If it works for her, great. I will spend my dough on foods I can eat and enjoy or maybe take in a movie . . . or get a new pair of slacks that fit me. Time for me to sign off. I am making too many typos and spending too much time correcting this. Blessings to all.